bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global contents but nationalistic themes: Bong Joon-ho’s “Snowpiercer”
Authors: Kim Mansu
Published: March 2023

Bong Joon-ho’s film, Snowpiercer (2013) is based on a French graphic novel which deals with the people who got on a train that ran continuously around the world in the coming ice ages. At first, the passengers of the train were restricted to the upper classes, but some lower class people happened to get on the train abruptly. It seems to be inevitable to start to struggle between the two classes. In this regards, the theme of this film is focused on the environmental disaster and social stratification. The ruling classes on this train emphasize the order and control. They justify their domination and oppression over the lower classes, assuming that the cause of the disaster lies in the discrepancy which comes from the uncontrolled populations and productions. They use ‘the Spell of Plato’ to prove their logic. According to their logic, the hierarchy must be divided into two (the ruler and the oppressed) or three (guardians, warriors and workers). Every citizen must be satisfied with his social position. Their logics are further reinforced by the gradual ‘piecemeal social engineering’ proposed by Karl Popper. They also emphasize the justification of strong control supported by the Malthusian ‘principle of population’, where the population grows exponentially, but production increases arithmetically. This theory is repeated itself at the commercial movie like Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017). These movies became the dominant trends which could be named ‘(Post) Apocalyptic Film’. It seems that Bong Joon-ho is willing to follow the trends and conventions of the genre movie as known as Apocalyptic Film. However, by casting Korean actors as third groups of the movie intentionally, he makes it possible to imagine a new world that is different from this frustrating dichotomy (higher’s domination/lower’s oppression). Namgung Minsu and Yona who are acted by two Korean actors are represented as very active and interesting characters who are anticipated to solve the main social problems in the movie; environmental disasters and class conflicts. They show us the possibilities of the new world which can be imagined after the frozen and totally destroyed world is ended. Korean spectators can feel proud of the fact that the heroic and fantastic character of this movie is restricted to two Korean actors. Bong seemed to aim the target of spectators only to Korean. Anyway, he could make a little bit different movie from the conventions of blockbuster a.k.a. disaster movie or apocalyptic movie.
A Multi-Layer Transcription Model – concept outline
Authors: Śledziński Daniel
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses the assumptions of a Multi-Layer Transcription Model (hereinafter: MLTM). The solution presented is an advanced grapheme-to-phoneme (G2P) conversion method that can be implemented in technical applications, such as automatic speech recognition and synthesis systems. The features of MLTM also facilitate the application of text-to-transcription conversion in linguistic research. The model presented here is the basis for multi-step processing of the orthographic representation of words with those being transcribed gradually. The consecutive stages of the procedure include, among other things, identification of multi-character phonemes, voicing status change, and consonant clusters simplification. The multi-layer model described in this paper makes it possible to assign individual phonetic processes (for example assimilation), as well as other types of transformation, to particular layers. As a result, the set of rules becomes more transparent. Moreover, the rules related to any process can be modified independently of the rules connected with other forms of transformation, provided that the latter have been assigned to a different layer. These properties of the multi-layer transcription model in question provide crucial advantages for the solutions based on it, such as their flexibility and transparency. There are no assumptions in the model about the applicable number of layers, their functions, or the number of rules defined in each layer. A special mechanism used for the implementation of the MLTM concept enables projection of individual characters onto either a phonemic or a phonetic transcript (obtained after processing in the final layer of the MLTM-based system has been completed). The solution presented in this text has been implemented for the Polish language, however, it is not impossible to use the same model for other languages.
Semito-Hamitic or Afro-Asiatic consonantism and lexicon: Episodes of a comparative research I (Part 1: The long century of Semito-Hamitology until the middle of the 20th century)
Authors: Takács Gábor
Published: March 2023

A retrospective account on past comparative research on Afro-Asiatic (AA) or Semito-Hamitic / Hamito-Semitic (SH/HS, resp.) phonology (first of all consonantism, also root structure) and lexicon, segmented into episodes according to diverse trends (often overlapping in time) is now under way and will be presented part by part in a series of papers. The present paper contains the first ever direction of this research, labelled “Semito-Hamitology” covering studies seeking, in their conception, the “African”, i.e. “Hamitic” kinship of Semitic, without a permanent communis opinio over the whole century of this ‘trend’ (better: amalgamate era) regarding the limits of the family.
Some Berber etymologies XIII
Authors: Takács Gábor
Published: March 2023

The paper contains new etymological entries to Berber lexical roots and is part of a long-range series eventually resulting, when completed, in materials for an etymological dictionary of Berber, a desired addition to the fascicles of the comparative dictionary of Berber roots (DRB).
Wojewoda w systemie organów bezpieczeństwa i porządku publicznego
Authors: Pieprzny Stanisław
Published: March 2023

The aim of the article is to present the position of the voivode in the system of security authorities and public order in the voivodeship and its powers in relation to managers’ services, inspections and guards constituting the combined administration in the voivodeship. These powers developed since the introduction of the system reform in 1990 in relation to the creation of a dualism of local administrative bodies: local government at the commune level and local general government administration bodies. The basic rights of the voivode in the scope of safety and public order are currently defined in the Act of 23 January 2009 on the voivode and government administration in the voivodship. The Law the Police of 6th of April 1990 states that it is a body of security and public order at the voivodeship level, and that the voivodeship police chief represents the voivode in performing tasks in that regard, except for matters related to operational and exploratory investigations and prosecution of offences, as well as issuing individual administrative acts, if the laws so provide. The performance of tasks by the voivodeship police chief on behalf of the voivode does not mean, however, that the voivode is an official superior over the chief of police. Nor does grouping and  superintendence imply the organisational inclusion of the auxiliary apparatus of the voivodeship chief of police in the provincial office, since it is the sovereign decision of the Chief Police Officer to determine the principles of organisation and the scope of action of chiefs. There is also no financial integration. The article also points out that the Act on the Voivode and Government Administration in the Voivodship defines the basic functions of the voivode, which include those related to public security and order in the voivodship. Particular tasks arising from these functions are defined by special laws, endowing the voivode with appropriate legal means for implementing these tasks, including authoritative means.
Forma prawna zaleceń konserwatorskich
Authors: Dubiński Łukasz
Published: March 2023

The discussion in this study deals with the legal form of conservation recommendations. This concerns documents issued by conservation services, which define the way of using the monument, its protection and performance of conservation works, as well as the scope of permissible changes that may be introduced to this monument. In simple terms, the conservation recommendation is a “monument operating manual”, which is issued individually for each building by the competent voivodeship historic preservation officer. The legislator did not specify the legal form of this document. Therefore, in numerous studies one can find a number of standpoints on this issue. Undoubtedly, such discrepancies are not conducive to implementing the principles behind the adoption of the regulation on conservation recommendations, i.e. effective protection of monuments. This article analyses the concepts that dominate the doctrine. This is primarily a matter of accepting that conservation recommendations are issued in the form of an administrative promise or an act of knowledge. The concept according to which there is no single legal form appropriate for all conservation recommendations is also examined. At the same time, an attempt is made to discuss the most frequently negated assumption, according to which conservation recommendations could be issued in the form of administrative decisions. The discussion is conducted on the basis of the legal text and academics’ analysis of the doctrine. An important element of the discussion is that it compares the characteristics of the administrative decision with the properties of the legal forms in which, according to the doctrine, conservation recommendations are issued. The conclusion that can be drawn from the analysis presented here is that it would be appropriate to classify the conservation recommendations as administrative decisions.
Responsibilities towards places in a degrowth society: How firms can become more responsible via embracing deep ecology
Authors: Nesterova Iana
Published: March 2023

This article contemplates and proposes responsibilities towards places. Such responsibilities cannot be reduced to a mere sum of responsibilities towards humans and nature. Rather, they form a pathway to think about humans, non-humans, and nature in a way that brings to the surface their deep and place-based inter-connection. Coming from the perspective that a degrowth society is desirable, the article aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on degrowth transformations. To understand deeper how responsibilities towards places can be enacted, I rely on the philosophy of deep ecology and suggest that each firm can develop and manifest in its practices its own ecosophy. I conclude that contemplating responsibilities towards places can be a space where degrowth scholars and scholars of corporate social responsibility can meet in a mutually enriching dialogue.
Compactness estimates for minimizers of the Alt-Phillips functional of negative exponents
Authors: De Silva Daniela , Savin Ovidiu
Published: March 2023

We investigate the rigidity of global minimizers

u
≥
0

u\ge 0

of the Alt-Phillips functional involving negative power potentials

∫

Ω

(

∣

∇

u

∣

2

+

u

−
γ

χ

{

u
>
0

}

)

d
x
,

γ
∈

(

0
,
2

)

,

\mathop{\int }\limits_{\Omega }(| \nabla u{| }^{2}+{u}^{-\gamma }{\chi }_{\left\{u\gt 0\right\}}){\rm{d}}x,\hspace{1.0em}\gamma \in \left(0,2),

when the exponent

γ

\gamma

is close to the extremes of the admissible values. In particular, we show that global minimizers in

R

n

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{n}

are one-dimensional if

γ

\gamma

is close to 2 and

n
≤
7

n\le 7

, or if

γ

\gamma

is close to 0 and

n
≤
4

n\le 4

.
Serum biomarkers of remodeling in severe asthma with fixed airway obstruction and the potential role of KL-6
Authors: Vianello Andrea , Guarnieri Gabriella , Achille Alessia , Lionello Federico , Lococo Sara , Zaninotto Martina , Caminati Marco , Senna Gianenrico
Published: March 2023

Over 3% of asthmatic patients are affected by a particularly severe form of the disease (“severe asthma”, SA) which is often refractory to standard treatment. Airway remodeling (AR), which can be considered a critical characteristic of approximately half of all patients with SA and currently thought to be the main mechanism triggering fixed airway obstruction (FAO), seems to be a key factor affecting a patient’s outcome. Despite the collective efforts of internationally renowned experts, to date only a few biomarkers indicative of AR and no recognizable biomarkers of lung parenchymal remodeling have been identified. This work examines the pathogenesis of airway and lung parenchymal remodeling and the serum biomarkers that may be able to identify the severe asthmatic patients who may develop FAO. The study also aims to examine if Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) could be considered a diagnostic biomarker of lung structural damage in SA.
Detection of antinuclear antibodies: recommendations from EFLM, EASI and ICAP
Authors: Bonroy Carolien , Vercammen Martine , Fierz Walter , Andrade Luis E.C. , Van Hoovels Lieve , Infantino Maria , Fritzler Marvin J. , Bogdanos Dimitrios , Kozmar Ana , Nespola Benoit , Broeders Sylvia , Patel Dina , Herold Manfred , Zheng Bing , Chan Eric Y.T. , Uibo Raivo , Haapala Anna-Maija , Musset Lucile , Sack Ulrich , Nagy Gabor , Sundic Tatjana , Fischer Katarzyna , Rego de Sousa Maria-José , Vargas Maria Luisa , Eriksson Catharina , Heijnen Ingmar , García-De La Torre Ignacio , Carballo Orlando Gabriel , Satoh Minoru , Kim Kyeong-Hee , Chan Edward K.L. , Damoiseaux Jan , Lopez-Hoyos Marcos , Bossuyt Xavier
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are important for the diagnosis of various autoimmune diseases. ANA are usually detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using HEp-2 cells (HEp-2 IFA). There are many variables influencing HEp-2 IFA results, such as subjective visual reading, serum screening dilution, substrate manufacturing, microscope components and conjugate. Newer developments on ANA testing that offer novel features adopted by some clinical laboratories include automated computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) systems and solid phase assays (SPA).

Methods

A group of experts reviewed current literature and established recommendations on methodological aspects of ANA testing. This process was supported by a two round Delphi exercise. International expert groups that participated in this initiative included (i) the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working Group “Autoimmunity Testing”; (ii) the European Autoimmune Standardization Initiative (EASI); and (iii) the International Consensus on ANA Patterns (ICAP).

Results

In total, 35 recommendations/statements related to (i) ANA testing and reporting by HEp-2 IFA; (ii) HEp-2 IFA methodological aspects including substrate/conjugate selection and the application of CAD systems; (iii) quality assurance; (iv) HEp-2 IFA validation/verification approaches and (v) SPA were formulated. Globally, 95% of all submitted scores in the final Delphi round were above 6 (moderately agree, agree or strongly agree) and 85% above 7 (agree and strongly agree), indicating strong international support for the proposed recommendations.

Conclusions

These recommendations are an important step to achieve high quality ANA testing.
Dynamic system allocation and application of cloud computing virtual resources based on system architecture
Authors: Lin Chunhua , Li Longzi , Chen Yuanyi
Published: March 2023

Cloud computing is a system development method based on dynamic sharing, which allows a large number of systems to be combined to provide services. The purpose of this work is to study the design and implementation of a dynamic virtual resource allocation system in cloud computing, whose architecture allows load balancing between virtual resource pools and reduces resource wastage. Using the cluster network topology, the resource usage of the dynamic system cluster can be monitored in real time, and the total cluster load can be automatically determined based on the monitoring data. The experiment is divided into two parts. Performance testing and scenario testing. Performance tests examine execution time, processor, and memory performance. In the scenario test, JMeter is used to simulate the occurrence of a large number of concurrent application access requests, the loss rate, and processing time of these requests on the cloud platform, and load balancing tests are performed. The test results show that the system running time is about 22–27 ms, the CPU utilization is about 90–95%, and the RAM is about 3.5 ms. The results show that cloud technology can improve resource scheduling of large tasks and optimize resource load balance.
Human factors in aviation: Fatigue management in ramp workers
Authors: Morais Carlota , Ribeiro João , Silva Jorge
Published: March 2023

Although over the years, technical systems (equipment) have been evolving, most of the occurrences in the aviation industry, namely in the ground-handling area, are related to human error, constituting a neglected topic in aviation safety. Since one works 24 h a day and 7 days a week in the aviation industry, the shift work system is the most viable and (only) option to solve this problem, making fatigue an important and quite significant safety issue. Currently, the performance and alertness of ramp workers continue to be negatively affected by fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents/incidents. In this sense, the overall objective of this study was to establish and propose a first attempt to develop a Fatigue Management System, designed to prevent ramp workers from performing their tasks when fatigued and to take appropriate mitigation actions to minimize the consequences of fatigue caused by shift work. Despite not being exhaustive, this approach may also provide good guidance for future research in this field since fatigue is not associated with sleep disorders only.
Interest Rate Persistence and Monetary Policy Rule in Light of Model Uncertainty
Authors: Yin Shou-Yung , Lin Chang-Ching , Chang Ming-Jen
Published: March 2023

We study how model uncertainty affects the understanding of the interest rate persistence using a generalized Taylor-rule function covering numerous submodels via model average approach. The data-driven weights can be regarded as a measure of power-sharing across monetary policy committee members. We show that the model uncertainty is important in Canada, France, and Sweden, and the implied weights indicate that the U.K. and the U.S. have a lower model uncertainty caused either by an over-influential chairman or the consistent agreement of committee members. The importance of model uncertainty can be emphasized by sequential estimation during the 2008 financial crisis.
Authentication methods for voice services on smart speakers – a multi-method study on perceived security and ease of use
Authors: Renz Andreas , Neff Thomas , Baldauf Matthias , Maier Edith
Published: March 2023

With the increasing proliferation of security-critical voice-based services such as voice banking, user authentication on smart speakers is becoming a vital requirement. Prior research on verifying the speaker’s identity has been taken a technical perspective predominantly, while respective user-centered research is scarce. To investigate authentication methods for smart speakers from a user’s perspective, we conducted a multi-method experiment. In a comprehensive online survey (n= 696) and a comparative lab study (n= 18) with an advanced functional prototype we studied 6 authentication methods (spoken PIN, biometrics, app with button/voice confirmation, card reader, sound authentication) regarding their perceived security and ease of use. While token-based authentication approaches (in particular an authenticator app on a smartphone) typically are perceived as more secure, they are found inferior when it comes to the ease of use. The currently most frequently used authentication method for smart speakers, the spoken PIN method, seems to represent a compromise between security and ease of use. The sophisticated sound authentication was appreciated for its ease of use, however, was rated worst regarding the perceived security.
Optimization of hot rolling parameters of CRNO steel with the aid of hot compression test and deformation map
Authors: Thakur Suman Kant , Das Alok Kumar , Rath Sushant , Pathak Purnanand , Jha Bimal Kumar
Published: March 2023

Cold-rolled non-oriented (CRNO) electrical steels find a wide variety of applications in the core of electrical machines due to low core loss and high magnetic permeability. Stringent market conditions not only require CRNO steel with superior magnetic properties but also demand excellent surface conditions. CRNO steel is cold rolled to 0.5 mm in reversing mill. High hot rolled input thickness (>2.6 mm) increases the number of passes during cold rolling and adversely affects the mill productivity. It also results in surface defects such as buckling and coil break. The flow stress of this steel varies differently compared to conventional rolled steel. Thus, it becomes difficult to optimize the reduction schedule and hence safe hot rolling practice is adopted to restrict roll force within permissible limit resulting in higher thickness. A hot compression test was carried out in a Gleeble–3500 to evaluate the flow stress behaviour of this steel and a deformation map was developed to optimize the hot rolling window. The input from the hot compression test and deformation map was used to develop a mill setup model to accurately predict the roll force and optimize the reduction schedule of CRNO steel in the finishing stands of HSM. The final thickness of hot-rolled coils during industrial trials with an optimized reduction schedule was found to be in the range of 2.4–2.6 mm compared to 2.7–3.0 mm during conventional rolling. These coils were further cold rolled and finished in 4–5 passes compared to 6–7 passes with conventional rolling. Reduction in the number of passes has resulted in increased productivity during cold rolling as well as improved surface finish.
Diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids: current trends and future strategies
Authors: Ahmad Azaz , Kumar Manoj , Bhoi Nihar Ranjan , Badruddeen  , Akhtar Juber , Khan Mohammad Irfan , Ajmal Mohd , Ahmad Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Uterine fibroids (UFs), leiomyomas or myomas, are a type of malignancy that affects the smooth muscle of the uterus, and it is most commonly detected in women of reproductive age. Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal growths that emerge from uterine smooth muscle cells (myometrium) as well as fibroblasts. Uterine fibroid symptoms include abnormal menstrual bleeding leading to anaemia, tiredness, chronic vaginal discharge, and pain during periods. Other symptoms include protrusion of the abdomen, pain during intercourse, dysfunctions of bladder/bowel leading to urinary incontinence/retention, pain, and constipation. It is also associated with reproductive issues like impaired fertility, conceiving complications, and adverse obstetric outcomes. It is the leading cause of gynaecological hospitalisation in the American subcontinent and a common reason for the hysterectomy. Twenty-five percent of the reproductive women experience the symptoms of uterine fibroids, and among them, around 25% require hospitalization due to the severity of the disease. The frequency of the disease remains underestimated as many women stay asymptomatic and symptoms appear gradually; therefore, the condition remains undiagnosed. The exact frequency of uterine fibroids varies depending on the diagnosis, and the population investigated; nonetheless, the incidence of uterine fibroids in reproductive women ranges from 5.4 percent to 77 percent. The uterine fibroid treatment included painkillers, supplementation with iron, vitamin D3, birth control, hormone therapy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, drugs modulating the estrogen receptors, and surgical removal of the fibroids. However, more research needed at the level of gene to get a keen insight and treat the disease efficiently.
Theory of the Filmic: Classical Interpretation of Chinese Film Aesthetics
Authors: Jia Leilei
Published: March 2023

When linking Chinese film theory with traditional Chinese aesthetics, it is worth considering that the core categories of ancient Chinese aesthetics ought to be incorporated into a film paradigm that includes the meaning of film itself and it should not just be the way of transplanting the concepts of ancient Chinese literature directly into the system of film theory, for example, introducing the concepts of poetry, painting and opera directly into the evaluation system of films. For this reason, the author expects to establish a core concept in Chinese film aesthetics as an aesthetic category that may be considered to be parallel to the poetic, the pictorial and the calligraphic: this concept is named ‘the Filmic’.
An Exploration of Local Emergency Management Program Accreditation Pursuit
Authors: Jensen Jessica , Ferreira Marcelo
Published: March 2023

The manuscript reports the results of a study that explored what facilitates and hinders local emergency management program pursuit of accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP). This research question is of significance for several reasons, including, (1) leading national emergency management organizations have endorsed The Emergency Management Standard promulgated by EMAP; (2) very few programs are accredited; and, (3) there are only two studies related to accreditation in emergency management and neither examines accreditation in a local context. Analysis of semi-structured interview data from local emergency management program leaders representing some of the largest municipalities in the United States revealed a variety of key themes regarding what facilitates or hinders accreditation pursuit. The complexity of these themes and the context which produces them suggests that widespread accreditation at the local level is not likely in the near future even though many leaders valued the Standard and accreditation. This conclusion is discussed and a variety of avenues that might be pursued if more accreditation of local programs were the goal is offered.
Analysis of hybrid RF/FSO wireless communications links under foggy weather conditions
Authors: Hamoudi Zainab A. , Ali Mazin Ali A.
Published: March 2023

Terrestrial free-space optical (FSO) links are based on the fundamental idea of a light beam transporting information, enabling extremely high data rates. Fog still presents a significant obstacle to enhancing the availability and dependability of terrestrial FSO lines because the fog particles scatter the light as it travels and only significantly attenuate the signal. Using a hybrid network with an FSO link and a backup link will solve the problem. GHz offers outstanding performance in this frequency band. In this research, the attenuation caused by fog is predicted using an empirical model based on measurements of visibility and their impacts on FSO/RF links. Multiple functioning FSO and RF links operating at 1 GHz, 10 GHz, and 25 GHz, as well as visibility, were simultaneously monitored for changes in signal intensity. The bit error rate (BER) for the optical modulation formats NRZ-OOK, L-PPM, and RZ-OOK is investigated under various fog scenarios. According to the results of the simulation, RF link performance at 25 GHz is better suited for hybrid system fog weather circumstances. On the other hand, we discuss the appropriateness of fog models within these various modulation formats.
Conventional arrayed waveguide grating (CAWG) devices for high stability and low insertion loss in near infrared wavelength band
Authors: Leon Megalan Leo , Samuel Rosaline , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Meenakshisundaram Ramkumar Prabhu , Hossain Md. Amzad , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: March 2023

This study has presented the different suggested compounds based (CAWG) like silicon dioxide (SiO2), lithium niobate (LiNbO3) and gallium aluminum arsenide (Ga(1-x)Al(x)As) taking into consideration their operating wavelength range, their operating temperature range, their physical properties, and also their ability to be used in the manufacture of optical devices. The optimum performance was given in case of using the following materials such as SiO2, LiNbO3 and Ga(1-x)Al(x)As materials, so these materials have been used as a proposed materials based CAWG devices, which have been investigated for high stability and low insertion loss in near infrared wavelength band. The comparison between these proposed materials are clarified through the design parameters of CAWG device such as the order of diffraction (m), path length adjacent waveguides difference (ΔL), focal length (L

f
), free spectral range (FSR), max no. of I/O wavelength channels (N
max), and arrayed waveguides (P) number.
Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of young patients aged ≤45 years old with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xia Jingjing , Li Hong , Zhang Ruirui , Wang Jipeng
Published: March 2023

Lung cancer is rare in young people, but the incidence and mortality are on the rise. We retrospectively analyzed the data of young patients aged ≤45 years diagnosed as lung cancer in our hospital from 2014 to 2021. The purpose was to explore the clinicopathological characteristics of young patients, and the risk factors affecting overall survival (OS) time. The results showed that the young patients were mainly female, had no smoking history, asymptomatic at initial diagnosis, with a high proportion of adenocarcinoma and stage I–II. We divided all patients into two groups according to age and found that the proportion of stage I–II in 18–35 years group was significantly higher than that in 36–45 years group (P = 0.021). The main manifestation of tumor was ground glass opacity (GGO) in 18–35 years group, while most showed non-GGO in 36–45 years group (P = 0.003). The proportion of minimally invasive adenocarcinoma was higher in 18–35 years group, while the invasive adenocarcinoma was higher in 36–45 years group (P = 0.004). Univariate analysis showed that asymptomatic, stage I–II, surgery, women, with few or no metastatic organs had longer OS. Multivariate analysis showed that the independent factors affecting the OS of young patients were tumor stage and more metastatic organs.
A New Version of q-Hermite-Hadamard’s Midpoint and Trapezoid Type Inequalities for Convex Functions
Authors: Ali Muhammad Aamir , Budak Hüseyin , Fečkan Michal , Khan Sundas
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we establish a new variant of q-Hermite-Hadamard inequality for convex functions via left and right q-integrals. Moreover, we prove some new q-midpoint and q-trapezoid type inequalities for left and right q-differentiable functions. To illustrate the newly established inequalities, we give some particular examples of convex functions.
Phenolic compounds extraction by assistive technologies and natural deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Wong Yoke Shan , Yusoff Rozita , Ngoh Gek Cheng
Published: March 2023

Phenolic compounds are known to have a significant effect on human defense system due to their anti-inflammatory efficacy. This can slow down the aging process and strengthen the human immune system. With the growing interest in green chemistry concept, extraction of phenolic compounds from plants has been geared towards a sustainable path with the use of green and environmentally friendly solvents such as natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). This review discusses both the conventional extraction and the advanced extraction methods of phenolic compounds using NADES with focus on microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) techniques ensued by a rationale comparison between them. Employing choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) is highlighted as one of the promising strategies in green solvent extraction of phenolic compounds in terms of their biodegradability and extraction mechanism. The review also discusses assistive extraction technologies using NADES for a better understanding of their relationship with extraction efficiency. In addition, the review includes an overview of the challenges of recovering phenolic compounds from NADES after extraction, the potential harmful effects of NADES as well as their future perspective.
On Kant doing philosophy and the Peircean alternative
Authors: Nesher Dan
Published: March 2023

In my work on Kant’s Transcendental epistemology, I criticize his three Critiques and show that none of them can solve the problems that Kant endeavored to solve; and he even, in a way, admitted it. In the first Critique, Kant attempts to solve the difficulties of the Cartesian Idealism and Humean Empirism, in combining them mechanically in his own Transcendental formalism and Sensual matter without being able to bridge the gap between them. In the second Critique, Kant endeavored to make his Practical Reason of the a priori pure fact of formal morality into free moral conduct to materialize his ideal commonwealth of ends, but he could not bridge this gap. In his third Critique, Kant attempted to make the aesthetic reflective judgment of beauty objective, including of artworks, but failed to do so. The Peircean pragmaticist method can save the theory of knowledge both from the dogmatism of the metaphysical realists and from the inconsistency of the phenomenalists and holists. Peirce developed his epistemological realism in response to the difficulties of Kant’s transcendental epistemology, especially that of his three Critiques. It seems that in his late research Kant tries to follow Spinoza in the distinction between the causality in nature and the human inner causality as one’s Moral freedom and yet for Kant they operate in different domains to keep human freedom absolute, while the Spinozist conception of human freedom is in Nature and relative to human knowledge of reality and one’s relative power in Nature. Kant’sAnthropology from a Pragmatic Point of Viewis a continuation of his Transcendental critical philosophy, but also his intended empirical epistemology by which to develop a practical deviation from his Copernican Revolution in the direction of the Peircean contra-revolution in Pragmaticist epistemology.
Resting natural killer cell homeostasis relies on tryptophan/NAD+ metabolism and HIF‐1α
Authors: Pelletier Abigaelle , Nelius Eric , Fan Zheng , Khatchatourova Ekaterina , Alvarado‐Diaz Abdiel , He Jingyi , Krzywinska Ewelina , Sobecki Michal , Nagarajan Shunmugam , Kerdiles Yann , Fandrey Joachim , Gotthardt Dagmar , Sexl Veronika , de Bock Katrien , Stockmann Christian
Published: March 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are forced to cope with different oxygen environments even under resting conditions. The adaptation to low oxygen is regulated by oxygen‐sensitive transcription factors, the hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs). The function of HIFs for NK cell activation and metabolic rewiring remains controversial. Activated NK cells are predominantly glycolytic, but the metabolic programs that ensure the maintenance of resting NK cells are enigmatic. By combining in situ metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses in resting murine NK cells, our study defines HIF‐1α as a regulator of tryptophan metabolism and cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels. The HIF‐1α/NAD+ axis prevents ROS production during oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) and thereby blocks DNA damage and NK cell apoptosis under steady‐state conditions. In contrast, in activated NK cells under hypoxia, HIF‐1α is required for glycolysis, and forced HIF‐1α expression boosts glycolysis and NK cell performance in vitro and in vivo. Our data highlight two distinct pathways by which HIF‐1α interferes with NK cell metabolism. While HIF‐1α‐driven glycolysis is essential for NK cell activation, resting NK cell homeostasis relies on HIF‐1α‐dependent tryptophan/NAD+ metabolism.
Assessment Of Antibody Levels In A Population Vaccinated With Sputnik V
Authors: Gonzalez Diego , Fortuna Federico , Fritzler Analy F. , Jamardo Juan J. , Duarte Eliana , Ibar Carolina , Jacobsen Dario G. , Estevez Maria E. , Aguirre J , Garzón Belky B. , Absi Ruben , Repetto Esteban M. , Sanchez Gelos Diego , Zopatti Damian , Fabre Bibiana
Published: March 2023

Objectives — The objective of our study was to assess humoral response in a population of health workers after vaccination with the first and second doses of Sputnik V. Methods — SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (IgG and IgM) were measured, using the Centaur XPT autoanalyzer, Siemens®, in 530 serum samples taken from health workers in Buenos Aires vaccinated with Sputnik V. Results — After 21 days of the first dose application, 10 individuals (1.9%) presented antibody levels <1.0 (non-reactive), while 520 subjects (98.1%) responded with antibody values >1.0 (reactive). The results, obtained 21 days after the second dose, show that only 2 individuals (0.38%) had antibody levels <1.0 (non-reactive) and 528 (99.6%) responded with antibody values >1.0 (reactive). Conclusion — This study results implied that two doses of Sputnik V vaccine generated a proper antibody response in virtually the entire studied population.
SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE JOB SATISFACTION OF EMPLOYEES IN THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY
Authors: Norizzati Binti Bahsri  , Aznira Binti Zakaria
Published: March 2023

The logistics industry plays an important role in economic development. One of the major issues in the logistics industry is human resources or labor. Hence, this research aims to explore job  satisfaction among employees in the logistics industry. A systematic literature review was  conducted where research published from the year 2012 until 2021 was included. After the full- text screening, 8 articles were reviewed and used for qualitative synthesis. Three main areas were identified as the focus of this review which are the factors influencing job satisfaction, the theory used, and the impact of job satisfaction on individuals and organizations. There are limited studies on job satisfaction among employees in the logistics industry, hence future studies should focus on this as the logistics industry are a significant contributor to the economy,  especially in Malaysia.
THE EFFECT OF DIVIDEND POLICY ON SHARE PRICES OF BURSA MALAYSIA LISTED COMPANIES
Authors: Norshafizah Binti Hanafi  , Radhiah Binti Halid  , Fazilah Mohd Othman
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of dividend policies on share prices with an emphasis on companies listed on the FTSE Bursa Malaysia 100 (FBM100) index. These research aims to investigate and examine the effect of dividend policy on the share prices performance of listed companies under FTSE FBM100. This study measures a relationship between dividend policies (independent variables) which include dividend yield, volume traded, dividend payout, and company size, return on invested capital, free cash flow yield, volume traded (control variables) toward share price as dependent variable. The effects of dividend policy on share price movement are one of the most disputed topics in corporate finance. The share price is the most common factor for investors when making decision to buy shares. Various empirical studies can be found examining and analyzing the effect of dividend policy on share prices, however, the results are inconsistent. This study focused on the effect of dividend policy on share prices of companies listed on the FTSE (Financial Time Stock Exchange) FBM100 index from 2011 to 2020.. A total of 56 companies are sampled in this study after filtering, and data were analyzed using the regression model. The results of panel data regression model indicated that dividend payout has an insignificant effect on share prices, however, dividend yield has negative and significant effect on share price. Return on invested capital, volume traded, and company sizes by market capitalization have significant effect on share price while free cash flow yield had no significant effect. As a result, dividend policy has considerable impact on share prices. Thus, the result is important. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a reference for companies in establishing dividend policies that will improve company performance and for investors in considering whether it should retain, increase, or decrease their stake in the company.
DEVELOPING AND VALIDATING MEASUREMENT FOR LEAN MANUFACTURING SUSTENANCE STRATEGIES: THE PLS-SEM APPROACH
Authors: Norhana Mohd Aripin  , Gusman Nawanir  , Suhaidah Hussain
Published: March 2023

Manufacturing worldwide acknowledges lean manufacturing (LM) as a tool to enhance performance. However, sustaining the implementation has been an issue for them to reap the full benefit of LM. With this issue, this study is aimed to investigate the sustaining factors for LM, develop measurement items, provide valid and reliable constructs for LM sustaining factors, and empirically validate the measuring instrument using the SEM approach. Five sustaining factors and 30 assessment items were constructed by adopting, adapting, or self-developing based on the extensive literature review. In total, 151 discrete medium and large manufacturing companies in Malaysia responded to the survey questions. Following that, the constructs were empirically assessed using the SEM model. The findings show that all of the measuring items represent their underlying constructs and contribute significantly to their respective constructs. Some limitations were identified, including the fact that this study was collected from medium and large discrete manufacturing companies in Malaysia, hence resulting in restrictions on generalizability. This research provided valuable information for practitioners to gain more understanding and develop a plan for sustaining LM implementation.
VGF nerve growth factor inducible has the potential to protect pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Hirakida Hikari , Okumura Taiga , Fujita Ryosuke , Kuse Yoshiki , Mizoguchi Takahiro , Inagaki Satoshi , Nakamura Shinsuke , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Hara Hideaki
Published: March 2023

VGF nerve growth factor inducible (VGF) is a secreted polypeptide involved in metabolic regulation. VGF-derived peptides have been reported to regulate insulin secretion in the plasma of patients with type 2 diabetes and model mice. However, the protective effects of VGF on pancreatic β-cells in diabetic model are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the β-cell protective effect of VGF on a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model using VGF-overexpressing (OE) mice and also examined the therapeutic effect by a small molecule, SUN N8075 which is an inducer of VGF. VGF-OE mice improved blood glucose levels and maintained β-cell mass compared to wild-type (WT) mice on STZ-induced diabetic model. In addition, VGF-OE mice showed better glucose tolerance than WT mice. In culture, AQEE-30, a VGF-derived peptide, suppressed STZ-induced β-cell death in vitro and attenuated the decrease in the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β. Furthermore, SUN N8075 suppressed the blood glucose levels and increased VGF expression in the pancreatic islet. SUN N8075 also protected STZ-induced β-cell death in vitro. These findings indicate that VGF plays a hypoglycemic role in response to blood glucose levels in diabetes and protects β-cells from STZ-induced cell death. Therefore, VGF and its inducer have the therapeutic potential by preserving β-cells in diabetes.
Procedimiento para la implementación de casos de uso de computación en la niebla
Authors: Gámez-Picó Liz , Anías-Calderón Caridad Emma
Published: March 2023

El paradigma de computación en la niebla surge como solución a la creciente demanda de las aplicaciones de Internet de las Cosas de menores tiempos de respuesta y mayor seguridad, así como por la proliferación de dispositivos, sensores y actuadores IoT. Actualmente representa un desafío la implementación de la computación en la niebla en entornos de IoT, debido a la diversidad y movilidad que presentan los dispositivos que en ella se encuentran, así como la escalabilidad e interoperabilidad que se requiere. Partiendo de la situación problemática descrita anteriormente se definió como problema científico a resolver en la investigación: ¿Cómo desplegar correctamente un sistema de computación en la niebla en variados casos de uso? Para darle solución a la situación problemática antes planteada se actualizó el estado del arte del tema y se definió un procedimiento que oriente cómo implementar esta tecnología en diferentes escenarios, reuniendo los aspectos fundamentales a tener en cuenta para su puesta en práctica. El procedimiento propuesto fue aplicado satisfactoriamente, en cada una de sus etapas, en un caso de uso de video vigilancia, pero debido a que aún no se ha podido completar la ejecución del proyecto, la etapa de implementación se validó a través de simulaciones y de un pequeño escenario.
Using rape particles in the production of polymer and lignocellulose boards
Authors: Mirski Radosław , Dziurka Dorota , Banaszak Aleksandra
Published: March 2023

This study examined the manufacture of flat-pressed wood plastic composites (WPC) using rape chips glued with polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI). Manufactured boards were of 5-ply type, with 30% polyethylene (PE) content in individual layers. The following properties were assessed: modulus of rupture (MOR); modulus of elasticity (MOE); internal bonding strength (IB); thickness swelling (TS) after 24 hours; water absorption (WA); and noise reduction effectiveness. The tests revealed better physical and mechanical properties of polymer-particle boards than similar polymer and rape boards. It was also demonstrated that a change in mechanical properties of polymer and lignin-cellulose boards is strongly associated with polymer location in individual board layers, and that greater porosity of wood material ensures better polymer anchoring in its structure, when compared with rape straw particles.
Enhancement methane generation by co-digestion of cow dung and grass (Cynodon dactylon) with activated sludge
Authors: Ahmad Fiaz , Maqbool Sajid , Mehammod-Khan Zahid , Hassan Muhammad , Qui Baijing , Ma Jing , Jameel Tahir
Published: March 2023

Anaerobic co-digestion (AD) of Cynodon dactylon grass and cow dung was conducted with four different composition levels. To increase lignocellulose digestibility and methane yield, grass was pretreated with NaOH and thermally-modified bentonite was used to inhibit the ammonia production. The highest cumulative methane yield obtained from treatments C (0.40:0.60), D (0.60:0.40), and B (0.20:0.80) was 427 mL/ g.VS, 333 mL/g.VS, and 303 mL/g.VS, respectively, over a digestion period of 40 days at a mesophilic temperature. Treatment C showed an 89.7% increase in the methane yield with respect to the control, followed by treatment D, which recorded a 48% increase, and treatment B at a 34.6% increase. A modified Gompertz model was used to explain the methane generation scenario. The process stability parameters of the anaerobic co-digestion system, such as pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), electrical conductivity (EC), total solids, total and free ammonia contents, and volatile solids removal were explained in depth in this study.