bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endomyocardial Biopsy of Heart Tumors under Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Control
Authors: Pogrebnyakov I. V. , Dolgushin B. I. , Baimashev A. Sh. , Kozlova M. A. , Kozlov N. A. , Zagidullina A. A.
Published: April 2024

Tumors of the heart are rare entities characterized by the absence of specific signs and symptoms. A biopsy is necessary for verify the diagnosis and determine the most correct treatment tactics. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is a modern and relatively safe approach for biopsy of cardiac tumors. Usually this procedure performs under the control of fluoroscopy and echocardiography (intracardiac, transthoracic, transesophageal). However, this procedure is rarely used in patients with suspected cardiac malignancy.

We present two clinical cases of endomyocardial biopsy of cardiac tumors by the endovascular approach under the control of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The biopsy was successful in both cases and pathological diagnosis was established.
Experimental Studies for the Creation of Composite Materials with Increased Static Mechanical Characteristics
Authors: Antypas Imad Rezakalla , Savostina Tatiana Petrovna
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study was to experimentally verify the enhancement of certain mechanical properties of a composite material consisting of unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with fiberglass, by incorporating specific proportions of sodium aluminosilicate (SAS) powders and talc as fillers for the fabrication of large wind turbine blades. Samples composed of these materials, with varying combinations of the added components, underwent testing for tensile and bending strength, and experiments were conducted to determine their modulus of elasticity. The findings indicate that the inclusion of SAS in the matrix material resulted in increased values of tensile strength and modulus of elasticity up to certain proportions. Solely adding talc to the matrix material led to a rise in bending strength. Increasing the talc percentage in the matrix material reinforced with 20% fiberglass resulted in decreased tensile strength and elastic modulus of the samples, while incorporating a blend of SAS and talc into the matrix material reinforced with 20% fiberglass significantly boosted the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the samples under tensile conditions.
Elasto-Plastic Materials based on EPDM Rubber, LDPE, Plasticized Starch and OMMT
Authors: Stelescu Maria Daniela , Stefan Adriana , Sonmez Maria , Nituica Mihaela , Georgescu Mihai
Published: April 2024

This paper describes the development of new types of dynamically cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers based on ethylene-propylene-terpolymer rubber and low-density polyethylene, reinforced with plasticized starch and montmorillonite with a chemically modified surface. An octylphenol-formaldehyde resin in the presence of stannous chloride dihydrate was used as a vulcanizing agent. The samples were obtained on a Brabender Plasti-Corder mixer, at appropriate temperatures and rotation speeds, using the dynamic vulcanization method and the melt intercalation technique. The mixtures obtained were modeled in the form of plates with standard dimensions using specific molds and a laboratory-scale electrical press. The obtained samples were analyzed from the point of view of the physical-mechanical properties, the melt flow index, as well as from the structural and morphological point of view. It was observed that the characteristics of the samples are influenced by both the composition and the methods of obtaining used. According to the obtained characteristics, the new elasto-plastic materials can be used in fields such as the footwear industry (for the production of: soles, heels, protective boots), in the rubber and plastics industry, the automobile industry, agriculture or construction (when making gaskets, technical items, hoses, etc.). They can be easily processed into different finished products by methods specific to plastics.
Filtering based Image Decomposition and Restoration Approach
Authors: V. Thakur Nilesh Singh , Shah Saurabh A.
Published: April 2024

In image processing, most of the time it is required to process the image by partitioning or decomposing it in different parts or representing it by mean of different features. Also, the quality of an acquired or received image is very much important from the further processing point of view. The partitioning or decomposition of the image and reconstruction of the original image from the distorted image are the prime areas of research when deals with the image filtering. Presented research work deals with the decomposition of the distorted color image and the restoration of the original color image. Average filtering is used for the decomposition of each grey level planes of the image in three components and later, the average and median filters are used to reconstruct the color image from these decomposed components of each grey level planes. Different experiments are carried out with the insertion of 0.01 to 0.05 variance Gaussian white noise (GWN). The proposed approach is evaluated on the basis of identified performance evaluation parameters, i.e., mean squared error; peak signal to noise ratio; signal to noise ratio; structural similarity index measure; and correlation coefficient. Presented image decomposition approach is lightweight from the implementation point of view and based on the obtained results, it is observed that the median filter produces the good result where small details are required in image restoration.
Empowering Health and Well-being: IoT-Driven Vital Signs Monitoring in Educational Institutions and Elderly Homes Using Machine Learning
Authors: Duodu Nana Yaw , Patel Warish D. , Koyuncu Hakan , Nartey Felix , Torgby Wisdom
Published: April 2024

IoT-based EHRs use machine learning technology to automate real-time patient-centered records more securely for authorized users. (1) Background: In this era of pandemics, predictive healthcare systems are necessary for private and public healthcare delivery to predict early cancer, COVID-19, hypertension, and fever in Educational Institutions and Elderly Homes. IoT-Based EHRs bring healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of educational home facilities users, thereby reducing the time required to access healthcare and minimizing direct physical interaction between individuals seeking healthcare and their providers. (2) Method: This research work proposed a real-time intelligent IoT-based EHR system that generates vital signs of students within the educational environment using contactless sensors (Raspberry Pi Noir Camera, rPPG camera) and contacted wearable sensors composed of enzymatic sensor, immunogens, and nanosensors to detect cancer (Leukaemia). AFTER CAPTURING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA, THE in-build EWS plots system determines the condition and further triggers the criticality (abnormality) in health status. (3) Discussion: For effective health status prediction by the proposed plan, the vital sign dataset was used to train a model for the proposed method. Among the best-performing models, the random forest algorithm proved a better model, with an accuracy of 99.66% and an error rate of 0.34%. (4) Conclusion: The Home HMS seeks to improve health prediction in institutional homes for users' overall well-being.
Time-Stratified Analysis of Electricity Consumption: A Regression and Neural Network Approach in the Context of Turkey
Authors: Yi̇ği̇t Si̇mge , Turgay Safi̇ye , Cebeci̇ Çi̇ğdem , Kara Esma Sedef
Published: April 2024

This study aims to apply seasonality and temporal effects in the analysis of electricity consumption in Turkey as a case mixed with regression and neural network methodologies. The study goal is to increase knowledge about the features and trending forces behind electricity usage which provide informed recommendations for smart energy planning and regulation. Comparing and contrasting the regression and neural network models makes it possible to carry out a thorough analysis of the merits and demerits of each model. Moreover, the examination of the limits of the models and their performance in forecasting electricity consumption patterns over the long term is done. The results of this study have a significant impact on power forecasting techniques, and they have meaningful effects on the policymakers, planners and utilities in Turkey. Understanding the story of the use of electricity around the world is very important for the development of sustainable energy policies, resource provision, and the maintenance of reliable and smart energy networks in the country.
International Law and the Court of the EAEU
Authors:   Russian State University of Justice, Moscow, Russia, Neshataeva Tatiana N.
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of the essence of international law, the nature of its sources and the role of courts in the formation of its norms. This process is demonstrated by the example of the practice of the Court of the Eurasian Economic Community and the Court of the Eurasian Economic Union as a judicial body of an integration org anization. The author summarizes the work of the Court over the first 12 years of its functioning, lists achievements and unresolved issues. The author concludes that the main source of international law is custom – repeated rules of behavior in similar situations, recognized as mandatory. In repeated judicial positions, a uniform judicial practice is formed – judicial custom, which serves as an instrument for the formation of international law: the court creates a legal position, which over time may become a rule of law. In th e practice of the Court of the EAEU, generally recognized (general) principles of law turned out to be the most relevant source of law. The j udgments and advisory opinions deliv ered by the Court of the EAEU have a direct impact on the economy and social relations of all member states of the Union in areas within the competence of the integration organization. Currently, the most important aspects of the Court’s activities that require reform are the procedure for selecting and appointing judges, the rules for selecting the President of the Court, as well as provisions related to the execution of judgments of the Court.
New Real Estate Legislation
Authors:   Central Branch, Russian State University of Justice, Voronezh, Russia, Kostikova Galina V.
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the study of certain provisions of the Federal Law № 430-FZ “On Amendments to Part One of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation” which is expected to come into force on September 1, 2022. Disputes about the types, order of formation and acquisition of the right of ownership of immovable property are among the most common in judicial practice. In addition, the process of improving the legislation on immovable property cannot be effective without a deep scientific understanding of the problems of the relevant legal institute. As a consequence, the study of new legisla tion and law enforcement practice in the field of real estate turnover is relevant and timely. The purpose of this work is to analyze the new provisions of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation on the legal regime of real estate. The study is based on general scientific methods: logical, analysis, synthesis, which made it possible to structure the material, to reveal relationships in the study of individual real estate objects. Also, private scientific methods were used in the work: formal-legal, comparative-legal, method of interpretation of legal norms. The author notes the positive nature of innovations in the field of legal regulation of such real estate objects as a land plot, a parking place, an object of construction in progress, a single real estate complex. At the same time, problematic issues that have not found legislative resolution in the new chapter 6.1 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation “Real Estate” are identified in the work, ways to solve them are proposed.
A Study on the Factors Affecting Common Management Fees ofApartment Complexes
Authors:   Korea Real Estate Society, Park Jung A , Jung Joo Young , Yoon Hyo Jin
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to identify differences in common management fees depending on the various characteristics of apartment complexes and the factors affecting common management costs, and to seek improvement measures to impose appropriate management fees. The research method analyzed the common management costs of 2,574 apartments in Seoul from January to December 2022. As the number of households increases, common management costs decrease. The common management fees was lower for staircases than for hallways. The older the apartment complex, the lower the common management fee. The common management fees of a pre-sale apartment was lower than that of a rental apartment. In addition, the common management fees in the southeastern living areas was higher than in other living areas. As for the electricity rate contract, the common management fee was higher in the comprehensive contract than in the single contract. Additionally, management method, and heating method were found to have no significant effect on common management fees. The conclusion is as follows. Factors influencing common management fees have become more complex and diversified, and regional factors influencing management costs have increased. Additionally, management factors must be carefully considered.
History of chronic gastritis: How our perceptions have changed
Authors: Bordin Dmitry , Livzan Maria
Published: April 2024

Currently, the diagnostic strategy for chronic gastritis (CG) is aimed not just at fixing the presence of gastric mucosal inflammation, but also at gastric cancer (GC) risk stratification in a particular patient. Modern classification approach with the definition of the stage of gastritis determines the need, activities and frequency of dynamic monitoring of a patient. However, this attitude to the patient suffering from CG was far from always. The present publication is a literature review describing the key milestones in the history of CG research, from the description of the first observations of inflammation of the gastric mucosa, assessment of gastritis as a predominantly functional disease, to the advent of endoscopy of the upper digestive tract and diagnostic gastric biopsy, assessment of the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in progression of inflammatory changes to atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and GC.
Real-world efficacy and safety of tofacitinib treatment in Asian patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kojima Kentaro , Watanabe Kenji , Kawai Mikio , Yagi Soichi , Kaku Koji , Ikenouchi Maiko , Sato Toshiyuki , Kamikozuru Koji , Yokoyama Yoko , Takagawa Tetsuya , Shimizu Masahito , Shinzaki Shinichiro
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Real-world data on tofacitinib (TOF) covering a period of more than 1 year for a sufficient number of Asian patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are scarce.

AIM

To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of TOF treatment for UC, including clinical issues.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective single-center observational analysis of 111 UC patients administered TOF at Hyogo Medical University as a tertiary inflammatory bowel disease center. All consecutive UC patients who received TOF between May 2018 and February 2020 were enrolled. Patients were followed up until August 2020. The primary outcome was the clinical response rate at week 8. Secondary outcomes included clinical remission at week 8, cumulative persistence rate of TOF administration, colectomy-free survival, relapse after tapering of TOF and predictors of clinical response at week 8 and week 48.

RESULTS

The clinical response and remission rates were 66.3% and 50.5% at week 8, and 47.1% and 43.5% at week 48, respectively. The overall cumulative clinical remission rate was 61.7% at week 48 and history of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents use had no influence (P = 0.25). The cumulative TOF persistence rate at week 48 was significantly lower in patients without clinical remission than in those with remission at week 8 (30.9% vs 88.1%; P < 0.001). Baseline partial Mayo Score was significantly lower in responders vs non-responders at week 8 (odds ratio: 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.82, P = 0.001). Relapse occurred in 45.7% of patients after TOF tapering, and 85.7% of patients responded within 4 wk after re-increase. All 6 patients with herpes zoster (HZ) developed the infection after achieving remission by TOF.

CONCLUSION

TOF was more effective in UC patients with mild activity at baseline and its efficacy was not affected by previous treatment with anti-TNF-α agents. Most relapsed patients responded again after re-increase of TOF and nearly half relapsed after tapering off TOF. Special attention is needed for tapering and HZ.
Inhibition of hepatitis B virus via selective apoptosis modulation by Chinese patent medicine Liuweiwuling Tablet
Authors: Ge Fei-Lin , Yang Yan , Si Lan-Lan , Li Yuan-Hua , Cao Meng-Zhen , Wang Jun , Bai Zhao-Fang , Ren Zhi-Gang , Xiao Xiao-He , Liu Yan
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Liuweiwuling Tablet (LWWL) is a Chinese patent medicine approved for the treatment of chronic inflammation caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Previous studies have indicated an anti-HBV effect of LWWL, specifically in terms of antigen inhibition, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

AIM

To investigate the potential mechanism of action of LWWL against HBV.

METHODS

In vitro experiments utilized three HBV-replicating and three non-HBV-replicating cell lines. The in vivo experiment involved a hydrodynamic injection-mediated mouse model with HBV replication. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of LWWL.

RESULTS

In HepG2.1403F cells, LWWL (0.8 mg/mL) exhibited inhibitory effects on HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen and pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) at rates of 51.36%, 24.74% and 50.74%, respectively. The inhibition rates of LWWL (0.8 mg/mL) on pgRNA/covalently closed circular DNA in HepG2.1403F, HepG2.2.15 and HepG2.A64 cells were 47.78%, 39.51% and 46.74%, respectively. Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that the anti-HBV effect of LWWL was primarily linked to pathways related to apoptosis (PI3K-AKT, CASP8-CASP3 and P53 pathways). Apoptosis flow analysis revealed that the apoptosis rate in the LWWL-treated group was significantly higher than in the control group (CG) among HBV-replicating cell lines, including HepG2.2.15 (2.92% ± 1.01% vs 6.68% ± 2.04%, P < 0.05), HepG2.A64 (4.89% ± 1.28% vs 8.52% ± 0.50%, P < 0.05) and HepG2.1403F (3.76% ± 1.40% vs 7.57% ± 1.35%, P < 0.05) (CG vs LWWL-treated group). However, there were no significant differences in apoptosis rates between the non-HBV-replicating HepG2 cells (5.04% ± 0.74% vs 5.51% ± 1.57%, P > 0.05), L02 cells (5.49% ± 0.80% vs 5.48% ± 1.01%, P > 0.05) and LX2 cells (6.29% ± 1.54% vs 6.29% ± 0.88%, P > 0.05). TUNEL staining revealed a significantly higher apoptosis rate in the LWWL-treated group than in the CG in the HBV-replicating mouse model, while no noticeable difference in apoptosis rates between the two groups was observed in the non-HBV-replicating mouse model.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results suggest that LWWL exerts a potent inhibitory effect on wild-type and drug-resistant HBV, potentially involving selective regulation of apoptosis. These findings offer novel insights into the anti-HBV activities of LWWL and present a novel mechanism for the development of anti-HBV medications.
Valence without meaning: Investigating form and semantic components in pseudowords valence
Authors: Gatti Daniele , Raveling Laura , Petrenco Aliona , Günther Fritz
Published: April 2024

Valence is a dominant semantic dimension, and it is fundamentally linked to basic approach-avoidance behavior within a broad range of contexts. Previous studies have shown that it is possible to approximate the valence of existing words based on several surface-level and semantic components of the stimuli. Parallelly, recent studies have shown that even completely novel and (apparently) meaningless stimuli, like pseudowords, can be informative of meaning based on the information that they carry at the subword level. Here, we aimed to further extend this evidence by investigating whether humans can reliably assign valence to pseudowords and, additionally, to identify the factors explaining such valence judgments. In Experiment 1, we trained several models to predict valence judgments for existing words from their combined form and meaning information. Then, in Experiment 2 and Experiment 3, we extended the results by predicting participants’ valence judgments for pseudowords, using a set of models indexing different (possible) sources of valence and selected the best performing model in a completely data-driven procedure. Results showed that the model including basic surface-level (i.e., letters composing the pseudoword) and orthographic neighbors information performed best, thus tracing back pseudoword valence to these components. These findings support perspectives on the nonarbitrariness of language and provide insights regarding how humans process the valence of novel stimuli.
Tetrabutylammonium Iodide-Catalyzed Oxidative α-Azidation of β-Ketocarbonyl Compounds Using Sodium Azide
Authors: Mairhofer Christopher , Naderer David , Waser Mario
Published: April 2024

We herein report the oxidative α-azidation of carbonyl compounds by using NaN3 in the presence of dibenzoylperoxide catalyzed by tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI). By utilizing these readily available bulk chemicals a variety of cyclic β-ketocarbonyl derivatives can be efficiently α-azidated under operationally simple conditions. Control experiments support a mechanistic scenario involving in situ formation of an ammonium hypoiodite species which first facilitates the α-iodination of the pronucleophile, followed by a phase-transfer catalyzed nucleophilic substitution by the azide. Furthermore, we also show that an analogous α-nitration by using NaNO2 under otherwise identical conditions is possible as well.
Family Counseling With The Spiritually-Directed Satir Model: A Case Report
Authors: Kılınçer Hatice
Published: April 2024

The number of studies conducted on the family, which has great importance in the life of the individual and society, is increasing. The need for studies on the establishment, continuity, and protection of the family has increased with the rapid change in family structure and the increasing divorce rates in recent years. Family therapy helps family members to deal with and solve their problems with a holistic perspective. The present study aimed to uncover the effectiveness of Spiritually-directed Family Counseling in complex family problems. Developed by Kılınçer, the “Family Therapy Model Using Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy with the Focus on Spiritual Practices of Islam” is a semi-structured model created by integrating the spiritual-religious sources in Islam with Satir transformational systemic therapy. The study was conducted in 11 sessions with a nuclear family with one child who applied with complex problems such as infidelity, bipolar disorder, cancer, childhood traumas, relationship problems, porn addiction, violence, and suicide attempt. As a result of the therapy, it was found that spirituality-directed family counseling can lead to changes in the family at the first level (less fighting, less anger, calmness, etc.) and at the second level (for the couple to forgive and understand each other internally, opening up more space for each other’s feelings, expectations and longings, etc.).
From Savings to Empowerment: How Women Leverage SMEs in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Omolabake Ahmed Sherifat , Magaji Sule , Idris Ahmad Abdullahi , Abdullahi Yunusa Amina
Published: April 2024

The study evaluated the influence of small and medium-scale firms on the empowerment of women in Oyo state. Based on the findings, the average age of the women in the sample for this study is 40 years. They qualified NCE/OND and were sole proprietors involved in agriculture, with an average of 10 years of operation. Furthermore, most respondents agreed that their involvement in SMEs has positively impacted their personal savings or financial stability. They also believe that government policies and support systems will effectively promote their savings through SMEs in the study area. The respondents concluded that SMEs contribute to the improvement of financial literacy. Additionally, because of their involvement in SMEs, women utilise their savings for specific purposes, such as education, healthcare, or investments. They also agreed that participating in SMEs has economically and socially empowered them. Furthermore, it was observed that the respondents had experienced economic challenges and a decline in their financial situation. Furthermore, it is disclosed that a significant proportion of the participants generate their money from salaries and wages and have witnessed an enhancement in their living conditions. The study highlights the crucial significance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in advancing women's empowerment in Oyo State. To fully acknowledge the diverse advantages obtained from SME involvement, it is crucial to provide further assistance and cultivate a conducive atmosphere for these businesses. This encompasses granting financial resources, implementing specialised training programmes, improving connections to the market, and developing regulations that promote the expansion and long-term viability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As a result, this will enhance the positive influence of SMEs on women's empowerment in the region.
Resurgent Structure of the Topological String and the First Painlevé Equation
Authors:   The University of Tokyo, Japan, Iwaki Kohei , Mariño Marcos ,   Université de Genève, Switzerland
Published: April 2024

We present an explicit formula for the Stokes automorphism acting on the topological string partition function. When written in terms of the dual partition function, our formula implies that flat coordinates in topological string theory transform as quantum periods, and according to the Delabaere-Dillinger-Pham formula. We first show how the formula follows from the non-linear Stokes phenomenon of the Painlevé I equation, together with the connection between its $\tau$-function and topological strings on elliptic curves. Then, we show that this formula is also a consequence of a recent conjecture on the resurgent structure of the topological string, based on the holomorphic anomaly equations, and it is in fact valid for arbitrary Calabi-Yau threefolds.
Revision of the GeV γ-Ray Emission in the Region of HESS J1813-178 with Fermi-LAT
Authors: Guo Xiaolei , Xin Yuliang
Published: April 2024

HESS J1813-178 is one of the brightest and most compact TeV γ-ray sources, and whether its γ-ray emission is associated with supernova remnant (SNR), pulsar wind nebula (PWN), or young stellar cluster (YSC) is still under debate. By analyzing the GeV γ-ray data in the field of HESS J1813-178 using 14 yr of PASS 8 data recorded by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT), we report the discovery of three different sources with different spectra in this region. The hard source with a PL spectral index of 2.11 ± 0.08 has a small size extension, which is spatially and spectrally coincident with the TeV γ-ray emission from HESS J1813-178. CO observations display the dense molecular clouds surrounding HESS J1813-178 in the velocity range of 45–60 km s−1. The possible origins of the γ-ray emission from HESS J1813-178 are discussed, including SNR G12.820.02, the PWN driven by the energetic X-ray pulsar PSR J1813-1749 and YSC Cl 1813-178. However, none of them can be ruled out clearly. Note that the maximum energy of protons in the hadronic model should exceed a few hundred TeV, which makes HESS J1813-178 a promising PeVatron. A detailed LHAASO data analysis about the morphology and spectrum would be helpful to investigate the origin of the γ-ray emission in this region and test its PeVatron nature.
Petrogenesis of Erg Chech 002 Achondrite and Implications for an Altered Magma Ocean
Authors: Jin Ziliang , Zhang Yishen , Bose Maitrayee , Glynn Sarah , Couffignal Frédéric
Published: April 2024

This study conducts mineralogical and chemical investigations on the oldest achondrite, Erg Chech 002 (∼4565 million yr old). This meteorite exhibits a disequilibrium igneous texture characterized by high-Mg-number (atomic Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)) orthopyroxene xenocrysts (Mg number = 60–80) embedded in an andesitic groundmass. Our research reveals that these xenocrysts were early formed crystals, loosely accumulated or scattered in the short-period magma ocean on the parent body. Subsequently, these crystals underwent agitation due to the influx of external materials. The assimilation of these materials enriched the 16O component of the magma ocean and induced a relatively reduced state. Furthermore, this process significantly cooled the magma ocean and inhibited the evaporation of alkali elements, leading to elevated concentrations of Na and K within the meteorite. Our findings suggest that the introduced materials are probably sourced from the reservoirs of CR clan meteorites, indicating extensive transport and mixing of materials within the early solar system.
Proximity to forest plantations is associated with presence and abundance of invasive plants in landscapes of south-central Chile
Authors: Gutiérrez Juan , Altamirano Adison , Pauchard Aníbal , Meli Paula
Published: April 2024

Invasive plant species (IPs) are widespread in forests and cause substantial environmental, economic and social impacts. They occupy native ecological niches, causing local extinctions to the detriment of native biodiversity and disrupting ecosystem services provision. How landscape characteristics may determine the success of IPs remains unclear and, more importantly, how land-use and land-cover changes may result in spatial shifts in the invasion risk. Furthermore, the study of how landscape factors may influence biological invasions has focused on particular species, but not the IPs’ community. In this study, we identify and assess landscape variables that influence the presence and distribution of the IPs’ community in temperate forests of a global biodiversity hotspot in south-central Chile. We fitted spatially explicit models, combining field-sampling information and landscape variables related to land-use/land-cover, topography, climate, soil characteristics and anthropogenic factors to explain and predict the presence and distribution of the IPs’ community. From the whole sampling of plant species, we identified eight plant species classified as IPs: three trees and five shrubs. We used field data from 125 500 × 2 m-transects, in which we registered species richness, abundance and basal area of IPs’ community. Distance to forest plantations was the landscape variable with the most substantial influence on IPs’ presence and distribution. Richness, abundance and basal area of IPs’ trees were higher at shorter distances from forest plantations. The basal area of IPs’ trees was the best model explaining the relationship between IPs’ community and landscape variables. All descriptors of the IPs’ community showed similar spatial patterns: species richness, abundance and tree basal area are higher in more disturbed areas. Our findings contribute to increasing our understanding of the distribution patterns of IPs in forest landscapes. Our models can be suitable tools for designing strategies to prevent, mitigate or make integrated control of the impacts of invasive species in forest landscapes.
Riparian invader: A secondary metabolite of Impatiens glandulifera impairs the development of the freshwater invertebrate key species Chironomus riparius
Authors: Hüftlein Frederic , Diller Jens G. P. , Feldhaar Heike , Laforsch Christian
Published: April 2024

Invasive species represent a significant threat to native biodiversity. The Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera is an annual plant, which is invasive in Europe and often inhabits the riparian zone. It produces several secondary metabolites causing, for example, growth inhibition of terrestrial plants and invertebrates. One of these metabolites is the quinone 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (2-MNQ). The compound gets washed out from the above-ground parts of the plant during precipitation and may then leach into nearby waterbodies. Despite some evidence for the allelopathic effect of plant secondary metabolites on terrestrial invertebrates, little is known about how 2-MNQ affects the survival or development of aquatic dipteran larvae, despite the importance of this functional group in European freshwaters. Here, we investigated the effects of 2-MNQ on larvae of the river keystone species Chironomus riparius in acute and chronic scenarios. The toxicity of 2-MNQ towards the first and the fourth larval stage was determined in a 48-hour acute exposure assay. We show that 2-MNQ has a negative impact on the development, growth and survival of C. riparius. The LC50 of 2-MNQ was 3.19 mg/l for the first instar and 2.09 mg/l for the fourth instar. A ten-day chronic exposure experiment, where the water was spiked with 2-MNQ, revealed that 2-MNQ had a significantly negative impact on larval body size, head capsule size, body weight, development and survival. These results demonstrate the negative impact of the secondary metabolite 2-MNQ from the terrestrial plant I. glandulifera on a crucial macroinvertebrate inhabiting the adjacent stream ecosystem in riverine ecosystems. This may lead to a decline in population size, resulting in cascading effects on the food web.
Difficultés, besoins et résilience des personnes âgées immigrées extracommunautaires dans le contexte de la Covid-19 en France
Authors: Belhadj-Ziane Kheira , Moscato Quentin , Galloro Piero , Jovelin Emmanuel
Published: April 2024

En France, les personnes âgées immigrées extracommunautaires ( pai ) figurent parmi les groupes les plus sévèrement affectés par la Covid-19. Les conséquences sociales, économiques et psychologiques sont particulièrement accablantes pour de nombreuses pai , déjà vulnérabilisées par des parcours migratoires, professionnels et résidentiels complexes, et des parcours d’accompagnement social et d’accès aux soins inadéquats. D’autres facteurs structurels, tels que la méconnaissance par les pouvoirs publics de leurs problématiques, ainsi qu’une inattention systémique vis-à-vis de leurs besoins spécifiques, contribuent à engendrer un processus d’invisibilisation sociale exacerbant leur marginalisation. Cet article présente un pan des résultats d’une recherche-action conduite dans six régions françaises durant la pandémie de Covid-19 : Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur et Occitanie. L’objectif était d’identifier et de mieux comprendre les difficultés, les besoins et les facteurs de résilience des pai dans le contexte de la pandémie. L’article s’appuie sur des données qualitatives issues d’entretiens et de groupes de discussion avec 79 pai . L’analyse des données montre comment la crise liée à la Covid-19 a engendré des effets disproportionnés poussant le processus d’invisibilisation sociale à son paroxysme. En outre, l’étude identifie et explore les ressources individuelles et collectives mobilisées comme stratégies de résilience par les pai pour faire face aux défis de cette crise sanitaire.
« Travailler, oui, mais différemment »
Authors: Martin Tom , Pineda Clara
Published: April 2024

En remettant en question le travail, son sens et sa finalité, une génération d’étudiants pose les jalons d’un avenir désirable. Ce manifeste est une invitation à repenser le travail dans un monde qui se délite.
Un Nobel qui révolutionne l’entreprise
Authors: Della Corte Marco
Published: April 2024

Sans démocratie, un collectif n’est pas viable à long terme. Voilà, en substance, la thèse de la prix Nobel d’économie Elinor Ostrom. Appliqués à l’entreprise, les huit principes de l’économiste américaine offrent un cap pour garantir la prospérité autour d’un projet commun.
Une égalité à construire
Authors: Schütz Gabrielle , Hervieu-Léger Benoît , Fouilland Brigitte
Published: April 2024

La généralisation du télétravail à la faveur de la pandémie n’est pas vécue de la même façon selon le genre et le poste occupé. Gage d’autonomie et d’indépendance pour les plus favorisés, il accentue, pour d’autres, les inégalités. Entretien avec la sociologue Gabrielle Schütz.
Silence, on épure
Authors: Kévonian Dzovinar
Published: April 2024

Le Haut-Karabakh, région du Caucase rattachée à l’Azerbaïdjan, est peuplé majoritairement d’Arméniens. Les frappes azerbaïdjanaises de septembre 2023 ont contraint ces derniers à l’exode, soulignant la faillite de la communauté internationale dans la résolution du conflit. Retour sur une longue tragédie.
Faut-il oublier Camus ?
Authors: Jacomino Baptiste
Published: April 2024

La figure d’Albert Camus jouit d’une grande popularité médiatique et politique. Dans son ouvrage Oublier Camus , le professeur de français Olivier Gloag entend offrir un contrepoint à cette vision de l’écrivain, en questionnant notamment ses positions anticoloniales.
Gestion publique, agilité et innovation : l’expérience suisse du dispositif de crédits COVID-19
Authors: Pauletto Christian
Published: April 2024

Au mois de mars 2020, l’administration suisse a conçu et mis en place en seulement dix jours un programme de crédits cautionnés destiné aux entreprises. La phase de mise en œuvre a également été de courte durée : moins de cinq mois. Cet article étudie comment cela a été possible compte tenu de la complexité du cadre institutionnel et de la nature novatrice du dispositif, notamment en matière de technologies de l’information, avec, en particulier, des avancées majeures dans la pratique suisse de l’administration électronique : le dispositif a utilisé des algorithmes pour vérifier les demandes des entreprises, un numéro d’identification unique des entreprises (IDE) a été créé à grande échelle, les banques suisses ont été associées à l’élaboration du projet et à sa mise en œuvre, et certaines opérations de leurs clients ont été centralisées sur une plateforme gouvernementale en ligne. Nous présentons les caractéristiques essentielles du processus au moyen d’une analyse du déroulement des opérations sur cette période de dix jours. Nous décrivons également les circonstances et le contexte qui ont conduit à des formes radicalement nouvelles de gouvernance publique. Enfin, nous analysons le résultat pour mettre en évidence les caractéristiques novatrices du livrable. L’exemple étudié a été de courte durée et était imprévu, de sorte qu’aucune donnée ni observation n’a pu être recueillie avant ou pendant son déroulement. Cette étude se fonde donc principalement sur des investigations a posteriori . Les participants au projet ont élaboré un système organisationnel informel sans disposer de mandats, de structures ou de rôles clairement définis. Le fait que le livrable était bien défini a joué un rôle moteur dans le processus. Plusieurs caractéristiques du projet, telles que l’efficacité des réseaux, un flux d’informations en temps réel, la flexibilité des fonctions, un management horizontal, et des sous-processus itératifs rapides, se rapprochent de celles des « organisations agiles ». Les tâches ont été exécutées parallèlement et non séquentiellement. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Il est frappant que peu d’études académiques aient été publiées jusqu’ici sur les leçons tirées de l’expérience unique des paquets de mesures de soutien d’urgence mis en place pendant la pandémie, y compris au niveau intra-organisationnel. Des recherches pourraient être menées sur la reproductibilité de ces mesures, aussi bien dans la perspective de crises futures que d’un ajustement des pratiques usuelles de gestion publique. Notre proposition vise à contribuer à cette discussion et à inspirer les praticiens des administrations publiques et des entités gouvernementales. Elle met l’accent sur les relations entre la gestion gouvernementale des crises et la transformation numérique des procédures administratives à l’aide d’outils informatiques.
Les facteurs influençant la corruption politique. Une étude empirique des gouvernements régionaux
Authors: Raya-Quero Daniel , Navarro-Galera Andrés , Sáez-Lozano José Luis
Published: April 2024

Les organisations internationales affirment que la corruption politique est un problème mondial majeur. Cependant, on ne sait toujours pas comment lutter contre la corruption. Des recherches antérieures ont étudié la corruption dans les gouvernements centraux ou locaux, rarement dans les gouvernements régionaux. Dans ce document, nous cherchons à identifier les facteurs influençant la corruption politique au sein des gouvernements régionaux. À partir de données de panel, nous analysons l’association statistique entre 29 variables économiques, financières, politiques et socio-économiques et la corruption perçue par les citoyens, de janvier 2006 à septembre 2019. Les résultats révèlent que la corruption politique perçue est influencée par les dépenses publiques et la distance idéologique, entre autres facteurs. Nous proposons plusieurs mesures pour réduire la corruption politique. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens L’étude a montré que la corruption politique doit être combattue à travers différentes mesures pour chaque niveau administratif. Nos résultats confirment l’idée que les variables suivantes influencent le niveau perçu de corruption au sein des gouvernements régionaux : le volume d’emprunt du gouvernement, la distance idéologique entre l’électeur et le gouvernement, le pourcentage de participation électorale et le volume de population dépendante et immigrée de la région. De même, nous confirmons également que les gouvernements régionaux ayant des valeurs plus élevées sur l’indice de qualité du gouvernement sont perçus comme moins corrompus.
Les mécanismes du budget programme permettent-ils d’améliorer l’efficience des dépenses publiques ? Eléments de théorie et données empiriques au Cameroun
Authors: Onana Simon Pierre
Published: April 2024

L’objectif de cet article est d’examiner l’effet des mécanismes du budget programme sur l’efficience des dépenses publiques. Pour y parvenir, nous avons effectué de prime abord une étude exploratoire auprès de huit responsables impliqués dans l’élaboration et l’exécution du budget de l’Etat. Cette étude exploratoire nous a permis ensuite de construire les variables pour aboutir à un modèle d’analyse. Une enquête a été effectuée auprès de 475 acteurs de la chaîne de la performance dans les services centraux de 29 départements ministériels de l’Etat du Cameroun. Les résultats obtenus à l’aide de la statistique descriptive et des régressions sur probit simple indiquent que les mécanismes introduits par le budget programme ont un effet mitigé sur l’efficience des dépenses publiques. En effet, si la structuration du budget en programmes, actions, activités et tâches, les indicateurs de mesures de la performance et les contrôles a priori de la qualité des programmes ont un effet positif sur l’efficience des dépenses publiques, en revanche, l’affectation des crédits selon les résultats escomptés et les coûts, les contrôles budgétaires internes et externes a posteriori influencent négativement l’efficience des dépenses publiques. L’étude recommande l’approfondissement des contrôles budgétaires externes et l’instauration des contrôles internes davantage axés sur la performance que sur la régularité. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens L’article propose la première analyse scientifique des effets des mécanismes du budget programme sur l’efficience des dépenses publiques dans le contexte des pays en développement en général et particulièrement dans un pays d’Afrique subsaharienne, en l’occurrence le Cameroun. Les résultats montrent que les mécanismes introduits par le budget programme ont un effet mitigé sur l’efficience des dépenses publiques. L’étude recommande l’approfondissement des contrôles budgétaires externes et l’instauration des contrôles internes davantage axés sur la performance que sur la régularité.
Géographie institutionnelle : les effets de la distance physique sur l’autonomie des agences
Authors: Jacobsen Dag Ingvar , Trondal Jarle
Published: April 2024

La création d’agences gouvernementales en dehors des ministères est souvent justifiée par la nécessité de préserver l’autonomie des agences. En plus d’une « agencification formelle », c’est-à-dire l’érection de barrières formelles entre les agences et les ministères, les agences sont souvent (ré) installées physiquement à l’écart des ministères pour mettre en avant et renforcer leur autonomie. Cependant, on sait peu de choses sur les effets de la localisation physique et de la distance sur l’autonomie de l’agence. À l’aide de deux grandes enquêtes de 2006 et 2016, cette étude examine comment la situation géographique et la distance influencent l’autonomie des agences. Notre étude établit que l’autonomie des agences n’est que faiblement associée à la localisation physique et à la distance, et que ces facteurs sont beaucoup moins importants que l’importance politique. Alors que l’on estime généralement que l’autonomie des agences peut être renforcée par leur (re) positionnement physique à une distance suffisamment éloignée de l’exécutif, notre étude suggère que le (re) positionnement physique représente un outil de conception de politique administrative in efficace lorsqu’il est appliqué à l’autonomie de l’agence. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens La distance physique entre les agences et les ministères parents n’est associée que de loin à l’autonomie des agences. La localisation physique représente donc un outil de conception inefficace si l’objectif est d’accroître l’autonomie des agences
Comparing roughness maps generated by five typical roughness descriptors for LiDAR-derived digital elevation models
Authors: Fan Lei , Zhao Yang
Published: April 2024

Terrain surface roughness, often described abstractly, poses challenges in quantitative characterization with various descriptors found in the literature. In this study, we compared five commonly used roughness descriptors, exploring correlations among their quantified terrain surface roughness maps across three terrains with distinct spatial variations. Additionally, we investigated the impacts of spatial scales and interpolation methods on these correlations. Dense point cloud data obtained through Light Detection and Ranging technique were used in this study. The findings highlighted both global pattern similarities and local pattern distinctions in the derived roughness maps, emphasizing the significance of incorporating multiple descriptors in studies where local roughness values play a crucial role in subsequent analyses. The spatial scales were found to have a smaller impact on rougher terrain, while interpolation methods had minimal influence on roughness maps derived from different descriptors.