bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic variation and racial disparities in adoption of newer glucose-lowering drugs with cardiovascular benefits among US Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Wei-Han , Li Yujia , Yang Lanting , Allen John M. , Shao Hui , Donahoo William T. , Billelo Lori , Hu Xia , Shenkman Elizabeth A. , Bian Jiang , Smith Steven M. , Guo Jingchuan
Published: January 2024

Background

Prior studies have shown disparities in the uptake of cardioprotective newer glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs), including sodium-glucose cotranwsporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1a). This study aimed to characterize geographic variation in the initiation of newer GLDs and the geographic variation in the disparities in initiating these medications.

Methods

Using 2017–2018 claims data from a 15% random nationwide sample of Medicare Part D beneficiaries, we identified individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D), who had ≥1 GLD prescriptions, and did not use SGLT2i or GLP1a in the year prior to the index date,1/1/2018. Patients were followed up for a year. The cohort was spatiotemporally linked to Dartmouth hospital-referral regions (HRRs), with each patient assigned to 1 of 306 HRRs. We performed multivariable Poisson regression to estimate adjusted initiation rates, and multivariable logistic regression to assess racial disparities in each HRR.

Results

Among 795,469 individuals with T2D included in the analyses, the mean (SD) age was 73 (10) y, 53.3% were women, 12.2% were non-Hispanic Black, and 7.2% initiated a newer GLD in the follow-up year. In the adjusted model including clinical factors, compared to non-Hispanic White patients, non-Hispanic Black (initiation rate ratio, IRR [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.64–0.68]), American Indian/Alaska Native (0.74 [0.66–0.82]), Hispanic (0.85 [0.82–0.87]), and Asian/Pacific islander (0.94 [0.89–0.98]) patients were less likely to initiate newer GLDs. Significant geographic variation was observed across HRRs, with an initiation rate spanning 2.7%-13.6%.

Conclusions

This study uncovered substantial geographic variation and the racial disparities in initiating newer GLDs.
The spatial and temporal situation of China’s digital technology innovation and its influencing factors
Authors: Wan Xiaoyu , Wang Yufan , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2024

Digital technology innovation is the core driving force for the high-quality development of the digital economy, and in-depth exploration of the regional distribution pattern and formation mechanism of digital technology innovation in China is conducive to the rational layout and coordinated development of the inter-provincial digital economy. Based on the Reference Relationship Table of the Classification of Core Industries of Digital Economy and the International Patent Classification (2023), the patent authorization data of digital technology from 2012 to 2022 were obtained, and the spatiotemporal situation of China’s digital technology innovation was analyzed by using ArcGIS software, Dagum’s Gini coefficient, and Moran’s I index, and the spatial Dubin panel model was used to explore the influencing factors of digital technology innovation. It is found that: (1) the scale and vitality of China’s digital technology innovation have increased significantly, and there are obvious spatial differentiation characteristics, and the innovation level of "eastern coastal—central and western interior" is decreasing, forming a cluster distribution pattern in the Yangtze River Delta region, Beijing, Guangdong, and other places, and the degree of agglomeration is decreasing. (2) The overall regional differences in China’s digital technology innovation are large, the differences between the East and the West dominate the interregional differences, and the net differences between regions are the main factors leading to regional differences. (3) There is a significant positive spatial correlation between the scale and vitality of digital technology innovation, which has a significant spatial spillover effect. (4) The results confirm that the level of economic development, digital access, financial scientific and technological support, technology market development level, and R&D intensity have a significant positive impact on the scale and vitality of digital technology innovation; The investment in scientific and technological talents has a significant positive impact on the scale of digital technology innovation, but has no significant impact on the vitality of digital technology innovation.
Development and validation of scales for speaking self-efficacy: Constructs, sources, and relations
Authors: Wang Yawen , Sun Peijian Paul
Published: January 2024

Speaking is not a compulsory language skill assessed in the English subject of the National College Entrance Examination in China. This explains why, in elementary and secondary schools, less focus has been placed on the development of English-speaking abilities among Chinese students, resulting in their unbalanced mastery of language skills. Although self-efficacy is a crucial factor influencing students’ language performance, our understanding of speaking self-efficacy is insufficient in terms of its construct, its sources, and the relationships between the two. We, therefore, constructed psychometrically sound instruments to measure speaking self-efficacy, including the EFL Speaking Self-Efficacy Scale (EFL-SSES) and the EFL Sources of Speaking Self-Efficacy Scale (EFL-SSSES), in accordance with Bandura’s 1986 self-efficacy theory. Additionally, we performed path analysis to figure out the relationship between the construct and the sources of speaking self-efficacy. The results revealed the key role of physiological and emotional states and marginal importance of vicarious experience for speaking self-efficacy, advancing our grasp of self-efficacy theory in the speaking domain. Our research sheds valuable light on how to assist researchers and educators in identifying and enhancing students’ speaking self-efficacy via a variety of sources.
Research on the development strategy selection of the new energy vehicle industry from the perspective of green credit—Based on the foursquare evolutionary game analysis
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Liu Xiangbin
Published: January 2024

Developing new energy vehicles is vital to promote green development and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. It is also the only way to help China move from a significant automobile country to a powerful automobile country. Based on the background of the "recession" of government subsidies and considering the importance of green credit in promoting green and low-carbon transformation, this paper constructs a four-party evolutionary game model that includes government, automotive companies, banks, and consumers to analyze the stability of the strategic choices of various parties in the development process of the new energy vehicle industry. It uses MATLAB simulation tools to analyze the impact of relevant factors on system stability. The research shows that: (1) The government’s subsidy mechanism significantly promotes the development of the new energy vehicle industry. Still, there is a subsidy threshold, beyond which the effect will weaken and quickly bring financial pressure. (2) With the gradual decline of government subsidies, the bank’s green credit policy has a specific policy complementary effect on the decline of government subsidies. (3) Considering that costs and benefits are the main influencing factors for automotive companies and consumers’ strategic choices, the impact of factors such as the punishment of violations, adjustment of subsidy policies, and consumers’ environmental awareness must also be paid attention to.
Bureaucratic challenges that refugees encounter: Burden of being a refugee in a small city1
Authors: Topal Demiroğlu Elif
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the encounter between bureaucrats and immigrants in immigration studies and the bureaucratization of immigrants’ daily life in a small city in Turkey; refugee identity is constructed by incorporating some of the local realities, different responses to migration, social encounters, living together, and the reflection of diversity in urban public spaces in everyday life, the sociology of the city or the migration history, gains different aspects and contents in encounters with local or urban bureaucracy. This identity, shaped as a burden, ineffectiveness and waiting, becomes essential in the immigrant’s self-definition.
‘They are us’: Orientalist perspective challenged in New Zealand newspapers’ coverage
Authors: Kabir Shah Nister
Published: January 2024

It has frequently been debated that western media coverage of Islam and Muslims constructs an Orientalist image of Islam – often that Islam is a threat to the West – that sidelines and dehumanizes Muslims. However, by examining the terrorist incident that occurred in Christchurch, New Zealand in March 2019, in which 51 Muslims were killed at a Mosque, this study discursively argues that an Orientalist view was not manifest in the coverage of New Zealand’s newspapers. Focusing on two mainstream newspapers, the New Zealand Herald and The Press, this study also argues that New Zealand’s newspapers played a constructive role in their opposition to and condemnation of the terrorist attacks. This study argues that, while covering the attacks, these media outlets fully supported and reinforced the view that the people of New Zealand belong to a society of which Muslims are an essential part. The way these newspapers framed the issue, the terminology used and the metaphors they selected to construct the terrorist attack challenged Orientalist perceptions, and thereby rejected any perceived clash of civilizations. The selected newspapers were supportive of the victims, the victims’ families and the Muslim community as a whole. This study also observes that a shift in media coverage from negative to positive perceptions of Muslims is possible.
Why The Knockout (2023) became a phenomenal hit: A contextual analysis and interview with screenwriter Zhu Junyi1
Authors: Ai Qi , Yu Xiaofeng
Published: January 2024

The Knockout, a crime television drama, emerged during the Spring Festival holiday of 2023 and quickly sparked a wide discussion both online and offline. Different from previous shows of the same genre, it adopts a three-timeline narrative structure and abandons stereotypical characterization. The heroes are made of flesh and blood and the villains are not born to be evil and cruel. Their choices and the consequences echo the changes in Chinese society over the past twenty years. This article features our interview with the screenwriter Zhu Junyi and, from the perspective of sociocultural contexts, briefly analyses why The Knockout became a phenomenal hit, revealing changes in the screenwriting trend of main melody works. The interview consists of three parts, covering the ecology for screenwriters in China, the birth of The Knockout and Zhu’s characterization of the television drama script.
Educação para os media em prática
Authors: Matos Armanda P. M.
Published: January 2024

Este livro, elaborado no âmbito do projeto COMEDIG - Competências de Literacia Digital e Mediática em Portugal, visa contribuir para a promoção da literacia digital e mediática de crianças e jovens.

Num contexto de crescente ubiquidade dos media digitais, é fundamental que crianças e jovens desenvolvam competências de uso e de leitura crítica dos media que têm à sua disposição, de expressão e de participação nos e através dos media, bem como hábitos de questionamento crítico, contínuo, das suas práticas mediáticas, enquanto consumidores e produtores/comunicadores.

O livro alia uma componente teórica de fundamentação das práticas de educação para os media a um conjunto de propostas de atividades e de recursos, que abordam temas relevantes e atuais nesta área, explicitando-se a sua articulação com as orientações curriculares do ensino básico e secundário.

Atendendo ao papel fundamental da escola neste domínio, o livro foi desenhado a pensar, sobretudo, nos/as professores/as do ensino básico e secundário. No entanto, poderá ser igualmente útil para outros/as professores/as e profissionais que trabalhem com crianças e jovens na escola e/ou noutros contextos de educação e de formação.
Oktatási intervenció – értékes, de ritka jószág
Authors: Kis Noémi , Fejes József Balázs
Published: January 2024

Munkánk célja egy átfogó kép felrajzolása a nemzetközi szakirodalom alapján az oktatás területén végzett intervenciók publikálási trendjeiről, valamint azokról a körülményekről, amelyek e trendeket befolyásolják. Az intervenciók megvalósítása más kutatási megközelítésekhez viszonyítva többleterőforrásokat igényel, feltételezésünk szerint így egyre kevésbé népszerű ezek szervezése. Írásunk áttekinti az oktatási intervenciók jellemzőit, publikálásuk alakulását, majd a beavatkozások szervezésének lehetséges nehézségeit. A beavatkozásokról tudósító publikációk trendjeit vizsgáló munkák egy része abszolút számokat vizsgál, míg egy másik részük a publikációkon belüli relatív arányokat elemzi. Úgy tűnik, bár abszolút értelemben a beavatkozások száma emelkedik (pl. Connolly et al., 2018), a publikációkon belül relatíve egyre kevesebb azon munkák aránya, amelyekben oktatási intervenciók eredményeit közlik (pl. Hsieh et al., 2005). Bár az oktatási intervencióknak több előnye is megfogalmazható, megvalósításuk számos kihívással jellemezhető, amelyek magyarázatot kínálhatnak a beavatkozások csökkenő arányára. Ezek közé tartoznak egyrészről a kutatásmódszertani kihívások, másrészről a társadalmi környezet, amely visszavetheti a kutatók motivációját a beavatkozások szervezése kapcsán, harmadrészről ide sorolhatók a megvalósítást nehezítő finanszírozási és szervezési kihívások. Tanulmányunk egyrészről a beavatkozások szervezésére vonatkozó kutatói döntéseket támogathatja, másrészt a beavatkozások megvalósítását elősegítő kutatástámogatási környezet kialakításához kínálhat támpontokat.
A fűrészfog-eloszlás a matematika érettségi vizsga pontszámaiban, avagy mennyire engedékenyek a javítótanárok a ponthatár körül
Authors: Csapodi Csaba , Koncz Levente , Csíkos Csaba
Published: January 2024

Az érettségi vizsga kulcsszerepet játszik a magyar oktatási rendszerben: nemcsak a középfokú oktatás lezárását jelenti, hanem a felsőoktatásba való bejutást is döntően meghatározza. Ezért különösen fontos, hogy objektív mérőeszköz legyen. A matematika jelenleg az egyetlen olyan kötelező tantárgy (középszinten), amelyből csak írásbeli vizsga van, így a tanárok már az írásbeli vizsga javítása során figyelembe tudják venni a tanuló által elérhető osztályzatot. Ez a kijavított érettségi dolgozatok pontszámainak meglepő eloszlását eredményezi. Ráadásul a koronavírusjárvány miatt 2020-ban és 2021-ben az emelt szintű vizsgáknak is csak az írásbeli részét tartották meg, és némileg meglepő módon ott is hasonló jelenséget figyeltünk meg, annak ellenére, hogy ezeket nem a vizsgázók saját tanára javította. Cikkünkben ezt a jelenséget vizsgáltuk, magyarázatokat keresve és megoldási javaslatokat téve a probléma kiküszöbölésére.
Exploring lncRNA Expression Patterns in Patients With Hypertrophied Ligamentum Flavum
Authors: Chen Junling , Zhong Guibin , Qiu Manle , Ke Wei , Xue Jingsong , Chen Jianwei
Published: January 2024

Objective: Hypertrophy ligamentum flavum (LFH) is a common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis, resulting in significant disability and morbidity. Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with various biological processes and disorders, their involvement in LFH remains not fully understood.Methods: Human ligamentum flavum samples were analyzed using lncRNA sequencing followed by validation through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To explore the potential biological functions of differentially expressed lncRNA-associated genes, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. We also studied the impact of lncRNA PARD3-AS1 on the progression of LFH in vitro.Results: In the LFH tissues when compared to that in the nonhypertrophic ligamentum flavum (LFN) tissues, a total of 1,091 lncRNAs exhibited differential expression, with 645 upregulated and 446 downregulated. Based on GO analysis, the differentially expressed transcripts primarily participated in metabolic processes, organelles, nuclear lumen, cytoplasm, protein binding, nucleic acid binding, and transcription factor activity. Moreover, KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with the hippo signaling pathway, nucleotide excision repair, and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway. The expression of PARD3-AS1, RP11-430G17.3, RP1-193H18.3, and H19 was confirmed to be consistent with the sequencing analysis. Inhibition of PARD3-AS1 resulted in the suppression of fibrosis in LFH cells, whereas the overexpression of PARD3-AS1 promoted fibrosis in LFH cells in vitro.Conclusion: This study identified distinct expression patterns of lncRNAs that are linked to LFH, providing insights into its underlying mechanisms and potential prognostic and therapeutic interventions. Notably, PARD3-AS1 appears to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of LFH.
Safety in unmanned transport in armed conflicts
Authors: Magniszewski Marek , Rak Danuta , Kozicki Bartosz , Błaszczak Bartosz
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the safety of unmanned transport in armed conflicts, with a particular focus on the Russo-Ukrainian war. Methodology: The authors employ a multidimensional comparative analysis of selected Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) used for reconnaissance, combat, and transport tasks. Various sources such as scientific literature, military reviews, historical facts, technical specifications, and illustrations support the arguments and compare different types of UAVs. Results: The authors confirm their research thesis that in current geopolitical conditions, UAVs will become one of the equipment elements of the armed forces of individual European countries. They highlight their diverse functionality, positive impact on safety, and technological progress. Theoretical Contribution: This paper contributes to the field of military technology by providing a comprehensive analysis of the role and impact of UAVs in modern warfare. It offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of conflict and the increasing reliance on unmanned technologies. Practical Implications: The findings of this research have significant practical implications. They suggest that the use of UAVs in future military technologies will become increasingly common, and their combat capabilities and electro-optical equipment will continue to improve. This underscores the need for ongoing research and development in this area to ensure these technologies' safe and effective use in the context of armed conflict.
Systemic Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Alterations in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gumpper-Fedus Kristyn , Chasser Kaylin , Pita-Grisanti Valentina , Torok Molly , Pfau Timothy , Mace Thomas A. , Cole Rachel M. , Belury Martha A. , Culp Stacey , Hart Phil A. , Krishna Somashekar G. , Lara Luis F. , Ramsey Mitchell L. , Fisher William , Fogel Evan L. , Forsmark Chris E. , Li Liang , Pandol Stephen , Park Walter G. , Serrano Jose , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Vege Santhi Swaroop , Yadav Dhiraj , Conwell Darwin L. , Cruz-Monserrate Zobeida ,   Consortium for the Study of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, and Pancreatic Cancer (CPDPC)
Published: January 2024

Background:

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive fibroinflammatory disorder lacking therapies and biomarkers. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a proinflammatory cytokine elevated during inflammation that binds fatty acids (FAs) like linoleic acid. We hypothesized that systemic NGAL could serve as a biomarker for CP and, with FAs, provide insights into inflammatory and metabolic alterations.

Methods:

NGAL was measured by immunoassay and FA composition was measured by gas chromatography in plasma (n = 171) from a multicenter study, including controls (n = 50), acute and recurrent acute pancreatitis (AP/RAP) (n = 71), and CP (n = 50). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from controls (n = 16), AP/RAP (n = 17), and CP (n = 15) were measured by CyTOF.

Results:

Plasma NGAL was elevated in subjects with CP compared to controls (AUC = 0.777) or AP/RAP (AUC = 0.754) in univariate and multivariate analyses with sex, age, BMI, and smoking (control AUC = 0.874; AP/RAP AUC = 0.819). NGAL was elevated in CP and diabetes compared to CP without diabetes (p < 0.001). NGAL+ PBMC populations distinguished CP from controls (AUC = 0.950) or AP/RAP (AUC = 0.941). Linoleic acid was lower while dihomo-γ-linolenic and adrenic acids were elevated in CP (p < 0.05). Linoleic acid was elevated in CP with diabetes compared to CP subjects without diabetes (p = 0. 0471).

Conclusion:

Elevated plasma NGAL and differences in NGAL+ PBMCs indicate an immune response shift that may serve as biomarkers of CP. The potential interaction of FAs and NGAL levels provide insights into the metabolic pathophysiology and improve diagnostic classification of CP.
PERSISTENCE AND CHANGES IN EMERGING COVID-19 SPACE-TIME CLUSTERS IN BRAZILIAN MUNICIPALITIES IN 2020-2021
Authors: Damasceno Gustavo Menezes Silva , Oliveira Beatriz Fátima Alves de , Matos Vanderlei Pascoal de , Sobral Andréa
Published: January 2024

The impacts of COVID-19 in Brazil are evident and exacerbate the country´s inequalities. This study aimed to analyze the persistence and changes in the log-likelihood ratio (LLR), radius, duration, observed and expected number of cases, p-values, number of municipalities, population, and the relative risk of space-time clusters of COVID-19 cases identified in Brazilian municipalities in the epidemiological weeks with peak transmission in 2020 and 2021. The study period was from the epidemiological week (EW) 09-2020 to EW 29-2021 (23 February 2020 to 24 July 2021). The prospective space-time scan was performed during the EW with peaks in case numbers and repeated in the five subsequent EWs to verify clusters’ persistence and changes over space and time. COVID-19 clusters were identified in a large part of Brazil´s territory. Over the analyzed period, the clusters´ disposition patterns became increasingly similar, and the clusters were identified in akin locations. The detected clusters also became more persistent, with longer duration; and stronger, with higher LLR. The methodology identified areas with greater risk of COVID-19 that should be prioritized for better allocation of health resources to mitigate transmission.
Improving Stock Price Prediction Accuracy with StacBi LSTM
Authors: Diqi Mohammad , Hamzah Hamzah
Published: January 2024

This research aimed to enhance stock price prediction accuracy using the Stacked Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (StacBi LSTM) model. The study addressed the challenge of capturing long-term dependencies and temporal patterns inherent in stock price data. The research objectives were to evaluate the model's performance across different input sequence lengths and identify the optimal length for prediction. Leveraging a dataset from the Indonesian Stock Exchange, the model's predictions were evaluated using key metrics such as RMSE, MAE, MAPE, and R2. Results indicated that the StacBi LSTM model excelled in capturing stock price trends and demonstrated strengths over traditional methods. The optimal input sequence length was identified, balancing computational efficiency and prediction accuracy. This research contributes valuable insights into improving stock price prediction techniques and offers practical implications for traders and investors. Future research directions encompass hybrid models and integrating external factors to enhance predictive capabilities further.
Prediksi Deteksi Penyakit Kanker Payudara dengan Menggunakan Algoritma Decision Tree
Authors: Mellina Ayu Dian Fitri , Suhartono Suhartono , Yaqin M. Ainul
Published: January 2024

Cancer is a deadly disease that is difficult to cure. Early cancer detection can be done through laboratory tests to identify the cancer type. Breast cancer is a type of cancer with initial symptoms in the form of a lump. Data mining and classification methods, such as decision trees with ID3 and C5.0 algorithms, are used to categorize breast cancer. The dataset used is Breast Cancer Coimbra, which was downloaded from UCI Machine Learning in 2018. ID3 has limitations in handling unstructured data and continuous attributes, while C5.0 is better. Both algorithms produce tree models with different levels of accuracy. This study shows that the C5.0 algorithm has the best classification results with 80% accuracy, 84.2% precision, 80% recall, and 80% F1 score. 80% accuracy shows the system's classification ability, so the C5.0 model can be used to predict breast cancer.
Unveiling the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2019-2021) on Inequality, Poverty, and Food Security in Indonesia
Authors: Iannone Aniello
Published: January 2024

This study analyzes the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on increasing poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition in Indonesia. Specifically, the paper focuses on the effects of COVID-19 from 2019 to 2021 on poverty levels and access to food. The pandemic has emerged as a potential cause of food insecurity in the country, primarily due to the decline in purchasing power among individuals facing unemployment or income losses, particularly affecting the middle and poor classes. In response to these impacts, the Indonesian government has implemented various policies, although their success in addressing the issues has been varied. This paper is based on desk-based research, utilizing existing published literature on the topic. The literature has been thoroughly reviewed and analyzed to provide insights into the observed points that require attention. The primary factor driving the rise in food insecurity is the increased costs of basic food items resulting from the pandemic. Drawing from the social inequality Marxist theory and the theory of capabilities proposed by Amartya Sen, this paper examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to increased injustice, poverty, and inequality. Furthermore, it explores how these issues have been exacerbated by deeper-rooted factors associated with legal and economic policies in Indonesia.
Introducing Conference Interpreting Students to Research: A Pilot Study Using Interpreting Exercises
Authors: Gile Daniel , Donovan Clare
Published: January 2024

This paper reports on a research-training module in a conference interpreter training environment where students strive to acquire high-level interpreting skills through intensive practice over two years. Both theory and research are remote from their concerns. The module described was designed specifically for this environment. The aim was to raise the students’ awareness of the nature of research, of the gains it could offer to interpreters-in-training and to the interpreting profession, and of practical challenges it faces. Care was taken not to add a significant workload which they might view as irrelevant to their endeavours. This translated as an introductory two-lecture part followed by micro-experiments in which the students’ own interpreting exercises were used as material. The students were asked to record and transcribe their interpretations of experimental source speeches, to analyse and reflect on the data. In one exercise, they were asked to perform an experiment as researchers with other students as participants. Throughout the process, the instructors provided detailed guidance and explained how the experiments were designed, taking on board challenges and uncertainties, and what inferences could or could not be drawn from the data and why. A questionnaire at the end of the module suggests that the students found the module interesting, not excessively taxing, that it taught them something about research and also about interpreting. Since this module entails virtually no overheads as regards the students’ daily practice and gives them a good sense of the practical issues associated with research, it is suggested that it could be integrated into curricula with more traditional research training as well.
Přítomnost zahraničních studentů na tlumočnických seminářích – (ne)výhody tzv. narušené direkcionality
Authors: Mračková Vavroušová Petra , Pokojová Jana
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to discuss some of the challenges resulting from the fact that interpreting classes at the Institute of Translation Studies (Charles University, Prague, Czechia) are attended by students whose mother tongue is not Czech (double degree students from Universität Leipzig or Erasmus+ incoming students). Drawing on the results of action research conducted in two different interpreting courses, we describe the challenges that this non-standard situation represents for the teacher, how teaching methods need to be adapted, what implications this distorted directionality has on student assessment, how this combination of students with different mother tongues can enrich interpreting seminars and their participants, and what benefits it brings to the interaction between teacher and student and among students.
Effect of phosphate fertilizer-coated Dicarboxylic Acid Polymer on rice yield and components under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Hung Tran Van , Hung Ngo Ngoc , Minh Vo Quang
Published: January 2024

A significant amount of phosphorus (P) becomes fixed by aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) in acidic soils, leading to decreased efficiency in P utilization and subsequently lowering crop yield. Enhanced P fertilization offers a potential solution, as the dicarboxylic acid polymer (DCAP) coating on P fertilizer promotes increased plant productivity and more effective P utilization. The improvement achieved through enhanced P fertilization can contribute to higher rice yields in acidic soils, accompanied by an increase in P solubility. The study aimed to determine the impact of DCAP-mixed phosphate fertilizer on P uptake by plants, absorption efficiency, and rice yield. The results demonstrated a significant increase in available P (about 3.5 mg P/kg) when DCAP was used in a greenhouse setting, resulting in elevated yields and total P absorption (ranging from 0.03 to 0.05 grams/pot). However, the addition of 60 kg of phosphate mixed with DCAP has not yet demonstrated a significant increase in available phosphorus in the soil compared to adding just 60 kg of phosphate. The application of phosphate at a dose of 30 kg of P2O5 mixed with DCAP for growth and phosphorus absorption yield results equivalent to using 60 kg of P2O5 without DCAP. Furthermore, the use of DCAP in conjuction with 50% P fertilizer increased P availability by the same amount as that achieved with 100% P fertilizer. Consequently, DCAP reduced chemical P fertilizer in the soil by approximately 50%. However, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of mixed phosphate fertilizer (DCAP) under field conditions before recommending its widespread use.
Koloniale Kontexte in der Bibliothek. Vernetzen, Erschließen, Bereitstellen
Authors: Imeri Sabine , Strickert Moritz , Zenker Julia
Published: January 2024

Der Beitrag thematisiert die Rolle von Bibliotheken in den gesellschaftspolitischen Debatten zum Umgang mit der (deutschen) Kolonialgeschichte und ihren Wirkungen. Konkret werden die Vernetzung von Initiativen im Netzwerk Koloniale Kontexte, die Vokabular- und Normdatenarbeit sowie der Umgang mit Forschungsdaten indigenen Ursprungs vor dem Hintergrund ethisch-politischer Fragestellungen dargestellt.
Mature cystic ovarian teratoma with squamous cell carcinoma transformation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Abdoli Shadbad Mahdi , Derogar Roghaiyeh , Shekarchi Ali Akbar , Akbari Farideh , Jafari Shobeiri Mehri
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Cancerous transformation in mature cystic ovarian teratoma is rare. Herein, we reported a case of squamous cell carcinoma transformation in mature cystic ovarian teratoma and performed an in-depth literature review to highlight the risk factors, prognosis, and suggested treatment for these patients.

Case presentation

We report a 66-years old postmenopausal woman diagnosed with a 120×90 (mm) mass at the left adnexa compatible with mature cystic ovarian teratoma. Following resection, the histopathological investigations showed malignant transformation in her mature cystic ovarian teratoma, and the immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin (CK) 5/6 and tumor protein 63 (P63) indicated squamous cell carcinoma transformation. She has been observed for her stage IA tumor and has been cancer-free for 6 months.

Conclusions

Although malignant transformation in mature cystic ovarian teratoma is rare, it should be suspected if certain risk factors, e.g., elderly and high tumor size, exist. Stage IA patients’ prognosis is favorable, and chemotherapy is not recommended.
Effects ofBerberis vulgarisfruit extract on oxidative stress status in the kidney and liver of diabetic rats
Authors: Ahmadi Marzieh , Hadjzadeh Mousa-Al-Reza , Rajaei Ziba
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Oxidative stress has a key role in the diabetes pathogenesis and complications.Berberis vulgarisis known in folk medicine for curing several diseases. The current research aimed to assess the influences ofBerberis vulgarisfruit extract against oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, ip) was injected to male rats. After diabetes confirmation, animals received theBerberis vulgarisfruit extract daily at amounts of 3.5 and 7.5 % of drinking water (v/v) for six weeks. Total thiol and lipid peroxidation levels were assessed in the serum, liver, kidney and spleen at the end of the study.

Results

Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia along with enhancement of lipid peroxidation levels in the serum, liver, kidney and spleen, and decrement of total thiol content in the kidney and liver tissues. Chronic administration ofBerberis vulgarisfruit extract at amount of 3.5 % of drinking water decreased the lipid peroxidation level in the serum and liver, and enhanced total thiol level in the liver and kidney.

Conclusions

Berberis vulgarisfruit extract exerts antioxidant activity in the serum, liver and kidney organs of diabetic rats. Therefore, it might be used in the prevention and control of diabetes complications.
A blockchain based scheme for distributed storage of nuclear power plant images
Authors: Goru Kalivaraprasanna Babu , Paramasivan Thiyagarajan , Rajiakodi Saranya
Published: January 2024

The paper presents a novel approach to securely store sensitive images within nuclear power stations. The suggested approach protects the secrecy, integrity, and availability of these crucial assets by integrating blockchain technology, Shamir’s secret sharing, erasure coding, and encryption. To improve data security and transaction validation, the design uses a decentralized network, smart contracts, and consensus processes. Erasure coding adds redundancy while sensitive photos are divided into hidden shares, encrypted, and disseminated strategically across hierarchical tiers. Resilience against data loss or compromise is ensured by this design. The research advances secure picture storage techniques in key infrastructures, fostering trust and dependability, by resolving security and privacy concerns through this novel technology.
Corrosion cracking resistance of hoisting ropes
Authors: Karasu Haşim Fırat , Demirsoy Mine
Published: January 2024

The corrosion occurring in hoisting ropes used in transport machinery, directly and indirectly, significantly damages the global economy every year. The aim of this study is to investigate the behavior of different types of steel wire hoisting ropes used in cranes, ships, and ports, regarding their resistance to corrosion through the method of stress corrosion cracking and to determine which types of steel ropes should be utilized in environments exposed to severe corrosion. First of all, hessian and steel core ropes were selected from 6 × 19 Standard, 8 × 19 Seale, and 6 × 36 Warrington Seale rope groups of the same diameter. Prestress corrosion tests of the ropes were carried out based on the ASTM G49 standard, with the prestress corrosion test device designed and manufactured in accordance with different rope types. The results obtained by performing appropriate treatment methods against corrosion, such as hot-dip galvanizing and painting with zinc epoxy primer, were compared with the test results of ungalvanized ropes. Thus, the degree improvement against corrosion was determined.
Energy and mass transmission through hybrid nanofluid flow passing over a spinning sphere with magnetic effect and heat source/sink
Authors: Ahmad Hijaz , Alnahdi Abeer S. , Bilal Muhammad , Daher Albalwi Muhammad , Faqihi Abdullah A.
Published: January 2024

Thermophoretic particle deposition (TPD) and thermal radiation have significant uses in engineering and research, such as projectiles, electrical fuel, and production of coating sheets, thermal transference, nuclear plants, renewable energy, aerospace engineering, and gas turbines. In light of the above applications, the present analysis examines the stagnation point flow of hybrid nanofluid (hnf) around a revolving sphere. The hnf is prepared with the addition of Cu and Al2O3 nanoparticles in the water. The flow is examined under the impact of chemical reaction, thermal radiation, TPD, and activation energy. The flow equations are reformed into a dimensionless set of ordinary differential equations and then solved through the numerical approach parametric continuation method. The graphical and numerical results are demonstrated through graphics and tables. It has been noted that the effects of acceleration and rotational parameters boost the hnf (Cu and Al2O3/water) velocity. Furthermore, the energy outline reduces with the effect of acceleration parameter and nanoparticle volume friction. The influence of the rotation factor and acceleration parameters boosts the rate of skin friction. The influence of thermal radiation enriches the energy transmission rate.
Nanocomposite nanofibrous membranes of graphene and graphene oxide: water remediation potential
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Ahmad Ishaq , Lam Tran Dai
Published: January 2024

Immense research efforts on graphene or graphene oxide have led to the formation of unique nanocarbon derived nanomaterials. Graphene and graphene oxide have been reinforced in polymeric matrices to form high performance nanocomposites. Significant applications of polymer nanocomposites with graphene or graphene oxide were experiential for nanofiber formation and ensuing membranes. This overview highlights design, essential features, and potential of graphene or graphene oxide derived nanocomposite nanofibrous membranes for water remediation permeation towards contaminates, salts, toxins, microbials, and other separation purposes. Here, polymer filled graphene or graphene oxide nanocomposites have been processed into nanofibers using appropriate techniques such as electrospinning, wet spinning, template method, etc. Afterwards, polymer/graphene and polymer/graphene oxide nanofiber nanocomposites were applied to form the nanocomposite membranes using appropriate techniques like solution processing, casting methods, infiltration, etc. Consequently, high performance membranes have been researched for technological purposes, especially water management competence. Future research on polymer/graphene nanofibrous membranes may lead to highly efficient systems for commercial and industrial level uses.
Aggregation behavior and thermodynamic parameters of biosurfactants (NaC/NaDC) in aqueous medium of Emtricitabine and Lamivudine (anti-HIV drugs)
Authors: Sharma Richa , Chauhan Suvarcha , Thakur Naveen , Kumar Kuldeep
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the interactions and aggregation behavior of biosurfactants, sodium cholate (NaC) and sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) in aqueous solutions of Emtricitabine and Lamivudine (anti-HIV drugs). The study uses conductometry and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques to evaluate the critical micelle concentration (CMC) at different temperatures ranging from 298.15 K to 313.15 K with a variation of 5 K. The temperature dependence of the CMC was examined, and the stability of micelles was analyzed in light of the hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions involved in this system. The CMC obtained from both the methods are in agreement. Various thermodynamic parameters, such as

∆

H
m
0

${\increment}{H}_{m}^{0}$

,

∆

S
m

0
 

${\increment}{S}_{m}^{0\hspace{0.17em}}$

and

∆

G
m
0

${\increment}{G}_{m}^{0}$

have been estimated using a “pseudo-phase separation model” to understand the contribution of the chemical and de-solvation part in the micellization process. Furthermore, the enthalpy-entropy compensation plots validate the micellar stability of the studied systems.
I Love Asian Girls!; Orientalism through the Female Asian American Lens
Authors: Chu Natalie
Published: January 2024

“My immigrant experience is not the same as these women, but I felt it in my bones. Because to be here is to be the same,” laments Eileen Cheng-Yin Chow, a professor of Asian American and diaspora studies at Duke University, following the Atlanta Spa killings. The sexualization of Asian women has persisted since their first arrival to the Americas in the 20th century. Not only has this caused direct violence, like the Atlanta Spa shooting in March 2021, which resulted in the death of 6 Asian women, but also the ‘orientalizing’ perception and self-perception of Asian American Women (AAW). In this paper, I explore the historical origins of this orientalization as it relates to media and then analyze contemporary art media (poetry, photography, etc.) from AAW to explore how this has affected modern self-perception. By focusing on the direct perspective of AAW, I explore different ways orientalism is synthesized through AAW identity, dissonance, fragmentation, and rebellion. Through my paper, I conclude that the intersectionality between orientalism, gender, and nationality has caused a profound disillusion from traditional and cultural expectations of the ‘homeland’ as well as disillusioned from the stereotypical expectations of the Americas. This, however, may contribute to the creation of a new identity, which hinges on the unique aspects of intersectionality, which focuses on the AAW voice instead of the colonial voice.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Is For Everyone, Especially Women: Analyzing the Responses to the Marginalization of Women in STEM Fields
Authors: John Priya
Published: January 2024

Historically, women in North America have faced many barriers to pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and/or career because of the marginalization they experience. Although there has been some progress, women are still subject to discrimination in the STEM field today. Even after pursuing a STEM career, women are met with unequal standards and hostile environments that make it difficult for them to make advancements in their careers. This paper focuses on what makes an effective response to overcome this issue and evaluates the current responses made to combat the problem. Any response that attempts to overcome the marginalization of women in STEM must respond to the biases and double standards created by gender roles and hegemonic masculinity. It must also address the unreasonable expectations placed on women in STEM that undermine their confidence levels and sense of credibility that contribute to them being isolated and segregated within the field. In addition, the response must respond to the sexual harassment and the lack of underrepresented minorities (the role of intersectionality) in the STEM field. The current responses that have tackled this issue have only focused on repressing one or two factors that contribute to the problem, even though several contributors cause the problem to persist. Ultimately, this has reduced the efficacy of the response. Yet, there is an urgent need to increase and ensure women’s participation in STEM and their motivation to stay in the field and to do so requires effective responses to be implemented.
Are You There Cassandra? It’s Me, Loulou
Authors: Menezes Julia
Published: January 2024

This essay explores Christa Wolf’s argument that literature is a form of “peace research” through creative engagement with the fictional character Loulou from Margaret Atwood’s Loulou; or, The Domestic Life of the Language. The essay seeks to both ask and answer the following questions: what if Loulou read Christa Wolf’s Cassandra? Would Loulou reimagine her circumstances through literary engagement? As Loulou engages with Wolf’s Cassandra, this essay finds that Loulou’s identity and understandings of self and other are changed. In alignment with Wolf’s “peace research” argument, the essay finds that literature has the power to prompt readers to see what is, imagine what if?, and assert why not?
The Effects of Urban Sprawl on Poverty in the City from Which It Emanates
Authors: Hemsworth Ben
Published: January 2024

Urban sprawl has been widely criticized in academia and other forums for the slew of aesthetic eyesores it has created and environmental issues it has exacerbated. Less discussion or research has taken up sprawl’s effects on poverty and how they intersect with class and race to self-propagate. In this paper, I gather findings from existing research on the subject and explain points of consensus and discord among scholars. The three ways by which urban sprawl worsens poverty are found to be spatial mismatch, the physical alienation of inner-city dwelling residents from suburban centres of concentrated employment; income segregation, the relegation of lower income residents to places of low job-concentration; and racial segregation, the spacial sorting of residents by race so that racial diversity decreases in given areas of residence. It is also found that these factors, which contribute to poverty and are driven by sprawl, also then drive sprawl themselves, creating feedback loops intensifying segregation and poverty. The inception of the modern city and the process of urban sprawl are also discussed. It is found that the same processes which created high population concentration to create the first cities during the industrial revolution, notably the advent of labour centres, drive modern urban sprawl. This and other processes are then used in the examinations of the above-mentioned issues to calculate the origins of these issues and contextualize them.