bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Sign Language Recognition Enhanced by Dynamic Attention and Maximum Backtracking Probability Decoding
Authors: Xiong Sije , Zou Chunlong , Yun Juntong , Jiang Du , Huang Li , Liu Ying , Xie Yuanmin
Published: August 2024

Sign language utilizes changes in hand shape, body movements, and facial expressions to collaboratively convey information. Most of the current continuous sign language recognition (CSLR) models focus on extracting information from each frame of the video, neglecting the dynamical changing characteristics of the signer across multiple frames. This contrasts with the essence of continuous sign language recognition: which aims to learn the most essential feature of changes in both hand-controlled and non-hand-controlled parts and convert them into text. In this paper, a feature alignment method is first employed to explicitly capture the spatial position offset and motion direction information between neighboring frames, direct a dynamic attention mechanism to focus on the subtle change region. A dynamic decoding module based on maximum backtracking probability is proposed to decode word-level features and achieve word consistency constraints without increasing computational resources. We propose a comprehensive CSLR model (DAM-MCD) that combines a Dynamic Attention Mechanism and Maximum Backtracking Probability Dynamic Decoding, enhancing the model's inference capability and robustness. Experiments conducted on two publicly accessible datasets, PHOENIX14 and PHOENIX14-T, demonstrate that the DAM-MCD model achieves higher accuracy compared to methods using multi-cue input. The results further show that our model effectively captures sign language motion information in videos.
“The Patient as Teacher” - thematic analysis of undergraduate medical students’ experiences with an experiential learning project in Palliative Care
Authors: Stocklassa Stephanie , Block Susan , Paal Piret , Elsner Frank
Published: August 2024

Background: Experiential learning holds high potential for medical students’ education in palliative care. At RWTH Aachen University in Germany, medical students can participate in the course “The Patient as Teacher” offering a one-to-one exchange with a terminally ill patient over a period of several weeks complemented with four supervision sessions and writing of a reflective essay. The course had run from 2005-2020 before it was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the course's value as a palliative care teaching tool by investigating students’ motivation and experiences over the years 2005-2020.
Methods: A stratified sample of 24 essays was taken from all submitted essays (n = 78), eight essays from the years 2005-2009, 2010-2014, and 2015-2020. Subsequently, a thematic analysis of the selected essays was conducted.
Results: The students felt motivated by the opportunity to gain more experience in palliative care, to improve their communication skills and to decrease insecurities in interaction with terminally ill patients. They learned about the patient’s biography and medical history, and encountered physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of living with a life-limiting disease. Moreover, they experienced relationship building and communication with a terminally ill patient outside their role as future doctors. Ultimately, they considered their participation as a beneficial experience on both a personal and professional level.
Conclusions: The course “The Patient as Teacher” presents a valuable tool for experiential learning in palliative care, which has elicited an unceasingly positive response among the students who participated over the years. It has facilitated medical students in overcoming insecurities in dealing with terminally ill patients and supported them in further developing their professional identity.
The relationship between maternal iron status and risk of congenital heart defects: a case-control study
Authors: Qaddour Raghdah , Alsayed Ranwa
Published: August 2024

Background The cause of most congenital heart defects (CHD) cases is still unknown. A study on animals showed a link between maternal iron deficiency and congenital heart defects in mice, but this connection in humans is not yet clear. Our goal in this study was to assess the iron levels in mothers and infants with CHDs and to explore the potential relationship between maternal iron status and CHDs.
Methods We conducted a case-control study in Damascus, Syria, including 70 cases and 30 controls. The study involved mothers whose infants were aged from 1 day to 1 year. We interviewed eligible mothers to gather information about their pregnancies and collected peripheral blood from both the mothers and their infants to analyze iron-related biomarkers. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (with 95% confidence intervals) for maternal iron status with CHDs.
Results The iron-related biomarkers (serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (Fe), and transferrin saturation (TSAT) showed lower levels, while total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was higher among mothers of CHD infants compared to the control group (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, mothers of CHD infants were at a higher risk of having iron deficiency (OR=2.91, 95% CL: 1.143-7.418) compared to the control group.
Conclusions Mothers of CHD infants exhibited lower levels of SF, Fe, and TSAT, and higher TIBC compared to the control group. Furthermore, the CHD mothers were more likely to have iron deficiency compared to the control group.
Impact of Immigrant-Driven Services on the Labor Supply of High-Skilled Native Women
Authors: Hung Chih-min
Published: August 2024

Previous research has proved that low-skill immigration impacts the labor supply of high-skilled native women; however, insufficient attention is paid to the sectors where these immigrants bring significant influence. This paper analyzes service sectors that heavily depend on less educated immigrants: maids and housekeeping cleaners, food preparation and serving, and childcare. These service sectors are focused on because they alleviate household responsibilities that women typically spend a large amount of time on. Using U.S. Decennial Census data from 1980 to 2000, the study found that the inflow of low-skill immigrants into these service sectors tends to lower wages for workers with similar education levels, thereby reducing service costs. These more affordable services enable highly skilled native women, especially those with young children under age 5, to provide more labor supply in the labor market. Therefore, low-skill immigrants play an indirect but important role in supporting the careers of high-skilled native women and thereby increasing the overall labor supply by influencing the labor structure in these targeted service sectors.
JEL classifications J12, J16, J31, J61
Taurolidine resists pulmonary artery vasoconstriction induced by influenza virus infection via inhibiting Ca 2+ influx and MLCK/p-MLC signaling pathway
Authors: Lv Chaoxiang , Guo Jin , Luo Rongbo , Li Yuanguo , qian Bingshuo , Zou Xiaopan , Wang Tiecheng , Shen Beilei , Sun Weiyang , Gao Yuwei
Published: August 2024

Background
Influenza virus causes worldwide outbreaks and seasonal epidemics, severely threatening public health and social development. Effective prevention and therapy for influenza infections are a major challenge to global healthcare.
Results
Taurolidine effectively inhibited the proliferation of several human or animal influenza virus strains and protected mice from lethal-infection. Taurolidine treatment decreased the viral titer in the lungs of infected mice, reduced immune cells infiltration, and alleviated lung pathology. Additionally, influenza virus infection increased blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and pulmonary aortic thickness in mouse model, as well as promoted the increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and pulmonary artery vasoconstriction. These effects were attenuated by taurolidine treatment through inhibiting the activation of the MLCK/p-MLC pathway.
Conclusions
These findings confirm the effectiveness of taurolidine as an antiviral agent and highlight its important roles in host immune cell infiltration and vasoconstriction induced by influenza virus infection.
Classification and reconstruction for single-pixel imaging with classical and quantum neural networks
Authors: Manko Sofya , Frolovtsev Dmitry
Published: August 2024

Single-pixel cameras are effective solution for imaging outside the visible spectrum where traditional CMOS/CCD cameras have challenges. Combined with machine learning, they can analyze images quickly enough for practical applications. Solving the problem of high-dimensional single-pixel visualization can potentially be accelerated using quantum machine learning, thereby expanding the range of practical problems. In this work we simulated a single-pixel imaging experiment using Hadamard basis patterns, where images from the MNIST handwritten digit dataset were used as objects. There were selected 64 measurements with maximum variance (6% of the number of pixels in the image). We created algorithms for classifying and reconstruction images based on these measurements using classical fully connected neural networks and parameterized quantum circuits. Classical and quantum classifiers showed accuracies of 96% and 95% respectively after 6 training epochs, which is quite competitive result. Image reconstruction was also demonstrated using classical and quantum neural networks after 10 training epochs, the structural similarity index measure values were 0.76 and 0.25, respectively, which indicates that the problem in such a formulation turned out to be too difficult for quantum neural networks in such a configuration for now.
Assessment of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) farm surface contamination through environmental sampling
Authors: Melini Claudio Marcello , Kikuti Mariana , Bruner Laura , Allerson Matt , O’Brien Katie , Stahl Chase , Roggow Brian , Yeske Paul , Leuwerke Brad , Schwartz Mark , Torremorell Montserrat , Corzo Cesar A.
Published: August 2024

Background
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can be transmitted indirectly between infected and susceptible pigs through the contamination of inanimate objects or aerosols. PRRSV can be present on surfaces for prolonged periods, and under certain conditions of temperature, humidity and type of surface, remain viable outside the host. In the United States, the yearly epidemic of PRRSV typically begins in the fall. During the fall of 2020, the variant L1C.5 emerged and rapidly spread throughout southern Minnesota, which generated questions regarding possible transmission routes. This study aimed to investigate whether PRRSV could be detected on surfaces inside and outside pig barns housing L1C.5 variant PRRSV-positive pigs to illustrate the potential for indirect transmission of PRRSV.
Results
All (n = 26) samples from PRRSV-negative farm tested negative. Nineteen (13%) out of 143 samples from positive farms yielded positive RT-PCR results. Positive samples originated primarily from exhaust fan cones and doorknobs, followed by anteroom floor and mortality carts/sleds. Virus isolation attempted on two samples did not yield positive results.
Conclusions
PRRSV contamination can occur on surfaces inside and outside pig barns that are in frequent contact with farm personnel. Although virus isolation attempts were negative, our results illustrate the potential for PRRSV to be transmitted indirectly through contaminated materials or farm personnel. The study supports the implementation of biosecurity practices by farm personnel to prevent the introduction of PRRSV into farms and the prevention of PRRSV transmission between farms.
Microbial methane production from calcium carbonate at moderately alkaline pH
Authors: Fiore Nicole , Kohtz Anthony , Miller Daniel , Antony-Babu Sanjay , Pan Donald , Lahey Caitlin , Huang Xi , Lu Yongfeng , Buan Nicole , Weber Karrie
Published: August 2024

Carbonate minerals are considered a metastable carbon reservoir under alkaline conditions. Here we demonstrate the use of calcium carbonate as a sole inorganic carbon source at moderately alkaline pH for a methanogenic microbial community enriched from alkaline, saline wetland soil. In reactors amended with calcium carbonate as the sole source of inorganic carbon, concentrations of methane and aqueous calcium increased concurrent with headspace hydrogen depletion. Cells were observed in association with the carbonate mineral matrix via coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy. Genome-resolved metagenomics of the enrichment community confirmed the presence of a methanogen (Methanobacterium sp.) with the metabolic potential for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in addition to five bacterial community members. These results demonstrate that carbonate minerals can serve as an inorganic carbon source for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, leading to mineral dissolution under stable alkaline conditions. As such, hydrogenotrophic methanogens may impact carbon biogeochemistry and carbonate mineral stability in environmental systems.
Switching off Competing Hydrogen Formation in CO2 Electroreduction via Substrate Defect Engineering
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Haozhou , Guo Na , Xi Shibo , Zou Haiyuan , Chen Jiayi , Fan Lei , Xiao Yukun , He Qian , Duan Lele , Wei Pengfei , Wang Guoxiong , Zhang Chun
Published: August 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as effective substrates for immobilizing molecular catalysts towards many electrocatalytic reactions, such as CO2 reduction (CO2R). However, despite the prevailing notion of strong π-π stackings between the molecular catalyst and CNTs, our understanding of their interactions remains inadequate. Here, we employ functionalized nickel phthalocyanines (NiPc), established CO2R catalysts, immobilized on CNTs as a model system to investigate the catalyst/substrate interactions. Firstly, we find that NiPc-catalysts preferentially anchor on the defects on CNTs rather than adhering via π-π interaction with the ideal graphene-like CNT surface, a finding further validated by theoretical simulations. Consequently, we observe the least uniform NiPc-catalysts distributions on CNTs when the defect-content is the lowest. Notably, this combination exhibits the highest CO2R selectivity and activity despite the non-uniform catalyst distributions. Through operando X-ray adsorption spectroscopy and theoretical simulations, we reveal that high CNT defect-contents tend to induce substantial D4h symmetry breaking of the NiPc plane under cathodic potential, consequently resulting in reduced CO2R selectivity and activity. Therefore, maintaining a low to moderate defect level on CNTs is critical. Guided by this understanding, we fine-tune the defect-level of CNTs through graphitization, achieving an unprecedently high selectivity for CO2 to CO conversion (CO to H2 molar ratio exceeding 16100:1, a remarkable suppression of hydrogen evolution by three orders of magnitude) and improved intrinsic-activity (turnover frequency of 1072 s− 1 at − 0.60 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) on an optimized Ni-Pc/CNTs composite. Furthermore, we achieved practical relevant CO production in a zero-gap electrolyzer (electrode size of 100 cm−2), reaching high current (up to 50 A), with high CO selectivity (> 95%) and reasonably low cell voltage (approximately 3.5 V), substantially outperforming the state-of-the-art silver catalyst. Moreover, we extend this knowledge to a Co-based molecular catalyst, achieving a high Faradaic efficiency (over 50%) towards methanol production with a high partial current density over 150 mA cm− 2. Overall, our findings underscore the significance of tuning defect levels on CNT substrates for achieving desired performance for immobilized molecular catalysts.
Extreme Compound Events in the Equatorial and South Atlantic
Authors: Rodrigues Regina , Neto Afonso Gonçalves , Frölicher Thomas , Keenlyside Noel , Hobday Alistair , Burger Friedrich , Bernardo Piero , Araujo Julia
Published: August 2024

The impacts of marine heatwaves (MHWs) on marine ecosystems can be amplified when combined with other extreme events. Here, we investigate the temporal-spatial distribution of compound events of MHW, high acidity and low chlorophyll in the equatorial and South Atlantic, using observation-based datasets and reanalysis products. We show that the frequency and intensity of these triple compound events have increased dramatically over the past two decades, peaking in the most recent years. We analysed the drivers of triple compound events for six regions and found that, for the Angola Front and Brazil-Malvinas Confluence regions, these events are associated with a poleward shift of the fronts. In the Agulhas Leakage region, an increase in warmer waters entering from the Indian Ocean leads to compound extremes. In the western equatorial and subtropical Atlantic, they are caused by changes in the air-sea heat fluxes, while in the eastern equatorial by a weakening of upwelling. In addition, triple compound events are widespread over the South Atlantic during El Niño events. This is important because MHWs can be predicted when they are associated with ENSO.
Effect of felzartamab anti-CD38 treatment on the molecular phenotype of antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant biopsies.
Authors: Halloran Philip , Diebold Matthias , Gauthier Patrick , Mayer Katharina , Mackova Martina , Hinze Christian , Chang Jessica , Patel Uptal , Schütz Ekkehard , Schrezenmeier Eva , Budde Klemens , Böhmig Georg
Published: August 2024

A recent randomized controlled trial demonstrated that treatment with CD38 monoclonal antibody felzartamab suppressed antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in kidney transplant patients but with recurrence post-treatment in some patients. The present study examined the molecular effects of 6-months of felzartamab treatment on biopsies from the trial using genome-wide microarray analysis, comparing pre-treatment, end-of-treatment (24 week) and post-treatment (week 52) biopsies from 10 felzartamab and 10 placebo patients. Felzartamab reduced molecular ABMR activity scores in all 9 patients with baseline ABMR activity, selectively suppressing interferon gamma-inducible and natural killer cell transcripts, with minimal effect on ABMR-induced endothelial transcripts. Suppression was often incomplete when ABMR activity was intense, and molecular recurrence was nearly universal by week 52. However, we also found that felzartamab had parenchymal benefits at week 52, slowing the trajectories of molecular injury scores beyond the treatment period, suggesting that suppression of ABMR activity could potentially slow future progression to kidney failure.
Enantioselective Heck/Tsuji−Trost Reaction of Flexible Vinylic Halides with 1,3-Dienes
Authors: Zhang Junliang , Zhang Li-Zhi , Zhang Pei-Chao , Wang Qian , Zhou Min
Published: August 2024

The enantioselective domino Heck/cross-coupling has emerged as a powerful tool in modern chemical synthesis for decades. Despite significant progress in relative rigid skeleton substrates, the implementation of asymmetric Heck/cross-coupling cascades of highly flexible haloalkene substrates remains a challenging and and long-standing goal. Here we report an efficient asymmetric tandem Heck/Tsuji−Trost reaction of highly flexible vinylic halides with 1,3-dienes enabled by palladium catalysis. A variety of functional cyclic isoprenoids, which are key structural motifs of numerous natural products family, were delivered in good yields with excellent regio-, diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Specifically, the Heck insertion of stereodetermining step to form ƞ3 π-allyl palladium complex and in situ trapping with nucleophiles enable efficient Heck/etherification in a formal (4+2) cycloaddition manner. Engineering the Sadphos bearing androgynous non-C2-symmetric chiral sulfinamide phosphine ligands were vital component in achieving excellent catalytic reactivity and enantioselectivity. This strategy offers a general, modular and divergent platform for rapidly upgrading feedstock flexible vinylic halides and dienes to various value-added molecules and is expected to inspire the development of other challenging enantioselective domino Heck/cross-couplings.
WITHDRAWN: Preparation and Evaluation Gluten Free pasta
Authors: Hussein Ahmed M.S. , Shedeed Naglaa A. , Mostafa Sayed , Kamil Mohie M. , Mostafa Mona Y. , Hegazy Nefisa A.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to prepare gluten-free pasta for several patients who were gluten sensitive. Therefore, several sources of free gluten raw materials have been evaluated and compared with those of semolina (S) to produce pasta characterized by its high nutritional and sensory properties. For this reason, brown rice flour (BRF),quinoa (QF) and chickpea flour (CPF) have been used to produce high-quality gluten - free pasta. The chemical composition of the raw materials revealed that higher protein, carbohydrate and fat contents were present in the CPF (23.19%),S (74.63%), and QF (6.07%) samples, respectively. Additionally, CPF had relatively high percentages of Ca, K and Fe, while zinc was relatively high in the BRF. Furthermore, the amino acid composition of the tested samples indicated that the total essential amino acid content of CPF, PRF and QF ranged from 38.9–34.04%, whereas that of Semolina flour decreased to 29.95%.
On the other hand, different selected formulas have been evaluated chemically, physically and sensorally. Higher crude protein, fat, ash, and fiber contents were found in the BRQ5 formula (40% BRF, 50% QF, and 10% CPF) than in the100% BRF or 100% semolina samples. Additionally, the cooking quality of the BRQ5 paste was relatively high, whereas its weight and volume increased to 300% and 215%, respectively. A color evaluation of the pasta for different formula showed that lightness (L*) decreased as the QF increased. This result was confirmed during sensory evaluation, where a relatively high color value was observed in the control sample and then declined gradually as the percentage of QF increased. The same trend was observed for the overall acceptability of different pasta formulas, where greater acceptability was found in the control sample (100% semolina), followed by BR and then BRQ1. Furthermore, texture profile analysis was used to evaluate the hardness and hardness parameters in different pasta formula for uncooked or cooked pasta.
From the previous results that the Pasta formula BRQ1 can be used as a functional past product.
Parental perceptions of change during early intervention for autism
Authors: Latrèche Kenza , Journal Fiona , Godel Michel , Franchini Martina , Schaer Marie
Published: August 2024

Background. Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often brings important challenges. Parents may experience stress emerging during the pre-diagnosis phase, which persists after diagnosis confirmation as additional responsibilities and challenges arise. In parallel, parents are encouraged to seek support for their child. Though parents play critical roles in early intervention, they are rarely considered as predictors and targets of successful intervention. Moreover, little is known about the effects of early intervention on their sense of efficacy and their well-being.
Methods.Focusing on the parents’ perspective six months after receiving their autistic child’s diagnosis, we created a parent-reported questionnaire that inquired about their perception of their child's evolution, their own feeling of parental self-efficacy (PSE) and their well-being. In this observational study, the parents of 130 autistic children (M= 2.51 years old) completed the questionnaire. Of these children, 77 were enrolled in an Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) program after diagnosis, whereas the remaining 53 received community-based treatment (CT).
Results. Parents reported more positive perceptions regarding their child’s evolution, their PSE, and their well-being in the 6 months following diagnosis confirmation when their child showed more developmental progress. Parents of children enrolled in ESDM also indicated higher PSE and well-being and perceived more progress in their children than parents of the CT group. In children with a developmental delay (developmental quotient below 70), parents in the ESDM group reported greater well-being and PSE compared to parents in the CT group.
Conclusions. Objective developmental gains and ESDM are two important factors positively influencing parental perceptions toward their child and their own PSE and well-being. Parents in the ESDM group with more severely affected children also report greater PSE and well-being, suggesting the benefit of this program.
The monopolisation of violence: booms and busts of prehistoric violence linked to social inequalities
Authors: Müller Johannes , Bilotti Giacomo , Skorna Henry , Wilkes Fynn , Kruckenberg Clemens , Duffy Paul , Hofmann Robert , Kneisel Jutta
Published: August 2024

In a study on the occurrence of trauma in prehistoric graves in Central Europe, evidence of violence over a period of more than 6000 years is presented diachronically for the first time. Ups and downs in the trauma sequence are recognisable in over 23,000 graves. Comparing it to our proxies for social organization of prehistoric societies, an inverse relationship appears: the higher the levels of social inequality are the lower are the signals of violence. We interpret this as an expression of a a monopolisation of violence through political power. In addition to fluctuations in the intensity of violence, the long-term trend indicates an overall reduction in violence at least until the early modern period.
Association Between Platelet-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Cognitive Function in Older Americans: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zheng Ruwen , Zhang Siqi , Qin Hongyu , Jin Hong , Teng Yubo , Ma Shuai , Zhang Miao
Published: August 2024

Aims
The main aim of this study was to explore the correlation between the platelet/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (PHR) and cognitive function in elderly individuals from the United States.
Methods
This investigation leveraged data encompassing 2299 participants, all aged 60 years and above, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2011 to 2014. Inclusion criteria were based on the availability of complete datasets for PHR and cognitive function assessments. The analytical approach incorporated multivariate logistic regression to discern the association between PHR and cognitive impairment. Additionally, the study employed restricted cubic splines (RCS) to explore potential non-linear relationships and subgroup analyses to identify variations in the observed associations across different demographic and clinical subgroups.
Results
In the fully adjusted model, an increment of 10 units in PHR was associated with a decline of 0.014 in cognitive scores (β=-0.014, 95% CI: -0.025, -0.002; P<0.05). Compared to the lowest quartile, participants in the highest quartile exhibited a 38.4% increased prevalence of cognitive impairment per one-unit increase in PHR (OR=1.384, 95% CI: 1.012, 1.893; P<0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed consistent results regarding the relationship between PHR and cognitive impairment across all subgroups. A non-linear relationship between PHR and cognitive impairment was observed using RCS, indicating that an increase in PHR above 111.49 significantly elevated the incidence of cognitive impairment (P<0.05).
Conclusions
Our study proves that higher PHR is linked to a greater risk of cognitive decline in the U.S. elderly population, warranting consideration in clinical assessments and interventions.
Automated Comparative Analysis of Visual and Textual Representations of Logographic Writing Systems in Large Language Models
Authors: Shao Peng , Li Ruichen , Qian Kai
Published: August 2024

The complex nature of logographic writing systems, characterized by their visually intricate characters and context-dependent meanings, presents unique challenges for computational models designed primarily for alphabetic scripts. Understanding the ability of LLMs to process logographic scripts across visual and textual input modalities is essential for advancing their application in multilingual contexts. The novel approach presented in this study systematically compares the performance of LLMs when interpreting logographic characters as both visual and textual data, offering new insights into the semantic consistency and accuracy of model outputs across these modalities. The findings reveal critical disparities in performance, particularly highlighting the models' tendency to favor textual inputs, which suggests the need for further refinement in multimodal processing capabilities. Through detailed analysis of error patterns, semantic similarity, and computational complexity, the research demonstrates the importance of developing more robust and versatile LLM architectures capable of effectively managing the inherent complexities of logographic writing systems. The conclusions drawn from the study not only provide a deeper understanding of the limitations of current LLMs but also set the stage for future innovations in the field, aiming to enhance the models' ability to generalize across diverse linguistic structures and input types.
Mowing Height and Fertility Regime Effects on Tall Fescue Turf in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Wang Ruying , Hamilton Zachary J. , Mattox Clint M. , McDonald Brian W. , Schmid Charles J. , Kowalewski Alec R.
Published: August 2024

The western portion of the Pacific Northwest is known for being dry in the summer and cool and humid in the other months. Tall fescue is valued for its drought and heat tolerance, making it a desirable choice in regions where water is scarce and often restricted by legislation during periods of drought in the summer. However, cool and humid climates make it challenging to manage tall fescue in the winter because unacceptable quality is often observed due to low-temperature diseases and thinning in turf. A field trial was initiated in Autumn 2020 in Corvallis, OR, USA to assess the effects of mowing height as well as fertility timing and rate on tall fescue performance. Two mowing heights of 5.1 and 7.6 cm, four seasonal fertility timings, and three levels of annual N rates of 98, 196, and 294 kg·ha−1·yr−1 were evaluated using a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial experiment in a strip-plot design. Quantitative data of percent green cover and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) suggest that autumn fertilization is needed in cool, humid areas where tall fescue is actively growing in the winter months. The annual fertilization rate of 294 kg·ha−1·yr−1 N produced higher green turf cover and NDVI, compared with 98 or 196 kg·ha−1·yr−1 N. Furthermore, divergent effects of mowing heights were observed during winter compared with other months, suggesting that tall fescue could be mowed lower at 5.1 cm during cool, humid winter months and higher at 7.6 cm in other seasons for better overall turfgrass growth and less winter disease and thinning. Our research provides practical cultural practices for managing tall fescue turf in the Pacific Northwest or similar climates.
Imagination in Scientific Reasoning: Theoretical Innovation and Scientific Explanation on the Example of Atomic Physics
Authors: Rivadulla Andrés
Published: August 2024

This article aims to show the great variety of ways in which new ideas enter science; ideas that must pass both the critical examination of the scientific community and the filter of empirical contrast. The community itself is aware of the role that conjectures, intuitions, and imagination play in the advancement of science. A fundamental role in the context of discovery is played by abduction, a form of reasoning that serves the purposes of theoretical innovation and scientific explanation, which I illustrate by focusing on the anomalous Zeeman effect, which is very appropriate to the case. But I also point out that in preductive reasoning, a genuinely deductive form of inter-theoretical reasoning, imagination, and luck should not be excluded when choosing the theoretical elements whose step-by-step combination leads to a novel theoretical result.
Divergencias en el diagnóstico: medicina y enfermería. Un análisis kuhniano
Authors: Federico Lucía
Published: August 2024

La medicina se caracteriza por su poder de diagnóstico, un importante consenso entre los profesionales al diagnosticar y un sistema de clasificación estandarizado de enfermedades (i. e. la CIE de la OMS). Por su parte, la enfermería enfrenta una desconexión entre teoría y práctica (theory-practice gap, Risjord, 2010), a pesar de que en la actualidad se sustenta en el proceso de atención en enfermería (PAE), un sistema de diagnóstico estandarizado (la NANDA) y un corpus académico propio. Sin embargo, la falta de integración entre la investigación teórica y la práctica impacta el PAE, en particular en el diagnóstico, que se diferencia del médico por su taxonomía y lenguaje. En ese sentido, se analizan ambos diagnósticos desde una perspectiva kuhniana para identificar las diferencias que afectan el éxito de la enfermería en el sistema de salud. Se plantea como hipótesis que la brecha entre teoría y práctica contribuye a la falta de solidez en el diagnóstico enfermero, por lo que el objetivo es precisar cómo se manifiesta esta grieta. Por último, en virtud de las características de una investigación filosófica, la perspectiva metodológica del artículo se centra en el análisis conceptual y crítico del material bibliográfico seleccionado.
Influence of personality, biases on financial risk tolerance among retail investors in India
Authors: S Rao Aniruddha , G Lakkol Savitha
Published: August 2024

Investors’ personality traits and psychological biases play a crucial role in the decision-making process and risk-taking behavior of investors. The emotional and psychological factors impact the decision-making, giving rise to biases. These biases make investors make irrational decisions, which signifies the need for this study. This study aims to assess investors’ personalities using HEXACO model and its interaction with biases and financial risk tolerance. The data of 530 retail investors in India, who had more than 2 years of investing experience in the stock market, were collected. The study considered the HEXACO model since it captures all dimensions of personality that are not considered in the commonly used Big Five Model (BFM). The result of structural equation modeling and mediation analysis shows that the ‘honesty-humility’ trait significantly affects overconfidence bias. The mediation analysis of biases between traits and financial risk tolerance showed complete, partial, and no mediation effect depending on the nature of prejudice. Clear distinction of personality traits into ‘virtue traits’ and ‘character traits’ can be observed. This clear distinction paves the way for employing the HEXACO model in future studies.
An empirical analysis of asset misappropriation fraud during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Darsono Darsono , Ratmono Dwi , Ramadhani Permata Putri Erlinda , Cahyonowati Nur , Lee Sunseok
Published: August 2024

The objective of this paper is to examine asset misappropriation fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study examines the impact of four elements of fraud risk factors and Islamic religiosity on the propensity for fraud among employees who manage assets in government organizations. Data collection involved a questionnaire distributed to 210 employees responsible for asset management within the government organization in Indonesia. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized as a statistical method. The test results show that the theoretical model is supported by empirical data. The study revealed that pressure, opportunity, rationalization, and capability positively influence asset misappropriation with a coefficient of 0.250, 0.134, 0.211, and 0.288, respectively. These results indicate that the higher the four fraud risks, the higher the possibility of asset misappropriation in the organization. On the other hand, Islamic religiosity exhibits a negative association with asset misappropriation with a coefficient of –0.113. These results indicate that religiosity plays an important role as a preventive factor in reducing the occurrence of asset misappropriation by employees. This study contributes to limited literature exploring factors influencing occupational fraud, specifically asset misappropriation during the COVID-19 crisis. The study recommends managerial strategies to mitigate asset misappropriation within the framework of the fraud diamond model.
Influence of Graphene Oxide Concentration and Fluorophore Charge on the Formation of Non-Fluorescent GO-Fluorophore Complexes
Authors: R. C. Ferreira Danilo , Serodre Tiago , L. Gastelois Pedro , A. A. Macedo Waldemar , M. N. Martins Estefânia , A. Furtado Clascídia
Published: August 2024

The Stern-Volmer equation is commonly used to describe the fluorescence quenching process, but its application faces challenges for quenchers with heterogeneous physicochemical characteristics (size and surface composition), such as graphene oxide. This study proposes a mathematical approach to calculate the association constant and the change in the Gibbs free energy in graphene oxide-fluorophore systems, considering the influence of quencher concentration (0.12 to 250 µg mL-1) and the net charge of the fluorophore on the formation of the non-fluorescent complex. It was identified that increasing the concentration of graphene oxide favors the formation of the non-fluorescent complex in the interaction with charged fluorophores, starting from 0.48 µg mL-1 for methylene blue and from 31.25 µg mL-1 for fluorescein sodium, predominantly leading to static fluorescence quenching. The interaction between graphene oxide and naphthalene lead to dynamic fluorescence quenching. This evaluation could be explored, for example, in nanotechnologies for environmental and biomedical applications.
Maximizing the Utilization of School Based Assessment to Enhance Teaching and Learning Experience in Science Subjects
Authors: Nwafor Stephen Chinedu , Fabunmi Boboye Joshua , Mbaegbu Chioma Stephanie
Published: August 2024

The successful implementation of school based assessment has recorded positive influence on teaching and learning process in developed countries of the world. However, among the developing countries like Nigeria, there seem to be a lot of challenges. Hence, the purpose of study was to determine the extent school based assessment influence the teaching and learning experience in science subjects in Anambra State, Nigeria and the challenges encountered in the process. The investigation was conducted using a descriptive survey design. The study made use of mean and standard deviation for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that school based assessment influences the teaching and learning of science subjects to a high extent. Moreover, the use of unprofessional teachers, inadequate teachers/students motivation and lack of unwillingness by the students to take part in school based assessment are some of the problems facing the successful implementation of school based assessment while adequate motivation of the teachers, employment of trained teachers and organizing conferences and seminars to train the teachers on school based assessment guidelines among others were proffered as the solutions to eradicate these challenges.
Polipropilenin Mekanik Özelliklerine Muz ve Pirinç Kabuğu Tozlarının Etkilerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Ulutaş Elif , Taşdemir Münir
Published: August 2024

Üretimde doğal malzemelerin kullanımına büyük ilgi vardır ve bu durum ekolojik kaygılardan kaynaklanmaktadır. Atık değerlendirmesi ve iyi ekonomik getirilerin sağlanması, doğal kompozitlerin geliştirilmesindeki iki temel dayanaktır. Doğal dolgu malzemelerinin biyolojik olarak parçalanabilirliği, doğal elyaf takviyeli kompozitlerde kullanımlarının genişletilmesindeki faktörlerden biridir. Tasarım ve inşaat endüstrilerinin yanı sıra otomotiv, havacılık ve denizcilik gibi farklı uygulamalarda etkin bir şekilde kullanılan doğal katkılı kompozitler, malzemeye geliştirilmiş mekanik ve tribolojik özellikler sunmaktadır. Doğal katkıların polimer üzerindeki mekanik etkilerin incelendiği çalışmada atık muz kabuğu tozu ve pirinç kabuğu tozu polipropilen içerisine farklı konsantrasyonlarda ilave edilmiştir. Kompoziti oluşturan bileşenlerin eriyik olarak karıştırılmasının ardından enjeksiyonda kalıplama yapılmıştır. Mekanik özelliklerin belirlenmesi amacıyla çekme, sertlik, Izod darbe mukavemeti, yoğunluk testleri yapılmış olup kompozitlerin mikroyapı incelemesi taramalı elektron mikroskobu ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yapılan çalışmalar sonucunda polimere doğal katkı eklenmesi darbe özelliğinin, uzama miktarının ve kopma mukavemetinin bozulmasına neden olmuştur. Bunun yanı sıra takviye oranının artışıyla polimer kompozitlerin yoğunluğu, sertlik miktari ve elastiklik modülü artış göstermiştir.
Determination of Machinability Properties of Nimonic-60 Superalloy Under Sustainable Conditions
Authors: Değirmenci Ünal
Published: August 2024

Sustainable machining is an approach that aims to minimize environmental impacts and optimize resource use in industrial production processes. The basis of this approach lies in reducing the environmental and economic impacts associated with the use of machining methods. Machining is a widely used method for shaping metal parts, and this process is often energy-intensive and wasteful. Sustainable machining involves various strategies. These include methods such as the use of renewable energy resources, increasing energy and material efficiency, improving recycling and waste management, and selecting materials to reduce cutting fluids and environmental impacts in production processes. In this study, the machinability properties of Nimonic-60 superalloy, which is an important material in the field of industry, were examined. In order to conduct machinability trials, three different cutting speeds (Vc, 40-50-60 m/min), three different feed rates per tooth (fn, 0.050-0.075-0.100 mm/rev), and three different cooling/lubrication conditions (dry-air-MQL) were used. The trials were conducted using a computer-controlled three-axis milling machine. Additionally, Taguchi analysis was performed to reduce the number of experiments and costs. Consequently, it was concluded that the most optimal choice for surface roughness, flank wear, and cutting temperature was the Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) environment. Minimum surface roughness, tool wear and cutting temperature in the MQL environment were measured as 0.499µm, 0.201mm and 66.4 C˚ respectively. The Taguchi study findings revealed that cooling/lubrication had the most impact on surface roughness (56.66%), flank wear (87.96%), and cutting temperature (78.68%).
Lexical Comprehensibility as a Criterion for Easy-to-Read Texts: An Experimental Study
Authors: Osokina S. A. , Mihienko Z. N.
Published: August 2024

The easy language makes it possible to observe the rights of people with limited literacy, especially in case of various cognitive or physical restrictions. The methodology of the easy language relies on anthropological linguistics, as well as text theory and translation studies. It is a system of rules for adapting difficult texts for the needs of people with disabilities or limited language comprehension. The study describes a linguistic experiment with the representatives of the target audience who were asked to identify incomprehensible words in texts of different types written in authentic official Russian and Easy Russian. The experiment involved 38 patients (≥ 18 y.o.) of Altai Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital with disability categories I and II who were proficient enough in spoken and written communication (November-December 2022). On average, one person read 20 different texts. The authors studied words and phrases designated by the participants as incomprehensible in original and adapted texts. The current methodology of Easy Russian proved effective since the participants did not mark any words as incomprehensible in the adapted texts.
Semiotic Weakening Law in Ancient Chinese Writing System and Divinations
Authors: Lebedeva Daria S.
Published: August 2024

Academic publications on Chinese semiotics are less numerous than those on Indo-European semiotics. This article shows the mantic practices in ancient China from the perspective of the semiotic weakening law. The evolution of hieroglyphic signs cannot be studied separately from that of mantic practices. The basic mental categories of Chinese mentality originated in mantic practices and were fixed in hieroglyphic writing. This study is an attempt to unravel the evolutionary peculiarities of Chinese mentality, i.e., how mantic practices evolved into philosophy which, in its turn, crystallized as the ancient canonical text of The Book of Changes. As the current scientific interest to linguo-cultural codes continues to grow, this research provides an insight into the nature of human mind and hieroglyphic signs, as well as promotes effective intercultural communication. The study relied on the principles developed by C. S. Peirce, C. W. Morris, S. G. Proskurin, V. P. Vasiliev, L. S. Vygotsky, Yu. K. Shchutskii, D. N. Keightley, etc. Hieroglyphs associated with fortune-telling practices were subjected to the methods of grapheme and etymological analyses, as well as the methods of description and comparison, to study the connection of mantic and hieroglyphic systems. The mantic system revealed a ternary structure and three stages of weakening, i.e., identity, similarity, and convention. The main links of the process included cracking (primary), interpretation (secondary), and fixation (tertiary). The hieroglyphic system reflected the transformations of mantic practices, which gradually turned into a philosophical tradition of reading trigrams and hexagrams. The correlation between the two systems made it possible to understand how primitive mantic practices had evolved into philosophy.
Language of Signs vs. Sign Language: Equivalence Issues of French and Russian Terms in Metalanguage of Gestural Communication Systems
Authors: Zolotukhin D. S.
Published: August 2024

This article examines French and Russian terminological units that describe the current systems of gestural communication. The author studied scientific articles, dictionaries, non-fiction, and law texts to conduct a definitional and context analysis of lexical units that form a lexical-semantic continuum between the expression of the concept of oral language and the concept of sign language in the corresponding metalanguages. The study revealed linguistic and extralinguistic factors that determined ethical problems associated with the incorrect translation of certain terms from French into Russian. The fundamental distinction between the concepts of language and speech made it possible to systematize all the units identified as part of this terminological field in both Russian and French. The systems were presented as tables that illustrated the boundaries of the concepts. A comparative analysis of the two systems indicated the main morphological and semantic differences in the terms. The research resulted in a system of equivalence between French and Russian terms, i.e., a scientifically based nomenclature that can be used by linguists and translators when working on Russian and French texts in the field of communication of deaf and hard of hearing people.