bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Role of Dark Personality Traits in Embitterment–Jealousy Dynamics: Insights from a Multi-Scale Analysis and Moderation Effects
Authors: Leite Ângela , Castro Rafaela
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to explore how dark personality traits influence the interplay between embitterment and jealousy. We first assessed the appropriateness of the scales used to assess jealousy, personality, and embitterment for our study population, examining their performance across different relationship statuses and ensuring their reliability. Then, through correlation, regression, and moderation analyses, we investigated the relationships among these measures. Our results revealed that Machiavellianism and narcissism act as moderators in the embitterment–jealousy relationship. Specifically, Machiavellianism moderated associations between overall embitterment and its psychological state and behavioral jealousy, while narcissism moderated connections between total embitterment and its psychological state, behavioral jealousy, cognitive jealousy, and overall jealousy. Furthermore, the combined influence of a longer relationship duration and higher levels of embitterment and Machiavellianism contributed to total jealousy scores. These findings deepen our comprehension of jealousy’s intricacies and the underlying factors at play.
Mapping the Territory of the Devil: Roman Catholicism, the Satanism Scare, and the Origins of Contemporary Demonology
Authors: Doherty Bernard
Published: June 2024

In 1980 a book appeared which caused a considerable stir across the globe: Michelle Remembers by Lawrence Pazder and Michelle Smith. This book helped set in train what was later referred to by scholars as the “Satanic Panic” or the “Satanism Scare”. While the book became infamous, little analysis by scholars has been given to the authors’ Roman Catholicism, or more importantly to the wider way in which Catholicism contributed to this moral panic. While the influence of Christians more generally has been noted, sparse attention has been given to the ways in which a variety of distinctly Catholic vernacular beliefs and subcultures fed and spread this panic. This article seeks to map some of the contours of the specifically Catholic contribution to the wider Satanic Panic mythology, contextualising this against the backdrop of a wider ecclesial shift in a conservative direction during this period and the Church’s longer history of demonology. The paper concludes by suggesting that this Satanic Panic mythology persists and forms one important reservoir of ideas drawn on in contemporary demonology.
Monks’ Militia and the Spread of the Buddhist Yŏnghŏm (Wonder) during the Japanese Invasion in the Sixteenth Century
Authors: Kim Yong Tae
Published: June 2024

This paper explores the influence and significance of the activities of the monks’ militia during the Japanese invasion of Chosŏn, from the perspective of the religious efficacy of Buddhism and the spread of the Buddhist concept of wonder. After examining the concept that the monks’ militia played an important part in the war, fighting against enemies in major battles and constructing and defending fortresses, this paper proposes that the religious efficacy of Buddhism was revealed through the performance of burial and guiding ceremonies. Restoring the religious wonder of Buddhism, which had been criticized by the Confucian literati, Buddhist rituals for consoling the bereaved and praying for the welfare of the dead came to thrive. A dilemma existed between the principle of keeping the Buddhist precepts and the reality of fulfilling the demands of loyalty since the activities of the monks’ militia greatly damaged the Buddhist community. While killing was a direct infringement of the values of the sangha, the monks violated this precept in the cause of protecting the state and practicing loyalty. In this situation, where there was such a dilemma between the Buddhist and secular worlds, these monks’ prioritization of loyalty not only indicated the desperate national situation of the time but also reflected the social, cultural, and political context of the Confucian society of Chosŏn. This paper also explores how renowned generals of the monks’ militia, including Samyŏng Yujŏng, emerged as heroes among the people, and memories of their deeds were transmitted through wonder stories. Yujŏng was highly praised as a symbol of Buddhist loyalty, and his heroic story was expanded and reproduced among the population through folk tales and novels. While the intellectuals of Chosŏn who followed Confucian values did not believe those wonder stories, the trauma that the war left behind demanded the appearance of wondrous heroes who helped people overcome that trauma, and this demand enabled Yujŏng to emerge as one of these heroic figures. The activities of the monks’ militia, the religious efficacy of Buddhism, and the creation of the heroic narratives of the monks’ militia generals prove that Buddhism had a firm foundation in late Chosŏn society.
Satellite Remote Sensing Tools for Drought Assessment in Vineyards and Olive Orchards: A Systematic Review
Authors: Crespo Nazaret , Pádua Luís , Santos João A. , Fraga Helder
Published: June 2024

Vineyards and olive groves are two of the most important Mediterranean crops, not only for their economic value but also for their cultural and environmental significance, playing a crucial role in global agriculture. This systematic review, based on an adaptation of the 2020 PRISMA statement, focuses on the use of satellite remote sensing tools for the detection of drought in vineyards and olive groves. This methodology follows several key steps, such as defining the approach, selecting keywords and databases, and applying exclusion criteria. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the most frequently used terms included “Google Earth Engine” “remote sensing” “leaf area index” “Sentinel-2”, and “evapotranspiration”. The research included a total of 81 articles published. The temporal distribution shows an increase in scientific production starting in 2018, with a peak in 2021. Geographically, the United States, Italy, Spain, France, Tunisia, Chile, and Portugal lead research in this field. The studies were classified into four categories: aridity and drought monitoring (ADM), agricultural water management (AWM), land use management (LUM), and water stress (WST). Research trends were analysed in each category, highlighting the use of satellite platforms and sensors. Several case studies illustrate applications in vineyards and olive groves, especially in semi-arid regions, focusing on the estimation of evapotranspiration, crop coefficients, and water use efficiency. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the use of satellite remote sensing for drought assessment in grapevines and olive trees, identifying trends, methodological approaches, and opportunities for future research in this field.
Study of Fast and Reliable Time Transfer Methods Using Low Earth Orbit Enhancement
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Tu Rui , Chen Qiushi , Li Qi , Chen Junmei , Zhang Pengfei , Lu Xiaochun
Published: June 2024

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) can be utilized for long-distance and high-precision time transmission. With the ongoing development of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and the rapidly changing geometric relationships between them, the convergence rate of ambiguity parameters in Precise Point Positioning (PPP) algorithms has increased, enabling fast and reliable time transfer. In this paper, GPS is used as an experimental case, the LEO satellite constellation is designed, and simulated LEO observation data are generated. Then, using the GPS observation data provided by IGS, a LEO-enhanced PPP model is established. The LEO-augmented PPP model is employed to facilitate faster and more reliable high-precision time transfer. The application of the LEO-augmented PPP model to time transfer is examined and discussed through experimental examples. These examples show multiple types of time transfer links, and the experimental outcomes are uniform. GPS + LEO is compared with exclusive GPS time transfer schemes. The clock offset of the time transfer link for the GPS + LEO scheme converges more swiftly, meaning that the time required for the clock offset to reach a stable level is the briefest. In this paper, standard deviation is employed to assess stability, and Allan deviation is utilized to assess frequency stability. The results show that the clock offset stability and frequency stability achieved by the GPS + LEO scheme are superior within the convergence time range. Controlled experiments with different numbers of satellites for LEO enhancement indicate that time transfer performance can be improved by increasing the number of satellites. As a result, augmenting GPS tracking data with LEO observations enhances the time transfer service compared to GPS alone.
Development of Community and Agricultural Associations through Social and Solidarity Economy with Collaboration of University
Authors: Landaburú-Mendoza Jimmy , Arguello León , Montalván-Burbano Néstor , Chunga-Montalván Lady , Pico-Saltos Roberto
Published: June 2024

The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) is a unique economic model that addresses contemporary community problems by democratising the economy through activities that promote sustainability, solidarity, and collective prosperity. Research on the SSE has increased in recent years, showing its potential as an alternative to dominant economic schemes. This article aims to analyse how the SSE can contribute to sustainability in rural sector associations in Ecuador through the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method. This method empowers various stakeholders, including the community, associations, and the university, to be actively involved in designing, developing, and implementing solutions to alleviate their problems. The results show that in the context of a developing country, this active participation, interaction, and commitment can identify the various problems that the rural sector and its associations are experiencing. This situation allows for possible joint action solutions, involving people who usually do not have decision-making power or are vulnerable, by diagnosing their socio-economic conditions and establishing a training programme where knowledge production is democratic, thus combining theoretical and practical elements according to the needs detected.
The Impact of Different Velocity Losses on Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) Effects in Sprint Athletes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Li Liang , Mo Ling , Liu Yanxu , Mei Tao
Published: June 2024

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) can significantly improve athletic performance. This study investigated the effects of two different velocity loss (10% VL and 20% VL) protocols on PAPE in 20 m sprint performance among sprint athletes. Twenty-four male sprint athletes (100 m sprint time: 10.96 ± 0.15 s) participated in the study. A randomized crossover experimental design was used to compare the traditional group (TG) and 10% VL and 20% VL interventions. Sprint tests were conducted at 4, 8, 12, and 16 min post-intervention. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect between group and time on 20 m sprint performance (F = 2.817, p = 0.037, partial η2 = 0.585). Simple main effects analysis revealed significant improvements at 4 min for the 20% VL group (p < 0.05). Cohen’s d values indicated improvements in 10 m sprint times at 8 min for all groups (TG: effect size (ES) = −0.270, 10% VL: ES = −0.038, 20% VL: ES = −0.279). Improvements in 20 m sprint times were observed at 4 min for the 20% VL group (ES = −0.296) and at 16 min for the 10% VL group (ES = −0.276). In conclusion, the velocity loss-based PAPE protocol (20% VL) demonstrated a superior induction of PAPE effects in sprint athletes at 4 min compared to traditional 1RM-based PAPE protocols. However, no significant differences were observed between the two protocols at 8, 12, and 16 min.
European SMEs’ Exposure to Ecosystems and Natural Hazards: A First Exploration
Authors: Fatica Serena , Grammatikopoulou Ioanna , Hirschbühl Dominik , La Notte Alessandra , Pisani Domenico
Published: June 2024

Nature-related financial risks have emerged as critical concerns for policymakers and financial actors. Central to this issue are ecosystem services, which play an integral role in various production processes but may be interrupted due to the degradation of nature. This article delves into the vulnerability of European SMEs by combining firm-level exposures to ecosystem service dependencies with regional information on the relative abundance of ecosystem services provisioning and the risk of natural hazards. Focusing on long-term debt positions to gauge financial stability implications, the results reveal moderate nature risks for European SMEs at the current stance but also highlight a possible concentration of risks and a need to further refine the use of available indicators.
Using Deficit Irrigation Strategies and Adding Sugarcane Waste Biochar as a Sustainable Material to Sandy Soils for Improving Yield and Water Productivity of Cucumber
Authors: Abdou Mamdouh A. A. , Alashram Mohamed G. , Hamza Ahmed E. , Rashad Younes M. , Abd-ElGawad Ahmed M. , Bourouah Mohamed , Hafez Mohamed , Abdelraouf Ramadan Eid
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the potential of biochar to mitigate drought stress in crops. Biochar amendments are increasingly recognized for their ability to enhance soil properties that promote water retention and plant resilience during dry periods. In a study conducted in Egypt, impacts of the application of sugarcane biochar on cucumber production, water productivity, and quality characteristics under deficient irrigation conditions were evaluated. Increasing the biochar application rate under arid region conditions resulted in significant improvements in cucumber yield, water productivity, vitamin C, soluble sugar content, and total soluble solids. The activated sugarcane biochar exhibited desirable properties, including a large surface area (250 m2g−1) and pore size (0.28 cm3g−1), with a microporous nature. The positive effects observed can be attributed to reduced water volume leaving the root zone, enhanced nutrient absorption, increased water holding capacity, and augmented nutrient availability. Based on the results, it is recommended to implement under-irrigation at 75% of full irrigation and apply a biochar rate of 10 tons per hectare to mitigate the environmental impacts of water scarcity and support the development of sustainable agricultural systems. In conclusion, biochar emerges as a valuable soil amendment for bolstering cucumber production and water use efficiency (WUE) under limited irrigation scenarios. Its potential lies in promoting improved soil moisture retention, enhancing nutrient availability for cucumber plants, and potentially mitigating plant stress.
Green Behavior Strategies in the Green Credit Market: Analysis of the Impacts of Enterprises’ Greenwashing and Blockchain Technology
Authors: Ling Xianwei , Wang Hong
Published: June 2024

With the degradation of the environment due to increasing ecological destruction and pollution, sustainable development has become the paramount objective of social progress. As a result, the concept of green development has garnered considerable attention, which is an important starting point for China to achieve stable economic development and sustainable ecological development. To achieve high-quality economic progress while advancing environmentally friendly practices, it is imperative to formulate and uphold a sound green credit system. However, the phenomenon of greenwashing by enterprises still exists, which compromises the efficacy of green credit and hinders the long-term sustainable and well-organized progress of green finance. Building on the background of green credit, considering the existence of blockchain and government subsidies and adopting the method of tripartite evolutionary game, this paper examines the strategic decisions made by the government, financial institutions, and small and medium-sized enterprises in the context of greenwashing. An emphasis is placed on the impact of blockchain technology on the three parties involved in the green credit market. The findings demonstrate that blockchain technology can diminish the likelihood of greenwashing by businesses and enhance the impact of government subsidies. However, it cannot replace the regulatory authority of the government in sustainable development. Moreover, excessive subsidies can stimulate more greenwashing practices, but eliminating subsidies does not eradicate the root of greenwashing. To encourage sustainable economic development and minimize corporate defaults, the government ought to reinforce supervision and establish a robust social surveillance and publicity mechanism. This paper broadens the research perspective on the effectiveness of green credit and provides some empirical and theoretical references for further promoting the green transformation of SMEs and the sustainable development of the ecological environment.
A Taxonomy of Mineral Resource Projects in the Arctic: A Path to Sustainable Financing?
Authors: Dmitrieva Diana , Solovyova Victoria
Published: June 2024

The development of mineral resources in the Arctic region presents a strategically significant yet challenging endeavor, necessitating a delicate balance between the growing need for resources and pressing climatic and geopolitical concerns. Mineral resource development projects entail high capital intensity and substantial investment risks, with Arctic projects being particularly complex. While sustainable financing mechanisms for projects fostering sustainable development have been largely addressed in many countries through specialized taxonomies, projects within the mineral resource sector require a distinct financing approach. Such a taxonomy should facilitate the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms for mineral resource projects in the Arctic zone, incentivizing companies to pursue Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mitigate potential social and environmental risks. This article examines the key aspects of sustainable financing for mining-related business projects amidst current trends, substantiating the prerequisites for establishing a taxonomy of Arctic mineral resource projects. Among the most important prerequisites are the contradiction between the SD concept and the development of mineral resources, specific characteristics of Arctic mining projects, and current financing restrictions. An approach to project financing is developed, and an option for classifying Arctic mineral resource projects for the subsequent taxonomy is proposed.
Healthcare Waste Management through Multi-Stage Decision-Making for Sustainability Enhancement
Authors: Anjum Mohd , Min Hong , Ahmed Zubair
Published: June 2024

The possible threats that healthcare waste management (HWM) poses to the environment and public health are making it more and more crucial for medical facility administrators to be worried about it. This is in line with the global trend towards firms giving sustainability more of a priority. Many organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations, as well as national and state laws, have mandated the proper disposal of infectious and hazardous healthcare waste. To effectively address the complex problem of selecting the best treatment option for HWM, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) procedure must be used. The alternative ranking order method accounting for two-step normalization (AROMAN) methodology is provided in the context of q-rung orthopair fuzzy environment. This method comprises two steps of normalization and is based on the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) paradigm. Whereas the AROMAN methodology uses vector and linear normalization techniques to improve the accuracy of the data for further computations, the CRITIC method assesses the intercriteria correlations and scores the significance of each criterion. The ranking from the proposed method is Al5>Al4>Al3>Al1>Al2. The study’s conclusions indicate that recycling (Al5) is the best option since it lessens trash production, aids in resource recovery, and protects the environment. Using this method helps decision makers deal with subjectivity and ambiguity more skillfully, promotes consistency and transparency in decision making, and streamlines the process of choosing the best waste management system. Sustainable waste management practices have been implemented in the biomedical industry with some success. The proposed technique is a helpful tool for legislators and practitioners seeking to improve waste management systems.
Comprehensive Analysis and Prioritization of Sustainable Energy Resources Using Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors: Zaheb Hameedullah , Obaidi Obaidullah , Mukhtar Sarban , Shirani Habiburahman , Ahmadi Mikaeel , Yona Atsushi
Published: June 2024

The growing global concern for climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions have driven nations to explore renewable energy alternatives. This research focuses on a developing country heavily reliant on imported electricity and evaluates the potential of renewable energy resources. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM), this study prioritizes sustainable energy resources crucial for energy security and environmental sustainability, given the country’s dependence on traditional and imported power and its potential for renewable energy development. This study employs AHP to evaluate and rank various sustainable energy options, emphasizing their technological, economic, environmental, and social impacts. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive and systematic approach to integrating diverse expert opinions and utilizing AHP; the development of a robust decision-making model that accommodates the diverse criteria and sub-criteria (SCs) influencing the prioritization of energy resources; and its bridging of the gaps through the integration of varied criteria and SCs, region-specific concerns, and stakeholders’ engagement by creating a comprehensive and inclusive prioritization strategy. The key findings highlight solar energy as the most viable sustainable energy resource, followed by wind and hydro energy. These results underscore the significant potential for solar energy development, considering its current technological advancements, economic affordability, social acceptance, and environmental friendliness. This study not only provides a prioritized list of sustainable energy resources but also offers a methodological framework adaptable for similar assessments in other regions facing energy transition challenges. Readers will find a detailed explanation of the AHP methodology, the criteria used for evaluating energy resources, and the implications of the findings for policy and decision making. This research is particularly relevant for policymakers, energy planners, and stakeholders interested in sustainable energy development and strategic planning in similar contexts.
A Coronal Loop Automatic Detection Method
Authors: Shang Zhenhong , He Ziqi , Li Runxin
Published: June 2024

Coronal loops are bright, filamentary structures formed by thermal plasmas constrained by the sun’s magnetic field. Studying coronal loops provides insights into magnetic fields and their role in coronal heating processes. We propose a new automatic coronal loop detection method to optimize the problem of existing algorithms in detecting low-intensity coronal loops. Our method employs a line-Gaussian filter to enhance the contrast between coronal loops and background pixels, facilitating the detection of low-intensity ones. Following the detection of coronal loops, each loop is extracted using a method based on approximate local direction. Compared with the classical automatic detection method, Oriented Coronal Curved Loop Tracing (OCCULT), and its improved version, OCCULT-2, the proposed method demonstrates superior accuracy and completeness in loop detection. Furthermore, testing with images from the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) at 173 Å, the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) at 193 Å, and the High-Resolution Coronal Imager (Hi-C) at 193 Å and 172 Å confirms the robust generalization capabilities of our method. Statistical analysis of the cross-section width of coronal loops shows that most of the loop widths are resolved in Hi-C images.
Are Pathogenic Leptospira Species Ubiquitous in Urban Recreational Parks in Sydney, Australia?
Authors: Lu Xiao , Westman Mark E. , Mizzi Rachel , Griebsch Christine , Norris Jacqueline M. , Jenkins Cheryl , Ward Michael P.
Published: June 2024

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the spirochete bacteria Leptospira spp. From December 2017 to December 2023, a total of 34 canine leptospirosis cases were reported in urban Sydney, Australia. During the same spatio-temporal frame, one locally acquired human case was also reported. As it was hypothesised that human residents and companion dogs might both be exposed to pathogenic Leptospira in community green spaces in Sydney, an environmental survey was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024 to detect the presence of pathogenic Leptospira DNA in multipurpose, recreational public parks in the council areas of the Inner West and City of Sydney, Australia. A total of 75 environmental samples were collected from 20 public parks that were easily accessible by human and canine visitors. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) testing targeting pathogenic and intermediate Leptospira spp. was performed, and differences in detection of Leptospira spp. between dog-allowed and dog-prohibited areas were statistically examined. The global Moran’s Index was calculated to identify any spatial autocorrelation in the qPCR results. Pathogenic leptospires were detected in all 20 parks, either in water or soil samples (35/75 samples). Cycle threshold (Ct) values were slightly lower for water samples (Ct 28.52–39.10) compared to soil samples (Ct 33.78–39.77). The chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test results were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05 for both water and soil samples), and there was no spatial autocorrelation detected in the qPCR results (p > 0.05 for both sample types). Although further research is now required, our preliminary results indicate the presence of pathogenic Leptospira DNA and its potential ubiquity in recreational parks in Sydney.
Ferritin Nanoparticle Delivery of the E2 Protein of Classical Swine Fever Virus Completely Protects Pigs from Lethal Challenge
Authors: Zhong Dailang , Lu Zhanhao , Xia Yu , Wu Hongxia , Zhang Xinyu , Li Mingzhi , Song Xin , Wang Yanjin , Moon Assad , Qiu Hua-Ji , Li Yongfeng , Sun Yuan
Published: June 2024

Classical swine fever (CSF), caused by the classical swine fever virus (CSFV), results in significant economic losses to the swine industry in many countries. Vaccination represents the primary strategy to control CSF and the CSFV E2 protein is known as the major protective antigen. However, the E2 protein expressed or presented by different systems elicits distinct immune responses. In this study, we established a stable CHO cell line to express the E2 protein and delivered it using self-assembled ferritin nanoparticles (NPs). Subsequently, we compared the adaptive immune responses induced by the E2-ferritin NPs and the monomeric E2 protein produced by the CHO cells or a baculovirus expression system. The results revealed that the NP-delivered E2 protein elicited higher titers of neutralizing antibodies than did the monomeric E2 protein in pigs. Importantly, only the NP-delivered E2 protein significantly induced CSFV-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells. Furthermore, all the pigs inoculated with the E2-ferritin NPs were completely protected from a lethal CSFV challenge infection. These findings demonstrate the ability of the E2-ferritin NPs to protect pigs against the lethal CSFV challenge by eliciting robust humoral and cellular immune responses.
Current Status of Poultry Recombinant Virus Vector Vaccine Development
Authors: Wang Haoran , Tian Jiaxin , Zhao Jing , Zhao Ye , Yang Huiming , Zhang Guozhong
Published: June 2024

Inactivated and live attenuated vaccines are the mainstays of preventing viral poultry diseases. However, the development of recombinant DNA technology in recent years has enabled the generation of recombinant virus vector vaccines, which have the advantages of preventing multiple diseases simultaneously and simplifying the vaccination schedule. More importantly, some can induce a protective immune response in the presence of maternal antibodies and offer long-term immune protection. These advantages compensate for the shortcomings of traditional vaccines. This review describes the construction and characterization of primarily poultry vaccine vectors, including fowl poxvirus (FPV), fowl adenovirus (FAdV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), Marek’s disease virus (MDV), and herpesvirus of turkey (HVT). In addition, the pathogens targeted and the immunoprotective effect of different poultry recombinant virus vector vaccines are also presented. Finally, this review discusses the challenges in developing vector vaccines and proposes strategies for improving immune efficacy.
Knowledge and Attitudes about Contraindications and Precautions to Vaccination among Healthcare Professionals Working in Vaccination Clinics in Ningbo, China: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Ye Lixia , Mei Qiuhong , Li Pingping , Feng Yueyi , Wu Xiaoqing , Yang Tianchi
Published: June 2024

Background: Healthcare professionals’ misjudgment of contraindications to vaccination can lead to unnecessary delays or missed vaccinations. It is essential to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals towards this issue. Methods: A two-phase cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in vaccination clinics in Ningbo in 2022. The study data were collected using questionnaires evaluating the knowledge and attitudes of contraindications and precautions to vaccination. Knowledge scores were calculated and a cutoff of 75 was defined for adequate knowledge scores. Results: A total of 761 participants completed the questionnaire on attitudes. The majority of participants (86.20%) considered screening for vaccination contraindications to be the most important aspect of the vaccination administration process. A higher level of work stress was observed among full-time personnel engaged in this work. A total of 301 participants completed the questionnaire on relevant knowledge and practical experience. The median (IQR) total score was 75.00 (21.88). The lowest median score was observed for questions pertaining to disease diagnosis and classification (median: 40.00; IQR: 40.00). Regarding knowledge about vaccination contraindications, the scores for questions regarding national guidelines or vaccine package inserts (median: 85.71; IQR: 14.29) and guidelines from the WHO or ACIP (median: 100.00; IQR: 0.00) were higher than those derived from expert consensuses or literature findings (median: 71.43; IQR: 28.57) (p < 0.001). Higher scores were observed in the age group of 50–59 years, which included those who had received training twice or more times and those with relevant work experience. Conclusions: The knowledge of healthcare professionals working in vaccination clinics related to contraindications and precautions to vaccination is not sufficient, particularly regarding disease diagnosis and classification. Knowledge enhancement through repetitive skill training is required.
Colostrum Replacement and Serum IgG Concentrations in Beef Calves Delivered by Elective Cesarean Section
Authors: Chamorro Manuel F. , Saucedo Miguel , Gamsjaeger Lisa , Reppert Emily J. , Miesner Matt , Passler Thomas
Published: June 2024

Assistance during calving and cesarean section (C-section) are important risk factors for the failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in beef calves, which increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in beef calves during the preweaning period. Colostrum replacement recommendations for beef calves, and especially for those delivered by C-section, are unavailable. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not colostrum replacement or supplementation with a commercially available product could increase serum IgG concentrations in beef calves delivered by elective C-section, compared to beef calves that nursed colostrum naturally. An elective C-section was performed in 32 pregnant beef cows and first-calf heifers. Immediately after delivery, newborn calves were randomly assigned to one of three different treatment groups. Group A calves (n = 7) were fed one packet of a commercial colostrum replacer (CR) product providing 60 g of IgG within 30 min of life. A second packet of the same CR was fed at 6 h of life. Group B calves (n = 13) were fed the same CR at the same frequency as group A; however, these calves were reunited with their dams after the second CR feeding to allow additional nursing of maternal colostrum. Group C calves (n = 12) were united with their dams immediately after surgery without colostrum intervention. Serum IgG levels at 48 h of life were greater in group C calves and in calves born to multiparous cows. Based on the results of this study, neither colostrum replacement nor supplementation result in higher serum IgG concentrations in beef calves delivered by elective C-section compared with natural nursing.
Reflection of Daily, Seasonal and Interannual Variations in Run-Off of a Small River in the Water Isotopic Composition (δ2H, δ18O): A Case of the Ala-Archa Mountain River Basin with Glaciation (Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia)
Authors: Tokarev Igor , Yakovlev Evgeny , Erokhin Sergey , Tuzova Tamara , Druzhinin Sergey , Puchkov Andrey
Published: June 2024

Small intermountain river basins are most suitable for developing new methods to estimate water balance due to their well-defined catchment boundaries, relatively rapid runoff processes, and accessible landscapes for study. In general terms, dissecting the hydrograph of a small mountain river requires calibration of the flow model against multi-year data sets, including (a) glacier mass balance and snow water content, (b) radiation balance calculation, (c) estimation of the groundwater contribution, and (d) water discharge measurements. The minimum primary data set is limited to the precipitation and temperature distributions at the catchment. This approach postulates that the conditions for the formation of all components of river flow are known in advance. It is reduced to calculating the dynamic balance between precipitation (input part) and runoff, ablation, and evaporation (output part). In practice, accurately accounting for the inflow and outflow components of the balance, as well as the impact of regulating reservoirs, can be a challenging task that requires significant effort and expense, even for the extensively researched catchments. Our studies indicate the potential benefits of an approach based on one-time, but detailed, observations of stable isotope composition, temperature, and water chemistry, in addition to standard datasets. This paper presents the results of the 2022–2023 work conducted in the basin of the small mountain river Ala-Archa, located on the northern slope of the Kyrgyz Range in Tien-Shan, which was chosen as an example due to its well-studied nature. Our approach could identify previously unknown factors of flow formation and assess the time and effectiveness of work in similar conditions.
State of Health Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Multi-Kernel Relevance Vector Machine and Error Compensation
Authors: Zhang Li , Sun Chao , Liu Shilin
Published: June 2024

Though lithium-ion batteries are extensively applied in electric vehicles as a power source due to their excellent advantages in recent years, the security risk has inarguably always existed. The state of health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is one of the most important indicators related to security, the prediction of SOH is paid close attention spontaneously. To improve the prediction accuracy of SOH, this paper constructs an SOH prediction model based on a multi-kernel relevance vector machine and error compensation (EC-MKRVM). The provided model comprises a pre-estimation model and an error compensation model, both of which use the multi-kernel relevance vector machine (MKRVM) algorithm. The pre-estimation model takes the feature factors extracted in the charging segment as the input variable and the SOH pre-estimation value as the output. The error compensation model takes the pre-estimation error sequence as the input variable and the SOH prediction error as the output. Finally, the SOH prediction error is used to compensate for the SOH pre-estimation value of the pre-estimation model, and the final SOH prediction value is obtained. To verify the effectiveness and advancement of the model, the CACLE dataset is used for comparative experimental analysis. The results show that the proposed prediction model in this paper has higher prediction accuracy.
Positive Psychology Interventions to Increase Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Confidence and Decrease Anxiety among Students with Dyslexia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Abu Omar Dana , Kirkman Ann , Scott Charlotte , Babicova Ivana , Irons Yoon
Published: June 2024

Dyslexia is classed as a neurobiological difficulty and is referred to as a Specific Learning Disability (SPLD) that primarily affects reading, writing, working memory (WM), and organisational skills. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) have been found to increase self-esteem, self-efficacy, and confidence and lower anxiety among students with dyslexia. Therefore, to summarise the current evidence on PPIs, a narrative review was undertaken. The review synthesised the findings from six studies that investigated PPIs for dyslexic individuals across various education settings. Four key themes emerged: (1) characteristics and effectiveness of PPIs, (2) level of education, (3) gender differences, and (4) PPIs differences in Western and Eastern countries. The analysis revealed that group interventions in secondary schools positively impacted self-esteem and social skills among dyslexic pupils, while the efficacy of sunflower therapy for dyslexic children showed inconclusive results on academic performance but potential psychological benefits. Socioemotional wellbeing programmes for dyslexic children yielded mixed outcomes, with temporary increases in self-esteem post-programme. Mindfulness meditation demonstrated promise in improving reading accuracy and attention functions in adults with dyslexia. Positive psychology group interventions effectively enhanced subjective wellbeing, academic self-concept, and achievement among dyslexic children. Early interventions showed promise in improving coping strategies, perceived control, and overall wellbeing among students with dyslexia. This review highlights the potential benefits of diverse interventions across different educational settings, emphasising the importance of early support and targeted interventions for individuals with dyslexia.
Avram Iancu in the Spring of 1848: Considerations on the Mentality of a Revolutionary
Authors:   Bucharest University, Maior Liviu
Published: June 2024

There are many outstanding biographies of Avram Iancu (1824–1872), as the revolutionary fighter holds an important place in the Romanian ‘Pantheon,’ the latest being Silviu Dragomir’s book of 1965. However, the attempts to approach his personality from the perspective of the history of mentalities have been conspicuously missing. This is precisely the approach chosen for the present study, which is based on the document collections published in the last half century (especially Documente privind Revoluția de la 1848 în Țările Române. C. Transilvania, including the fabulous volume 10, dedicated to Ancheta Kozma în Munții Apuseni, 2012). The testimonies of Iancu’s contemporaries, as well as the rich folklore, reveal an unknown facet of the hero, not only providing additional information on the events of the 1848–1849 Revolution, but also highlighting the revolutionary’s ideology, inner motivations and intimate drives.
Silviu Dragomir: Historian of the Romanian 1848
Authors:   Huntington University, Michelson Paul E.
Published: June 2024

The aim of the study is to provide an overview of Silviu Dragomir’s life and scholarly work, from his early studies in Blaj (Blasendorf, Balázsfalva) and Novi Sad to his university education in Cernăuți (Chernivtsi, Czernowiz) and Vienna, continuing with the major moments in his scholarly activity, with a special focus on the persecutions suffered under the communist regime. This is followed by a brief introduction to his writings dealing with Avram Iancu and the Revolution of 1848–1849
Between Dynastic Loyalty and the Nationalism of the “People of the Masters”: Avram Iancu and the “Invisible War” of Decorations
Authors:   George Barițiu Institute of History of the Romanian Academy, Varga Attila
Published: June 2024

This study presents a very important and sensitive part of the life and activity of the Romanian
national hero Avram Iancu, after the end of the Revolution of 1848–1849. Given their achievements during the revolutionary battles, he and his comrades-in-arms should have been decorated
and rewarded accordingly. Despite the testimonies and recommendations of important personalities of his time, Avram Iancu did not receive the recognition and the distinctions due from the
Emperor Franz Joseph I. Moreover, he and his comrades-in-arms were humiliated, falling victim
to the intrigues of the Transylvanian Saxon elites in the high political spheres of Vienna. This
analysis shows how the heroes of the Romanian nation from Transylvania of the first half of the
19th century, caught between dynastic loyalty, the intrigues of the Transylvanian Saxons and the
nationalism of the “master people” of Austria, suffered disappointments and thus ended a difficult
chapter of their modern history. It was a time of struggle for political and national rights.
Navigating through a pandemic crisis: strategies for tourism and hospitality industry in Kenya
Authors: Kinyua Christine Weveti , Kangai Deborah
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to offer answers as to what can be done to mitigate devastating effects of pandemics on tourism and hospitality operations. The research systematically reviewed 40 articles which were selected using the PRISMA flowchart criteria. The review examined reactive and proactive coping strategies that have been devised to help the industry bounce back during different pandemic crises. Based on the analysis, promotion of domestic tourism, tax waivers, economic aids and demonstration of commitment to safeguard health were found to be the most common reactive strategies. On the other hand, diversification of products, shifting to other market niches and review of travel policies were found to be the most common proactive strategies. The study proposed the following as survival strategies for the tourism and hospitality industry in Kenya; market and product diversification, a cohesive cross-border collaboration within the EAC, substantial automation of sectors, endorsement of certified safe destinations, establishment of business alliances and building a special emergency fund for the industry. The study provides practical implications and advances knowledge on sustainability of the tourism and hospitality industry in Kenya, amidst the recently encountered pandemic predicaments and those that are unforeseeable.
Additively Manufactured Flexible Electronics Filled with Ionic Liquid for Cryogenic Pressure Sensing
Authors: Meng Shuaishuai , Yi Hongyu , Ge Kongyu , Zhan Limeng , Gao Yifan , Li Zhan , Ji Hongjun , Li Mingyu , Feng Huanhuan
Published: June 2024

Flexible electronics have attracted increasing attention and are extensively used in medical care and health monitoring applications. However, research on their applications in low-temperature environments is limited, mainly owing to material intrinsic limitation. In this work, a cryogenic pressure sensor using low-melting (−71 °C) ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]BF4) is fabricated via the template removal method. The sensor unit can function at temperatures ranging from −50 to 30 °C, with improved sensing performance at lower temperatures. At −50 °C, it demonstrates an ultralow detection limit of 0.5 Pa and a high sensitivity of 2.0 × 10
5
Ω/kPa, thereby enabling the detection of dynamic pressure loads with different frequencies (0.2 to 2 Hz) and waveforms (sine and triangle). Subsequently, these units are integrated into a 3 × 3 array and embedded into a bionic thumb. The sensor can accurately identify up to 9 independent touch points and recognize dynamic sliding with velocities in the range of 0.31 to 4.42 cm/s at an extremely low temperature (−50 °C), thus demonstrating remarkable multitouch and sliding trajectory recognition capabilities. Furthermore, the proposed sensor unit is expected to contribute to the research on the human–machine interface of space suits.
The Progress of Optical Coherence Tomography in Industry Applications
Authors: Fu Meng-Yu , Yin Zhi-Hao , Yao Xiao-Yong , Xu Ju , Liu Ying , Dong Yue , Shen Yao-Chun
Published: June 2024

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a nonintrusive optical imaging method offering micrometer-scale spatial resolution, enabling the generation of internal structural cross-sectional images. Since the first OCT was invented in the early 1990s, its utilization has become prevalent in the field of ophthalmology and has become one of the golden standards in clinical diagnosis. Beyond the extensive research in biomedical fields, because of the accomplished exceptional spatial resolution and rapid imaging acquisition rate, the OCT has also been explored as an emerging solution for characterizing structure of new materials, detecting defects of industrial products in situ. In this paper, we reviewed and summarized recent progresses of OCT in several industrial applications, including structural analysis of composite materials, quality inspection of printed electronic devices, and analysis of industrial fluids. Meanwhile, the potential challenges and future development of OCT application in these fields are also outlined.
Polyacrylamide/Gel-Based Self-Healing Artificial Tympanic Membrane for Drug Delivery of Otitis Treatment
Authors: Kim Sujin , Goo Woonhoe , Karima Gul , Lee Jun Ho , Kim Hwan D.
Published: June 2024

One of the bacterial infections caused by tympanic membrane perforation is otitis media (OM). Middle ear inflammation causes continuous pain and can be accompanied by aftereffects such as facial nerve paralysis if repeated chronically. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an artificial tympanic membrane (TM) that can effectively regenerate the eardrum due to the easy implantation and removal of OM inflammation. In this study, we synthesized hydrogel by mixing gelatin and polyacrylamide. Cefuroxime sodium salt was then incorporated into this hydrogel to both regenerate the TM and treat OM. Cytotoxicity experiments confirmed the biocompatibility of hydrogels equipped with antibiotics, and we conducted drug release and antibacterial experiments to examine continuous drug release. Through experiments, we have verified the excellent biocompatibility, drug release ability, and antibacterial effectiveness of hydrogel. It holds the potential to serve as an effective strategy for treating OM and regenerating TM as a drug delivery substance.