bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Hydrogen Embrittlement on Mechanical Properties of Advanced High-Strength Structural Steel S960MC
Authors: DRÍMALOVÁ P.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. A lot of emphasis is currently being paid to research into how hydrogen affects the mechanical properties of advanced high-strength (AHS) steels. The use of AHS steels in the chemical industry and nuclear technology is heavily influenced by the mechanical properties that result from the impact of hydrogen. Hydrogen, an interstitial element, alters fracture behavior and causes the material to fail earlier than it should. The greatest danger occurs after hydrogen has been absorbed when it diffuses and accumulates into defects such grain boundaries, dislocations, and phase boundaries. The crystal structure of the steel enlarges due to tensile stresses, which increases hydrogen diffusion. Cold forming creates a multitude of components, and even a small amount of hydrogen absorption could result in significant residual stresses in the material. The steel can experience a significant reduction in mechanical properties, strength, and ductility up to fracture at a critical hydrogen concentration level. It is impossible to preventively remove components that have been harmed by hydrogen before they are utilized, which is the primary issue with hydrogen embrittlement from a safety perspective.
Inflammasomes as a Prognostic Marker and Possible Therapeutic Target in Multiple Sclerosis: A Rapid Review of the Literature
Authors:   Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Rincón Cuenca Nury Tatiana , Pereira Lamas Daniela ,   PPD part of ThermoFisher Scientific, Fernández Hawa Rosa ,   Clínica Unión Médica del Norte, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Quezada Ketty ,   Two Oceans in Health, García Luisa ,   Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Báez Pamela ,   Clínica de Familia La Romana, Althobaity Assma ,   Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Dim Ngozi ,   Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes innate to the immune system that, upon activation, initiate a chain reaction culminating in the production of cytokines IL-1 and IL-18. Recent studies have suggested a connection between inflammasome activation and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In this review, we aimed to evaluate the role of inflammasomes as potential therapeutic agents and prognostic markers of MS. Methods: Through a database search, 156 articles were identified. Of these, we selected articles focusing on observational and interventional studies that either directly measured the expression of inflammasomes or the levels of cytokines or interleukin as outcomes. After applying a snowball sampling strategy, this review ultimately included nine studies. Results: Our search yielded nine studies published between 2010 and 2022—9 observational studies included case-control and cohort designs. All studies comprised adult populations, 20–72 years of age. All studies incorporated a control group. We selected studies that utilized surrogate measures to evaluate outcomes such as inflammasome expression of NLRP3 or similar genes and assess cytokine levels such as IL-1β, IL-18, IL-23, and TNF. Discussion: Overall, the revised studies suggest a possible role for inflammasomes components, including ASC and caspase-1, which have been evaluated as potential prognostic markers in MS. Therapeutic strategies have focused on the inhibition of NLRP3, which is one of the most prominent and studied inflammasomes, by IFN-β.
Saliency-Enhanced Content-Based Image Retrieval for Diagnosis Support in Dermatology Consultation: Reader Study (Preprint)
Authors: Gassner Mathias , Barranco Garcia Javier , Tanadini-Lang Stephanie , Bertoldo Fabio , Fröhlich Fabienne , Guckenberger Matthias , Haueis Silvia , Pelzer Christin , Reyes Mauricio , Schmithausen Patrick , Simic Dario , Staeger Ramon , Verardi Fabio , Andratschke Nicolaus , Adelmann Andreas , Braun Ralph P
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Previous research studies have demonstrated that medical content image retrieval can play an important role by assisting dermatologists in skin lesion diagnosis. However, current state-of-the-art approaches have not been adopted in routine consultation, partly due to the lack of interpretability limiting trust by clinical users.

OBJECTIVE

This study developed a new image retrieval architecture for polarized or dermoscopic imaging guided by interpretable saliency maps. This approach provides better feature extraction, leading to better quantitative retrieval performance as well as providing interpretability for an eventual real-world implementation.

METHODS

Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) algorithms rely on the comparison of image features embedded by convolutional neural network (CNN) against a labeled data set. Saliency maps are computer vision–interpretable methods that highlight the most relevant regions for the prediction made by a neural network. By introducing a fine-tuning stage that includes saliency maps to guide feature extraction, the accuracy of image retrieval is optimized. We refer to this approach as saliency-enhanced CBIR (SE-CBIR). A reader study was designed at the University Hospital Zurich Dermatology Clinic to evaluate SE-CBIR’s retrieval accuracy as well as the impact of the participant’s confidence on the diagnosis.

RESULTS

SE-CBIR improved the retrieval accuracy by 7% (77% vs 84%) when doing single-lesion retrieval against traditional CBIR. The reader study showed an overall increase in classification accuracy of 22% (62% vs 84%) when the participant is provided with SE-CBIR retrieved images. In addition, the overall confidence in the lesion’s diagnosis increased by 24%. Finally, the use of SE-CBIR as a support tool helped the participants reduce the number of nonmelanoma lesions previously diagnosed as melanoma (overdiagnosis) by 53%.

CONCLUSIONS

SE-CBIR presents better retrieval accuracy compared to traditional CBIR CNN-based approaches. Furthermore, we have shown how these support tools can help dermatologists and residents improve diagnosis accuracy and confidence. Additionally, by introducing interpretable methods, we should expect increased acceptance and use of these tools in routine consultation.
Randomized Clinical Trials can be Accurately Classified in terms of their Methodological Validity by their Representations and Cochrane Reviewers’ Comments (Preprint)
Authors: Asadi shally Adeleh , Sotudeh Hajar , Nikseresht Alireza
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based medicine requires evaluating and critically appraising documents. The process needs (semi)automated methods to distinguish valid from invalid randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to test the potential of RCT representations, Cochrane reviewers’ comments, and comment-expanded representations to learn a machine to classify RCTs into different validity categories.

METHODS

To build a test collection, 9,063 RCTs referred to by 132 open-access systematic reviews in the Cochrane database were identified, being tagged as “included” and having PMID. The RCTs’ methodological validity scores were extracted from the Cochrane database and their representative features (i.e., titles, abstracts, and author keywords) from PubMed. To classify the RCTs based on their (in)validity, machine learning was conducted using the kNN algorithm, with 10-fold cross-validation, in the KNIME Data Mining Platform.

RESULTS

The results showed that the comments and representations can accurately classify RCTs. The classification accuracy values for the comments ranged from 0.758 (for incomplete outcome data) to 0.896 (for potential threats to validity). The accuracy values for the RCT representations ranged from 0.691 (for random sequence generation) to 0.757 (for selective outcome reporting). After expanding the representations by the comments, improvements were observed in the accuracy values, ranging from 0.105 (for blinding of participants, personnel, and outcome assessors) to 0.196 (for random sequence generation).

CONCLUSIONS

The RCTs’ representations and Cochrane reviewers’ comments showed effectiveness in classifying them in their validity categories, with the latter being even more powerful. The comments also enriched the representations and improved their classification accuracy.
Tailoring a skills-based sero-status disclosure intervention for transgender women in South Africa: The Speaking Out and Allying Relationships (SOAR) study (Preprint)
Authors: Daniels Joseph , van der Merwe Leigh Ann , Portle Sarah , Bongo Cikizwa , Gungubele Abongile , Peters Remco
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Transgender women have few interventions to support their HIV prevention and treatment outcomes in South Africa. Further, increased focus should be on intervention development that will reduce HIV transmission within HIV-discordant partnerships, especially for transgender women who navigate gender, sexuality, and relationship stigma as well. The Speaking Out and Allying Relationships (SOAR) intervention has been developed for sexual minority men to address these outcomes in South Africa. It is a behavioral intervention that is delivered in groups on videoconference to develop coping skills to manage HIV-related stress, disclosure to partners, and establish and maintain safer sex practices with partners. Tailoring SOAR may be feasible for transgender women to support their HIV care while reducing transmission within their relationships.

OBJECTIVE

To adapt SOAR for transgender women and test its usability (Aim 1), and then assess its feasibility (Aim 2).

METHODS

To achieve Aim 1, we will use a human-centered design approach to tailor the existing SOAR intervention for transgender women. Interviews and a survey will be administered to transgender women (N=15) to assess intervention preferences. Findings will be used to tailor content like role-plays, scenarios, and media to align with transgender women’s lived experiences navigating HIV and relationships. Afterward, we will conduct a usability test with 6 of the 15 participants to determine intervention understanding and satisfaction. Participants will be transgender women living with HIV and in a relationship with a man with unknown HIV status or HIV-negative. All participants will be recruited using community-based approaches. In Aim 2, we will examine SOAR feasibility using a one-arm pilot-test. Transgender women (N=20) will be recruited using Aim 1 methods and eligibility criteria with participants completing feasibility surveys and interviews, and behavioral and biomedical assessments.

RESULTS

Intervention adaptation began in May 2023 with interviews. Feasibility pilot-testing is due to be completed by March 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

Transgender women need more intervention options that engage their relationships since these can present barriers to HIV treatment outcomes like hindering viral suppression in South Africa. Delivering an existing yet tailored intervention on videoconference expands reach to transgender women and allows them to engage with others and learn new skills in a secure setting like their homes. SOAR has the potential to improve relationship dynamics and reduce violence, that will in turn enhance HIV treatment and prevention engagement.
SETTLEMENT OF BANKING DISPUTE IN INDONESIA
Authors: Doly Denico
Published: August 2023

This article talks about dispute between costumer and the bank. Settlement of disputes should be resolved by the principle of fast, accurate and cheap. Issues raised in this paper is how an ideal dispute resolution process to resolve dispute banking. This paper describes the advantages and disadvantages in any dispute resolution process both through litigation and non litigation. Based in the principles of fast, accurate and cheap it is explained that banks in Indonesia must resolve their disputes through non litigation or ADR. Tulisan ini membicarakan mengenai penyelesaian sengketa antara nasabah dengan bank. Penyelesaian sengketa harusnya diselesaikan dengan prinsip cepat, tepat dan murah. Permasalahan yang diangkat dalam tulisan ini yaitu bagaimana proses penyelesaian sengketa yang ideal dalam menyelesaikan sengketa perbankan. Tulisan ini menggambarkan mengenai kelebihan dan kekurangan dalam setiap proses penyelesaian sengketa baik melalui jalur litigasi maupun non litigasi. Berdasarkan prinsip cepat, tepat dan murah maka dipaparkan bahwa perbankan di Indonesia harus menyelesaikan sengketanya melalui jalur non litigasi atau ADR.
TINJAUAN KEADILAN SOSIAL TERHADAP HUKUM TATA PANGAN INDONESIA
Authors: Hermawan Sulhani Hermawan
Published: August 2023

This paper tries to explore the perspectives of social justice concepts for food laws in Indonesia, especially food and farm. The analysis begin with critical study about positive Laws in Indonesia on food and farm. This is followed by critical study for Regulation of Government on food and farm. Philosophical study of justice and injustice, the facts of injustice for majority of Indonesian farmers, are used to look critically how the positive laws on food and farm become the trigger of the injustice. Tulisan ini mengungkap perspektif keadilan sosial terhadap Hukum Tata Pangan di Indonesia, terutama pangan dan pertanian. Analisis dimulai dengan studi kritis terhadap Undang-Undang di Indonesia tentang tata pangan dan pertanian lalu diikuti dengan studi kritis terhadap beberapa Peraturan Pemerintah yang terkait dengan UU tersebut. Kajian filosofis soal keadilan dan ketidakadilan serta beberapa fakta tentang ketidakadilan yang diderita oleh mayoritas petani Indonesia, dipakai untuk menyoroti secara kritis bagaimana hukum positif tentang tata pangan dan pertanian justru menjadi pemicu ketidakadilan tersebut.
ASYLUM SEEKERS IN JAPAN: A HARD ROAD
Authors: Shahrullah Rini Shahriyani , Aburto Ana Carolina Villalobos
Published: August 2023

Japan has ratified the 1951 Convention regarding the status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees since 1981 and 1982, yet Japan only accepted an exceptionally low number of refugees in the course 30 years since it ratified the Convention. Japan needs to closely revise and align its national policies with international agreements that it is signatory to. The main framework with which Japan’s government still tackles the issue of refugees is tightly restrained by its overall controlling immigration policies in an attempt to remain a homogenous nation. Japan has a long way to go in order to fully comply with the spirit of the Convention, the Protocol, and international instruments relating to the Status of Refugees. Jepang telah meratifikasi Konvensi Mengenai Status Pengungsi 1951 dan Protokol tentang Kedudukan Pengungsi 1967 sejak tahun 1981 dan 1982, namun Jepang hanya menerima sejumlah kecil pengungsi dalam kurun waktu 30 tahun sejak diratifikasinya konvensi tersebut. Jepang harus meninjau kembali dan memastikan bahwa kebijakan-kebijakan nasional negaranya telah sesuai dengan perjanjian internasional yang telah ditandatangani Jepang. Kerangka kerja pemerintah Jepang dalam menangani isu pengungsi sangat dibatasi oleh berbagai pengetatan kebijakan imigrasi yang dikeluarkan dalam semangat mempertahankan homogenitas bangsa. Jepang memiliki banyak pekerjaan rumah yang harus dilakukan agar dapat memenuhi semangat konvensi, protokol, dan berbagai instrumen internasional terkait status pengungsi.
Pendekatan Hukum terhadap Pembangunan Berkelanjutan Melalui Pengaturan Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan
Authors: Santoso Budi
Published: August 2023

The lack of contribution of multinational companies to sustainable development leads to the society urging multinational companies to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR). In the eye of law, CSR regulations constitues as legal tool that can be utilised as a soft approach to support sustainable development.  Kontribusi perusahaan multinasional terhadap pembangunan berkelanjutan di rasakan mas ih kurang. Banyak pihak kemudian menuntut perusahaan multinasional melaksanakan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan (CSR). Oleh karena itu, pengaturan CSR dalam konteks hukum merupakan suatu piranti hukum lunak yang dapat dijadikan sebagai pendekatan untuk mendukung pembangunan berkelanjutan.
Kedudukan Asas Efisiensi Pemungutan Pajak dalam Hukum Acara Perpajakan di Indonesia
Authors: Nugroho Adrianto Dwi
Published: August 2023

Procedural tax legislations in Indonesia have been formulated as to ensure that the principle possesses supremacy above other principles, such as equality. However, in order to maintain integrity of the tax system, such legislations were also formulated as to provide flexibility for tax administrators in enforcing the most proper measure, administrative or criminal, in each case. Hukum acara perpajakan di Indonesia dirancang untuk memastikan prinsip kedaulatan berada di atas prinsip-prinsip yang lain, seperti kesetaraan. Namun, dalam rangka Menjaga penyatuan sistem perpajakan, produk legislasi juga telah dirumuskan untuk memberikan fleksibilitas kepada pemungut pajak dalam menegakkan hukum berdasarkan standar yang tepat, baik administratif maupun pidana pada setiap perkara perpajakan.
Tingkat Integritas Instansi Pelayanan BPN dan Samsat di Provinsi DIY
Authors: Mochtar Zainal Arifin , Halili Hasrul
Published: August 2023

This research questions the standard operational procedures applied in Samsat and BPN Yogyakarta. Result shows how the integrity level of these institutions is potential to be enhanced by opening wide access of information and by eradicating tipping and illegal payment. Improvement of reward and punishment system must also be done.  Fokus penelitian ini adalah prosedur operasional standar yang digunakan oleh Samsat dan BPN Yogyakarta. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat integritas kedua institusi ini berpotensi untuk dikembangkan dengan cara membuka keran informasi dan mengeliminasi budaya tips dan pungutan liar serta memperbaiki sistem reward and punishment.
Analysis the Potential of Malang Regency as a Center for Oil Palm Plantations in East Java
Authors: Wicaksono Karuniawan Puji , Permanasari Paramyta Nila , Saitama Akbar
Published: August 2023

East Java region is known for its good land potential for agriculture. One area that has a large enough agricultural land is Malang Regency. This feasibility study in the long run can become the foundation for establishing oil palm plantations and also a palm oil processing industry in the region. Thus, a feasibility study of various important aspects is carried out for the sustainability and sustainability of the development of the oil palm plantation industry in Malang. The purpose of this study is to see how land and environmental conditions suitability and to study and map the suitability of oil palm land in Malang Regency. The study was carried out in October - December 2021 in the southern Malang region and the southern Blitar location as a comparison area and industrial survey to find out data on oil quality in the southern region of Malang Regency and Blitar. Studies use survey methods to describe situations and events with the aim of solving problems in a systematic, fluctuating and accurate manner regarding the facts and characteristics of a particular population or area. Land suitability variables are in the form of geographic data, such as slopes and determination of points; macro climate data and micro climate data, such as radiation intensity, RH, temperature, flood potential and soil data including physical properties, such as soil texture, structure and depth; biological properties, such as c-organic content, litter thickness and presence of earthworms and chemical properties, such as analysis of N, P and K content, pH and base saturation and soil CEC. Based on a comparison of soil analysis data in the areas of Malang, Sumatra and Kalimantan, it can be said that the land suitability of Malang Regency is in accordance with the needs of oil palm plants based on land suitability.
Adivinar el futuro y las cosas ocultas
Authors: Campos Moreno Araceli
Published: August 2023

Este artículo ofrece un panorama sobre la adivinación en la época colonial, que constituía un delito contra la fe católica, una ofensa contra Dios, prohibida por la Iglesia y la Inquisición novohispanas. A pesar de las prohibiciones, se utilizaron varios métodos predictivos durante el México colonial: los indígenas tenían sus propias tradiciones, como adivinar mediante el peyote y el ololiuhqui, y haciendo el sortilegio del maíz; por su parte, la población de origen español acudió a la suerte de las habas, siendo las mujeres sus más asiduas practicantes. Los conjuros mágicos eran indispensables en la adivinación, como se verá en estas páginas.
Intercambiar para resistir
Authors: Álvarez Mayra Gabriela
Published: August 2023

En el pueblo de Pátzcuaro, en el estado de Michoacán, México, personas de varios pueblos se reúnen los martes y viernes de cada semana para intercambiar mercancías con el propósito de abastecerse sin ganancia económica de por medio. Con esta práctica nos muestran que más allá del crudo capitalismo existen las economías solidarias.
ALGAS VERDES FILAMENTOSAS: PROCEDIMENTOS DE CRIAÇÃO EM DESENHOS DE REGENERAÇÃO
Authors: Macalini Edson
Published: August 2023

O texto trata de percepções e prospecções poéticas ocorridas durante deslocamentos, e de meandros que envolveram a composição de desenhos de regeneração ao relacionar arte, ciência e natureza. Como fragmentos de paisagem, as formas se apresentaram junto a leituras e em meio à observação sensível da sobrevivência e persistência de algas verdes filamentosas agarradas aos galhos secos das restingas das praias de Florianópolis (SC). A escrita possui tom poético, considerando as práticas metodológicas e narrativas que assume como procedimentos de criação, envolvendo deslocamentos geográficos, capturas fotográficas como registros de percursos, coletas que resultariam em futuras composições, desenhos, publicações e instalações artísticas. A partilha dos processos de criação que acompanha as narrativas a partir de conversações realizadas com Hannud (2013), Mancuso (2019), Coccia (2010; 2018), Godoy (2008) e Rancière (2016), contribuiu para a moldura e a aura das produções artísticas.
ENTRE A DESCOBERTA E A CRIAÇÃO
Authors: Madriz Eleazar
Published: August 2023

Ensaio do matemático e músico Eleazar Madriz sobre a relação dialética entre dois dos elementos centrais da mate- rialização da obra de arte e da geração de conhecimento matemático: a descoberta e a criação. Ao longo do texto, as ideias vão se entrelaçando e acompanhando sua trajetória como cientista e artista.
A importância da leitura, da escrita e da oralidade no plano de aula de FLE: contribuições para a formação inicial e o letramento docente
Authors: Melo Priscilla Barbosa de Oliveira , Santana Liviane Gomes Ataíde , Santana Ady Sá Teles
Published: August 2023

Através deste ensaio teórico, promovemos uma reflexão acerca do fazer docente do professor de Francês Língua Estrangeira (FLE), enfocando a formação inicial e o letramento docente, propondo um modelo de plano de aula ajustável aos variados temas ministrados na sala de aula da Educação Básica destacando oralidade, leitura e escrita. Baseando-se na experiência com a formação inicial do professor, concentramos esforços na importância da elaboração dos planos de aula, identificando o lugar da leitura, da escrita e da oralidade, focando no processo de ensino e aprendizagem da língua francesa e, portanto, tratando do plano de aula, sua relevância e composição, visando a sala de aula e a prática docente de FLE.  Desenvolvemos uma pesquisa de caráter etnográfico, uma vez que nos respaldamos em nossa prática de ensino em estágio supervisionado, observando os planos de aula e verificando a necessidade de melhor direcionar os estudantes, referenciando-nos em Anecleto e Miranda (2016), Libâneo (2006), Reichmann (2012), Vian Jr. e Rojo (2020), dentre outros. Sendo assim, verificamos que podemos adaptar o plano de aula às particularidades de cada turma, ampliar, refletir e problematizar as possibilidades de elaboração do plano e, deste modo, contribuir para a formação inicial e continuada do docente de FLE.
Use of Computational ECG Mapping to Guide Successful Surgical Cryoablation of a PVC Originating near an Intramural Anomalous Coronary Artery
Authors: Jackson Candace L. , Krummen David , Carazo Matthew , Feld Gregory , Artrip Jonathan , Ho Gordon
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and
anomalous coronary arteries have not been previously associated.
Methods: 40-year-old female presented with symptomatic PVCs.
Pre-ablation imaging revealed an anomalous right coronary artery (RCA)
originating from the left coronary cusp with an interarterial,
intramural course. Novel ECG mapping localized PVCs to the septal right
ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) near the anomalous RCA.
Results: Surgical PVC cryoablation at the endocardial RVOT was
performed, followed by unroofing surgery, with <1% PVCs at 2
years. Conclusion: This is the first report associating PVCs to
the site of an anomalous RCA. Surgical cryoablation during unroofing
surgery was guided by novel ECG mapping.
Investigation of various therapeutic approaches and advertisement of their applications in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Maghsoudi Leila Haji , Pak Haleh , Pourkazem Kiarash , Tajik Armin , Jamalpour Zahra , Bagherpour Javad Zebarjadi
Published: August 2023

Background: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is common in Asian
countries, particularly during the childbearing years. Aims: Multiple
approaches have been suggested, including medical management and
surgical intervention, but there is no consensus among experts regarding
the preferred approach for patients with granulomatous mastitis.
Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort study, the patient’s file
was examined with the diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis. All patients
underwent tissue examination before treatment. Different therapeutic
approaches were examined. The negative pathology of the patients for
breast malignancies, or other types of mastitis and the final diagnosis
of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis according to the para clinic, were
principal conditions for admission in our study. The sample size is 44
people, due to the rarity of the disease and the limited number of
samples to be studied, sampling was carried out by the census method of
all IGM patients who were referred to the selected training and
treatment centers Results: The average age of the individuals was 37.43
± 08.7 The most common presentation was in the form of a mass in 26
patients (77%), and 26 patients (59.1%) had a history of recent
pregnancy and lactation, while 16 patients (36.4%) were using OCP (Oral
Contraceptive Pills). Ultimately, 27 patients (61.4%) were in
remission, and 6 patients (13.6%) experienced a relapse after 6 months.
Only the previous treatment showed a significant association with
complete remission, while involvement on the opposite side showed a
significant association with disease relapse after 6 months. Conclusion:
In the present study, it was found that the most common symptom among
patients was the occurrence of a mass. Furthermore, it was determined
that the type of treatment and symptoms did not have a significant
impact on the treatment outcome in terms of relapse or remission. The
only significant association observed was between previous treatment
with disease remission and the bilateral nature of symptoms with disease
relapse.
Investor Reaction to SPACs’ Voluntary Disclosures
Authors: Castellani Vincent , Muller Karl A. , Park K. J.
Published: August 2023

SPACs are formed to combine with and provide a private firm public trading status and a capital infusion. Firms that enter the public market through a SPAC combination are believed to possess greater voluntary disclosure discretion than traditional IPOs as they obtain their public trading status through a merger. Consistent with regulators’ concerns, recent research finds that SPACs use this discretion opportunistically by issuing optimistic guidance. This study examines how investors respond to these disclosures. We find that optimistic projections increase retail purchasing, which is higher than that of institutional purchasing. Additionally, we find that investors partially see through the optimism and exit at the redemption date. Furthermore, we find that institutional investors increasingly divest their holdings for combinations with optimistic projections. Investors as a whole, however, fail to see through the optimism, as combinations with optimistic projections considerably underperform in the two years following the combination.

Data Availability: All data are publicly available from the sources identified in the text.

JEL Classifications: M41.
Aritmetik Optimizasyon Algoritması Kullanarak Taşıt Elemanlarının Çarpışma Performansının Eniyilemesi
Authors: YİLDİZ Betul
Published: August 2023

Bu çalışmada çarpışmaya maruz kalan otomobil bileşenlerinin optimum tasarımında yeni geliştirilen aritmetik optimizasyon algoritması litetürde ilk defa kullanılmıştır. Optimizasyon çalışmasında çarpışma ve NVH özelliklerinin güçlendirilmesi ile bağlantılı olarak tasarım amacı araç ağırlığının en aza indirilmesidir. Araç performansı analizi için, aslına uygun, kapsamlı bir otomobil yapısı kullanılmıştır. Doğal frekanslar ile birlikte tam, ofset ve yan etki çarpışma senaryolarını incelemek için sonlu eleman modellerinin hem çoklu çarpma analizi hem de titreşim analizi yapılmıştır. Değerlendirilen yapısal tepkiler, radyal temelli fonksiyonlar tekniğine dayalı olarak tahmin edilir. Çeşitli doğrusal olmayan çarpışma ve titreşim sınırları altında araç kütlesini optimize etmek için aritmetik optimizasyon algoritması kullanılmıştır. Sonuçlar artimetik optimizasyon algoritmasının araç bileşenlerinin optimum tasarımındaki etkinliğini ortaya koymuştur.
Major surgery for metastatic bone disease is not a risk for 30-day mortality: a population-based study from Denmark
Authors: Ladegaard Thea H , Sørensen Michala S , Petersen Michael M
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose: Surgery for bone metastases in the appendicular skeleton (aBM) is a trade-off between limb function and survival. A previous study from a highly specialized center found that extended surgery is not a risk for 30-day mortality and hypothesized that wide resection and reconstruction might reduce postoperative mortality. The study aimed to investigate whether parameters describing the surgical trauma (blood loss, duration of surgery, and degree of bone resection) pose a risk for 30-day mortality in patients treated with endoprostheses (EPR) or internal fixation (IF) in a population-based cohort.Patients and methods: A population-based cohort having EPR/IF for aBM in the Capital Region of Denmark 2014–2019 was retrospectively assessed. Intraoperative variables and patient demographics were evaluated for association with 30-day mortality by logistic regression analysis. Kaplan–Meier estimate was used to evaluate survival with no loss to follow-up.Results: 437 patients had aBM surgery with EPR/IF. No parameters describing the magnitude of the surgical trauma (blood loss/duration of surgery/degree of bone resection) were associated with mortality. Overall 30-day survival was 85% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81–88). Univariate analysis identified ASA group 3+4, Karnofsky score < 70, fast-growth primary cancer, and visceral and multiple bone metastases as risk factors for 30-day mortality. Male sex (OR 2.8, CI 1.3–6.3), Karnofsky score < 70 (OR 4.2, CI 2.1–8.6), and multiple bone metastases (OR 3.4, CI 1.2–9.9) were independent prognostic factors for 30-day-mortality in multivariate analysis.Conclusion: The parameters describing the surgical trauma were not associated with 30-day mortality but, instead, general health status and extent of primary cancer influenced survival post-surgery.
Real-World Treatment Patterns among Patients with Alopecia Areata in the USA: A Retrospective Claims Analysis
Authors: Done Nicolae , Bartolome Lauren , Swallow Elyse , Gao Wei , Carley Christopher , Wang Travis , Mostaghimi Arash
Published: August 2023

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hair loss, for which there are few treatment options. This claims-based study characterized recent real-world treatment patterns among patients in the USA with alopecia areata, including the subtypes alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis, in the first year after diagnosis of an episode of alopecia areata. Approximately 5% of all patients (adults (age ≥ 18 years), n = 7,703; adolescents (age 12–17 years), n = 595) had alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis. Corticosteroids were the most common first-line (1L) and second-line (2L) treatments. The mean time from diagnosis of alopecia areata to initiation of 1L treatment was 2.2 days for adults and 2.6 days for adolescents; mean 1L duration was 76.9 and 64.3 days, respectively. For adults (57.5%) and adolescents (59.7%) with 2L therapy, the mean time from 1L discontinuation to 2L initiation was 57.2 and 53.6 days, respectively; the mean duration of 2L treatment was 55.5 and 50.1 days, respectively. More patients with vs without alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis initiated 2L therapy (adults: 71.9% vs 56.8%; adolescents: 71.4% vs 58.9%). The proportion of days covered during the first year post-diagnosis was 36.7% (adults) and 34.1% (adolescents). These results highlight the substantial disease burden of alopecia areata and a need for more effective treatments.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE RETINA LAYERS OF THE RAT IN NORM
Authors: Paltov Yevgeny
Published: August 2023

The use of experimental animals with the aim of studying the dynamics of morphological changes requires deep knowledge of the initial indicators of the structure of the studied object in norm. In scientiﬁ c medical literature, great importance belonges to the study of the retina in norm and the processes of changes in its structure under the inﬂ uence of various nosologies. Considering the complexity of the retina structure and its role in the receiving information from the surrounding environment, it is important to understand the peculiarities of its layered organization in order to create a morphological basis for further comparing the experimental material and comparing it with the initial indicators of the norm with the results obtained at diﬀ erent periods of the experimentally reproduced pathology. The aim of the study was to ﬁ nd out the peculiarities of the layered structure of the cellular elements of the retina on the ultrastructural level in norm. Material and methods. The research material was 10 sexually mature, purebred male rats, weighing 160 g, aged 4.5 months. Before taking the material of the experimental area, the animal was removed from the experiment with the help of diethyl ether. Rat eyeballs were used as material for ultrastructural research. Ultrastructural samples were prepared according to the generally accepted method. As a result of our study of the retina of an intact group of animals, its layers preserved a clear stratiﬁ cation architecture. The layer of the pigment epithelium was localized on Bruch’s membrane, choroidal vessels contained single erythrocytes and blood plasma. The nuclei of the pigment epithelium were preserved, the basal folds of the plasmolemma were clearly contoured. Small phagosomes were located in the cytoplasm of the pigment epithelium in one or two rows. The apical microvilli of the pigment epithelium were preserved, the interphotoreceptor space was hermetic. The membrane discs of the outer segments of the rods  were clearly contoured. The cytoplasmic isthmus between the outer and inner segments of photoreceptors was intact. The outer boundary membrane was intensively osmophilic, preserved. Photoreceptor nuclei in the outer nuclear layer, clearly contoured. The synaptic zone of the outer reticular layer contained synaptic membranes and synaptic vesicles. The nuclei of horizontal and bipolar cells, the nuclei of Mьller cells and the nuclei of amacrine cells were located in the inner nuclear layer. The lumens of the vessels of the inner reticular layer were not dilated, they contained single erythrocytes. Nuclei and perikaryons of ganglion cells were arranged in one or two rows. Cytoplasmic structures of large gangloinary cells were preserved.
Breaking through the glass ceiling: Experiences of academic women who have advanced to leadership roles in tertiary education in New Zealand
Authors: Dickson Michelle
Published: August 2023

Recent data shows a continuing trend of gender disparity in leadership positions in tertiary education in New Zealand with men dominating higher levels of employment and advancing at faster rates than women. This study explored the experiences of six academic women who have advanced to leadership roles in New Zealand to examine the role that gender plays in their career progression. It found a range of gendered experiences including negative incidents of sexism and obstacles to advancing. There were also stories of positive experiences of supportive work environments and initiatives such as mentoring that have aided them to gain leadership positions. Participants recognised the complexity of gender issues acknowledging the range of factors and perceptions that influence their experiences in academia.
PLA filament is not equal to PLA filament: Experimental studies of the influence of the type of pigment on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) products
Authors: Iwko Jacek , Jaruga Tomasz , Trzaska Oliwia , Stachowiak Tomasz
Published: August 2023

The correct manufacture of products using FDM printers is not an easy task, taking into account the value and repeatability of material properties. The properties of elements manufactured in this way depend on many factors, both technological and material. Poly(lactic acid) PLA is one of the most willingly used materials in additive techniques. It is sold in a very wide range of colours. This work was intended to answer the question of how the type of pigment affects the mechanical and thermal properties of products obtained from PLA. The correlation between the material properties and the structure of the material as well as the macroscopic structure of the product has also been investigated. The paper analyses the mechanical and thermal properties of products made of PLA filaments in 12 basic colours obtained from one supplier. Bending, impact strength, HDT and Vicat softening point tests were carried out. The percentage content of residues after calcination the samples was determined. Additional analysis (DSC) was performed to interpret the obtained tests results. They indicate that the mechanical properties differ significantly between different types of PLA with differences of up to 45%. Vicat softening point tests indicate differences of 5°C between the extreme values of these parameters. The DSC interpretive study did not clearly show the reasons for these differences in the properties of the filaments.
Enhancement of inverse-distance-weighting 2D interpolation using accelerated decline
Authors: Ruffhead Andrew Carey
Published: August 2023

Two-dimensional interpolation – or surface fitting – is an approximation tool with applications in geodetic datum transformations, terrain modelling and geoid determination. It can also be applied to many other forms of geographic point data, including rainfall, chemical concentrations and noise levels. The problem of fitting of a smooth continuous interpolant to a bivariate function is particularly difficult if the dataset of control points is scattered irregularly. A typical approach is a weighted sum of data values where the sum of the weights is always unity. Weighting by inverse distance to a power is one approach, although a power greater than 1 is needed to ensure smooth results. One advantage over other methods is that data values can be incorporated into the interpolated surface. One disadvantage is the influence of distant points. A simple cut-off limit on distance would affect continuity. This study proposes a transition range of accelerated decline by means of an adjoining polynomial. This preserves smoothness and continuity in the interpolating surface. Case studies indicate accuracy advantages over standard versions of inverse-distance weighting.
IMPACTOS SOCIOAMBIENTAIS DECORRENTES DO PROCESSO DE OCUPAÇÃO E USO DA TERRA NA SERRA DO TEPEQUÉM, AMAJAÍ-RR (2012-2022)
Authors: Siqueira Raiandra Rodrigues , Oliveira Sandra Kariny Saldanha de , Falcão Márcia Teixeira
Published: August 2023

A serra do Tepequém, localizada no município de Amajarí, porção norte do estado de Roraima, atualmente se destaca pelo seu potencial turístico, decorrente da sua geodiversidade geológica-geomorfológica. No entanto, a região teve o seu processo de ocupação e de uso decorrente da atividade garimpeira (desde a década de 30), o que proporcionou diversos impactos no meio natural. Dessa forma, o objetivo da pesquisa é analisar o processo de ocupação e uso da terra na serra do Tepequém, Amajarí - Roraima, no período de 2012 a 2022 e os impactos socioambientais nas áreas de vulnerabilidade natural aos processos erosivos. A metodologia envolveu levantamento bibliográfico e visita in loco para escolha das áreas estudadas. A pesquisa ainda está em andamento, então espera-se que após a tabulação e análise dos dados, a pesquisa contribua através do material produzido (como mapas) para o ordenamento territorial da região.
INFLUÊNCIA DA PRÁTICA ESPORTIVA SOBRE A APTIDÃO FÍSICA RELACIONADA AO DESEMPENHO EM PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA
Authors: Lima Karen Matos de , Cardoso Vinícius Denardin
Published: August 2023

O esporte para pessoas com deficiência é uma importante ferramenta para a reabilitação de pessoas com deficiência e busca contribuir para o aprimoramento das capacidades físicas, cognitivas e motoras de indivíduos com deficiências, além de cooperar para a valorização das potencialidades e capacidades. A velocidade é uma qualidade física de grande importância na maioria dos esportes. Ao aplicarmos o teste de corrida de 30 metros em 16 participantes do Basquete em Cadeira de Rodas (BCR), encontramos a média de 11,29 segundos. Podemos perceber que os alunos de BCR obtiveram médias de tempos superiores em relação a outros estudos com modalidades em cadeira de rodas (por exemplo, o handebol). Dessa forma, os resultados encontrados indicam que os praticantes de BCR da amostra investigada apresentam valores do componente velocidade inferiores a atletas de outras modalidades paradesportivas.
CARACTERÍSTICA GERMINATIVA, MORFOANATÔMIA E BIOMÉTRICA DE MOGNO AFRICANO EM CONDIÇÕES DE VIVEIRO
Authors: Araújo Jhonatas da Costa de , Silva Carlos Eduardo Moura da
Published: August 2023

A recuperação de áreas degradadas no Brasil tem levado ao desenvolvimento de tecnologias para o uso de espécies florestais, incluindo, espécies exóticas resistentes a doenças e pragas regionais. O mogno africano é uma alternativa promissora para a recuperação de áreas degradadas devido à sua adaptabilidade a diferentes condições climáticas e rápido crescimento. Neste sentido, procurou-se verificar se o K. grandifoliola exibe boa germinação em condições de viveiro, bem como, caracterizar a morfologia da plântula e crescimento inicial. De acordo com os dados obtidos, K. grandifoliola mostrou uma rápida germinação, sem necessidade de quebra de dormência e exibiu uma adequada estrutura morfológica foliar no período avaliado sob condições de estufa.
Desacoplamiento económico y generación de residuos sólidos en municipios turísticos de México
Authors: Flores-Xolocotzi Ramiro , Ceballos Pérez Sergio Gabriel
Published: August 2023

Se realizó un estudio econométrico sobre probable desacoplamiento económico para contrastar una hipótesis de curva ambiental de Kuznets para residuos sólidos urbanos (RSU) en 186 municipios de importancia turística en México para los años 2010 y 2015 empleando datos de panel. Para ello se estimaron modelos de efectos aleatorios, efectos fijos y efectos fijos con errores estándar robustos de clúster, teniendo como variables independientes un indicador de ingresos municipales per cápita, la densidad poblacional, la población y la escolaridad promedio. Los resultados sustentan significativamente que no hay evidencia estadística de desacoplamiento entre generación de RSU e ingresos y por tanto no hay evidencia de que exista una probable curva de Kuznets para los municipios estudiados. No obstante, se requieren futuras investigaciones que incluyan más municipios turísticos, un mayor horizonte temporal, y relaciones espaciales entre municipios, además de variables de reciclaje.
Evaluating Service Computing Framework with Scrum through a Case Study
Authors: Kusdiyanto Andri , Muhamad Wardani , Suhardi Suhardi
Published: August 2023

The Service Computing Framework with Scrum (SCFS) is a framework that combines Services Computing Systems Engineering (SCSE) with the Scrum Framework. This framework was created to produce a system with a good service concept by following the SCSE workflow in an agile manner through the application of Scrum principles. This paper will provide an overview of how to evaluate the SCFS framework using SOA and Agile principles through a case study. The research methodology used in this paper is a Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM). This research results in project evaluations using SCFS with good Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) parameter results. The SCFS framework can also be used in Agile development environments with fairly good parameters of velocity, story points, sprint burn down, release burn up, value delivered, and job satisfaction. In case studies conducted, this framework can help accelerate the release of service systems. The first release on the test only took 34 working days, 18 working days to get the second release, and 21 working days to get the third release. If done as a whole in one cycle, the service system will take approximately 73 working days to be used.
Domestic Terrorism in the United States of America after the Attacks September 11, 2001 A statistical study of the role of the extreme right))
Authors: Asst. Inst. Ali Hassan Yousif Fattah
Published: August 2023

The United States of America faces many internal threats and challenges, and terrorism is one of the most significant challenges and threats. The years following the attacks of (September 11, 2001) witnessed a substantial decrease in the rate of external (foreign) terrorism in the United States, at a time when domestic terrorism witnessed an apparent rise at unprecedented rates in the last two decades. There are four main categories of ideologies in the United States of America: the far right, the far left, religious extremism, and ethnic extremism. The far right is the first and most significant challenge and threat to the United States, as the operations and attacks of this wing have increased rapidly in terms of quality and quantity. Within this wing, there are many movements, and white extremists and anti-government extremists are considered the most critical movements. It is a statistical study that tries to shed light on domestic terrorism in the United States of America after the 11 September 2001 attacks by collecting data from American formal and informal institutions. The study utilizes the quantitative approach as a tool for analyzing these data.