bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Нарративы христианизации в формировании коми литературной традиции (XIV – начало XX вв.)
Authors: Лимеров Павел
Published: May 2023

Специфика изучения процессов формирования национальных литературных традиций сегодня является одним из приоритетных направлений науки о литературе. Преемственность, взаимосвязи и взаимодействия национальных литератур мыслятся как важнейшая проблема литературоведения, определяющая литературу России во всей её полноте. Как отмечают авторы «Предисловия» коллективной монографии «Пермские литературы в контексте финно-угорской культуры и русской словесности» (Ванюшев и др. 2014: 5), «Исследование феномена российской литературы как уникального явления, синтезировавшего в себе философский и нравственный опыт, художественное слово многих народов, – глобальная задача современного литературоведения, решение которой возможно на пути системного изучения промежуточных межлитературных общностей, их внутренних свойств и взаимных отношений». Системное изучение литературной традиции неизбежно предполагает постановку вопроса о её абсолютном начале, о тех когнитивных процессах, которые привели к возникновению литературы. Традиционно считается, что так называемые молодые или «младописьменные» литературы берут своё начало в фольклоре (Ванюшев и др. 2014: 7; Владыкина 2014: 13), при этом не учитывается, что фольклор сам по себе может порождать только фольклорные тексты, а литературное освоение фольклора уже свидетельствует о наличии художественного сознания. В этом смысле актуально изучение самого процесса перехода от фольклорно-мифологического типа сознания к сознанию художественному как к «духовной или ментальной доминанте собственно художественности» (Созина 2001: 9). Толчком для такого перехода справедливо полагается освоение национальной словесностью опыта русской литературы, благодаря которому начиная с середины XIX в. и наиболее интенсивно с первой четверти ХХ в. формируются каноны национальных (и региональных) литературных традиций России.
A novel smart multilevel security approach for secure data outsourcing in crisis
Authors: Sarhan Akram Y.
Published: May 2023

The Interconnected Network or the Internet has revolutionized digital communications. It has expanded worldwide over the past four decades due to numerous features such as connectivity, transparency, hierarchy, and openness. Several drawbacks, including mobility, scalability, controllability, security, etc., have been presented due to continuous developments. Although several network paradigms exist to address such drawbacks, many issues still persist. This research proposed a future network paradigm that addresses multilevel security shortcomings. It suggested the following: (i) a two-router network-based cyber security architecture for multilevel data sharing; (ii) using a scheduler to deal with the multilevel transmitted packets scheduling problem; (iii) five algorithms for the studied difficult problem; and (iv) providing an experimental result to show the optimal results obtained by the developed algorithms and comparing it with algorithms in the literature. The experimental result shows that the random-grouped classification with shortest scheduling algorithm (RGS) performed the best at 37.7% with a gap of 0.03. This result proves the practicality of our approach in terms of two-machine scheduling problems.
Gestão de riscos e fatores de sucesso em projetos de TI em uma instituição pública: teoria e prática
Authors: Alves Priscilla Souza Ramos , Monteiro Simone Borges Simão , Grubisic Viviane Vasconcellos Ferreira
Published: May 2023

A gestão de riscos tem se destacado nas organizações, e se tornado essencial para o apoio a tomada de decisões que impactam positiva ou negativamente a administração pública do Governo Brasileiro. Porém, existem diversos desafios que precisam ser tratados para uma gestão de riscos eficiente. Dentro deste contexto, o objetivo da presente pesquisa consiste em verificar se existe lacuna entre o conhecimento teórico e a prática de gestão de riscos, e verificar se fatores como escopo, custo, prazo e qualidade interferem no sucesso dos projetos de Tecnologia da Informação. A pesquisa utilizou como técnica para coleta de dados um questionário aplicado em 221 profissionais da área de Tecnologia da Informação. Os resultados mostraram, por meio de análises estatísticas, que existe uma discrepância da teoria e o uso prático da gestão de riscos de projeto de Tecnologia da Informação. Além disso, verificou-se que há impacto significativo e positivo dos fatores de gerenciamento de projetos no sucesso dos projetos. O que possibilita que o presente trabalho sirva de base para novos estudos em outros setores e áreas de conhecimento de gestão de riscos de projetos de Tecnologia da Informação.
Rural Perspectives on Suicide Prevention in Canada
Authors: Thomson Andrea E. , Waddell-Henowitch Candice , Herron Rachel , Epp Donna , Rauch Kyrra , Ryan Kimberley D. , Mullins Sharran
Published: May 2023

Rural residence has been identified as a risk factor for suicide, especially for men. Little qualitative research exists on rural suicide, which might help deepen understandings of prevention strategies within rural places. Therefore, virtual focus groups were held across six Canadian provinces to give voice to rural community members and service workers about suicide prevention. Barriers to accessing services and the need to strengthen rural support networks were discussed. Enhancing peer support was highlighted as a strategy to better address the needs of rural Canadians.
Determinants of Banking Sector Efficiency in Kenya: Application of Non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Model
Authors: Ikapel Francis O. , Namusonge Gregory S. , Sakwa Maurice M.
Published: May 2023

The financial system plays an important role in the economic development and financial stability of a country. Banks play a critical role in facilitating stability of the financial system and economic development. Evaluating the determinants of banking efficiency therefore provides insight to establish the target factors that influence efficiency to facilitate inefficiency identification and elimination.

The study’s objective was to evaluate the determinants of banking sector efficiency in Kenya for the period 2006 to 2017. Secondary data were collected from the annual reports and financial statements of 10 commercial banks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The analysis was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach was used to compute the efficiency scores. In the second stage, panel regression analysis was then performed to evaluate the determinants of efficiency. The results showed that Capital Adequacy and Market Capitalization are significant in determining the Efficiency of a bank, p =0.0315< 0.05 and p=0.0253< 0.05 respectively. Further, bank size (p = 0.000< 0.05), capital adequacy (p = 0.0014< 0.05), leverage (p = 0.0000< 0.05) and Liquidity risk (p = 0.0000< 0.05) have a significant effect on Scale Efficiency. Market capitalization (p = 0.5056>0.05) is statistically insignificant in influencing the Scale Efficiency of the bank. From the findings, the study, therefore, concludes that, bank size, capital adequacy, liquidity risk, leverage and market capitalization have a significant effect on bank efficiency. The study recommends that bank managers should focus on improving management quality by ensuring compliance with prudential guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Kenya. Particularly, bank managers should ensure capital adequacy and market capitalization requirements are met since they are found to be the key drivers of efficiency and performance. Further, maintaining an optimal bank size, market capitalization, appropriate liquidity risk and leverage level is significant in guaranteeing improved performance.
Numerical Simulations and Fish Diversity in Relation to Physico-chemical Parameters of Four Aquatic Stations in Badagry Division, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Olarinde Mekuleyi Gabriel , Olabode Joseph Olufemi , Senapon Wusu Ashiribo , Akorede Badmos Lateef , Agenuma Anetekhai Martins
Published: May 2023

Aim: This study investigated common fish assemblages in four aquatic stations (Gbaji, Topo, Agboju and Ajegunle) in relation to physico-chemical parameters of its water and as well simulates numerical values of the physico-chemical parameters for year 2024.

Methodology: Data were collected and computed using standard methods and algorithm machine learning model respectively. Statistical tools employed include ANOVA and Pearson correlation (r) test. All the parameters (except turbidity, chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand) were within standard permissible limits.

Results: The results of Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that increase in amount of fish species in the sampling stations was significantly and strongly linked to the decrease in value of biochemical oxygen demand (r = −0.571, P=.05), total dissolved solids (r= −0.696, P=.05) and conductivity (r=−0.882, P<0.01) while increase in number of fish species was significantly and strongly linked to the increase in value of dissolved oxygen(r= 0.991, P=.05).  However, salinity (r= 0.387), sulphate (r = 0.212) and turbidity (r= 0.282) had weak positive relationship with the number of fish species. The prediction by the machine learning algorithm modeling system revealed that at Agboju, total hardness would exceed permissible limit in February and September, carbondioxide (C02) in February, May and June, 2024.On the other hand, level of C02 at Ajegunle would exceed permissible limit in January, May, August and September, and total hardness in November, 2024. For both Agboju and Ajegunle, turbidity and chemical oxygen demand level would exceed limits throughout the months in year 2024.

Conclusion: Hence, effects of higher parameters could results in declination of distribution of demersal fish species which often shuttle between the water bottom and surface.
Unsustainable Agricultural Practices as a Driver of Soil Degradation in Santa Sub-Division, North West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Jocien Siyir Kinyuy , Frederick Nfor
Published: May 2023

This research sets out to investigate unsustainable agricultural practices as a driver of soil degradation in Santa sub-division, North West Region of Cameroon. The major types of agricultural practices studied were bush fallowing, slash-and-burn, shifting cultivation and bush fire. The study assessed the various agricultural activities that have occurred on the environment over time and space. The causes of unsustainable agriculture were identified to be overgrazing, deforestation, climate change and population growth. The study made use of primary and secondary data sources. Major primary data sources included field observation, interviews and administering of questionnaires. Data collected were presented in the form of tables, charts and pictures and subjected to interpretation. A soil test was equally carried out based on some chemical properties on selected sites in Santa sub- division. The findings revealed that unsustainable agricultural practices in this zone contributes to soil degradation. Climate change was seen to have a silver lining in the crop sector. Declining soil fertility and climate change were some of the major problems faced by farmers in Santa. Mixed crop farming, crop rotation, soil management practices and mulching were recommended to limit or stop soil degradation in Santa. Finally, it was recommended that farmers should incorporate more environmentally friendly trees into      their farm lands since scattered trees on farmlands improve soil fertility more.
Assessment of Median Lethal Dose and Target Organ Toxicity of Oral Sub-chronic Administration of Newbouldia laevis in Mice and Rat Model of Toxicity
Authors: Mbagwu Ikechukwu Sonne , Orji Uchechukwu Harrison , Ani Njideka Ifeoma , Iyanyi Uchechukwu Loveth , Ajaghaku Amara Anwuchaepe , Ajaghaku Daniel Lotanna
Published: May 2023

The acute and sub-chronic toxicities of the leaf extract of Newbouldia laevis, an ethnomedicinal herb use in the management of diabetes mellitus was investigated. For the acute toxicity study, 10 – 5000 mg/kg of the extract were administered orally to mice and obvious signs of toxic symptoms and mortality monitored for 24 h post extract administration. In the sub-chronic study, 302 and 604 mg/kg of the extract were orally administered daily for 90 days. Body weight changes as well as haematological and biochemical parameters were determined periodically. Qualitative phytochemistry was also conducted. Presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, reducing sugar, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids and glycosides phytocompounds in the extract were detected. The oral LD50 was estimated to be above 5,000 mg/kg in mice. Ninety days oral administration of ethanol extract of N. laevis produced a significant (P<0.05) reduction in body weight at 604 mg/kg on the 31st day and at both 302 and 604 mg/kg on the 61st and 91st days compared to 5% Tween 20 vehicle control group. For liver function enzymes, the extract at both doses (302 and 604 mg/kg) produced significant (P<0.05) reduction in serum ALT enzyme activity at the 91st day with non-significant reduction in other liver function enzymes compared to vehicle control group. Non-significant changes were also recorded for haematological and kidney function markers. The results from this study provide evidence for safety profile of the ethanol leaves extract of N. laevis thus supportive of its validity in the use for treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes.
Oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer and its potential role in immunotherapy
Authors: Yu Yu , Wu Yingjie , Zhang Yixing , Lu Mengxiao , Su Xiaobao
Published: May 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death and the fifth most common malignant tumor globally. However, the clinical efficacy of conventional therapies is limited. Currently, immunotherapy is considered an effective therapeutic strategy for the management of various cancers, especially GC, but is of only limited benefit for GC patients. Accumulating evidence has revealed that oxidative stress plays a critical role in the regulation of immune responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME), affecting the efficacy of immunotherapies. Reactive oxygen species exert critical roles in enhancing antigen presentation, regulating immune responses, and preventing immunoescape. In this review, we summarize the dominant cancer immunotherapeutic strategies and describe the interaction between oxidative stress and the immune TME. We emphasize the underlying mechanisms of the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, which involves its effects on oxidative stress, in the context of GC. We also highlight the therapeutic potential of regulating oxidative stress to improve immunotherapies, which may have benefits for clinical practice.
Rational Design and Acoustic Assembly of Human Cerebral Cortex‐Like Microtissues from hiPSC‐Derived Neural Progenitors and Neurons
Authors: Wang Jibo , Qiao Haowen , Wang Zhenyan , Zhao Wen , Chen Tao , Li Bin , Zhu Lili , Chen Sihan , Gu Longjun , Wu Ying , Zhang Zhentao , Bi Linlin , Chen Pu
Published: May 2023

Development of biologically relevant and clinically relevant human cerebral cortex models is demanded by mechanistic studies of human cerebral cortex‐associated neurological diseases and discovery of preclinical neurological drug candidates. Here, rational design of human–sourced brain‐like cortical tissue models is demonstrated by reverse engineering and bionic design. To implement this design, the acoustic assembly technique is employed to assemble hiPSC‐derived neural progenitors and neurons separately in a label‐free and contact‐free manner followed by subsequent neural differentiation and culture. The generated microtissues encapsulate the neuronal microanatomy of human cerebral‐cortex tissue that contains six‐layered neuronal architecture, a 400‐µm interlayer distance, synaptic connections between interlayers, and neuroelectrophysiological transmission. Furthermore, these microtissues are infected with herpes simplex virus type I (HSV‐1) virus, and the HSV‐induced pathogenesis associated with Alzheimer's disease is determined, including neuron loss and the expression of Aβ. Overall, a high‐fidelity human‐relevant in vitro histotypic model is provided for the cerebral cortex, which will facilitate wide applications in probing the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and screening the candidates for neuroprotective agents.
High‐Temperature, Reversible, and Robust Thermochromic Fluorescence Based on Rb2MnBr4(H2O)2 for Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Gaoyu , Wu Ye , Cai Wenbing , Wang Yue , Zhang Shengli , Zeng Haibo , Li Xiaoming
Published: May 2023

Thermochromic fluorescent materials (TFMs) characterized by noticeable emission color variation with temperature have attracted pervasive attention for their frontier application in stimulus‐response and optical encryption technologies. However, existing TFMs typically suffer from weak PL reversibility as well as limited mild operating temperature and severe temperature PL quenching. PL switching under extreme conditions such as high temperature will undoubtedly improve encryption security, while it is still challenging for present TFMs. In this work, high‐temperature thermochromic fluorescence up to 473 K and robust structural and optical reversibility of 80 cycles are observed in Rb2MnBr4(H2O)2 and related crystals, which is seldom reported for PL changes at such a high temperature. Temperature‐driven nonluminous, red and green light emission states can be achieved at specific temperatures and the modulation mechanism is verified by in situ optical and structural measurements and single particle transition. By virtue of this unique feature, a multicolor anti‐counterfeiting label based on a broad temperature gradient and multidimensional information encryption applications are demonstrated. This work opens a window for the design of inorganic materials with multi‐PL change and the development of advanced encryption strategies with extreme stimuli source.
Modeling SARS‐CoV‐2 True Infections in Catalonia through a Digital Twin
Authors: Fonseca i Casas Pau , Garcia i Subirana Joan , Garcia i Carrasco Victor
Published: May 2023

A dynamic view of the evolution of the infections of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Catalonia using a Digital Twin approach that forecasts the true infection curve is presented. The forecast model incorporates the vaccination process, the confinement, and the detection rate, and virtually allows to consider any nonpharmaceutical intervention, enabling to understand their effects on the disease's containment while forecasting the trend of the pandemic. A continuous validation process of the model is performed using real data and an optimization model that automatically provides information regarding the effects of the containment actions on the population. To simplify this validation process, a formal graphical language that simplifies the interaction with the different specialists and an easy modification of the model parameters are used. The Digital Twin of the pandemic in Catalonia provides a forecast of the future trend of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spread and information regarding the true cases and effectiveness of the NPIs to control the SARS‐CoV‐2 spread over the population. This approach can be applied easily to other regions and can become an excellent tool for decision‐making.
Delivery of Therapeutic RNA to the Bone Marrow in Multiple Myeloma Using CD38‐Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Tarab‐Ravski Dana , Hazan‐Halevy Inbal , Goldsmith Meir , Stotsky‐Oterin Lior , Breier Dor , Naidu Gonna Somu , Aitha Anjaiah , Diesendruck Yael , Ng Brandon D. , Barsheshet Hagit , Berger Tamar , Vaxman Iuliana , Raanani Pia , Peer Dan
Published: May 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of differentiated plasma cells that occurs in the bone marrow (BM). Despite the recent advancements in drug development, most patients with MM eventually relapse and the disease remains incurable. RNA therapy delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has the potential to be a promising cancer treatment, however, its clinical implementation is limited due to inefficient delivery to non‐hepatic tissues. Here, targeted (t)LNPs designed for delivery of RNA payload to MM cells are presented. The tLNPs consist of a novel ionizable lipid and are coated with an anti‐CD38 antibody (αCD38‐tLNPs). To explore their therapeutic potential, it is demonstrated that LNPs encapsulating small interference RNA (siRNA) against cytoskeleton‐associated protein 5 (CKAP5) lead to a ≈90% decrease in cell viability of MM cells in vitro. Next, a new xenograft MM mouse model is employed, which clinically resembles the human disease and demonstrates efficient homing of MM cells to the BM. Specific delivery of αCD38‐tLNPs to BM‐residing and disseminated MM cells and the improvement in therapeutic outcome of MM‐bearing mice treated with αCD38‐tLNPs‐siRNA‐CKAP5 are shown. These results underscore the potential of RNA therapeutics for treatment of MM and the importance of developing effective targeted delivery systems and reliable preclinical models.
Sleep duration in middle childhood and age at menarche
Authors: Zhu Mia Q. , Mora‐Plazas Mercedes , Marín Constanza , Villamor Eduardo
Published: May 2023

Objective

Puberty affects sleep phasing. However, it is unclear if sleep duration earlier in childhood could influence the timing of pubertal events. We aimed to assess the association between middle childhood nighttime sleep duration and age at menarche (AAM).

Methods

In a cohort of 819 premenarcheal Colombian girls who were followed annually for the occurrence of menarche, we estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for menarche by categories of recommended sleep duration in middle childhood using Cox models. Analyses were stratified by age at sleep assessment.

Results

Among girls aged 9 to <11 years, compared with girls who slept within recommendations, sleeping above recommendations was related to an adjusted 76% (95% CI: 4%, 198%; p = .04) higher probability of experiencing menarche during follow up. In girls aged ≥11 years, compared with girls who slept within recommendations, sleeping under recommendations was related to an adjusted 42% (95% CI: 5%, 93%; p = .03) higher probability of experiencing menarche during follow‐up. Sleep duration was not associated with AAM in girls aged <9 years at the time of sleep assessment.

Conclusions

Sleeping above recommendations in girls 9 to <11 years‐old and sleeping under recommendations in girls ≥11 years‐old is associated with earlier menarche.
Synthesis and characterization of improved bio‐based carbon content thermoplastic polyurethane with bio‐aliphatic and petro‐aromatic diisocyanate
Authors: Oh Jiyeon , Kim Young Kwang , Hwang Sung‐Ho , Kim Hyun‐Chul , Jung Jae‐Hun , Jeon Cho‐Hyun , Lim Sang Kyoo
Published: May 2023

The study involved producing green thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) that were either partially or fully bio‐based. This was achieved through a one‐shot polymerization process using a combination of sebacic acid‐polyester polyol, 1,4 butanediol derived from renewable sources, and diisocyanate. The diisocyanate used included bio‐aliphatic pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI), petro‐aromatic methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), and a combination of PDI and MDI. Various methods were employed to characterize the newly synthesized TPUs, which had a weight average molecular weight exceeding 120,000 g/mol. Increasing the content of PDI improves the bio‐based carbon content up to about 97% and increases the pyrolysis onset temperature. An increase in MDI content results in a rise in the complex viscosity, tensile strength, and strain. However, a PDI‐based TPU (P/M_100/0) achieved an excellent phase separation with a tensile strength of 20.7 MPa and elongation of 587.2%, comparable to an MDI‐based TPU (P/M_0/100). Overall, this research demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing partially or fully bio‐based TPUs as a substitute for conventional MDI, with potential industrial applications.
How well do forecast models represent observed long‐lived Rossby wave packets during southern hemisphere summer?
Authors: Pérez‐Fernández Iago , Barreiro Marcelo
Published: May 2023

Rossby wave packets (RWPs), are atmospheric perturbations linked to the occurrence of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, extratropical cyclone development and other equally destructive phenomena. Under certain circumstances, these packets can last from several days to 2–3 weeks in the atmosphere. Therefore, forecast models should be able to correctly predict their formation and development to enhance extreme weather events prediction from 10 to 30 days in advance. In this study, we assess whether the NCEP and IAP‐CAS sub‐seasonal forecast models can predict the evolution of observed RWPs that last more than 8 days (long‐lived RWPs or LLRWPs) during southern hemisphere summer. Results show that the NCEP (IAP‐CAS) model forecasts LLRWPs that appear eastward (westward) from the observed LLRWPs. Both models forecasted LLRWPs that rapidly lose energy after the 6th–7th lead day of simulation, which could limit LLRWPs prediction to the synoptic time scale. Additionally, both models better forecast LLRWPs when the packets manifest in the eastern Pacific. Southern Annular mode (SAM) and El Niño Southern‐Oscillation (ENSO) do not seem to exert a large influence in the representation of LLRWPs. Nevertheless, during the best LLRWPs forecasts, the observed circulation anomalies signal the manifestation of negative SAM events. In contrast, both forecast models struggle at forecasting LLRWPs when a blocking situation develops to the South of Australia. Lastly, an inactive Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) seems to favor the development of accurate LLRWPs forecasts, whereas during phases 3, 5 in the NCEP model and 3, 8 for IAP‐CAS, the models struggle at forecasting LLRWPs.
Tragfähigkeit und Anwendungen von Betonbauteilen mit Bewehrung aus basaltfaserverstärktem Kunststoff
Authors: Görtz Stephan , Lengert Kay , Haack Robert
Published: May 2023

Zur Verbesserung der Dauerhaftigkeit bietet es sich bei einigen Bauteilen an, konventionelle Betonstahlbewehrung durch Bewehrungselemente aus faserverstärktem Kunststoff (FVK) zu ersetzen. Hierbei sind in der Vergangenheit im wesentlichen Bewehrungselemente mit Glas‐ oder Carbonfasern eingesetzt worden. An der FH Kiel wurde in den letzten zwei Jahren das Tragverhalten von Betonbauteilen mit Basaltfaserstabbewehrung untersucht und konkrete Anwendungen entwickelt. Der Beitrag fasst die Erkenntnisse zusammen.
Exposing the confounding in experimental designs to understand and evaluate them, and formulating linear mixed models for analyzing the data from a designed experiment
Authors: Brien Christopher James , Sermarini Renata Alcarde , Demétrio Clarice Garcia Borges
Published: May 2023

Comparative experiments involve the allocation of treatments to units, ideally by randomization. This necessarily confounds treatment information with unit information, which we distinguish from the other forms of information blending, in particular aliasing and marginality. We outline a factor‐allocation paradigm for describing experimental designs with the aim of (i) exhibiting the confounding in a design, using analysis‐of‐variance‐like tables, so as to understand and evaluate the design and (ii) formulating a linear mixed model based on the factor allocation that the design involves. The approach exhibits the dispersal of treatments information between units sources, allows designers a choice in the strategy that they adopt for including block‐treatment interactions, clarifies differences between experiments, accommodates systematic allocation of factors, and provides a consolidated analysis of nonorthogonal designs. It provides insights into the process of designing experiments and issues that commonly arise with designs. The paradigm has pedagogical advantages and is implemented using the R package dae.
The academic landscape of sustainability in management literature: Towards a more interdisciplinary research agenda
Authors: Vinayavekhin Sukrit , Li Feng , Banerjee Aneesh , Caputo Andrea
Published: May 2023

Sustainability research is vast and complex, making it difficult to grasp the big picture. To help researchers understand the field better, we created a comprehensive knowledge map of sustainability in management literature by utilising citation‐based clustering and text mining techniques to analyse 25,737 sustainability‐related papers across 22 academic disciplines, as categorised by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (ABS)'s Academic Journal Guide. We identify 23 research streams, with the top three being corporate social responsibility, operations & supply chain and tourism. Each research stream has varying degrees of definition coverage, levels of analysis, levels of interdisciplinarity and connections to the 17 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goals #9, #10, #12 and #13 receive more attention than Goals #3, #14 and #15. Our findings suggest a need for more interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, and we propose four research directions to achieve this.
Human‐virtual crowd interaction: Towards understanding the effects of crowd avoidance proximity in an immersive virtual environment
Authors: Trivedi Hritik , Mousas Christos
Published: May 2023

This paper focuses on understanding how study participants interact and perceive a virtual crowd in an immersive virtual environment. Specifically, our within‐group exploratory study investigated how avoidance proximity variations (i.e., low, medium, and high avoidance proximity [defined as avoidance radius]) assigned to crowd agents impacted participants' interaction with the virtual crowd. During the study, we instructed our participants to walk in a virtual environment. At the same time, we had a virtual crowd scripted to walk toward the start position of the participant following a straight path. During the participants' walking task, we collected movement data (i.e., trajectory length and completion time) and immediately after each experimental condition, we asked participants to self‐report their experience (i.e., co‐presence, behavioral independence, crowd realism, crowd interaction realism, perceived politeness, and emotional reactivity). Based on the collected data, we found that when we exposed our participants to the high avoidance proximity condition, they: (1) followed longer paths, (2) spent more time reaching the target goal, (3) rated the virtual crowd less polite, (4) rated the virtual crowd and their interaction with the virtual crowd less realistic, (5) rated the behavior independence of the virtual crowd lower, and (6) self‐reported higher emotional reactivity. We discuss our findings and suggestions for further research on human‐virtual crowd interaction.
Formation of Umbilicaria decussata (Antarctic and Turkey) Extracts Based Nanoflowers with Their Peroxidase Mimic, Dye Degradation and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Demirbas Ayse , Karsli Baris , Dadi Seyma , Arabacı Nihan , Koca Fatih Dogan , Halici M. Gokhan , Ocsoy Ismail
Published: May 2023

This work describes a unique and environmentally friendly approach for creating three‐dimensional (3D) organic‐inorganic flower shaped hybrid nanostructures called “nanoflower (NF)” by using Umbilicaria decussate (U. decussate) extract and copper ions (Cu2+). U. decussate species were collected from certain place in Antarctic and Turkey and extraction of each species were completed in methanol and water. The U. decussate extracts were used as organic components and Cu2+ acted as inorganic components for formation of U. decussate extracts based hybrid NFs. We rationally used these NFs as novel nanobiocatalyst and antimicrobial agents. These NFs exhibited peroxidase mimic, dye degradation and antimicrobial properties. The NFs were characterized with various techniques. For instance, the morphologies of the NFs were monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM), presence of elements in the NFs were presented using Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Analysis (EDX). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) was used to elucidate corresponding bending and stretching of bonds in the NFs. The NFs acted as effective Fenton agents in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, and we demonstrated their peroxidase‐like activity against guaiacol, dye degradation property towards malachite green and antimicrobial activity for Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas sobria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus.
Studies of NO Reduction with Ammonia Over Copper Species Deposited on MCM‐41 Nanospheres ‐ Experimental Evidence of Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Jankowska Aleksandra , Bobowska Aleksandra , Gil Barbara , Chmielarz Lucjan
Published: May 2023

Nanospheres of MCM‐41 were modified with copper by template ion‐exchange (TIE) and cocondensation methods. In the samples modified by TIE, dispersion of copper was significantly improved by their post‐treatment in ammonia solutions. Highly dispersed copper species were significantly more active in low‐temperature NH3‐SCR than CuO aggregates. Copper dispersed on silica MCM‐41 catalytically operated at lower temperatures than copper deposited on silica‐alumina MCM‐41. The studies of reaction mechanism showed that ammonia and NOx species compete for these same adsorption sites (copper cations) and NH3 can remove NOx from such sites. Dispersed copper species are more active in NO to NO2 oxidation than CuO aggregates. Accumulation of oxidised NOx species in the absence of ammonia was more privileged on CuO aggregates. It is postulated that the main reaction pathway in the low‐temperature range is reaction of ammonia bounded to copper with NOx from gas phase or loosely bounded to the catalyst surface.
A scoping review of psychological distress instruments in women with early‐stage breast cancer during chemotherapy
Authors: Alanazi Amal Khulaif , Lynch‐Kelly Debra , Weaver Michael , Lyon Debra E.
Published: May 2023

Background

Psychological distress is associated with worsening symptoms during the active treatment period and lower quality of life in women with early‐stage breast cancer. Many studies have indicated risk for heightened psychological distress across the breast cancer trajectory.

Purpose

The aim of this review is to examine the literature for instruments used to measure psychological distress among women with breast cancer during chemotherapy.

Methods

This study used the Arksey and O’Malley framework of scoping reviews. Two databases, PubMed & CINAHL, were searched for peer‐reviewed original articles that were published within the last ten years, included participants with a diagnosis of breast cancer stages I to III, and receiving chemotherapy, English text articles, and studies that report psychological distress measures.

Findings

The initial screening yielded 529 relevant studies. After applying the exclusion criteria, a total of 17 studies concerning the assessment of psychological distress during chemotherapy were retained for the analysis of variables and measures of psychological distress. The instruments used to measure psychological distress varied, with a total of 21 measures. The most frequently utilized measure was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (n = 5), followed by the Impact of Event Scale (n = 2), the Distress Thermometer (n = 2), and the Perceived Stress Scale (n = 2).

Conclusion

This review identified the gaps related to inconsistencies in the operationalization and instruments used to measure psychological distress among breast cancer survivors during chemotherapy. Standardization of measures assessing psychological distress, along with conceptual clarity, is essential for measuring distress in research and clinical practice.
Photoelectrochemical Reactive Oxygen Species Generation for Organic Conversion
Authors: Miao Jiaming , Guo Hu , Zhang Kan
Published: May 2023

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells, which integrate the advantages of electrochemistry and photochemistry, are making a great contribution to the synthesis of high‐value‐added chemicals and biomass reforming. However, oxidation of organic substrates by directly capturing photo‐generated holes at the solid/liquid interface faces the challenge of inefficient mass transfer and low selectivity. Recently, reactive oxygen species (ROSs) mediated PEC organic conversion has attracted much attention due to its high selectivity, homogeneous nature and controllability. This Concept will review representative applications of PEC organic conversion mediated by ROSs, and put forward perspectives and outlooks for the generation of ROSs.
Fgf, Hh, and pax2a differentially regulate expression of pax5 and pou3f3b in vestibular and auditory maculae in the zebrafish otic vesicle
Authors: Tan Amy L. , Christensen Sydney E. , Baker Allison K. , Riley Bruce B.
Published: May 2023

Background

The vertebrate inner ear contains distinct sensory epithelia specialized for auditory or vestibular function. In zebrafish, the first sensory epithelia form at opposite ends of the otic vesicle and are functionally distinct: the anterior utricular macula is essential for vestibular function whereas the posterior saccular macula is critical for hearing. Mechanisms distinguishing these maculae are not clear. Here, we examined the effects of manipulating Fgf or Hh on expression of pax5 and pou3f3b, unique markers of utricular and saccular identity. We also examined the roles of pax2a and atoh1a/b, early regulators of sensory specification.

Results

fgf3 and fgf8a were uniquely required for pax5 and pou3f3b, respectively. Elevating Fgf or blocking Hh expanded expression of pax5 but repressed pou3f3b, while blocking Fgf had the opposite effect. Blocking sensory specification did not affect pax5 or pou3f3b, but both markers were lost in pax2a−/− mutants. Maintenance of pax2a expression requires Fgf, Hh and Pax2a itself.

Conclusion

Specification of utricular identity requires high Fgf and is repressed by Hh, whereas saccular identity requires Hh plus low Fgf. pax2a acts downstream of Fgf and Hh to maintain both fates. Comparison with mouse suggests this may reflect a broadly conserved developmental mechanism.
Local stochastics and ecoclimatic situation shape phytophagous chafer assemblage composition
Authors: Ranasinghe U. G. Sasanka L. , Eberle Jonas , Benjamin Suresh P. , Ahrens Dirk
Published: May 2023

Very little is known about factors determining the assemblage structure of megadiverse polyphagous‐herbivore scarab chafers in the tropics (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Here, we examined the composition of Sri Lankan chafer assemblages and investigated whether it is influenced more by the general ecoclimatic situation, macrohabitat, or indetermined stochastic biotic and abiotic factors of each locality. We also explored the influence of the latter on separate lineages and general body size. Based on dedicated field surveys conducted during the dry and wet seasons, we examined 4847 chafer individuals of 105 species sampled using multiple UV‐light traps in 11 localities covering different forest types and altitudinal zones. Assemblages were assessed for compositional similarity, species diversity, and abundance within four major eco‐spatial partitions: forest types, elevational zones, localities, and macrohabitats. Our results revealed that assemblages were shaped mainly by locality stochastics (i.e., multi‐factor ensemble of all biotic and abiotic environmental conditions at local scale), and to a minor extent by ecoclimatic conditions. Macrohabitat had little effect on the assemblage composition. This was true for the entire chafer assemblage as well as for all single lineages or different body size classes. However, in medium and large species the contrasts between localities were less pronounced, which was not the case for individual lineages of the assemblage. Contrasts of assemblage similarity between localities were much more evident than those for forest types and elevation zones. Significant correlation between species composition and geographic distance was found only for the assemblage of small‐bodied specimens. Seasonal change (dry–wet) in species composition was minor and only measurable in a few localities. The strong turnover between examined localities corroborates with the high degree of endemism in many phytophagous chafers, particularly in Sericini. Connected with their hypothetic poor habitat specificity and polyphagy, this might also explain why so many chafer crop pests in the Asian tropics are endemics.
An analysis of clinical outcomes and essential parameters for designing effective games for upper limb rehabilitation: A scoping review
Authors: Moulaei Khadijeh , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz , Haghdoostd AliAkbar , Nezhad Mansour S. , Gheysari Mohammad , Sheikhtaheri Abbas
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Upper limb disabilities are one of the most common disabilities among different groups of people who always need rehabilitation. One of the important methods in helping to carry out efficient rehabilitation processes and exercises is the use of games. The aim of this study is to identify the parameters necessary to design a successful rehabilitation game and the outcomes of using these games in upper limb disabilities rehabilitation.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted by searching the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The eligibility criteria were: any form of game‐based upper limb rehabilitation, published in a peer‐reviewed journal, published in English, and not include articles that did not focus upper limb disabilities rehabilitation games, review, meta‐analysis, or conference papers. Analysis of collected data was done using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage).

Results

The search strategy retrieved 537 relevant articles. Finally, after removing irrelevant and repetitive articles, 21 articles were included in this study. Among the six categories of diseases or complications of upper limb disabilities, games were mostly designed for stroke patients. Smart wearables, robots and telerehabilitation were three technologies that were used for rehabilitation along with games. Sports and shooters were the most used games for upper limb disability rehabilitation. Among 99 necessary parameters for designing and implementing a successful rehabilitation game in ten categories. “Increasing the patient's motivation to perform rehabilitation exercises”, “Game difficulty levels”, “Enjoying and the attractiveness of the game for patients”, and “Providing positive or negative audiovisual feedback” were the most important parameters. “Improvement in musculoskeletal performance” and “Increasing users' enjoyment/joy of therapeutic exercises and their motivation to perform these exercises” were the most important positive outcomes, and “Mild discomfort such as nausea and dizziness when using games” was the only negative outcome.

Conclusions

The successful design of a game according to the parameters identified in the present study can lead to an increase in the positive outcomes of using games in the rehabilitation of disabilities. The study results indicate that upper limb therapeutic exercise augmented with virtual reality games may be highly effective in enhancing motor rehabilitation outcomes.
Public health concerns surrounding the cVDPV2 outbreak in Africa: Strategies for prevention and control with a special focus on Nigeria
Authors: Adesola Ridwan O. , Idris Ibrahim , Opuni Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim

Poliovirus is a global health issue that affects children in different parts of the world. Despite the efforts of national, international, and nongovernmental organizations to eradicate the disease, it is re‐emerging in Africa due to poor sanitation, vaccine hesitancy, new ways of transmission, and poor surveillance among others. Circulating vaccine‐derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) is a major step in eradicating poliovirus and preventing outbreaks in developing countries. Strengthening African healthcare systems, increasing surveillance, hygiene and sanitation, and proper mass vaccination to achieve herd immunity are required in the fight against polio disease. This paper discusses the outbreak of cVDPV2, public health challenges, and recommendations in Africa with a special emphasis on Nigeria.

Methods

We searched for articles documenting the incidence of cVDPV2 in Nigeria and other African countries on Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Scopus.

Results

A total of 68 distinct cVDPV2 genetic emergences were found across 34 nations between April 2016 to December 2020, and in Nigeria, three cVDPV2 emergences were found. Also, 1596 instances of acute flaccid paralysis linked to cVDPV2 outbreaks were reported in four areas of the World Health Organization where Africa contributed 962 cases out of 1596 cases. Available data indicate that Africa has the most cVDPV2 cases and is associated with various challenges like the unidentified virus source, poor sanitation system, and inability to achieve herd immunity of the cVDPV2 vaccine.

Conclusion

Collaborative efforts of stakeholders are crucial in combating infectious diseases, especially those transmitted via environments such as water and air, like poliovirus. Therefore, a collaboration between environmental health workers, veterinarians, community health workers, laboratory scientists, policymakers, and other professionals is required.
The personal growth resources of the adult population following the first months of the war in Ukraine
Authors: Kokun Oleg
Published: May 2023

We aimed to determine the peculiarities of personal growth resources among the adult population following the first months of the war in Ukraine. The study, which included 1257 respondents (32.3% male and 67.7% female, aged 18–61+ years), used the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory—Expanded, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Professional Hardiness Questionnaire and the General Self‐Efficacy Scale. We found the following descending sequence of expression of the components of personal growth: appreciation of life, spiritual and existential changes, relations to others, new possibilities and personal strengths. Personal resources included resilience, professional commitment, professional control, professional challenge acceptance and self‐efficacy, of which the last two were the most important. All indicators of personal growth were significantly higher in women but were more closely related to personal resources in men. Our findings suggest directions interventions should take to promote the Ukrainian adult population's personal growth and prevent negative mental health consequences.
Relating relational networks: An initial experimental analysis
Authors: Gomes Cainã T. , Perez William F. , Barnes‐Holmes Dermot , Harte Colin
Published: May 2023

Studying relating of relational networks is a complex and challenging task. The main objective of the present study was to demonstrate relating within and across relational networks based on same/opposite and bigger/smaller contextual cues and establish antecedent control. After nonarbitrary pretraining of the contextual cues, two nonsense stimulus classes were established based on comparative relations. Participants were trained to select stimuli from an array of options based on a symbolic rule that established a relation between two stimuli: one of Network 1 and one of Network 2. Training involved relating Network 1 to Network 2, and testing assessed relating Network 2 to Network 1. Seven of eight participants reached the mastery criterion in training and responded accordingly in test. In a final stage, reinforcing and punishing consequences were varied systematically in the presence of two novel stimuli and antecedent control was observed for all 7 participants. Experiment 2 replicated the results of Experiment 1 but using contextual cues taken from natural language, and Experiment 3 sought to understand the effects of pretraining relational responding using natural language. The mastery criteria were reached by four of seven participants in Experiment 2 and by all eight participants in Experiment 3. Future studies could develop and refine the methods employed here in analyzing the relating of relational networks, thus allowing for an increasingly sophisticated behavior‐analytic account of human language and cognition.