bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the left posterior middle temporal gyrus in shape recognition and its reconstruction during drawing: A study combining transcranial magnetic stimulation and functional near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Okamoto Nakako , Seiyama Akitoshi , Hori Shota , Takahashi Satoru
Published: May 2024

There are numerous reports of enhanced or emerged visual arts abilities in patients with semantic impairment. These reports led to the theory that a loss of function on the language side of the brain can result in changes of ability to draw and/or to paint. Further, the left posterior middle temporal gyrus (l-pMTG) has been revealed to contribute to the higher control semantic mechanisms with objects recognition and integration of visual information, within a widely distributed network of the left hemisphere. Nevertheless, the theory has not been fully studied in neural bases. The aim of this study is to examine role of the l-pMTG on shape recognition and its reconstruction within drawing behavior, by using a combining method of the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Eighteen healthy participants received a low frequency inhibitory rTMS to their l-pMTG during the drawing task of the Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT). There was a significant decrease of the mean accuracy of reproductions in the Complex designs of the BVRT, compared to the Simple and Medium designs. The fNIRS data showed strong negative correlations with the results of the BVRT. Though our hypothesis had a contradiction that rTMS would have inhibited the brain activity in the stimulated site, the results suggest that shape recognition and its reconstruction such as the BVRT require neural activations of the l-TL as well as that of the l-pMTG.
Oral glucose tolerance test clearance in type 2 diabetes patients who underwent remission following intense lifestyle modification: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Tripathi Pramod , Kadam Nidhi , Tiwari Diptika , Vyawahare Anagha , Sharma Baby , Kathrikolly Thejas , Kuppusamy Maheshkumar , Vijayakumar Venugopal
Published: May 2024

Achieving diabetes remission (HbA1c<48mmol/mol without the use of anti-diabetic medication for 3 months) might not assure restoration of a normal glycemic profile [fasting blood sugar level <5.6 mmol/L and Post-Prandial (PP) blood glucose <7.8mmol/L]. The study investigates the factors associated with OGTT clearance in patients under type 2 diabetes remission. Four hundred participants who achieved remission during a one-year online structured lifestyle modification program, which included a plant-based diet, physical activity, psychological support, and medical management (between January 2021 and June 2022), and appeared for the OGTT were included in the study. OGTT clearance was defined by fasting blood glucose < 5.6 mmol/L and 2-hour post-prandial blood glucose <7.8 mmol/L post-consumption of 75g glucose solution. Of the 400 participants, 207 (52%) cleared OGTT and 175 (44%) had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). A shorter diabetes duration (<5 years) was significantly associated with OGTT clearance (p<0.05). Pre-intervention use of glucose-lowering drugs showed no association with OGTT clearance (p<0.1). Post-intervention, the OGTT-cleared group showed significantly higher weight loss (p<0.05) and a decrease in HbA1c compared to the IGT group (p<0.05). Improvement in Insulin resistance and β-cell function was also higher in the OGTT-cleared group compared to the IGT group (p<0.05). In conclusion, clearing the OGTT is a possibility for those achieving remission through lifestyle interventions. Higher weight loss, a shorter duration of diabetes, and improvement in insulin resistance were significantly associated with OGTT clearance in participants in remission. Future randomized controlled trials with longer follow-ups may help substantiate our findings.
DIREITO PARA HUMANOS ROBOTIZADOS OU DIREITO DOS ROBÔS HUMANIZADOS?
Authors: Chiarello de Souza Pinto Felipe , Garcia Lara Rocha , Rosa Alexandre Morais da
Published: May 2024

Contextualização: O presente artigo traz à tona questões atuais sob as quais ainda não há pacificação jurídica. A Tecnologia e o Direito se destinam a resolver problemas e a pacificar conflitos que ainda não aconteceram. No sentido de antecipar cenários, há também que clarificar o modo como funciona a tecnologia. Primeiramente, será explicado o nascedouro da inteligência artificial e seu potencial. A seguir, formas de controle, auditoria e até mesmo interferência dos agentes inteligentes para, então, discutir seu formato humanoide e as implicações decorrentes dele.
Objetivo: Este artigo pretende inserir a relação humano-máquina a partir do entendimento do presente para a aplicabilidade e desafios futuros.
Método: quanto à metodologia empregada, na fase de investigação utilizou-se o método indutivo, na fase de tratamento de dados o método cartesiano, e no relatório dos resultados foi empregada a base lógica indutiva.
Resultados: Considerando que não há norma posta, o futuro parece ser desafiador para os juristas: há que se engendrar por outro saber e por refletir sobre as situações possíveis de uma tecnologia ainda considerada complexa.
Nutrient intake and stunting in children aged 2-5 years in a slum area of Jakarta
Authors: Ratnayani Ratnayani , Sunardi Diana , Fadilah Fadilah , Hegar Badriul
Published: May 2024

Background Stunting is one of the problems that occurs in children who live in slum areas. Inadequate nutrient intake has been associated with stunting in children.
Objective To assess nutrient intake and analyze the differences between stunted and non-stunted children aged 2-5 years.
Methods This comparative cross-sectional study compared nutrient intake and stunting among children 2-5 years in slum areas in Kebon Bawang Village North Jakarta. Subjects’ nutrient intake was assessed using the Semiquantitative-Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). To analyze differences in subject characteristics and nutrient intake in the stunted and non-stunted groups, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney test, and independent T-test were used.
Results From a total of 42 respondents, the characteristics of subjects were not significantly different between the stunted and non-stunted groups, in age (P=0.120), gender (P=0.126), maternal occupation (P=0.729), or maternal education (P=0.127). The stunted group had significantly lower intake of energy (P=0.003), carbohydrates (P=0.024), protein (P=0.005), and fat (P=0.001) than that of the non-stunted group. However, the majority of subjects had protein adequacy above the sufficiency level in both groups (P=0.638), while significantly more subjects in the stunted group had insufficient carbohydrate adequacy than in the non-stunted group (P=0.032).
Conclusion Overall, nutrient intake in the stunted group is lower than that of the non-stunted group. Protein adequacy is above sufficient for most subjects in both groups, while the significantly more stunted subjects have insufficient carbohydrate adequacy. In carrying out interventions, it is necessary to consider fulfilling a balance of nutrients, especially macronutrients.
Zinc supplementation on cellular immune response in splenectomized thalassemia major
Authors: Sari Teny Tjitra , Gatot Djajadiman , Akib Arwin AP , Waspadji Sarwono , Hadinegoro Sri Rezeki S , Harahap Alida Roswita , Idjradinata Ponpon S
Published: May 2024

Background: The immune response of thalassemia patients is different from usual; therefore, thalassemia patients are susceptible to infection. A study at Thalassemia Center in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital showed that all thalassemia patients experience zinc deficiency. The decreased cellular immune response is associated with zinc deficiency, whereas splenectomy exacerbates the condition. This study aims to evaluate the improvement of cellular immune response in splenectomized thalassemia major patients after zinc supplementation.
Method: Randomized double-blinded controlled trial was conducted on splenectomized thalassemia major patients in 12 weeks period. The inclusion criteria were aged > 12 years and had negative HIV test results. The subject receiving corticosteroids were excluded. Fifty-six subjects were randomly divided into two groups, the zinc group and the placebo group. Between 2 groups, data on zinc serum, T lymphocyte count, CD4+ T lymphocyte count, CD8+ T lymphocyte count, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study and were analyzed with unpaired t-test, Mann Whitney test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test.
Result: After zinc supplementation, only 18 of 28 subjects in the zinc group recovered normal zinc serum levels. There were no significant changes after zinc supplementation in all parameters of cellular immune response (p > 0.05) between the two groups. This might be due to the subjects' adherence, which was lower in the zinc group (75.82%) than in the placebo group (83.19%).
Conclusion: The effect of zinc supplementation on cellular immune response in splenectomized thalassemia major patients had not been proven yet.
Challenges in diagnosing pediatric pericarditis and the etiology in remote areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: a socio-clinical dilemma
Authors: Liwan Armand Setiady , Yantie Ni Putu Veny Kartika , Gunawijaya Eka
Published: May 2024

Inflammation of the visceral and parietal surfaces of the pericardium is defined as pericarditis. It can evolve to excessive production of pericardial effusion if the speed of fluid accumulation is faster than the absorption. Acute pericarditis is rare in children but it can lead to circulatory collapse and death. It accounts for <0.2% of the emergency visits of children without prior heart diseases in tertiary pediatric emergency settings. The etiology of acute pericarditis varies depending on geography, and the most common etiology in children are bacterial infection, viral pericarditis, inflammatory or connective tissue diseases, malignancies, metabolic diseases, and post-cardiac surgery. Idiopathic pericarditis is presumed to have viral or post-viral etiology.  It accounts for 37-68% of admissions in children with pericardial effusions or acute pericarditis.
INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL NO TRABALHO CRIATIVO: PROTAGONISTA OU COADJUVANTE DO PROCESSO?
Authors: Engelbert Rodrigo , Hansen Fábio
Published: May 2024

Com o objetivo de analisar a interação entre humanos e Inteligência Artificial (IA) no processo criativo, mobilizamos teorias acerca da relação das IAs com a criatividade (Boden; Sautoy; Chamorro-Premuzic), em diálogo com pesquisas e pensamentos recentes sobre o tema, a fim de compreender como as IAs se inserem nos trabalhos criativos e quais impactos causam na geração de narrativas inovadoras, surpreendentes e de valor. Apresentamos uma pesquisa documental sobre criatividade e produção de conteúdo, com percepções atuais de quem aciona as IAs em práticas profissionais e projetos criativos, tendo como resultado principal caminhos que apontam para a inteligência híbrida.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: May 2024
Authors: Fawley Ryan K.
Published: May 2024

Article Title: Comparative Efficacy of P-CAB vs Proton Pump Inhibitors for Grade C/D Esophagitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Excess Weight, Polygenic Risk Score, and Findings of Colorectal Neoplasms at Screening Colonoscopy
Authors: Fu Ruojin , Chen Xuechen , Niedermaier Tobias , Seum Teresa , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Excess weight is an established risk factor of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, evidence is lacking on how its impact varies by polygenic risk at different stages of colorectal carcinogenesis.

METHODS:

We assessed the individual and joint associations of body mass index (BMI) and polygenic risk scores (PRSs) with findings of colorectal neoplasms among 4,784 participants of screening colonoscopy. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for excess weight derived by multiple logistic regression were converted to genetic risk equivalents (GREs) to quantify the impact of excess weight compared with genetic predisposition.

RESULTS:

Overweight and obesity (BMI 25–<30 and ≥30 kg/m2) were associated with increased risk of any colorectal neoplasm (aOR [95% confidence interval, CI] 1.26 [1.09–1.45] and 1.47 [1.24–1.75]). Obesity was associated with increased risk of advanced colorectal neoplasm (aOR [95% CI] 1.46 [1.16–1.84]). Dose-response relationships were seen for the PRS (stronger for advanced neoplasms than any neoplasms), with no interaction with BMI, suggesting multiplicative effects of both factors. Obese participants with a PRS in the highest tertile had a 2.3-fold (95% CI 1.7–3.1) and 2.9-fold (95% CI 1.9–4.3) increased risk of any colorectal neoplasm and advanced colorectal neoplasm, respectively. The aOR of obesity translated into a GRE of 38, meaning that its impact was estimated to be equivalent to the risk caused by 38 percentiles higher PRS for colorectal neoplasm.

DISCUSSION:

Excess weight and polygenic risk are associated with increased risk of colorectal neoplasms in a multiplicative manner. Maintaining normal weight is estimated to have an equivalent effect as having 38 percentiles lower PRS.
MEASUREMENTS OS PROJECTION AND ROTATION OF THE NASAL TIP IN PRIMARY RHINOSEPTOPLASTY: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Silva Ana Paula Perin Maia da , Moraes Daniela Dranka de
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Postoperative scarring can later modify the structure of the nose and there are few articles found in the literature that demonstrate anthropometric measurements in the evolution of the postoperative period of rhinoseptoplasty. Objective: To identify variations in projection and rotation results of the nasal tip after primary rhinoseptoplasty with the course of healing. Materials and methods: A literature review on projection and rotation of the nasal tip in primary rhinoseptoplasty, in addition to the illustration of three clinical cases of caucasian patients with medium skin who underwent open primary rhinoseptoplasty. Results: In the three illustrated cases, there was an increase in the rotation of the nasal tip in the seven-day postoperative, with an average of 13.68º in the female cases and 5.15º in the male case. There was an average reduction of 2.41º after six months of healing. There was no pattern of variation in the tip projection measurement. Discussion: The rotation of the nasal tip is measured from the nasolabial angle and the projection is equivalent to the distance that it projects from the face, which can be measured using the Goode method. Currently, one of the biggest discussions in rhinoplasty is the long-term maintenance of tip rotation and projection in closed access techniques with columellar strut and structured open access techniques using the septal extension graft. Conclusion: The rotation of the nasal tip varies considerably in the initial postoperative period, but it drops on average 2-3º six months later. The projection of the nasal tip did not present great differences. For more significant results, studies with a larger number of patients are necessary.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRICK TEST PRE AND POST SUBLINGUAL IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Authors: Saito Fernanda Laís , Marroni Gabriela Alves , Soares Pedro Aguiar , Durski Gustavo Malucelli , Mizoguchi Flavio Massao
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is an immune-mediated reaction, the diagnosis of which can be complemented with the immediate hypersensitivity skin test using the prick test. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is indicated for specific cases and is the only disease-modifying treatment. So far, there is not a biomarker to objectively monitor its evolution. Objectives: To compare the degree of pre- and post-sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) skin sensitization in patients with allergic rhinitis, in order to validate the prick test as an objective measure of response to treatment. Material and methods: Observational, analytical and retrospective study, which compared, for each allergen, the skin reactions of the prick test before and after starting sublingual immunotherapy. Results: 71 patients were included. There was a reduction in skin sensitization in patients undergoing SLIT to grasses (p0.05). A positive correlation was found between the interval of skin tests and the reduction of skin sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Discussion: The prick test can be considered an objective marker of response to treatment only for patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. The present study suggests that the longer the SLIT, the greater the reduction in skin sensitization, evidencing the importance of completing the treatment for a better outcome. Conclusion: Studies are still needed to determine an objective marker of treatment response that reliably correlates with the patient’s clinical response.
Exploration of Course Ideological and Political Reform in Cultural and Art Courses Empowered by the Metaverse
Authors: Fu Bing
Published: May 2024

Course ideological and political education, as an important part of moral education and talent cultivation in higher education, reflects the fundamental purpose of higher education in teaching and educating people. The ideological and political education in cultural and artistic courses in universities should adapt to the development of digital technology and innovate teaching methods, and combine the development of the metaverse and service design thinking to carry out ideological and political education reform. The article combines the background of the metaverse era, from classroom teaching to online teaching to practical teaching, to explore how to better utilize the metaverse to reform ideological and political education in cultural and artistic courses. By combining the metaverse context to enhance the effectiveness of ideological and political education in cultural and artistic courses, and by expanding the functions of the metaverse platform and designing teaching methods to comprehensively enhance students' comprehensive literacy, it promotes the reform of ideological and political education in higher education courses and serves the high-quality development process of national economic, social, and cultural construction.
Accelerating Sampling and Aggregation Operations in GNN Frameworks with GPU Initiated Direct Storage Accesses
Authors: Park Jeongmin Brian , Mailthody Vikram Sharma , Qureshi Zaid , Hwu Wen-mei
Published: May 2024

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) are emerging as a powerful tool for learning from graph-structured data and performing sophisticated inference tasks in various application domains. Although GNNs have been shown to be effective on modest-sized graphs, training them on large-scale graphs remains a significant challenge due to the lack of efficient storage access and caching methods for graph data. Existing frameworks for training GNNs use CPUs for graph sampling and feature aggregation, while the training and updating of model weights are executed on GPUs. However, our in-depth profiling shows CPUs cannot achieve the graph sampling and feature aggregation throughput required to keep up with GPUs. Furthermore, when the graph and its embeddings do not fit in the CPU memory, the overhead introduced by the operating system, say for handling page-faults, causes gross under-utilization of hardware and prolonged end-to-end execution time.

To address these issues, we propose the GPU Initiated Direct Storage Access (GIDS) dataloader, to enable GPU-oriented GNN training for large-scale graphs while efficiently utilizing all hardware resources, such as CPU memory, storage, and GPU memory. The GIDS dataloader first addresses memory capacity constraints by enabling GPU threads to directly fetch feature vectors from storage. Then, we introduce a set of innovative solutions, including the dynamic storage access accumulator, constant CPU buffer, and GPU software cache with window buffering, to balance resource utilization across the entire system for improved end-to-end training throughput. Our evaluation using a single GPU on terabyte-scale GNN datasets shows that the GIDS dataloader accelerates the overall DGL GNN training pipeline by up to 582× when compared to the current, state-of-the-art DGL dataloader.
OEBench: Investigating Open Environment Challenges in Real-World Relational Data Streams
Authors: Diao Yiqun , Yang Yutong , Li Qinbin , He Bingsheng , Lu Mian
Published: May 2024

How to get insights from relational data streams in a timely manner is a hot research topic. Data streams can present unique challenges, such as distribution drifts, outliers, emerging classes, and changing features, which have recently been described as open environment challenges for machine learning. While existing studies have been done on incremental learning for data streams, their evaluations are mostly conducted with synthetic datasets. Thus, a natural question is how those open environment challenges look like and how existing incremental learning algorithms perform on real-world relational data streams. To fill this gap, we develop an Open Environment Benchmark named OEBench to evaluate open environment challenges in real-world relational data streams. Specifically, we investigate 55 real-world relational data streams and establish that open environment scenarios are indeed widespread, which presents significant challenges for stream learning algorithms. Through benchmarks with existing incremental learning algorithms, we find that increased data quantity may not consistently enhance the model accuracy when applied in open environment scenarios, where machine learning models can be significantly compromised by missing values, distribution drifts, or anomalies in real-world data streams. The current techniques are insufficient in effectively mitigating these challenges brought by open environments. More researches are needed to address real-world open environment challenges. All datasets and code are open-sourced in https://github.com/Xtra-Computing/OEBench.
MetaStore: Analyzing Deep Learning Meta-Data at Scale
Authors: Zhang Huayi , Yan Binwei , Cao Lei , Madden Samuel , Rundensteiner Elke
Published: May 2024

The process of training deep learning models produces a huge amount of meta-data, including but not limited to losses, hidden feature embeddings, and gradients. Model diagnosis tools have been developed to analyze losses and feature embeddings with the aim to improve the performance of these models. However, gradients, despite carrying rich information that is potentially relevant for model interpretation and data debugging, have yet to be fully explored due to their size and complexity. Each single gradient has a size as large as the number of parameters of the neural net - often measured in the tens of millions. This makes it extremely challenging to efficiently collect, store, and analyze large numbers of gradients in these models. In this work, we develop MetaStore to fill this gap. MetaStore leverages our observation that storing certain compact intermediate results produced in the back propagation process, namely, the prefix and suffix gradients, is sufficient for the exact restoration of the original gradient. These prefix and suffix gradients are much more compact than the original gradients, thus allowing us to address the gradient collection and storage challenges. Furthermore, MetaStore features a rich set of analytics operators that allow the users to analyze the gradients for data debugging or model interpretation. Rather than first having to restore the original gradients and then run analytics on top of this decompressed view, MetaStore directly executes these operators on the compact prefix and suffix structures, making gradient-based analytics efficient and scalable. Our experiments on popular deep learning models such as VGG, BERT, and ResNet and benchmark image and text datasets demonstrate that MetaStore outperforms strong baseline methods from 4 to 678x in storage costs and from 2 to 1000x in running time.
Disruption of the c‐terminal serine protease domain of Fam111a does not alter calcium homeostasis in mice
Authors: Tan Rebecca Siu Ga , Lee Christy Hui Lin , Pan Wanling , Wohlgemuth Serene , Doschak Michael R. , Alexander R. Todd
Published: May 2024

FAM111A gene mutations cause Kenney–Caffey syndrome (KCS) and Osteocraniostenosis (OCS), conditions characterized by short stature, low serum ionized calcium (Ca2+), low parathyroid hormone (PTH), and bony abnormalities. The molecular mechanism mediating this phenotype is unknown. The c‐terminal domain of FAM111A harbors all the known disease‐causing variations and encodes a domain with high homology to serine proteases. However, whether this serine protease domain contributes to the maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis is not known. We hypothesized the disruption of the serine protease domain of FAM111A would disrupt Ca2+ homeostasis. To test this hypothesis, we generated with CRISPR/Cas9, mice with a frameshift insertion (c.1450insA) or large deletion (c.1253‐1464del) mutation in the Fam111a serine protease domain. Serum‐ionized Ca2+ and PTH levels were not significantly different between wild type, heterozygous, or homozygous Fam111a mutant mice. Additionally, there were no significant differences in fecal or urine Ca2+ excretion, intestinal Ca2+ absorption or overall Ca2+ balance. Only female homozygous (c.1450insA), but not heterozygous mice displayed differences in bone microarchitecture and mineral density compared to wild‐type animals. We conclude that frameshift mutations that disrupt the c‐terminal serine protease domain do not induce a KCS or OCS phenotype in mice nor alter Ca2+ homeostasis.
Association between arterial health and cognition in adolescents: The PANIC study
Authors: Jalanko Petri , Bond Bert , Laukkanen Jari A. , Brage Soren , Ekelund Ulf , Laitinen Tomi , Määttä Sara , Kähönen Mika , Haapala Eero A. , Lakka Timo A.
Published: May 2024

We investigated the associations of the measures of arterial health with cognition in adolescents and whether physical activity (PA) or sedentary time (ST) confounds these associations. One hundred sixteen adolescents (71 boys) aged 15.9 ± 0.4 participated in the study. PA and ST were assessed using a combined accelerometer/heart rate monitor. Overall cognition was computed from the results of psychomotor function, attention, working memory, and paired‐associate learning tests. Pulse wave velocity was measured by impedance cardiography, carotid intima‐media thickness, and carotid artery distensibility by carotid ultrasonography. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured using an aneroid sphygmomanometer. SBP was inversely associated with overall cognition (standardized regression coefficient [β] = −0.216, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.406 to −0.027, p = 0.025). Pulse wave velocity (β = −0.199, 95% CI −0.382 to −0.017, p = 0.033) was inversely associated with working memory task accuracy. SBP was directly associated with reaction time in the attention (β = 0.256, 95% CI 0.069 to 0.443, p = 0.008) and errors in the paired‐associate learning tasks (β = 0.308, 95% CI 0.126 to 0.489, p = 0.001). Blood pressure was inversely associated with overall cognition. PA or ST did not confound the associations. Results suggest that preventing high blood pressure is important for promoting cognition in adolescents.
The First Croatian to Arrive in China, Jesuit Ivan Vreman (1583–1620)
Authors: Peng Yuchao
Published: May 2024

The Croatian Jesuit Ivan Vreman is recorded in historical literature as the first Croatian to arrive in China. He was born in Split, Dalmatia in 1583, joined the Jesuit Order in 1600, set sail from Portugal for Asia in 1615, arrived first in Macao of China in 1616, and then traveled northward into the mainland of China. He died of illness in Nanchang in 1620 at the age of 37. This article, with the help of historical materials in Croatian, Latin, English, Chinese, and other languages, reconstructs the life of Ivan Vreman and the history of cultural exchange between the East and the West in the late Ming dynasty from several aspects, including his educational background, scientific achievements, missionary journey to the East, and experiences in China.
Exploring the evolving landscape of human-centred crisis informatics: current challenges and future trends
Authors: Kaufhold Marc-André
Published: May 2024

Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been used in safety-critical situations for over twenty years. Rooted in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and related disciplines, the field of crisis informatics made considerable efforts to investigate social media use and role patterns in crises, facilitate the collection, processing and refinement of social media data, design and evaluate supportive ICT, and provide cumulative and longitudinal research. This narrative review examines contemporary challenges of human-centred crisis informatics and envision trends for the following decade, including (I) a broadening scope of crisis informatics, (II) the professionalisation of cross-platform collaboration of citizen communities and emergency services, (III) expert interfaces for explainable and multimodal artificial intelligence for user-generated content assessment, (IV) internet of things and mobile apps for bidirectional communication and warnings in disruption-tolerant networks, as well as (V) digital twins and virtual reality for the effective training of multi-agency collaboration in hybrid hazards.
Cu(II) complexes using acylhydrazones or cyclen for biocidal antifouling coatings
Authors: Robinson Hannah , Daines Alison M. , Brackovic Amira , Williams D. Bradley G. , Sims Ian M. , Hinkley Simon F.R.
Published: May 2024

Copper and copper-based compounds have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, but concerns about leaching into the environment and toxicity on non-target organisms is leading the use of copper-based coatings being restricted. Our objective was to develop coatings that used the biocidal activity of copper, but with low negative impacts by reducing its leaching into the environment. This study reports the synthesis and characterisation of copper coordinating ligands, their formulation into coatings and testing of their antibacterial activity. A polyacylhydrazone and a series of simple acylhydrazones were synthesised and coordinated to Cu(II), but were considered unsuitable due to either their poor water-solubility or high levels of copper leaching. In an alternative approach, copper was successfully chelated to the tetraazamacrocycle, cyclen, and used to synthesise Cu(II)-cyclen functionalised silica particles, which were successfully combined with commercial paint formulations. These functionalised products showed poor antibacterial activity when incorporated into epoxy coatings, probably due to the low copper content of the formulations. However, these ligands may have other applications, such as removal of heavy metals from contaminated effluent steams.
Mechanisms of Centralisation towards a Post-Yugoslav Dominant Class: The Case of Slovenia
Authors: González-Villa Carlos
Published: May 2024

This article analyses Slovenia’s independent statehood as the result of interactions between three relatively autonomous societal groups which had coexisted, albeit not harmoniously, since the liberal reforms of 1960s socialist Yugoslavia: the political bureaucracy, the ideological–cultural bureaucracy, and the technocracy. The transformation of these three groups into the dominant class in the newly independent Slovenia materialised through mechanisms of mediation of state power, as identified by Göran Therborn. Specifically, these mechanisms of centralising the three groups consisted of coercion, ideology, and extraction. Over the course of the 1980s, the three groups coordinated and began to project themselves as one class. They presented themselves to the working class through the emerging state institutions, and completed the transition to capitalism in Slovenia by dismantling the Yugoslav federation. Ultimately, the configuration of this dominant class through the process leading towards sovereignty created the conditions for its subsequent reproduction.
Wenn Natur technisierte Gesellschaft stabilisieren soll: Zur Relevanz soziogeologischer Relationen in der Entsorgung radioaktiver Abfälle
Authors: Schürkmann Christiane
Published: May 2024

Am Fall der Entsorgung radioaktiver Abfälle analysiert der Beitrag, wie Gesellschaften Wissen über ihre Tiefengründe produzieren, um langfristig stabile Entsorgungsszenarien zu entwickeln. Hierzu wird untersucht, wie geologische Formationen in ein solches Entsorgungsvorhaben eingebunden bzw. gar als handlungstragend adressiert werden. Im Zentrum der Untersuchung stehen soziogeologische Relationen im Feld der naturwissenschaftlichen Endlagerforschung. Aus einer soziomateriell orientierten ethnografischen Perspektive wird gezeigt, wie Wirtsgesteinen stabilisierende Fähigkeiten aber auch Anfälligkeiten mit Blick auf Endlagervorhaben zugeschrieben werden. Zudem wird das Experimentieren mit ‚endlagerrelevanten‘ Materialien in Laboratorien fokussiert. Ziel des Beitrags ist die Formulierung einer Soziologie der Entsorgung im Gefüge von Natur, Technik und Gesellschaft.
The Effect of Different Priming Applications on The Germination of Seeds of Some Hazelnut Cultivars
Authors: Karakoyun Merve , Öztürk Erdem Sinem
Published: May 2024

In this study, the germination of pericarp and non-pericarp-free seeds of the Kara and Tombul cultivars was examined in relation to the effects of hormonal and hydro-priming treatments. According to the results, the control group produced the best pericarp seed of the Kara variety in terms of germination rate, root length, root fresh-dry weight, plant fresh-dry weight, and number of leaves. The seeds of the Kara variety without pericarp, 60 minutes of Perlan + 2 days of soaking in water in the control group (56 seeds), and the pericarpless seeds of the Kara variety, respectively, and the seeds with pericarp of the best Tombul variety (53.6 units), produced the best results when the root diameters were measured. The application of 30 minutes of Perlan plus two days of soaking in water to the seeds without pericarp of the Kara cultivar produced the best results in terms of leaf area, and the control group produced the best results for the amount of chlorophyll in the seeds without pericarp of the Tombul and Kara cultivars.
Role of climate change on Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis L.): Modeling and mapping
Authors: Acarer Ahmet
Published: May 2024

Global climate change is a process with dramatic consequences for ecosystems, and changes that may occur in the potential distribution of plant communities especially draw attention. This study aimed to reveal the potential distribution modeling and mapping of the Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis L.), distributed in a limited area, using current and future (year 2100) climate scenarios in Turkey. The maximum entropy method for potential distribution and Chelsa V2.1 technical specification IPSL-CM6A-LR scenarios (SSP126-SSP370-SSP585) were preferred to reveal the effect of climate change. Results for the current were in the “excellent” category with training and test data AUC 0.981 and 0.977, respectively. The variables contributing to the model were the precipitation amount of the driest month, mean diurnal air temperature range, annual precipitation amount, and mean annual air temperature. Variables contributing to the current model were analysed using the SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585 scenarios of the year 2100. It was assessed that the potential distribution for 2100 decreases according to SSP126, was fragmented according to SSP370, and decreased according to the SSP585 scenario. As a result, the authors determined that the high potential distribution is reduced 61% when the current mapping of Oriental spruce is compared with the SSP585 mapping.
Turbomachinery element vibrations considering structural imperfections and energy dissipation
Authors:   G.S. Pisarenko Institute for Problems of Strength of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv., Derkach O.L. , Savchenko K.V. ,   G.S. Pisarenko Institute for Problems of Strength of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv., Onyshchenko Ye.O. ,   G.S. Pisarenko Institute for Problems of Strength of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv., Kabannyk S.M. ,   G.S. Pisarenko Institute for Problems of Strength of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv.
Published: May 2024

The monograph summarizes the research results on the influence of structural and operational factors on the vibrational stress of turbine blades and their systems. An overview of the current state of research on methods to ensure vibration reliability is conducted, namely ways to reduce the vibrational stress of turbine structural elements and methods of vibration diagnostics for damage detection. The influence of design factors on the vibrational stress of turbine blade assemblies is analyzed, and prospective methods for active damping their vibrations are presented. Methodologies for experimental and numerical determination of dissipative properties of structural materials are presented, including promising applications of polymer composites, as well as methods for analyzing passive, structural, and aerodynamic damping of blade vibrations and their models. Based on developed refined models of multilayer plates, the effectiveness of active damping of non-stationary vibrations using piezoelectric pads is justified, considering energy dissipation in the material. The theoretical basics of methods for vibration diagnostics of fatigue cracks in turbine blades and their beam models are developed. A complex of computational studies of vibrodiagnostic signs of local damages such as breathing cracks in beam structural elements of rectangular and circular cross-sections, as well as turbine blades of aviation gas turbine engine turbines, is carried out based on the analysis of the relationship of amplitudes of dominant harmonics at super- and subharmonic resonances. The research results on the influence of the inclination angle of the contact surfaces of the blades shrouds and temperature-stress factors on their dynamic stress-strain state are presented. The influence of cyclic symmetry inhomogeneity due to design and technological factors on the vibrational stress of interblade couplings of the first stage low-pressure compressor wheel with cantilever-mounted blades and a packet of shrouded turbine blades is considered. A methodology for determining the stability limits of blade rings to a subsonic flutter of axial compressor is described. As a result of experimental and computational studies for a straight compressor blade profile cascade in a wide range of its geometric parameters, a database of critical values of the reduced frequency of the first flexural mode vibrations of cantilever blades is formed, which allows predicting their stability to subsonic flutter at the initial stage of design. For scientists and engineers involved in the dynamics and strength of machines. 244 pages (including 141 figures, 18 tables).
Paisajes mineros en un área marginal del Reyno de Chile: un abordaje desde la antropología-ambiental al Corregimiento de Cuyo (1683-1756)
Authors: Sironi Osvaldo
Published: May 2024

Este trabajo analiza las características de las actividades minero-metalúrgicas desarrolladas en la región periférica andina de Cuyo (Argentina) durante el primer siglo XVIII, según la periodización propuesta por Contreras Carranza. Desde una perspectiva que fusiona la Antropología Histórica y la Historia Ambiental, analizaremos el rol que ejerció esta actividad en la dinámica sociohistórica del área, a partir de las estrategias tecnológicas desplegadas en la explotación y producción de minerales, como así también en la identificación de los grupos socio-étnicos que fueron afectados a las labores registradas en el área de estudio. Asimismo, esta fusión disciplinar nos permitirá construir categorías analíticas para comprender el modo de producción del impacto socioambiental sincrónico y/o diacrónico de los asientos mineros del mundo colonial tardío de Cuyo.
Opinión Pública sobre Transferencias Monetarias para Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes en Perú
Authors: Blofield Merike , Martínez Franzoni Juliana , Pieper Johanna
Published: May 2024

La pobreza infantil es un reto multidimensional y décadas de evidencia demuestran que el acceso a transferencias monetarias periódicas puede proveer una protección sencilla y eficaz contra la pobreza, especialmente la pobreza extrema. Una encuesta telefónica representativa realizada en Perú durante julio del 2022 indica un apoyo muy elevado (90 %) a un programa de transferencias monetarias dirigido a niños, niñas y adolescentes. Además, el 97 % apoya fijar el valor de las transferencias en, al menos, la canasta básica de alimentos, un valor ocho veces superior al de las transferencias actuales que se dan en el país. Finalmente, la opinión está dividida en cuanto a los criterios de elegibilidad: casi el 60 % de las personas encuestadas apoya restringir el programa a quienes se encuentran en extrema pobreza, mientras el 40 % está a favor de criterios de elegibilidad más amplios, que incluyan al menos a la totalidad de niños, niñas y adolescentes en situación de pobreza.
Ethnographic Journalism and the Public Understanding of Religion
Authors: Chitwood Ken
Published: May 2024

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Some Kind of Liberating Effect
Authors: Severino Valerio
Published: May 2024

In The Buzz, our editorial team discusses hot topics in the academic study of religion. The Bulletin for the Study of Religion is pleased to have screened scholar and director Valerio Severino’s Some Kind of Liberating Effect, a 2023 documentary on the academic study of religion as it has developed in Central Europe. Bulletin Editor Richard Newton had the privilege of speaking with Severino about the film as well as the craft and historiography behind it. You can see the film at https://youtu.be/A6IRpf_pBaY?si=0Wl4q6pxg4iB5VDe.
Talking Fieldwork with Rebekka King
Authors: Newton Richard , Heaton Stephen , King Rebekka
Published: May 2024

In The Interview, we chat with movers and shakers whose contributions help us think about the field. Bulletin Editor, Richard Newton, and Editorial Assistant, Stephen Heaton sat down with Rebekka King. King is Professor of Religious Studies at Middle Tennessee State University and faculty resident at MTSU’s Honors College. We learned about Rebekka’s work in the anthropology of Christianity, her recent book, The New Heretics: Skepticism, Secularism, and Progressive Christianity (NYU Press, 2023), and her tenure as president of the North American Association for the Study of Religion (2021–2023).
Analysis of the frequency of cervical pathology manifestation in permanent teeth of different groups
Authors: Masna Zoriana , Yakymovych Danylo
Published: May 2024

Cervical tooth lesions today belong to the most common dental pathologies characterized by a pronounced tendency to increase.
The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of various types of cervical pathology in formed permanent teeth.
Material and methods. The randomized group of examined patients included 200 middle-aged individuals (100 males and 100 females). The examination included collecting anamnestic data and examining the oral cavity and teeth to identify cervical caries and non-carious lesions of cervical localization.
Results. Various types of cervical tooth pathology were found in 45 % of the total number of examined patients. The highest percentage among cervical lesions belongs to cervical caries (28.5 %). The frequency of cervical erosions is 16 %, and wedge-shaped defects - 13.5 %. Cervical caries and erosions are more often detected in males, while wedge-shaped defects are more common in females. In females, isolated cervical caries are most frequently manifested (36 %), and isolated wedge-shaped defects and erosions are less frequent (16 % and 17 % respectively). The least frequent manifestation in females is the combined lesion of teeth with wedge-shaped defects and erosions (5 %). In males, isolated cervical caries is most frequently detected (42 %), isolated erosions are nearly twice less common (23 %), and isolated wedge-shaped defects (8 %) and combined lesions of teeth with wedge-shaped defects and erosions (4 %) are the least frequent. All types of cervical pathology most often affect premolars, less often incisors, and least often molars.
Conclusions. 45 % of middle-aged individuals seeking dental care have cervical tooth lesions, with the highest percentage being cervical caries. Cervical caries and erosions are more common in males, while wedge-shaped defects are more common in females. All types of cervical pathology most often affect premolars and, least often, molars
Development of an emulsion composition with fennel and caraway essential oils for use in the combined therapy of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Shmalko Oleksandr , Kovalova Tetiana , Bodnar Liubov , Kovalov Volodymyr , Yakovenko Volodymyr , Vyshnevska Liliia
Published: May 2024

The aim of the study is to develop the composition of an emulsion containing essential oils of Fennel and Caraway seeds for use in the symptomatic complex therapy of ulcerative colitis with the aim of eliminating functional intestinal disorders.
Materials and methods. The objects of the study were samples of emulsions containing active pharmaceutical ingredients (essential oils of Fennel and Caraway), purified water, oils (refined sunflower oil, refined olive oil, refined sesame oil), emulsifiers (polyethylene glycol 40 hydrogenated castor oil, polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol 100 stearate, acacia gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, soya lecithin), viscosity regulator - apple pectin and flavouring agents (food additives with cherry and tarragon flavour).
Organoleptic properties, stability, rheological parameters, pH, particle size determination by microscopy, and a taste test were carried out with model emulsion samples. Research to establish the optimal technological parameters was carried out in parallel.
Results. The main parameters of the technological process have been established, which allow to obtain an emulsion with evenly distributed particles: 15 minutes at maximum speed. The concentration of emulsifiers at which the emulsions are stable was selected. It was found that the samples containing polyethylene glycol 100 stearate, gums, and soy lecithin have satisfactory organoleptic properties.
The sample with soy lecithin emulsifier differs from the others in its ability to form microemulsions, but it has low viscosity. To improve the rheological properties, apple pectin was added to the emulsion.
The taste test showed that among vegetable oils, refined sesame oil has a more neutral taste, and the flavouring additive "Tarkhun" balances the taste better.
The release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from the emulsion base was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography.
Conclusions. A microemulsion with essential oils based on refined sesame oil, soy lecithin, with the addition of viscosity and flavour correctors was developed. The obtained emulsion has satisfactory organoleptic properties and conforms to the requirements for emulsion quality indicators