bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ÆSOPUS 2.1: Low-temperature Opacities Extended to High Pressure
Authors: Marigo Paola , Addari Francesco , Bossini Diego , Bressan Alessandro , Costa Guglielmo , Girardi Léo , Pastorelli Giada , Trabucchi Michele , Volpato Guglielmo
Published: November 2024

We address the critical need for accurate Rosseland mean gas opacities in high-pressure environments, spanning temperatures from 100 K to 32,000 K. Current opacity tables from Wichita State University and ÆSOPUS
2.0 are limited to

log
(
R
)
≤
1

, where

R
=
ρ

T

6

−
3

in units of

g

cm

−
3

(

10

6

K
)

−
3

. This is insufficient for modeling very low-mass stars, brown dwarfs, and planets with atmospheres exhibiting higher densities and pressures (

log
(
R
)
>
1

). Leveraging extensive databases such as ExoMol, ExoMolOP, MoLLIST, and HITEMP, we focus on expanding the ÆSOPUS opacity calculations to cover a broad range of pressure and density conditions (

−
8
≤
log
(
R
)
≤
+
6

). We incorporate the thermal Doppler mechanism and microturbulence velocity. Pressure-broadening effects on molecular transitions, leading to Lorentzian or Voigt profiles, are explored in the context of atmospheric profiles for exoplanets, brown dwarfs, and low-mass stars. We also delve into the impact of electron degeneracy and nonideal effects, such as ionization potential depression under high-density conditions, emphasizing its notable influence on Rosseland mean opacities at temperatures exceeding 10,000 K. As a result, this study expands the ÆSOPUS public web interface for customized gas chemical mixtures, promoting flexibility in opacity calculations based on specific research needs. Additionally, precomputed opacity tables, inclusive of condensates, are provided. We present a preliminary application to evolutionary models for very low-mass stars.
The VIRUS-dE Survey. II. Cuspy and Round Halos in Dwarf Ellipticals—A Result of Early Assembly?
Authors: Lipka Mathias , Thomas Jens , Saglia Roberto , Bender Ralf , Fabricius Maximilian , Partmann Christian
Published: November 2024

We analyze the dark matter (DM) halos of a sample of dwarf ellipticals (dEs) and discuss cosmological and evolutionary implications. Using orbit modeling, we recover their density slopes and, for the first time, halo flattening. We find that the “cusp-core” tension is mild; on average, dEs have central slopes slightly below the Navarro–Frenk–White predictions. However, the measured flattenings are still more spherical than cosmological simulations predict. Unlike brighter early-type galaxies, the total density slopes of dEs are shallower, and their average DM density does not follow their scaling relation with luminosity. Conversely, dE halos are denser and the densities steeper than in late-type galaxies. We find average DM density and slope are strongly correlated with the environment and moderately with the angular momentum. Central, nonrotating dEs have dense and cuspy halos, whereas rotating dEs in Virgo’s outskirts are more cored and less dense. This can be explained by a delayed formation of the dEs in the cluster outskirts, or alternatively by the accumulated baryonic feedback that the dEs in the outskirts have experienced during their very different star formation history. Our results suggest halo profiles are not universal (they depend on assembly conditions) and they evolve only mildly due to internal feedback. We conclude dEs in the local Universe have assembled at a higher redshift than local spirals. In these extreme conditions, star formation and halo assembly, for example, were very different, suggesting no new dEs are formed at present.
The VIRUS-dE Survey. I. Stars in Dwarf Elliptical Galaxies—3D Dynamics and Radially Resolved Stellar Initial Mass Functions
Authors: Lipka Mathias , Thomas Jens , Saglia Roberto , Bender Ralf , Fabricius Maximilian , Hill Gary J. , Kluge Matthias , Landriau Martin , Mazzalay Ximena , Noyola Eva , Parikh Taniya , Snigula Jan
Published: November 2024

We analyze the stellar structure of a sample of dwarf ellipticals (dEs) inhabiting various environments within the Virgo cluster. Integral-field observations with a high spectral resolution allow us to robustly determine their low-velocity dispersions (∼25 km s−1) and higher-order kinematic moments out to the half-light radius. We find the dEs exhibit a diversity in ages, with the younger dEs being less enhanced than the older, suggesting a complex star formation history for those dEs that recently entered Virgo, while others have been quenched shortly after reionization. Orbit-superposition modeling allowed us to recover viewing angles, stellar mass-to-light ratios (with gradients), as well as the intrinsic orbit structure. We find that the angular momentum of the dEs is strongly suppressed compared to ordinary early-type galaxies and correlates with the environment. Flattened dEs are so because of a suppressed kinetic energy perpendicular to their equatorial plane. Combining population and dynamical modeling results, we find an age-dependent stellar initial mass function or, alternatively, evidence for a more extended star formation history for those galaxies that have had higher initial mass and/or inhabited lower-density environments. dEs appear to have a spatially homogeneous stellar structure, but the state they were “frozen” in as they stopped forming stars varies dramatically according to their initial conditions.
Spectral Study of Very-high-energy Gamma Rays from SS 433 with HAWC
Authors: Alfaro R. , Alvarez C. , Arteaga-Velázquez J. C. , Avila Rojas D. , Ayala Solares H. A. , Babu R. , Belmont-Moreno E. , Bernal A. , Caballero-Mora K. S. , Capistrán T. , Carramiñana A. , Casanova S. , Cotzomi J. , De la Fuente E. , Depaoli D. , Di Lalla N. , Diaz Hernandez R. , Dingus B. L. , DuVernois M. A. , Engel K. , Ergin T. , Espinoza C. , Fan K. L. , Fang K. , Fraija N. , Fraija S. , García-González J. A. , Gonzalez Muñoz A. , González M. M. , Goodman J. A. , Groetsch S. , Harding J. P. , Hernández-Cadena S. , Herzog I. , Huang D. , Hueyotl-Zahuantitla F. , Hüntemeyer P. , Iriarte A. , Kaufmann S. , Lara A. , Lee W. H. , Lee J. , de León C. , León Vargas H. , Longinotti A. L. , Luis-Raya G. , Malone K. , Martínez-Castro J. , Matthews J. A. , Miranda-Romagnoli P. , Montes J. A. , Moreno E. , Mostafá M. , Nellen L. , Nisa M. U. , Noriega-Papaqui R. , Pérez Araujo Y. , Pérez-Pérez E. G. , Rho C. D. , Rosa-González D. , Ruiz-Velasco E. , Salazar H. , Sandoval A. , Schneider M. , Serna-Franco J. , Smith A. J. , Son Y. , Springer R. W. , Tibolla O. , Tollefson K. , Torres I. , Torres-Escobedo R. , Turner R. , Ureña-Mena F. , Varela E. , Villaseñor L. , Wang X. , Wang Z. , Watson I. J. , Yu S. , Yun-Cárcamo S. , Zhou H. ,   HAWC collaboration
Published: November 2024

Very-high-energy (0.1–100 TeV) gamma-ray emissions were observed in High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) data from the lobes of the microquasar SS 433, making them the first set of astrophysical jets that were resolved at TeV energies. In this work, we update the analysis of SS 433 using 2565 days of data from the HAWC observatory. Our analysis reports the detection of a point-like source in the east lobe at a significance of 6.6σ and in the west lobe at a significance of 8.2σ. For each jet lobe, we localize the gamma-ray emission and identify a best-fit position. The locations are close to the X-ray emission sites “e1” and “w1” for the east and west lobes, respectively. We analyze the spectral energy distributions and find that the energy spectra of the lobes are consistent with a simple power law d
N/d
E ∝ E

α
with

α
=
−

2.44

−
0.12
−
0.04

+
0.13
+
0.04

and

α
=
−

2.35

−
0.11
−
0.03

+
0.12
+
0.03

for the east and west lobes, respectively. The maximum energy of photons from the east and west lobes reaches 56 TeV and 123 TeV, respectively. We compare our observations to various models and conclude that the very-high-energy gamma-ray emission can be produced by a population of electrons that were efficiently accelerated.
The First Combined Hα and Rest-UV Spectroscopic Probe of Galactic Outflows at High Redshift
Authors: Kehoe Emily , Shapley Alice E. , Förster Schreiber N. M. , Pahl Anthony J. , Topping Michael W. , Reddy Naveen A. , Genzel Reinhard , Price Sedona H. , Tacconi L. J.
Published: November 2024

We investigate the multiphase structure of gas flows in galaxies. We study 80 galaxies during the epoch of peak star formation (1.4 ≤ z ≤ 2.7) using data from the Keck/Low-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) and the Very Large Telescope/K-Band Multi-Object Spectrograph (KMOS). Our analysis provides a simultaneous probe of outflows using UV emission and absorption features and Hα emission. With this unprecedented data set, we examine the properties of gas flows estimated from LRIS and KMOS in relation to other galaxy properties, such as star formation rate (SFR), SFR surface density (ΣSFR), stellar mass (M
*), and main-sequence offset (ΔMS). We find no strong correlations between outflow velocity measured from rest-UV line centroids and galaxy properties. However, we find that galaxies with detected outflows show higher averages in SFR, ΣSFR, and ΔMS than those lacking outflow detections, indicating a connection between outflow and galaxy properties. Furthermore, we find a lower average outflow velocity than previously reported, suggesting greater absorption at the systemic redshift of the galaxy. Finally, we detect outflows in 49% of our LRIS sample and 30% in the KMOS sample and find no significant correlation between outflow detection and inclination. These results may indicate that outflows are not collimated and that Hα outflows have a lower covering fraction than low-ionization interstellar absorption lines. Additionally, these tracers may be sensitive to different physical scales of outflow activity. A larger sample size with a wider dynamic range in galaxy properties is needed to further test this picture.
The Binary Black Hole Merger Rate Deviates from the Cosmic Star Formation Rate: A Tug of War between Metallicity and Delay Times
Authors: Boesky Adam P. , Broekgaarden Floor S. , Berger Edo
Published: November 2024

Gravitational-wave detectors are now making it possible to investigate how the merger rate of binary black holes (BBHs) evolves with redshift. In this study, we examine whether the BBH merger rate of isolated binaries deviates from a scaled star formation rate density (SFRD)—a frequently used model in state-of-the-art research. To address this question, we conduct population synthesis simulations using COMPAS with a grid of stellar evolution models, calculate their cosmological merger rates, and compare them to a scaled SFRD. We find that our simulated rates deviate by factors up to 3.5 at z ∼ 0 and 5 at z ∼ 9 due to two main phenomena: (i) the formation efficiency of BBHs is an order of magnitude higher at low metallicities than at solar metallicity, and (ii) BBHs experience a wide range of delays (from a few megayears to many gigayears) between formation and merger. The deviations are similar when comparing to a delayed SFRD, and even larger (up to ∼10×) when comparing to SFRD-based models scaled to the local merger rate. Interestingly, our simulations find that the BBH delay time distribution is redshift dependent, increasing the complexity of the redshift distribution of mergers. We find similar results for simulated merger rates of black hole–neutron stars (BHNSs) and binary neutron stars (BNSs). We conclude that the rate of BBH, BHNS, and BNS mergers from the isolated channel can significantly deviate from a scaled SFRD, and that future measurements of the merger rate will provide insights into the formation pathways of gravitational-wave sources.
Discovery of Whittieria hengduanensis sp. nov. (Ophioglossaceae) from Southwest China demonstrates a unique intercontinental disjunct pattern in plants between the Himalaya and the Americas
Authors: Liang Zhen-Long , Zhang Li-Bing
Published: November 2024

A new fern species, Whittieria hengduanensis (Ophioglossaceae), from Sichuan, Xizang, and Yunnan, Southwest China (eastern Himalaya), is described and illustrated. This species is similar to W. engelmannii in the Americas in having a cylindrical rhizome and complex-reticulate venation. In addition, both species grow in open habitat on basic soil. However, the two species are distinguishable in root number per rhizome and the number of the larger areolae per trophophore. Our molecular study also supports that they are sister to each other but divergent at the molecular level. The discovery of W. hengduanensis shows that the genus is intercontinentally disjunct between the Himalaya and the Americas, a unique pattern not having been documented in the literature.
Predictability of Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction Is Equal to Variance of Preoperative Manifest Refraction Measurement
Authors: Taneri Suphi , Arba-Mosquera Samuel , Förster Anika , Dick H. Burkhard
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To compare variance of manifest refraction (MR) measurement and variance of refractive outcomes after keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) in the same cohort.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients attending at least three preoperative refractions before undergoing KLEx. All manifest refractions were performed according to a standard protocol. Additionally, automated refraction, spectacles prescription, wavefront refraction, and tomography/topography were also considered when determining the treatment refraction. Variance of postoperative outcomes was compared to variance of MR measurement.

Results

The difference in MR of 153 eyes between the first and last preoperative visit showed a mean pairwise absolute difference of 0.22 ± 0.22 diopters (D) (range: 0.00 to 1.25 D) in spherical equivalent (SE). The 95% limit of agreement (LoA) was within 0.73 D for sphere, 0.60 D for cylinder, and 0.61 D for SE. Standard deviation (SD) for corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 0.06 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and the 95% LoA was within 1.3 Snellen lines. The differences between reproducibility of the two last preoperative MR and the variance of postoperative outcomes after KLEx (ie, the isolated repeatability of corneal lenticule extraction) was SD of 0.13 D for sphere, cylinder, and SE, and 11 degrees in axis, respectively.

Conclusions

Predictability of KLEx was equal to variance of refraction measurement. Isolated repeatability of the laser treatment was better than the reproducibility of MR. Thus, the authors have shown for the first time that precision of KLEx has reached such a level today that further improvement is limited by MR measurements.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2024;40(11):e814–e823.]
Non-inferiority of Cataract Surgery in a Stand-Alone Unidirectional Airflow System Versus in a Conventional Operating Room: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Partouche Sarah , Fabro Filippo , Arnaud Artus , Senicourt Lucile , Gatinel Damien , Panthier Christophe
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To demonstrate the non-inferiority of a stand-alone unidirectional airflow system, the SurgiCube (Surgi-Cube International BV), for cataract surgery compared to a conventional operating theater (OT).

Methods

This was a retrospective and comparative cross-sectional study conducted at the Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France. All patients who underwent cataract surgery using the SurgiCube between February 2020 and February 2023 were included and compared to a separate group of patients with cataract surgery performed in a conventional OT and under topical anesthesia during the same period. Patients with less than 1 month of follow-up after surgery were excluded. We collected relevant information from the patient's medical records. Main outcome measures, incidence of endophthalmitis, intraoperative and postoperative complication incidence, 1-month logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity and intraocular pressure, and operating times were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1,901 eyes in the SurgiCube group were compared to 5,474 eyes in the OT group. The occurrence of endophthalmitis was 0.05% (n = 1) in the SurgiCube group versus 0.07% (n = 4) in the OT group (
P
= 1.00; odds ratio = 0.72 [95% CI = 0.01 to 7.28]). The percentage of procedures with at least one perioperative complication was 2.6% in the SurgiCube group and 2.7% in the OT group (
P
= .87; odds ratio = 0.96 [95% CI = 0.68 to 1.34]). The percentage of procedures with a postoperative complication was 6.31% in the SurgiCube group and 6.6% in the OT group (
P
= .59; odds ratio = 0.94 [95% CI = 0.75 to 1.17]. Average visual acuity at 30 days was 0.04 logMAR in the SurgiCube group and 0.07 logMAR in the OT group (
P
= .62). The average operating times were 16.8 and 19.7 minutes for the SurgiCube and OT groups, respectively (
P
< .001). The average occupation room times were 26.2 and 32.3 minutes for the SurgiCube and OT groups, respectively (
P
< .001).

Conclusions

Cataract surgery in the SurgiCube seems to be non-inferior to cataract surgery in a conventional OT.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2024;40(11):e884–e891.]
Miguel Coyula - Encuentro con un cineasta paciente y tenaz
Authors: Kabous Magali , Coyula Miguel
Published: November 2024

Miguel Coyula narra su carrera, sus opiniones sobre el oficio, los obstáculos que encuentran sus proyectos y la larga y tortuosa fabricación de su último largometraje, Corazón azul (2021).
Déjouer les dominations et les contraintes en ligne : un état des connaissances
Authors: DAUCÉ Françoise , ERMOSHINA Ksenia , OSTROMOOUKHOVA Bella
Published: November 2024

Si les débuts du Web 2.0 dans les années 2000 ont porté une utopie politique corrélant participation démocratique, idéal libertaire et horizontalité, ce qui a facilité la diffusion et l’intégration des nouvelles technologies dans la société, c’est ensuite la désillusion et l’inquiétude qui l’ont emporté face aux nouvelles dominations et oppressions s’appuyant sur les fonctionnalités numériques, tant dans la sphère politique qu’économique. Cet article revient, dans un premier temps, sur cette dialectique opposant espoirs démocratiques et dominations numériques. La description des contraintes est un préalable pour analyser, dans un second temps, les multiples arts de faire de ceux qui les remettent en cause. À des échelles souvent petites et situées, ancrées dans la matérialité du réseau, des professionnels du Web, des militants pour les libertés numériques, des pirates informatiques ou de simples usagers fabriquent des savoirs alternatifs ou imaginent des solutions pour contourner ces contraintes. Enfin, dans un troisième temps, cet article propose un décentrement du regard pour prendre en compte les multiples expériences locales qui, hors du monde numérique occidental, nourrissent des contournements spécifiques et singuliers.
Susciter un changement politique à Cuba par le numérique : le projet ZunZuneo de l’USAID
Authors: MATTELART Tristan
Published: November 2024

Si se sont multipliés les travaux qui explorent la manière dont différents groupes d’activistes mobilisent les technologies numériques pour contourner les censures dans les régimes autoritaires, plus rares sont les recherches qui se penchent sur la façon dont des États ont recours à ces mêmes technologies pour peser, de l’extérieur, sur la nature de ces régimes. C’est à cette question que nous nous intéressons dans cet article, à partir du cas de ZunZuneo, un projet développé, entre 2009 et 2012, par la United States Agency for International Development (USAID), visant à créer un réseau de communication alternatif à Cuba. Nous montrons, d’abord, comment, dès le début des années 1990, le développement des technologies numériques a été vu par Washington comme un moyen de favoriser un changement politique à Cuba. Puis, à partir d’un important corpus de documents officiels, nous auscultons le projet ZunZuneo, les acteurs, publics et privés, qui l’ont porté, les objectifs qui lui ont été assignés, les audiences qu’il vise et la façon dont il a été mis en place.
Comparison of ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis and Consecutive Method for UV-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Kusdianto K. , Cahyani Octavia , Sudarto Ahmed Fanani , Puri Nurdiana Ratna , Shimada Manabu , Fatkhur Rozy M. Irwan , Winardi Sugeng
Published: November 2024

ZnO is a semiconductor material that is widely used for many applications in industries such as solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, food packaging, photocatalytic, anti-microbial, light-emitting diode devices, and gas sensors. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) have been successfully synthesized using two methods, namely spray pyrolysis and a consecutive method. The consecutive method is a combination of sol-gel and spray drying methods. The objective of this study is to investigate the photocatalytic performance of ZnO fabricated using those methods. Both methods used the same precursor, zinc acetate dehydrate as a source of zinc, but with different solvents and additives. Based on the X-ray diffraction pattern, the ZnO NPs synthesized using spray pyrolysis and a consecutive method exhibited similar polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structures. The large crystal sizes of ZnO NPs were obtained using a consecutive method, sol-gel followed by spray drying, in comparison with those from the ZnO spray pyrolysis. In contrast, the particle size of ZnO prepared by the consecutive method was in a smaller range. The SEM analysis implied that the ZnO structures had surface defects. In the UV-driven photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, ZnO produced by the consecutive method exhibited slightly higher degradation performance than ZnO spray pyrolysis. This performance was attributed to the larger crystal size of ZnO NPs, which provided a longer carrier movement at semiconductor surfaces and reduced electron-hole recombination. Additionally, ZnO NPs produced using the consecutive method underwent agglomeration that leads to a smaller contact surface with methylene blue, obstructing the degradation process.
Assessment of Training Needs of the Office staff (Management assistants and Development Officers) in the National Hospital of Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranawaka Nithin , Wickremasinghe W. K.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: In the dynamic landscape of healthcare administration, the role of hospital office staff is pivotal for maintaining the seamless functioning of the hospital. Training Needs Assessment is a proactive approach to aligning the skills of hospital office staff with the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape, ensuring compliance and promoting excellence in administrative practices and, consequently, contributing to improved patient outcomes.Objective: This study aims to identify the training needs of hospital office staff in the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL).Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in NHSL with the office staff from June to August 2023. The total population was 181. Among them, 123 people were selected from simple random sampling proportionately to the category. The self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire assessed the activities and capabilities of office staff necessary for their daily tasks. Participants were asked to score these activities based on their importance and current performance level. Mean scores for the importance of the training areas and current performances were calculated, and gaps were identified by subtracting. Training needs with the highest gaps (gap equal or more than 2) were prioritized as training needs for office staff in NHSL.Results: Procurement for the public sector, handling audit inquiries, file management including personal file management, salary conversion, pension management, gathering, organizing, analyzing statistically, & disseminating data and information were prioritized as training needs for next year.Conclusions and recommendations: Those prioritized training needs were included in the next year's (2024) annual action plan with the permission of the Deputy Director General -NHSL.
Enhancing Resurrection Practices for Unusable General Inventory Items in Hospital Settings
Authors: Malalasekara L. I. , Wijemanne W. M. U. S.
Published: November 2024

Background: Effective patient care in hospitals relies on the proper functioning of medical equipment. Malfunctioning general inventory items, such as patient beds, wheelchairs, and saline stands, pose significant challenges to hospital operations and patient care. D.G.H. Negombo needs help maintaining these items due to limited financial resources and inadequate technical expertise.Objective: To improve the resurrection practices of selected unusable general inventory items at D.G.H. Negombo.Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from August 1, 2022, to November 15, 2023, and involved three phases: pre-intervention (assessment), intervention (implementation), and post-intervention (evaluation). Data collection methods included key informant interviews (K.I.I.), self-administered questionnaires (S.A.Q.), and desk reviews. The study targeted general inventory items marked for condemnation and included unit heads and maintenance technicians in its scope.Results: Pre-intervention assessments identified key issues such as inadequate technical skills, poor coordination, and insufficient infrastructure. Interventions implemented included skill development workshops, improved documentation practices, and enhanced communication strategies. Post-intervention evaluations demonstrated significant improvements in repair times, resource availability, and satisfaction among unit heads. Notably, 78% of wheelchairs, 79% of patient trolleys, and 76% of patient beds were successfully resurrected.Conclusions: The interventions enhanced the resurrection of unusable general inventory items, extended equipment lifespans, and achieved substantial cost savings.
Transforming Healthcare: Leading with Vision, Professionalism, and Efficiency
Authors: Wickremasinghe Kumara
Published: November 2024

No abstract available
Adjustable compression wraps: back to the future
Authors: Benigni Jean-Patrick , Flour Mieke , Uhl Jean-François
Published: November 2024

Adjustable Compression Wraps (ACWs) are used to treat a variety of conditions, in particular venous leg ulcers, edema and lymphedema. Publications on the use of these devices are ultimately few and far between, with limitations or biases (small sample sizes, methodological weaknesses, non-comparative studies, lack of interface pressures).
A development model like that used in the study of a drug could be more rational. We propose five phases: phase 1) discovery and development, phase 2) in vitro testing, phase 3) clinical trials, phase 4) real-life data analysis, medico-economic investigation using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and phase 5) preparation of regulatory dossiers.
This lack of coherence in development could be an obstacle to widespread clinical use. Using AI to analyse large quantities of data could reduce the cost and number of clinical trials needed to generate more robust evidence.
This would make it possible to better define the clinical effects of ACWs in specific situations (e.g., leg wounds in the elderly, diabetic wounds, mixed leg ulcers, secondary lymphedema of the upper limb, efficacy, and comfort...) and to compare treatment costs between bandages and ACWs.
If we don't explore the future with AI, we'll never know what will be useful for the present - hence the title “Back to the Future”.
The role of digital competence in improving service quality and employee performance
Authors: Ingsih Kusni , Astuti Sih D. , Riyanto Fery
Published: November 2024

Orientation: Digital acceleration forces all public service organisations to prepare to shift from traditional methods to digital methods. Thus, this phenomenon challenges today’s public service organisations to present new service innovations with technological elements to create superior performance.Research purpose: This study aims to explore and analyse the impact of digital competence, smart digital services, and service quality on the performance of public service employees.Motivation for the study: Human resources in public service organisations face many challenges, namely how to adapt to technology and create effective services to improve service quality and employee performance.Research approach/design and method: This study was conducted in all government organisations in Central Java province, Indonesia. The sampling technique used was proportional random sampling, so that a sample of 262 civil servants was obtained. This study uses a quantitative method with Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis.Main findings: The study results show that digital competence has a positive impact on intelligent digital services, which significantly improves service quality and ultimately has a positive impact on employee performance.Practical/managerial implications: The results of this study provide important insights for policy makers in the Central Java Provincial Government, Indonesia, to determine the direction of digital competence development and service innovation in achieving positive performance.Contribution/value-add: This study provides a roadmap for public service organisations to develop employees who can adapt to digital competencies and smart digital services to achieve maximum performance.
Transforming Bacterial Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Diagnosis: A Study on the Efficiency of the FilmArray Pneumonia Panel
Authors: Lin Hung-Hsin , Chung Hsing-Yi , Perng Cherng-Lih , Lin Li-Fan , Lin Hsin-Ting , Shang Hung-Sheng
Published: November 2024

Background:

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) significantly contribute to global morbidity and mortality. Conventional bacterial LRTIs diagnosis relies on microbiological methods, which are time-consuming. The Biofire® FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel (FAPP) offers a faster and more accurate detection of respiratory pathogens but shows conflicting results with conventional cultures.

Aim:

We assessed the agreement between bacterial organisms and resistance genes identified using FAPP and standard culture techniques.

Methods:

This single-center retrospective study analyzed 400 patient samples, comparing the positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity with conventional cultures. The prevalence of bacterial organisms and resistance markers in FAPP and cultures was estimated.

Results:

In 400 samples, 692 bacterial targets and 216 resistance markers were detected using FAPP. FAPP detection was 3.9 times higher than bacterial culture. The overall PPV, NPV, sensitivity, and specificity were 23.55%, 99.76%, 92.61%, and 90.92%, respectively. Multiple pathogens were found in 177 samples (46.3%) with FAPP.

Conclusion:

FAPP provides rapid and sensitive detection of respiratory bacterial infections. However, results should be interpreted with the clinical context. Further studies are needed to clarify its clinical impact and cost-effectiveness.
Lineup polytopes of products of simplices
Authors: Castillo Federico , Labbé Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2024

Consider a real point configuration

\bm{A}

of size

n

and an integer

r \leq n

. The vertices of the

r

-lineup polytope of

\bm{A}

correspond to the possible orderings of the top

r

points of the configuration obtained by maximizing a linear functional. The motivation behind the study of lineup polytopes comes from the representability problem in quantum chemistry. In that context, the relevant point configurations are the vertices of hypersimplices and the integer points contained in an inflated regular simplex. The central problem consists in providing an inequality representation of lineup polytopes as efficiently as possible. In this article, we adapt the developed techniques to the quantum information theory setup. The appropriate point configurations become the vertices of products of simplices. A particular case is that of lineup polytopes of cubes, which form a type

B

analog of hypersimplices, where the symmetric group of type

A

naturally acts. To obtain the inequalities, we center our attention on the combinatorics and the symmetry of products of simplices to obtain an algorithmic solution. Along the way, we establish relationships between lineup polytopes of products of simplices with the Gale order, standard Young tableaux, and the resonance arrangement.
2023–2024 Reviewers
Authors: Barkey Mark
Published: November 2024

2023–2024 Reviewers
„Pogaństwo” jako panaceum na przezwyciężenie kryzysu kultury europejskiej. Przypadek Nowej Prawicy Alaina de Benoist
Authors: Bielawski Paweł
Published: November 2024

The topic of the article is the concept of “paganism” in Alain de Benoit’s New Right. In the French thinker’s opinion Europe is in a state of a cultural crisis. He believes that Christianity is the greatest disaster in Europe’s entire history as it has alienated the European peoples from their native, pagan spirituality. He states that only a renewed discovery of Europe’s religious roots could enable the overcoming of the current cultural crisis.
Przynależność bez wiary? Bułgarska tożsamość prawosławna a literaturoznawstwo
Authors: Drzewiecka Ewelina
Published: November 2024

The aim of the paper is an attempt to problematise the concept of Bulgarian Orthodox identity in relation to the national “great narrative” and the role of literature and literary studies, and as a result, to go beyond the traditional research approach to the notion of Bulgarian religiosity. Two observations serve as a starting point: 1) the idea of religion / religiosity is one of the main themes of the discourse of the national elite; 2) Bulgarians commonly declare attachment to the Orthodox tradition, but the percentage of believers is low; therefore, the sociological conceptualisations based on the famous phrase “believing without belonging” (G. Davie) seem accurate. The paper raises the question of the ideological foundations of perceiving and explaining religious phenomena in Bulgaria, and the emphasis is on the local meaning of the religious and its crypto-theological entanglements as captured and manifested in local literary studies.
Okruchy pamięci. Stanisław Olexiński, kolekcjoner lwowski
Authors: Betlej Andrzej
Published: November 2024

Artykuł poświęcony jest Stanisławowi Olexińskiemu (1865–1941), postaci niemal całkowicie zapoznanej, ale – jak się wydaje – dość istotnej dla historii sztuki i kolekcjonerstwa we Lwowie. Olexiński był sekretarzem administracyjnym Zakładu Narodowego im. Ossolińskich w latach 20. i 30. XX wieku, a także znanym kolekcjonerem. Jego bibliofilskie zbiory obejmowały głównie publikacje dotyczące teorii i historii sztuki, zgromadził także pokaźną, jak można przypuszczać, kolekcję rycin i rysunków polskich artystów. Zachowana szczątkowo korespondencja oraz dokumenty związane z Olexińskim odsłaniają jego pasję kolekcjonerską i działalność handlową w środowisku artystycznym. Listy od znanych artystów potwierdzają jego zaangażowanie i świadczą o dużej aktywności w pozyskiwaniu dzieł sztuki poprzez ich zakup bezpośrednio od twórców. Olexiński wymieniał dzieła ze swej kolekcji między innymi z Ossolineum, ale także przekazywał niektóre z nich różnym instytucjom, na przykład Galerii Miejskiej czy Muzeum Historycznemu we Lwowie. Niestety, losy kolekcji pozostają nieznane. Po śmierci właściciela w 1941 roku, wkrótce po wkroczeniu wojsk niemieckich do Lwowa, mogła ona zostać rozproszona lub zniszczona. Ostatnią wiadomością odnoszącą się do Olexińskiego jest list od kuratora Ossolineum Andrzeja Lubomirskiego z sierpnia 1941 roku, wskazujący, że osoba kolekcjonera wciąż budziła zainteresowanie, ale nie ma pewności, czy dotarł on do adresata czy też do jego małżonki. Cały artykuł to próba przywrócenia pamięci o postaci, która odegrała stosunkowo ważną rolę w życiu kulturalnym elit intelektualnych i artystycznych Lwowa.
Colour black in eighteenth-century silk clothing fabrics’ design: Aesthetic value and durability issues of black yarns
Authors: Faryś Przemysław Krystian
Published: November 2024

The article concerns the use of colour black in multi-coloured patterns of silk clothing fabrics in the eighteenth century, and the state of preservation of black-coloured fragments of the patterns. Using colour black in multi-coloured compositions would introduce three-dimensionality and depth to the patterns. Both contrasts and sharp contours were built using colour black. Unfortunately, in many known surviving examples of silk fabrics, where the fragments of patterns were woven with black yarns, deterioration is more visible than in other fragments of the patterns, woven with yarns of other colours. The deterioration process of black yarns significantly and negatively affects the aesthetic value of multi- coloured patterns. Thus, it is extremely important to protect silk fabrics against external factors that would lead to further deterioration of black yarns. The analysis of black silk yarns was conducted using the examples of fabrics from the collections of the National Museum in Kraków, the National Museum in Warsaw, and the collection of the author of the article.
Wybrane zagadnienia archiwizacji Internetu w kontekście rozwoju technologii informacyjno-komunikacyjnych w administracji publicznej w Polsce
Authors: Adamus-Kowalska Justyna
Published: November 2024

Celem artykułu jest przybliżenie problematyki archiwizacji Internetu w administracji publicznej w Polsce. Przedstawiono w nim stan wiedzy z zakresu archiwizacji Internetu, następnie przybliżono problematykę kształtowania narodowego zasobu archiwalnego oraz dokonano analizy ilościowej w obrębie nadzoru nad narastającym zasobem archiwalnym. Przy zastosowaniu metody studium przypadku zobrazowano, jak w wybranych urzędach w Polsce postępuje się z zasobami publikowanymi w Internecie. W wyniku badań stwierdzono, że brakuje rozwiązań prawnych i organizacyjnych z zakresu archiwizacji zasobów internetowych administracji publicznej, która jest najważniejszym aktotwórcą w całym procesie kształtowania narodowego zasobu archiwalnego.
Endogeic earthworms mediate aggregate formation and carbon storage in an Ultisol
Authors: Morejón Mauricio , Sánchez-de León Yaniria , Sotomayor-Ramírez David , Flores-Mangual Mario L.
Published: November 2024

The role of soil fauna in the incorporation of carbon into soil aggregates of tropical soils has been understudied. We conducted a field experiment within a secondary forest and a microcosm experiment at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez to test soil aggregate formation and carbon incorporation by earthworm activity. Using 13C natural abundance in vegetation and the difference in δ13C between C3 and C4 plants, carbon sources in the soil were tracked. Maize leaves (C4 carbon isotopic signal) were used to track the carbon incorporation into soil aggregates (C3 carbon isotopic signal). Earthworms and soil samples (Typic Haplohumults) were collected at 0 to 10 cm soil depth. The treatments for microcosms were: (I) soil, (II) soil + C4 leaves, (III) soil + C4 leaves + two earthworms (low density), and (IV) soil + C4 leaves + three earthworms (high density). Aggregate size classes were separated by the wet sieving method. At the study site, we found two earthworm species belonging to epigeic and endogeic ecological categories. Over six months, our field data suggested that endogeic P. corethrurus can reorganize small macroaggregates to form large macroaggregates. The microcosm experiment corroborated that P. corethrurus consumes soil and transfers soil-derived carbon from microaggregates to macroaggregates. The treatment with the highest earthworm density did not show higher carbon incorporation (0.23 g C/kg sand-free aggregates) into the soil compared to low earthworm density (0.25 g C/kg sand-free aggregates). Our results suggest that P. corethrurus prefers consuming soil-derived carbon and can translocate it from microaggregates to macroaggregates by restructuring soil aggregates.
SENSITIVITY OF COLLETOTRICHUM ALATAE TO A QUINONE OUTSIDE INHIBITOR (QOI) FUNGICIDE
Authors: Escalera-García Isabel A. , Feliciano-Rivera Merari
Published: November 2024

SENSITIVITY OF COLLETOTRICHUM ALATAE TO A QUINONE OUTSIDE INHIBITOR (QOI) FUNGICIDE
Optimización del presupuesto por resultados. Una guía para instituciones estatales
Authors: Bao Ratzemberg Carol Beatriz , Saavedra Hoyos Fausto , Castro Mori Karen Olinda , Ocrospoma Callupe Fanny Natalia , Rocha Sandoval César Augusto
Published: November 2024

El trabajo investigativo, tuvo el fin de plantear una propuesta de gestión por procesos para mejorar el presupuesto por resultados en municipalidades, se respaldó en teorías de otros autores y normativa nacional, estudiando a trabajadores municipales para conocer el diagnóstico del problema, encontrando que la gestión por procesos y el presupuesto por resultados es regular, faltando una mejor planificación y seguimiento a los resultados, incluyendo que el gasto no es de calidad en una gran proporción, donde los servicios y reducción de brechas no están siendo muy visibles en las jurisdicciones municipales. La propuesta tuvo en cuenta las variables y dimensiones, teniendo en cuenta los programas presupuestales, con seguimiento, y evaluación de los incentivos, para lograr resultados la propuesta alinea estrategias organizacionales con tecnología de la información y operativas para ser ejecutada en beneficio de la organización y lograr la certificación de calidad hacia el buen servicio al ciudadano.
Seguro obligatorio de responsabilidad civil. La necesidad de una reforma legislativa
Authors: Purizaca Sandoval Shirley Alicia , Burgos Ruidias Gabriela Milagros , Aliaga Guevara Frisa María Antonieta , Villanueva Butrón José Felipe
Published: November 2024

El estudio aborda la necesidad de que las clínicas privadas que alquilan sus instalaciones a médicos cuenten con un seguro de responsabilidad civil para cubrir daños durante intervenciones. Propone demostrar la importancia de este seguro y sugiere una reforma legislativa al respecto. Se utilizaron diversas técnicas de análisis documental para respaldar la hipótesis planteada y llegar a conclusiones y recomendaciones con el objetivo de fortalecer la propuesta legislativa. Las instituciones privadas que cedan instalaciones a médicos deben tener un seguro de responsabilidad civil para cubrir daños a pacientes. Esto facilita la reparación oportuna de daños, asegura la indemnización adecuada y protege a los pacientes en caso de negligencia médica. Se recomienda la promulgación de una Ley para establecer un seguro obligatorio de responsabilidad civil para Instituciones Privadas de Salud que cedan instalaciones a profesionales para intervenciones quirúrgicas. Además, se sugiere que estas instituciones cuenten con dicho seguro para responder por daños a pacientes.
Síndrome de Hipertensión Endocraneana
Authors: Ramos Baca German Humberto , Ramírez Osorto Luis José , Ávila Godoy Kelin Janeth , Caceres Carranza Fernando Javier , Oliva Hernández Gabriel Ricardo , Suazo Barahona Rodolfo Danilo , Zelaya Sorto Nancy Danubia , Anduray Lozano Ada Fernanda
Published: November 2024

El contenido intracraneal comprende tres compartimentos: el parénquima cerebral, la sangre y el líquido cefalorraquídeo. De los tres componentes, el líquido cefalorraquídeo es el más variable, su constante circulación y recambio le confieren las características necesarias para compensar otras alteraciones. En lo anterior se basa la teoría de Monro-Kellie, en la que un aumento de uno de los componentes intracraneales o la presencia uno nuevo, debe ser compensado con la reducción del volumen de otro compartimiento. La hipertensión intracraneal es una patología donde la presión intracraneal se eleva por encima de las presiones normales por más de 5 a 10 minutos, secundaria al aumento de volumen de alguno de los componentes cerebrales. Las causas que generan una hipertensión endocraneana se agrupan según el componente intracraneal que está alterado, el tratamiento depende de la misma situación.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INDIVIDUAL BALLISTIC PROTECTION MEANS USED IN THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR
Authors:   NATIONAL MILITARY UNIVERSITY “VASIL LEVSKI”, ARTILLERY, AAD AND CIS FACULTY, SHUMEN 9700, 1 KAREL SHKORPIL STR.,, Dimitrov Miroslav , Conev Conyu ,   NATIONAL MILITARY UNIVERSITY “VASIL LEVSKI”, ARTILLERY, AAD AND CIS FACULTY, SHUMEN 9700, 1 KAREL SHKORPIL STR.,
Published: November 2024

The present scientific paper presents a comparative analysis of the different types of individual ballistic protection devices, particularly focusing on body armor used in the high-intensity conflict between Russia and Ukraine. With the advancement of technologies and the introduction of new tactics in modern conflicts, losses of personnel significantly increased. The use of effective individual ballistic protection devices substantially reduces these losses. The report examines the following parameters to compare different types of body armor: class of ballistic protection, weight, protective area, and comfort in use. To conduct the analysis, available literary sources, military reports, and feedback from the personnel of the countries involved in the conflict were studied.
Machine learning-based crop type detection and vegetation mon-itoring using Sentinel-1 SAR and Landsat 8
Authors: Mayouf Rabah , Hanafi Mohamed Tahar , Mostefaoui Omar
Published: November 2024

This study explores the use of machine learning for crop type detection and vegetation monitoring in arid and semi-arid regions, specifically in Biskra and Khenchela, Algeria. Traditional field-based agricultural monitoring is labor-intensive and limited in spatial coverage, prompting the need for more efficient and scalable methods. The research integrates Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 and optical imagery from Landsat 8 to enhance the classification of different crop types and track vegetation dynamics. Key metrics such as radar backscatter and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are employed to distinguish between irrigated and rainfed crops. The Random Forest algorithm is utilized for classification, with training data derived from field surveys, high-resolution satellite imagery, and existing land cover maps. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform facilitates large-scale data processing, providing real-time agricultural analysis. Over the 12-month study period (January to December 2020), the integrated approach demonstrated high accuracy, achieving over 85% precision in classifying key crops such as date palms, cereals, and vegetables. Results indicate that SAR and NDVI data provide complementary insights into vegetation health, phenology, and agricultural practices in different climatic zones. This methodology offers a promising solution for improving agricultural monitoring and resource management in arid and semi-arid regions, enhancing food security and optimizing water usage. The study’s findings also underscore the value of satellite-based remote sensing for large-scale, real-time agricultural analysis.
Upaya Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Dalam Pembelajaran Biologi Dengan Menggunakan Metode Problem Based Learning (PBL) di SMA Negeri 3 Pamekasan
Authors: Putri Alisa , Hotimah Yuniyatul , Haikal Moch , Tachwifa Ifa
Published: November 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan hasil belajar siswa melalui penerapan model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) pada materi biologi kelas XF di SMAN 3 Pamekasan. Penelitian tindakan kelas ini di laksanakan terdiri dari dua siklus dengan subjek kelas XF SMAN 3 Pameasan. Penelitian ini di fokuskan pada hasil belajar siswa,data ini di peroleh melalui tes. Hasil penelitian pada siklus I menujukkan 71.43% dan mengalami peningkatan yang signifikan melalui siklus 2 yaitu 88.57% dari 35 siswa. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa terjadi peningkatan dari pratindakan sebesar 2,86%, peningkatan ini menunujukan adanya kemajuan pemahaman siswa mengenai materi biologi. Penelitian tindakan kelas dengan penerapan model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) bisa di katakan berhasil dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa di karenakan ada peningkatan yang signifikan dari siklus 1 ke siklus 2 terjadi peningkatan sebesar 17.14%.