bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and recognition of metal surface corrosion based on CBG-YOLOv5s
Authors: Fu Mingjiao , Jia Zhitong , Wu Lingzhi , Cui Zhendong
Published: April 2024

The automatic detection of the degree of surface corrosion on metal structures is of significant importance for assessing structural damage and safety. To effectively identify the corrosion status on the surface of coastal metal facilities, this study proposed a CBG-YOLOv5s model for metal surface corrosion detection, based on the YOLOv5s model. Firstly, we integrated the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) into the C3 module and developed the C3CBAM module. This module effectively enhanced the channel and spatial attention capabilities of the feature map, thereby improving the feature representation. Second, we introduced a multi-scale feature fusion concept in the feature fusion part of the model and added a small target detection layer to improve small target detection. Finally, we designed a lighter C3Ghost module, which reduced the number of parameters and the computational load of the model, thereby improving the running speed of the model. In addition, to verify the effectiveness of our method, we constructed a dataset containing 6000 typical images of metal surface corrosion and conducted extensive experiments on this dataset. The results showed that compared to the YOLOv5s model and several other commonly used object detection models, our method achieved superior performance in terms of detection accuracy and speed.
Pharmacogenomics-assisted schizophrenia management: A hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation study protocol to compare the clinical utility, cost-effectiveness, and barriers
Authors: Basu Aniruddha , Dutta Atanu Kumar , Bagepally Bhavani Shankara , Das Saibal , Cherian Jerin Jose , Roy Sudipto , Maurya Pawan Kumar , Saha Indranil , Sukumaran Deepasree , Rina Kumari , Mandal Sucharita , Sarkar Sukanto , Kalita Manoj , Bhowmik Kalyan , Saha Asim , Chakrabarti Amit
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The response to antipsychotic therapy is highly variable. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) factors play a major role in deciding the effectiveness and safety of antipsychotic drugs. A hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation research will be conducted to evaluate the clinical utility (safety and efficacy), cost-effectiveness, and facilitators and barriers in implementing PGx-assisted management compared to standard of care in patients with schizophrenia attending a tertiary care hospital in eastern India.

Methods

In part 1, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Adult patients with schizophrenia will be randomized (2: 1) to receive PGx-assisted treatment (drug and regimen selection depending on the results of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes DRD2, HTR1A, HTR2C, ABCB1, CYP2D6, CYP3A5, and CYP1A2) or the standard of care. Serum drug levels will be measured. The patients will be followed up for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint is the difference in the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Side-Effect Rating Scale score between the two arms. In part 2, the cost-effectiveness of PGx-assisted treatment will be evaluated. In part 3, the facilitators and barriers to implementing PGx-assisted treatment for schizophrenia will be explored using a qualitative design.

Expected outcome

The study findings will help in understanding whether PGx-assisted management has a clinical utility, whether it is cost-effective, and what are the facilitators and barriers to implementing it in the management of schizophrenia.

Trial registration

The study has been registered with the Clinical Trials Registry–India (CTRI/2023/08/056210).
A high density of ultra-processed food, alcohol & tobacco retail stores, and social inequalities are associated with higher mortality rates of non-communicable diseases in Mexican adults: 2005 to 2021
Authors: Garduño-Alanis Adriana , Contreras-Manzano Alejandra , Salgado Juan Carlos , Lamadrid-Figueroa Héctor , Curi-Quinto Katherine , Barquera Simón
Published: April 2024

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of mortality in Mexico. Factors contributing to NCDs-related deaths may vary across small geographic areas such as municipalities. We aimed to predict municipal-level factors associated with NCD mortality in Mexican adults from 2005 to 2021 using the small-area analysis (SSA) approach.

Methods

We gathered data on population sociodemographic, access to healthcare services, and mortality records at the municipal-level from census and public institutions from 2005 to 2021. We identified municipal predictors of NCDs mortality rates (MR) using negative binomial regression models.

Results

A total of 584,052 observations of Mexican adults were analyzed. The national expected NCDs MR per 100,000 inhabitants was 210.7 (95%CI: 196.1–226.7) in 2005 and increased to 322.4 (95%CI: 300.3–346.4) by 2021. Predictors of NCDs mortality (quintile 5 vs. quintile 1) included; indigeneity (IRR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.12–1.19), poverty (IRR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.13–1.15), affiliation with Mexican Social Security Institute (IRR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.09–1.14), households with television (IRR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.11–1.17), and high density of ultra-processed food, alcohol & tobacco retail stores (IRR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.13–1.17). The greatest increases in MR were observed in municipalities from Oaxaca (>200% increments).

Conclusion

There was an overall increase in NCDs MR from 2005 to 2021, with a significant geographic variation among Mexican municipalities. The results of this study highlight the importance of identifying priority areas in the country that urgently require public policies focused on local factors associated with deaths from NCDs, such as the regulation of the ultra-processed food, alcohol & tobacco retail stores, and efforts to reduce social inequalities.
Single point motion kinematics convey emotional signals in children and adults
Authors: Roberti Elisa , Turati Chiara , Actis-Grosso Rossana
Published: April 2024

This study investigates whether humans recognize different emotions conveyed only by the kinematics of a single moving geometrical shape and how this competence unfolds during development, from childhood to adulthood. To this aim, animations in which a shape moved according to happy, fearful, or neutral cartoons were shown, in a forced-choice paradigm, to 7- and 10-year-old children and adults. Accuracy and response times were recorded, and the movement of the mouse while the participants selected a response was tracked. Results showed that 10-year-old children and adults recognize happiness and fear when conveyed solely by different kinematics, with an advantage for fearful stimuli. Fearful stimuli were also accurately identified at 7-year-olds, together with neutral stimuli, while, at this age, the accuracy for happiness was not significantly different than chance. Overall, results demonstrates that emotions can be identified by a single point motion alone during both childhood and adulthood. Moreover, motion contributes in various measures to the comprehension of emotions, with fear recognized earlier in development and more readily even later on, when all emotions are accurately labeled.
Do their reputations precede them? Stock market reaction to changes in corporate reputation in the context of sector and market maturity
Authors: Blajer-Gołębiewska Anna , Nowak Sabina
Published: April 2024

Our study extends the existing literature by examining whether the stock market’s maturity and the sector in which a company operates affect the relationship between an improvement in its corporate reputation and its stock returns. This event-study research is based on data from developed and emerging stock markets: the NYSE (US) and the WSE (Poland). The improvement in corporate reputation is proxied by its inclusion in a reputational index. We analysed inclusions in the RESPECT Index and WIG-ESG in Poland from 2009 to 2023. Then we compared the effects of inclusions on stock prices in the Polish market and the US market, in which the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) was applied. Our findings suggest that in the emerging Polish market, significant reaction to inclusion in the index persists even when the sectoral circumstances are considered. Contrarily, in the developed US market, the strong positive effect of inclusion disappears in the sectoral context. Hence, significant returns may not be driven by the inclusion in a reputational index but rather result from other events that affect the particular sector.
Using the family resemblance approach to inform STEAM education
Authors: Erduran Sibel , Cheung Kason Ka Ching
Published: April 2024

In this article, we use the family resemblance approach as a framework to contribute to the debate about the similarities and differences between the constituent disciplines of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and to explore the implications for education. The family resemblance approach has been used in science education in various ways, for instance, in teacher education and undergraduate teaching and as an analytical tool for examining science curricula and assessments. The relevant sense of application of the family resemblance approach for our purposes in this article is that it is a framework that has the potential to differentiate the disciplines underpinning STEAM. We explore the utility of the family resemblance approach for clarifying what is meant by the nature of STEAM and, subsequently, we elaborate on some practical examples drawn from a project conducted in Hong Kong with Year 7 (12–13-year-old) students to illustrate how the use of the family resemblance approach can help articulate a contrast of nature of science and the arts in school activities.
ÍNDICE DE POBREZA MULTIDIMENSIONAL: UM INDICADOR PARA CIDADES INTELIGENTES
Authors: Gottardi Lorenzo , Pellini Alessandra Cristina Guedes
Published: April 2024

O conceito de cidades inteligentes tem evoluído para incluir o envolvimento cidadão e o debate democrático como elementos centrais. Além disso, o primeiro dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS 1) da Organização das Nações Unidas é a erradicação da pobreza em todas as suas formas. Entender a pobreza como um fenômeno multidimensional é essencial para compreender as privações que as pessoas enfrentam e como isso limita o desenvolvimento de suas capacidades. Assim, este trabalho apresenta a construção de um indicador de pobreza multidimensional para os municípios do estado de São Paulo. O método de Alkire-Foster (2011) foi utilizado para construir o Índice de Pobreza Multidimensional (IPM), baseado em IPMs oficiais de países latino-americanos, e a técnica de análise de componentes principais para definir os indicadores que deveriam compor o IPM estadual. O IPM resultou em 5 dimensões e 14 indicadores, revelando que 87,3% dos municípios do estado enfrentam algum tipo de privação, e 55,2% são considerados multidimensionalmente pobres, com privações acima da linha de pobreza multidimensional, estabelecida em 0,2. Ao correlacionar o IPM com o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDH-M), observou-se uma associação negativa moderada (-0,56), estatisticamente significativa, entre os dois índices. O uso do IPM na análise dos municípios paulistas contribui para a construção do conhecimento sobre pobreza e cidades inteligentes.
ANÁLISE PRELIMINAR DA RELAÇÃO ENTRE A POLUIÇÃO ATMOSFÉRICA E CASOS DE COVID-19 NA AMAZÔNIA OCIDENTAL: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NO ESTADO DE RONDÔNIA
Authors: Nascimento Francisco Ivam Castro do , Nunes Adriana Cristina da Silva , Gobo João Paulo Assis
Published: April 2024

Estudos recentes têm apontado para a associação positiva entre a Covid-19 e variáveis de poluição do ar. Entretanto, inexistem pesquisas no Brasil que tenham utilizado o conjunto de variáveis ambientais abordadas nesta pesquisa, bem como os métodos empregados de análise espacial. O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar a associação entre os poluentes monóxido de carbono (CO), dióxido de enxofre (SO2), ozônio (O3) e Dióxido de Nitrogênio (NO2) com a taxa de casos e óbitos por Covid-19 no Estado de Rondônia entre os anos de 2020 e 2021. Para isso, foi aplicado o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e o teste de regressão dos Mínimos Quadrados Ordinários (OLS). A correlação de Pearson apontou para correlação muito fraca, fraca e moderada entre a taxa de casos e óbitos por Covid-19 e as variáveis de poluição do ar com p-valor > 0,05. Os testes de Koenker (BP) e Jarque-Bera da OLS confirmaram a inexistência de associação espacial. Com isso, as evidências não indicam haver associação entre o CO, SO2, O3 e NO2 com a taxa de casos e óbitos por Covid-19 em Rondônia no período analisado.
Registro Automático de Nuvens de Pontos 3D e Refinamento Global de Poses – Contribuições para o Mapeamento e Localização Simultâneo (SLAM)
Authors: Benevides Rubens Antonio Leite , Santos Daniel Rodrigues dos , Pavan Nadisson Luis
Published: April 2024

O registro de nuvens de pontos 3D e o refinamento global de poses são dois problemas fundamentais ao realizar o Mapeamento e Localização Simultâneos (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping - SLAM) com sensores LIDAR. O registro de nuvens consiste em encontrar transformações de coordenadas que sobrepõem localmente pares de nuvens de pontos, chamadas poses relativas. Para referenciar várias nuvens em uma origem global, várias poses relativas precisam ser compostas multiplicativamente em poses absolutas ao longo da trajetória do sensor, como as poses relativas nunca estão isentas de erros, um problema ainda mais geral surge, a deriva (drift) da trajetória do sensor. Para tratar este problema se utilizam Modelos de Refinamento Global (MRG), que refinam simultaneamente todas as poses de uma trajetória. Neste contexto, propõe-se aqui duas contribuições, a primeira, é um método de registro de pares de nuvens de pontos que integra o Fast Global Registration (FGR) e o Generalized Iterative Closest Point (GICP) em uma abordagem multicaminho e em multiescala. Para isto, cada nuvem de um dataset é registrada nas 3 posteriores, criando um grafo de poses, e cada par é sucessivamente registrado em abordagem coarse-to-fine. A segunda contribuição, se trata de um MRG linear e fechado capaz de refinar todas as poses de um circuito, sem necessidade de iterações ou definição de parâmetros. Para isto, as rotações das poses são mapeadas em quatérnios e interpoladas por meio da técnica Spherical Linear Interpolation (SLERP). Em seguida outra otimização linear baseada no modelo LUM-3D é aplicada. A combinação dos modelos foi testada em dois datasets distintos, um com sete nuvens de pontos obtidas por Laser Scanner Terrestre (LST) e outro com 901 nuvens obtidas por Laser Scaner Móvel (LSM). Em ambos, os modelos foram capazes de reconstruir totalmente os datasets e reduzir significativamente os erros de registro e deriva.
Correção de desalinhamento dos incisivos centrais, usando restaurações estéticas e funcionais em cerâmica: relato de caso clínico
Authors: Albino Luis Gustavo Barrote , Chaves Eduardo Trota , Lima Verônica Pereira , Lima Giana da Silveira
Published: April 2024

Introdução: Uma situação desafiadora na prática odontológica é alcançar resultados estéticos ótimos para dentes que apresentam alterações de posição. Embora o tratamento ortodôntico seja a primeira opção para a correção de dentes mal posicionados, em alguns casos, fatores como a falta de tempo ou a objeção do paciente podem levar à recusa dessa opção de tratamento. Relato do caso: O presente relato clínico descreve o tratamento realizado para corrigir a inclinação vestibular de um incisivo central superior e estabelecer sua dominância, utilizando restauração cerâmica do tipo feldspática. Resultados: O tratamento atendeu às expectativas estéticas da paciente para seu sorriso, e o caso foi considerado bem-sucedido. Conclusão: Esse caso destaca como o tratamento restaurador pode, efetivamente, resolver situações de desalinhamento dentário.
Quais fatores podem influenciar a profundidade de polimerização dos materiais resinosos?
Authors: Shimokawa Carlos Alberto Kenji , Giannini Marcelo
Published: April 2024

Uma das maiores preocupações relacionadas com a fotoativação de materiais resinosos é a sua profundidade de polimerização, ou de cura. Restaurações devem ser uniformemente polimerizadas para que tenham comportamentos mecânico e biológico adequados. Assim, os cirurgiões-dentistas devem conhecer os fatores que podem influenciar a profundidade de polimerização dos materiais resinosos para que possam utilizá-los de maneira adequada.
Passo a passo de uma abordagem conservadora para reabilitação estética e funcional de boca completa: relato de caso
Authors: Vieira Oswaldo Fontana
Published: April 2024

Introdução: O tratamento ortodôntico para a correção da má oclusão antes da reabilitação dentária pode não ser uma opção para alguns pacientes adultos que desejam melhorar sua estética dentária. Objetivo: O presente artigo descreve o passo a passo da reabilitação de boca completa de um paciente cuja primeira preocupação era a aparência de seu sorriso, mas que também apresentava uma mordida profunda esquelética, com desgaste dentário acentuado, devido à má oclusão e ao bruxismo. Descrição do caso: O planejamento foi realizado usando o Digital Smile Design (DSD). Os procedimentos envolveram cirurgia de alongamento da coroa clínica dos dentes superiores, seguida pela provisionalização e restauração de todos os dentes com facetas laminadas de porcelana individuais na mandíbula e coroas cerâmicas na maxila. A restauração foi realizada em etapas, seguindo uma lógica análoga à erupção dos dentes naturais, para fornecer referência e orientação para as etapas subsequentes, estabelecer uma nova dimensão vertical de oclusão, corrigir a má oclusão e melhorar a estética dentária. Resultados: O tratamento resultou em uma restauração esteticamente agradável, com função mastigatória muito melhorada. Dois anos após a conclusão de sua reabilitação, o paciente não relatou dor ou problemas funcionais, demonstrando estar totalmente satisfeito com o resultado estético de seu tratamento. Conclusões: O uso de materiais cerâmicos modernos, como coroas de cerâmica e facetas laminadas de porcelana cimentadas sobre dentes minimamente preparados, pode ser considerado uma alternativa confiável e duradoura em casos selecionados.
Transforming Courses Across Teaching Modalities in Higher Education
Authors: Bernauer James A. , Fuller Richard G. , Cassels Alicia M.
Published: April 2024

This article explores the transformation of courses among online, traditional, and hybrid modalities with a special focus on transforming an online course into a traditional classroom format. While there has been much written about transforming courses from traditional to online, especially as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has not been much written about the reverse kind of transformation; that is from online to traditional. We have found that you cannot simply use the same course shells and methods that were used in online instruction. This article provides both a context and specific advice regarding how to conduct a successful transformation from online to traditional modalities based on both failures and successes with successes primarily emanating by enlisting students as full partners in this transformation. The article uses three voices (instructor, student, program director) to explore the context of the problem as well as to offer direction to those who undertake such transformations. Although the course cited in this article is a doctoral course in statistical procedures, we think that the lessons learned here transcend this specific course and can be useful in most other courses whether taught face-to-face or online.
METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING THE BEARING CAPACITY OF CORROSION-DAMAGED COLUMNS UNDER SEISMIC EFFECTS
Authors: Kudryavtsev M.V. , Tamrazyan A.G.
Published: April 2024

During building and construction maintenance, corrosion of reinforced concrete bearing structures may occur due to various factors (errors at the design stage, exposure to external aggressive media, insufficient construction control, etc.). Thus, there is a need to develop certain methods of calculation of structures which take into account the effect of damage on load-bearing capacity and stability. To date, there are engineering methods for calculating corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete elements under the action of static and dynamic loads. However, there is a need to assess the bearing capacity of corrosion-damaged structures under seismic effects, both in verification calculations of existing buildings and at the design stage of buildings subject to corrosion of reinforcement due to increased aggressiveness of the environment or other negatively influencing factors. The paper discusses the developed methodology and test program for evaluating the seismic resistance of reinforced concrete columns at various levels of reinforcement damage. This test methodology is developed with the recommendations of GOST 27751. To ensure the reliability and mechanical safety of buildings and constructions, it is necessary to perform calculations using data from experimental studies of real building structures or models of construction sites and connection nodes.
LOW-CEMENT FIRECLAY CASTABLE WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
Authors: Abyzov V.A. , Leshchenko I.E.
Published: April 2024

The paper presents the results of developing low-cement fireclay concrete based on kaolin chamotte. As a result, concrete with the highest application temperature of up to 1500 °C was obtained. The use of narrow fractions of chamotte with low (less than 5%) water demand ensures the production of low-cement concrete with high rates of mobility of the concrete mixture. The research focused on the influence of the additions of sodium tripolyphosphate, reactive alumina and superplasticizers based on naphthalene and polycarboxylate on the spreadability of the concrete mixture and the basic heat-resistant properties of concrete. The use of sodium tripolyphosphate most contributes to the sintering processes of cement stone in concrete. The developed heat-resistant concrete is haracterized by high compressive strength (more than 50 MPa after the first heating to operating temperatures) and heat resistance (at least 20 water heat cycles).
R. Gaita, Sdílené lidství. Přemýšlení o lásce, pravdě a spravedlnosti
Authors: Jirsa Jakub
Published: April 2024

Book review: Raimond Gaita, Sdílené lidství. Přemýšlení o lásce, pravdě a spravedlnosti, Červený Kostelec (Pavel Mervart), transl. Jan Petříček, 2022, 248 p.
Centrum pro environmentální a technologickou etiku – Praha
Authors: Svěrák Vojtěch
Published: April 2024

Report
Pigments, phenolics, and bioactivities of various extracts from flowers of Camellia quephongensis
Authors: Ngan Nguyen Thi , Nguyen Trang
Published: April 2024

Camellia quephongensis Hakoda et Ninh, a plant species in the Theaceae family, is native to Vietnam. In this study, the effects of various solvents used for extracting Camellia quephongensis flowers on phenolic content, antioxidative, and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were assessed. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant properties were observed for the ethyl acetate extract. Catechin and epicatechin in the ethyl acetate extract showed the highest concentrations (17.23 ? 0.57 mg/g and 3.86 ? 0.42 mg/g, respectively) whereas epigallocatechin gallate had the highest concentration in methanol extract (10.66 ? 0.33 mg/g). Most of the other phenolics were also found at greater concentrations in the ethyl acetate extract in comparison to the other extracts. The results also demonstrated that ethyl acetate displayed the strongest antioxidant potential assessed by ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays. The albumin denaturation inhibition assay showed that the ethyl acetate extract had the greatest efficacy, followed by the ethanol and methanol extracts. Chlorophyll and carotenoids were found in smaller amounts compared to those in other Camellia species' leaves. These findings provide deeper insights into obtaining extracts with high levels of bioactive compounds, antioxidative potential, and anti-inflammatory effects from C. quephongensis.
Morphological interpretations of syncretism in the panorama of Greek
Authors: Marinis Michail Ι.
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the nuanced realm of case syncretism, focusing primarily on its synchronic presence in Modern Greek (dialectal variety) and on the diachronic emergence of the phenomenon, classifying the distribution of syncretic cells in the nominal inflectional system of the language. This analysis shows that syncretism has been extended over time to many nouns, no longer limited either to neuter nouns or to the cells for the Nominative and Accusative. I suggest that the distribution of syncretic cells in Greek is influenced primarily by grammatical gender, but it is also affected by the productivity of each inflectional class, which I attribute to the morphomic (in terms of Aronoff [1994]. Morphology by itself: Stems and inflectional classes, vol. 22. MIT Press.) nature of the phenomenon. I propose a decisive new factor preventing a cell from participating in syncretic patterns: inter-paradigmatic similarity of affixes appears to block syncretism. Further, I examine the factors facilitating the development and expansion of syncretic patterns.
Multi-response optimization of friction stir welding using fuzzy-grey system
Authors: Chen Yingjiao , Jean Mingder
Published: April 2024

This study reports that a fuzzy logic-based grey system using Taguchi’s method provides a reliable approach to the prediction of friction stir welding (FSW), which is capable of improving the multi-response performance of butt welds. Using the grey relational database, a fuzzy logic analysis is carried out. Analysis of variance is used to determine the effect of parameters of multi-response behaviors on butt welds. Meanwhile, multiple responses for multivariables are simultaneously optimized. The experimental results show that the fuzzy logic-based grey system using Taguchi’s design reveals the optimal settings of the parameters, which improves the whole properties by more than 28.04%, while the individual properties, such as tensile strength by 13.35%, bending strength by 1.91%, impact strength by 1.05%, and hardness by 0.26%, when compared with the best test in orthogonal arrays. Based on experimental validation tests, excellent agreement between model predictions and experimental results is shown. Notably, the intelligent method proposed is applied to butt welds, and the results of the implementation of fuzzy logic based grey system using Taguchi’s design proved its feasibility and effectiveness with respect to the improvement of the mechanical properties of FSW.
Promoting Science Communication for the Purpose of Pandemic Preparedness and Response: An Assessment of the Relevance of Pre-COVID Pandemic “early warnings”
Authors: Araujo Marcelo de , Costa Daniel de Vasconcelos
Published: April 2024

Given the abrupt global disruption caused by SARS-CoV-2, one might think that the COVID pandemic was an unpredictable event. But in the years leading up to the emergence of the COVID pandemic, several documents had already been warning of the increasing occurrences of new disease outbreaks with pandemic potential and lack of corresponding policies to promote pandemic preparedness and response. In this article, we call these documents “early warnings”. We argue that a survey of early warnings can help science communicators to promote the public understanding of evidence-based pandemic preparedness and response policies at local or international level. Our proposal differs from other approaches to pandemic preparedness and response in that it highlights the relevance of documents published before the COVID outbreak. We show that the early warnings did not become outdated after the COVID outbreak, but, rather, that they are even more pressing now.
The bilingual styles of young Puerto Rican adolescents online
Authors: Morales Lugo Katherine
Published: April 2024

This article examines the language mixing practices of Puerto Rican adolescents in various social media platforms through a framework of code-mixing and socioindexicality. Over a twelve-week period, I collected samples of online text messages from six island bilinguals of an elite community of practice (CofP) and studied the way their unique socializations in private schools and bilingual universities contributed to the ways they made sense of languages, their social meaning potentials, and uses across online interactions. Against the meaningful backdrop of colonial-dynamics of Spanish and English in Puerto Rico, the paper examines how ideologies of “nationalism” and “race” get reproduced or challenged through bilingual practice, and English takes up an equally important role for the construction of social identities in the interactions of youth. Additionally, the study discusses bilingual styles that have been enregistered as social styles specific to technological mediums of communication and youth registers, Puerto Rican netspeak, as well as emerging social styles that indicate queer gender identity, or non-binary practices. In this sense, I offer a description of the island bilingual that is dynamic, strategic, and metapragmatically conscious of the purist ideologies of Spanish in Puerto Rico, as well as the indexical potentials of appropriating variable gender forms in Spanish, bilingual language practices, and netspeak registers towards the negotiation of identities in technological interaction. The way bilinguals relate to the languages at their disposal can provide a window to impending questions on the perceived coloniality of English, potential changes in language ideologies and uses, and whether and how language policies may shift to meet current demographic attitudes and language uses of contemporary Puerto Ricans.
Objects as human bodies: cross-linguistic colexifications between words for body parts and objects
Authors: Tjuka Annika
Published: April 2024

Many languages have words that denote a human body part and an object, for example, hand, which refers to a part of a person and a watch. As of yet, there is no systematic study on the distribution of these shared names, i.e., colexifications, between two concrete semantic domains in a variety of languages. Here, I present a study that investigates colexifications between body and object concepts, i.e., body-object colexifications. By using a newly established workflow, colexifications are automatically extracted based on a seed list containing 134 body concepts and 650 object concepts. The analysis focuses on the frequency, distribution, cognitive relations, and coincidental cases of 78 body-object colexifications occurring across 396 language varieties. The results show that some body-object colexifications are widespread, but most occur in a small number of language varieties. By creating a network structure to examine individual relations and additionally comparing ratings of visual and haptic perception across concepts, the study indicates that the similarity of visual perception plays a central role in the emergence of body-object colexifications. The findings provide a first general overview of the phenomenon and offer ample opportunities for future research.
The Dagulf Psalter (Austrian National Library Cod. 1861): A Multi-Analytical Approach to Study Inks, Dyes, and Pigments of this Early Carolingian Manuscript
Authors: Jembrih-Simbürger Dubravka , Vetter Wilfried , Hofmann Christa , Aceto Maurizio , Rainer Thomas
Published: April 2024

The Dagulf Psalter is a precious Carolingian manuscript on calf parchment, dated to 793–795. Its unique and high historical value required a non-invasive, multi-analytical approach to gain insights into the material composition of gold and silver inks, pigments, and dyes used for writing and illuminations. Elemental mapping based on X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), Fibre Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS) measurements, and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) gave complementary information on colour media and their brilliant shades. Knowledge of the material composition of inks, dyes, and pigments is of crucial importance not only for art historical research, but also for the preservation of the manuscript, as it is known that among other factors, silver inks and some pigments can lead to deterioration of parchment supports. The purple dye orchil and blue indigo were used for painted backgrounds on the initial folios. Lapis lazuli was found in decorative frames on these folios. Orchil, indigo, and lapis lazuli also appear in decorations of small initials throughout the manuscript. Red lead, ochre, cinnabar, orpiment, and lead white were also found in various painted details. Gold and silver inks of high purity were identified. The proof of chlorine in the silver ink indicates the presence of corrosion products.
The smallest singular value anomaly: The reasons behind sharp anomaly
Authors: Dax Achiya
Published: April 2024

Let

A

A

be an arbitrary matrix in which the number of rows,

m

m

, is considerably larger than the number of columns,

n

n

. Let the submatrix

A

i

,

i
=
1
,

…

,
m

{A}_{i},\hspace{0.33em}i=1,\ldots ,m

, be composed from the first

i

i

rows of

A

A

, and let

β

i

{\beta }_{i}

denote the smallest singular value of

A

i

{A}_{i}

. Recently, we observed that the first part of this sequence,

β

1

,

…

,

β

n

{\beta }_{1},\ldots ,{\beta }_{n}

, is descending, while the second part,

β

n

,

…

,

β

m

{\beta }_{n},\ldots ,{\beta }_{m}

, is ascending. This property is called “the smallest singular value anomaly.” In this article, we expose another interesting feature of this sequence. It is shown that certain types of matrices possess the sharp anomaly phenomenon: First, when

i

i

is considerably smaller than

n

n

, the value of

β

i

{\beta }_{i}

decreases rather slowly. Then, as

i

i

approaches

n

n

from below, there is fast reduction in the value of

β

i

{\beta }_{i}

, making

β

n

{\beta }_{n}

much smaller than

β

1

{\beta }_{1}

. Yet, once

i

i

passes

n

n

, the situation is reversed and

β

i

{\beta }_{i}

increases rapidly. Finally, when

i

i

moves away from

n

n

, the rate of increase slows down. The article illustrates this behavior and explores its reasons. It is shown that the sharp anomaly phenomenon occurs in matrices with “scattering rows.”
Cytotoxic and apoptotic effectiveness of Cypriot honeybee (Apis mellifera cypria) venom on various cancer cells
Authors: Nalbantsoy Ayşe , Varol Ekin , Çaglar Ayşe Dila , Yücel Banu
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The bee stinger is the defense organ of honeybees. The venom sac of a worker bee is connected to its stinger, which is used as a defense mechanism, and it has a potent and complex combination of substances that is unique in the animal kingdom. Many immune-related illnesses have been successfully treated with bee venom and recent evidence on the efficacy of applications targeting malignancies has attracted considerable attention.

Methods

The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to determine the cytotoxicity of the crude venom, and the flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the apoptotic potential. The cytotoxic activity of Apis mellifera cypria venom collected from two different apiaries in Cyprus was evaluated for the first time against breast (MDA-MB-231), colon (Caco-2), cervix (HeLa), prostate (PC-3), pancreas (Panc-1), lung (A549), glioblastoma (U-87MG) human cancerous and healthy lung fibroblast (CCD-34Lu) cells.

Results

The venom concentration that killed 50 % of the cells (inhibitory concentration, IC50) is expressed as venom cytotoxicity. The IC50 values of A. m. cypria crude venom on cultured cells varied from 4.18±0.75 to 22.00±1.71 μg/mL after treatment with crude venom for 48 h, with the most potent activities against PC-3, Panc-1, and HeLa cells. Analysis of apoptotic cells by flow cytometry of both venom samples showed that bee venom slightly induced early apoptosis on A549 and Panc-1 cells.

Conclusions

The venom of the A. m. cypria is discussed in this article, displaying promising results as a potential source for an alternative treatment method because of its cytotoxic effect.
Efficacy of Split Versus Full-Body Resistance Training on Strength and Muscle Growth: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ramos-Campo Domingo J. , Benito-Peinado Pedro J. , Andreu-Caravaca Luis , Rojo-Tirado Miguel A. , Rubio-Arias Jacobo Á.
Published: April 2024

Ramos-Campo, DJ, Benito-Peinado, PJ, Caravaca, LA, Rojo-Tirado, MA, and Rubio-Arias, JÁ. Efficacy of split versus full-body resistance training on strength and muscle growth: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1330–1340, 2024—No previous study has systematically compared the effect of 2 resistance training routines commonly used to increase muscle mass and strength (i.e., split [Sp] and full-body [FB] routines). Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines to compare the effects on strength gains and muscle growth in healthy adults. 14 studies (392 subjects) that compared Sp and FB routines in terms of strength adaptations and muscle growth were included. Regarding the effects of the Sp or FB routine on both bench press and lower limbs strength, the magnitude of the change produced by both routines was similar (bench press: mean difference [MD] = 1.19; [−1.28, 3.65]; p = 0.34; k = 14; lower limb: MD = 2.47; [−2.11, 7.05]; p = 0.29; k = 14). Concerning the effect of the Sp vs. FB routine on muscle growth, similar effects were observed after both routines in the cross-sectional area of the elbow extensors (MD = 0.30; [−2.65, 3.24]; p = 0.84; k = 4), elbow flexors (MD = 0.17; [−2.54, 2.88]; p = 0.91; k = 5), vastus lateralis (MD = −0.08; [−1.82, 1.66]; p = 0.93; k = 5), or lean body mass (MD = −0.07; [−1.59, 1.44]; p = 0.92; k = 6). In conclusion, the present systematic review and meta-analysis provides solid evidence that the use of Sp or FB routines within a resistance training program does not significantly impact either strength gains or muscle hypertrophy when volume is equated. Consequently, individuals are free to confidently select a resistance training routine based on their personal preferences.
Correlation between the quality and health of maize (Zea mays) seeds with flint and floury endosperms produced in the Central Highland Valley of Mexico
Authors: Carbajal-Caballero Rair H. , Mendoza-Onofre Leopoldo E. , Pérez-Rodríguez Paulino , Córdova-Téllez Leobigildo , Silva-Rojas Hilda V.
Published: April 2024

The assessment of physiological quality and health in maize seeds is crucial for selecting high-quality genotypes suitable for planting. However, this quality can vary due to different variables, including genotype or endosperm composition. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish
a relationship between the physiological quality and health of the nine evaluated maize genotypes. Special attention was given to the dimensions of flint and floury endosperms, following protocols described by ISTA. Additionally, the study aimed to understand the interaction between each assessed
variable and its influence on the performance of crops adapted to the Central High Valleys region of Mexico. The results of this study demonstrated that seeds with flint endosperms exhibited superiority in their physiological quality and health compared to those with floury endosperms.
Wisdom of the Masses? Users and Educators Contrasting Perspectives on the Data Privacy and Safety of Early Years’ Apps
Authors: Raffaghelli Juliana Elisa , Restiglian Emilia , Zoroaster Paola , Valentini Maria
Published: April 2024

A key focus is assessing children's apps, emphasising informational clarity, safety, and data ethics. The present study employs a structured database for app evaluation, by categorising 30 apps into edutainment, education, instruction, and training based on various criteria, including educational value and user ratings. Moreover, a comparative evaluation between the public ratings and the educator's evaluation was carried out. The findings underscore the challenges in app evaluation due to the proliferation of unregulated and untested applications. It highlights the discrepancies between public app evaluations and those conducted by experienced educators, pointing out the difficulties in obtaining relevant information for accurate app assessment. The study also addresses the aesthetic appeal of apps and how they influence parental choices, often overshadowing concerns about user security and privacy. In conclusion, the study calls for heightened parental awareness in selecting apps for their children. It stresses the importance of considering learning value, educational value, information clarity, security, and ethical data use.
Anthropocentrism and Two Phenomenological Approaches to Animal Life
Authors: Gutauskas Mintautas
Published: April 2024

This article analyzes two phenomenological approaches to animal life in the context of criticism of anthropocentrism. The first part considers the question of anthropocentrism. Beginning with the posthumanist criticism of anthropocentrism as an ideology of human exceptionalism, the article proposes to reflect human anthropocentricity phenomenologically as a condition of experience. The second part discusses San Martín and Pintos’ approach, which, grounded in Husserl’s analysis of transcendental ego, considers the human-animal relation in terms of egotic subjectivity, corporeality, and the constitution of sense. San Martín and Pintos’ position is very important in the criticism of anthropocentrism, and yet it is considered insufficient when reflecting the diversity of human-animal relations. The third part analyses Depraz’s four-stage structure of empathy and aims to determine the conditions and limits of access to animals as liminal subjects. Corporeality is considered as the most general layer; the accessibility of animal consciousness, the approach to their experience, the possibilities and limits of it are analyzed. Finally, it is concluded that the two positions can contribute to the understanding of the limits of anthropocentrism and its failures.
Analysing Impactful Slogans in WHO’s Immunisation Campaigns: Study on Linguistic Strategies for Promoting Vaccination
Authors: Skorupa Pavel , Stunžaitė Alisa , Dubovičienė Tatjana
Published: April 2024

Utilising the content and discourse analyses, the article aims to reveal the shared rhetorical linguistic tactics employed in 16 slogans from WHO’s Immunisation Week campaigns (2013–2023) to proficiently communicate messages. Slogans are vital for promoting vaccination in public health initiatives. The analysis reveals graphical, phonological, lexical, syntactic, and semantic features of slogans. Graphically, partial capitalisation and hashtags enhance visibility and engagement. Phonological features include alliteration and assonance, creating memorable rhythms. Lexically, inclusive language and action verbs motivate and persuade. Syntactically, imperative verbs, parallel structures, repetitions, and ellipses enhance impact and memorability. Semantically, puns, personifications, metaphors, and antitheses add depth and engage the audience. The findings inform future campaigns, facilitating the development of impactful slogans to combat vaccine-preventable diseases.
Modeling of a photovoltaic array in MATLAB simulink and maximum power point tracking using neural network
Authors: Khanam Jobeda J , Foo Simon Y
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we present our work on Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) using neural network. The MATLAB/Simulink is used to establish a model of photovoltaic array. The Simulink model is tested with different temperature and irradiation and resultant I-V and P-V characteristics proved the validation of Simulink model of PV array. We collected a set of data from the Simulink model of PV array after simulated under a range of irradiation and temperature. The data collected from the system is used to train the neural network. When we tested the neural network with different irradiance and temperature, we see that the neural network can accurately predict the maximum power point of a photovoltaic array. In this paper, the backpropagation training algorithm is used to train the neural network. Comparisons of MPPT with P & O algorithm and without MPPT tracker are also shown in this paper. It is demonstrated that the neural network based MPPT tracking require less time and provide more accurate results than the P&O algorithm based MPPT.
Significance Of Institutions For Economic Development - Comparative Research
Authors: Piasecki Ryszard
Published: April 2024

In the Washington Consensus, which was adopted in 1908s and 1990s by developing and former socialist countries, deregulation, liberalization and privatization were seen as most significant. Openness and privatization strategies in the last 15-20 years have become worldwide processes covering many world countries. This process had many elements of universal significance, but there were also many elements specific for the group of countries with similar socio –economic structure and a certain position in the world economy.
Toma De Decisión Para La Obtención De Recursos Hídricos En Empresas Mineras De Cobre Mediante La Aplicación De La Técnica De Multicriterio Discreto AHP
Authors: Ramírez Guardi Alejandro
Published: April 2024

El presente estudio propone una estructura multinivel mediante el Proceso Analítico Jerárquico (AHP) que forma parte de las técnicas multicriterio discreto, para ser aplicado a la resolución de la obtención del recurso hídrico usado en operaciones mineras en la cuarta región de Chile. Se propone una metodología moderna y dinámica que aporte a generar alternativas que permitan tomar decisiones en escenarios cambiantes, como son lo que se presentan en el sector minero.
Factores Críticos Que Influyen En La Implementación Exitosa De Tecnologías De La Información
Authors: Álvarez Marín Alejandro
Published: April 2024

Diversos estudios han intentado establecer relaciones entre conceptos de interés que son clave en el desempeño de las organizaciones actuales. Para ello, se procura utilizar metodologías que entregan el mayor grado de confianza posible, con el fin de probar satisfactoriamente los conceptos, que bajo estudio se interrelacionan. El objetivo de la presente investigación, fue analizar la relación entre cultura empresarial, capacidad de absorción y el éxito en la implementación de nuevas tecnologías de la información, explicando y discutiendo sus interrelaciones, así como señalar como otras variables influyen en distinta proporción sobre ésta. Debido a la naturaleza del estudio, se realizó una investigación documental, para la recolección de la información que se sometió a discusión y análisis para la obtención de los resultados. Se concluye que para la implementación exitosa de las tecnologías de la información en una organización, se debe contar con un ambiente organizacional propicio, ya que el elemento humano es determinante en el logro de los objetivos propuestos. Así, los aspectos sociológicos, psicológicos y antropológicos de las organizaciones, adquieren una mayor importancia frente a los aspectos tangibles que solamente se enfoca a la optimización de procesos. Por lo anterior, además de los aspectitos técnicos de la implementación de nuevas tecnologías de la información, toman relevancia factores como la cultura pre- existente, el compromiso organizacional, y la gestión de la información, entre otros, por lo que se debe considerar el rol de la Cultura Organizacional como un sistema de procesamiento de información, en conjunto con las creencias, valores y conductas organizacionales en las cuales se desempeña.