bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
StarSRGAN: Improving Real-World Blind Super-Resolution
Authors:   Faculty of Information Technology, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Vo Khoa D. , Bui Len T. ,   Faculty of Information Technology, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Published: July 2023

The aim of blind super-resolution (SR) in computer vision is to improve the resolution of an image without prior knowledge of the degradation process that caused the image to be low-resolution. The State of the Art (SOTA) model Real-ESRGAN has advanced perceptual loss and produced visually compelling outcomes using more complex degradation models to simulate real-world degradations. However, there is still room to improve the super-resolved quality of Real-ESRGAN by implementing recent techniques. This research paper introduces StarSRGAN, a novel GAN model designed for blind super-resolution tasks that utilize 5 various architectures. Our model provides new SOTA performance with roughly 10% better on the MANIQA and AHIQ measures, as demonstrated by experimental comparisons with Real-ESRGAN. In addition, as a compact version, StarSRGAN Lite provides approximately 7.5 times faster reconstruction speed (real-time upsampling from 540p to 4K) but can still keep nearly 90% of image quality, thereby facilitating the development of a real-time SR experience for future research.
THE SOVEREIGN NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND THE LONG UNFINISHED POLITICAL TRANSITION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (FROM 1990 TO THE PRESENT) / LA CONFERENCE NATIONALE SOUVERAINE ET LA LONGUE TRANSITION POLITIQUE INACHEVEE EN REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE D
Authors: APOLO MSAMBYA Joseph
Published: July 2023

For more than sixty years since the DR Congo gained independence, the aftermath has been characterized by the adoption of constitutional texts essentially inspired by the metropolitan model. This led one to believe that the era of democratic stability was now open. Unfortunately, this was a very short-lived moment, as authoritarianism took hold between the end of 1964 and the beginning of the 1990s with the single-party system (MPR). Political liberalization with the return of a multiparty system took place again in the 1990s following the Sovereign National Conference (CNS). After the wars of aggression and liberation of 1996-1998, the Sun-city agreement and other arrangements were signed to end the cycles of violence. These political changes have been analyzed almost exclusively through the prism of democratic transition, as have all the changes since. But in our view, these political transitions do not seem to be fading away into democratic or pluralistic regimes.  We sometimes see democratic advances on the one hand, and the non-completion of the transitional process on the other. And it is this reflection that will be the subject of our analysis in this article.
1989: “REFOLUTIONS”, “REBIRTHS” AND THE CRISIS OF UTOPIAS / 1989: « REFOLUTIONS », « RENAISSANCES » ET LA CRISE DES UTOPIES
Authors: IORGA Alina
Published: July 2023

Having been seen, at first, as the foundation of a "rebirth", both European and global, the "refolutions" of 1989 left a highly controversial legacy which is still subject of political memory clashes and a source of “cultural bipolarities”, but also of disillusionment and polarizations within multiple mnemonic communities. These contradictions, anchored in the "traumatogenic changes" of the democratic transitions that engendered, at the end of the 90s, post-socialist nostalgia, are also related to a crisis of utopian thinking which characterized the moment 1989 itself and became a main feature of post–Cold War political-cultural paradigms, including the mnemonic ones, dominated by the traumatic legacy of the "century of extremes".
Ecological Threat Report 2022: A Review From a Security Perspective
Authors: Aboudouh Khaled
Published: July 2023

- حدد تقرير التهديد البيئي 27 دولة من النقاط الساخنة التي تواجه تهديدات بيئية كارثية، بينما تتمتع بأدنى مستويات للصمود المجتمعي، وهذه البلدان هي موطن 768 مليون شخص.
- هناك علاقة دورية بين التدهور البيئي والصراع؛ حيث يؤدي تدهور الموارد إلى الصراع، ويؤدي الصراع الناجم عن ذلك إلى مزيد من تدهور الموارد. يتطلب كسر الحلقة تحسين إدارة الموارد البيئية والصمود الاجتماعي والاقتصادي.
- دون اتخاذ إجراءات دولية متضافرة، فإن المستويات الحالية من التدهور البيئي سوف تزداد سوءًا، ما يؤدي إلى كثير من التحديات التي قد تؤدي إلى مزيد من انعدام الأمن العالمي.
- تمتلك الدول التي تتمتع بمستويات عالية من الصمود والمرونة المجتمعية القدرة على إدارة مواردها الطبيعية واحتياجات مواطنيها بشكل أفضل.
Digital sculpture as a method of conception design: a systematic review
Authors:   UFPR - UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO PARANÁ, Rodrigues Eduardo da Fonseca , Razera Dalton Luiz ,   UFPR - UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO PARANÁ
Published: July 2023

The conception of ideas in the design context can be carried out in traditional means (pencil and paper) and digital (digitizing table). This article uses the systematic review to investigates the use of digital sculpture as a viable method of exploring ideas compared to classical techniques. To searching was used the keywords and Boolean operations: digital sculpting AND rapid prototype OR 3D printing AND character design AND ZBrush (the same words were also used in Portuguese). Were obtained 3022 references and after screening totalizing 86 articles to full reading. The main emphasis on literature regard to digital sculpting was in technology and medical areas meanwhile the gaps was in arts and design. The three articles regard art and design argue that digital tools could speed the conceptual process, despite the traditional methods remains as the most used. When adopting digital means, it is possible to access previous and subsequent phases more easily and quickly.
Interferons as a Potential Therapeutic Drug for COVID-19: A Literature Review of Mechanisms, Current Clinical Trials, and Challenges
Authors: Pramod Yadav , Vishal Chandra , Vikas Raghuvanshi , Amarjeet Yadav , Adhishree Yadav , Samim Ali , Vivek Mani Tripathi
Published: July 2023

The 2019 COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in many fatalities worldwide. Despite various types of supportive care, mortality rates for patients with comorbidities remain high. To explore alternative treatment options, interferons (IFNs) have emerged as promising therapeutic drugs for SARS-CoV-2. This review aims to investigate the potential of IFNs as a drug with details on their mechanisms of action, and available data on their use with ongoing clinical trials, results, potential limitations, and challenges. Recently published research articles, which are systematically searched through online databases, have been selected and found that IFNs have colossal potential in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection by modulating the host’s immune response and inhibiting viral replication and decreasing the severity of disease and hospitalization (p = 0.03, ± 0.05) and (p = 0.04, ± 0.05) respectively. However, due to less available data, more controlled and randomized trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of IFN therapy. The optimal dosing and duration of IFN therapy also remain to be determined. Although further research is needed the wait for ongoing clinical trial results under investigation is also important for a better understanding of IFN therapy.
Walking the Tightrope Between Honesty and Harm in Difficult Conversations: A Theory of Honest Engagement Across People, Contexts, and Time
Authors: Levine Emma , Wallace Laura , Kim Yena , Perry Sylvia
Published: July 2023

From delivering negative feedback at work to discussing death and illness with children and setting boundaries with loved ones, having difficult conversations is a necessary but challenging part of life. In this work, we introduce the Honesty-Harm Conflict (HHC) model of difficult conversations to explain how the perceived costs and benefits of difficult conversations influence honest engagement across people, contexts, and time. Building on past work, we begin with the assumption that difficult conversations are typically experienced as a tradeoff between causing immediate harm and fostering long-term learning and growth. Furthermore, communicators expect to experience personal costs during difficult conversations as a function of the immediate social harm they anticipate inflicting on others. Therefore, we propose that honest engagement in difficult conversations requires overcoming both the interpersonal challenges associated with harm aversion and the self-regulatory challenges associated with prioritizing abstract, long-term benefits over concrete, short-term costs. In the present work, we explain how these challenges influence three distinct stages of difficult conversations: establishing the truth, sharing the truth, and expressing the truth. Then, we explain when and why these challenges loom large across contexts and propose promising new interventions to overcome them. In doing so, we deepen our understanding of honesty, self-regulation, and everyday harm, and we provide practical guidance on managing, mentoring, and promoting others’ growth.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pesticide use among agricultural workers of Lamatar Village Development Committee, Lalitpur District: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jyoti Sabita , Lama Prasanna , Yadav Anika , Vaidya Subhadra , Joshi Sunil Kumar
Published: July 2023

Introduction: In this fast-developing world, food production has also been changing, making people suffer from various health issues because of pesticide poisoning. Unsafe methods in handling pesticides, especially in middle and low-income countries like Nepal are still practiced, although the deleterious health effects either go unnoticed or are missed or are diagnosed late. Few of the older less costly pesticides remain for years in soil and water although few of them have been banned they are still available in many developing countries. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pesticide use among agricultural workers and farmers' awareness of pesticide labels on pesticide bottles or packets.
Methods: A cross-sectional study among 74 conveniently selected agricultural workers, who used or ever-used pesticides within the last six months was conducted in Lamatar Village Development Committee, Lalitpur District from January 2022 to February 2022. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College. The questionnaire was adapted from literature about personal protective equipment with some modifications according to the local context. Data was collected through a face-to-face interview.
Results: Among the total 74 respondents 49 (66.2%) were females and only 25 (33.8%) were males. Most of them had no formal education but could read and write. However, less than half 32 (43.2%) had adequate knowledge while the majority 49 (66.2%) had a negative attitude towards the use of pesticides. However, only 32 (43.2%) had good practice handling pesticides and its effect.
Conclusion: This study showed low knowledge regarding pesticides, their health effects, and poor practice however, a negative attitude towards the use of pesticides. But pesticide is still widely used because of the demand for more earnings. So, we would recommend that there is a need for time-to-time regular community-based training regarding how to safely handle pesticides and the availability of less harmful fertilizers products at retailers or consultancies.
Toward a Theoretical Framework for Educational Aid and Teacher Education within the Pacific Region
Authors: Burnett Greg
Published: July 2023

Educational aid projects delivered into the Pacific region from a rim country such as Australia are commonly informed by a range of competing discourses including: altruism, need, self-interest and accountability. Drawing on one example this article critically reflects on how educational aid might ethically position itself in relation to these discourses as well as respond to criticisms of aid from within some sections of the Pacific education community. Reflections include the importance of: quality relationships; negotiation of epistemological, cultural and other differences; selfdetermination; globalisation; and quality teaching and learning. Possible metaphors to guide educational aid towards its goals are suggested. Reflections cover two dimensions: the administrative aspects of partnering and other relationships contingent on successful educational outcomes; and quality teaching and helping students to arrive at a self-determined approach to teaching congruent with local identity and aspirations. Overall, a framework emerges that may provide guidelines for further educational aid delivery in the Pacific region.
Chlorin e6-modified iron oxide nanoparticles for photothermal-photodynamic ablation of glioblastoma cells
Authors: Yao Hongqing , Zhou Jian-Ying
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The effective treatment of glioblastoma still remains a great challenge. We herein report the development of chlorin e6 (Ce6)-conjugated iron oxide (Fe3O4-Ce6) nanoparticles for ablation of glioblastoma cells via combining photothermal therapy (PTT) with photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Methods: Ce6 was conjugated to the synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles to form Fe3O4-Ce6 nanoparticles displaying the optical property of Ce6.

Results and discussion: Under 808 nm laser irradiation, Fe3O4-Ce6 nanoparticles generated heat and the temperature increase did not have obvious changes after five cycles of laser irradiation, suggesting their good photothermal effect and photothermal stability. In addition, 660 nm laser irradiation of Fe3O4-Ce6 nanoparticles produced singlet oxygen (1O2) to mediate PDT. The Fe3O4-Ce6 nanoparticles without laser irradiation showed a low cytotoxicity, but they would obviously kill C6 cancer cells after laser irradiation via the combinational effect of PTT and PDT. Fe3O4-Ce6 nanoparticles thus could be used as a nanotherapeutic agent for combinational ablation of glioblastoma cells.
Insights into saline adaptation strategies through a novel halophilic bacterium isolated from solar saltern of Yellow sea
Authors: Yoo Yeonjae , Lee Hanbyul , Lee Junghyun , Khim Jong Seong , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: July 2023

Solar salterns were placed along the coast and were frequently left unattended after use. While many studies have isolated and identified microorganisms from hypersaline environments, their role and adaptation mechanisms are still unclear. Herein, we elucidated the role of halophiles in salt-polluted areas through the recently reported Halomonas getboli YJPS3-2 from the abandoned saltern. We analyzed the expression levels of genes in the YJPS3-2 strain to identify its adaptation mechanisms to high salinity environments, by representing the process from tidal flats to abandoned salterns with varying salinity gradients. The YJPS3-2 strain primarily overexpresses genes associated with ABC transport to adapt to hypersaline environments. Interestingly, the cheA gene, which recognizes changes in the surrounding, was the most upregulated, and it was also associated with the overexpression of the MS ring and T3SS mechanisms relating to the flagellar activity. The YJPS3-2 recognized the high salt concentration in its surroundings and attempted to accumulate compatible solutes that could withstand high osmotic pressure inside the cell to adapt to the high salinity environment. Furthermore, during this process, the YJPS3-2 strain removed surrounding pollutants and secreted secondary metabolites that could be utilized by neighboring organisms. Our results suggested that this halophilic bacterium has the potential to serve as a pioneering species for thriving the surrounding while adapting to saline environments.
A complicated case of whole-lung lavage: a case report
Authors: Petrarulo Simone , Lucchin Manuel , Oldani Stefano , Dubini Alessandra , Piciucchi Sara , Gori Alberto , Aiello Luca , Maitan Stefano , Spagnolo Paolo , Ravaglia Claudia , Poletti Venerino
Published: July 2023

Introduction

We report a life-threatening case of severe respiratory failure due to a pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) secondary to lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI), complicated by a pre-existing right pneumothorax, which we treated using a rescue whole-lung lavage (WLL). To date, in the literature, there are no cases of WLL performed in this condition.

Clinical condition

Patient was referred to our center because of rapidly worsening dyspnea and deterioration of gas exchange, caused by a secondary form of PAP which required an immediate therapeutic option such as the one offered by WLL. On physical examination, bilateral crackles were present, and peripheral blood oxygen saturation was 78% on oxygen with a FiO2 of 40%.

Interventions

After stabilizing the clinical conditions with oxygen therapy erogated through a high-flow nasal cannula, shortly after admission, we performed a rescue WLL among two procedures. The procedure was very effective, and the patient was later discharged without oxygen therapy and in good clinical condition.

Conclusion

Our case report represents a chance to help fill the gap of knowledge relative to secondary forms of PAP. The patient we presented suffers from a very rare genetic condition (LPI) that only has a few reported cases in the literature and has a very low prevalence which makes it difficult to produce the affected people:newborns ratio. We believe that difficult and rare cases like this one can improve our understanding of the disease and, most importantly, of how much the only therapeutic option we had, a rescue WLL, is effective to improve gas exchange and radiological features, despite being performed in these severe respiratory conditions.
Intergenerational longitudinal associations between parental reading/musical traits, infants’ auditory processing, and later phonological awareness skills
Authors: Cantiani Chiara , Dondena Chiara , Molteni Massimo , Riva Valentina , Lorusso Maria Luisa
Published: July 2023

The intergenerational transmission of language/reading skills has been demonstrated by evidence reporting that parental literacy abilities contribute to the prediction of their offspring’s language and reading skills. According to the “Intergenerational Multiple Deficit Model,” literacy abilities of both parents are viewed as indicators of offspring’s liability for literacy difficulties, since parents provide offspring with genetic and environmental endowment. Recently, studies focusing on the heritability of musical traits reached similar conclusions. The “Musical Abilities, Pleiotropy, Language, and Environment (MAPLE)” framework proposed that language/reading and musical traits share a common genetic architecture, and such shared components have an influence on the heritable neural underpinnings of basic-level skills underlying musical and language traits. Here, we investigate the intergenerational transmission of parental musical and language-related (reading) abilities on their offspring’s neural response to a basic auditory stimulation (neural intermediate phenotype) and later phonological awareness skills, including in this complex association pattern the mediating effect of home environment. One-hundred and seventy-six families were involved in this study. Through self-report questionnaires we assessed parental reading abilities and musicality, as well as home literacy and musical environment. Offspring were involved in a longitudinal study: auditory processing was measured at 6  months of age by means of a Rapid Auditory Processing electrophysiological paradigm, and phonological awareness was assessed behaviorally at 5  years of age. Results reveal significant correlations between parents’ reading skills and musical traits. Intergenerational associations were investigated through mediation analyses using structural equation modeling. For reading traits, the results revealed that paternal reading was indirectly associated with children’s phonological awareness skills via their electrophysiological MisMatch Response at 6  months, while maternal reading was directly associated with children’s phonological awareness. For musical traits, we found again that paternal musicality, rather than maternal characteristics, was associated with children’s phonological phenotypes: in this case, the association was mediated by musical environment. These results provide some insight about the intergenerational pathways linking parental reading and musical traits, neural underpinnings of infants’ auditory processing and later phonological awareness skills. Besides shedding light on possible intergenerational transmission mechanisms, this study may open up new perspectives for early intervention based on environmental enrichment.
18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid alleviates oxidative damage in periodontal tissue by modulating the interaction of Cx43 and JNK/NF-κB pathways
Authors: Cao Niuben , Liu Xiaomeng , Hou Yubo , Deng Yu , Xin Yu , Xin Xirui , Xiang Xinchen , Liu Xinchan , Yu Weixian
Published: July 2023

Objective: Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease in which oxidative stress is one of the key pathogenic factors. Connexin43 (Cx43) is the most critical and widely distributed connexin isoform. When the organism undergoes a severe and sustained stress response, Cx43-mediated gap junctions (GJs) are believed to underlie the biology of tissue injury exacerbation and amplification. Notably, 18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a classical pharmacological inhibitor of GJs and has antioxidant potential. However, the regulatory role of GA in the redox signaling of periodontal tissues and the potential mechanisms of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis remain uncertain.

Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effects and mechanisms of GA in alleviating oxidative damage of periodontal tissues and cells by constructing an H2O2-induced oxidative stress model in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and a periodontitis model in rats.

Results: Cellular experiments showed that GA effectively attenuated H2O2-induced oxidative damage in hPDLCs by inhibiting the expression and function of Cx43. In addition, pretreatment of hPDLCs with either GA or SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) inhibited the Cx43/JNK/NF-κB pathway, restored cell viability, and reduced apoptosis. Animal experiment results showed that GA intervention reduced alveolar bone resorption and periodontal tissue destruction, inhibited osteoclast differentiation, improved mitochondrial structural abnormalities and dysfunction in periodontal tissue, and decreased oxidative stress levels and apoptosis in rats with periodontitis.

Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that the Cx43/JNK/NF-κB pathway may play a vital role to promote periodontitis progression, while GA reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis by inhibiting the interaction of Cx43 and JNK/NF-κB pathways, thus alleviating oxidative damage in the periodontal tissues.
The cross-linguistic comparison of perceptual strength norms for Korean, English and L2 English
Authors: Lee Jonghyun , Shin Jeong-Ah
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to establish perceptual strength norms for 1,000 words in the languages of Korean, English, and L2 English, in order to investigate the similarity and difference across languages as well as the influence of the environment on semantic processing. The perceptual strength norms, which are a collection of word profiles that summarize how a word is experienced through different sensory modalities including the five common senses and interoception, provide a valuable tool for testing embodiment cognition theory. The results of this study demonstrated that language users had parallel sensory experiences with concepts, and that L2 learners were also able to associate their sensory experiences with linguistic concepts. Additionally, the results highlighted the importance of incorporating interoception as a sensory modality in the development of perceptual strength norms, as it had a negative correlation with both vision and concreteness. This study was the first to establish norms for Korean and L2 English and directly compare languages using the identical and translation-equivalent word list.
Invariant and suboptimal trajectories of self-regulated learning during secondary school: implications focused on quality in higher education
Authors: Sáez-Delgado Fabiola , Mella-Norambuena Javier , López-Angulo Yaranay , Sáez Yenniffer , León-Ron Verónica
Published: July 2023

It has been shown that self-regulation of learning is a key variable for an adequate transition and adjustment from secondary school to tertiary education, and it is also associated with successful academic results; therefore, it is relevant to analyze its levels of development in the pre-university stage. The aim of this research was to evaluate the trajectories of self-regulation of learning in secondary school students. The method considered a longitudinal design and included a sample of 403 students from 9th to 12th grade in Chile. An instrument with adequate psychometric properties was used to measure the learning self-regulation process (disposition, performance and self-evaluation phases). The results showed that self-regulation is at suboptimal levels in its different phases (M = 4.25 to M = 4.71). Linear mixed models showed: a significant effect of sex on the disposition variable in favor of females; and that the phases of disposition, performance and self-evaluation do not change over time. It is concluded that, if self-regulation of learning is not specifically trained, it does not increase during secondary school. The findings are discussed considering the possible practical implications for educational policies, research, timely intervention and impact on the quality of school and university education.
Tolerance of immersive head-mounted virtual reality among older nursing home residents
Authors: Rmadi Hajer , Maillot Pauline , Artico Romain , Baudouin Edouard , Hanneton Sylvain , Dietrich Gilles , Duron Emmanuelle
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Virtual Reality (VR) is a tool that is increasingly used in the aging population. Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) are stereoscopic vision devices used for immersive VR. Cybersickness is sometimes reported after head-mounted display (HMD) VR exposure. Cybersickness severity and anxiety state reflect VR low tolerance. We aimed to evaluate HMD VR tolerance among older nursing home residents through cybersickness and anxiety state.

Methods

A total of 36 participants were included in this preliminary study, 33 of whom (mean age: 89.33 ± 5.48) underwent three individual HMD VR sessions with three different contents. Cybersickness occurrence and severity were scored by the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) after each session. Anxiety state was assessed by the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y-A before and after each session. Anxiety trait (using State–Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y-B) was also evaluated before and after the experiment. In total, 92% (33/36) of patients completed all three sessions, of which 61% (20/33) did not report any cybersickness symptoms (SSQ = 0). Six participants reported significant cybersickness (defined by an SSQ score ⩾10) in at least one session.

Discussion

Only two participants stopped the study after the first exposure because of cybersickness. Age, cognitive function, anxiety trait, and well-being were not associated with cybersickness. The mean anxiety state decreased significantly from pre- to post-session. This immersive HMD VR experience was well tolerated among nursing home dwellers. Further larger studies in this population aiming to identify CS determinants are needed in order to use HMD VR on a standard basis.
FURSformer: Semantic Segmentation Network for Remote Sensing Images with Fused Heterogeneous Features
Authors: Zhang Zehua , Liu Bailin , Li Yani
Published: July 2023

Semantic segmentation of remote sensing images poses a formidable challenge within this domain. Our investigation commences with a pilot study aimed at scrutinizing the advantages and disadvantages of employing a Transformer architecture and a CNN architecture in remote sensing imagery (RSI). Our objective is to substantiate the indispensability of both local and global information for RSI analysis. In this research article, we harness the potential of the Transformer model to establish global contextual understanding while incorporating an additional convolution module for localized perception. Nonetheless, a direct fusion of these heterogeneous information sources often yields subpar outcomes. To address this limitation, we propose an innovative hierarchical fusion feature information module that this model can fuse Transformer and CNN features using an ensemble-to-set approach, thereby enhancing information compatibility. Our proposed model, named FURSformer, amalgamates the strengths of the Transformer architecture and CNN. The experimental results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. Notably, our model achieved an outstanding accuracy of 90.78% mAccuracy on the DLRSD dataset.
The Effect of Green Investment and Green Financing on Sustainable Business Performance of Foreign Chemical Industries Operating in Indonesia: The Mediating Role of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Ye Jianmu , Dela Efifania
Published: July 2023

Emerging economies endeavor to achieve a green economy by realizing their potential for sustainable commercial success. Due to natural resource restrictions, businesses must concentrate on green investment, financing, and resources to promote sustainable company performance. To better understand how to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable company performance, this study looks at the effect of green financing and investment. The study used quantitative research techniques through primary and secondary data sources from Indonesia’s 238 sampled international chemical companies. Additionally, a standardized questionnaire was employed in this study to gather data. The study used Smart-PLS and a structural equation model (SEM) to examine the data gathered and determine the relationship between green investment, green financing, CSR, and sustainable business performance. The study shows that green investments and financing significantly and favorably affect CSR and sustainable performance. Additionally, it was found that CSR significantly mediates green investment and green financing with sustainable business performance relationships. This work added to the body of literature and emphasized the significance of each construct. The study’s conclusions also suggested that highly polluting chemical businesses should incorporate green financing, investment, and CSR to improve sustainable economic performance.
Aplicação do modelo Height Above the Nearest Drainage (HAND) para mapeamento de inundação na bacia hidrográfica do rio Cuiá, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil
Authors: Alves Maria Luisa Palitot Remígio , Filgueira Hamilcar José Almeida , Gomes Júnior Jessé Pedro
Published: July 2023

As inundações no Brasil representam 12% dos desastres que ocorrem no país. Isso é devido à ocupação de áreas impróprias para habitação por todas as classes sociais, principalmente as menos favorecidas economicamente. Este estudo objetivou mapear eventos de inundação em um trecho da Bacia Hidrográfica do rio Cuiá, utilizando o modelo descritor de terreno Height Above the Nearest Drainage (HAND) antes e após a realização do desassoreamento do leito do rio. Foi utilizada uma aeronave remotamente pilotada para fotogrametria da área total de 1,4 km2, servindo posteriormente para a obtenção do Modelo Digital de Terreno (MDT), com resolução espacial de 0,30 m. Foi verificada na primeira simulação, antes do desassoreamento do rio, que os pontos de inundações passadas coletados em visita de campo estavam dentro da área suscetível à inundação no mapa HAND. Já na segunda simulação, após o desassoreamento, os mesmos pontos não foram inundados. Portanto, a intervenção no leito do rio foi eficiente para a minimização dos problemas relacionados com as inundações na área de estudo.
Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Automated Liquid Dispensing Machine
Authors: AROWOLO Matthew , ADEKUNLE Adefemi , MARTİNS Oluwaseun Opeyemi
Published: July 2023

The metering of industrial manufacturing liquids is constantly being updated. Using an automated system, metered dispense can now be more accurate to its theoretical value. This system can help reduce the difference between theoretical and metered volumes in manufacturing applications. This paper describes an automated liquid dispensing machine that uses an AT Mega 328 microcontroller to control the metered volume to the programme set point. The machine's design and implementation include hardware systems assembled from various modules with various functions, such as a microcomputer, power supply, liquid level detection, liquid discharge, conveyor and container detection, and LCD modules. The data collected by the liquid level detection module is analyzed when the system is started to determine the liquid level in the tank. A user loads empty containers onto the conveyor, which are then transferred to the discharge point. The machine calculates the equivalent time in seconds to open the discharge solenoid valve via its control relay and dispenses the desired volume based on the user set point. The experiment performed on the machine with water as the test liquid revealed that the automated dispensing machine's maximum time permissible is 35 s, which corresponds to an equivalent volume of approximately 700 mL of water. Experiments were conducted to compare the theoretical time required to obtain a specified volume to the time required for the machine to dispense the same volume. The results showed that the machine's accuracy is approximately 97.87 %. Therefore, the machine can be used in beverage manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical industries, and laboratories to dispense and fill specified fluids that meet the machine's specifications.
METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIAL STRAINS AFTER THEIR INTRODUCTION INTO ALFALFA HAYLAGE
Authors: Kravchenko N. O. , Dmytruk О. М.
Published: July 2023

Objective. Study the metabolic activity of strains of lactic acid bacterial strains after their introduction into alfalfa haylage as a component of preservatives. Methods. Microbiological (determining the number of microorganisms, obtaining antibiotic-resistant mutants of bacterial strains), zootechnical (pH level, accumulation and ratio of organic acids in the fermentation process), statistical. Results. Lactobacillus plantarum KT-L18/1str, L. plantarum 32str strains introduced into the haylage substrate are stored in the feed in an active state for a long time and at day 30 of fermentation take a dominant position among native lactic acid bacteria, retaining 80 % of the acid-forming capacity and antagonistic activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The best results of the action of the studied lactic acid bacteria (LAB) after introduction into alfalfa haylage were obtained when the mass was dry-cured to a moisture content of 60–61 %, while the share of lactic acid in the total amount of organic acids formed in the experimental variants of the haylage ranged from 85.5 % to 89.3 % versus the control, where the share of lactic acid reached only 42 %. Increasing the degree of feed acidification in experimental variants at a given alfalfa moisture content ensured a decrease in the butyric acid content to 1.12–1.7 % versus 26.3 % in the control variant. Treatment of alfalfa haylage dry-cured to a moisture content of 38–39 % with strains of lactic acid bacteria did not affect the increase in the proportion of lactic acid. Conclusion. The use of probiotic L. plantarum KT-L18/1str and L. plantarum 32str made it possible to establish their competitiveness and metabolic activity in the process of alfalfa haylage preparation. The use of LAB probiotic strains for alfalfa haylage preparation improved fermentation processes, in particular, when dry matter content was at the level of 39–40 %.
A STUDY ON COMPLIANCE OF DOCUMENTATION IN OPERATION THEATRE IN A TERTIARY CARE GOVERNMENT TEACHING HOSPITAL, LUCKNOW
Authors: Agarwal Kris , Dutt Bhardwaj Nitin , Srivastava Pradeep , Jain Anmol , Srivastava Shraddha , Dhar Dubey Umesh
Published: July 2023

Introduction The consent forms play an important role in order to maintain the legal and ethical requirements for the safe conduct of operations.
Consent forms are very important in terms of documentation. To study the compliance Aim to consent forms in the case les in the operation theatre
of the general surgery department in a tertiary care government teaching hospital. Objectives To identify the types of consent forms available in the
operation theatre and the compliance to these forms. It was an observational Methodology and descriptive type of study conducted in a tertiary care
government hospital over a period of 4 weeks. The checklist was prepared using the NQAS checklist related to Operation Theatres and the consent
form part was selected. It was observed that the overall compliance was Results 91.8 % and non-compliance was 8.2 %. The reasons for noncompliance were incomplete forms in 90% of cases and missing forms from the case les in 10% of cases.
Effect of Path QoS on Throughput Aggregation Capability of the MPT Network Layer Multipath Communication Library
Authors: Al-Imareen Naseer , Lencse Gábor
Published: July 2023

An increase in the use of smart and portable devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets has led to a rise in the number of network interfaces and thus the number of possible channels for communication. However, the current approach over the Internet only employs a single path for a communication session. As an innovative and promising method for real-time transmission based on GRE-in-UDP encapsulation, which provides an IPv4 or IPv6 tunneling mechanism, this paper presents multipath throughput testing for the MPT network layer multipath communication library. We investigated the effectiveness of MPT's channel capacity aggregation while dealing with wired channels and examined scenarios in symmetric and asymmetric paths. Our network throughput measurements showed that MPT can efficiently aggregate the capacities of both symmetric and asymmetric paths. In this paper, we established a network topology that included a server, which we used for generating various quality of service (QoS) metrics. We measured how latency, transmission speed, packet loss rate, jitter, and the setting of the path weights influence throughput aggregation capability of the MPT communication library.
Male Breast Cancer: About 05 Cases
Authors: Samri I. , Arsalane A. , Zaytoune I. , Zidane A.
Published: July 2023

Male breast cancer is a rare disease (about 1% of breast cancers) with a poor prognosis. The diagnosis is most often late and lesions are treated in advanced stages. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical, histological, therapeutic and prognostic characteristics of male breast cancer. This was a retrospective study of 05 patients collected in the thoracic surgery department of the Marrakech military hospital. The average age of our patients was 66.2 years. The average consultation time was 11.8 months, and self-care of a breast nodule was the main reason for consultation in 60% of cases. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the predominant histological type in 66.7% of cases. Multimodal therapeutic management consisted of mastectomy followed by adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or hormone therapy depending on the stage of the tumor and histological characteristics. The hormone dependence of these tumors is proven in 60% of cases. Five-year survival is currently being evaluated. Node invasion, invasion of the dermis and the TNM, clinical stage are factors that significantly influence the occurrence of metastases. None of these risk factors were found to be significant in terms of overall survival.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE AND ITS RELATED FACTORS AMONG IRAQI ADOLESCENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Assad Hayder Ch. , Rizij Fadhil A. , Hussien Ayad A. , Hadi Zainab
Published: July 2023

The aim: To evaluate the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine among adolescents and exploring the association factors that affect the acceptability of the vaccine.
Materials and methods: The study is descriptive cross-sectional study based on online survey conducted on 541 adolescents in Iraqi middle Euphrates provinces. Survey data was collected from November 28, 2021 to April 20, 2022.
Results: The study showed that about 53% (288 adolescents out of total 541) had not been vaccinated yet and approximately 55% of the not vaccinated adolescents refused to take the vaccine. The mean reasons of this hesitancy were falsified information, insufficient information, concerned about safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. The parents whether infected with COVID-19 or vaccinated considered as strong independent factors that will increase acceptance of vaccination among the adolescents while afraid from the vaccine was considerable independent factor that decrease the acceptance rate.
Conclusions: High hesitancy rate toward COVID-19 vaccination among adolescents and their parents play significant role model in increasing the acceptability while concerning of the vaccine safety decreasing acceptability.
COMPARATIVE HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL DIQUAT HAZARD TO THE POPULATION WHEN CONSUMING AGRICULTURAL CROPS TREATED WITH THE REGLONE AIR 200 SL FORMULATION USING DIFFERENT APPLICATION TECHNOLOGIES (UAV, AERIAL, HIGH-CLEARANCE ROD SPRAYER TREATMENT)
Authors: Borysenko Andrii A. , Antonenko Аnna M. , Aleksiichuk Vasyl , Kondratiuk Mykola , Pelo Igor
Published: July 2023

The aim: Assessment of the hazard to the population when consuming treated crops by using different technologies.
Materials and methods: Unmanned aerial vehicle XAG XPlanet 2020 equipped with four rotating rotors, which allows to keep in the air a 20-liter tank was used for spraying field; a manned aircraft AN-2 aggregated with a serial sprayer. High-clearance rod treatment of sunflower and rapeseed crops was carried out by using a PLA MAP II 2010 tractor.
Results: When the herbicide was applied by aerial application with UAV, the initial content of diquat dibromide in treated rapeseed and sunflower plants on the day of treatment was significantly higher than in the soil under crops (р≤0.05). The analysis of the diquat content dynamics in sunflower also showed a similar behavior of the a.i. in the plant after processing by another application methods: UAV, aerial and high-clearance rod treatment. The integral index of hazard when using pesticide-contaminated products (IIHPCPC) = ADD+С+ DT50 = 4+1+1 = 6 points. That is why, diquat dibromide can be classified according to this index can be classified as compound of 3rd hazard class.
Conclusions: As a result of the conducted researches, it was established that the content of diquat in rapeseed and sunflower samples grown with the Reglone Air 200 SL application (after treatment and before harvesting) was below the maximum residue levels in those crops. There are no statistically significant differences in the behavior of diquat dibromide when applying by different methods of application (UAV, aerial, high-clearance rod treatment) in different agro-climatic zones of Ukraine.
PENGARUH ALAT KONTRASEPSI HORMONAL TERHADAP KEHAMILAN KEMBALI PADA PASANGAN USIA SUBUR DI PUSKESMAS POLOMBANGKENG UTARA TAKALAR
Authors: Isnaeny
Published: July 2023

Jenis penelitian ini adalah metode observasional dengan pendekatan Cross Sectional Study. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah semua pasangan usia subur yang melepaskan kontrasepsi hormonal dan hamil kembali di Puskesmas Polombangkeng UtaraTakalar bulan Januari - Februari 2023 diperoleh sampel sebanyak 92 orang dengan mengguakan teknik pengambilan sampel secara Total Sampling

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari 92 orang yang dijadikan sebagai sampel, yang menggunakan kontrasepsi pil sebanyak 26 orang (28,3%), suntik sebanyak 56 orang (60,9%) dan implant sebanyak 10 orang (10,9%).Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari 92 orang yang dijadikan sebagai sampel, akseptor yang hamil kembali setelah menggunakan kontrasepsi hormonal sebanyak 42 orang (45,7%) dan yang tidak menggunakan kontrasepsi hormonal sebanyak 50 orang (54,3%).Terdapat pengaruh alat kontrasepsi hormonal terhadap kehamilan kembali pasangan usia subur di Puskesmas Polombangkeng UtaraTakalar
Women and Events: Inside-Out and Inside-In Passive Activism
Authors: Séraphin Hugues
Published: July 2023

An empirical study based on the examination of 5,048 photos uploaded by 1,100 female users of the dating application happn reveals that women are adopting an inside-out and inside-in passive activism attitude with regards to event-related products/services to protest against
the glass ceiling situation they are facing in the events industry. The study also suggests that future research should look at other industries to see if the results can be generalized.
A Scale for Psychic Income From Hosting Sport Training Camps
Authors: Wada Yukako
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to verify the validity and reliability of the scale measuring the psychic income of hosting sport training camps associated with mega-sporting events, specifically in the context of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Data were collected through an online survey, with a total
of 188 valid samples (35.6%). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with 5 factors and 22 items. The factors were (1) community pride, (2) community attachment, (3) event excitement, (4) infrastructure improvement, and (5) community excitement. A final 18‐item model was
used to measure the validity and goodness‐of‐fit of the scale measuring psychic income. This study demonstrated the scale’s versatility to be translated from measuring psychic income associated with mega-sporting events to measuring psychic income in the context of hosting
training camps. The indicated scale may help verify the effect of hosting training camps academically and practically.
Textural and Mineralogical Evolution of the Little Nahanni Pegmatite Group (NWT, Canada) with Implications for Metasomatism, Rare-Metal Mineralization, and Pegmatite–Wall Rock Interaction
Authors: Pfister Jérémie D. , Kontak Daniel J. , Groat Lee A.
Published: July 2023

Situated in the Northwest Territories (Canada), the Cretaceous (ca. 85 Ma) Little Nahanni Pegmatite Group is an LCT-type pegmatite swarm enriched in Li, Sn, and Ta. Displaying intensive albitization associated with rare-metal mineralization (i.e., Nb, Ta, Sn), having a notably high surface-area-to-volume ratio (i.e., hundreds of thin dikes), and being particularly well exposed in a suite of thirteen glacial cirques, the Little Nahanni Pegmatite Group provides an ideal opportunity to investigate some unresolved aspects of pegmatite formation and evolution, such as metasomatism, pegmatite–wall rock interaction, and the nature and origin of rare-metal mineralization (i.e., magmatic versus metasomatic).

Using an integrated approach combining field observations with detailed textural and mineralogical studies, two different stages of pegmatite evolution are documented: primary magmatic followed by intense metasomatism. Preservation of primary magmatic features, such as coarse oriented high aspect-ratio crystals (spodumene, K-feldspar), banded aplites, anisotropic fabrics, and skeletal textures, highlight the importance of undercooling (ΔT) of the melt with consequent disequilibrium crystallization and boundary layer effects. The metasomatic stage is dominated by the formation of domains of secondary albite and is attributed to interaction with a residual highly fluxed sodic melt and is responsible for most of the rare-metal mineralization; less abundant micaceous units and cafemic domains reflect incursion of acidic magmatic-sourced and alkaline wall rock derived fluids.

Our findings are significant and have widespread application to all pegmatite types. Particularly significant is the finding that the rare-metal mineralization is mostly localized to zones of metasomatism.