bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of an academic collaboration between Defence Scientists of the radiological and nuclear technology group at Defence Research and Development Canada – Suffield Research Centre and Toronto Metropolitan University
Authors: Moise Helen , Pejović-Milić Ana
Published: May 2024

In Canada, defence security sciences are typically taught within specialized programs and institutions, such as the Royal Military College of Canada, and as such, graduates from programs outside these specializations tend to be unfamiliar with the world of defence science, its applicability and relevancy to their program. Such limitation was observed in an academic collaboration between defence scientists of the Radiological and Nuclear Technology group at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) – Suffield Research Centre and the Physics department of Toronto Metropolitan University in Ontario (formerly called Ryerson University). The collaboration, which took place during the Winter 2021 semester involved the contribution of course material by DRDC – Suffield Research Centre defence scientists, Dr. Anna Rae Green and Dr. Helen Moise to the Physics graduate level course titled, “Radiation Protection and Dosimetry,” which is led and taught by course professor and Physics department chair, Dr. Ana Pejović-Milić. The outcome of this collaboration was a first for all parties involved and proved to be successful allowing students to utilize their knowledge to the challenging field of defence science—an opportunity that they have very likely never received as part of the regular science stream.
Enhancing CT Radiomics Features for Prediction of Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Outcomes: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Safakish Aryan , Sannachi Lakshmanan , Moslemi Amir , Pejović-Milić Ana , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: May 2024

(1) Background: Some cancer patients do not experience tumour shrinkage but are still at risk of experiencing unwanted treatment side effects. Radiomics refers to mining biomedical images to quantify textural characterization. When radiomics features are labelled with treatment response, retrospectively, they can train predictive machine learning (ML) models. (2) Methods: Radiomics features were determined from lymph node (LN) segmentations from treatment-planning CT scans of head and neck (H&N) cancer patients. Binary treatment outcomes (complete response versus partial or no response) and radiomics features for n = 71 patients were used to train support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbour (k-NN) classifier models with 1–7 features. A deep texture analysis (DTA) methodology was proposed and evaluated for second- and third-layer radiomics features, and models were evaluated based on common metrics (sensitivity (%Sn), specificity (%Sp), accuracy (�c), precision (%Prec), and balanced accuracy (�l Acc)). (3) Results: Models created with both classifiers were found to be able to predict treatment response, and the results suggest that the inclusion of deeper layer features enhanced model performance. The best model was a seven-feature multivariable k-NN model trained using features from three layers deep of texture features with %Sn = 74%, %Sp = 68%, �c = 72%, %Prec = 81%, �l Acc = 71% and with an area under the curve (AUC) the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of 0.700. (4) Conclusions: H&N Cancer patient treatment-planning CT scans and LN segmentations contain phenotypic information regarding treatment response, and the proposed DTA methodology can improve model performance by enhancing feature sets and is worth consideration in future radiomics studies.
Considering Tenants First: Social Housing Asset Transfers in the Toronto Context
Authors: Leclerc Erika
Published: May 2024

 In 2022, the City of Toronto will be transferring a considerable portfolio of small-scale social housing units to non-profit organizations, in an effort to redefine the Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s portfolio to a more manageable size and reduce costs for the City. Social housing asset transfers are often seen as a policy solution for governments struggling to maintain, finance and operate their public housing stock. While the Tenants First project in Toronto may have positive outcomes for tenants, the implications of this project have yet to be fully determined. This report considers similar programs in other jurisdictions, along with a broader review of social housing policy in Canada, to make recommendations for evaluating and strengthening the Tenants First project. 
Investigating Factors That Affect Right Turning Conflicts Between Bicyclists and Vehicles at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Mansell Robert
Published: May 2024

Due to the recognition of active transportation as a beneficial alternative to more traditional modes of transportation, there is increasing interest in designing infrastructure systems to promote the safe use of such forms of active transportation as bicycling. Crashes involving bicyclists and vehicles are less common than those between vehicles. As a result, alternative approaches of evaluating the safety effect of various infrastructure attributes, such as the use of surrogate safety measures, specifically traffic conflicts, could be considered. Most collisions between bicyclists and vehicles occur at intersections and of these, collisions between right turning vehicles and bicyclists form the majority. The main objective of this thesis was to investigate various intersection characteristics, including geometry, signal phasing, and bicycle infrastructure, to determine what attributes have a significant effect on right turning conflicts, how this may change with different conflict severity levels, and if microsimulation may be used as a supporting tool.
Adversarial Networks and Low-key Leaders
Authors: Yuan Jiajie
Published: May 2024

  

In adversarial networks, edges correspond to enmity or competition. A new type of vertex called a low-key leader is identified in adversarial networks, distinguished by having a high CON-score and low PageRank. We demonstrate the existence of low-key leaders in adversarial networks by considering data from real-world networks. The three types of adversarial networks we consider are: i) dominance networks in animal populations, ii) trading networks between countries, and iii) Bitcoin trust networks. In each case, low-key leaders are detected. We introduce the direct ranking model that generates power-law directed graphs with low-key leaders. We conclude with several open questions for future work.
La complejidad ontosemiótica de demostraciones matemáticas que se proponen en la entrada a la universidad
Authors: Milanesio Bettina , Markiewicz María Elena
Published: May 2024

En este trabajo se abordan aspectos vinculados a la validación de proposiciones matemáticas en la entrada a la universidad. A partir de las dificultades que muestran estudiantes ingresantes para validar deductivamente, realizamos una selección de las primeras prácticas de validación que se presentan en los materiales de trabajo de asignaturas del primer año de la carrera de grado Profesorado en Matemática. Escogimos tres demostraciones, representativas del tipo de prácticas de validación que se promueve en dichos materiales, y las analizamos utilizando herramientas del Enfoque ontosemiótico del conocimiento y la instrucción matemáticos. Esto nos permitió develar la complejidad ontosemiótica de las demostraciones pretendidas y prever conflictos semióticos potenciales que pueden explicar las dificultades de los estudiantes en la comprensión y la realización de las mismas.
Sobre la geometría y la topología de las cúpulas de Da Vinci
Authors: Geyssel Nicolé , Moreno María José , Navas Andrés
Published: May 2024

Estudiamos las famosas cúpulas de Leonardo Da Vinci, así como las variaciones concebidas por Rinus Roelofs, desde un punto de vista matemático. En particular, consideramos el problema de cerrar la cúpula para producir una estructura esférica. Explicamos por qué este problema está relacionado con consideraciones geométricas y topológicas sutiles. Esto contrasta con la estructura unidimensional análoga, a saber, el puente de Da Vinci, que se puede fácilmente continuar hasta cerrar una forma circular.
Review on Detecting Pneumonia in Deep Learning
Authors: Toh Jun Jie , Sayeed Md Shohel
Published: May 2024

Deep learning is a machine learning technique that has been optimized for image classification and object detection. Deep learning has brought huge advancement to the medical field as it helps to diagnose various diseases through computed tomography (CT) scan or X-ray images. Pneumonia is a respiratory disease, and it is one of the killer diseases that causes numerous death all around the world. In 2019, the outbreak of COVID-19 has increased the number of pneumonia patients tremendously. With the increasing number of patients, the clinical and medical facilities have become insufficient. The lack of doctors and radiologists to diagnose pneumonia has caused a high number of patients to be misdiagnosed. Chest image is one of the most effective methods to diagnose this disease, however, examining the X-ray or CT images requires specialists such as radiologists. Meanwhile, examining chest CT or X-ray images might be subjective as the presence of pneumonia can be unclear in the images. The main objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of recent advancement in the diagnosis of pneumonia with deep learning, including state-of-art methodology, datasets, discussion, challenges, and future improvements.
Design and Development of Automated Solar Grass Trimmer with Charge Control Circuit
Authors: Thangavel Bhuvaneswari , Venugopal Chitra , Immanuel Sarah , Raja Joseph Emerson , Chua Wei Chern
Published: May 2024

The focus of this paper is the design and development of an automatic solar grass trimmer prototype, emphasizing high operational efficiency with renewable energy as the primary power source. This solar-based device not only contributes to reduced air pollution but also aligns with environmental sustainability objectives. The prototype features a charge control circuit and is powered by a rechargeable 12V battery. To address low battery levels, a solar panel is employed for automatic recharging. A DC-DC buck converter is integrated to step down the higher voltage from the solar panel to match the battery requirements. Safety features, such as a current limiter and overcharge protection circuits, have been incorporated into the design. The paper provides a detailed discussion on the conceptual design of the solar grass trimmer, including the placement of sensors and motors. Additionally, the cutting motor force analysis and total weight calculation of the prototype are presented.The solar charge control circuit, along with details on the current limiter and overcharge protection circuit, is thoroughly explored. Successful development of the prototype is reported, and the battery charging circuits are analyzed using a Bench PSU and solar panel. The paper includes plots of voltage, current, and power generated by the solar panel under various weather conditions. A comparison between Bench PSU and solar panel power is also provided. This research contributes to the advancement of automated solar-powered devices, offering sustainable solutions for environmentally friendly grass trimming.
Performance Improvement Scheme of NIDS Through Optimized Intrusion Pattern Database
Authors: Amjad Nouman , Mumtaz Anam , Abbas Sara , Hayat Umar
Published: May 2024

Network-based intrusion detection systems (NIDS) are perceptively distributed devices within computer networks. They aim to examine traffic passing through the network on which they are installed passively. The database is the most vital part of network intrusion detection systems, as all the data converted information from the NIDS needs to be saved in a patterned structured manner. Understanding the usability of several available types of databases like central databases, Distributed databases, operational databases, etc., it is on the developer’s end to choose the most comprehensive one. Data transformation and performance speed are essential features that a stable database can handle. In this paper, we have analyzed the performance of multiple databases to find out the proficient way that favors NIDS optimization.
Lausamennskutilskipunin 1783: Tilurð og texti
Authors: Jónsson Már
Published: May 2024

Greinin er framlag til rannsókna á vinnulöggjöf á Íslandi. Með tilskipun konungs um lausamenn frá 19. febrúar 1783 var afnumin sú heimild húsagatilskipunar frá 1746 að einstaklingar sem ættu tiltekna lágmarkseign gætu unnið fyrir sér án þess að vera vistráðnir hjá bændum. Reyndar var enn gert ráð fyrir því að hægt væri, gegn ströngum skilmálum, að fá tímabundið leyfi hjá sýslumönnum til að vera í lausamennsku, einkum við sjávarsíðuna. Í greininni er rakin umræða embættismanna um þetta málefni á áttunda áratug 18. aldar og grafist fyrir um það hvernig tilskipunin sjálf varð til í samhengi við aðra löggjöf sem laut að því að hafa hemil á íslenskri alþýðu. Í viðauka eru gefnir út lykiltextar, þar á meðal tilskipunin sjálf á dönsku og í tveimur samtíðarþýðingum á íslensku. Ljóst má vera að löglegir lausamenn voru sárafáir, bæði áður en tilskipunin tók gildi og næstu áratugina, en þeim mun fleiri voru þeir einstaklingar, einkum karlar, sem vildu vera lausir en máttu það ekki samkvæmt lögum. Yfirvöld gerðu hvað þau gátu til að hemja slík tilþrif en höfðu sjaldnast erindi sem erfiði. Helsta niðurstaða greinarinnar er að lausamennskutilskipunin 1783 hafi litlu breytt á vinnumarkaði og að áhrif hennar á atvinnuhætti landsmanna og efnahag landsins hafi verið ofmetin.
Hvernig undirbúa táknmálstúlkar sig fyrir túlkaverkefni?
Authors: Þóroddsdóttir Hólmfríður
Published: May 2024

Greinin sem hér birtist fjallar um táknmálstúlkun og áhrif undirbúnings á gæði táknmálstúlkunar. Sérstaklega er fjallað um hvernig táknmálstúlkar undirbúa sig fyrir verkefni sín og hvað þeir telja sig þurfa að undirbúa öðru fremur. Þátttakendur í rannsókninni voru starfandi táknmálstúlkar á Íslandi. Rannsóknin var unnin með blönduðum rannsóknaraðferðum, þar sem nýtt voru viðtöl, þátttökuathuganir og spurningakönnun, auk þess sem hluti þátttakenda tók þátt í sérhönnuðu túlkunarprófi. Prófið var framkvæmt til að ná fram tölfræðilegum upplýsingum um áhrif undirbúnings á táknmálstúlkun og fá túlkana sjálfa til að lýsa undirbúningi sínum og greina þætti sem mikilvægt er að undirbúa fyrir túlkun.

Niðurstöður rannsóknarinnar varpa ljósi á að undirbúningur bæði eykur skilning túlkanna á umræðuefninu sem túlka á og auðveldar þeim framsetningu túlkunarinnar. Fjallað er almennt um undirbúning táknmálstúlka, en einnig er farið nánar í gegnum nokkur atriði sem þátttakendur segja að þurfi að hafa í huga við undirbúninginn, það er málfræðileg atriði, umræðuefni, sérstök málsnið, raddtúlkun og aðstæður. Undirbúningur gefur túlkunum tækifæri til að auka skilning sinn á því sem rætt verður um og takast á við vandamál sem upp geta komið í framsetningu túlkunarinnar. Hann varnar því einnig að þeir dragist aftur úr í túlkun sinni eða að eitthvað komi þeim á óvart. Þetta léttir á hugrænu álagi túlkanna þegar í túlkunaraðstæðurnar er komið, sem leiðir til betri túlkunar.
بناء نموذج للمسار الحركي للثقل في قسم الرفع الى الصدر
Authors: Assis Teacher . Sarbast Nasser Ahmed  , Prof. Dr. Wadih Yassin Al-Takriti
Published: May 2024

الملخص
يهدف البحث للتعرف على قيم بعض المتغيرات الكينماتيكية للمسافة الاعتيادية والمسافة الواسعة بين القبضتين في قسم الرفع الى الصدر للرباعين المتقدمين. وبناء نموذج للمسار الحركي للثقل في قسم الرفع الى الصدر للمسافة الاعتيادية والمسافة الواسعة بين القبضتين في قسم الرفع الى الصدر للرباعين المتقدمين.
وافترض الباحثان وجود تباين في شكل المسار الحركي لقسم الرفع الى الصدر بين المسافة الاعتيادية والمسافة الواسعة بين القبضتين (المركز) في قسم الرفع الى الصدر للرباعين المتقدمين يتقارب النموذج الحركي لمسار الثقل في قسم الرفع الى الصدر مع النماذج العالمية للرباعين المتقدمين
واستخدم الباحثان المنهج الوصفي بالأسلوبين التحليلي والمقارن لملاءمتهما لطبيعة البحث.
وتكونت عينة البحث من الرباعين المتقدمين وبلغ عددهم (5) رباعين تم اختيارهم عمدياً من بين رباعي محافظة نينوى المتقدمين. واستخدم الباحثان القياس والاختبار والاستبيان والملاحظة العلمية التقنية وتم تحقيقها بثلاث آلات تصوير فيديوية سرعة (240 صورة/ ثانية) نوع AKASO v50 elite)) وضعت على ارتفاع (97) سنتمتر وعلى بعد (316) سنتمتر في الجهتين اليمنى واليسرى والأمام.
Hopes and concerns about ChatGPT
Authors:   Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, Zmeskov Andrey I. , Telitsyna Alexandra Y. ,   Higher School of Economics University
Published: May 2024

The authors generalize the benefits of ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), i.e. the higher performance in processing big data arrays, generation of personalized and relevant recommendations, reduced costs for essential resources. At the same time, the widespread concerns about promotion of ChatGPT are discussed, e.g. human views manipulations, misinformation, decrease of employment in several sectors of economy, and weakening human communications. The authors emphasize that the professionals are concerned about the negative consequences and potential ChatGPT misuse; they suggest how to prevent negative outcomes, in particular, to introduce government control of AI-systems development and application. The study is accomplished under the Government Order to RNPLS&T for 2023 No, 075-01235-23-00 of December 29, 2022, Unified State Information Control System (USICS) 1021062311368-2-5.8.3, USICS Theme: «1021062311368-2-5.8.3 Developing e-librarianship as a scientific and academic discipline in the circumstances of transforming library collections, reference, bibliographic and document services in digital environment (FNEG-2022-0004)» and within the Fundamental Studies Program of the Higher School of Economics University.
The Rosatom’s e-library of sci-tech information: Vectors of development in the modern context
Authors:   Russian Federal Nuclear Center – All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics, Ignatova Natalya V. , Rodionova Raisa L. ,   Russian Federal Nuclear Center – All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics, Ksionda Elena N. ,   Russian Federal Nuclear Center – All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics
Published: May 2024

The e-library of Rosatom State Corporation is one of the key industry’s information resources. It was established over 10 years ago. The library tasks are to acquire, systematize, preserve and disseminate demanded industrial civil sci-tech information. The library’s collection comprises over 50,000 industrial documents and about 380,000 external related documents. This resource is to support information analytical activities of organizations within the industry. The Department of sci-tech program and projects supervises the sci-tech library; and the State Corporation Russian Federal Nuclear Center – All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics administers the library.
The library «art» and competences of modern librarians: Do the libraries need reputation management?
Authors:   Vladimir Regional College of Culture and Arts, Rassadina Marina I.
Published: May 2024

The author discusses the staffing crisis caused by low image of the library profession as one of the main challenges of modern libraries. The profession is not popular with the young people, which threatens the future of the libraries and library profession. The reasons for such negative attitude are explored. The need for reputation management to form and communicate attractive library image and library profession is substantiated.
IRBIS64 for collection preservation: The experience of the Russian Academy of Sciences Library
Authors:   Russian Academy of Sciences Library, Belinskaya Maria A. , Pankova Inna G. ,   Russian Academy of Sciences Library, Skvortsova Olga V. ,   Russian Academy of Sciences Library, Romanova Yulia A. ,   Russian Academy of Sciences Library, Tileva Ekaterina A. ,   Russian Academy of Sciences Library, Tseveleva Irina V. ,   Russian Academy of Sciences Library
Published: May 2024

The authors discuss acquisition and use of all types of preservation factographic databases built with IRBIS64 to support collection preservation. In particular, they focus on acquiring the data for the database on microclimate and its user-friendly graphic format, and application of IRBIS64 mathematical functionality for data analysis. The paper is prepared under the Government Order to the Library of Academy of Sciences No. 1021051703475-8-2.2.3 for 2022–2024.
Species Distribution and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida spp among Superficial Candidiasis in Outpatients at RMCH
Authors: Nodi Sumona Raisa , Rahman Md Mizanur , Alam Md Shah , Nahar Sabera Gul , Haque Quazi Tamanna , Siam Sifat E , Aktar Roni Md Shahin
Published: May 2024

Background: The increase in the incidence of fungal infections, especially those caused by Candida albicans and non albicans Candida species, necessitates the understanding and treatment of Candida-associated infection. Due to frequent use of antifungal drugs, a shift is observed towards non-albicans Candida species and change in the pattern of susceptibility of antifungal drugs. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the Candida species from different superficial candidial infections in adult patients and to observe their antifungal susceptibility patterns.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was performed over a period of one year in at tertiary care hospital that involved 180 patients. The candidial species were isolated, their antifungal susceptibility patterns were determined from vaginal swab, oral swab and skin appendages.
Results: Commonest age group involved was of 30-39 years age (30%, 54/180). Among 67 culture positive samples,C. albicans was the most common isolates and found in 39/67(58.21%) cases.  Non-candidal species likeC. tropicalis and C. kruseiwere isolated in16/67(23.88%), 09/67 (13.43%)cases respectively. Caspofungin was found to be the most sensitive and fluconazole was found to be the least sensitive antifungal drugs. Non-albicansCandida species showed more antifungal resistance than C. albicans.
Conclusions: Candida albicans were predominant isolated from the superficial candidial infection but C. tropicalis was the most frequently isolated among non albicans species. They showed a wide range of susceptibility towards different antifungal agents and fluconazole was found to be less sensitive drugs.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 93-100
Comparison on Blood Pressure Among Physicians in Relation to Shift Work and Duration of Employment
Authors: Nasrin Ayesha , Ria Nazia Nusrat , Munna Momena Khatun , Akhter Shahnaz , Khatun Fatema
Published: May 2024

Background: Shift work has been found to be associated with various health problems that not only affect workers but also economic and industrial sectors of a country. Disturbance of workers’ normal social or biological diurnal rhythms, or both, cause health problems of shift workers.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare blood pressure between shift and non-shift physicians.
Methods: This cross-sectional type of comparative study was carried out in the Department of Physiology in Rajshahi Medical College over a period of 12 months from January 2022 to December 2022 among physicians of Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital aged 25-35 years. Approval from the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) was obtained prior to the commencement of the study and the sampling technique was purposive. Pre-designed, validated, structured questionnaire was used to gather information from 230 physicians in Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital.
Results: The mean age of the shift physicians was 30.36 ± 3.13 years and the non-shift physicians was 29.10 ± 3.17 years. Shift physicians were more likely to be overweight (75.70%) than the non-shift physicians (50.40%) with mean BMI of shift physicians was 26.75 ± 1.10 kg/m2 and non-shift physicians was 25.34 ± 2.31 kg/m2. The mean duration shift work of the physicians was 4.91 ± 2.38 years. Among shift physicians 26.10% were hypertensive, 14.80% were pre-hypertensive and among non-shift physicians 10.40% were hypertensive, 9.60% were pre-hypertensive and there was statistically highly significant relationship between duration of shift work and status of blood pressure of the shift physicians. The mean SBP and DBP in shift physician group were also higher than the non-shift physician group and both of them were statistically significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 for SBP and DBP, respectively).
Conclusion: Shift work is associated with greater risk of hypertension in shift physicians in comparison to non-shift physicians. As shift work practice is common in industrialized countries as well as in developing countries, interventions to minimize such risk among physicians need to be introduced.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 171-178
Assessment the Ability of Free/Total Ratio of Serum PSA in Diagnosing Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Islam Md Azizul , Islam S M Shahinul , Haque Md Jawadul , Hossain Md Mokter
Published: May 2024

Background: The Prostate gland is the male secondary sexual organ most commonly affected by benign or malignant neoplasm. Prostate cancer (Ca-P) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men and is now the third commonest cause of cancer death in western countries.The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of serum prostate-specific antigen levels in differentiating prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Methods:The present study is a cross-sectional observational study.The study was conducted at the outpatient department and indoor patients at the department of Urology, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), Rajshahi, and different private clinic in Rajshahi City during the period from July 2019 to June 2020.The study population included male patients above 50 years of age, who attended in the department of Urology, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), Rajshahi, and different private clinic in Rajshahi City complaining of irritative or obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suspected as clinically prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPHStatistical analysis of the results was obtained by using window-based computer software devised with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-24).
Results: The age distribution of the prostatic carcinoma and BPH patients. Prostatic carcinoma was observed to be significantly higher from 80 years onwards, while BPH was common between 60 - 80 years (p = 0.00001). Table 10shows the validity or accuracy of the free/total ratio of serum PSA as a diagnostic test in differentiating prostatic carcinoma from BPH in patientswith total PSA levels between 4-10ng/ml. The percentage of false positives was significantly higher when total PSA ratio was used to diagnose the disease compared to when free to total PSA was used as a diagnostic tool (p<0.000001). The overall accuracy of total PSA was also significantly lower (61.45%) than that of free/total PSA (91.67%) (p< 0.011526).
Conclusion: Free and total prostate specific antigen (PSA) is increased significantly in carcinoma prostate than benign prostatic hyperplasia but free/total ratio of serum prostate- specific antigen level significantly decreases in prostatic carcinoma than benign prostatic hyperplasia.
TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 215-230
Mild Cognitive Impairment and Astrocytic Influences Affecting Network Communication
Authors:   Mind and Brain Institute, University of Navarra Medical School, Spain, Larrivee Denis
Published: May 2024

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is generally understood to mean an age-related impairment in cognition beyond that normally observed in the elderly, where amnestic refers to a loss of the ability to recall stored information. The significance of this classification has traditionally rested on a presumptive clinical indication of dementia, based on a documented 5% to 10% annual rate of progression to dementia, a rate much higher than the 1% to 2% incidence observed within the general population. Because recollection mechanisms have been shown to center on the hippocampal cortical network (HCN), amnestic MCI is likely to entail an interruption of this network. Accumulating evidence indicates that a crucial cellular element regulating information flow in the HCN is the astrocyte. By extension, astrocytic mechanisms involved in regulating information flow within the HCN are likely to be disrupted in MCI. Consistent with this, astrocyte influence in memory networks is multimodally affected in MCI and AD patients, with impairments seen, for example, in interregional oscillatory coupling. Astrocyte pathologies thus appear to drive clinically relevant phenotypes of MCI and could represent novel and significant therapeutic targets for MCI treatment. Understanding the mechanisms astrocytes employ to enable communication within the HCN may not only advance our understanding of how and which processes are likely to go awry in MCI, but how they may be treated to arrest the loss of this most iconic MCI symptom.
The Long Shadow of Structural Marxism in International Relations: Historicising Colonial Strategies in the Americas
Authors: Parris Samuel , Van Rankin Armando
Published: May 2024

Over the past decades, Marxist-inspired approaches from the field of International Historical Sociology (IHS) have theorised the relationship between 16th and 17th Century European colonial expansion and the development of relations of production and economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic. In this article, we argue that such attempts – from Dependency Theory (DT), World-Systems Theory (WST), and Uneven and Combined Development (UCD) – are premised on a structuralist perspective which overextend the notion of capitalism and under examine the sphere of production, rendering divergent and distinct strategies of European colonialism a homogenous and under-historicised process. Embracing theoretical innovations from Geopolitical Marxism (GPM), we dispute this unitary logic of expansion, instead applying a radical historicist methodology to demonstrate that British and Spanish colonial strategies in the Americas (intra-imperial free trade vs. mercantilism) were shaped by nationally specific class relations (capitalism vs. feudalism/absolutism), generating unique patterns of settlement on the ground (mineral extraction vs. cash-crop production). Promoting historicism thus allows Marxist International Relations to better recognise the “making of” international order during the period of European colonial expansion from the 16th century onwards, and, in doing so, further understand its enduring legacies.
Studi Anotasi Putusan Pengadilan Agama yang Menolak Gugatan Pembatalan Hibah karena Mengandung Kontra Prestasi
Authors: Purwantini Jeane Mamonto Iip
Published: May 2024

Pengadilan Agama Tutuyan dalam putusan sela telah menyatakan berwenang memeriksa perkara hibah, namun dalam amar putusan akhir menolak gugatan hibah dengan alasan peralihan tanah yang disengketakan bukan perbuatan untuk hibah karena mengandung kontra prestasi atau pengharapan imbalan dari pemberi hibah. Permasalahan ini muncul dalam putusan Pengadilan Agama Tutuyan Nomor 14/Pdt.G/2022/PA.TTY. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis   penerapan hukum putusan Pengadilan Agama Tutuyan dalam merumuskan dan menentukan kualifikasi perjanjian peralihan tanah yang disengketakan. Persoalan ini akan dibahas dengan menggunakan pendekatan yuridis normatif yaitu pendekatan peraturan perundang-undangan dan pendekatan yuridis empiris atau pendekatan studi kasus. Hasil penelitian menunjukan ratio decidendi putusan Pengadilan Agama Tutuyan yang menyimpulkan peristiwa peralihan tanah tersebut bukan hibah, merupakan pertimbangan hukum yang keliru menerapkan hukum.
Representasi substantif Organisasi PEREMPUAN AMAN di Sumatera Utara dan Nusa Tenggara Timur
Authors: Sari Dian Ratna , Iman Subono Nur , Hastuti Dewi Kurniawati
Published: May 2024

This article analyzes substantive representation of PEREMPUAN AMAN organization. This paper fills the gap as the existing research only analyzes women's organizations at the level of descriptive representation. By exploring substantive representation of PEREMPUAN AMAN, this paper reveal contribution of PEREMPUAN AMAN in increasing the capacity of indigenous women in their organizing area. The qualitative approach and feminist research methodology used in this study to capture the experiences of indigenous women members of the PEREMPUAN AMAN Community Daily Management (PHKom) Menteng, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra and Community Daily Management (PHKom) Kompetar, Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara. These two locations were chosen to represent the 3T (Outermost, Frontier, Disadvantaged) region. The finding shows that PEREMPUAN AMAN has succeeded in bringing their organization to the level of substantive representation. The substantial work carried out by PEREMPUAN AMAN in the organizing area of ​​PHKom Menteng and PHKom Kompetar has succeeded in increasing the capacity of indigenous women individually and collectively: 1) indigenous women learn to organize themselves to fight for their rights, 2) indigenous women braved to voice their opinions during the lobbying process with the Local House of Representative and the regent, 3) indigenous women eager to run as candidates for legislative members, hamlet heads and Village Consultative Bodies (BPD), despite encountering obstacles, and 4) indigenous women became the driving force of their community by conducting various social works.
Analisis Sinergi Penguasa dan Pengusaha dalam Kasus Korupsi Banten
Authors: Efriza Efriza
Published: May 2024

The article describes a book review of Amalia Syauket's work entitled Octopussy: The Synergy of Rulers and Entrepreneurs on the Typology of Corruption Octopus in Banten. Along with the growth and development of Banten as a province, it is intertwined with the reality of the Political Dynasty. Especially what happened in Banten, the Octopussy type Political Dynasty with the existence of synergy between rulers and Entrepreneurs in forming a dynasty. The prestige of the Political Dynasty, which was originally expected to end due to Ratu Atut as the Ruler of the Clan being imprisoned due to a bribery case in the regional head election dispute in Lebak, turned out to be that the authority of the Political Dynasty decreased for a moment. Ratu Atut's family returned to power in Banten after their son Andika Harzumy was elected deputy governor of Banten. The glory of the Political Dynasty in Banten which was built by design will allegedly remain strong with the presence of two potential candidates from the Ratu Atut Family namely Andika Harzumy and Airin Rachmi Diany as candidates for governor of Banten. The glory of the Political Dynasty was intertwined with corruption and also caused increasing poverty in Banten.
Menjadikan Perempuan Papua Yang Berdaya (Study Analisa GESI Terhadap Perempuan Papua Sebagai Agen Perdamaian dan Kohesi Sosial)
Authors: Anil Dawan  , Mega Larasati Andina
Published: May 2024

This article aims to describe the results of the GESI analysis. The method used is the GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) assessment. From the results of the GESI analysis it was found that the role of Papuan women in religious activities was quite high, both in routine religious meetings and involvement in planning religious activity programs and peace education. However, from 4 (four types of involvement) it was found that women's role was only in the "listening position". These results prove that there is an imbalance of systemic decision-making power in society. Thus, capacity building for Papuan women and religious, customary, community and government institutions is needed so that women's roles can be maximized in peace and social cohesion.
Analisis Kapasitas dan Kerentanan Perempuan Pekerja Rumput Laut Perbatasan Selama Krisis Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Tsania Zulfa Miladiyatu , Widaningrum Ambar
Published: May 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic crisis places women in a vulnerable position. Female seaweed workers or mabbetang at Pantai Indah Pulau Sebatik are one of the groups that were affected by it. Sebatik Island, as part of the Indonesia-Malaysia border, has sea potential, mainly seaweed cultivation. This study aims to discuss the capacities and vulnerabilities of mabbetang at the Indonesian border in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. The research method uses descriptive qualitative using capacity and vulnerability analysis framework/CVA. Primary data collection was obtained through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and observations with mabbetang, as well as secondary data through literature reviews. The results of the study show that mabbetang have vulnerabilities and capacities (physical, social, and motivational aspects) in carrying out activities, especially during times of crisis. The vulnerabilities faced include limited access to health, infrastructure, capital, and double burdens. However, mabbetang women also have capacities including the strength of kinship social relations, emergency savings, and work flexibility. The research uses the help of NVivo software with project map visualization to produce strategic implications for capacity building and reducing vulnerability which is expected to contribute to policymakers in taking policy steps to empower women and seaweed cultivation on the Indonesian border coast.
Analisis Budaya Patriarki dalam Partisipasi Politik Perempuan: Studi Kasus Pemilihan Kepala Daerah Tahun 2005-2020 di Kota Depok
Authors: Putri Astuti Diza , Ariel Azfar Hadi Muhammad , Finka Simangunsong Sarah
Published: May 2024

Patriarchal culture creates gender stereotypes, limited access to political networks, and a social stigma for women who want to be involved in political activities. The gender gap is also evident in political representation where women hold a smaller percentage of political positions than men. The city of Depok, as a buffer zone for the capital city, is still thick with this culture, as evidenced by the minimal participation of women in regional elections from year to year. This study will analyze the obstacles to women's political participation in Indonesia caused by patriarchal culture. The case study used is the 2005-2020 Pilkada in Depok City. This research is a qualitative - explanatory research using observation and literature studies to find a deeper understanding of the problems being faced. This study uses three main theories, namely the theory of patriarchy, political participation, and gender stereotypes. From the data that has been analyzed, the main cause of the low political participation of women in the Pilkada in Depok City from 2005-2020 is the strong patriarchal culture. Several factors cause the patriarchal culture to continue to develop in Depok City, namely gender stereotypes, low political education, double burden, and weak political party support for women during elections. This study recommends policy interventions in efforts to increase the level of education for women such as increasing women's representation in political parties, increasing the level of education for women, and empowering women in various sectors such as entrepreneurship, health, and so on to eliminate patriarchal culture and increase women's political participation in Indonesia.
Effect of Social Work Students’ Human Values, Social Interest, and Attitudes Towards Syrians on Xenophobia
Authors: Sungur Koç Ayşegül , Küçükşen Kübra , Kırlıoğlu Mehmet
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of social work students' human values, social interest levels and attitudes towards Syrians on xenophobia. The study was carried out using the relational screening model; the sample consists of the students studying in the social work undergraduate programs of different universities across Turkey. The data collection tool employed is a survey form consisting of a personal information form, An Attitude Scale Towards Syrians, The Scale of Xenophobia, Human Values Scale and Social Interest Scale. The data obtained from the research have led to the conclusion that the students who received high scores from the Human Values Scale and Social Interest Scale had positive attitudes towards foreigners and Syrians. A statistically significant difference was found in all scales in terms of the gender variable (p
Yemek, Toplumsallık ve Dönüşüm: Tokat Mutfağı Üzerine Nitel Bir Araştırma
Authors: Bişgin Hümeyra , Gökçen Ahmet
Published: May 2024

Yemek, fizyolojik bir ihtiyaç olmakla birlikte insanlık tarihinde gündelik hayat pratiklerinde ve toplumsal ilişkilerin örgütlenmesinde önemli bir yer tutmaktadır. Bu noktada Anadolu mutfağı eşsiz bir imkân sunmaktadır. Tokat geleneksel mutfağı, bu mutfak içerisinde nevi şahsına münhasır önemli bir mutfak olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Makalenin amacı, tokat geleneksel mutfağında yemek üretiminde ritüeller, toplumsal roller ve bunların süreç içerisinde dönüşümünü ortaya koymaktır. Çalışma nitel yöntem ve yarı yapılandırılmış soru formuyla derinlemesine görüşme tekniğiyle tasarlanmış, veriler betimsel analizle yorumlanarak başlıklar halinde temalaştırılmıştır. Çalışmanın örneklemini Tokat’ta yaşayan ve geleneksel mutfağa hâkim 50 yaş üzeri 10 katılımcı oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma sonucunda Tokat geleneksel mutfağının etrafında örgütlenen rollerin ve ritüellerin önemli dönüşümler yaşadığı görülmüştür.
Nietzsche’nin Trajik Girişimi: Nihilizmi Aşma İstencinden Hiçliğin Sonsuzluğuna
Authors: Bal Mehmet
Published: May 2024

Bir anlamı olduğuna inanıldığı ölçüde yaşam katlanılabilir olmaktadır. Anlam ise varsayılmış referanslar ve idealler aracılığıyla sağlanır. Nietzsche’ye göre yaşamı anlamlı ve katlanılabilir kılan tüm idealler çökmüştür ve insan hiçliğe savrulmuştur. Tanrı’nın ölümüyle zirve noktasını gören çöküşün (decadence) sonucu nihilizmdir ve Nietzsche’ye göre aşılamadığında nihilizmin ağır bedelleri olacaktır. Bu anlamda Nietzsche felsefesi, anlamı yitirilen yaşamı yeniden anlamlı kılmaya ve böylece nihilizmi aşmaya matuf varoluşsal bir girişimdir. Nietzsche bu girişimi kapsamında sabit ve verili varlık metafiziğinin yerine oluşa dayalı bir felsefe üretir. Bu felsefede üstinsan Tanrı’nın yerine geçerek perspektivist değerler yaratırken, yaşam güç istenci temelinde bütün trajedisiyle var olur. Öte yandan yalnızca estetik bir fenomen olarak haklı kılınabilen dünya, ebedi tekerrürle içkin bir sonsuzluk kazanır. Böylece metafizik ve din yerine bir kuram olan ebedi tekerrürle nihilizmi aşma girişimi tamamlanır. Ancak bu aşma girişimi, amor fati (kaderini sev) ilkesi gereği nihilizmin trajik bir neşeyle karşılanmasını önermekten öteye geçememektedir. Bu bağlamda bu çalışmada Nietzsche’nin felsefesi, varoluşsal krizi aşma çabası olarak sorunlaştırılmakta ve bu çabanın yitirilmiş olanı ikame etmeye ve böylece varoluşsal bir teselli bulmaya dönük olduğu iddia edilmektedir.
Neorealist Analysis of Security Dilemma in Cyberspace; A Quantitative Study
Authors: Arslan Ahmet Selçuk
Published: May 2024

Could countries’ cyber security capacity-building result in the emergence of a security dilemma in cyberspace? This work seeks to answer this question by bringing a theoretical framework through a neorealist perspective. The author argues that neorealism remains a relevant theory for explaining state behaviour in cyberspace by providing a quantitative backbone to the theoretical discussions on the subject. The analysis made by deploying a negative binomial regression incorporating fixed effects on panel data suggests that as countries build more cyber security capacity, it is more likely for them to be targeted by cyber attacks. Robustness checks of the findings were subsequently performed using logistic regression with fixed effects on panel data by mutating the dependent variable into binary format, which enhanced the validity of the results computed by the negative binomial model.
Consciousness, High Probability of Afterlife, and the Evolution of the Intelligence in the Universe/s
Authors: Senarath Dayathilake Kande Lekamalaya
Published: May 2024

The enduring questions of consciousness and the possibility of an afterlife have captivated humanity for millennia. Despite extensive scientific investigation, the existence of an afterlife remains unproven, and the nature of consciousness continues to pose a significant challenge. This work introduces innovative hypotheses grounded in empirical evidence and robust theoretical foundations. Through carefully designed thought experiments, the study delves into the complexities of consciousness and its relationship with the brain, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches encompassing physics, psychology, and philosophy. Boldly contemplating the probability of continuous consciousness after death, the research presents a compelling case that existing evidence strongly supports this notion. Beyond theoretical implications, the study envisions practical outcomes, suggesting that insights into these fundamental mysteries could enhance human well-being and contribute to a more harmonious world. In summary, this article embarks on a quest to shed light on age-old questions about consciousness and the afterlife. By employing fresh methodologies, it aims to provide new perspectives that could reshape our understanding of existence and inspire positive individual and societal advancements.
Teoria histórico-cultural: breve análise histórica e dos pilares da teoria
Authors: Flauzino Victória , Sade Rossana Maria Seabra
Published: May 2024

O presente artigo discute a relevância da teoria histórico-cultural de Vygotsky no âmbito da psicologia e da educação. Contextualiza-se a importância dessa abordagem teórica para a compreensão do desenvolvimento humano, destacando suas distinções em relação a outras perspectivas teóricas. Lev S. Vygotsky é apresentado como o principal proponente da teoria histórico-cultural, resumindo-se suas contribuições para os campos da psicologia e da educação. Explora-se como essa teoria aborda a interação entre aprendizagem e desenvolvimento, enfatizando a influência do contexto sociocultural no sujeito. O texto também aborda temas como a vida e obra de Vygotsky, mediação simbólica, plasticidade cerebral e a relação entre pensamento e linguagem, discutindo conceitos e exemplos práticos. Na conclusão, recapitulam-se os principais pontos abordados e ressalta-se a relevância da teoria histórico-cultural de Vygotsky, relacionando-a aos princípios de transdisciplinaridade e autopoiese propostos por Akiko Santos. Por fim, destaca-se a importância de considerar abordagens contemporâneas e interdisciplinares na educação, como a personalização do ensino, desenvolvimento socioemocional e aplicação prática do conhecimento.
E os afetos, como ficam? Uma análise do sentir diante do Tinder
Authors: Cunha Maira Mathias da , Alves Alvaro Marcel Palomo , Costa Hilton
Published: May 2024

Considerando a presença massiva da virtualidade na contemporaneidade, indaga-se quais são as implicações na forma como os indivíduos constroem ou tem seus afetos construídos. À luz de uma perspectiva feminista, tentaremos compreender os afetos a partir das vivências de seis mulheres usuárias do aplicativo Tinder, considerando suas particularidades e atravessamentos sociais. Nesta pesquisa nos propomos a realizar uma análise psicossocial e sociológica, embasada na Psicologia Sócio-Histórica e em autores como Norbert Elias, Anselm Strauss e Erving Goffman. Os principais resultados refletem as problemáticas e os significados sociais do Tinder na vida destas mulheres, como a velocidade, o número alto de conexões (matchs), a ausência de fronteiras e a facilidade de acesso foram apontados possíveis problemas da plataforma. O Tinder está, e pretende continuar, fazendo um papel mediador da sociabilidade e das relações humanas, e concluímos que o aplicativo deve se atualizar e acompanhar as mudanças sociais da sexualidade, mantendo o seu acesso e permanência nas novas gerações.