bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Сравнительный анализ современных моделей организации рыночной экономики и общества в странах мира
Authors: Yakovlev A. A.
Published: September 2024

Ориентирована на обучение студентов магистратуры направления 38.04.01 «Экономика» и нацелена на формирование у студентов знаний о современных моделях организации рыночной экономики и общества в различных странах мира. Дисциплина преподается на магистерской программе «Мировая экономика: современные тенденции развития» Московской школы экономики (факультет) МГУ имени М. В. Ломоносова.
Detection of HBV DNA by direct PCR protocol and Nested PCR protocol and comparing them in chronic patients and healthy carriers of Hepatitis B virus.
Authors: Mushtaq Talib Al-Safi
Published: September 2024

Hepatitis B virus is a major public health problem, and the outcome of infection depends on the effectiveness of the virus's interaction with the host, and in particular on the strength of the natural and conditioned response of humoral and cellular immunity. This study was conducted to assess the clinical status, genetic immunity and viral (viral) traits of Iraqi patients with chronic hepatitis B virus and healthy carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen, as well as to show the relationship between the immune status and the chronic condition of the disease. The study included (60) patients with chronic hepatitis B virus type (B) and (60) healthy hepatitis B surface antigen carriers who attended the Teaching Hospital for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases in Nasiriya City Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital, Thalassemia Center and the Central Blood Bank in Nasiriya Citysouthern of Iraq. for the period from the first period. From February 2022 until the end of February 2022, the average age of patients infected with chronic hepatitis B virus was 64.5 years, and the average age of healthy carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen was 35. 1 year, and the ratio of males to females was (12.2:) for chronic patients and (13.6:) for carriers of the disease. As for the deoxyribonucleic acid, it was (100%) in chronic patients and healthy carriers using the Nested type polymerase chain reaction, and at a rate of (30.0%) and (46.7%) in chronic patients and healthy carriers, respectively using the polymerase chain reaction technique. direct with a significant difference between the two interactions. The current results confirm that a nested PCR protocol to detect HBV DNA is a more sensitive way of detecting HBV in Iraq CHB patients and carriers. Recent advanced techniques such as nucleic acid assays, quantitative assays for viral load and RT-PCR for Iraqi viral hepatitis laboratories are recommended.
Paradiplomacia e os mercados internacionais de cidades : o caso de Curitiba
Authors: Mercher Leonardo , Pereira Alexsandro Eugênio
Published: September 2024

Este artigo investiga a presença do mercado na paradiplomacia da cidade de Curitiba, de 2001 a 2022, tendo como ponto de partida a institucionalização da agenda internacional com a criação da Assessoria de Relações Internacionais (Arin) de Curitiba. Como metodologia utilizam-se tanto o modelo de análise de paradiplomacia, que contribui para identificar a dimensão de mercado, como os conceitos de mercados internacionais de cidades, que delimitam quais dinâmicas comerciais estão presentes nas políticas públicas. Os principais resultados demonstram que a paradiplomacia de Curitiba se vincula a agentes de mercado, como a Federação das Indústrias do Estado do Paraná (Fiep) e a Federação do Comércio de Bens, Serviços e Turismo do Paraná (Fecomércio PR), bem como apontam, entre os seis mercados internacionais de cidades, o mercado de empresas com interesses locais e o mercado de boas práticas como aqueles que mais orientariam a internacionalização da cidade.
A Paradiplomacia da cidade do Rio de Janeiro : um estudo de caso sobre o governo de Eduardo Paes (2009-2016)
Authors: Torres Bernardo Barreto de Vasconcelos , Carneiro Ana Beatriz Rodrigues
Published: September 2024

As atividades internacionais dos entes subnacionais, conhecidas como paradiplomacia, possibilitam expandir o escopo de atuação de estados e municípios. A cidade do Rio de Janeiro, durante a gestão do prefeito Eduardo Paes (2009-2016), sediou alguns dos principais eventos globais, como as Olimpíadas e a Conferência Rio+20, além de pequenos projetos, fazendo com que o município se destacasse no cenário internacional. Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar os principais marcos da paradiplomacia carioca e os desafios para as práticas paradiplomáticas durante a gestão Eduardo Paes. A pesquisa é desenvolvida a partir da análise de fontes primárias e secundárias sobre o tema, possibilitando traçar a trajetória paradiplomática da capital fluminense, além de identificar os impactos da falta de normatividade no tangente à paradiplomacia e à demasiada demora para aprovação de acordos que necessitam da anuência do Congresso Nacional nas atividades internacionais da cidade.
Elfelejtett kriminalisták: dr. Gábor Béla, a daktiloszkópia első magyar szakértője
Authors: Ibolya Tibor
Published: September 2024

The author shows the importance of Béla Gábor, a pioneer in using fingerprints and palm prints as well as organizing the Hungarian police force in the 1920’ies.
An Efficient Observational Strategy for the Detection of the Oort Cloud
Authors: Ofek Eran O. , Spitzer Sarah A. , Nir Guy
Published: September 2024

The Oort cloud is presumably a pristine relic of the solar system formation. Detection of the Oort cloud may provide information regarding the stellar environment in which the Sun was born and on the planetesimal population during the outer planets’ formation phase. The best suggested approach for detecting Oort cloud objects in situ, is by searching for subsecond occultations of distant stars by these objects. Following Brown & Webster, we discuss the possibility of detecting Oort cloud objects by observing near the quadrature direction. Due to the Earth’s projected velocity, the occultations are longer near the quadrature direction and are therefore easier to detect, but have lower rate. We show that, for ≲1 m size telescopes, the increased exposure time will result in about one to 3 orders of magnitude increase in the number of detectable stars that have an angular size smaller than the Fresnel scale and are therefore suitable for an occultation search. We discuss the ability of this method to detect Oort cloud objects using existing survey telescopes, and we estimate the detection rate as a function of the power-law index of the size distribution of the Oort cloud objects and their distance from the Sun. We show that occultations detected using ≈1 s integration by ≲1 m telescopes at the optimal region near the quadrature points will be marginally dominated by Oort cloud objects rather than Kuiper belt objects.
SN 2022oqm: A Bright and Multipeaked Calcium-rich Transient
Authors: Yadavalli S. Karthik , Villar V. Ashley , Izzo Luca , Zenati Yossef , Foley Ryan J. , Wheeler J. Craig , Angus Charlotte R. , Bánhidi Dominik , Auchettl Katie , Bíró Barna Imre , Bódi Attila , Bodola Zsófia , de Boer Thomas , Chambers Kenneth C. , Chornock Ryan , Coulter David A. , Csányi István , Cseh Borbála , Dandu Srujan , Davis Kyle W. , Dickinson Connor Braden , Farias Diego , Farah Joseph , Gall Christa , Gao Hua , Howell D. Andrew , Jacobson-Galan Wynn V. , Khetan Nandita , Kilpatrick Charles D. , Könyves-Tóth Réka , Kriskovics Levente , LeBaron Natalie , Loertscher Kayla , Le Saux X. K. , Margutti Raffaella , Magnier Eugene A. , McCully Curtis , McGill Peter , Miao Hao-Yu , Newsome Megan , Padilla Gonzalez Estefania , Pál András , Pál Boróka H. , Pan Yen-Chen , Politsch Collin A. , Ransome Conor L. , Ramirez-Ruiz Enrico , Rest Armin , Rest Sofia , Robinson Olivia , Sears Huei , Scheer Jackson , Sódor Ádám , Swift Jonathan , Székely Péter , Szakáts Róbert , Szalai Tamás , Taggart Kirsty , Terreran Giacomo , Venkatraman Padma , Vinkó József , Yang Grace , Zhou Henry
Published: September 2024

We present the photometric and spectroscopic evolution of SN 2022oqm, a nearby multipeaked hydrogen- and helium-weak calcium-rich transient (CaRT). SN 2022oqm was detected 13.1 kpc from its host galaxy, the face-on spiral galaxy NGC 5875. Extensive spectroscopic coverage reveals an early hot (T ≥ 40,000 K) continuum and carbon features observed ∼1 day after discovery, SN Ic-like photospheric-phase spectra, and strong forbidden calcium emission starting 38 days after discovery. SN 2022oqm has a relatively high peak luminosity (M

B
= −17 mag) for CaRTs, making it an outlier in the population. We determine that three power sources are necessary to explain the light curve (LC), with each corresponding to a distinct peak. The first peak is powered by an expanding blackbody with a power-law luminosity, suggesting shock cooling by circumstellar material (CSM). Subsequent LC evolution is powered by a double radioactive decay model, consistent with two sources of photons diffusing through optically thick ejecta. From the LC, we derive an ejecta mass and 56Ni mass of ∼0.6 M
⊙ and ∼0.09 M
⊙. Spectroscopic modeling ∼0.6 M
⊙ of ejecta, and with well-mixed Fe-peak elements throughout. We discuss several physical origins for SN 2022oqm and find either a surprisingly massive white dwarf progenitor or a peculiar stripped envelope model could explain SN 2022oqm. A stripped envelope explosion inside a dense, hydrogen- and helium-poor CSM, akin to SNe Icn, but with a large 56Ni mass and small CSM mass could explain SN 2022oqm. Alternatively, helium detonation on an unexpectedly massive white dwarf could also explain SN 2022oqm.
Rest-frame Optical Spectroscopy of Ten z ∼ 2 Weak Emission-line Quasars
Authors: Chen Y. , Luo B. , Brandt W. N. , Zuo Wenwen , Dix Cooper , Ha Trung , Matthews Brandon , Paul Jeremiah D. , Plotkin Richard M. , Shemmer Ohad
Published: September 2024

We present near-infrared spectroscopy of 10 weak emission-line quasars (WLQs) at redshifts of z ∼ 2, obtained with the Palomar 200 inch Hale Telescope. WLQs are an exceptional population of type 1 quasars that exhibit weak or no broad emission lines in the ultraviolet (e.g., the C iv
λ1549 line), and they display remarkable X-ray properties. We derive Hβ-based single-epoch virial black hole masses (median value 1.7 × 109
M
⊙) and Eddington ratios (median value 0.5) for our sources. We confirm the previous finding that WLQ Hβ lines, as a major low-ionization line, are not significantly weak compared to typical quasars. The most prominent feature of the WLQ optical spectra is the universally weak/absent [O iii] λ5007 emission. They also display stronger optical Fe ii emission than typical quasars. Our results favor the super-Eddington accretion scenario for WLQs, where the weak lines are a result of a soft ionizing continuum; the geometrically thick inner accretion disk and/or its associated outflow is responsible for obscuring the nuclear high-energy radiation and producing the soft ionizing continuum. We also report candidate extreme [O iii] outflows (blueshifts of ≈500 and 4900 km s−1) in one object.
Measurements of the Low-acceleration Gravitational Anomaly from the Normalized Velocity Profile of Gaia Wide Binary Stars and Statistical Testing of Newtonian and Milgromian Theories
Authors: Chae Kyu-Hyun
Published: September 2024

Low-acceleration gravitational anomaly is investigated with a new method of exploiting the normalized velocity profile

v

˜

≡

v

p

/

v

c

of wide binary stars as a function of the normalized sky-projected radius s/r
M, where v

p
is the sky-projected relative velocity between the pair, v

c
is the Newtonian circular velocity at the sky-projected separation s, and r
M is the MOND radius. With a Monte Carlo method, Gaia observed binaries and their virtual Newtonian counterparts are probabilistically distributed on the s/r
M versus

v

˜

plane, and a logarithmic velocity ratio parameter Γ is measured in the bins of s/r
M. With three samples of binaries covering a broad range in size, data quality, and implied fraction of hierarchical systems including a new sample of 6389 binaries selected with accurate distances and radial velocities, I find a unanimous systematic variation from the Newtonian flat line. With Γ = 0 at s/r
M ≲ 0.15 or s ≲ 1 kau, I get Γ = 0.068 ± 0.015 (stat)

−
0.015

+
0.024

(syst) for s/r
M ≳ 0.7 or s ≳ 5 kau. The gravitational anomaly (i.e., acceleration boost) factor given by γ

g
= 102Γ is measured to be

γ

g

=

1.37

−
0.09

+
0.10

(stat)

−
0.09

+
0.16

(syst). With a reduced χ
2 test of Newtonian and Milgromian nonrelativistic theories, I find that Newtonian gravity is ruled out at 5.8σ (

χ

ν

2

=
9.4

) by the new sample (and 9.2σ by the largest sample used). The Milgromian AQUAL theory is acceptable with

0.7
≲

χ

ν

2

≲
3.1

. These results agree well with earlier results with the “acceleration-plane analysis” for a variety of samples and the “stacked velocity profile analysis” for a pure binary sample.
New Strong Gravitational Lenses from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys Data Release 9
Authors: Storfer C. , Huang X. , Gu A. , Sheu W. , Banka S. , Dey A. , Inchausti Reyes J. , Jain A. , Kwon K. J. , Lang D. , Lee V. , Meisner A. , Moustakas J. , Myers A. D. , Tabares-Tarquinio S. , Schlafly E. F. , Schlegel D. J.
Published: September 2024

We have conducted a search for strong gravitational lensing systems in the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Legacy Imaging Surveys Data Release 9. This is the third paper in a series. These surveys together cover ∼19,000 deg2 visible from the Northern Hemisphere, reaching a z-band AB magnitude of ∼22.5. We use a deep residual neural network, trained on a compilation of known lensing systems and high-grade candidates as well as nonlenses in the same footprint. After applying our trained neural network to the survey data, we visually inspect and rank images with probabilities above a threshold which has been chosen to balance precision and recall. We have found 1895 lens candidates, of which 1512 are identified for the first time. Combining the discoveries from this work with those from Papers I (335) and II (1210), we have discovered a total of 3057 new candidates in the Legacy Surveys.
Influence of homogenization methods on lichen species detection from environmental DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Sakata Ayumi , Minamoto Toshifumi , Sado Tetsuya , Miya Masaki
Published: September 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques are increasingly employed in biodiversity monitoring of terrestrial animals, plants, and fungi, holding great potential to revolutionize biodiversity assessments on land. However, sampling and basic laboratory protocols still require refinement to optimize DNA metabarcoding performance. Homogenization as a pretreatment for eDNA extraction is known to enhance the concentration and quality of extracted eDNA for some groups of organisms. We developed a simple and efficient method for capturing arboreal biodiversity using stemflow as a source of eDNA; however, its performance with or without homogenization had not yet been compared. In this study, we evaluated the performance of two different homogenization methods using eDNA metabarcoding and qPCR assays. Metabarcoding analyses revealed that the method without homogenization detected the fewest species, while nearly identical and higher numbers of species were detected in samples subjected to bead-beating and frozen bead-beating homogenization. Similarly, qPCR analyses revealed that the method without homogenization yielded the lowest DNA concentration, while nearly identical and higher DNA yields were observed for bead-beating and frozen bead-beating homogenization. These findings suggest that, considering cost and effort, the bead-beating method without freezing is the most advantageous.
Insights into physiological and biochemical responses of Zea mays L. under salinity stress
Authors: Aizaz Muhammad , Ullah Raza , Ullah Tariq , Sami Rokayya , Aljabri Maha , Althaqafi Mohammed M. , AL-Farga Ammar , Qari Sameer H.
Published: September 2024

Growth of crops in the semi-arid and arid regions of the world is significantly affected by salinity stress. The present study investigated maize, which is a globally cultivated crop and known for its salt sensitivity. Widespread cultivation and notable characteristics of maize make it an exemplary model for investigating stress response. We analyzed maize plants morphological and biochemical responses under salinity stress at different intervals. Current results showed that under 100 mM NaCl stress, germination rate of maize seeds decreases up to 40% compared to their respective control non-stressed seeds. Additionally, prolonged exposure to salinity stress negatively impacted various physiological and biochemical aspects of maize plants including shoot/root length, leaf width, and chlorophyll contents, especially in plants treated with NaCl for 21 days. Furthermore, our findings showed that the NaCl stress triggered various enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities, including catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), total polyphenol (TPP), and flavonoid in maize plants. However, maize plants respond differently to NaCl stress regarding protein content in different durations. This research underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to mitigate salinity stress and food security for local maize varieties in saline regions and provides valuable insights to tackle these challenges.
New faunistic records of chironomids and phantom midges (Diptera, Chironomidae and Chaoboridae) from Ukraine indicate recent climatic refugia in the Eastern Carpathians
Authors: Bitušík Peter , Novikmec Milan , Svitok Marek , Hamerlík Ladislav
Published: September 2024

The aquatic insect fauna of the Eastern Carpathians is poorly known, especially in Ukraine. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted faunistic surveys of Chironomidae and Chaoboridae in 2018 and 2021. The study involved sampling of 11 watercourses and 10 mountain lakes situated in the Ukrainian part of the Eastern Carpathians. A total of 101 taxa were identified, including 40 chironomid species and one genus that have been recorded for the first time from Ukraine. The occurrence of one species previously considered as “doubtfully present” in Ukraine was confirmed by this study. One of the two identified phantom midge species, Chaoborus (s. str.) obscuripes (van der Wulp, 1859), is recorded for the first time from Ukraine. The most intriguing records are chironomid species Cricotopus (s. str.) beckeri Hirvenoja, 1973, Eukiefferiella bedmari Vilchez-Quero & Laville, 1987, and Pseudorthocladius (s. str.) berthelemyi Moubayed, 1990. These species have Mediterranean distribution and their occurrence in the Eastern Carpathians could be remains of once-widespread populations that currently survive in the Carpathian refugia due to adverse climatic conditions in the former distribution area. The high number of first records from a relatively small number of sites indicates a great gap in the knowledge of the Ukrainian chironomid fauna.
Histoire(s) de la diplomatie culturelle française
Authors: Langlois Suzanne
Published: September 2024

Cet article explore la stratégie du cinéma français aux États-Unis de 1935 à 1940, au moment où le Service des œuvres françaises à l’étranger (SOFE) veut lancer la reconquête des marchés extérieurs et l’influence culturelle de la France. L’usage de ce médium constitue une expansion des interventions pour accroître le rayonnement de la culture française alors que le film parlant transforme le secteur. Le déploiement du cinéma à des fins éducatives est l’approche privilégiée, car elle combine la diffusion de films de tous genres et de toutes longueurs, dans des formats standardisés 35 et 16 mm, avec des lieux diversifiés. Les fonctionnaires et diplomates, producteurs et distributeurs français ont su planifier des stratégies, cibler des environnements favorables et tirer parti de la situation internationale.
Histoire(s) de la diplomatie culturelle française
Authors: Ged Françoise , Ghorayeb Marlène , Rousseau Émilie
Published: September 2024

Alors qu’au début des années 1990, le ministre chinois de la Construction présentait celle-ci comme le moteur de la croissance chinoise pour les décennies à venir, le 18 mai 1997, le président de la République française Jacques Chirac, lors d’un discours sur le partenariat industriel et commercial franco-chinois, les relations économiques entre l’Europe et la Chine et la sécurité internationale, invitait « 50 futurs ou jeunes architectes chinois à venir en France pour compléter leur formation, mener des missions d’études, ou encore pour s’associer avec des cabinets d’architectes français au service de projets communs. Par-delà l’architecture et l’urbanisme, l’aménagement du territoire peut être aussi un champ particulièrement stimulant de coopération entre nos deux pays ». Le succès du programme l’a ensuite amené à être porté à 150 jusqu’en 2005. En 2022, vingt-cinq ans après le lancement de ce programme présidentiel, plusieurs interrogations méritent d’être posées, selon différents angles de vue. Une perspective historique, pour laquelle l’accès aux archives diplomatiques apporterait un regard nouveau, de même que les archives des différents acteurs institutionnels, publics et privés : Quels réseaux ont été mobilisés en France et en Chine pour mettre en place un programme de ce genre ? Quels éléments ont permis d’en assurer le prestige, dans une Chine plutôt attirée par le milieu anglophone, et d’en susciter l’intérêt en France ? Quels effets le programme a-t-il eus en Chine et en France ? Quel rayonnement a-t-il pu avoir dans des pays voisins ? A-t-il produit dans l’aménagement du territoire, l’architecture, l’urbanisme, mais aussi dans l’enseignement, la recherche, la pratique professionnelle et l’expertise ? En Chine comme en France, le terme de « Trente Glorieuses » évoque une période de construction urbaine intense sur trois décennies, l’une commençant en Chine quand l’autre s’était achevée depuis dix ans en France. Quelles interactions entre milieu professionnel et milieu académique ont été suscitées ? Les archives diplomatiques, les archives des différents ministères, celles des acteurs publics et privés n’ont pas été sollicitées sur ces sujets et nous nous proposons de les faire parler, de manière à comprendre et cartographier les circulations et les transferts qui s’opèrent entre les deux pays.
Histoire(s) de la diplomatie culturelle française
Authors: Ben Rejeb Lotfi
Published: September 2024

Ce chapitre retrace la création du Comité France-Amérique en 1909 et ses efforts pour cultiver un rapprochement franco-américain dans le contexte de l’ascension de l’Allemagne dans les affaires européennes et mondiales. Il se concentre sur les activités du Comité qui, visant à promouvoir l’image de la « plus grande France » impériale auprès du public américain, a organisé une « tournée d’inspection » de l’Afrique du Nord coloniale pour une « commission américaine » de républicains francophiles, lesquels ont par la suite vanté le colonialisme français tout en minimisant la violence associée et la résistance des populations locales. La « commission » a également pris note de ce que les Américains pouvaient apprendre des méthodes coloniales françaises en matière de gestion raciale et de suprématie blanche. En plus de cibler les Américains, le Comité a cherché à inciter l’opinion française à adopter le colonialisme en tirant parti des approbations de la « commission américaine » et du discours sur la virilité associée à l’histoire de l’expansionnisme américain. Le Comité se distingue par son internationalisation de la propagande coloniale et la lumière qu’il jette sur les intersections impériales entre les États-Unis et la France.
The Future of Transnational Law / L’avenir du droit transnational
Authors: Devaux Caroline
Published: September 2024

La mondialisation ainsi que la facilitation des moyens de transport et de communication ont multiplié les situations transnationales, face auxquelles les États apparaissent parfois désarmés. Les acteurs privés, s’emparant de cette opportunité pour revendiquer leur autorité, sont désormais des acteurs clés de la production du droit transnational. Leur place au sein des processus de production juridique n’étant pas fondée sur des textes juridiques, l’article vient « transnationaliser » le discours de la légitimité en confrontant ses critères fondamentaux à la revendication d’un groupe particulier d’acteurs privés - les experts aéronautiques - lors de l’élaboration de la Convention du Cap. L’article remet en cause le bienfondé du processus de légitimation par l’expertise qui, bien que se basant sur la capacité des acteurs privés à élaborer des solutions efficaces, laisse apparaître une légitimité par les fondements et par les résultats limitées. Enfin, l’article suggère que l’Union Européenne est la mieux placée pour exercer un test de légitimité afin de faire barrage à la réception de revendications d’autorité peu démocratiques de certains acteurs privés dans l’espace communautaire .
La responsabilité sociétale des entreprises. Approche environnementale
Authors: Parance Béatrice
Published: September 2024

L’ensemble des contributions relatives à l’approche environnementale de la RSE a mis en lumière un double mouvement d’enrichissement qui prouve, s’il en était besoin, que ce sujet en évolution offre un stimulant terrain de réflexion pour les juristes et les économistes . D’une part, la RSE se révèle être un terre féconde pour les juristes en ce qu’elle favorise par son caractère très novateur le dépassement d’oppositions traditionnelles entre hard law et soft law, entre normes étatique et normes privées, entre cadre général et approche sectorielle et enfin entre sanction judiciaire et médiation . Mais d’autre part, c’est l’approche environnementale qui se révèle être une terre féconde pour la RSE en ce qu’elle l’approfondie et en ce qu ’elle la conduit à la découverte de nouveaux horizons de nature géographique, industrielle, juridique, comptable et fiscale .
The Influence of Dr. Rima Rudd's Organizational Health Literacy Scholarship in Maryland
Authors: Baur Cynthia , Maybury Catherine , Rosenfeld Lindsay , Richey Leah
Published: September 2024

Background:

This article analyzes and reflects on Dr. Rima Rudd's organizational health literacy ideas and tools and their influence on the field generally and on four projects over 12 years in Maryland specifically.

Objective:

We present four organizational health literacy projects – two from oral health and two from COVID-19 vaccination – that used or were influenced by Dr. Rudd's the Health Literacy Environment of Hospitals and Health Centers.

Methods:

In the oral health projects, we describe the organizational assessments we conducted, the assessment results, and the actions organizations took in response. In a Frederick, Maryland, COVID-19 project, we worked with multiple organizations in a single city to train them in the organizational assessment process, and we report the activities and results of this training. In the Baltimore, Maryland COVID-19 project, we provided general information about organizational health literacy and trained key health professionals in local organizations.

Key Results:

Our results confirm that Dr. Rudd's tools work mainly as intended because they help organizations or third-party evaluators identify health literacy barriers and create health literacy insights. Also, we observed that organizational health literacy tools can support organizations' interest in equity goals and increase their willingness to spend time on health literacy projects.

Conclusions:

Translating knowledge and skills to actions can require more time than organizations can commit or be more difficult than they can handle. In our projects, the four most positive examples were driven by a collaboration between our team and a change champion who had the power to institute new ideas and actions. While it can take time and money to gain traction, our Maryland work shows that organizational assessments are accessible, practical and tangible. We conclude that Dr. Rudd's influence extends beyond specific tools and is reflected in the field's acceptance of organizational and professional responsibility for health literacy as an equity and justice issue. [

HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2024;8(3):e151–e158.

]
Using of Hydrogen Sorbtion Storing Technology Based on Metal Hydrides for Cooling of High-Power Electric Generators with Steam Turbines
Authors: Umerenkova Ksenia , Kondratenko Olexandr , Koloskova Hanna , Lytvynenko Olha , Borysenko Vitalii
Published: September 2024

The article analyzes the cooling systems that have become stuck during the operation of high-power electric machines, the importance of using water-cooling systems for them has been dubbed. The main part of the research is devoted to the consideration of nutritional and detailed methods of rational cooling of turbogenerators based on the use of innovative environment protection technologies, namely metal hydride hydrogen storage technologies as an environmentally friendly alternative to motor fuel. It is shown that an alternative to the traditionally used devices for cooling of electric machines with hydrogen is the use of hydrides of intermetallic compounds to implement the working processes of thermosorption compressors, which is due to the ability of reversible hydrides of intermetallic compounds to repeatedly sorb and desorb hydrogen at significantly different pressures, the value of which is determined by the temperature potential of the thermal effect, i.e. thermochemical compression of hydrogen. The methods of calculating the parameters used in the designing such devices have been analyzed, and the method of determining the parameters of phase equilibria of hydrides of intermetallic compounds has been suggested. Mathematical modeling of hydrogen sorption by intermetallic compounds, performed on the basis of the mathematical apparatus of the thermodynamic perturbation theory improved in the study and on the example of the intermetallic hydride LaNi5, based on the application of the lattice gas model for metal hydrides. At the same time, due to the presence of an unchanged crystal structure of the metal, an increase in the volume of the crystal lattice in the process of hydrogen sorption was taken into account, which leads to the appearance of additional components in the potential energy, and the interaction between absorbed hydrogen atoms has also been taken into account. The calculated temperature dependences of the pressure on the plateau of the hydrogen solubility isotherm are in good agreement with the experimental data available in the literature. The operation of the metal hydride cooling system of TG excludes the occurrence of fire and explosive situations, and it also significantly increases the level of ecological safety indicators.
Analytical Calculation of Beams on Winkler's Variable Elastic Foundation
Authors: Krutii Yurii , Surianinov Mykola , Vakulenko Vladyslav , Soroka Mykola , Vasilieva Nataliia
Published: September 2024

Calculation formulas are given in the analytical form, which allow to study the bending of beams on a non-homogeneous solid Winkler elastic foundation. An example demonstrates the practical application of the developed method. The case is considered when the bed coefficient changes according to a parabolic law, and the variable distributed load acting on the beam is given by a linear law. The results of the calculation by the author's method are presented in numerical and graphical formats. For comparison, the calculation results obtained by the finite element method are also provided.
Mathematical Model of the Dynamics of Spherical Elements
Authors: Pasternak Viktoriya , Ruban Artem , Holii Oleksandr , Vavreniuk Sergii
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a study in the field of modelling the dynamics of spherical elements. The results obtained indicate the successful use of the discrete element method (DEM) as a numerical tool for analysing the behaviour of the system studied with the help of spheres. The results are based on the importance of correct consideration of the boundary conditions for the spheres, which determine the key aspects of modelling with the developed three-dimensional model. The developed model solves a number of important tasks, expanding the field of scientific research. Firstly, it allows studying the main parameters of the formation of a heterogeneous medium by analysing the compaction of spherical elements in different media. Next, the three-dimensional model is used to study the process of changing the structure of a heterogeneous medium from a static to an oscillatory state, which allows for a deeper understanding of this process. By modelling the mathematical behaviour of spherical elements under the influence of external and additional factors, a detailed understanding of their dynamics and contact interaction can be obtained. The application of the developed model to analyse the contact interaction of spherical elements in heterogeneous media allows predicting the main parameters of spheres and their heterogeneous environment with a reliable accuracy of up to ±1 %. It should be noted that the results obtained on the basis of the three-dimensional model are effective and indicate a number of practical applications in various fields.
Unravelling the Effect of Consumer Perception of CSR Practices of Multinational Enterprises on Consumer Purchase Intention: Insights from the Sri Lankan FMCG Sector
Authors: Ganegoda Thilini Udeshika , Weerasekera Sandun
Published: September 2024

Due to increased market potential, Multinational enterprises offering fast-moving consumer goods have grown rapidly in developing countries such as Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to investigate how CSR practices in the MNE FMCG sector of Sri Lanka affect consumer purchasing intentions through the mediation of brand image, brand attitude, and perceived quality. A positivist research paradigm has been adopted in this study. Accordingly, self-administered questionnaires were distributed among 200 consumers of MNE FMCGs and the structural equation modeling technique was adopted to generate the study's statistical conclusions. It was found that consumer purchase intention is influenced by the CSR practices of MNE FMCG companies, while brand attitude, brand image and perceived quality partially mediate the aforementioned relationship.This study unravels the actual effect of CSR practices of MNEs on consumer purchase intention especially in the context of South Asia based on the theoretical foundations of Social Exchange theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. This would be in contrast to extant literature which seems to have inconsistent findings on this relationship.
Impact of E-Word of Mouth (E-WOM) on Consumers’ Purchase Intention for Cosmetic Products: The Mediating Role of Brand Image (With reference to Facebook Users)
Authors: Vithana L. V. M. G. , Fernando P. I. N.
Published: September 2024

Social media marketing (SMM) is one of the emergent trends and a different marketing strategy that advertisers worldwide use today with the competition. In day-to-day life, cosmetics play a significant part as cosmetics are used as a regular ritual by almost everyone. The Electronic Word of Mouth (E-WOM) generated by the comments on social networking sites can influence the consumers’ purchasing decisions due to the vital role played by the SMM. However, consumers' adoption of E-WOM information is influenced by different factors. This study aims to investigate factors that affect E-WOM adoption on consumer purchase intention with the mediating effect on the brand image. The lack of research attention has been given on the impact of E-WOM on purchase intention with the mediating effect of Brand image. Hence, the current research addresses the knowledge and empirical gap. The researcher used the quantitative method and the data was collected from a sample of 384 respondents from Facebook users from Generation Z residing in Western province based on random sampling techniques. The collected data were analyzed by the Smart PLS. According to the findings, the researcher concluded that E-WOM has a significant impact on purchase intention. Further, results revealed a partially mediating effect of brand image on the relationship between E-WOM and purchase intention. The findings provide insights for cosmetics marketers to successfully manage the E-WOM activities. Moreover, the spread of accurate information through Facebook can foster a strong brand image, which will finally result an actual purchase behavior by consumers.
Brand Building in a VUCA Environment: A Study based on Star Hotels in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesundara W. M. H. M. , Eranda B. A. N.
Published: September 2024

The business world is becoming more unstable than ever before where organizations all over the world are influenced by the VUCA environment. Accordingly, the business organizations are required to devise and implement strategies to deal with the disruptions generated by the VUCA environment. Particularly, the tourism and hospitality industry are more sensitive towards the instable environment and the organizations in this industry need to be more responsive for sustaining their growth and survival. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the influence of VUCA environment on brand building and responses taken by the high-end star class hotels in Sri Lanka. Researchers have used a qualitative research method and particularly the multiple case study approach in conducting this study. Accordingly, the data was collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews, images, and company documents and the data was analyzed using the generic qualitative data analysis method consists of coding, sorting, synthesizing and theorizing. The findings of the study highlighted the challenges encountered by the hotels in sustaining their brand during a VUCA environment, including threat for customer relations, challenges for internal operational activities and insufficiency in employee talent. The study also identified the strategies used by these hotels to sustain their brand, including innovations for sustaining the brand, novelty in marketing for enhancing customer experience and enhancement of stakeholder wellbeing.The findings imply that hotels are required to focus on innovations while addressing the needs of stakeholders by being more resilient towards the influences from VUCA environment.
Deubiquitinase USP14 is upregulated in Crohn's disease and inhibits the NOD2 pathway mediated inflammatory response in vitro
Authors: Li Mengling , Zhao Yan , Zhang Jiayi , Jiang Wang , Peng Siyuan , Hu Jinyue , Shen Yueming
Published: September 2024

The nucleotide binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2) protein and its ligand N-acetyl muramyl dipeptide (MDP) are crucially involved in Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the mechanism by which NOD2 signaling is regulated in CD patients remains unclear. Ubiquitin specific protease (USP14) is a deubiquitylase that plays an important role in immunity. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which UPS14 regulates NOD2 induced inflammatory response in CD and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Our results showed that USP14 protein and mRNA levels in intestinal tissues of CD patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. In addition, USP14 was upregulated in IBD mouse model. While treatment with MDP, TNF-α or the Toll-like receptor 1/2 agonist Pam3CSK4 all led to significantly higher mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-1β in THP-1 cells, pretreatment with USP14 inhibitor IU1 could stimulate further upregulation of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-1β. In particular, MDP promoted the activation of JNK, ERK1/2 and p38 as well as NF-kB in THP-1 cells, and IU1 significantly enhanced the MDP-induced activation of these proteins without effects on USP14 protein level. Furthermore, the JNK inhibitor sp600125, ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 or P38 MAPK inhibitor PD169316 significantly decreased the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-1β in THP-1 cells stimulated by both IU1 and MDP. In conclusion, our findings suggest that USP14 could inhibit MDP-induced activation of MAPK signaling and the inflammation response involved in IBD, and that USP14 is a potential therapeutic target for IBD.
Hypertensive patients' experience of care: a qualitative study
Authors: Fadilah Nikmatul , Wijayanti Dyah , Kholifah Siti Nur , Dinarwiyata Dinarwiyata
Published: September 2024

Hypertension is an incurable disease, requiring patients to comply with treatment in order to reduce the risk of complications, including death. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experience of individuals with hypertension in relation to compliance with treatment.The study adopted a qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured questions, and a total of 20 patients with hypertension participated.The result of this study found 5 themes, namely, not taking the medication regularly, adhering to a diet, using complementary medicine, stable blood pressure, and dizziness as the primary complaint.There were significant and exciting results from this study, namely, patients who do not take medication regularly and do not adhere to their diet.
The effects of brown rice as functional food on Lee Index, adipose tissues and PRDM16 levels in obesity model Rattus norvegicus
Authors: Pricelia Jeany , Arini Putri Dwi , Alifiyah Hazrina Putri , Syabania Riri , Kusumastuty Inggita , Sulistyowati Etik , Sasiarini Laksmi , Rudijanto Achmad , Handayani Dian
Published: September 2024

Brown rice is a functional food known to improve the Lee Index, influencing PRDM16 levels in obesity conditions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the differences in Lee Index, Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) weight, White Adipose Tissue (WAT) weight, BeAT weight, total body fat, and PRDM16 levels of obese model rats with the intervention of brown and white rice, as well as ℽ-oryzanol. A true experimental method was used with a post-test-only control group in vivo design. The obesity model was constructed with male Sprague Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus), divided into five diet groups namely standard and HFHF diet control, as well as HFHF + brown rice, HFHF + white rice, and HFHF + ℽ-oryzanol combination diet. The experiment was carried out for 26 weeks, with details of 14 weeks to form an obese model and 12 weeks for the intervention. Before statistical correlation was tested, Lee index values, adipose tissues, and PRDM16 were analyzed. The anthropometric data collection method was carried out by weighing before and after the intervention, while adipose tissue was collected by weighing after sacrifice. The immunofluorescence method was used to collect the expression of PRDM16 and the mean of PRDM16 levels was analyzed in the ImageJ application. After the data collection process, analysis was performed using SPSS to determine possible differences in each group. Normally distributed data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, while those without normal distribution were assessed using the Kruskall-Walis method and the Mann Whitney-U advanced test, with a p-value of <0.05 considered significantly different.The result showed that there were differences among several groups regarding total body fat (p=0.012), WAT (p=0.026), and BAT (p=0.025). However, no differences were found between all groups regarding the Lee index (p=0.275), BeAT (p=0.079), and PRDM16 level (p=0.292). In conclusion, brown rice intervention did not significantly affect Lee index values, the expression of PRDM16, and adipose tissue weights at the end of the intervention.
Divine ambiguity: A philosophical inquiry into God’s uncertain decisions
Authors: Durodolu Oluwole O. , Ngoepe Mpho
Published: September 2024

The debate surrounding the nature and attributes of God as presented in the Bible has garnered significant attention and critique from various philosophical perspectives like Friedrich Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell and David Hume. This philosophical critique emphasises the inconsistency in the nature of God and challenges traditional theological beliefs. The expression of regret by the God of the Bible in Genesis 6:6 raises philosophical dilemmas regarding divine attributes and the problem of evil. The contradiction between God’s regret and the affirmation of his creation as good underscores fundamental questions about divine omniscience, omnipotence and benevolence. The presence of evil and suffering in the world poses a significant challenge to the notion of a loving and all-powerful God. Examples of human suffering, such as slavery, colonisation, apartheid and natural disasters, further highlight the complexity of reconciling divine attributes with the existence of evil. Philosophically analysing biblical narratives, such as the story of Job, Noah’s flood and the plagues of Egypt, raises ethical concerns regarding divine justice and the moral agency of humanity. Additionally, the indiscriminate punishment of innocent individuals in these narratives challenges the credibility of a benevolent and compassionate God. The philosophical inquiry into the problem of evil and natural disasters underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of divine attributes and their implications for human existence.Contribution: The study encourages reflection on key questions about the nature of divinity, the morality of divine actions, and the compatibility of traditional theology with rational thought. It highlights how inconsistencies in certain biblical accounts challenge those trying to balance faith with reason and scientific understanding. While some may view these narratives as metaphors or allegories, others find it difficult to align them with their intellectual beliefs, resulting in tensions between religious faith and scientific rationality.
Even a worm will turn: An atypical presentation of hydatid disease
Authors: Saieva Piero , Lovelock Tamsin , Jardine Thabiet
Published: September 2024

Hydatid disease (cystic echinococcosis) is a neglected zoonosis, often incidentally detected in its late stages. The clinical manifestations depend on the location and dimensions of the cysts, with the liver and lungs frequently affected. This case report describes thrombocytopenia, an unusual haematological complication of hydatid disease. We use this case to highlight the role that platelets play in various parasitic infections and to advocate for further research into the role of platelets in hydatid disease.Contribution: We draw attention to a less well-known complication of hydatid disease.
Risk of thyroid diseases in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Jiesisibieke Zhu Liduzi , Yang Syue-Mei , Tsai Hsin-Hua , Wang Yen-Chun , Chen Pei-En , Wang Tzu-Yu , Chi Ching-Chi , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: September 2024

Background:

An autoimmune etiology has been indicated for thyroid diseases. However, few studies have examined the association between psoriasis and thyroid diseases.

Objectives:

Explore the risk of thyroid disease in patients with psoriasis.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies to assess the risk of thyroid disease in patients with psoriasis. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from their inception to April 4, 2024. Two authors independently selected the studies, assessed their quality, and extracted the data. Any disagreements were resolved through discussions with a third author. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to present the results.

Results:

Three cohort studies were included. The risks of thyroiditis (RR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.23–2.47), hyperthyroidism (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14–1.32), and hypothyroidism (RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.29–1.57) were higher among the patients with psoriasis than those in the control group.

Conclusion:

Individuals with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing thyroid disease. Further studies that provide data on different sex and age groups are needed to clarify whether any specific subgroup of patients with psoriasis has an elevated risk of developing thyroid disease.