bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace interventions to prevent suicide: A scoping review
Authors: Hallett Nutmeg , Rees Helen , Hannah Felicity , Hollowood Lorna , Bradbury-Jones Caroline
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To map organisational interventions for workplace suicide prevention, identifying the effects, mechanisms, moderators, implementation and economic costs, and how interventions are evaluated.

Background

Suicide is a devastating event that can have a profound and lasting impact on the individuals and families affected, with the highest rates found among adults of work age. Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees, which includes addressing the issue of suicide and promoting mental health and well-being.

Methods

A realist perspective was taken, to identify within organisational suicide prevention interventions, what works, for whom and in what circumstances. Published and unpublished studies in six databases were searched. To extract and map data on the interventions the Effect, Mechanism, Moderator, Implementation, Economic (EMMIE) framework was used. Mechanisms were deductively analysed against Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model.

Results

From 3187 records screened, 46 papers describing 36 interventions within the military, healthcare, the construction industry, emergency services, office workers, veterinary surgeons, the energy sector and higher education. Most mechanisms were aimed at the individual’s immediate environment, with the most common being education or training on recognising signs of stress, suicidality or mental illness in oneself. Studies examined the effectiveness of interventions in terms of suicide rates, suicidality or symptoms of mental illness, and changes in perceptions, attitudes or beliefs, with most reporting positive results. Few studies reported economic costs but those that did suggested that the interventions are cost-effective.

Conclusions

It seems likely that organisational suicide prevention programmes can have a positive impact on attitudes and beliefs towards suicide as well reducing the risk of suicide. Education, to support individuals to recognise the signs and symptoms of stress, mental ill health and suicidality in both themselves and others, is likely to be an effective starting point for successful interventions.
Effects of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation on ventilator-free days in intensive care unit subjects with sputum retention; a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kubota Shota , Hashimoto Hideki , Yoshikawa Yurika , Hiwatashi Kengo , Ono Takahiro , Mochizuki Masaki , Naraba Hiromu , Nakano Hidehiko , Takahashi Yuji , Sonoo Tomohiro , Nakamura Kensuke
Published: May 2024

Background

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) facilitates extubation. However, its potential to reduce the duration of ventilator use remains unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the use of MI-E shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with high sputum retention.

Methods

A randomized open-label trial was conducted at a single intensive care unit (ICU) in Japan between November 2017 and June 2019. Ventilated subjects requiring suctioning at least once every hour due to sputum retention were randomly assigned to the MI-E group or conventional care group. The primary endpoint was the number of ventilator-free days on day 28. Secondary endpoints were ventilator days in surviving subjects, the length of ICU stay, and mortality and tracheostomy rates among survivors.

Results

Forty-eight subjects (81% males) with a median age of 72 years (interquartile range [IQR], 65–85 years) were enrolled. There were 27 subjects in the MI-E group and 21 in the control group. The median number of ventilator-free days was 21 (IQR, 13–24) and 18, respectively (IQR, 0–23) (P = .38). No significant differences were observed in the ICU length of stay (median, 10 days (IQR, 7–12) vs 12 days (IQR, 6–15); P = .31), mortality rate (19% vs 15%; odds ratio [OR], 1.36 [0.28–6.50]; P = .69), or tracheostomy rate among survivors (14% vs 28%; OR, 0.40 [0.08–1.91]; P = .25).

Conclusion

In ventilated subjects in the ICU with high sputum retention, the use of MI-E did not significantly increase the number of ventilator-free days over that with conventional care.
A calculation method for optical properties of yolk shell based on deep learning
Authors: He Weiming , Ma Xiangchao , Zhang Jianqi , Xu Kai , Gao Jingzhou , Lei Shuyao , Zhan Changheng
Published: May 2024

The yolk shell is widely used in optoelectronic devices due to its excellent optical properties. Compared to single metal nanostructures, yolk shells have more controllable degrees of freedom, which may make experiments and simulations more complex. Using neural networks can efficiently simplify the computational process of yolk shell. In our work, the relationship between the size and the absorption efficiency of the yolk-shell structure is established using a backpropagation neural network (BPNN), significantly simplifying the calculation process while ensuring accuracy equivalent to discrete dipole scattering (DDSCAT). The absorption efficiency of the yolk shell was comprehensively described through the forward and reverse prediction processes. In forward prediction, the absorption spectrum of yolk shell is obtained through its size parameter. In reverse prediction, the size parameters of yolk shells are predicted through absorption spectra. A comparison with the traditional DDSCAT demonstrated the high precision prediction capability and fast computation of this method, with minimal memory consumption.
Induction of volatile organic compounds in chrysanthemum plants following infection by Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Piesik Dariusz , Miler Natalia , Lemańczyk Grzegorz , Tymoszuk Alicja , Lisiecki Karol , Bocianowski Jan , Krawczyk Krzysztof , Mayhew Chris A.
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the effects of Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn infestation on the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and biochemical composition of ten cultivars of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium /Ramat./ Hemsl.) to bring new insights for future disease management strategies and the development of resistant chrysanthemum cultivars. The chrysanthemum plants were propagated vegetatively and cultivated in a greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions. VOCs emitted by the plants were collected using a specialized system and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Biochemical analyses of the leaves were performed, including the extraction and quantification of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. The emission of VOCs varied among the cultivars, with some cultivars producing a wider range of VOCs compared to others. The analysis of the VOC emissions from control plants revealed differences in both their quality and quantity among the tested cultivars. R. solani infection influenced the VOC emissions, with different cultivars exhibiting varying responses to the infection. Statistical analyses confirmed the significant effects of cultivar, collection time, and their interaction on the VOCs. Correlation analyses revealed positive relationships between certain pairs of VOCs. The results show significant differences in the biochemical composition among the cultivars, with variations in chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds content. Interestingly, R. solani soil and leaf infestation decreased the content of carotenoids in chrysanthemums. Plants subjected to soil infestation were characterized with the highest content of phenolics. This study unveils alterations in the volatile and biochemical responses of chrysanthemum plants to R. solani infestation, which can contribute to the development of strategies for disease management and the improvement of chrysanthemum cultivars with enhanced resistance to R. solani.
HIV co-infection is associated with reduced Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmissibility in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Windels Etthel M. , Wampande Eddie M. , Joloba Moses L. , Boom W. Henry , Goig Galo A. , Cox Helen , Hella Jerry , Borrell Sonia , Gagneux Sebastien , Brites Daniela , Stadler Tanja
Published: May 2024

Persons living with HIV are known to be at increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) disease upon infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). However, it has remained unclear how HIV co-infection affects subsequent Mtb transmission from these patients. Here, we customized a Bayesian phylodynamic framework to estimate the effects of HIV co-infection on the Mtb transmission dynamics from sequence data. We applied our model to four Mtb genomic datasets collected in sub-Saharan African countries with a generalized HIV epidemic. Our results confirm that HIV co-infection is a strong risk factor for developing active TB. Additionally, we demonstrate that HIV co-infection is associated with a reduced effective reproductive number for TB. Stratifying the population by CD4+ T-cell count yielded similar results, suggesting that, in this context, CD4+ T-cell count is not a better predictor of Mtb transmissibility than HIV infection status alone. Together, our genome-based analyses complement observational household contact studies, and more firmly establish the negative association between HIV co-infection and Mtb transmissibility.
Financial technology education provision and perceived skill gap in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka
Authors: Guermat Cherif , Saad Mohammed , Jayawardane Diana
Published: May 2024

The current spread of financial technology (fintech) adoption within the financial and business industries across the globe is expected to increase the demand for employees with fintech skills and competencies. This in turn is likely to shift the traditional skill set required for financial and accounting professionals. This article investigates the competency level of employability skills required for the current job market from employers’ perspective in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. The United Kingdom and Sri Lanka are typical of industrialized and emerging economies, respectively. They are at the end of two opposing poles in terms of financial infrastructure, economic development, regulatory framework and educational system. This suggests a significant divergence of the two countries in terms of skills gap. We test for this via three main hypotheses. To this end, we identify the competency level of employability skills as expected by employers and identify the skills gaps between expected and observed competency levels of employability skills. Information on a set of twenty skills is collected via a questionnaire. We find no major skills gaps in the United Kingdom. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, shows severe skills gaps. The gaps are particularly acute within the soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and decision making. Our findings reflect the importance of expanding the fintech higher education curricula by assessing and implementing employability skills development activities.
A study on the impact of creativity training in the workplace
Authors: Lamichhane Sonika
Published: May 2024

In today’s competitive and dynamic business environment, employee creativity training programs play a crucial role for the betterment of the organization and the employee. A creative training programs not only focuses on the betterment of the organization but also allows employees to share their unique ideas and innovations and to show their creativity in the workplace. This study aims to explore the impact of a creativity training programs on the employee in the workplace and find how this training brings change in the employee’s working style and habits. Furthermore, this study also aims to see how a creative environment motivates employees to give their best work in the workplace. This research will employ a quantitative study method, selecting respondents through convenience sampling for a survey method. The findings of the study will provide insights on the importance of creativity training programs for employees to foster innovations for the long-term success of the organizations.
Energy Management Systems for Microgrids: Evolution and Challenges within the Framework of the Energy Transition
Authors: Vidal-Martinez Carlos Santiago , Bueno-López Maximiliano , Flórez-Marulanda Juan Fernando , Restrepo Álvaro Rene
Published: May 2024

Context: Microgrids have been gaining space and credibility in terms of research and real applications. Technological maturity and new regulations have allowed these types of systems to position themselves as a real alternative to increase the coverage of the energy service and improve its quality. One of the biggest challenges of microgrids is the management of resources and their synchronization with conventional grids. In order to overcome the inconvenience of synchronizing and managing the components of a microgrid, research on management systems has been conducted, which usually consist of a set of modules and control strategies that manage the available resources. However, these studies have not reached unanimity on the best method to perform these tasks, which is why it is necessary to perform a systematic collection of information and clearly define the state of research in energy systems management for this type of network.
Method: Based on the above, a systematic mapping was carried out in this article, wherein a significant number of papers that have contributed to this area were compiled. Taxonomies were generated based on the nature of the variables collected. These variables correspond to the data or information that enters and/or leaves the microgrid management system, such as meteorological variables, power, priority loads, intelligent loads, economic, operating states, and binary outputs.
Conclusions: It was observed that, despite the advances in studying different techniques and strategies microgird control and management, other factors that may affect performance have not been covered in a relevant way, such as the nature of variables and microgrid topology, among others.
Estimating Acceleration from a Single Uniform Linear Motion-Blurred Image using Homomorphic Mapping and Machine Learning
Authors: Cortés-Osorio Jimy Alexander , Gómez-Mendoza Juan Bernardo , Riaño-Rojas Juan Carlos
Published: May 2024

Context:  Vision-based measurement (VBM) systems are becoming popular as an affordable and suitable alternative for scientific and engineering applications. When cameras are used as instruments, motion blur usually emerges as a recurrent and undesirable image degradation, which in fact contains kinematic information that is usually dismissed. Method: This paper introduces an alternative approach to measure relative acceleration from a real invariant uniformly accelerated linear motion-blurred image. This is done by using homomorphic mapping to extract the characteristic Point Spread Function (PSF) of the blurred image, as well as machine learning regression. A total of 125 uniformly accelerated motion-blurred pictures were taken in a light- and distance-controlled environment, at five different accelerations ranging between 0,64 and 2,4 m/s2. This study evaluated 19 variants such as tree ensembles, Gaussian processes (GPR), and linear, support vector machine (SVM), and tree regression. Results: The best RMSE result corresponds to GPR (Matern 5/2), with 0,2547 m/s2 and a prediction speed of 530 observations per second (obs/s). Additionally, some novel deep learning methods were used to obtain the best RMSE value (0,4639 m/s2 for Inception ResNet v2, with a prediction speed of 11 obs/s. Conclusions: The proposed method (homomorphic mapping and machine learning) is a valid alternative for calculating acceleration from invariant motion blur in real-time applications when additive noise is not dominant, even surpassing the deep learning techniques evaluated.
Book review of: Schinagl, Martin (2022): Digitale Stadtplanung: Alltag und Räume technisierten Planens
Authors: Hersperger Anna
Published: May 2024

Buchrezension
Eraser: Eliminating Performance Regression on Learned Query Optimizer
Authors: Weng Lianggui , Zhu Rong , Wu Di , Ding Bolin , Zheng Bolong , Zhou Jingren
Published: May 2024

Efficient query optimization is crucial for database management systems. Recently, machine learning models have been applied in query optimizers to generate better plans, but the unpredictable performance regressions prevent them from being truly applicable. To be more specific, while a learned query optimizer commonly outperforms the traditional query optimizer on average for a workload of queries, its performance regression seems inevitable for some queries due to model under-fitting and difficulty in generalization. In this paper, we propose a system called Eraser to resolve this problem. Eraser aims at eliminating performance regressions while still attaining considerable overall performance improvement. To this end, Eraser applies a two-stage strategy to estimate the model accuracy for each candidate plan, and helps the learned query optimizer select more reliable plans. The first stage serves as a coarse-grained filter that removes all highly risky plans with feature values that are seen for the first time. The second stage clusters plans in a more fine-grained manner and evaluates each cluster according to the prediction quality of learned query optimizers for selecting the final execution plan. Eraser can be deployed as a plugin on top of any learned query optimizer. We implement Eraser and demonstrate its superiority on PostgreSQL and Spark. In our experiments, Eraser eliminates most of the regressions while bringing very little negative impact on the overall performance of learned query optimizers, no matter whether they perform better or worse than the traditional query optimizer. Meanwhile, it is adaptive to dynamic settings and generally applicable to different database systems.
Scaling Package Queries to a Billion Tuples via Hierarchical Partitioning and Customized Optimization
Authors: Mai Anh L. , Wang Pengyu , Abouzied Azza , Brucato Matteo , Haas Peter J. , Meliou Alexandra
Published: May 2024

A package query returns a package---a multiset of tuples---that maximizes or minimizes a linear objective function subject to linear constraints, thereby enabling in-database decision support. Prior work has established the equivalence of package queries to Integer Linear Programs (ILPs) and developed the SketchRefine algorithm for package query processing. While this algorithm was an important first step toward supporting prescriptive analytics scalably inside a relational database, it struggles when the data size grows beyond a few hundred million tuples or when the constraints become very tight. In this paper, we present Progressive Shading, a novel algorithm for processing package queries that can scale efficiently to billions of tuples and gracefully handle tight constraints. Progressive Shading solves a sequence of optimization problems over a hierarchy of relations, each resulting from an ever-finer partitioning of the original tuples into homogeneous groups until the original relation is obtained. This strategy avoids the premature discarding of high-quality tuples that can occur with SketchRefine. Our novel partitioning scheme, Dynamic Low Variance, can handle very large relations with multiple attributes and can dynamically adapt to both concentrated and spread-out sets of attribute values, provably outperforming traditional partitioning schemes such as kd-tree. We further optimize our system by replacing our off-the-shelf optimization software with customized ILP and LP solvers, called Dual Reducer and Parallel Dual Simplex respectively, that are highly accurate and orders of magnitude faster.
Comparative analysis of diagnostic accuracy in endodontic assessments: dental students vs. artificial intelligence
Authors: Qutieshat Abubaker , Al Rusheidi Alreem , Al Ghammari Samiya , Alarabi Abdulghani , Salem Abdurahman , Zelihic Maja
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study evaluates the comparative diagnostic accuracy of dental students and artificial intelligence (AI), specifically a modified ChatGPT 4, in endodontic assessments related to pulpal and apical conditions. The findings are intended to offer insights into the potential role of AI in augmenting dental education.

Methods

Involving 109 dental students divided into junior (54) and senior (55) groups, the study compared their diagnostic accuracy against ChatGPT’s across seven clinical scenarios. Juniors had the American Association of Endodontists (AEE) terminology assistance, while seniors relied on prior knowledge. Accuracy was measured against a gold standard by experienced endodontists, using statistical analysis including Kruskal-Wallis and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner tests.

Results

ChatGPT achieved significantly higher accuracy (99.0 %) compared to seniors (79.7 %) and juniors (77.0 %). Median accuracy was 100.0 % for ChatGPT, 85.7 % for seniors, and 82.1 % for juniors. Statistical tests indicated significant differences between ChatGPT and both student groups (p<0.001), with no notable difference between the student cohorts.

Conclusions

The study reveals AI’s capability to outperform dental students in diagnostic accuracy regarding endodontic assessments. This underscores AIs potential as a reference tool that students could utilize to enhance their understanding and diagnostic skills. Nevertheless, the potential for overreliance on AI, which may affect the development of critical analytical and decision-making abilities, necessitates a balanced integration of AI with human expertise and clinical judgement in dental education. Future research is essential to navigate the ethical and legal frameworks for incorporating AI tools such as ChatGPT into dental education and clinical practices effectively.
Are shortened aPTT values always to be attributed only to preanalytical problems?
Authors: Radišić Biljak Vanja , Tomas Matea , Lapić Ivana , Saračević Andrea
Published: May 2024

Objectives

It has been recognized that shortened activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) may be caused by various preanalytical conditions. As coagulation Factor VIII is included in the in vitro intrinsic coagulation cascade measured by aPTT, we hypothesized that the shortened aPTT could be a result of elevated FVIII activity. We aimed to inspect the connection of elevated FVIII with shortened aPTT, and the possible effect inflammation has on routine laboratory parameters.

Methods

40 patients from various hospital departments with aPTT measurement below the lower limit of the reference interval (<23.0 s) were included in the study. To compare the obtained results with aPTT measurements in the non-inflammatory state, samples from 25 volunteers (laboratory personnel) were collected. White blood cell count, C-reactive protein, aPTT, and FVIII values were measured in the control group.

Results

Only two samples among 40 patients with shortened aPTT (5 %) were clotted. Out of the remaining 38, 26 had FVIII activity above 150 % (upper limit of a reference interval), median value of 194 % (IQR: 143–243 %). Seven samples in the control group had shortened aPTT results (36 %). However, all coagulation samples were clot and hemolysis-free. Multiple regression identified only FVIII activity as an independent variable in predicting aPTT values (p=0.001).

Conclusions

Our results support the thesis that shortened aPTT is rarely a consequence of preanalytical problems. Elevated FVIII activity causes shortened aPTT, not only in the inflammatory state but also in individuals with concentration of inflammatory markers within reference intervals.
Attitudes towards Ruhrdeutsch: From miners’ slang to Ruhrpott love?
Authors: Ziegler Evelyn , Angenendt Vanessa
Published: May 2024

Given the body of research exploring regional vernaculars in Germany, it is somewhat surprising that the regiolect spoken in the Ruhr Area, the largest conurbation in Germany and home to 5.1 million inhabitants, has received only modest attention. This is true for linguistic studies and especially true for sociolinguistic studies investigating language attitudes towards Ruhrdeutsch (but see Bellamy 2016; Ziegler et al. 2017). Aiming to fill this gap and explore changes in language attitudes over time, this paper asks if the valorisation of Ruhrdeutsch has changed in recent years, namely, if Ruhrdeutsch has been ideologically upgraded from a low-status and stigmatised variety (Mihm 1997) to a variety serving as a regional symbol for all social groups. The empirical investigation is based on a stancetaking approach and relies on a corpus of narrative interviews with informants of different linguistic repertoires and age groups.
Language Ideologies, Language Awareness, Language Attitudes, Folk Linguistics: (Meta-)reflections on overlapping research fields
Authors: Stegu Martin
Published: May 2024

When attempting to position Language-Ideologies research within the framework of Applied Linguistics and related scientific sub-disciplines and approaches, it becomes evident that significant overlaps with research fields such as Language Attitudes, Folk Linguistics and Language Awareness exist. The question arises as to whether the differences are more closely related to various scientific subcommunities than to the phenomena under investigation. Similarities may go unnoticed either because researchers do not sufficiently engage with related approaches, or differences relating to content and methodology are overly emphasised for reasons of disciplinary demarcation. This article is based on a very broad concept of Language Awareness, which has evolved beyond its traditional context of language teaching and learning. This concept encompasses perception, folk-linguistic reflections and extends to academic theorising, while also incorporating affective and evaluative aspects. The article demonstrates shows how approaches pursued in the respective communities can be brought together in a fruitful way to jointly explain interconnected phenomena. Additionally, some other aspects of Language Ideologies are discussed, such as their different levels (micro, meso, macro), ranging from concrete individual case evaluations to more abstract Language Ideologies and, finally, to the level where Language Ideologies transition into broader ideologies and worldviews.
The complex regulation of Slo1 potassium channels from a structural perspective
Authors: Raisch Tobias
Published: May 2024

Fast and regulated potassium efflux by Slo1 channels is crucial in many tissues in animals including neurons, the kidney and smooth muscle. During the last decade, structures have revealed many details about the gating mechanism and regulation of these large and complex molecular machines. This review summarizes these findings and the current knowledge about the intricate regulation of these important channels. Slo1 integrates sensing of the membrane potential via a voltage-sensor domain that undergoes subtle but significant structural rearrangements with a calcium-induced expansion of parts of the intracellular gating ring. Together, these two signals synergistically lead to changes in the conformation and chemical nature of the pore domain, allowing potassium ions to be translocated. In many native tissues, Slo1 channels are assembled with at least three classes of auxiliary subunits that change the gating kinetics or allow the channel to open also in absence of one of the two signals. Finally, Slo1 is inhibited, activated or deregulated by natural toxins and synthetic compounds, underlining the importance of the channel for the organism and as a potential target for drugs and other molecules.
On the relationship between complexity of primary occupation and L2 varietal behavior in adult migrants in Austria
Authors: Wirtz Mason A.
Published: May 2024

This article explores for the first time the relationship between occupational complexity (operationalized using the complexity measures indicated in the Dictionary of occupational titles) and adult migrants’ second language (L2) sociolinguistic repertoires in the Austro-Bavarian naturalistic context. We analyze the data of 36 adult migrant L2 German speakers who participated in a virtual reality experiment involving interactions with a dialect-speaking and standard German-speaking interlocutor, the goal being to capture participants’ interpersonal varietal behavior, that is, their addressee-relational, differential use of standard German, Austro-Bavarian dialect, and mixture varieties. Bayesian multinomial mixed-effects models reveal that participants with occupations requiring more handling and physical precision work are predicted to employ dialect varieties more often, but exclusively in interaction with the standard German-speaking interlocutor. A person-centered visual-quantitative analysis additionally facilitates insights concerning which migrants deviate most notably from group-level patterns, and how these deviations may relate to the complexity of their primary occupation. More generally, this study paves new ground with respect to how we can operationally define and capture the complexity of occupational status, and moreover sets out a new direction for research questions investigating how career-related differences impact on (L2) language variation and use.
Synthesis, characterization, thermal, theoretical studies, antimicrobial, antioxidant activity, superoxide dismutase-like activity and catalase mimetics of metal(II) complexes derived from sugar and Schiff base
Authors: Bufarwa Saleh , El-Seifat Reem , Binhamad Hana , Hesien Rehab
Published: May 2024

Scientists are searching for reactive oxygen species, which have been associated with various health issues like heart problems, neurological disorders, inflammation, and aging. Salen complexes have proven to be effective in multiple oxidative stress situations and have been used as catalase and superoxide mimetics. To explore this further, three mixed complexes were synthesized using a Schiff base (salen) and a sugar (d-glucose) with Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) ions. These complexes were then diagnosed by different analytical and spectral techniques. Stoichiometry, stereochemistry, some physical properties, and the method of bonding complexes were measured. Comparisons of the IR and 1HNMR spectra of the ligands with the complexes demonstrated the involvement of the azomethine group of the ligand in the chelation process. The mass spectra and TGA agree with the proposed formula of the complexes, and the conductivity and UV–Vis data supported the octahedral geometry of the complexes, and information was obtained from partial parameter calculations by molecular modeling. The metal complexes exhibited strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties when compared to standard drugs. The like-superoxide and catalyst mimetic complexes were screened using DPPH ABTS, revealing their effectiveness.
Magnetoacoustic waves in spin-1/2 dense quantum degenerate plasma: nonlinear dynamics and dissipative effects
Authors: Abd-Elzaher Mohamed , Nisar Kottakkaran S. , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem , Karmakar Pralay K. , Atteya Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Within the confines of a two-fluid quantum magnetohydrodynamic model, the investigation of magnetoacoustic shock and solitary waves is conducted in an electron-ion magnetoplasma that considers electrons of spin 1/2. When the plasma system is nonlinearly investigated using the reductive perturbation approach, the Korteweg de Vries-Burgers (KdVB) equation is produced. Sagdeev’s potential is created, revealing the presence of solitary solutions. However, when dissipative terms are included, intriguing physical solutions can be obtained. The KdVB equation is further investigated using the phase plane theory of a planar dynamical system to demonstrate the existence of periodic and solitary wave solutions. Predicting several classes of traveling wave solutions is advantageous due to various phase orbits, which manifest as soliton-shock waves, and oscillatory shock waves. The presence of a magnetic field, the density of electrons and ions, and the kinematic viscosity significantly alter the properties of magnetoacoustic solitary and shock waves. Additionally, electric fields have been identified. The outcomes obtained here can be applied to studying the nature of magnetoacoustic waves that are observed in compact astrophysical environments, where the influence of quantum spin phenomena remains significant, and also in controlled laboratory plasma experiments.
The Illusion of Control
Authors: Vasbinder Jan W. , van der Leeuw Sander , Galaz Victor
Published: May 2024

This is an introduction for the special collection on “Illusion of Control”.
Financial Needs of Agricultural Enterprises and the Need for their Credit Security
Authors:   National Scientific Center ", Andros Svitlana ,   Institute of Agrarian Economy",   National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine
Published: May 2024

The theoretical foundations of the development of an agricultural enterprise as a subject of credit relations are considered. The important function of bank credit in the development of small agribusiness is substantiated. The activities of commercial banks in providing credit resources to agricultural enterprises are analyzed. Attention is focused on the factors influencing the financial needs of agricultural enterprises and the need to provide them with credit resources is shown. The criteria for determining financing for small agricultural enterprises are substantiated. The reasons slowing down the provision of loans to agricultural enterprises are formulated. Risk factors in lending to small agribusinesses are analyzed. Priority directions for providing credit to agricultural enterprises by commercial banks are proposed.
Public Regulation of Regional Development
Authors:   Odesа Polytechnic National University, Balan Oleksandr , Voitenko Maksym ,   Odesа Polytechnic National University, Pulcha Dmytro ,   Odesа Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2024

The authors examine the issues of public regulation of regional development in this article. The reasons for regulation are mentioned – a balanced distribution of resources, economic development, the need for local fiscal and investment policies, as well as the regulation of trade and market relations. Measures of public regulation are being considered. Among them, for example, investment in infrastructure to stimulate a region’s development, as well as specialization. Such measures of state regulation contribute to ensuring social justice. For example, creating economic zones or zones of priority development in underdeveloped regions will attract investment and create jobs. That will reduce the level of inequality between different regions of the country. The conclusion is as follows: the regulation of state development is important for the growth of the region’s economic development and correcting the imbalance in development between regions.
Public Administration Mechanisms of Tourism Development and Their Impact on Historical Heritage Recognition
Authors:   Odesа Polytechnic National University, Shepel Maryna , Yudin Mykhailo ,   Odesа Polytechnic National University, Chyzhevskyi Yurii ,   Odesа Polytechnic National University
Published: May 2024

The article is dedicated to the study of the role of public administration mechanisms in tourism development and their impact on historical heritage recognition. The aim of this article is to determine the mechanisms for public administration of tourism development and how this affects the recognition of historical heritage. The article analyses the scientific literature on this issue. The article provides statistical data on damage to historical heritage as a result of Russian aggression. It is noted that today cultural and historical heritage is actively used to organise various types of cognitive tourism. An important component of cultural and historical recreational resources of a particular region is its historical and cultural heritage. According to the authors, historical heritage should be considered in conjunction with cultural and historical heritage, as history and culture are complementary elements. Preserving cultural and historical heritage sites is important for the tourism sector development. In this case, public administration mechanisms of the tourism sector and its impact on the preservation of historical heritage are of great importance.
Advance in Information Support for Business Management in the Context of Digital Economy
Authors:   Poltava University of Economics and Trade, Rogoza Mykola , Perebyynis Vasyl ,   Poltava University of Economics and Trade, Kononenko Zhanna ,   Poltava University of Economics and Trade, Mykolenko Inna ,   Poltava State Agrarian University
Published: May 2024

The article presents the main directions of advance in information support for business management in the context of formation of the digital economy. The essence of information processes and their role in business management has been clarified. There have been specified trends in information support for business management: increase in data volumes; application of artificial intelligence for analytical work in business; development of analytical tools and platforms; creation of personalized offers and recommendations for loyal consumers by means of information systems; development and implementation of products and services to ensure data security; rise in remote work and virtual offices in business. On the basis of the carried out research, the relevant issues of advance in information support for business management which require solutions have been identified. Methodical approaches to solving these problematic issues have been proposed.
Price Elasticity of Demand and Supply on the Fruit Market in Ukraine
Authors:   National Scientific Centre ", Salo Inna ,   Institute of Agrarian Economics"
Published: May 2024

The state of development of the domestic fruit market is considered. It has been established that the main part of their product supply is formed by households and at the expense of imports. Based on the determination of indicators of the sufficiency of food consumption in Ukraine, it was established that the most critical is the provision of domestic demand for fruit. Elasticity indicators for prices, incomes and substitute products were determined. The coefficients of price elasticity of demand and supply show that consumers and producers respond to price changes – when they increase, demand decreases, and as a result, supply volumes. It was determined that the demand for stone fruits and nuts changes most noticeably when the income of the population varies. The coefficients of the cross-elasticity of the demand for fruits have a positive value. Therefore, there is a direct dependence on the price change for substitute products.
Motivating Students for Success: a Review of New Projects in Teaching Based on STEM Education
Authors:   ISEC Lisboa – Higher Institute of Education and Sciences School of Communication, Arts and Creative Industries, Cunha Maria , Figueiredo Jorge ,   Universidade Lusíada, Famalicão, Oliveira Isabel ,   Universidade Lusíada, Porto, Maçães Manuel ,   Universidade Lusíada, Porto
Published: May 2024

Motivation involves emotional, social and biological phenomenons, being a factor responsible for directing behaviors and achieving goals. It drives individuals to give their best, doing their best to achieve what they want, overcoming barriers. Student motivation has become a central point to achieve maximum satisfaction, performance and productivity. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education research provides compelling evidence that active-learning classes improve the overall learning of students. This study aims to understand thru a quantitative investigation how students see changes thru this new active learning students and how motivated are for this kind of changes.
Single-unit cantilevered resin-bonded bridge: an alternative for maxillary lateral incisor replacement
Authors: Islam El Ayachi , Zeineb Riahi , Ilhem Ben Othmen , Marwa Amara , Zohra Nouira , Moncef Omezzine , Saaf Jilani , Dalenda Hadyaoui , Belhassen Harzallah
Published: May 2024

Fixed partial denture (FPD) prostheses restore esthetics and function by connecting and fixing to adjacent teeth. Conventional FPDs require, for better retention and resistance, extensive preparations. Those preparations include buccal, palatal or lingual coverage, proximal guide planes, chamfers and /or grooves to optimize retention.1–4 The removing of such large amount of tooth structure increases the risk of periodontal complications and pulp exposure.1,3 In 1973, Rochette introduced resin bonded FPDs as a less invasive therapeutic option. He pioneered the use of lingual perforated cast alloy framework with acid etch composite for periodontal splinting of the anterior region.5 However, early Rochette bridges presented high failure rates. Since then, resin bonded FPDs have evolved with different framework materials and designs. Even though metal frameworks are highly resistant, they do have esthetical and mechanical limits such as the greyish appearance of the abutment teeth and dislodgment by the early loss of retention.2–4,7 This led to introducing metal free FPDs, also widely developed thanks to adhesive dentistry. The preparation designs for RBFPDs were strictly limited to the enamel. Studies revealed a survival rate of 86% after 3 years without retentive preparation.6 All Ceramic RBFPDs have been introduced in the early nineties of the last century as a treatment option for missing incisors. Adhesive dentistry has undergone major transformations in current concepts. It has launched new resin bonded FPD designs that allowed to be more conservative such as single unit cantilevered ceramic bridges which become the most commonly used design when replacing lateral incisor especially when implant supported crowns cannot be indicated.8 Placing an implant is not always possible in cases where there is an insufficient bone height or width or for patients with general pathologies that may limit implant indications. That is why in some cases it is compulsory to indicate an FPD. Anterior ceramic RBFPDs showed promising results and high survival rates. They have proved to be viable and reliable alternative.8
Two new species of Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae) from cloud forest remnants in the eastern Andes of Colombia
Authors: Gutiérrez Morales Nicolás , Moreno Juan Sebastian , Gil-Amaya Karen , Alegría-Valencia Melisa
Published: May 2024

Two new pleurothallid species of the genera Lepanthes and Pleurothallis, native to cloud forest remnants of the Eastern Andes of Colombia, are described and illustrated. Lepanthes pseudoabitaguae is compared with Lepanthes abitaguae, from which it differs by the color of the flowers and by the oblong and biglandular appendix. Pleurothallis falcata is similar to Pleurothallis suspensa, but can be recognized by the falcate to lanceolate leaves, denser inflorescences, longer sepals, and the lip completely recurved with erose apical margins. We also provide comparisons with similar species and offer comments on their ecology. Furthermore, we discuss the significance of this highly anthropized region and its richness in orchid species.
The effect of pre-painting and W-temper forming on springback
Authors: Dessie Jemal Ebrahim , Lukacs Zsolt
Published: May 2024

The present investigation examined the impact of thermal cycling applied during the painting of sheet steels and the transfer period in the forming of W-temper heat treatment of high-strength aluminum alloy on springback. The U-draw bending test was conducted numerically and experimentally to examine the springback parameters. Pre-painted steel might be aged due to surface cycling during painting and it changes the mechanical characteristics. As a result, pre-painted steel becomes more susceptible to springback. It is also observed that springback is mostly reliant on the amount of transfer time between the W-temper forming of aluminum alloy. To sum up, the interplay among material characteristics, processing techniques, and forming conditions leads to the springback phenomena.
Strengthening fiscal decentralization in Russia: causes of the 2020 failure and prospective directions
Authors:   Ural State University of Economics, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Pyankova Svetlana G. , Kombarov Mikhail A. ,   Ural State University of Economics, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Published: May 2024

Relevance. Strengthening fiscal decentralization is viewed as a crucial strategy to foster the economic development of Russian regions. Research Objective. The research aims to assess the potential impact of redistributing tax revenues, particularly VAT, among various budget levels. Data and Methods. The study employs regression analysis to investigate the correlation between the Gross Regional Product (GRP) of Russian regions and the expenditures of their consolidated budgets. A comparative analysis is also conducted, using data from the Federal Tax Service on VAT receipts to the federal budget and data from the Federal State Statistics Service on GRP and expenditure components of regional budgets from 2005 to 2021. Results. The research confirms the Russian government’s concerns regarding a possible increase in economic disparities if 40% of VAT is shifted to sub-federal levels. It reveals the negative impact that such a measure would have on specific regions. Instead, a more promising approach is to implement a special budgetary regime in select regions to stimulate their development. Conclusions. The study showcases adverse effects associated with transferring 40% of VAT to the sub-federal level. It proposes a mechanism to enhance fiscal decentralization in Russia, aiming to advance regional economic development, address economic disparities among regions, and offset any potential reduction in federal budget revenues.
Brazilian national bariatric registry - pilot study
Authors: SILVA LYZ BEZERRA , QUADROS LUIZ GUSTAVO DE , CAMPOS JOSEMBERG MARINS , BOAS MARCOS LEÃO VILLAS , MARCHESINI JOÃO CAETANO , FERRAZ ÁLVARO ANTONIO BANDEIRA , KAISER JUNIOR ROBERTO LUIZ , ELIAS ALEXANDRE AMADO , VITOR RICARDO , CHAVES LUIZ CLAUDIO , RAMOS ALMINO CARDOSO
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT Introduction: Brazil is a world leader in bariatric surgery. However, the actual number of surgeries performed in the country is still unknown. It is necessary to implement an instrument to monitor the quality of care provided. This study evaluated the implementation of a Bariatric Surgery Data Registry in Brazil. Methodology: the registry was developed with Dendrite Clinical Systems Ltd., with data collected prospectively on an internet-based software. Seven centers were selected based on surgical volume and data entry commitment. The project covered three years after system implementation. Results: 1,363 procedures performed by 17 surgeons were included. Most patients were female (67.2%), with average age of 39 years old and average baseline BMI of 41.5kg/m2. Diabetes mellitus was present in 34.5%, and hypertension in 40.1%. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in 79.3%, 95.5% by laparoscopy. There was one in-hospital death of cardiovascular cause. The average hospital stay was 2.03 days. The surgery-related complication rate was 0.97% in the first month, with three reoperations. Short-term follow-up was recorded in 75.6% and one-year follow-up in 21.64%. Total body weight loss was 10% in 30 days, rising to 33.3% after one year, with no difference between surgical techniques. Conclusions: the population profile was in accordance with the global registry of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. The main difficulty encountered was low postoperative data entry. The experience acquired in this project will help advance data collection and knowledge of the safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery in Brazil.