bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dubbed in patois: Musical mimicry involving the Chinese in wartime Japanese popular songs
Authors: Kasai Amane
Published: April 2024

This article examines the politics of cultural differentiation in wartime Japan, especially from the viewpoint of linguistic imperialism and musical mimicry, by researching official documents, newspapers and magazines, as well as investigating popular songs. Various sources from this period demonstrate that Japanese critics, musicians and musicologists were conscious of the cultural difference between Asian regions, even while the government propagated a unified East Asia. Different actors pursued contradictory objectives of cultural assimilation and dissimilation, reflecting tensions and contradictions in both popular attitudes and official policy. On the other hand, the boundary was distorted in musical practices, as seen in the way different languages were selected and used in the lyrics of wartime popular songs. This article analyses two cases as examples of this phenomenon: (1) popular songs sung by Chinese singers, mostly female, in Japanese patois, and (2) songs by Japanese singers in broken and role language. Even during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese and Japanese singers visited each other’s countries on the pretext of ‘goodwill’ to record songs and participate in shows or radio broadcasts for local audiences.
Congestive Hepatopathy Diagnosed by Venous Excess Ultrasound Score
Authors: Dollar Fatima , Gonzalez Isiah , Shankar Nagasri , Kuo Lily , Soni Nilam J. , Nathanson Robert
Published: April 2024

Accurate and rapid detection of venous organ congestion, especially congestive hepatopathy, is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. The Venous Excess Ultrasound Score is an emerging point-of-care ultrasound examination that can grade severity of venous organ congestion using spectral Doppler evaluation of the hepatic, portal, and intrarenal veins, but its utility in congestive hepatopathy is unknown. We report a case of acute liver injury where Venous Excess Ultrasound Score supported a diagnosis of congestive hepatopathy and guided management, leading to a favorable outcome.
Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease in Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria Needing Liver Transplantation
Authors: Gopalakrishna Harish , Mironova Maria , Malik Shahid , Faust Alison , Khurram Nigar , Koh Christopher , Kleiner David E. , Heller Theo
Published: April 2024

Porphyria caused by inherited disorders in heme biosynthesis can lead to accumulation of porphyrins in various organs. Liver involvement due to porphyria mostly results in cholestasis leading to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP), a rare porphyria due to deficiency of uroporphyrinogen III synthase, mostly results in cutaneous manifestations. There are reports of liver involvement including varying degree of fibrosis in patients with CEP. We report a unique case of a patient with CEP who developed porto-sinusoidal vascular disease with complications of portal hypertension that necessitated liver transplantation.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Following Paraesophageal and Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair
Authors: Brophy Shawn A. , Minor Samuel , French Daniel G.
Published: April 2024

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as a sustained intra-abdominal pressure ≥ 20 mm Hg, associated with new organ dysfunction. Postoperative ACS can occur following repair of hernias with loss-of-domain. Such loss-of-domain hernias are well described involving incisional hernias, less described involving Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs), but not yet described involving paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) or Morgagni CDHs. We describe a case of postoperative ACS following laparoscopic repair of a PEH and Morgagni CDH. This case demonstrates that prophylactic omentectomy should be considered in select patients undergoing repair of large PEHs or CDHs, as ACS is a rare but potential complication.
A Yellow Flower With Jaundice Power: Liver Injury Attributed to Greater Celandine
Authors: Power Sydney , Barritt A. Sidney ,   for the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network
Published: April 2024

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) leaf extracts have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various gastrointestinal symptoms. Greater celandine is associated with several case reports of hepatotoxicity, mainly from Europe. No cases from the United States have been identified. We present a case of acute hepatitis from greater celandine in the United States in a 72-year-old man taking this herbal supplement for nausea. In patients presenting with acute liver injury, gastroenterologists should be aware of this herb and reminded to assess for herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity, especially in those remedies used to treat common gastrointestinal symptoms.
Benign Peptic Ulcer as a Cause of Gastrocolic Fistula
Authors: Haddadin Rakahn , Aboujamra Danny , Iqbal Humzah , Trad George , Ali Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Gastrocolic fistula is a rare complication and can occur in various conditions, most commonly gastric or colonic adenocarcinoma, followed by benign gastric ulcers secondary to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. We report a case of an 82-year-old man with a benign peptic ulcer that led to a gastrocolic fistula, which was not associated with a history of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use or malignancy. The exact cause of this patient's gastrocolic fistula is unclear, but the patient's medical history of microscopic lymphocytic colitis may have increased his risk of fistula formation.
Discernimiento, unidad y reflexividad del sentir en Aristóteles y Merleau-Ponty
Authors: García Esteban Andrés
Published: April 2024

Este trabajo desarolla un análisis comparativo de ciertos temas comunes a las teorías de la percepción de Aristóteles y de Merleau-Ponty. Se sostiene que, de distintos modos y discutiendo en cada caso con diferentes doctrinas «intelectualistas», ambas teorías atribuyen a la percepción sensible capacidades complejas de discriminación, unificación y autopercatación sin mediación de funciones intelectuales. A partir de estos elementos comunes a ambas teorías es posible esbozar una consideración del cuerpo sentiente que no lo reduce a su materialidad, así como una concepción de un sí mismo no restringido al pensamiento.
La relación entre imágenes y ficción en el pensamiento de Jacques Rancière
Authors: Soto Calderón Andrea
Published: April 2024

El presente artículo tiene por objeto explorar la relación entre imagen y ficción en el pensamiento de Jacques Rancière. El concepto de ficción ha sido ampliamente desarrollado por Rancière. Desde diversos materiales ha explorado el potencial crítico de la ficción en la configuración de escenas de litigio de lo común, en su cuestionamiento a una lógica de la identidad y en la disputa de un orden establecido. Sin embargo, la recepción crítica que se ha hecho de estos desarrollos se centra principalmente en la relación entre la ficción y la política o la ficción y la literatura, ignorando casi por completo la singularidad de la relación entre imágenes y ficción.
La racionalidad analógica en las ciencias
Authors: Rengifo-Castañeda Carlos-Adolfo
Published: April 2024

El resultado más importante de la epistemología de Evandro Agazzi ha sido probablemente la elaboración de un concepto analógico de ciencia, en el sentido de que, después de haber caracterizado la ciencia como conocimiento objetivo y riguroso, ha mostrado que estas dos características se satisfacen de forma diferente según las condiciones epistémicas, ontológicas y pragmáticas del conocimiento, dando lugar a las diferentes ciencias, naturales, humanas o sociales. El presente artículo subraya el hecho de que cada ciencia se caracteriza entonces por su propia forma de racionalidad y, por lo tanto, el mismo concepto de racionalidad científica tiene un significado analógico bajo las mismas condiciones. Además, la analogía concierne a la racionalidad en cuanto tal y por esta vía se evita el dogmatismo que pretende reconocer una única forma de racionalidad, así como el relativismo que desconoce cualquier forma de racionalidad. Como introducción a este análisis se ofrece una presentación de los elementos fundamentales de la doctrina de la analogía según la tradición clásica y sus concepciones actuales y luego se procede a aplicar dichos requisitos al caso de la racionalidad, llegando a precisar el concepto de racionalidad analógica.
Por una aproximación humanista no reaccionaria a la IA
Authors: Jurado-González Javier
Published: April 2024

Muchas publicaciones están tratando de pinchar la burbuja de expectativas sobre el desarrollo reciente de la IA. Sin embargo, en ciertos círculos humanistas donde un escepticismo conservador con respecto a las novedades va de serie, es conveniente detener la reflexión en el exceso contrario: la complacencia de posturas que se contentan con argumentos débiles y conceptos periclitados ya superados en la literatura científica y filosófica. Estas perspectivas tienden a adoptar una postura reaccionaria ante la IA, aferrándose defensivamente a cualquier argumento que pueda preservar la singularidad humana a costa de renunciar a una cierta honestidad intelectual. Así afirma taxativamente que la IA nunca logrará alcanzarla. No obstante, es posible adoptar posturas humanistas receptivas a los desarrollos de la IA, abiertas a sus retos actuales y capaces de dialogar y refinar sus argumentos a través de algunas claves: dignificar la miserabilidad humana, tender puentes interdisciplinares, y mantener la prudencia, la cortesía y la suspensión del juicio cuando sea preciso.
International Nursing Accreditation - Curriculum
Authors:   Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, USA, Ard Nell
Published: April 2024

N.A
Kritické myšlení v kontextu didaktiky filosofie a základů společenských věd
Authors: Šebešová Petra
Published: April 2024

This theoretical study is based on the fact that critical thinking is part of the key competences and specifically civic competences, but it is not defined in detail in curriculum documents. Critical thinking is close to philosophical thinking. For the development of philosophical thinking, a competency-based approach is applied in foreign didactics of philosophy to define the objectives of the discipline. This study attempts to show that the competency-based approach is also suitable for the development of critical thinking in the context of teaching civics and social studies; it is thus necessary to know what critical thinking consists of. Therefore, the first aim of the study is to specify in more detail what critical thinking is, based on an analysis of two foreign conceptions of critical thinking, with an emphasis on its subcomponents. The second aim is to compare critical and philosophical thinking more closely and to show how a critical thinking perspective could enrich the existing elaboration of philosophical competencies. Given the similarity of these two ways of thinking, the author proposes that one of the goals of high school philosophy education should be the explicit development of critical thinking and that the skills, dispositions and knowledge needed for critical thinking should be taken into account in the specification of competency-based goals for philosophy education.
Antihyperglycemic, antiglycation, anti-hypercholesteremic, and toxicity evaluation with gas chromatography mass spectrometry profiling for Aloe armatissima leaves
Authors: Serafi Abdulhalim S. , Ahmed Muhammad , Shahid Imran , Azmat Aisha , Bader Ammar , Bafail Mohammed A. , Alaamri Shalan , Ahmad Rizwan
Published: April 2024

Aloe species are known for the treatment of various conditions including diabetes mellitus, hypocholesteremia, and glycation end products. Nevertheless, the biological activity of Aloe armatissima is yet to be reported. It is a first-time report to evaluate the Aloe armatissima leaves (AAL) extract for its antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hyperlipidemic potential. In vitro tests of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl for the antioxidant and HSA for the antiglycation activity whereas in vivo models were used to assess the toxicity, antihyperglycemic, and anti-hypercholesteremic effects. The volatile profile was determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The IC50 values of 116 ± 0.66 (μg/mL) for antioxidant activity and 0.21 ± 0.009 (mg/mL) for antiglycation activity were observed for the AAL extract. The acute toxicity in the animal model revealed a lack of toxicity for the extract. The in vivo models exhibited a dose-dependent hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects with significant (P < 0.01) blood glucose levels reduction. Moreover, a profound decrease in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL along with a significant (P < 0.05) increase in HDL and serum insulin levels was recorded. The statistical analysis demonstrated the values of F
(24,125) = 23.95, P = 0.001, effect size = 1.95 (normoglycemic mice), F
(24,125) = 143.21, P = 0.001, effect size = 4.79 (glucose loaded mice), and F
(24,125) = 82.69, P = 0.001, effect size = 3.6 (diabetic model). GCMS showed the presence of eleven compounds with tetratetracontane (100%), β-sitosterol (27.76), and vitamin E (18.68) in major amounts. The results underscore the extract’s capacity to effectively combat various ailments; however, the active phytochemicals need to be isolated and the pharmacological activities may be established at the molecular level.
Corrosion inhibition properties of sweet crude oil for carbon steel 1018 in NaCl solution
Authors: AlSharif Layan , Al-Abbas Faisal , Maya Christian Canto
Published: April 2024

Aged oil pipeline production systems, historically designed without corrosion protection due to predominantly oil-wetted conditions, now face significant changes as increased water content in produced oil arises from field maturation. This work investigates the corrosion inhibition properties of sweet crude oil on carbon steel 1018 in a CO2-saturated NaCl solution using electrochemical testing (open circuit potential, polarization resistance, electrochemical impedance, potentiodynamic polarization) and surface characterization (SEM, EDS) techniques at 50 °C and pH 6. Carbon steel specimens were immersed in crude oil for durations ranging from 0 to 144 h before undergoing corrosion testing. Results showed that a 144-h immersion in crude oil led to an 88 % reduction in corrosion rate, comparable to the efficiency of standard quaternary ammonium-based inhibitors. Furthermore, a semi-empirical model predicting uniform CO2 corrosion rates for varying oil immersion durations is proposed and validated by comparing its predictions with experimental data from the electrochemical tests.
Normrank Correlations for Testing Associations and for Use in Latent Variable Models
Authors: Wright Daniel B.
Published: April 2024

Pearson’s correlation is widely used to test for an association between two variables and also forms the basis of several multivariate statistical procedures including many latent variable models. Spearman’s

ρ

\rho

is a popular alternative. These procedures are compared with ranking the data and then applying the inverse normal transformation, or for short the normrank transformation. Using the normrank transformation was more powerful than Pearson’s and Spearman’s procedures when the distributions have less than normal kurtosis (platykurtic), when the distributions have greater than normal kurtosis (leptokurtic), and when the distribution is skewed. This is examined for testing if there is an association between two variables, identifying the number of factors in an exploratory factor analysis, identifying appropriate loadings in these analyses, and identifying relations among latent variables in structural equation models. R functions and their use are shown.
Advances in preclinical TCR characterization: leveraging cell avidity to identify functional TCRs
Authors: Carr Andreas , Mateyka Laura M. , Scheu Sebastian J. C. , Bici Ana , Paijmans Joris , Reijmers Rogier M. , Dieminger Nina , Dildebekova Shirin , Hamed Noomen , Wagner Karolin , Busch Dirk H. , D’Ippolito Elvira
Published: April 2024

T-cell therapy has emerged as an effective approach for treating viral infections and cancers. However, a significant challenge is the selection of T-cell receptors (TCRs) that exhibit the desired functionality. Conventionally in vitro techniques, such as peptide sensitivity measurements and cytotoxicity assays, provide valuable insights into TCR potency but are labor-intensive. In contrast, measuring ligand binding properties (z-Movi technology) could provide an accelerated processing while showing robust correlations with T-cell functions. In this study, we assessed whether cell avidity can predict functionality also in the context of TCR-engineered T cells. To this end, we developed a flexible system for TCR re-expression by generating a Jurkat-derived T cell clone lacking TCR and CD3 expression through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated TRBC knockout. The knockin of a transgenic TCR into the TRAC locus restored TCR/CD3 expression, allowing for CD3-based purification of TCR-engineered T cells. Subsequently, we characterized these engineered cell lines by functional readouts, and assessment of binding properties through the z-Movi technology. Our findings revealed a strong correlation between the cell avidities and functional sensitivities of Jurkat TCR-T cells. Altogether, by integrating cell avidity measurements with our versatile T cell engineering platform, we established an accelerated system for enhancing the in vitro selection of clinically relevant TCRs.
A school-based randomized controlled field trial to improve Beliefs About Obese Persons (BAOP) and Attitudes Towards Obese Persons (ATOP) among adolescents
Authors: Besharatifar Samaneh , Rakhshanderou Sakineh , Mehrabi Yadollah , Mazar Leili , Ghaffari Mohtasham
Published: April 2024

Objectives

A negative attitude towards obesity may lead to stigma and thus lower self-esteem in people with obesity of any society. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a school-based randomized controlled field trial on female adolescents’ attitudes and beliefs towards people with obesity.

Methods

This experimental study was conducted among 124 middle school students (control group=62, intervention group=62). Using a cluster random sampling method, four schools were chosen and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The data collection tool was the Attitudes Toward Obese Persons (ATOP) and Beliefs About Obese Persons (BAOP) scales, which were used after validity and reliability processes. The intervention program was developed and implemented following pretest, responses analysis, and educational needs assessment in two sessions (180 min). The follow-ups were performed immediately and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0 using independent t-test, chi-square test, repeated measures ANOVA, and ANCOVA at the significance level of 0.05.

Results

The mean BAOP scores of each group before, immediately and two months after the intervention were significantly different between (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the mean ATOP and BAOP scores of the two groups before, immediately, and two months after the intervention (p>0.001).

Conclusions

It seems that beliefs and attitudes regarding obesity as well as discriminatory perceptions towards people with obesity have high firmness and resistance and require innovative and appropriate interventions.
Analysis of polydisperse polymer adsorption on porous cellulose fibers
Authors: Pelton Robert H. , Karami Abdollah , Moran-Mirabal Jose
Published: April 2024

The adsorption of cationic water-soluble polymers onto negatively charged porous wood pulp fibers is an essential aspect of papermaking. Adsorption data can be displayed as a direct plot of the amount adsorbed, Γ, versus the amount of polymer added or as an isotherm plot showing the amount adsorbed versus the residual unadsorbed polymer. In either data presentation, the analysis is more transparent if the units of each axis are the same (e.g., mg/g or meq/g), giving dimensionless slopes. Values for Γmax, ΓI, f
I
, and Γme can be extracted from many isotherms where: Γmax is the maximum capacity of the fibers to adsorb polymer; ΓI is the y-axis isotherm intercept and gives the maximum dose that can be fully adsorbed; f
I is the slope of the direct plot at ΓI, and f

I
is the mass fraction of the added polymer that can access interior (pore) surfaces; and, Γme is the saturated amount of polymer adsorbed on exterior surfaces. Additionally, the molecular weight distribution of the adsorbing polymer in conjunction with the adsorption isotherm can be used to estimate the molecular weight distributions of adsorbed polymer on interior and exterior fiber surfaces as functions of the polymer dose.
Performance Evaluation and Modification Mechanism Analysis of High-Viscosity Modified Asphalt
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Yubin , Yang Qun
Published: April 2024

High-viscosity modified asphalt (HVMA) has important application potential in pavement engineering, such as porous asphalt pavements and ultrathin overlays. To comprehensively study and evaluate the overall performance of HVMA, five HVMA samples were prepared using modifier with dosages of 6 %, 9 %, 12 %, 15 %, and 18 %, respectively. The basic physical properties of HVMA were evaluated according to standard physical asphalt performance tests. The overall rheological properties of HVMA were assessed using temperature sweep tests, frequency sweep tests, and multiple stress creep recovery tests. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to analyze the microscopic characteristics and the modification mechanism of HVMA. The results show that the high-viscosity modifier could improve the overall rheological properties of HVMA at both high and low temperatures, with approximately 9 % determined as the optimal dosage. HVMA had better performance than matrix asphalt in high-temperature rutting resistance, permanent deformation resistance, temperature sensitivity, and elastic characteristics. At an appropriate dosage of the high-viscosity modifier, the modifier absorbed the light components in the asphalt, causing them to swell and dissolve. As a result, the modifier could be uniformly dispersed in the asphalt, thereby significantly improving the high-temperature stability of HVMA. The results of this paper may be helpful to the mechanism research and application of HVMA.
Development of a SYBR Green-Based RT-qPCR Assay for the Detection and Quantification of Lone Star Virus
Authors: Burch Megan , Bechelli Jeremy
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Lone Star virus (LSV) is a newly characterized arbovirus with pathogenic potential. However, no detection methods are available to specifically identify and monitor LSV.

Methods:

Two SYBR green-based RT-qPCRs were developed and validated for the detection and quantification of LSV. Two primer sets were evaluated for reproducibility, specificity, and sensitivity. The primer sets were applied to monitor viral titers in vitro and via surveillance of LSV in collected ticks.

Results:

One primer set (LSV-S) was the most specific for LSV when tested against 11 other vector-borne viruses. While less specific, the LSV-M primer set detected <2 copies/μl of the viral genome and <1 copy/μL of the viral genome. Viral replication quantified with either primer set yielded similar viral replication patterns, indicating that both primer sets are sufficient to monitor viral titers in vitro. Plaque assays in human and non-human primate cell lines yielded no replicable plaques and could not be used for comparisons of viral titer quantification. LSV was not detected in the 143 ticks collected from southeast Texas.

Conclusion:

The SYBR green-based RT-qPCRs described herein can be utilized for the detection and monitoring of LSV for laboratory and tick surveillance purposes.
Computational Mechanisms Underlying Motivation to Earn Symbolic Reinforcers
Authors: Burk Diana C. , Taswell Craig , Tang Hua , Averbeck Bruno B.
Published: April 2024

Reinforcement learning is a theoretical framework that describes how agents learn to select options that maximize rewards and minimize punishments over time. We often make choices, however, to obtain symbolic reinforcers (e.g., money, points) that are later exchanged for primary reinforcers (e.g., food, drink). Although symbolic reinforcers are ubiquitous in our daily lives, widely used in laboratory tasks because they can be motivating, mechanisms by which they become motivating are less understood. In the present study, we examined how monkeys learn to make choices that maximize fluid rewards through reinforcement with tokens. The question addressed here is how the value of a state, which is a function of multiple task features (e.g., the current number of accumulated tokens, choice options, task epoch, trials since the last delivery of primary reinforcer, etc.), drives value and affects motivation. We constructed a Markov decision process model that computes the value of task states given task features to then correlate with the motivational state of the animal. Fixation times, choice reaction times, and abort frequency were all significantly related to values of task states during the tokens task (
n
= 5 monkeys, three males and two females). Furthermore, the model makes predictions for how neural responses could change on a moment-by-moment basis relative to changes in the state value. Together, this task and model allow us to capture learning and behavior related to symbolic reinforcement.
Interacciones tierra-mar-tierra, con énfasis en la actividad pesquera en la región norte del Ecosistema Costero Bonaerense, Argentina
Authors: Brun Anahí , Verón Eleonora , Sócrate Juliana
Published: April 2024

[Introduction]: Coastal areas constitute the interface between land and marine environments, connected through multiple natural and socioecological processes that contribute to human well-being. [Objective]: Identify land and marine uses and activities with mutual implications and biophysical processes in the northern region of the Bonaerense Coastal Ecosystem (Argentina), in order to evaluate the degree of compatibility or conflict between these activities, with emphasis on the fishing activity. [Methodology]: The land-sea-land (T-M-T) methodological analysis was applied. Uses and activities (U&A) and biophysical processes of marine and land origin were determined. Interactions between marine-land and biophysical processes T-M-T were identified for further categorization and analysis. [Results]: A total of 121 U&A sea-land-sea (L-S-L) interactions related to fishing were detected. Medium conflicts were mainly caused by competition for space or resources and were associated with the coexistence of U&A (tourism, fishing, and communication activities), both spatially and temporally. Of the total, 68 negative interactions were observed between biophysical processes and U&A L-S-L, which were linked to climatic events and the effects of climate change (variation in sea surface temperature, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, as well as variations in sediment transport and coastal erosion). [Conclusions]: The analysis carried out constitutes an advancement in the study of U&A T-M-T in coastal-marine areas of the Atlantic coast and their interactions, with emphasis on fishing activities, as a contribution to their management with an ecosystemic approach.
Análisis histórico de la explotación maderera en las serranías del Pacífico Central de Costa Rica
Authors: González-J. Eugenio
Published: April 2024

Abstract
[Introduction] The mountainous region of the Central Pacific of Costa Rica, currently made up mostly of the cantons of Turrubares, Puriscal and Mora, and to a lesser extent by the southwest of Acosta, was one of the most deforested areas since colonial times. [Objective] To comprehensively analyze the historical, socioeconomic, geo-climatic and ecological factors that possibly favored the logging exploitation of the forests of that region. [Methodology] The historical documents, and the geo-climatic, ecological and socioeconomic factors of the region were reviewed. In addition, a census was carried out among forestry professionals and industrialists to determine the timber species possibly extracted from the forests based on the floristic composition of protected forest areas in the region. [Results] The mountainous region was a transit and settlement site for Spanish colonists since the 16th century, which facilitated the development of access roads. Its proximity to the Central Valley, which needed forest and agricultural products for the growing urban area, together with the existence of an ecological convergence zone extraordinarily rich in trees of commercial importance, greatly facilitated the extraction of forest products. [Conclusion] The early colonization of the region, the existence of infrastructure, high demand for forest products at the national and international level, and the availability of forest resources in an area where the tropical dry forest, the cloud forest and the humid forest converge, and the edaphoclimatic conditions that also facilitated the development of agricultural crops, favored the change in land use and therefore the forestry exploitation of the region.
Industrial byproducts as adhesive allies: Unraveling the role of proteins and isocyanates in polyurethane wood bonding
Authors: Mary Alex , Blanchet Pierre , Pepin Simon , Hermann Aurélien , Charron Stéphane , Landry Véronic
Published: April 2024

Wooden structures are becoming increasingly popular in the construction world. However, these structures often rely on synthetic adhesives, raising concerns about the environmental risks associated with their chemical composition. In response to these concerns, this study aims to explore sustainable alternatives, particularly focusing on polyurethane adhesives that incorporate proteins from industrial byproducts. The investigation involved three protein sources: soybean meal, shrimp shells, and skim milk, modified under mild alkaline conditions to obtain protein concentrates. These concentrates were then incorporated into the adhesives at varying protein contents: 5%, 10%, and 15%. Additionally, two isocyanate systems were examined, one being petrochemical-based and the other a partially bio-based blend. Chemical, thermal, optical, and mechanical characterizations were conducted to evaluate the adhesive performance. This study demonstrates that the adhesives’ thermal properties remain unaffected by both the protein content and the isocyanate system. However, these factors influence the adhesive penetration into the wood substrate. Ultimately, the results suggest that higher protein content offers superior retention of mechanical strength in adhesives compared to the petrochemical reference when subjected to humid conditions. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of proteins from industrial byproducts as sustainable adhesive allies, providing valuable insights into their interactions with different isocyanates.
Remediation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol from aqueous solution by raw and chemical modified date palm stone biomass: Kinetics and isotherms studies
Authors: Kumar Nadavala Siva , Asif Mohammad , Poulose Anesh Manjaly , Al-Ghurabi Ebrahim H. , Alhamedi Shaddad S. , Koduru Janardhan Reddy
Published: April 2024

Raw and citric acid chemically treated date palm stone agro-waste biomass (RDSB and CA-MDSB) powders were used to remove an important class of emerging industrial pollutants, i.e., 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) from aqueous solutions towards sustainable waste utilization to develop cost-effective technology for treating wastewater. The biomass characterization was performed by using different analytical techniques such as CHN elemental analysis, particle size, BET, FTIR, and SEM-EDX, TGA analysis. The FTIR spectral analysis revealed that the main chemical groups (N–C, O=C, H-O, H-C, and O–C) were involved in trapping 2,4,6-TCP. The highest adsorption was achieved with a contact time of 150 and 120 min, an initial concentration of 50-200 mg/L, and a biosorbent dosage ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 g/L RDSB and CA-MDSB, respectively. The experimental kinetic data of the adsorption process for both adsorbents (RDSB and CA-MDSB) fitted very well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir equilibrium data. The 2,4,6-TCP maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were 53.7, and 123.8 mg/g for RDSB and CA-MDSB, respectively. The present research confirms that the date palm stone biomass could be used as an effective and low-cost biosorbent for the remediation of 2,4,6-TCP from an aqueous environment.
Investigation of indoor noise pollution level and air quality of furniture manufacturers
Authors: Tasdemir Cagatay , Yildirim Yalcin , Uysal Mesut , Angin Naile , Ertas Murat
Published: April 2024

Indoor air quality has become a more prominent concern since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturing industries have always been prone to occupational health risks, which depend on the dynamics of the production shop floors. The furniture industry is one of these sectors with a unique work environment. Although a typical furniture manufacturing facility involves physical, chemical, and noise pollution-producing elements, this industry has been studied relatively less for indoor air quality and noise-related risks. This study investigated nine furniture manufacturing organizations’ indoor air quality and noise pollution levels through comprehensive quantitative techniques. The results of the measurements were compared against reference values set by specific guidelines to explore the degree of occupational health risk associated with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) suggested levels. Repetitive measurements from five pre-designated workstations were taken at each facility. The study’s results indicated that organization size and department were significant factors for PM 2.5 and HCHO parameters, while only department type was substantial for noise exposure levels. However, across all departments and organization sizes, LAeq noise levels were below the safety threshold of 85 dB(A). Most organizations presented a lack of proper use of personal protective equipment and poor ventilation across shop floors.
Record of an encapsulated embryo of Bathyraja brachyurops captured by bottom trawl off Uruguay, South-West Atlantic ocean
Authors: Oddone Maria Cristina , Paesch Laura
Published: April 2024

In this note the occurrence of an encapsulated embryo of Bathyraja brachyurops is reported. The embryo was in advanced stage of development. The capsule was collected after a bottom trawl operation, in the Argentinean-Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone, Southwest Atlantic, in September of 2000. After collection, the egg capsule was fixed in formalin 10% and preserved in ethanol 70%. The egg capsule was dark brown and measured 79.0 mm in length and 46.0 cm in width and was opened at its posterior. The embryo was a 100.0 mm total length female with a mass was 5.5 g. The specimen was in advanced development but the yolk sac was still conspicuous. According to the size of the yolk sac and the presence of caudal filament it could be concluded that there were several weeks to go before hatching.
Good governance and public management to achieve sustainable development in the face of climate change
Authors: Baylon Salvador Esther Genoveva
Published: April 2024

Good Governance and efficient Public Management in all states is vital to achieve the objectives of sustainable development, to this must be added the private sector and society; all together must face climate change, which is a major threat to humanity, because it greatly affects the most vulnerable populations; In this sense, this qualitative research aimed to review and analyze documentary information, results of studies on environment, climate change, sustainable development, public management and environmental education, considering articles from the Scopus database, Web of Science, Scielo and others that analyze the categories and subcategories developed under various contexts, it was concluded that it is of great interest to generate scientific information to formulate public policies and adaptation strategies. The results show that it is of great interest to generate scientific information for the formulation of public policies and adaptation strategies to the various impacts generated by climate change on nature. Good governance and public management must have a new vision, with solid criteria that promote investment projects, to achieve the development of a country; good practices must be motivated in citizens and society through new approaches that trace a new route for social change.
Hydrosedimentological monitoring in runoff plots of a degraded tropical area under restoration of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Manso Ayrton Durães , Portocarrero Hugo , de Andrade Aluísio Granato , Bozóti Pasin Daniel Augusto
Published: April 2024

Rainfall erosion is a concerning process for landowners, government agencies and civil society as it involves soil loss, an indispensable natural resource for the production of food, fibers, and biofuels, as well as a means to support enterprises or even preservation of large conservation areas for sustainability and potential carbon sink. Specific Projects using runoff and soil loss plots have been adopted in different parts of the world, contributing to the understanding of erosion dynamics. This research is the result of extensive fieldwork carried out on a rural property undergoing forest restoration through a Payment for Environmental Service initiative. Four runoff plots with dimensions of 22m x 4m x 0.5m (length x width x depth) connected to sediment catchment tanks were implemented on a convex slope to analyze erosion in four different treatments: planting native seedlings, seedlings with green manure, natural regeneration with selective pruning, and exposed soil. The results of monitoring over approximately one year showed that 80.15% of all accumulated surface runoff occurred in the plot with exposed soil, as well as 99.15% of all soil loss. The treatment that presented the best conservation rates was natural regeneration, since there was no need to dig holes to introduce seedlings, causing less soil disturbance. Thus, it was concluded that land use and changes in land use are one of the main factors controlling erosion and surface runoff in the study area, however, in the long term, variations in soil properties due to vegetation may reflect more strongly this dynamic.
Sustainable hydrology through an Eco-friendly Xanthone-based approach in coating solutions
Authors: Mendioroz Pamela , Ferrelli Federico
Published: April 2024

Traditional antifouling (AF) biocides have raised environmental concerns, prompting a search for sustainable alternatives. This study addresses this pressing issue by reviewing xanthone derivatives as promising candidates for environmentally friendly AF coatings, showcasing a balance between enhanced AF activity and minimal environmental impact. Furthermore, an innovative, scalable, and highly versatile methodology based on a green nanopalladium-supported catalyst on biochar is presented as an interesting alternative to synthesize diverse xanthone derivatives. This approach aligns with sustainable practices in organic synthesis and expands the repertoire of potential antifouling solutions.
Hospital-Based Pediatric Quality Improvement Interventions and Health Disparities: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Schechter Sarah B. , Bowles Adria , Ding Lucky , Nkoy Flory , Tieder Joel , Lion K. Casey , Meyer Dodi , Kaiser Sunitha V.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Quality improvement (QI) has the potential to reduce health disparities through multiple mechanisms, including by standardizing care and addressing social barriers to health. National organizations require that hospital systems integrate equity into quality efforts, but effective approaches remain unclear. We aimed to examine the association of hospital-based pediatric QI interventions and racial and ethnic, language, and socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes.

METHODS

Quantitative studies from January 1, 2000 to December 11, 2022 reporting the effects of pediatric hospital-based QI were selected from PubMed and Embase. Studies were excluded if outcomes were not stratified by race and ethnicity, language, or socioeconomic status. Studies were reviewed in duplicate for inclusion and by 1 author for data extraction.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies were included. Most studies (n = 19, 86%) revealed preexisting disparities, and 68% of those (n = 13) found disparities reductions post-intervention. Studies with disparity-focused objectives or interventions more commonly found reduced disparities than studies of general QI (85% vs 33%). Hospital-based process standardization was associated with reduced disparities in provider practices. Most interventions associated with reduced disparities in patient-facing outcomes involved community/ambulatory partnership. Limitations included potential exclusion of relevant studies, topic heterogenity, and risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the authors of few published hospital-based QI initiatives assessed their equity effect, intentionally designed QI studies were associated with reduced disparities. Interventions focused on care standardization may reduce disparities in care quality, although multilevel interventions are likely needed to affect the health care structures that influence more significant patient outcomes.
Competencias en formación ciudadana a través de oportunidades educativas con estudiantes hispanohablantes
Authors: Vilera Guerrero Aliria , Ortiz José Manuel , Quiroz Gloria
Published: April 2024

En este artículo se presentan los resultados preliminares de una investigación cualitativa de condición micro–etnográfica. El objetivo general consistió en determinar competencias de formación ciudadana a través de oportunidades educativas en Quiroga College con estudiantes hispanohablantes. La metodología se desarrolló desde una perspectiva situacional específica y la modalidad empleada fue el estudio de casos. En el contexto investigado los resultados de este estudio esbozan, grosso modo, competencias de formación ciudadana a ser desarrolladas en el proceso formativo integral durante los estudios universitarios de los sujetos participantes, todos ellos estudiantes regulares de Quiroga College. Al final, se presentan recomendaciones desde una perspectiva proactiva en torno a brindar oportunidades educativas para beneficiar a la población hispana en el desarrollo de habilidades y capacidades profesionales.
Reducing problematic pornography use with imaginal retraining–A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Baumeister Anna , Gehlenborg Josefine , Schuurmans Lea , Moritz Steffen , Briken Peer
Published: April 2024

Background and aim

Problematic pornography use (PPU) can be a manifestation of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). Studies investigating PPU confirm approach-avoidance tendencies in response to pornographic stimuli in this population. This study show indications of the significance of the efficacy of imaginal retraining, a variant of approach bias modification, as an intervention for PPU.

Methods

A total of 274 participants (86.5% male; mean age = 30.65, SD = 10.13) with self-reported PPU were randomized to imaginal retraining (instruction video) or a waitlist control group. Assessments were conducted online at baseline and after the six-week intervention period. The primary outcome was a reduction in problematic pornography use. Compulsive sexual behavior, sexual desire, depressiveness, and satisfaction with the intervention served as secondary outcomes.

Results

Retention was low (51.7%), but comparable between groups. The retraining was performed at least once a week (the per-protocol [PP] criterion) by 51.4% of participants. The PP analyses of 111 participants showed a significant reduction in problematic pornography use (primary outcome) in the intervention compared to the control group. The intention-to-treat analyses (ITT), however, did not corroborate this result. Despite low adherence, participants rated their satisfaction with the intervention positively.

Discussion and Conclusion

Imaginal retraining can function as a low-threshold self-help intervention for PPU to overcome help-seeking barriers and may reduce PPU in a subgroup of users. Low adherence limits the results of this trial. Given the need for low-threshold interventions for PPU and/or CSBD, further research should focus on increasing adherence and should evaluate retraining for clinical groups. Modifications to augment efficacy are suggested.
Deep Learning Based LSTM Model for Predicting the Number of Passengers for Public Transport Bus Operators
Authors: Siswanto Joko , Manongga Danny , Sembiring Irwan , Wijono Sutarto
Published: April 2024

The bus public transportation system has low reliability and ability to predict the number of passengers. The accuracy of predicting the number of passengers by public transport bus operators is still weak, which results in failure to implement solutions by operators. A prediction model with LSTM based on deep learning is proposed to predict passengers for 4 bus public transportation operators (Go Bus, New Zealand Bus, Pavlovich, and Ritchies) which are evaluated by MSLE, MAPE, and SMAPE with variations in epoch, batch size, and neurons. The dataset is a CSV performance report on Auckland Transport (AT) New Zealand metro patronage buses (01/01/2019-07/31/2023). The best prediction model was obtained from the lowest evaluation value and relatively fast time at variations of epoch 60, batch size 16, and neurons 32. The prediction results on training and testing data improved with the suitability of the model tuning. The proposed prediction model performs predictions 12 months later for 4 predictions simultaneously with predicted fluctuations occurring simultaneously. Strong negative correlation on New Zealand Bus-Pavlovich, strong positive correlation on Go Bus with Ritchies and Pavlovich. Predictions that are less closely related and dependent are New Zealand Bus against Go Bus, Pavlovich, and Ritchies. The proposed prediction modeling can be used as a basis for creating operator policies and strategies to deal with passenger fluctuations and for the development of new prediction models.
Analysis of Data and Feature Processing on Stroke Prediction using Wide Range Machine Learning Model
Authors: Wisesty Untari Novia , Wirayuda Tjokorda Agung Budi , Sthevanie Febryanti , Rismala Rita
Published: April 2024

Stroke is a disease which cause the death of brain cells, so that the part of the body controlled by the brain loses its function. If not treated immediately, this disease can cause long-term disability, brain damage, and death. In this research, stroke prediction was carried out on the Stroke dataset acquired from the Kaggle dataset using various machine learning models. Then, data sampling techniques are used to handle data imbalance problems in the stroke dataset, which include Random Undersampling, Random Oversampling, and SMOTE techniques. Pearson Correlation and Principal Component Analysis are also used for dimensional reduction and analyzing the important features that are most influential in predicting stroke. Pearson Correlation produces five attributes that have the highest Pearson coefficient, namely age, hypertension, heart disease, blood sugar level, and marital status. Experimental results have demonstrated that the utilization of RUS, ROS, and SMOTE sampling techniques can significantly boost the F1-Score testing by an impressive 43.44%, 34.44%, and 35.55% respectively, as compared to experiments conducted without implementing any data sampling techniques. The highest F1-Score testing was achieved using the Support Vector Machine and Gaussian Naïve Bayes models, namely 0.83.