bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children in Family Mediation
Authors: Roberts Marian
Published: July 2024

This article explores the impact of three interlinked developments on both theoretical understanding of the specific role of children in family mediation and on its professional practice implications. First, the adoption of an imported terminology deviates from the clarity and precision of existing policy in respect of the nature and purpose of professional intervention in relation to children in mediation; second, current high standards of practice risk being compromised by an overemphasis of a rights approach to determining a child’s direct participation in mediation; and third, how a failure to sufficiently recognize the impact on families of multiple harsh pressures, including poverty and deprivation, at a time of conflict and stress, risks both overstating the scope of mediation for meeting a child’s needs as well as underplaying the complexities involved in relation to the direct participation of children in mediation. The article explores the tensions arising from these developments and the challenges, theoretical and professional, involved in protecting the ethical and professional principles of mediation while ensuring that the voice of the child can be heard in the process.
Keywords: ADR; mediation; family mediation; children in mediation; children’s rights.
Critical thirding and third space collaboration: university professional staff and new type of knowledge production
Authors: Veles Natalia
Published: July 2024

In this article, the author first addresses the persisting knowledge invisibility of university professional staff by drawing on selected findings from their qualitative, multiple case study research conducted in an Australian university with a campus in Singapore. Analysing a selected case of a university project, the author applies critical thirding as a concept to demonstrate how university third space collaboration resulted in creating new, Mode 3 institutional knowledge and led to a transformative change of research commercialisation practices. The author then compares research findings from this selected Australian university case study to the insights from a systematic literature review which was conducted three years later as a separate research project using an international literature sample. The review provided evidence that since the 2000s university workers, professional and academic alike, in tertiary education institutions around the world, have been engaged in complex identity work, demonstrating increased agency towards de-invisibilisation of their roles and co-creating new knowledge, thereby contributing to university advancement. The author concludes that by applying the analytical power of critical thirding to social spaces of new knowledge production, it is possible to support and promote equal contributions of all university actors to achieving institutional goals.
Deriving Criteria Weights for Acute Care Hospital Accreditation in South Korea: Using Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Oh Hwa Yeong , Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Ock Minsu , Kim In Ho , Jang Ho Yeol , Choi Ji-Eun
Published: July 2024

Purpose:The acute hospital accreditation program launched in South Korea has shown positive effects on safety culture and quality of care. However, relative weights have not yet been investigated for accreditation criteria with a hierarchical structure. This study aimed to derive the relative weights of acute-care hospital accreditation criteria.Methods: We conducted an online survey using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique to assess the validity, importance, and urgency of acute hospital accreditation criteria. The AHP online survey link was distributed in November 2022 after obtaining informed consent from 10 experts in hospital accreditation.Results: 'Basic value system' ranked highest, while 'patient care system' ranked second in terms of validity, importance, and urgency. 'Performance management system' had the lowest validity and urgency, while 'organizational management system' carried the lowest importance. Within the 'patient care system' domain, 'surgery and anesthesia sedation management' scored highest in validity and importance, and 'patient care' scored highest in urgency. 'Care delivery system and evaluation' received the lowest scores for all three aspects. In the 'organizational management system' domain, infection control ranked highest in terms of validity, importance, and urgency. The lowest validity was observed for 'management and organizational operation' and the lowest importance and urgency were noted for 'human resource management'.Conclusion: The weights for validity, importance, and urgency, as shown in each domain and chapter, and the number of measurable elements included, are largely inconsistent. This study will contribute to the development of the structure and scientific improvement of accreditation standards.
Patient Safety Personnel's Task analysis using Importance and Performance Analysis
Authors: Shin EunJung , Park JeongYun
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to identify tasks performed by patient safety personnel using importance-performance analysis.Methods: An online survey was conducted during a mandatory educational course. The questionnaire consisted of 43 items categorized into four subscales: management of patient safety accidents, education of healthcare personnel, education of patients and guardians, and patient safety activities. Importance-performance analysis was employed to ascertain the relationship between the importance and performance of tasks conducted by patient safety personnel.Results: A total of 145 patient safety personnel participated in the survey. The perceived importance of tasks by participants averaged 3.67 out of four, while the average performance was 3.40 out of four, indicating a significant difference (t=8.04, p<.001). Activities such as collecting patient safety reports, conducting root-cause analyses, and educating new employees were identified as low-performance tasks compared to their perceived importance.Conclusion: Tasks recognized as having low importance but high performance among patient safety personnel should be addressed through increased awareness and education. Analyzing the causes of tasks with low importance and performance is crucial for recognizing their importance and implementing improvement measures.
A Study of Factors Influencing the Acceptance of non-Face-to-Face Treatment Based on Social Cognitive Theory
Authors: Kwon Myung Soon , Jang Ji Hye , Kim Hyun Sik , Heo Yeon Jeong
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the intention to use non-face-to-face treatment, which was temporarily allowed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Based on the social cognitive theory, individual behavioral changes occur through the dynamic interaction of individual, environmental, and behavioral factors. Thus, we investigated the impact of personal, environmental, and behavioral factors on the acceptance of non-face-to-face treatment.Methods: A Web survey was conducted using Korea Research Panel between December 26 and 29, 2022, to examine the conceptual framework. The survey targeted adults aged 19 and older, regardless of whether they had used non-face-to-face treatment. A total of 502 responses were collected. Further, a three-step hierarchical regression analysis was conducted using SPSS Windows software version 25.0.Results: The study showed that 131 out of 502 respondents had experience using non-face-to-face treatment, while 371 did not. The factors that influenced the intention to accept non-face-to-face treatment included the general characteristics of the participants (women, underlying disease), personal factors (usefulness, cost savings, knowledge), and environmental factors (social norms, trust, perceived risk). The model demonstrated an explanatory power of 65%.Conclusion: The results of this study directly show that intention is linked to behavior through the interaction between personal and environmental factors. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing the intention to accept non-face-to-face treatment, enabling its effective use in preventing and treating various diseases, including infectious diseases.
Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine as a Pivotal Element in the Polish Aid Programme and an Opportunity to Amplify the Role of Development Cooperation in the Polish Foreign Policy
Authors: Zalas-Kamińska Katarzyna
Published: July 2024

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the ensuing humanitarian crisis made 2022 a landmark year in terms of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and resulted in a huge wave of support, not only financial. Poland became known as a “humanitarian superpower,” and the attitude of Poles was assessed as unprecedented in terms of solidarity. The events in Ukraine significantly affected the Polish development cooperation system (Polish Aid), causing not only a more than 200 percent increase in ODA and the proportion of its distribution, but increasing the involvement of Polish actors. The answer to the question of how much the situation is likely to translate into an increase in the share of humanitarian aid, which is part of development cooperation, in Polish foreign policy depends on Poland’s further strategy of providing humanitarian aid and skillfully combining it with social potential.
Efficacy and Safety of Zolpidem for Musician’s Dystonia
Authors: Horisawa Shiro , Kim Kilsoo , Murakami Masato , Nishitani Masahiko , Kawamata Takakazu , Taira Takaomi
Published: July 2024

Objective The efficacy and safety of zolpidem for treating musician’s dystonia are not well understood. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the efficacy and safety of zolpidem for treating musician’s dystonia.Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records between January 2021 and December 2023 to identify patients with musician’s dystonia who had been prescribed zolpidem. Tubiana’s Musician’s Dystonia Rating Scale (range, 1–5; lower scores indicating greater severity) was used to evaluate musician’s dystonia.Results Fifteen patients were included in this study. The mean effective dose of zolpidem was 5.3 ± 2.0 mg. The mean effective duration of zolpidem was 4.3 ± 1.2 h. With zolpidem administration, Tubiana’s musician’s dystonia rating scale score significantly improved from 2.2 ± 1.0 to 4.3 ± 0.8 (48.9% improvement, p < 0.001). Two patients (13.3%) discontinued the drug owing to unsatisfactory results or sleepiness.Conclusion The results of this study suggest that zolpidem may be an alternative treatment option for musician’s dystonia.
Functional Movement Disorders: Updates and Clinical Overview
Authors: Park Jung E
Published: July 2024

Functional movement disorder (FMD) is a type of functional neurological disorder that is common but often difficult to diagnose or manage. FMD can present as various phenotypes, including tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, gait disorders, and parkinsonism. Conducting a clinical examination appropriate for assessing a patient with suspected FMD is important, and various diagnostic testing maneuvers may also be helpful. Treatment involving a multidisciplinary team, either outpatient or inpatient, has been found to be most effective. Examples of such treatment protocols are also discussed in this review. While recognition and understanding of the disorder has improved over the past few decades, as well as the development of treatments, it is not uncommon for patients and physicians to continue to experience various difficulties when dealing with this disorder. In this review, I provide a practical overview of FMD and discuss how the clinical encounter itself can play a role in patients’ acceptance of the diagnosis. Recent neuroimaging studies that aid in understanding the pathophysiology are also discussed.
Serotonin receptor‐mediated vasorelaxation occurs primarily through 5‐HT4 activation in bovine lateral saphenous vein
Authors: Trotta Ronald J. , Harmon David L. , Klotz James L.
Published: July 2024

To better understand mechanisms of serotonin‐ (5‐HT) mediated vasorelaxation, isolated lateral saphenous veins from cattle were assessed for vasoactivity using myography in response to increasing concentrations of 5‐HT or selective 5‐HT receptor agonists. Vessels were pre‐contracted with 1 × 10−4 M phenylephrine and exposed to increasing concentrations of 5‐HT or 5‐HT receptor agonists that were selective for 5‐HT1B, 5‐HT2B, 5‐HT4, and 5‐HT7. Vasoactive response data were normalized as a percentage of the maximum contractile response induced by the phenylephrine pre‐contraction. At 1 × 10−7 M 5‐HT, a relaxation was observed with an 88.7% decrease (p < 0.01) from the phenylephrine maximum. At 1 × 10−4 M 5‐HT, a contraction was observed with a 165% increase (p < 0.01) from the phenylephrine maximum. Increasing concentrations of agonists selective for 5‐HT2B, 5‐HT4, or 5‐HT7 resulted in a 27%, 92%, or 44% (p < 0.01) decrease from the phenylephrine maximum, respectively. Of these 5‐HT receptor agonists, the selective 5‐HT4 receptor agonist resulted in the greatest potency (−log EC50) value (6.30) compared with 5‐HT2B and 5‐HT7 receptor agonists (4.21 and 4.66, respectively). To confirm the involvement of 5‐HT4 in 5‐HT‐mediated vasorelaxation, blood vessels were exposed to either DMSO (solvent control) or a selective 5‐HT4 antagonist (1 × 10−5 M) for 5‐min prior to the phenylephrine pre‐contraction and 5‐HT additions. Antagonism of the 5‐HT4 receptor attenuated the vasorelaxation caused by 5‐HT. Approximately 94% of the vasorelaxation occurring in response to 5‐HT could be accounted for through 5‐HT4, providing strong evidence that 5‐HT‐mediated vasorelaxation occurs through 5‐HT4 activation in bovine peripheral vasculature.
A prospective longitudinal study of risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Stacey Benjamin S. , Cho Jun Seok , Lanéelle Damien , Bashir Mohammad , Williams Ian M. , Lewis Michael H. , Bailey Damian M.
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) from the largest Welsh screening cohort to date. Patients were recruited from 1993 (to 2015) as part of the South East Wales AAA screening programme through general practitioners. Demographic data and risk factors were collected by means of a self‐report questionnaire. Statistical tests were performed to determine whether associations could be observed between AAA and potential risk factors. Odds ratios (OR) were also calculated for each of the risk factors identified. A total of 6879 patients were included in the study. Two hundred and seventy‐five patients (4.0%) presented with AAA, of which 16% were female and 84% were male. Patients with AAA were older than the (no AAA) control group (p < 0.0001). The following risk factors were identified for AAA: family history of AAA (p < 0.0001); history of vascular surgery (p < 0.0001), cerebrovascular accident (p < 0.0001), coronary heart disease (p < 0.0001), diabetes (p < 0.0001), medication (p = 0.0018), claudication (p < 0.0001), smoking history (p = 0.0001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (p = 0.0007). AAA is associated with classical vascular risk factors, in addition to other less‐well‐documented risk factors including previous vascular surgery. These findings have practical implications with the potential to improve future clinical screening of patients in order to reduce AAA mortality.
Engagement für Bibliotheken fördern und sichtbar machen
Authors: Ziller Monika
Published: July 2024

Bibliotheken müssen ihre Interessen im politischen Prozess sichtbar machen, besonders hinsichtlich Ausstattung und Finanzierung. Bibliotheksleitungen sind oft an Loyalitätspflichten gebunden und können ihre Interessen nicht öffentlich vertreten. Freundeskreise und Fördervereine sind hier entscheidend, da sie unabhängig von arbeitsrechtlichen Verpflichtungen auftreten und die Nutzerinteressen vertreten können. Beispiele wie in Hückeswagen, Korntal-Münchingen und Köln zeigen erfolgreiche Lobbyarbeit lokaler Freundeskreise.

Der Bundesverband der deutschen Bibliotheks-Freundeskreise e. V. (BdB) unterstützt dieses Engagement und fördert die Sichtbarkeit von Bibliotheken. Gegründet im Jahre 2018 bietet der BdB Fortbildungen, Webinare und einen Preis für herausragende Freundeskreise an. Er arbeitet mit anderen Kulturförderverbänden zusammen und setzt sich für zentrale Themen wie Bibliotheksfinanzierung und E-Lending ein. Der BdB sieht jedoch die Notwendigkeit, seine Lobbyarbeit auszubauen, was durch die ehrenamtlichen Ressourcen aktuell begrenzt ist. Um dies zu ändern, will der BdB zusätzliche Finanzmittel akquirieren, um langfristig professionellere Strukturen zu schaffen und die Interessen der Bibliotheksnutzer auf allen Ebenen wirksam zu vertreten.
Sharp pinching theorems for complete submanifolds in the sphere
Authors: Magliaro Marco , Mari Luciano , Roing Fernanda , Savas-Halilaj Andreas
Published: July 2024

For every complete and minimally immersed submanifold

f
:

M
n

→

S

n
+
p

f\colon M^{n}\to\mathbb{S}^{n+p}

whose second fundamental form satisfies

|
A
|

2

≤

n
⁢
p

/

(

2
⁢
p

−
1

)

\lvert A\rvert^{2}\leq np/(2p-1)

, we prove that it is either totally geodesic, or (a covering of) a Clifford torus or a Veronese surface in

S
4

\mathbb{S}^{4}

, thereby extending the well-known results by Simons, Lawson and Chern, do Carmo & Kobayashi from compact to complete

M
n

M^{n}

.
We also obtain the corresponding result for complete hypersurfaces with non-vanishing constant mean curvature, due to Alencar & do Carmo in the compact case, under the optimal bound on the umbilicity tensor.
In dimension

n
≤
6

n\leq 6

, a pinching theorem for complete higher-codimensional submanifolds with non-vanishing parallel mean curvature is proved, partly generalizing previous work by Santos.
Our approach is inspired by the conformal method of Fischer-Colbrie, Shen & Ye and Catino, Mastrolia & Roncoroni.
Improving young patient – practitioner communication about sexual health during medical visits
Authors: Beznos Bethany , Collins Brendan , Tak Casey , Catalano Hannah , Garcia Nacire , Sleath Betsy
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Young people face barriers that lead to gaps in sexual and reproductive health care communications. Issues such as discomfort discussing sexual health lead to inadequate delivery of services resulting in unintended pregnancies and STIs. Closing this communication gap between patients and health care practitioners would improve communication and health outcomes. The objective of this study was to gain feedback from focus groups about: (a) barriers and facilitators to communication surrounding sexual health and (b) the feasibility and acceptability of a question prompt list (QPL) and informational video emphasizing asking questions about sexual health during medical visits as tools young people could use to be more involved during visits.

Methods

Three focus groups were conducted: two with young adults (n=14) and one with practitioners (n=5) of sexual/reproductive health care services. Practitioners were recruited from healthcare clinics.

Results

Young adults were aged 18–22 years old. Participants identified barriers to communication such as embarrassment over sexual health topics and practitioner assumptions about patients’ base of knowledge. A facilitator to communication was patient-friendly language. Focus group participants offered suggestions on how to improve the QPL as well as themes that should be covered in an educational video. Participants viewed the QPL and educational video as useful for encouraging conversations between patient and practitioner.

Conclusions

Many barriers obstruct communication between young adults and practitioners on topics relating to sexual health. Both the QPL and an educational video could be used to enhance patient-practitioner communication.
Effect of inlet water vapor mass fraction on flow characteristics in Laval nozzle
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhai Zhenhua , Chen Jiansheng , Chen Guanghui , Gao Fei , Dong Jipeng
Published: July 2024

The Laval nozzle is an important component of the supersonic cyclone to achieve the change of gas–liquid two-phase, and the condensation characteristics of the Laval nozzle have an important influence on the separation performance of the supersonic cyclone. In this work, the effect of inlet water vapor mass fraction on the condensation characteristics in the Laval nozzle was investigated using numerical simulation and experimental methods by establishing a three-dimensional numerical model of air-water vapor supersonic condensation flow. The flow field structures in the Laval nozzle under different inlet water vapor mass fractions were investigated, including Mach number, pressure, and temperature and the effects of the inlet water vapor mass fraction on the liquefaction characteristics in the Laval nozzle were investigated. In addition, the droplet distribution in the Laval nozzle were also tested by a particle image velocimetry (PIV) experimental system. The comparison of simulation and experimental results indicates that the numerical model established in this work can effectively describe the real flow situation in the Laval nozzle. The results show that the inlet water vapor mass fraction has a little effect on the flow field structure in the Laval nozzle, and has the significant impact on the water vapor condensation characteristics. With increasing the inlet steam mass fraction from 5 % to 12.5 %, the nucleation rate, droplet number, and separation efficiency in the Laval nozzle increase to 4.05 × 1021 kg−1 s−1, 3.67 × 1014 kg−1, and 79.4 %, respectively, and when further increasing the inlet steam mass fraction to 15 %, these parameters decrease.
Protection strategy for fault detection in AC microgrid based on MVMD & differential CUSUM
Authors: Abhisek Akash , Biswal Chinmayee , Rout Pravat Kumar , Panda Gayadhar
Published: July 2024

In the era of smart grids and microgrids, the transformation of the traditional grid system brings many operational, technical, and economic benefits. However, the complexity of the network due to the integration of various distributed generations (DGs), continuous change of topology, and non-linear load make fault detection a major issue that forces power engineers to focus on. In this paper, a novel fault detection scheme is suggested based on the multivariate variational mode decomposition mode (MVMD) and differential cumulative sum (DCUSUM). As a generalized extension of the original variational mode decomposition (VMD) algorithm for multivariate data residing in multidimensional spaces, the main goal of MVMD is to decompose the input signal into different band-limited intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Due to the inherent characteristics of being insensitive to noise and very effective in decomposing the local features even with similar frequencies, it is very effective for fault detection in microgrid distribution systems. The proposed DCUSUM algorithm computes the differential cumulative energy for the remaining significant modes. A fault detection index is considered in this approach and applied for fault detection by adaptively through the threshold setting to accurately result in fault detection. To justify the proposed approach, a standard AC microgrid test system is considered and the approach is verified for fault detection under various fault conditions and resistances. The obtained results and the comparative analysis with other methods reflect the better accuracy, robustness, and reliability of the proposed approach.
Effects of the German Minimum Wage on Wages and Household Income
Authors: Pusch Toralf
Published: July 2024

This article examines the effects of the introduction of the statutory minimum wage on the distribution of individual income from wages, as well as gross and net means-weighted income of workers in Germany. For the first time, data from the Survey of Income and Consumption was used, in which incomes are recorded in great detail. Both descriptive findings and the results of Unconditional Quantile Regressions indicate that the incomes of workers in regions with a high level of minimum wage intervention experienced significant increases after the introduction of the minimum wage, ranging into the middle band of the income distribution. Accordingly, the minimum wage has positively influenced the incomes of a large number of employee households.
Homeomorphism types of the Bowditch boundaries of infinite-ended relatively hyperbolic groups
Authors: Tomar Ravi
Published: July 2024

For

n
≥
2

n\geq 2

, let

G
1

=

A
1

∗
⋯
∗

A
n

G_{1}=A_{1}\ast\dots\ast A_{n}

and

G
2

=

B
1

∗
⋯
∗

B
n

G_{2}=B_{1}\ast\dots\ast B_{n}

where the

A
i

A_{i}

’s and

B
i

B_{i}

’s are non-elementary relatively hyperbolic groups.
Suppose that, for

1
≤
i
≤
n

1\leq i\leq n

, the Bowditch boundary of

A
i

A_{i}

is homeomorphic to the Bowditch boundary of

B
i

B_{i}

.
We show that the Bowditch boundary of

G
1

G_{1}

is homeomorphic to the Bowditch boundary of

G
2

G_{2}

.
We generalize this result to graphs of relatively hyperbolic groups with finite edge groups.
This extends Martin–Świątkowski’s work in the context of relatively hyperbolic groups.
Readability and Suitability of Local Disaster Preparedness Materials in Predominantly Hispanic Border Communities: A Case Study of Cameron County, Texas
Authors: Sepielak Katarzyna , Wladyka Dawid
Published: July 2024

Community awareness is a key component of disaster resilience and numerous agencies developed a plethora of preparedness materials. Previous studies evaluated national-level resources and social media content indicating that these efforts are not effectively reaching vulnerable populations, as the information is provided at or above the secondary education level. However, the local-specific content has been mostly overlooked in the analyses, subsequently neglecting the needs of areas with specific demographics and hazards, like predominantly Hispanic border communities. Thus, this study turns to local preparedness and mitigation materials, rather than general internet searches or national level documents. We analyze information provided on 239 webpages of local authorities in Cameron county in the southernmost tip of Texas. We evaluate: 1) the availability of languages and visual materials, 2) the reading difficulty level, and 3) the suitability of content. Our results demonstrate the lack of suitable and readable information provided on the local authorities’ websites with the average readability level implying “difficult” to “very confusing”, and the average suitability score equivalent to “below average/adequate”. Moreover, the lack of Spanish-language content indicates an under-utilization of the otherwise vernacular language. We discuss those results in the socio-cultural context of the border community.
Between Here and There. The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Restoring the Supply Chain of Face Masks During the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Boersma Kees , Larruina Robert
Published: July 2024

As a cross-border, transboundary crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic affected societies worldwide, compromising socio-technical systems across geographical, judicial, and administrative borders. The outbreak can be considered a health crisis, but due to the measures taken to control the spread of the virus, it also exposed the global medical supply chain’s vulnerability. Formal authorities struggling to restore the supply chain caused serious problems in the crisis response as the supply of vital medical equipment was scrutinized. However, unexpected allies including social entrepreneurial initiatives provided bottom-up solutions to restore the broken supply chain. This paper seeks to bring attention to how social entrepreneurs respond to a crisis alongside the formal crisis governance system and generate resources related to product development and logistics. By presenting a case study about how Refugee Company’s “Mondmaskerfabriek” (Face Mask Factory) engaged with the cross-border dimension of the COVID-19 crisis, we show how a social enterprise was able to establish a supply chain and domestically produce personal protection equipment. As the article shows, both crisis management scholars and policy makers should pay more attention to the potential of social entrepreneurial activities during crisis.
Künstliche Intelligenz im Strafvollzug: Zulässigkeit, Bedarf und Ethik multimodaler Überwachung im Kontext der österreichischen Justiz
Authors: Rothmann Robert , Mayer Elisabeth
Published: July 2024

Der vorliegende Beitrag widmet sich der Analyse multimodaler KI-Anwendungen im Strafvollzug zur Erkennung von selbst- und fremdgefährdendem Verhalten. Ausgangspunkt der Untersuchung ist ein entsprechendes Forschungsprojekt, das jüngst in österreichischen Justizanstalten durchgeführt wurde. In der Abhandlung der Thematik wird zunächst eine Beschreibung der Technologie vorgenommen und die damit verbundene Zielsetzung erläutert. Darauf aufbauend erfolgt eine Prüfung der rechtlichen Zulässigkeit, in welcher auf datenschutzrechtliche Aspekte ebenso Bezug genommen wird wie auf die spezifischen Vorgaben des österreichischen Strafvollzuggesetzes und den aktuellen Entwurf einer Verordnung zur Regulierung von KI auf europäischer Ebene. Darüber hinaus wird der praktische Bedarf des Technologieeinsatzes analysiert, wobei sich die Überlegungen auf empirische Einblicke und Gespräche in den Vollzugsanstalten stützen. Die Analyse mündet in einer interdisziplinären Diskussion der Verhältnismäßigkeit des Technologieeinsatzes sowie damit verbundenen ethischen Abwägungen in Bezug auf die Menschenwürde.
Inverse design of color routers in CMOS image sensors: toward minimizing interpixel crosstalk
Authors: Lee Sangbin , Hong Jaehyun , Kang Joonho , Park Junjeong , Lim Jaesung , Lee Taeho , Jang Min Seok , Chung Haejun
Published: July 2024

Over the past decade, significant advancements in high-resolution imaging technology have been driven by the miniaturization of pixels within image sensors. However, this reduction in pixel size to submicrometer dimensions has led to decreased efficiency in color filters and microlens arrays. The development of color routers that operate at visible wavelengths presents a promising avenue for further miniaturization. Despite this, existing color routers often encounter severe interpixel crosstalk, around 70 %, due to the reliance on periodic boundary conditions. Here, we present interpixel crosstalk-minimized color routers that achieve an unprecedented in-pixel optical efficiency of 87.2 % and significantly reduce interpixel crosstalk to 2.6 %. The color routers are designed through adjoint optimization, incorporating customized incident waves to minimize interpixel crosstalks. Our findings suggest that our color router design surpasses existing color routing techniques in terms of in-pixel optical efficiency, representing a crucial step forward in the push toward commercializing the next generation of solid-state image sensors.
Effect of cellulose derivatives on crystallization and mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)
Authors: Chen Jianxiang , Deng Liqiang , Gong Shentao , Yang Runmiao
Published: July 2024

In this work, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was modified by cellulose derivatives, and the effects of different kinds of cellulose derivatives on the crystallization and mechanical properties of PHBV were investigated. The crystallization and mechanical properties of PHBV/cellulose derivatives composites were measured by means of differential scanning calorimeter, polarizing microscope, and mechanical properties testing instruments. Studies show that cellulose acetate (CA) can promote the crystallization of PHBV, a small amount of CA can significantly increase the crystallization temperature of PHBV. The crystallization rate of PHBV was also accelerated by CA. However, the addition of cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) decreased the crystallization temperature of PHBV and inhibited the nucleation of PHBV. And the degree of inhibition increased with the increase of CAB and CAP content. CAB and CAP have good compatibility with PHBV, CAB, and CAP can be uniformly dispersed in PHBV. Cellulose derivatives with specific component content can enhance the tensile properties of PHBV without losing the impact strength.
Desgraciadas víctimas de tan cruel enfermedad. El discurso en torno a la masturbación en la Gaceta Médica México, 1876-1889
Authors: Escobedo Martínez Juan Francisco , Durán Pérez Eduardo
Published: July 2024

En el presente texto se aborda el discurso médico del siglo XIX mexicano que patologizó la masturbación y que pretendía, por un lado, erradicar esta búsqueda solitaria de placer por considerar que afectaba el cuerpo del sujeto practicante y que incluso lo conducía hasta la muerte; por otro lado, la masturbación fue vista socialmente como una amenaza moral que conducía a la degradación humana, y correspondía al médico curar al sujeto y evitar el caos que resultaba de dicha práctica, ya que afectaba directamente los intereses del liberalismo desarrollista decimonónico de la nación mexicana.
Biopolítica. Un acercamiento al pensamiento de Michel Foucault
Authors: Vázquez Arredondo Raymundo
Published: July 2024

Este artículo es una breve exposición de la formación discursiva de la biopolítica propuesta por Michel Foucault en la década de los setenta. El propósito es presentar el estatuto teórico original del mencionado concepto como una tecnología de doble faz, establecida en los siglos XVII, XVIII y XIX que interviene y establece controles reguladores sobre la vida biológica en dos formas que no son antitéticas. La primera, se centra en el cuerpo como máquina: anatomopolítica del cuerpo humano. La segunda, se enfoca en el cuerpo-especie: es la biopolítica de la población. La metodología utilizada es un análisis de tipo documental que agrupó los cursos: Defender la sociedad; Seguridad, territorio y población y Nacimiento de la biopolítica, así como el libro Historia de la sexualidad 1, para conocer de manera sintética y reflexionar la idea y el sentido original del término como una tecnología de conducción de conductas individuales y colectivas.
Series bíblica, literaria y de redes sociales: la minificción en Museo de nimiedades de José Juan Aboytia
Authors: Martínez Vela Marlon
Published: July 2024

La literatura occidental, de acuerdo con Harold Bloom, tiene un par de pilares: las obras homéricas y la tradición judeocristiana: la Biblia. Esta herencia sigue viva en este siglo. Actualmente estamos inmersos en un mundo en el que las redes sociales son parte de nuestra cotidianidad, por esa razón, en este artículo me interesa mostrar tres series de minificciones que se encuentran en Museo de nimiedades (2022) de José Juan Aboytia, así como el tratamiento que este autor les da. Dichas series son las siguientes: lo bíblico, lo literario y las redes sociales. Aunque éstas no son las únicas que se hallan en el volumen, las destaco por los distintos elementos que aportan para el estudio de la minificción: la brevedad, el humor, el des-género que señala Violeta Rojo, la intertextualidad, la crítica social y las posibilidades de lectura que obligan al lector a ser un participante activo.
Mutations of Single Residues in the Complexin N-terminus Exhibit Distinct Phenotypes in Synaptic Vesicle Fusion
Authors: Toulme Estelle , Murach Jacqueline , Bärfuss Simon , Kroll Jana , Malsam Jörg , Trimbuch Thorsten , Herman Melissa A. , Söllner Thomas H. , Rosenmund Christian
Published: July 2024

The release of neurotransmitters (NTs) at central synapses is dependent on a cascade of protein interactions, specific to the presynaptic compartment. Among those dedicated molecules, the cytosolic complexins play an incompletely defined role as synaptic transmission regulators. Complexins are multidomain proteins that bind soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complexes, conferring both inhibitory and stimulatory functions. Using systematic mutagenesis and comparing reconstituted in vitro membrane fusion assays with electrophysiology in cultured neurons from mice of either sex, we deciphered the function of the N-terminus of complexin (Cpx) II. The N-terminus (amino acid 1–27) starts with a region enriched in hydrophobic amino acids (1–12), which binds lipids. Mutants maintaining this hydrophobic character retained the stimulatory function of Cpx, whereas exchanges introducing charged residues perturbed both spontaneous and evoked exocytosis. Mutants in the more distal region of the N-terminal domain (amino acid 11–18) showed a spectrum of effects. On the one hand, mutation of residue A12 increased spontaneous release without affecting evoked release. On the other hand, replacing D15 with amino acids of different shapes or hydrophobic properties (but not charge) not only increased spontaneous release but also impaired evoked release. Most surprising, this substitution reduced the size of the readily releasable pool, a novel function for Cpx at mammalian synapses. Thus, the exact amino acid composition of the Cpx N-terminus fine-tunes the degree of spontaneous and evoked NT release.
RIM and RIM-Binding Protein Localize Synaptic CaV2 Channels to Differentially Regulate Transmission in Neuronal Circuits
Authors: Jánosi Barbara , Liewald Jana F. , Seidenthal Marius , Yu Szi-chieh , Umbach Simon , Redzovic Jasmina , Rentsch Dennis , Alcantara Ivan C. , Bergs Amelie C. F. , Schneider Martin W. , Shao Jiajie , Gottschalk Alexander
Published: July 2024

At chemical synapses, voltage-gated Ca2+channels (VGCCs) translate electrical signals into a trigger for synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion. VGCCs and the Ca2+microdomains they elicit must be located precisely to primed SVs to evoke rapid transmitter release. Localization is mediated by Rab3-interacting molecule (RIM) and RIM-binding proteins, which interact and bind to the C terminus of the CaV2 VGCC α-subunit. We studied this machinery at the mixed cholinergic/GABAergic neuromuscular junction ofCaenorhabditis eleganshermaphrodites.rimb-1mutants had mild synaptic defects, through loosening the anchoring of UNC-2/CaV2 and delaying the onset of SV fusion. UNC-10/RIM deletion much more severely affected transmission. Although postsynaptic depolarization was reduced,rimb-1mutants had increased cholinergic (but reduced GABAergic) transmission, to compensate for the delayed release. This did not occur when the excitation–inhibition (E–I) balance was altered by removing GABA transmission. Further analyses of GABA defective mutants and GABAAor GABABreceptor deletions, as well as cholinergic rescue of RIMB-1, emphasized that GABA neurons may be more affected than cholinergic neurons. Thus, RIMB-1 function differentially affects excitation–inhibition balance in the different motor neurons, and RIMB-1 thus may differentially regulate transmission within circuits. Untethering the UNC-2/CaV2 channel by removing its C-terminal PDZ ligand exacerbated therimb-1defects, and similar phenotypes resulted from acute degradation of the CaV2 β-subunit CCB-1. Therefore, untethering of the CaV2 complex is as severe as its elimination, yet it does not abolish transmission, likely due to compensation by CaV1. Thus, robustness and flexibility of synaptic transmission emerge from VGCC regulation.
Identification and distribution of fluoride in Singkep Island, Lingga Regency, Riau Islands
Authors: Razi Faizal , Hendrayana Heru , Harijoko Agung
Published: July 2024

The consumption of fluoride below the safe limit can result in dental caries, while high concentrations can lead to fluorosis, which can potentially impair the body's systems. One geological factor that influences the concentration of fluoride in water is the type of rock through which the water passes, including granite and its weathering products. The area is located within the Tandjungbuku Formation, which is predominantly composed of granite rock and contains several areas with Mining Business Permits (IUP) for commodities such as silica sand. This research serves as a form of mitigation in response to mining activities, post-mining, and the development of an industrial area. One anticipated impact is an increase in fluoride concentration in the research area, originating from both natural geological processes and human activities. The investigation involved geological mapping, petrographic analysis, XRD, and XRF analysis. Water sampling was conducted for both surface water and groundwater from wells in Resang Tandjungbuku Village. The research area consists of two rock units: granite, which acts as a non-aquifer layer, and colluvial deposits, which function as a free aquifer. Petrographic analysis identified minerals associated with fluoride, such as plagioclase, amphibole, and biotite. This was supported by XRD analysis with the presence of biotite, muscovite and kaoline minerals. XRF results revealed fluoride values in granite rock at 0.23% or 2300 ppm, further confirming granite as a source of fluoride. Analysis of fluoride in surface water showed values ranging from 0.01 to 4.24 mg/L, while groundwater consistently had a value of 0.01 mg/L.
Income Inequality Convergence in European Union Countries – The Importance of Employment Structures
Authors: Cyrek Magdalena ,   University of Rzeszów
Published: July 2024

Goal – the objective of the paper was to empirically identify the existence of income inequality convergence between EU countries over the period from 2009 to 2021 and the importance of structural change in this process (where structural change is understood as shifts in the sectional distribution of workers). Research methodology – for this objective, panel models of income inequality convergence considering the 27 EU Member States were estimated. Score/results – the obtained results provided a strong basis for confirming the existence of income inequality convergence between the European Union countries, which confirmed the growing similarity of these countries in this respect. The convergence also means that the level of inequality is rising across the EU. The carried out research did not allow the structural change to be explicitly recognised as a significant factor influencing changes in the level of income inequality, but it did reveal specific relationships in terms of the importance of institutional arrangements in this channel of influence. Originality/value – the research undertaken in this paper on the problem of inequality convergence in the context of serious economic perturbations allows to assess the sustainability of these processes and the strength of cohesion trends in the European Union. Identifying the convergence at the international level with increasing intra-country inequalities, they point to failures in the implementation of social cohesion policies.
Implementation of the Goals of Agenda 2030 in Poland
Authors: Gołaszewska-Kaczan Urszula ,   University of Bialystok
Published: July 2024

Goal – the purpose of the article was to present the situation with regard to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Poland. Research methodology – for the purpose of the article, the author of the article used the analysis of the literature on the subject and the analysis of data taken from the SDG Index and Dashboards Report series. Score/results – the analysis showed that Poland, although it started from a less than ideal position, is now on the right track in terms of achieving the goals of Agenda 2030. The dynamics of our country’s implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is higher than average, which means that Poland is catching up with the countries that have been in the top positions so far. Originality/value – the article is a summary of 8 years of Poland’s implementation of the goals of Agenda 2030. It broadens the knowledge of our country’s advancement in the implementation of the goals of sustainable development.
The Impact of Social Policy on the Level of Employment in the Lithuanian Labor Market
Authors: Grynia Alina ,   Branch of the University of Bialystok in Vilnius, Gruzevskis Boguslavas , Lazutka Romas ,   Vilnius University,   Vilnius University
Published: July 2024

Goal – the contemporary labor market in European countries is being currently influenced by such factors as an ageing population, shortage of employees, difficulties in recruiting employees with appropriate qualifications and untapped professional potential. In the case of the latter, the situation of people with disabilities, of young women, of people 50+ is discussed most extensively and, much less frequently than the problem of activating the long-term unemployed. This topic seems to be important in the context of decreasing labor resources and the growing deficit of employees. The aim of the article is to determine the impact of the social policy (social security system) on the level of employment in Lithuania in the context of reducing the number of long-term unemployed and their activation. It is assumed that the social benefits that unemployed beneficiaries receive discourage them from returning to the labor market. Research methodology – the used research methods include: analysis of scientific studies, descriptive and comparative methods and the survey research. Score/results – the conducted research has shown that the main causes of long-term unemployment do not result from the decisions of the unemployed, and neither from the demotivating effect of receiving social benefits in the context of active social integration. Thus, the hypothesis was not confirmed. Originality/value – the analysis conducted in the article allows to identify barriers to employment of the long-term unemployed in Lithuania and thus contributes to the scientific discussion on this topic. The results can provide policy makers with recommendations for activation measures for the unemployed social assistance recipients in the context of stabilizing the local labor market situation and of increasing the effectiveness of the social policy.
E-Administration in Polish Voivodeships Against the Background of Europe
Authors: Kuzionko-Ochrymiuk Ewa ,   University of Bialystok
Published: July 2024

Goal– the aim of the article is to assess the level of development of e-government services in Europe, with particular emphasis on the level of use of these services in Polish voivodships. Research methodology– the Perkal method and the analysis of the EGDI index were used to achieve the research objective. The study was conducted on the basis of the available data from the United Nations E-Government Survey and the Central Statistical Office in the area of public e-government services for citizens. Score/results – the analysis of the United Nations E-Government Survey reports showed that, since 2003, Denmark, Finland and Sweden have been occupying the highest place in the development of e-government in Europe and in the world. The research results showed that the level of the EGDI indicator increases over the years 2003–2022. The author’s own research on the use of e-government services in Polish voivodeships showed that over the years 2014–2022 the level of use of e-government services by citizens increased. Mazowieckie, Dolnośląskie and Pomorskie Voivodships are characterized by the highest level of use of e-administration services, while the Świętokrzyskie, Podkarpackie and Lubelskie Voivodships are among the voivodships with the lowest use of these services. Originality/value – the introduction of various e-government solutions is becoming a very clear trend. Regional differences, on the other hand, result from the level of the state development in individual countries. The article showed that the use of e-government services in Poland by citizens is increasing, but it is still at an unsatisfactory level. Noticeable disproportions can be seen in individual voivodeships of Poland. Polish society does not take full advantage of the facilities offered by public administration, therefore it seems necessary in this situation to take decisive action that could encourage the society to use e-services. In order to enhance the increase in the use of these services, each voivodeship should develop separate actions that will contribute to greater interest of citizens in e-government services, and consequently to their use. The carried out analyses may therefore be a contribution to further in‑‑ depth research, because the issues of electronic administration are very up‑‑ to-date and knowledge in this field requires constant updating.