bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling opinion misperception and the emergence of silence in online social system
Authors: Vilone Daniele , Polizzi Eugenia
Published: January 2024

In the last decades an increasing deal of research has investigated the phenomenon of opinion misperception in human communities and, more recently, in social media. Opinion misperception is the wrong evaluation by community’s members of the real distribution of opinions or beliefs about a given topic. In this work we explore the mechanisms giving rise to opinion misperception in social media groups, which are larger than physical ones and have peculiar topological features. By means of numerical simulations, we suggest that the structure of connections of such communities plays indeed a role in distorting the perception of the agents about others’ beliefs, but it is essentially an indirect effect. Moreover, we show that the main ingredient that generates misperception is a spiral of silence induced by few, well connected and charismatic agents, which rapidly drives the majority of individuals to stay silent without disclosing their true belief, leading minoritarian opinions to appear more widespread throughout the community.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial on the efficacy of varenicline and bupropion in combination and alone for treatment of alcohol use disorder: Protocol for the COMB study
Authors: de Bejczy Andrea , Lidö Helga , Söderpalm Bo
Published: January 2024

Background

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a major cause of premature death, disability and suffering. Available treatments are of modest efficacy and under-prescribed so there is a pressing need for a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for AUD. Dopamine is hypothesized to be involved in the development of alcohol dependence. To challenge the low-dopamine hypothesis of addiction, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 13-week, multicentre clinical trial with four parallel arms is designed to evaluate the efficacy of two substances raising dopamine levels, varenicline and bupropion, alone and in combination vs. placebo on alcohol consumption in AUD. Varenicline, a partial agonist at brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors increases dopamine release, whereas bupropion is a centrally-acting, norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Varenicline is previously shown to reduce alcohol intake in individuals with AUD. We hypothesize that the effect size of a combination of two drugs affecting dopamine levels in the brain will exceed that of approved AUD therapies.

Methods

Consenting individuals with AUD will be recruited via media advertisements. Those fulfilling the eligibility criteria (N = 380) will be randomized to one of four interventions (n = 95 per arm). Treatment will comprise one week of titration (varenicline 0.5‒2 mg; bupropion SR 150‒300 mg) plus 12 weeks at steady state. Efficacy will be evaluated using two primary endpoints of alcohol consumption: Heavy Drinking Days and blood levels of phosphatidylethanol. Secondary objectives, exploratory and subgroup analyses will be also performed. The modified Intention-to-Treat and Per Protocol datasets will be evaluated using Analysis of Covariance. Last patient out is estimated to occur in December, 2022.

Discussion

The COMB Study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of varenicline and bupropion, two drugs affecting dopamine, on alcohol consumption, and to challenge the low-dopamine hypothesis of addiction. Study Code COMB-BO8, EudraCT 2018–000048–24, Version 3.2, Lidö & deBejczy, 2020-06-16; https://clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04167306.
Outreach strategies to promote HIV testing and linkage-to-care focusing on a young sexual and gender-diverse population in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Chiaprasert Paponsan , Lolekha Rangsima , Rungmaitree Supattra , Maleesatharn Alan , Sethaputra Chuenkamol , Durier Yuitiang , Srisoonthonthai Pornchai , Pumpradit Wachara , Northbrook Sanny Chen , Weerarak Peerawong , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence among young gender-diverse (a wide range of gender identities for people whose gender identity is different from the sex that they were assigned at birth) individuals is high but testing coverage among this key population remains low. We aim to evaluate strategies for outreach, HIV testing, and linkage to proper management in young men-who-have-had-sex-with-men (MSM, homosexual male) and transgender women (TGW) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Methods

The “YM2M outreach program” consisted of two strategies: 1) online platforms (OP) and 2) physical outreach activities (POA). Participant questionnaires were completed on a voluntary basis during outreach activities during 2018–2021. Demographic and behavioral characteristics were assessed for association with HIV positivity.

Results

A total of 3,972 homosexual male and TGW participated in the YM2M program: 2,973 by OP and 999 by POA. Of 2,230 participants who reported gender identity, 603/1,392 (43.3%) of OP and 252/985 (25.6%) of POA were gender diverse. Of 631 (21.2%) participants in OP and 970 (97.1%) in POA who underwent testing, 286 (45.3%) in OP and 41 (4.2%) in POA were HIV-positive. The venue reporting highest HIV yield was the Mor-Lam (11.5%). Among those with an HIV-positive test, 175 (61.2%) from OP and 23 (51.1%) from POA were successfully linked to HIV care. The independent factors associated with HIV positive in OP were being youth (adjusted odd ratio (aOR), 0.37; 95%CI 0.16–0.81; P = 0.01) and suspected or confirmed STI (aOR 15.39; 95%CI 7.17–33.03, P<0.01); while those in in POA at Mor-Lam were being gender diverse (aOR, 8.43; 95%CI 1.94–36.62; P<0.01) and reactive syphilis test (aOR, 5.40;95%CI 2.45–11.88; P<0.01). Linkage to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among HIV-negative participants was low, 4.9% and 2.6% in OP and POA participants, respectively.

Conclusions

While uptake of HIV testing was higher in POA while OP was more effective in identifying undiagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS and linking them to care. Neither strategy was considered effective in linkage to PrEP.
Enhancing network stability in VANETs using nature inspired algorithm for intelligent transportation system
Authors: Yerrathi Sandeep , Pakala Venugopal
Published: January 2024

The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is one of the developing paradigms that integrates the automotive industry with the Internet of Things (IoT). The evolution of traditional Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs), which are a layered framework for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), is employed to provide Quality of Service (QoS) to end users in hazardous situations. VANETs can set up ad-hoc networks and share information among themselves using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communication. Dynamic properties in VANETs such as dynamic topology, node mobility, sparse vehicle distribution, and bandwidth constraints can have an impact on scalability, routing, and security. This can result in frequent link failures, instability, reliability, and QOS concerns, as well as the inherent complexity of NP-hard problems. Researchers have proposed several techniques to achieve stability; the most prominent one is clustering, which relies on mobility metrics. However, existing clustering techniques generate overwhelming clusters, resulting in greater resource consumption, communication overhead, and hop count, which may lead to increased latency. Therefore, the primary objective is to achieve stability by increasing cluster lifetime, which is accomplished by generating optimal clusters. A nature-inspired meta-heuristic algorithm titled African Vulture Optimization Based Clustering Algorithm (AVOCA) is implemented to achieve it. The proposed algorithm can achieve load optimization with efficient resource utilization by mitigating hidden node challenges and ensuring communication proficiency. By maintaining an equilibrium state between the exploration and exploitation phases, AVOCA avoids local optima. The paper explores a taxonomy of the techniques used in Cluster Head (CH) selection, coordination, and maintenance to achieve stability with lower communication costs. We evaluated the effectiveness of AVOCA using various network grid sizes, transmission ranges, and network nodes. The results show that AVOCA generates 40% less clusters when compared to the Clustering Algorithm Based on Moth-Flame Optimization for VANETs (CAMONET). AVOCA generates 45% less clusters when compared to Self-Adaptive Multi-Kernel Clustering for Urban VANETs (SAMNET), AVOCA generates 43% less clusters when compared to Intelligent Whale Optimization Algorithm (i-WOA) and AVOCA generates 38% less clusters when compared to Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO). The results show that AVOCA outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms in generating optimal clusters.
Implementing HLA-B*58:01 testing prior to allopurinol initiation in Malaysian primary care setting: A qualitative study from doctors’ and patients’ perspective
Authors: Ng Wei Leik , Hussein Norita , Ng Chirk Jenn , Qureshi Nadeem , Lee Yew Kong , Kwan Zhenli , Kee Boon Pin , Then Sue-Mian , Abdul Malik Tun Firzara , Mohd Zaidan Fatimah Zahrah , Azmi Siti Umi Fairuz
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Allopurinol, the first-line treatment for chronic gout, is a common causative drug for severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR). HLA-B*58:01 allele was strongly associated with allopurinol-induced SCAR in Asian countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. HLA-B*58:01 screening before allopurinol initiation is conditionally recommended in the Southeast-Asian population, but the uptake of this screening is slow in primary care settings, including Malaysia. This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of primary care doctors and patients with gout on implementing HLA-B*58:01 testing in Malaysia as part of a more extensive study exploring the feasibility of implementing it routinely.

Methods

This qualitative study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to obtain information from patients with gout under follow-up in primary care and doctors who cared for them. Patients and doctors shared their gout management experiences and views on implementing HLA-B*58:01 screening in primary care. Data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

18 patients and 18 doctors from three different healthcare settings (university hospital, public health clinics, private general practitioner clinics) participated. The acceptability to HLA-B*58:01 screening was good among the doctors and patients. We discovered inadequate disclosure of severe side effects of allopurinol by doctors due to concerns about medication refusal by patients, which could potentially be improved by introducing HLA-B*58:01 testing. Barriers to implementation included out-of-pocket costs for patients, the cost-effectiveness of this implementation, lack of established alternative treatment pathway besides allopurinol, counselling burden and concern about genetic data security. Our participants preferred targeted screening for high-risk populations instead of universal screening.

Conclusion

Implementing HLA-B*58:01 testing in primary care is potentially feasible if a cost-effective, targeted screening policy on high-risk groups can be developed. A clear treatment pathway for patients who test positive should be made available.
EBV abortive lytic cycle promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression through recruiting monocytes and regulating their directed differentiation
Authors: Xu Xiaoting , Zhu Nannan , Zheng Junming , Peng Yingying , Zeng Mu-Sheng , Deng Kai , Duan Chaohui , Yuan Yan
Published: January 2024

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several types of human cancer including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The activation of EBV to the lytic cycle has been observed in advanced NPC and is believed to contribute to late-stage NPC development. However, how EBV lytic cycle promotes NPC progression remains elusive. Analysis of clinical NPC samples indicated that EBV reactivation and immunosuppression were found in advanced NPC samples, as well as abnormal angiogenesis and invasiveness. To investigate the role of the EBV lytic cycle in tumor development, we established a system that consists of two NPC cell lines, respectively, in EBV abortive lytic cycle and latency. In a comparative analysis using this system, we found that the NPC cell line in EBV abortive lytic cycle exhibited the superior chemotactic capacity to recruit monocytes and polarized their differentiation toward tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-like phenotype and away from DCs, compared to EBV-negative or EBV-latency NPC cells. EBV-encoded transcription activator ZTA is responsible for regulating monocyte chemotaxis and TAM phenotype by up-regulating the expression of GM-CSF, IL-8, and GRO-α. As a result, TAM induced by EBV abortive lytic cycle promotes NPC angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Overall, this study elucidated the role of the EBV lytic life cycle in the late development of NPC and revealed a mechanism underlying the ZTA-mediated establishment of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that promotes NPC late-stage progression.
Where the human and non-human meet in environmentalist animations: Hayao Miyazaki’s transformational enchantment
Authors: May Hermione
Published: January 2024

Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films question what audiences may conceive to be inanimate and bring these objects into a new sphere of categorization. New eco-philosophical schools of thought have recently raised the dualistic definitions of the terms ‘human’ and ‘non-human’ as problematic. Philosophical approaches of ‘new materialism’ point to agency inherent to all objects. Utilizing the term ‘non-human’ within this article will enable a more nuanced grasp of what may be considered as the ‘inanimate’ and the ‘non-human’. Miyazaki utilizes a philosophical approach to ‘enchantment’ to present audiences with a complex view of the relations between the human and non-human world through a folkloric lens, thereby providing an alternative mode of eco-criticism.
Emirati woman illustrator on Instagram: ‘Let’s go and get the bread!’
Authors: Willard Sarah Laura Nesti
Published: January 2024

An Instagram post by hand of an Emirati illustrator garnered significant attention: the image represents a Muslim woman from an unusual perspective, rather defiant and avant-garde.

The illustration is bold because it portrays Emirati women as ambitious and career-driven, contenders of social norms. The artwork symbolizes a changing United Arab Emirates (UAE), where young citizens challenge patriarchal values and redefine norms, and it is representative of the shifting dynamics in Emirati society.
Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective, Raymond Briggs, curated by Katie Currach and Nicolette Jones
Authors: Coates Jodie
Published: January 2024

Review of: Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective, Raymond Briggs, curated by Katie Currach and Nicolette Jones

Cambridge University Library, Cambridge, 29 April–26 August 2023

Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective, a touring exhibition from the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, was installed at Cambridge University Library from 2 April to the 26 August in 2023. The collection, courtesy of the Raymond Briggs Archive and Penguin Random House, consists of annotated page designs and original illustrations selected from over sixty years of award-winning work. From fairytales to political satire, this exhibition showcases the intricate detail and deep emotional resonance of Briggs’ work; a legacy of powerful storytelling which has moved so many readers, old and young alike, over the decades.
Guest editors’ Introduction
Authors: Etxeberria Agiriano Arantza , García-Encinas María José
Published: January 2024

This monographic issue contains a long article bringing together the Lullius Lectures delivered by Professor Sandra Mitchell during the Xth Conference of the Society of Logic, Methodology, and Philosophy of Science in Spain, that took place in Salamanca (16-19 November, 2021). The publication of her Lectures is complemented by six original articles that address and examine different aspects of Sandra Mitchell’s contributions to the philosophy of science. In this introduction to the monograph, the editors present the broad outlines of the Lullius Lectures given by Mitchell on the landscape of integrative pluralism. We accompany this overview with a review of some of the fundamental concepts of her philosophy as reviewed and discussed by the original articles included in the monograph on integrative pluralism (Deulofeu & Suárez, 2023; and Van Der Merwe, 2023), emergence (Onnis, 2023), scientific laws (Andersen, 2023; and Plutynski, 2023), and realism (Bertolaso & Sterpetti, 2023).
What is gained when university leadership revisits and recommits to equality considering the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development
Authors: Fernández-Fernández Idoia , Saéz de Cámara Estibaliz , Imaz Leire
Published: January 2024

In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an ambitious initiative that aims to confront society’s biggest challenges in a decisive and coordinated fashion. One such challenge is set out in SDG 5, achieving gender equality. Following the adoption of the 2023 Agenda, many higher education institutions have implemented strategies to make tangible progress towards this goal. To that end, universities have been drawing on their previous work in gender equality (in addition to other areas such as climate change, inclusivity, and quality education), constituting a solid foundation for embarking on this new path. However, the 2030 Agenda mandates that the challenges affecting people and the planet be viewed in an integrated manner and that social, economic, and environmental aspects interact in unprecedented ways, underscoring the fact that continuing with previous policies is not sufficient; instead, we need to aim higher and devise more integrated and interrelated ways that will ultimately be more effective. In this paper, we analyse how the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) has tackled these challenges at the policy level, and we report the steps the university has taken to place gender equality in a broader framework of sustainable development as an integrated whole. The new approach reworked the university’s educational model, led by the Vice-Rector’s Office of Innovation and Social Commitment, Sustainability and Equality Office. The new model has been taken up throughout the university and guides the institution for specific policies, plans and programmes in Education for Sustainable Development. We describe the initiatives with the most significant relevance for SDG 5 and the results for the last five academic years (2017-2021). The results show that significant progress is possible if appropriate and converging instruments are deployed, and efforts are sustained over time and supported by ongoing and rigorous monitoring of the results.
Application of bivariate regression method for estimating the
secondary natality in brown hare
Authors: Majzinger István
Published: January 2024

Knowledge of reproductive performance of the European brown hare
(Lepus europaeus, Pallas, 1778) is an essential condition for planning
rational utilization. The direct possibility of estimating the number of
leverets is the placental scar counting of the eviscerated females in the
hunting bag. A condition for a reliable estimate is a sufficient sample
quantity and the timing of sampling. Late sampling leads to a risky and
unreliable estimate due to the disappearance of placental scars (amount of
reproduction), which will result in under- or over-utilization. The goal of
study is to test a method that enables reliable estimation for the amount
of reproduction by using individual biological parameters and eliminates
the risk resulting from timing. This case report is an attempt to estimate
the number of placental scars (born leverets) by using the dried eye lens
weight and body weight of fertile females by bivariate linear regression
method.

Based on the real placental scar number (y), three classes were
created: class I: y=1-4; class II: y=5-9; class III: y=9-13 placental
scares. The estimated values of the placental scar numbers (y’) using the
regression model was only accurate for values belonging to class II. For
those belonging to class I the model resulted over-, and to class III an
underestimation. The linear regression model using eye lens weight and body
weight as independent variables did not result in a reliable estimate of
secondary natality for the entire stock in the given situation.
The relationships of the European Union projects implemented in
Debrecen in the period 2014-2020 and the biological activity value
Authors: Orosz György , Kőhalmi Botond , Skutai Julianna
Published: January 2024

In the study, the implemented European Union development projects of
the city of Debrecen for the period 2014-2020 are evaluated based on their
effects on the green infrastructure. Our aim is to reveal to what extent
the development projects occupied green areas and, accordingly, what amount
of green area compensation would be required. The tests were carried out by
classifying and analysing the projects and calculating the biological
activity value. The basic principle of the calculation of the biological
activity value laid down in the law is that the areas included in the
settlement plan are provided with values, so-called biological activity
value multipliers, proportional to the hectare level according to their
role in the urban fabric, their properties and surface coverage. The values
obtained by multiplying the extent of the demarcated areas in hectares and
their activity values give the total biological activity value of the
chosen area. In our research, we divided the topic of biological activity
values into two groups, the project-level calculation (information in the
possession of implementing bodies), and the examination of the effects
related to settlement planning, which are publicly available in development
and planning documents. Based on these, the cumulative biological activity
value of the 38 development projects evaluated in the landscape use section
is 201.9475. This indicator means that the implemented developments caused
a decrease in biological activity value for the city in total.
An Explanation for Dark Energy from Whittaker Potential Theory
Authors: Titleman Mark
Published: January 2024

A recent article found that black holes with posited vacuum energy interior solutions alongside cosmological boundaries have a cosmological coupling constant of k=3, meaning that black holes gain mass proportional to a
3 in a parameterization equation within a Robertson Walker cosmology – thus making black holes a cosmological dark energy species (Farrah et al. 2023). The mechanism for this is unknown. Two papers by E. T. Whittaker in 1903 and 1904 showed that all force potential could be understood as resulting from standing waves (static non-local solution) and propagating waves (local solution changing in time). This unification of gravitational and electromagnetic potential has been neglected even though it opens up new mathematical avenues and physical features. The mass-proportionality and preferred direction of the longitudinal waves within the two underlying Whittaker potentials can explain many features of General Relativity (Titleman 2022). They also offer a simple Newtonian explanation for dark energy stemming from Whittaker potential theory – it is produced as longitudinal motion within the Whittaker potentials only when dynamic electromagnetism is separate from time-static gravity in intergalactic space.
Experimental investigation of flow characteristics and performance parameters of a podded aft engine air intake
Authors: Amiri Human , Küçük Umut Can , Kuşcu Yiğit Fırat
Published: January 2024

This experimental study investigates the flow characteristics and performance parameters of a podded intake in aft-engine configuration at the aerodynamic interface plane (AIP), which is a typical configuration of a generic twin-engine regional jet aircraft. A scaled model aircraft with the port side hollow nacelle is equipped with total pressure rakes positioned exactly at the AIP to obtain the total pressure recovery and distortion. Multiple flight configurations (landing, take-off, and climb-out) with varying angle of attack (AoA) and side slip angle (SSA) are considered; attention has been paid to those with undesirable effects to the flow approaching the engine, by deploying flaps, slats, spoilers, and landing gear compartment. The mass flow rate and thus the mach number at the AIP is adjusted by changing the size of the exhaust nozzle. The Reynolds number dissimilarity is partially compensated by transition band application on the fuselage as well as engine inlet.
Influence of carbonation on torrent air permeability of concrete
Authors: Jaskulski Roman , Kubissa Wojciech , Zapała Dominika
Published: January 2024

Air permeability testing is increasingly being used to measure the impermeability of concrete and to estimate the durability of reinforced concrete structures using this property. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study on the influence of the carbonation of concrete on its air permeability measured using the Torrent apparatus. Three batches of concrete made with CEM I cement and differing in the w/c ratio (0.45, 0.50, and 0.55) were tested. The influence of the relative humidity of concrete on the air permeability index kT was assessed using relationships available in the literature. It was shown that in carbonated concrete, these relationships need to be modified. The air permeability values obtained in tests are lower than the theoretical values calculated using the equation. The results obtained suggest that the effect of carbonation on the air permeability of concrete is significant and further research in this area is highly recommended.
A Study on the Perceptions of Elementary School Students and Teachers on English Speaking Education
Authors:   The Society Of Modern Grammar, Cho Jeemin
Published: January 2024

This research delves into the perceptions of students and teachers regarding English speaking educa- tion, and aims to illuminate the effectiveness and importance ascribed to English speaking instruction. Through surveys, viewpoints of 2,577 students and 3,259 teachers are investigated by providing insights into their experiences, opinions, and expectations concerning the develop- ment of the students English speaking skills. from 3,520 elementary schools. The participants were distributed across various grades and regions. The results showed a strong inclination among students to want to participate in a more variety of learning activities, with a strong preference for native English conversation programs, especially guided by a teacher. Teachers on the other hand, encounter challenges in executing activities effectively due to high student-to-teacher ratios and insufficient opportunities for English classes. Recommendations include self-directed learning resources, technological integration, and systematic after-school programs to optimize language proficiency for students and the need for continuous teacher training aligned with evolving curricula to assist teachers to maintain the changes needed in these classrooms.
Headness of the Long-Form Negative Marker Ani in Korean
Authors:   The Society Of Modern Grammar, Son Gwangrak
Published: January 2024

The goal of this paper is to present evidence that the long-form negative marker ani in Korean functions as a head of the functional projection NegP. The evidence mainly comes from the following two facts. First, a negative polarity item(NPI) serves as a blocker for the focus marker in sentences of long-form negation, so any element preceding an NPI cannot be focused. Second, a subject-object asymmetry arises in NPI-licensing when an NPI is contained in coordinate structures of long-form negation, the fact of which can only be explained by assuming the headness of the negator ani.
A Note on the *<ϕ,ϕ> Constraint in Korean
Authors:   The Society Of Modern Grammar, Yim Changguk
Published: January 2024

This squib is to examine the *<ϕ,ϕ> Constraint that Yim (2023a,b,c) proposes to account for the -i drop phenomenon in Korean vocatives. The key factors of the Constraint is identity and adjacency of ϕ–features. A set of data is expanded to test whether Yim’s (2023a,b,c) *<ϕ,ϕ> Constraint comes into play in non-vocative constructions. Showing that the Constraint does not work for non-vocatives, the squib offers a pragmatic explanation for such inapplicability. Specifically, attributing morphological haplology to an accidental result, the asymmetry observed between vocatives and non-vocatives follows straightforwardly from the difference in the speaker’s intention.
'RAINWATER SHOLAWAT': THE THEO-ECOLOGICAL MOVEMENT OF THE JOMBANG COMMUNITY IN COMBATING THE CLEAN WATER CRISIS
Authors: Mariyam Siti , Zahid A
Published: January 2024

Theo-ecology has long been one of the alternative solutions to environmental problems, including in Indonesia. The Rainwater Sholawat program represents an alternative theological movement aimed at utilizing rainwater as a solution to address the scarcity of clean water sources and flood issues in East Java, particularly in Karangwinongan Village. The purpose of this article is to elucidate the theological movement behind the Rainwater Sholawat program implemented by the Air Kita Foundation in Winongan Jombang Village, East Java. This study was conducted using a qualitative research method. Data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, observations, and literature review. The findings revealed that the religious approach surrounding the Rainwater Sholawat method successfully raised awareness among the residents about the advantages of rainwater as a viable source of clean water. The Rainwater Sholawat Program is implemented through the organization of festivals, educational initiatives, and supportive studies.Teo-ecology telah lama menjadi salah satu alternatif pemecahan masalah lingkungan, termasuk di Indonesia. Program Sholawat Air Hujan adalah salah satu diantara alternatif gerakan teo-ekologi yang berupaya memanfaatkan air hujan sebagai solusi atas minimnya sumber air bersih dan persoalan banjir di Jawa Timur, khususnya di Desa Karangwinongan. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan gerakan teo-ekologi pada program Sholawat Air Hujan yang dilakukan oleh Yayasan Air Kita di Desa Winongan Jombang, Jawa Timur. Penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan telaah Pustaka. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendekataan keagamaan melalui metode Sholawatan Air Hujan mampu menyadarkan warga atas manfaat air hujan sebagai sumber air bersih. Program Sholawatan Air Hujan ini dilakukan melalui penyelenggaraan festival, edukasi dan pendampingan dalam bentuk pengajian.
HOW DOES ZAKAT EMPOWER SOCIETY? A CASE STUDY OF THE KHAIRPUR DISTRICT, PAKISTAN
Authors: Junejo Safiullah , Anwar Saba
Published: January 2024

Poverty is a worldwide issue of concern to the international community, including Pakistan. Khairpur is a rural region in Pakistan where a significant proportion of the population lives below the poverty threshold. This research aims to describe the practice of zakat and its implications for the residents of the Khairpur district in Pakistan, using qualitative research techniques. The methods employed to collect data in this study involved conducting interviews with Khairpur residents, observations, and reviewing relevant literature. The findings indicated that in Khairpur, the local community perceives the practice of zakat as a means of providing socio-economic security for the elderly by allocating zakat funds to healthcare facilities. Donating Zakat to educational institutions can also provide assistance to economically vulnerable groups of children. Zakat initiatives can aid women's groups in funding their wedding expenses and dowries. Nevertheless, this research also exposed that the transparency of zakat management has been inadequate and requires further improvement to ensure that a larger portion of the Khairpur population can reap the benefits of zakat.Problem global kemiskinan telah lama menjadi perhatian masyarakat dunia, termasuk di Pakistan. Khairpur adalah salah satu daerah pedesaan Pakistan yang memiliki banyak segmen masyarakat yang hidup di bawah garis kemiskinan. Penelitian ini bermaksud untuk menjelaskan praktik zakat dan refleksinya bagi masyarakat di distrik Khairpur Pakistan melalui metode kualitatif.  Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui sejumlah wawancara dengan penduduk Khairpur, observasi, dan telaah pustaka. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa praktik zakat di Khairpur telah dianggap oleh masyarakat setempat dapat memberikan jaminan sosial ekonomi untuk orang lanjut usia melalui zakat yang dialokasi ke dalam fasilitas kesehatan. Zakat yang dialokasikan ke dalam fasilitas pendidikan juga mampu membantu kelompok anak-anak yang memiliki kerentanan ekonomi. Sedangkan bagi bagi kelompok perempuan, program zakat dapat membantu mereka dalam pembiayaan mahar maupun upacara pernikahan. Meski demikian, pada sisi lain, penelitian ini juga mengungkapkan bahwa praktik pengelolaan zakat belum transparan dan masih perlu ditingkatkan lagi jumlahnya agar semakin banyak segmen penduduk Khairpur yang merasakan manfaat zakat tersebut.
ANALYZING MEDIA CONVERGENCE IN THE HIJABER COMMUNITY FOR DISSEMINATING RELIGIOUS VALUES IN INDONESIA
Authors: Meidina Aulia Putri
Published: January 2024

Media convergence has resulted in many transformations in religious social dynamics, including the adoption of a 'marketing' approach by the Hijaber Community in Indonesia to promote religious principles. This community utilises a range of social media channels to disseminate these religious beliefs, aiming to enhance their visibility and acceptance among both online and offline populations. The objective of this study is to provide a description of the various types of media convergence seen within the community and analyse their influence on the community's development in the online realm. The study employed a qualitative netnography methodology to examine the social media accounts utilised by the subjects. The data was subsequently examined with the convergence culture hypothesis pioneered by Henry Jenkins.  The findings indicated that the media convergence process gave rise to two distinct types of convergence culture: participation culture and collective intelligence. This type of participatory culture is seen in the uploading of twibbons and the posts made by community followers, as well as the growing number of members in the Hijaber Community. Furthermore, communal intelligence is evident through the use of reels and IG live, which are available for access at any given moment.Konvergensi media telah memunculkan sejumlah perubahan dalam kehidupan sosial keagamaan, salah satunya adalah strategi ‘pemasaran’ nilai-nilai keagamaan yang dilakukan oleh komunitas Hijaber Community di Indonesia. Komunitas ini mengintegrasikan berbagai platform media sosial untuk mempromosikan nilai-nilai keagamaan tersebut sehingga menjadi lebih banyak dikenal oleh masyarakat online dan offline. Penelitian ini bermaksud untuk mendeskripsikan apa saja bentuk-bentuk konvergensi media dalam komunitas tersebut dan bagaimana konvergensi itu memberikan dampak perkembangan komunitas mereka di dunia maya. Penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif netnografi dengan menelusuri berbagai akun sosial media yang mereka gunakan. Data kemudian dianalisis dengan menggunakan teori budaya konvergensi yang digagas oleh Henry Jenkins. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bentuk-bentuk budaya konvergensi yang muncul dari proses konvergensi media yaitu budaya partisipasi dan kecerdasan kolektif. Bentuk budaya partisipasi ini terlihat dalam unggahan twibbon dan postingan follower komunitas serta bertambahnya anggota komunitas Hijaber Community. Sedangkan kecerdasan kolektif dalam terlihat dari reels dan IG live yang dapat diakses setiap saat.
Estrategia de abastecimiento colaborativo para el sector salud derivado de un estudio clínico de Covid-19
Authors: Ruiz Orjuela Erika Tatiana , Adarme Jaimes Wilson , Gaitán Duarte Hernando
Published: January 2024

La logística hospitalaria, relaciona los procesos de aprovisionamiento, almacenamiento y distribución de medicamentos y demás insumos requeridos para el manejo clínico de pacientes. Este trabajo es presenta el diseño de una estrategia de abastecimiento colaborativo de medicamentos que permitieran la realización de un estudio clínico de COVID-19, minimizando fallas en el suministro, costos, tiempos y garantizando siempre su disponibilidad en los centros de salud participantes. Este trabajo se realizó en tres fases: la primera fue un análisis del contexto y una revisión de las normas de cada una de las IPS- instituciones prestadoras de salud participantes, en la segunda fase se diseñaron los protocolos y manuales para los procesos de aprovisionamiento y gestión de inventarios, finalmente se implementaron durante el desarrollo del estudio clínico. Como resultado de este trabajo se presenta un modelo colaborativo de compras y de gestión de inventarios, conformado por tres laboratorios de productos farmacéuticos, un centro de mezclas y diez IPS. Igualmente, se diseñaron los procesos para la gestión y trazabilidad de inventarios de forma colaborativa. En última instancia, estos resultados se pueden utilizar para evaluar la coordinación de toda la cadena de suministro hospitalaria - CSH en un escenario de pandemia.
Speech Emotion Recognition Software System for Forensic Analysis
Authors: Chanchí Golondrino Gabriel Elías , Rodríguez Baca Liset Sulay , Sierra Martínez Luz Marina
Published: January 2024

Affective computing aims to create systems capable of recognizing, processing, and si-mulating human emotions to enhance hu-man-computer interaction. Speech emo-tion recognition (SER) is a highly effective and non-invasive technique for assessing a user’s emotions by analyzing physiological variables. However, despite its widespread use in end-user perception identification, few applications have been developed in the field of forensic analysis. To address this gap, this research proposes a new fo-rensic emotion analysis software system, FOREMAN, based on the emotional study of the voice. The system was developed using the Iterative Research Pattern. FOREMANdetermines the fluctuation of emotions in an audio file, as well as the percentage and spatial distribution of emotions present in its segments, using clustering methods. The system’s effectiveness is demonstra-ted by its application to an audio file taken from a Colombian Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) hearing
Tratamiento de la calidad del aire interior mediante el uso de plantas de tipo ornamental
Authors: Rubio Clemente Ainhoa , Martínez Serna Joan Sebastián
Published: January 2024

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el uso de la fitorremediación como técnica para eliminar el material particulado con tamaño de diámetro inferior a 10 y 2;5 µm (PM10 y PM2;5; respectivamente; por sus siglas en inglés) existente en ambientes interiores debido a sus efectos nocivos para la salud pública y el rendimiento de la población a nivel laboral. Para ello se utilizaron arreglos conformados por 6 plantas ornamentales de fácil adquisición; como el miami verde (Epipremnum aureum); la sábila (Aloe vera); la flor de la paz (Spathiphyllum sp.); el helecho rizado (Nephrolepis exaltata); el singonio (Syngonium podophyllum) y la lengua de suegra (Sansevieria trifasciata); las cuales fueron instaladas en diferentes dependencias de una institución de educación superior; donde previamente se determinó el nivel de PM2;5 y PM10. Una vez los arreglos fueron implementados; estas mediciones se promediaron y compararon con los datos registrados con miras a estimar el porcentaje de remoción del PM2;5 y PM10 por parte de estos. Se evidenció el efecto positivo asociado a la implementación de los arreglos ornamentales seleccionados; especialmente del constituido por 2 individuos de Nephrolepis exaltata; en comparación con las dependencias utilizadas como control. De esta manera; se evidencia que la fitorremediación puede ser considerada como una posible solución a la problemática ambiental en términos de calidad del aire interior.
Report from the HarmoSter study: different LC-MS/MS androstenedione, DHEAS and testosterone methods compare well; however, unifying calibration is a double-edged sword
Authors: Fanelli Flaminia , Peitzsch Mirko , Bruce Stephen , Cantù Marco , Temchenko Anastasia , Mezzullo Marco , Lindner Johanna M. , Hawley James M. , Ackermans Mariette T. , Van den Ouweland Jody , Koeppl Daniel , Nardi Elena , MacKenzie Finlay , Binz Pierre-Alain , Rauh Manfred , Keevil Brian G. , Vogeser Michael , Eisenhofer Graeme , Heijboer Annemieke C. , Pagotto Uberto
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Current liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) applications for circulating androgen measurements are technically diverse. Previously, variable results have been reported for testosterone. Data are scarce for androstenedione and absent for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). We assessed the agreement of androstenedione, DHEAS and testosterone LC-MS/MS measurements among nine European centers and explored benefits of calibration system unification.

Methods

Androgens were measured twice by laboratory-specific procedures in 78 patient samples and in EQA materials. Results were obtained by in-house and external calibration. Intra- and inter-laboratory performances were valued.

Results

Intra-laboratory CVs ranged between 4.2–13.2 % for androstenedione, 1.6–10.8 % for DHEAS, and 4.3–8.7 % and 2.6–7.1 % for female and male testosterone, respectively. Bias and trueness in EQA materials were within ±20 %. Median inter-laboratory CV with in-house vs. external calibration were 12.0 vs. 9.6 % for androstenedione (p<0.001), 7.2 vs. 4.9 % for DHEAS (p<0.001), 6.4 vs. 7.6 % for female testosterone (p<0.001) and 6.8 and 7.4 % for male testosterone (p=0.111). Median bias vs. all laboratory median with in-house and external calibration were −13.3 to 20.5 % and −4.9 to 18.7 % for androstenedione, −10.9 to 4.8 % and −3.4 to 3.5 % for DHEAS, −2.7 to 6.5 % and −11.3 to 6.6 % for testosterone in females, and −7.0 to 8.5 % and −7.5 to 11.8 % for testosterone in males, respectively.

Conclusions

Methods showed high intra-laboratory precision but variable bias and trueness. Inter-laboratory agreement was remarkably good. Calibration system unification improved agreement in androstenedione and DHEAS, but not in testosterone measurements. Multiple components, such as commutability of calibrators and EQA materials and internal standard choices, likely contribute to inter-laboratory variability.
Treatment of gastric cancer by silver nanoparticles encapsulated by chitosan polymers mediated by Pistacia atlantica extract under ultrasound condition
Authors: Li Song , Xu Ya´nan , Meng Fanlu
Published: January 2024

In this study, we prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employing ultrasound and chitosan (CS) in the presence of Pistacia atlantica aqueous extract as a non-toxic stabilizing and reducing agent for capping AgNPs with CS in a simple single-step process. The reduction of Ag+ ions into Ag0NPs was indicated by a visual transform in color. UV-Vis studies revealed that the characteristic surface plasmon resonance band appeared at around 460 nm. FT-IR, TEM, SEM, EDX, elemental mapping, XRD, and UV/Vis analytical methods were employed to characterize the AgNPs@CS nanocomposite. TEM study revealed nanoflowers-shaped NPs having various particle sizes. In the oncological part of this research, the status of normal and gastric cancer cell lines (MKN45, MKN28, NCI-N87, SNU-16, SNU-5, SNU-1, AGS, and KATO III) against the proposed nanomaterial were determined. The IC50 of AgNPs was 265, 304, 325, 127, 297, 318, 125, and 114 µg/mL against MKN45, MKN28, NCI-N87, SNU-16, SNU-5, SNU-1, AGS, and KATO III, respectively. It seems that the prepared NPs have stopped the growth of gastric cancer cells and the recent cancer cells have been removed with a high concentration of NPs. DPPH test results indicated removing 50% radicals by nanocomposite and butylated hydroxytoluene in the doses of 183 and 45 μg/mL.
A study on δ‐ℐ‐compactness in a mixed fuzzy ideal topological space
Authors: Pal Hrituraj , Hoque Md Mirazul , Bhattacharya Baby , Chakraborty Jayasree
Published: January 2024

The role of fuzzy 𝛿-open set is highly significant in the study of fuzzy topology initiated by Ganguly and Saha [S. Ganguly and S. Saha,
A note on 𝛿-continuity and 𝛿-connected sets in fuzzy set theory,
Simon Stevin
62 (1988), 2, 127–141]. This article begins with the introduction of 𝛿-ℐ-open covers in a mixed fuzzy ideal topological space. After that, we introduce 𝛿-ℐ-compactness and then some properties of its are discussed therein. It is shown that the aforesaid compactness is the weaker form of fuzzy compactness. Moreover, we show that if we retopologize the fuzzy topology then in the new environment fuzzy 𝛿-ℐ-compactness and fuzzy compactness are equivalent. In addition, we introduce two different notions of continuity and investigate the behavior between fuzzy 𝛿-ℐ-compactness and fuzzy compactness.
Inverse problem for Sturm–Liouville operator with complex-valued weight and eigenparameter dependent boundary conditions
Authors: Du Gaofeng , Gao Chenghua
Published: January 2024

This paper is concerned with discontinuous inverse problem generated by complex-valued weight Sturm–Liouville differential operator with λ-dependent boundary conditions. We establish some properties of spectral characteristic and prove that the potential on the whole interval can be uniquely determined by the Weyl-type function or two spectra.
A Scot an’ a Sassenach scrieve aboot leid: A three-pairt Scotoethnography
Authors: Grant Alec , Young Susan
Published: January 2024

This autoethnography is written in three parts and is influenced by layered account writing principles. In part one, the first author develops his “Scotoethnography.” In a poetic and prose mixture of Scots and Standard English, he critically explores his early socialization away from Scots toward Standard English. With examples from his lived experience, his published autoethnographic work, literary texts, and personal communication, he advocates for his use of Scots as an extra conceptual and linguistic resource. In part two he describes his research into the theoretical and empirical grounding of the article. Part three is a critically focused dialogue between the authors. It ranges across defining “Scotoethnography” and the first author’s motivation for crafting the paper; the emerging political and cultural implications of othering, colonization, and silencing of Scottish identity; the passion and creativity inherent in Scots relative to Standard English; and, finally, the implications for autoethnographers who wish to rescue their regional dialects from monolinguistic entrapment in Standard English.
Methodologically Whirling
Authors: Gulamhusein Shemine
Published: January 2024

In this article, the use of autoethnography and third-wave feminism allows for an exciting, creative, and unruly method to emerge. The author knits together their theoretical location with an autoethnographic methodology, uniquely coining this approach to autoethnography as Third-Wave Dervish. By doing so, the creation of many micro- and macro-reflective spins—the act of whirling—holds space for an ever-evolving process of gaining knowledge from multiple sources such as somatic sensations, understanding through already published scholarship, learning through resistance, revisiting child- and youth-hood journals, and the triggering of lived experiences. This process allows the author to deepen the understanding of living in the in-between of social spaces as an Ismaili Muslim woman in Canada.