bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Una postura bibliográfica sobre la influencia del entrenamiento funcional y la potencia en jugadores de baloncesto
Authors:   Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos, Cepeda-Barrote Pedro Javier
Published: July 2023

Introducción: el baloncesto es un deporte característico en función de la fuerza y la velocidad con respuesta a la coordinación de fibras musculares para la toma de la acción de un movimiento rápido y contráctil. Estas capacidades se reflejan, a través de las extremidades inferiores, debido a las acciones que se realizan en el campo de juego, las cuales, son desplazamientos, regates, cambios de dirección, de velocidad, posiciones, entre otras capacidades. Actualmente, se utilizan diferentes métodos para mejorar la potencia, influenciando la baja seguridad y confiabilidad de los ejercicios con relación a la biomecánica de los deportistas; de allí parte la utilización de diferentes programas que se enfocan hacia el entrenamiento, sin buscar seguridad. Objetivo: indagar sobre el surgimiento y la efectividad del entrenamiento funcional, la potencia y los diferentes puntos de vista de investigaciones en baloncesto y otros deportes. Materiales y Métodos: el enfoque de esta investigación es cualitativo con diseño descriptivo, buscando analizar los diferentes criterios en cuanto al entrenamiento funcional y su relación con la potencia. Resultados y discusión: de acuerdo con diferentes manuscritos encontrados, a nivel nacional e internacional, se da a conocer los impactos positivos que genera el entrenamiento funcional sobre los músculos del tren inferior, en cuanto al desarrollo de la potencia. Conclusión: el baloncesto es un deporte que requiere del uso de la potencia, por tal motivo, es evidente que, a través de un proceso de adaptación y de aplicabilidad de ejercicios funcionales, aumentan el nivel de potencia de forma segura.
Prescripción del ejercicio en adultos mayores, recomendaciones para mejorar la calidad de vida y prevenir enfermedades crónicas
Authors:   Universidad Manuela Beltran, Gonzalez Yudi Alexandra
Published: July 2023

Introducción: este artículo de revisión presenta una síntesis de la literatura existente sobre la prescripción del ejercicio en adultos mayores. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia, el volumen y los tipos de ejercicio más recomendados para esta población, con el fin de mejorar su calidad de vida y prevenir enfermedades crónicas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos, como PubMed, Scopus y Web of Science, utilizando palabras clave, como "prescripción del ejercicio", "adultos mayores" y "actividad física". Resultados y discusión: las investigaciones indican que la prescripción del ejercicio en adultos mayores debe ser individualizada y basada en las necesidades y los objetivos específicos. Los tipos de ejercicio recomendados son ejercicios aeróbicos, de fuerza y de equilibrio y se recomienda una frecuencia de, al menos, 150 minutos de actividad física moderada a vigorosa por semana. El entrenamiento de fuerza y equilibrio también ha demostrado ser efectivo en la prevención de caídas en la población adulta mayor. Conclusiones: los hallazgos de esta revisión de la literatura podrían ser útiles para los profesionales del deporte que trabajan con adultos mayores, así como para los mismos adultos mayores, quienes buscan mejorar su salud y bienestar, a través del ejercicio físico.
Electrocaloric Effect in Multilayer Ferroelectric Structures
Authors: Starkov Alexander S. , Anokhin Alexander S. , Es'kov Andrey V. , Semenov Alexander A. , Kholkin Andrey L.
Published: July 2023

Introduction. Ferroelectric films are widely used for radiotechnical, microwave microelectronic, sensoric, and energy conversion purposes. Such a diverse application range demands film materials with specific electrophysical properties. For instance, while energy storage applications require materials with a high dielectric constant, energy conversion devices largely use those with a low dielectric constant. The necessary physical properties can be achieved using multicomponent ferroelectric structures, such as solid solutions, composites, and multilayer film structures. Mechanical stresses between the substrate and ferroelectric layers play an extremely important role in dielectric properties of multilayer structures.Aim. Development of a mathematical model quantifying the ferroelectric polarization, static dielectric constant, as well as pyroelectric and electrocaloric properties of multilayered ferroelectric film structures.Materials and methods. The presented model is based on the Landau–Ginzburg–Devonshire model (LGD) considering elasticity equations and using electric induction as the order parameter.Results. The developed mathematical model based on LGD provides for a quantifiable description of dielectric, pyroelectric, and electrocaloric properties of layered ferroelectric structures. This model displays the effect of the thickness ratio of polycrystalline layers and grain size distribution on the dielectric properties of films.Conclusion. The developed quantitative model demonstrates the dependence of the thickness, grain size, and stacking order of ferroelectric layers on the dielectric constant and pyroelectric coefficient of multilayered polycrystalline film structures. The presented model can be applied when optimizing the parameters of multilayer structures with respect to their application area.
Transistors for Solid-State Microwave Switches (A Review)
Authors: Torina Elena M. , Kochemasov Victor N. , Safin Ansar R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction. The characteristics of solid-state microwave switches are subject to different requirements depending on the application area and technical problems to be solved. No versatile solution exists that could satisfy all requirements at once. The desire to improve the parameters of switches has led to the emergence of devices based on various technologies. In order to elucidate the current trends and future prospects in the field of switch technologies, semiconductor devices that form the basis of switch circuits should be considered.Aim. To review transistor types used in solid-state switches.Materials and methods. The search and selection of literature sources for review was based on the chronological principle. The search depth for considering the parameters of finished components was no more than 10 years, for considering technologies and structural solutions – more than 10 years. This choice was explained by our desire to trace the history of development and approaches to the creation of semiconductor devices that have led to the emergence of the modern component base. The final array of sources comprised scientific publications presenting factual information on the objects under consideration.Results. The types, structures, materials, characteristics and manufacturing technologies of transistors used in switches are considered. The achievable parameters of the switches based on the considered devices are presented.Conclusion. The choice of a particular transistor type for switches depends on the requirements for the parameters and performance characteristics of the final device. At present, transistor solutions for switches are dominated by field-effect transistors (FETs) of various types: GaAs and GaN transistors with a high electron mobility (HEMT) and Si CMOS FETs implemented by standard as well as silicon-on-insulator and silicon-on-sapphire technologies. The conducted literature review has revealed prospects for the development of technologies based on BiCMOS heterojunction bipolar transistors.
Tracking of Maneuvering Targets Using a Variable Structure Multiple Model Algorithm
Authors: Hoang Le Minh , Konovalov Aleksandr A. , Luc Dao Van
Published: July 2023

Introduction. In recent years, much attention has been paid to the development of trajectory filtering methods for tracking maneuvering targets. Multi-model (MM) algorithms are widely used for filtering maneuvering targets. Conventional MM algorithms are characterized by a fixed structure. However, highly maneuvering targets require a sufficiently large set of models covering the entire range of possible maneuvers, although an increase in the number of models cannot ensure an increase in the accuracy of tracking. To overcome these problems, multiple model algorithms with a variable structure (VSMM) were proposed. This article proposes two VSMM algorithms for tracking maritime targets performing a coordinated turn at constant speed. These are algorithms with a variable set of models based on adaptive grid and switching grid methods.Aim. To develop an adaptive trajectory tracking algorithm that uses a constant turn model to track maneuvering surface objects.Materials and methods. The resulting algorithm is based on the theory of grid adaptation in multi-model estimation methods and is used to estimate the components of the coordinate and velocity vectors of surface maneuvering targets. The algorithm efficiency was evaluated using computer statistical modeling in the MATLAB environment.Results. The structure of an adaptive VSMM algorithm was described. Simulations were carried out to confirm the algorithm efficiency. In the considered simulation scenarios, the algorithm produces effective estimates of the coordinate vectors and speed of surface maneuvering targets.Conclusion. Adaptive algorithms improve the efficiency of target tracking in comparison with multi-model algorithms with a fixed structure, at the same time as saving computational resources.
A study conducted in a tertiary care hospital to assess the cardiac function in paediatric beta thalassemia major patients and correlation with serum ferritin levels which are indicative of chelation status of the patients
Authors: Rao Jayashree Satish , K Nagendra
Published: July 2023

Background: Thalassemia is one of the common inherited blood disorders and Beta Thalassemia Major is a homozygous form of deficiency of beta globin chain synthesis causing severe transfusion-dependent anemia, manifesting between 6 and 24 months of life. Objectives: The objective of the study is to study the pattern of cardiac function in children and adolescents with beta-thalassemia major by 2D Echocardiography and its correlation with serum ferritin levels. Methods: Fifty subjects diagnosed with Beta Thalassemia Major, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in Group 1, and 50 age and gender-matched subjects without Beta Thalassemia Major were included in Group 2. Serum ferritin level was measured using Cobas 6000 analyzer. Echocardiography was done with the following parameters: Posterior wall thickness-diastolic (PWT-D), posterior wall thickness- systolic (PWT-S), left ventricular internal diameter-diastole (LVID-D), left ventricular internal diameter-systole (LVID-S), septal thickness and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity. Results: Among the 50 study population, 28 children belonged to the age group 5–10 years (56%) and 22 children belonged to the age group 10–15 years (44%). Among the cardiac parameters, The PWT-D, PWT-S, LVID-D, LVID-S, TR velocity, and septal thickness values were higher in the cases group compared to the control group with p values suggesting strong significance. The ejection fraction in the cases was lower than the control group with a strongly significant p-value. Conclusion: Children with thalassemia have impaired cardiac function and the degree of dysfunction is correlated to the serum ferritin levels. Regular transfusion and adequate chelation are essential to decrease morbidity and mortality.
SEXTO CONCURSO DE MICRORRELATOS
Authors: Vidal Barral Nel , Misa Nanda , Fraga Rodríguez Mónica , Bravo López Andrea , Jorge Cabaleiro Mencía , Martínez García Beatriz , Valverde Silva Ainhoa , Fernández García Arwen , Lemmen Mai
Published: July 2023

As historias que aquí se presentan, gañadoras do VI Concurso de microrrelatos da Real Academia Galega e PuntoGal, apenas ocupan ambas as caras dun folio. Son poucas liñas pero moito din sobre grandes temas universais da vida, da literatura. O amor, o humor, a perda, a culpa, o acougo ou a ledicia están no miolo destes nove textos escritos por persoas de distintas xeracións, desta volta entre os 7 e os 48 anos.
MANAGEMENT OF THE CREDІT PORTFOLІO OF A COMMERCІAL BANK
Authors:   V.І. Vernadsky Taurіda Natіonal Unіversіty, Klymenko Oksana , Mala Svіtlana ,   V.І. Vernadsky Taurіda Natіonal Unіversіty, Putіntsev Anatolіі ,   V.І. Vernadsky Taurіda Natіonal Unіversіty
Published: July 2023

The artіcle examіnes the peculіarіtіes of managіng the credіt portfolіo of a commercіal bank usіng the example of JSC CB "PrіvatBank". Wіth the help of a SWOT analysіs, the strengths and weaknesses of the bank's credіt actіvіty are determіned. Among the strengths of PrіvatBank, іt іs necessary to note: a wіde selectіon of credіt products; a large number of mobіle applіcatіons that allow people to receіve credіt servіces wіthout leavіng home. The structure of the loan portfolіo was analyzed and was found that the largest share іn the structure of the total amount of loans to customers іs occupіed by loans and receіvables under fіnancіal leasіng. The coeffіcіents of the qualіty of the loan portfolіo were calculated, and showed that, reducіng the level of credіt rіsk and effectіve management of the bank's loan portfolіo. The assessment of the effectіveness of the management of the credіt portfolіo of JSC KB "PrіvatBank" showed that, despіte the hіgh profіtabіlіty and profіtabіlіty of the credіt actіvіty of thіs bank, the effectіveness of the management of the credіt portfolіo іs quіte low due to the hіgh share of reserves, most of whіch are formed to cover the losses of loans that remaіned іn JSC CB "Prіvatbank" from former owners. To іncrease the effіcіency of the bank's credіt portfolіo management, the use of the credіt portfolіo lіmіtіng system (adherence to the proposed measures wіll lead to a decrease іn problem debt and wіll allow to approach the reference structure of the credіt portfolіo by the degree of rіsk, whіch wіll satіsfy all the establіshed lіmіts) and the credіt rіsk management system of a commercіal bank іs proposed, whіch іncludes the defіnіtіon of the credіt rіsk assessment method, the analysіs of the current exіstіng structure of the bank's credіt portfolіo, and the use of varіous methods of credіt rіsk regulatіon. The maіn method of protectіng banks from credіt rіsks іs the analysіs of the credіtworthіness and fіnancіal condіtіon of a potentіal borrower. Only a thorough and balanced assessment of the clіent's busіness actіvіty, the volume of the requested loan and the terms of іts use, the realіty of the loaned project, the borrower's reputatіon іn the busіness world wіll enable the bank to make the rіght decіsіon regardіng cooperatіon wіth the borrower.
INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE OF RURAL-URBAN AGGLOMERATIONS OF UKRAINE
Authors:   Odesa National Technological University, Pavlova Iryna
Published: July 2023

The article formulates and solves an actual scientific and practical problem related to the justification of the model of inclusive governance of united territorial communities (UTCs) and districts identified as rural-urban agglomerations. Taking into account the purpose of the research,formulated of task regarding the task of determining the essence of good governance, the characteristics of inclusive governance as a system built on certain principles, and clarifying the conditions for the formation of a society in Ukraine that functions on the basis of inclusiveness. In the process of working on the chosen topic, modern scientific publications of Ukrainian and foreign economists, sociologists, political scientists, geographers, lawyers, public administration specialists on issues of inclusive governance were analyzed. Creative use of systemic and institutional approaches, the principle of interdisciplinarity, methods of observation, comparison, abstraction, generalization, reflection, extrapolation, synthesis and analysis, deduction and induction contributed to the achievement of the research goal. The scientific novelty of the study consists in the extrapolation of the scientifically described model of inclusive governance of local socio-spatial formations to the national space in order to determine the conditions for the formation of an inclusive society. The conceptual basis of the model of inclusive governance is a systemic view of the essence of the phenomenon of governance as a way of using public power and implementing public policy for the purpose of organizing and streamlining the process of formation within rural-urban agglomerations of inclusion. It is proved that the institutional and organizational-administrative basis of the inclusive governance of these socio-spatial entities are the principles of democracy, organization and decentralization, and its economic, political and worldview foundations are economic growth, state capacity, self-governance and people-centeredness. It has been established, that the creation of a democratic decentralized space due to the inclusiveness of the administrative-territorial units of the basic and district levels of the administrative-territorial system of Ukraine with proper governance through the involvement, inclusion and unification of all layers of the population around the idea of post-war reconstruction of the country, is the key to the formation of an inclusive society. The practical significance of the research results lies in the conceptual support of post-war reconstruction tasks on an inclusive basis of the territories affected by the military attack of the neighboring aggressor country.
Cognitive and Hierarchical Fuzzy Inference System for Generating Next Release Planning in SaaS Applications
Authors: Abhari Abdolreza
Published: July 2023

The next release planning is considered as a cognitive decision-making problem where many stakeholders provide their judgments and opinions about the set of features that shall be included in the next release of the software. In multi-tenant Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, planning for the next release is a significant process that plays important roles in the success of SaaS applications. SaaS providers shall fulfill the evolving needs and requirements of their tenants by continuously delivering new releases. The first step in a release development lifecycle is the release planning process. This paper proposes a novel approach for the next release planning for multi-tenant SaaS applications. This approach is a prioritization approach that employs a hierarchical fuzzy inference system (HFIS) module to deal with the uncertainty associated with human judgments. The main objectives of the proposed approach are maximizing the degree of overall tenants’ satisfaction, maximizing the degree of commonality, and minimizing the potential risk, while considering contractual, effort, and dependencies constraints. The performance of the proposed approach is validated against a one from the literature and shows better results from the perspective of overall tenants’ satisfaction and adherence to the risk
Surveillance arbitration in the era of digital policing
Authors: Fussey Peter , Sandhu Ajay
Published: July 2023

This article analyses adoptions of innovative technology into police surveillance activities. Extending the nascent body of empirical research on digital policing, the article draws on qualitative interview data of operational police uses of advanced surveillance technologies. Separate illustrative examples are drawn from social media intelligence gathering, digital forensics and covert online child sexual exploitation investigations. Here, surveillance governance mechanisms, often authored in the ‘pre-digital’ era, are deemed ill-fitting to the possibilities brought by new technologies. This generates new spaces of interpretation, where regulatory frameworks become renegotiated and reinterpreted, a process defined here as ‘surveillance arbitration’. These deliberations are resolved in myriad ways, including perceived licence for extended surveillance and, conversely, more cautious approaches motivated by perceived exposure to regulatory sanction.
Symbolic Meaning of Sibiu as the European Capital of Culture and Romania towards European Integration
Authors:   Korea Association of World History and Culture, Kim Jeong-Hwan
Published: July 2023

The ‘European Capital of Culture’ program, which was operated mainly in Western Europe, expanded its scope after 2004 when Eastern European countries joined as member countries. The ‘expansion’ of the European Union, which has been maintained in terms of politics and economy, will turn into a ‘internalization’ that confirms Europe’s civilization and identity through this cultural initiative. The European Union has begun to overcome the tiredness of integration and the sense of distance of identity with the keyword of culture. Exchanges between East and West Europe, which began on the basis of economic and political cooperation, expanded in various fields. In addition to the symbolism of ‘Eastward advance of Western Europe’ and ‘Westward advance of Eastern Europe’, this suggests the restoration of ‘one Europe’.
The ‘European Capital of Culture’, which seeks to imply the universal human value of the pursuit of civilization and culture by unifying the diversified European society with one code called ‘city’, has positively impacted Sibiu's economic effect, and it also created an opportunity to promote not only the city, but also Romania's cultural identity and historical heritage to the world. ‘Culturenomics’, which combines culture and economy, and the sharing of urban culture based on history and civilization, gave Romania an opportunity for ‘cultural integration’ to take a step closer to Europe, beyond ‘political integration’ symbolized by NATO membership in 2004 and ‘economic integration’ through EU membership in 2007.
The Relations of the Powers in the Roman Empire in the 4th Century: The Relations between the Court Eunuchs and the Relatives of the Emperor
Authors:   Korea Association of World History and Culture, Son Tae-Chang
Published: July 2023

The Roman empire in the 4th century experienced the latent struggles in the court while the Proximi-policy of the emperor has been developed. The two representative rivalries were the relatives of the emperor and the court eunuchs as the secret line power. In the background one finds the preference of the emperor for the policy of secret line namely simple and effective policy because the empire was gradually bureaucraticized and some hole in the system came to being. The eunuchs were united with the emperor because of same interests therefore they found themselves in the opposite place to the influential political power groups. One of the rivals of the emperor was his relatives, for instance, Gallus and Julianus were the rivals of the Roman emperor Constantius II. They built up the antagonistic relations with the grand chamberlain Eusebius, the favorite person of Constantius II. Gallus was condemned to death, and Julianus was checked and supervised by the eunuch but in the final this eunuch was revenged by Julianus. However, the model of those relations were not always antagonistic but sometimes the eunuchs built up a cooperative relation for the purpose of practical interest. For example, in the year of 365 one ex-member of Constantine imperial family, Procopius, visited one ex-court eunuch, Eugenius. He wanted to be supported financially by the eunuch for his planned rebellion. Seen in the power relations of Roman imperial court in the 4th century the non political power like court eunuchs rose on the stage of the powers because of the favor of proximi-policy of the rulers. Even these eunuchs were empowered to the degree that they proved some rivalry with the relatives of the emperor. The consequences of the secret line policy led to the more rooms for power fluctuations or power rivalries in the imperial court.
The Impact of Social Darwinism and Eugenics on the Development of Anti-immigration Sentiment from the Late 19th to Early 20th Century in the U.S.
Authors:   Korea Association of World History and Culture, Hwang Eun-Jung
Published: July 2023

This study focused on analyzing the impact of social darwinism and eugenics of the development of the anti-immigration sentiment from the late 19th to early 20th century. In the late 19th, as anti-immigration sentiment that based on racism spreaded among the working class, conservative politicians, strong federal immigration regulations were urged. As a result, the immigration policy in the United States has shifted to the restrictionist policy. Social darwinism and eugenics were huge part of the development of this anti-immigration sentiment. Social darwinists and eugenicist explained social injustice based on racism as the providence of nature and made people rank by race. These social darwinism and eugenics became an ideological mechanism of the anti-immigration policy and made a theoretical basis for proving the need and necessity for the anti-immigration policy by having a profound influence on political and intellectual circles. Furthermore, as these views are expressed throughout the cultural world, a stereotyped racist bias was formed in the public. And the perception that races were unequal and American society was being degenerated by inferior races had been formed. As anti-immigration protocols were strengthened and reproduced in these ways, they pressured the federal parliament and the federal government, resulting in changes in immigration policy. In conclusion, changes in the U.S. immigration policy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were not limited to specific classes and regions, but were the result of popular anti-immigration sentiment, and social darwinism and eugenics were at the root.
EFFECT OF CARBON BLACK/SILICA HYBRID REINFORCEMENT ON THE PROPERTIES OF SOLID TIRE TREAD COMPOUND CONTAINING GROUND TIRE RUBBER
Authors: Umunakwe Ifeoma Janefrances , Malomo Dosu , Umunakwe Reginald
Published: July 2023

The incorporation of ground tire rubber (GTR) in rubber compounds results to reduced strength of the rubber vulcanizates. The need to improve the properties of rubber vulcanizates containing GTR becomes necessary. This work evaluates the effect of hybrid filler reinforcement on the abrasion resistance, hardness, heat build-up, dynamic set and compression set of solid tire tread compound containing 10 phr and 20 phr of 60 mesh size GTR. The hybrid filler used was carbon black/silica (CB/SiO­2) in the ratio 60/0, 55/5, 50/10 and 45/15 phr respectively. The mixing followed two step mixing method and standard samples for testing were molded through compression molding technique at 150, under the pressure of 20 tons force and cure time based on the optimal cure time from rheometric measurement. Results show that abrasion volume loss was reduced with GTR addition while the samples containing hybrid filler showed slightly higher abrasion loss that than those containing GTR and filled with only carbon black. At 10 phr GTR loading, the desired reduction in the hardness of the vulcanizates containing GTR was achieved through the use of hybrid filler reinforcement; only small reduction was achieved at 20 phr GTR loading. At the optimal hybrid CB/SiO2 reinforcement ratio (50/10), the properties of the solid tire tread vulcanizates were better than those of the samples filled with 55/5 and 45/15 hybrid CB/SiO2 reinforcement. It is recommended that the use of hybrid CB/SiO­2 hybrid reinforcement at the optimal silica content be explored by tire industries exploring the incorporation GTR in...
Analisis Identifikasi dan Persepsi Manajemen Keselamatan Kerja pada Proyek Konstruksi
Authors: Abd. Muin Suriati , Alkam Rani Bastari
Published: July 2023

Keselamatan kerja pada pelaksaan proyek konstruksi harus menjadi prioritas utama. Akan tetapi tidak semua perusahaan memahami dan mengetahui bagaimana mengimplementasikan rencana keselamaan kerja (RKK) dengan baik dalam lingkup perusahan konstruksi maupun dalam pelaksaan di lapangan. Implementasi manajemen keselamatan kerja yang tidak memenuhi peraturan yang berlaku berdampak pada terganggunya proses pekerjaan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi sejauh mana penerapan dan prinsip manajemen keselamatan kerja di lokasi proyek dan bagaimana persepsi pekerja terhadap implementasi tersebut. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada proyek pembangunan gedung BCA kantor cabang utama panakkukang dengan cara survei dan observasi pemakaian alat pelindung diri (APD) yang diperoleh dari safety officer PT. Pulau Intan Baja Perkasa Konstruksi yaitu data pekerja yang memakai dan melengkapi APD dan yang tidak memakainya saat bekerja. Instrumen kuesioner juga dibagikan kepada pekerja untuk mengetahui persepsi pekerja terhadap penerapan manejemen keselamatan kerja. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa yaitu sebesar 45,45% dari checklist manajemen keselamatan kerja telah dilaksanakan, 36,36% tidak dilaksanakan sepenuhnya dan 18,18% tidak dilaksanakan. Selain itu, 48,61% sangat setuju perlunya penerapan manajemen keselamatan kerja di lokasi proyek, 41,11% setuju, 7,78% cukup setuju, 2,22%, tidak setuju, dan sangat tidak setuju 0,28%.
Predictive Factors of First-Pass Effect in Patients Who Underwent Successful Endovascular Thrombectomy for Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Lee In-Hyoung , Choi Jong-Il , Ha Sung-Kon , Lim Dong-Jun
Published: July 2023

Objective : The primary treatment goal of current endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for emergent large-vessel occlusion (ELVO) is complete recanalization after a single maneuver, referred to as the ‘first-pass effect’ (FPE). Hence, we aimed to identify the predictive factors of FPE and assess its effect on clinical outcomes in patients with ELVO of the anterior circulation.Methods : Among the 129 patients who participated, 110 eligible patients with proximal ELVO (intracranial internal carotid artery and proximal middle cerebral artery) who achieved successful recanalization after EVT were retrospectively reviewed. A comparative analysis between patients who achieved FPE and all others (defined as a non-FPE group) was performed regarding baseline characteristics, clinical variables, and clinical outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were subsequently conducted for potential predictive factors with p<0.10 in the univariate analysis to determine the independent predictive factors of FPE.Results : FPE was achieved in 31 of the 110 patients (28.2%). The FPE group had a significantly higher level of functional independence at 90 days than did the non-FPE group (80.6% vs. 50.6%, p=0.002). Pretreatment intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (odds ratio [OR], 3.179; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.025–9.861; p=0.045), door-to-puncture (DTP) interval (OR, 0.959; 95% CI, 0.932–0.987; p=0.004), and the use of balloon guiding catheter (BGC) (OR, 3.591; 95% CI, 1.231–10.469; p=0.019) were independent predictive factors of FPE.Conclusion : In conclusion, pretreatment IVT, use of BGC, and a shorter DTP interval were positively associated with FPE, increasing the chance of acquiring better clinical outcomes.
Novel, complex burrow structure and burrowing behavior of the mud-dwelling octopus Octopus minor (Sasaki, 1920)
Authors: Bo QK , Wang JH , Xing D , Qian YS , Song MP , Zheng XD
Published: July 2023

The strategies employed by octopuses for predator avoidance and escape, which are adapted to their structurally simple habitat, have been the subject of much research. In the present study, the shapes and structural characteristics of Octopus minor’s burrows were investigated and the burrowing behavior was also observed to reveal the dynamics of burrow formation. From 2012 to 2017, 85 plasticized cement burrow models were measured. The burrow, a complex project, includes 7 interconnected structural parts: digging holes (DH), digging channel (DC), horizontal channel (HC), lounge (LG), breathing channel (BC), breathing holes (BH), and breathing hole heap (BHH), with each part having its own cross-sections of special shape and size. The diameters of all parts were very significantly different and had extremely significant correlations with other factors, except for the weight of the occupants. The burrows have 1-2 DHs, 1-4 BHs and 1 BHH, with DHs and BHs distributed at opposite ends of the burrow. The burrows were categorized into 7 types according to the number of DHs, and burrows with 2 BHs accounted for a distinct type. The diameters of LG, DC and HC and the occupants’ weight decreased as the number of BHs increased. The process of excavating a burrow involved 5 steps: creating a DH, inserting arms into the DH, burrowing, excavating the BC, and creating the LG. Abandoned burrows could be reoccupied by other octopuses, regardless of whether they were larger or smaller than the previous occupants. As an adaptation to structurally simple environment, O. minor seems to use a particular skill in digging more complex burrows as shelters.
Resolving the variability in habitat use by juvenile small pelagic fish in a major tidal system by continuous echosounder measurements
Authors: Maathuis MAM , Couperus B , van der Molen J , Poos JJ , Tulp I , Sakinan S
Published: July 2023

Shallow coastal areas are important nurseries for larvae and juveniles of many fish species. However, empirical data on small pelagic fish (SPF) in such regions are lacking, and temporal variability in abundance and habitat use by SPF are unknown. Given the critical role of SPF as a trophic link, their commercial value and their sensitivity to climate variability, there is a need for a quantitative and high-resolution monitoring method. We deployed a bottom-mounted echosounder, combined with a water current profiler, to examine the temporal variation in density, vertical distribution and movement behaviour of SPF in the Marsdiep, a dynamic tidal inlet between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. The acoustic setup provided year-round records of fish density distribution in the water column every 90 min. Monthly fish samples were collected to help interpret acoustic observations. Our analyses indicated that the Marsdiep is a migration gateway for SPF from the North Sea into the Wadden Sea, particularly for juvenile herring and sprat. We observed clear seasonality with high fish densities from mid-spring to early autumn. Fish typically used the upper half of the water column. Swimming behaviour was primarily driven by currents. Yet, during outgoing tide, SPF resisted the outflowing current, suggesting efforts to remain in the Wadden Sea, supporting the hypothesis that the Wadden Sea serves as a preferred nursery area for SPF. Our high frequency, multi-seasonal and vertically resolved observations provide unique insight into the use of the Marsdiep by SPF. Furthermore, potential applications of autonomous echosounder moorings are discussed.
Diverse stability responses of a sub-Antarctic invertebrate understorey community to experimental giant kelp removal
Authors: Valdivia N , Garrido I , Gómez I , Huovinen P , Pardo LM
Published: July 2023

Ecological stability is crucial for understanding anthropogenic biodiversity loss and its consequences, especially when disturbances affect species that influence numerous others. The giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera, an iconic foundation species, supports diverse communities on temperate and subpolar coasts. While giant kelp communities in temperate regions have been extensively studied, field-based manipulative research in subpolar latitudes is still limited. We investigated the resistance, resilience, and recovery of a community subjected to experimental giant kelp removal in a sub-Antarctic ecosystem. We simulated pulsed kelp loss caused by destructive storms and monitored the macrobenthic invertebrate understorey for 12 mo. The experimental disturbance elicited varying stability responses of the understorey. Understorey community biomass was strongly resistant to the disturbance but declined gradually (i.e. low resilience), showing incomplete recovery compared to undisturbed communities. Community density (total number of individuals per sample) increased notably following the removal (i.e. weak resistance) but ultimately returned to undisturbed levels (i.e. high resilience and complete recovery). Species composition exhibited low resistance and resilience, and no recovery from the disturbance. Secondary coextinctions of several understorey species accounted for the observed low compositional stability. In contrast to giant kelp communities in temperate latitudes, the slower recovery rates of kelp and the loss of key positive interactions likely contributed to the observed stability responses in this subpolar ecosystem’s invertebrate understorey. By examining the response of a sub-Antarctic understorey community to giant kelp removal, our study enhances our understanding of how foundation species sustain local biodiversity.
The February 2018 seismic swarm in São Miguel, Azores
Authors: Soares A. , Custódio S. , Cesca S. , Silva R. , Vuan A. , Mendes V. B.
Published: July 2023

The island of São Miguel is among the most seismically active areas of the Azores archipelago. This work focuses on the most significant recent swarm, which occurred on February 2018. We set up an automated procedure to process continuous full seismic waveform data from local stations to generate high-quality earthquake information on the volcano unrest episode. First, we applied an automated detector software, next we located the detected events and then classified the earthquakes based on their waveform similarity, identifying three families of seismic events. We then extended the catalog by template matching. Finally, we computed moment tensors to investigate the source mechanisms of the largest earthquakes. Our results image the ∼2-week swarm evolution. The activity started with a precursory phase with low rate and low magnitude (ML < 2.0) seismicity and the activation of a deeper structure (∼10-15 km). After ∼1 week, a new earthquake family emerged at shallower depths (∼8–12 km) reaching magnitudes up to ML 3.4. Finally, a third slightly shallower family was activated. Moment tensors show mostly normal faulting mechanisms, striking ∼NW-SE, compatible with the orientation of the regional stress field. A surface deformation transient was recorded by geodetic stations, starting with the swarm, and continuing over the following ∼17 months, corresponding to either inflation or extension around the swarm region. The prolonged surface deformation implies a process that was initiated during the swarm and subsequently accommodated mostly aseismically. We interpret the seismicity observed at the early stage of deformation as indicating episodic fluid injection through the crust, related to the local hydrothermal or magmatic systems. We conclude that the Fogo-Congro region continues to be seismo-volcanically active, with both seismic and aseismic deformation observed and requiring close multidisciplinary monitoring. The proposed methology based on the automated analysis of continuous waveform data provides high-quality imaging of the spatio-temporal evolution of seismicity, which can be used elsewhere in the operational monitoring of seismo-volcanic crises to gain insight into the ongoing deformation processes, improve hazard assessment and help in the development of effective mitigation strategies.
Effect of digital transformation on innovation performance in China: corporate social responsibility as a moderator
Authors: Wang Lei , Yan Jinzhe
Published: July 2023

Introduction: In the digital economy, digital transformation (DT) is a deliberate decision to improve organizational procedures, alter production processes, introduce precision marketing, and more, ultimately impacting how well businesses innovate. This is why the current article investigates the effect of DT and the firm’s innovation performance and the boundary condition of corporate social responsibility (CRS).

Method: This study proposed a conceptual research model for the effect of DT on innovation performance and discussed the boundary condition of CRS. We collected China’s listed A-share firms’ data to examine the proposed hypotheses statistically. After Hausman test, the current study adopted fixed-effect regression, examined the heterogeneity issues resulting from different industry classifications, and robustness test for the correctness of the results.

Results and Implications: The following main conclusions are drawn: 1) DT can significantly enhance product innovation performance; 2) DT can significantly improve process innovation performance; 3) There is a time lag effect on the innovation performance (both product and process innovation performance) of the previous period on the innovation performance of the current period; 4) CSR positively moderates the role of DT on innovation performance; and 5) The impact of DT is heterogeneous across industries and patent. This study not only enriched the literature on DT and innovation performance but also provided the guidelines to promote digital transformation at the firm level.
Systems thinking for general surveillance programs – using leverage points to guide program management
Authors: Ticehurst Jenifer L. , Kruger Heleen
Published: July 2023

With the increasing threat of pests, weeds and diseases to agriculture, the environment and our way of life, governments are becoming more reliant on general surveillance to fill biosecurity surveillance gaps. That is, engaging people from all walks of life in the monitoring and reporting of pests, weeds and diseases. It is often thought that instigating a general surveillance program simply requires the development of reporting tools and creating awareness of the program among intended target groups, but this is a simplistic view. This paper explores whether a broader approach identifies better ways to implement general surveillance programs to meet their goals and remain sustainable over the long-term, and therefore assist in program management. A systems thinking approach was used to identify the components within general surveillance programs, and their interactions. These components are the actors or people involved and their relationships; infrastructure like reporting tools and resources; formal and informal rules; and species or diseases of interest and their environment (included to account for the biophysical context). We explored what helped and hindered the design and implementation of general surveillance programs, drawing on international literature and the experiences of people in nine case studies from across Australia and New Zealand. Systems thinking helped to identify leverage points in the case studies, including feedback loops and information flow paths, and facilitated thought on how they can be used to improve programs. For example, sharing knowledge and experiences of actors from throughout the program being notifiers (i.e. the people who report pests, weeds and diseases), laboratory or herbarium staff, funding bodies, policy makers and others, built trust and ownership in the program and facilitated learning and self-organisation. This increased the capacity for innovation, adaptation, and continual improvement, leading to ongoing program benefits. Approaching program management using systems thinking helps structure program monitoring and evaluation and better target effort and resources to improve performance. However, this requires a dedicated program coordinator (or coordination team) with adequate resources to identify challenges and opportunities and adapt the program accordingly.
Niche concept scale in space and time: evolutionary perspectives from tropical insectivorous birds
Authors: Sherry Thomas W.
Published: July 2023

Ecological niches are pivotal in addressing questions of species richness gradients like the Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG). The Hutchinsonian niche hypervolume model and derivatives are some of the most proven tools. Accordingly, species occupy mathematically convenient spaces in relation to functional, especially trophic, relationships, as well as the physical environment. In one application, the number of species in a community is a function of average niche sizes, overlaps, and total niche volume. Alternatively, the number of coexisting species derives from invasibility criteria in relation to species-interaction modules. The daunting complexity of tropical communities begs the question of how well these ecologically inspired paradigms accommodate present knowledge of species interactions and functional relationships. Recent studies of hyperdiverse tropical insectivorous bird species suggests reevaluating the applicability of such concepts. Here I review Neotropical, arthropod-feeding bird species interactions needed to explain these species’ trophic relationships, including their diets, feeding substrates, and behavioral and morphological traits relevant to resource acquisition. Important emergent generalizations include extraordinary specializations on both prey resource locations (substrates) and behaviors, rather than on particular resources per se, and a preponderance of adaptations to exploit the anti-predator traits of prey, traits evolved in response to other predators. These specializations and implicit arms races necessitate evolutionary approaches to niches necessary to understand the relevant natural history and ecology, how these species compete interspecifically, and even how these predator species interact with prey via evolutionary enhancements. These findings, compared and contrasted with prevailing concepts and findings, suggest expanding niche concepts to accommodate both the large temporal and regional geographic scales to understand the accumulated species richness of the mainland Neotropics. These trophic specializations also highlight why many of these birds are so sensitive to human disturbances, especially habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation.