bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facts, trends, and highlights from the cutting-edge sexuality-focused publications
Authors: Kogan M. I.
Published: December 2024

The article summarises facts, trends, and highlights from the cutting-edge three-year publications on the male and female sexuality that I have read and present to you, dear readers of the journal.
Management of early ureteral injury complications
Authors: Shanava G. Sh. , Nikulin R. E. , Sivakov A. A. , Mosoyan M. S.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Ureteral traumas account for approximately 3% of all urinary tract injuries. Up to 38 – 80 % of ureteral injuries are misdiagnosed. Consequently, missed ureteral injuries lead to the development of complications.

Objective. To determine the comprehensive management for early complications of ureteral injuries.

Materials & methods. From 2000 to 2022, 46 patients with early complications of various mechanisms, types, and severity of ureteral injuries were treated at the Dzhanelidze Research Institute of Emergency Medicine. The severity of ureteral injury complications was determined using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Reconstructive and staged operations were performed in the treatment of ureteral injury complications.

Results. Fourty-three patients (93.5%) had iatrogenic injuries, 2 (33.3%) had blunt traumas, and 1 (2.2%) had an open injury. Ureteral injuries included rupture, ligation, endoclips compression, and thermal injury. The type of ureteral trauma determined the development of early complications. Ureteral ligation and endoclips compression led to the development of acute renal colic, hydronephrosis, and obstructive pyelonephritis. Ureteral rupture and thermal injury were complicated by urinary leaks and peritonitis. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, the complications were IIIb and IV grade. Staged procedures were performed for the treatment of ureteral injuries complications in the presence of infection. In other cases, reconstructive operations were performed on hemodynamically stable patients with ureteral injury complications.

Conclusion. The choice of management for early complications of ureteral injuries depends on the patient's condition, the presence of infection, the mechanism, type, and localisation of the ureteral trauma.
Wincenty a Paulo – kapłan miłosierdzia
Authors: Guerra Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

This chapter uncovers lesser-known facts from the life of Father Vincent de Paul, documented during his beatification and canonization processes. While it might seem that his love for people led him to achieve sanctity, the author concludes that it was his sanctity that truly and effectively made him abundant in love.
School Climate and School Identification as Determinants of Internet Gaming Disorder Among Chinese Adolescent Internet Gamers: Cross-Sectional Mediation Study
Authors: Yu Yanqiu , Yen Stefanie H Y , Wang Deborah Baofeng , Wu Anise M S , Chen Juliet Honglei , Zhang Guohua , Du Mengni , Du Dajin , Du Mingxuan , Lau Joseph T F
Published: December 2024

Background

School climate and school identification are important features of the school environment and potential determinants of adolescent internet gaming disorder (IGD).

Objective

This novel study investigated their joint effects on IGD and related mediation mechanisms via the interpersonal factor of teacher-student relationship and the individual factors of academic stress and anxiety.

Methods

A large-scale cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent internet gamers of junior, senior, and vocational middle schools in Taizhou City, China, from February to March 2022 (N=5778). Participants self-administered an anonymous, structured questionnaire in classrooms. Adjusted logistic regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for data analysis.

Results

Among all participants, the prevalence of IGD was 8% (461/5778). The 4 school climate subscales (student-student relationship subscale: adjusted odds ratio [ORa] 0.88, 95% CI 0.85-0.91; student-staff relations subscale: ORa 0.87, 95% CI 0.84-0.90; academic emphasis subscale: ORa 0.88, 95% CI 0.85-0.91; shared values approach: ORa 0.88, 95% CI 0.85-0.90), the school identification subscale (ORa 0.85, 95% CI 0.83-0.88), and teacher-student relationship (ORa 0.80, 95% CI 0.76-0.84) were significant protective factors against IGD, while academic stress (ORa 1.18, 95% CI 1.14-1.23) and anxiety (ORa 1.16, 95% CI 1.14-1.18) were risk factors of IGD. The SEM showed that the negative associations between school climate and IGD and between school identification and IGD were mediated via (1) three 2-step paths, each involving a single mediator—teacher-student relationship, academic stress, and anxiety, respectively—and (2) two 3-step paths involving 2 mediators—teacher-student relationship and academic stress first, respectively, and then anxiety. The direct effect of school climate on IGD was statistically nonsignificant (ie, full mediation with effect size ranging from 4.2% to 20.4%), while that of school identification was statistically significant (ie, partial mediation with effect size ranging from 4.5% to 38.2%).

Conclusions

The relatively high prevalence of IGD among Chinese adolescents may be reduced through school-based interventions to improve school climate and school identification. Such improvements may reduce the levels of risk factors of IGD (poor teacher-student relationship, academic stress, and anxiety) and hence the risk of IGD. Future longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Using ChatGPT in Nursing: Scoping Review of Current Opinions
Authors: Zhou You , Li Si-Jia , Tang Xing-Yi , He Yi-Chen , Ma Hao-Ming , Wang Ao-Qi , Pei Run-Yuan , Piao Mei-Hua
Published: December 2024

Background

Since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, this emerging technology has garnered a lot of attention in various fields, and nursing is no exception. However, to date, no study has comprehensively summarized the status and opinions of using ChatGPT across different nursing fields.

Objective

We aim to synthesize the status and opinions of using ChatGPT according to different nursing fields, as well as assess ChatGPT’s strengths, weaknesses, and the potential impacts it may cause.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted following the framework of Arksey and O’Malley and guided by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). A comprehensive literature research was conducted in 4 web-based databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINHAL) to identify studies reporting the opinions of using ChatGPT in nursing fields from 2022 to September 3, 2023. The references of the included studies were screened manually to further identify relevant studies. Two authors conducted studies screening, eligibility assessments, and data extraction independently.

Results

A total of 30 studies were included. The United States (7 studies), Canada (5 studies), and China (4 studies) were countries with the most publications. In terms of fields of concern, studies mainly focused on “ChatGPT and nursing education” (20 studies), “ChatGPT and nursing practice” (10 studies), and “ChatGPT and nursing research, writing, and examination” (6 studies). Six studies addressed the use of ChatGPT in multiple nursing fields.

Conclusions

As an emerging artificial intelligence technology, ChatGPT has great potential to revolutionize nursing education, nursing practice, and nursing research. However, researchers, institutions, and administrations still need to critically examine its accuracy, safety, and privacy, as well as academic misconduct and potential ethical issues that it may lead to before applying ChatGPT to practice.
Lightening the Load: Generative AI to Mitigate the Burden of the New Era of Obesity Medical Therapy
Authors: Stevens Elizabeth R , Elmaleh-Sachs Arielle , Lofton Holly , Mann Devin M
Published: December 2024

Highly effective antiobesity and diabetes medications such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/GLP-1 (dual) receptor agonists (RAs) have ushered in a new era of treatment of these highly prevalent, morbid conditions that have increased across the globe. However, the rapidly escalating use of GLP-1/dual RA medications is poised to overwhelm an already overburdened health care provider workforce and health care delivery system, stifling its potentially dramatic benefits. Relying on existing systems and resources to address the oncoming rise in GLP-1/dual RA use will be insufficient. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has the potential to offset the clinical and administrative demands associated with the management of patients on these medication types. Early adoption of GenAI to facilitate the management of these GLP-1/dual RAs has the potential to improve health outcomes while decreasing its concomitant workload. Research and development efforts are urgently needed to develop GenAI obesity medication management tools, as well as to ensure their accessibility and use by encouraging their integration into health care delivery systems.
Opportunities for Telemedicine to Improve Parents’ Well-Being During the Neonatal Care Journey: Scoping Review
Authors: Wagenaar Josephine , Mah Crystal , Bodell Fredrik , Reiss Irwin , Kleinsmann Maaike , Obermann-Borst Sylvia , Taal H Rob
Published: December 2024

Background

Neonatal intensive care unit admissions of newborns are emotional and stressful for parents, influencing their mental and physical well-being and resulting in high rates of psychological morbidities. Significant research has been undertaken to understand and quantify the burden of a newborn’s medical journey on parents’ well-being. Simultaneously, an increase has been observed in the development and implementation of telemedicine interventions, defined as the remote delivery of health care. Telemedicine is used as an overarching term for different technological interventions grouped as real-time audio-visual communication, remote patient monitoring, and asynchronous communication. Various telemedicine interventions have been proposed and developed but scarcely with the primary goal of improving parental well-being during their newborn’s medical journey.

Objective

This study aims to identify telemedicine interventions with the potential to improve parents’ well-being and to present the methods used to measure their experience.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted, including empirical studies evaluating telemedicine in neonatal care that either measured parental well-being or included parents in the evaluation. Abstract and title screening, full-text screening, and data extraction were performed by three researchers. Two researchers were needed to reach decisions on both the inclusion and extraction of articles.

Results

The review included 50 out of 737 screened articles. Telemedicine interventions focused mainly on daily visits at the neonatal intensive care unit and discharge preparedness for parents. Surveys were the primary tool used for outcome measurement (36/50, 72%). Aspects of parents’ well-being were evaluated in 62% (31/50) of studies. Telemedicine interventions developed to provide education and support showed a potential to improve self-efficacy and discharge preparedness and decrease anxiety and stress when they included a real-time telemedicine component.

Conclusions

This scoping review identified specific telemedicine interventions, such as real-time audio-visual communication and eHealth apps, that have the potential to improve parental well-being by enhancing self-efficacy and discharge preparedness, and reducing anxiety and stress. However, more insights are needed to understand how these interventions affect well-being. Parents should be included in future research in both the development and evaluation stages. It is important to not only measure parents’ perceptions but also focus on the impact of a telemedicine intervention on their well-being.
Impact of Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program Scores and Surgical Volume on Subspecialty Fellowship Application in Ophthalmology Residency: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hertel Amanda Kay , Ajlan Radwan S
Published: December 2024

Background

Ophthalmology residents take the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) exam annually, which provides percentile rank for multiple categories and the total score. In addition, ophthalmology residency training programs have multiple subspecialty rotations with defined minimum procedure requirements. However, residents’ surgical volumes vary, with some residents exceeding their peers in specific subspecialty rotations.

Objective

This study aims to identify if there is a difference in OKAP examination scores and surgical volume exposure during ophthalmology residency training between nonfellowship and fellowship applicants and among various subspecialties.

Methods

A retrospective review of OKAP scores and surgical procedure numbers of graduating residents in an accredited academic ophthalmology residency program in the Midwest United States was conducted. Data were collected from 2012 to 2022.

Results

A total of 31 residents were identified. Most residents decided to pursue fellowship training upon graduation (20/31, 65% residents), and the rest chose to practice comprehensive ophthalmology (11/31, 35% residents). A total of 18/31 residents had OKAP score reports available. The fellowship group outperformed the nonfellowship group in multiple subsections and the total exam (P=.04). Those pursuing fellowship training in glaucoma performed higher on the Glaucoma section (P=.004) and the total exam (P=.005). Residents pursuing cornea performed higher on nearly all subsections, including External Disease and Cornea (P=.02) and the total exam (P=.007). The majority of the surgical volume exposure was identical between fellowship and nonfellowship groups. Those who pursued glaucoma fellowship performed more glaucoma filtering and shunting procedures (P=.03). Residents going into pediatrics fellowship were primary surgeons in more strabismus cases (P=.01), assisted in fewer strabismus cases (P<.001), and had no difference in the total number of strabismus surgeries.

Conclusions

In our program, residents pursuing fellowship training had higher OKAP scores on multiple sections and the total exam. There was no significant difference in the overall surgical volume averages between fellowship and nonfellowship groups, but few differences existed in subspecialty procedures among fellowship applicants. Larger multicenter studies are needed to clarify the relationship between OKAP scores and ophthalmology fellowship decisions nationwide.
Predicting Satisfaction With Chat-Counseling at a 24/7 Chat Hotline for the Youth: Natural Language Processing Study
Authors: Hornstein Silvan , Lueken Ulrike , Wundrack Richard , Hilbert Kevin
Published: December 2024

Background

Chat-based counseling services are popular for the low-threshold provision of mental health support to youth. In addition, they are particularly suitable for the utilization of natural language processing (NLP) for improved provision of care.

Objective

Consequently, this paper evaluates the feasibility of such a use case, namely, the NLP-based automated evaluation of satisfaction with the chat interaction. This preregistered approach could be used for evaluation and quality control procedures, as it is particularly relevant for those services.

Methods

The consultations of 2609 young chatters (around 140,000 messages) and corresponding feedback were used to train and evaluate classifiers to predict whether a chat was perceived as helpful or not. On the one hand, we trained a word vectorizer in combination with an extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) classifier, applying cross-validation and extensive hyperparameter tuning. On the other hand, we trained several transformer-based models, comparing model types, preprocessing, and over- and undersampling techniques. For both model types, we selected the best-performing approach on the training set for a final performance evaluation on the 522 users in the final test set.

Results

The fine-tuned XGBoost classifier achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic score of 0.69 (P<.001), as well as a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.25 on the previously unseen test set. The selected Longformer-based model did not outperform this baseline, scoring 0.68 (P=.69). A Shapley additive explanations explainability approach suggested that help seekers rating a consultation as helpful commonly expressed their satisfaction already within the conversation. In contrast, the rejection of offered exercises predicted perceived unhelpfulness.

Conclusions

Chat conversations include relevant information regarding the perceived quality of an interaction that can be used by NLP-based prediction approaches. However, to determine if the moderate predictive performance translates into meaningful service improvements requires randomized trials. Further, our results highlight the relevance of contrasting pretrained models with simpler baselines to avoid the implementation of unnecessarily complex models.

Trial Registration

Open Science Framework SR4Q9; https://osf.io/sr4q9
Cognitive Impairment in Treated Breast Cancer Survivors: Possible Approaches – a protocol for a randomized trial (Preprint)
Authors: Panaite Diana Ioana , Ostafe Madalina Raluca , Postolica Roxana , Soponaru Camelia , Volovat Simona Ruxandra , Miron Lucian
Published: December 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Background: Throughout the last couple of years, significant advancements in cancer diagnosis and therapy have led to the identification of toxicities that impact patients' short- and long-term quality of life. Thus, we identify the cognitive dysfunction associated with cancer and its treatment, evaluating it both subjectively given the affected individual's viewpoint and objectively through the application of certain neurological tests.
Objective: The study aims to perform a prospective trial with three arms, comprising 120 non-metastatic breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy as a component of the curative efforts and were on hormone therapy at the time of enrollment.
Methods: The trial consists of identifying the presence of cognitive decline and following up on methods of preventing its accentuation through psychoeducation and cognitive stimulation. The trial includes longitudinal assessments of some subjective perception markers and objective assessments of cognitive decline. Furthermore, the study will delve into the dynamics of these markers, revealing alterations in the psycho-affective state.
Results: The project was approved in may 2024, and enrollment is not completed . The first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2025.
Conclusion: The study aims to assess the significance of treatment approaches on the cognitive decline associated with cancer and its treatment, as well as the role they can play in improving breast cancer patients' quality of life.
Trial registration number: The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of UMF Iasi and was registered in Clinical Trials.gov Registry (NCT06662474).
Preparation and Characterization of Encapsulated Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oils in Alginate/Chitosan Complexes Using Ion-Gel Technique
Authors: Pham Huynh Mai , Nguyen Thuong Nhan Phu , Van Chi Khang , Mai Huynh Cang
Published: December 2024

In this study, the alginate/chitosan complexes were prepared to encapsulate lemongrass essential oils (Cymbopogon citratus). Essential oils are secondary metabolites that are easily changed under environmental influences (temperature, pH, light). This research opened a new line in protecting essential oils from adverse effects from the surrounding environment. The ion-gel encapsulation technique combined with alginate/chitosan complexes has been applied to encapsulate C. citratus essential oil. The factors were surveyed including homogenization time (10–20 min), concentration of Tween 80 (0–5% w/w), concentration of sodium alginate (1.5–3.5% w/v), concentration of essential oils (20–40% w/w), concentration of CaCl2 (1.0–2.5% w/v), concentration of chitosan (0.5–2.0%), and pH of chitosan solution (4–6). The properties of products have been determined including moisture content as 80.39%, encapsulation yield as 98.79%, encapsulation efficiency as 88.74% with homogenization time as 15 min, concentration of Tween 80 as 1.5%, concentration of sodium alginate as 2.5% (w/v), concentration of essential oils as 30% (w/w), concentration of CaCl2 as 2.5% (w/v), concentration of chitosan as 2.0% (w/w), and pH chitosan solution as 5. The main chemical compositions of essential oils before and after encapsulation, such as citral, myrcene, and limonene, have still remained.
Synthesis of Aragonite from Precipitated Calcium Carbonate: A Pilot Scale Study
Authors: Sari Ellyta , Desmiarti Reni , Zulhadjri Zulhadjri , Alif Matlal Fajri , Rosadi Maulana Yusup , Arief Syukri
Published: December 2024

The CO2 mineralization pathway is considered a promising option for carbon capture usage and storage because the captured CO2 can be permanently stored, and secondly industrial waste (i.e., petrochemical refinery, lime, and cement kiln dust) can be recycled into value-added carbonate materials by controlling the crystal polymorphs and properties of mineral carbonate. This study investigated the CO2 mineralization utilized for the synthesis of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) via low temperatures at 30 °C and 55 °C with the addition of 50 and 75 g/L of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). The pilot scale of PCC production was established to simultaneously produce PCC with low energy demand by reporting the feasibility of economic analysis and to develop the mineral carbonation that can transform limestones and CO2, which was captured from the petrochemical refinery process into economically valuable PCC. It is found that the aragonite phase of PCC can be generated at a room temperature of 30 °C by adjusting the CO2 flow rate. In addition, the use of NH4Cl, which transformed into ammonium carbonate ((NH4)2CO3) during the calcination process, can maintain the stable aragonite phase by varying the NH4Cl concentration.
Optimizing Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) Performance through Synergistic Natural Dye Combinations from Beta vulgaris L., Curcuma longa L., and Pandanus amaryllifolius
Authors: Kusumawati Nita , Setiarso Pirim , Muslim Supari , Zakiyah Nafisatus , Rahmawati Khofifatul , Fachrirakarsie Fadlurachman Faizal
Published: December 2024

This study optimizes dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performance using a combination of natural dye components extracted from Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot), Curcuma longa L. (turmeric), and Pandanus amaryllifolius (pandanus leaf). These plants were selected for their natural pigments—betacyanin, curcuminoids, and chlorophyll—which potentially act as DSSC sensitizers. Dyes were extracted via maceration with ethanol solvent (1:6 sample:solvent ratio) for 24 h. Filtrates were combined in various ratios to test DSSC performance. The optimal C4 dye combination, with a 2:1:1 ratio (betacyanin:curcumin:chlorophyll), demonstrated the best performance. The UV-vis analysis revealed complex interactions and synergistic effects among dye combinations, characterized by increased light absorption in the 400–700 nm range. Cyclic voltammetry analysis showed favorable energy band gap values, confirming the pigments' suitability for DSSC applications. FTIR analysis confirmed the stable coexistence of the three dyes without new bond formation. Photovoltaic performance testing showed the C4 three-dye combination achieved the highest energy conversion efficiency of 3.57%. These results demonstrate the potential of this dye combination to contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient solar energy conversion in DSSCs.
Determination of Chlorpromazine Using Molecular Imprinting Polymers in Different Sample Matrices
Authors: Ammen Eman Wajeh , Al-Bayati Yehya Kamal
Published: December 2024

Antipsychotic drugs, including chlorpromazine, are frequently used to treat mental illnesses. However, prolonged exposure to even small amounts of the substance can accumulate and cause a potential human health risk. Thus, the selective and sensitive detection of these drugs is crucial. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are receptors that are designed to have a highly specific molecular recognition ability, which is the primary and crucial function of receptors. The synthesis of chlorpromazine-imprinted polymers involves the polymerization of functional monomers and cross-linkers in the presence of chlorpromazine as a template, followed by the removal of the template to create cavities with complementary binding sites. Various strategies, including bulk polymerization, free radical polymerization surface imprinting, and nanoimprinting, have been employed to fabricate chlorpromazine-molecular imprinted polymers with high affinity and selectivity. Characterization techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy are commonly employed to confirm the successful imprinting of chlorpromazine. The high selectivity of MIP toward templates enables them to be used in various applications like solid-phase extraction and chemical sensors, among others. The aim of this review is to present and highlight the various methods used to determine chlorpromazine based on molecular imprinting polymers in different samples.
Synthesis of Water-Soluble Menthol Derivatives Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Nisar Shafaq , Hanif Muhammad Asif , Rashid Umer , Jilani Muhammad Idrees , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Ali Imtiaz , Zieniuk Bartłomiej
Published: December 2024

In this study, menthol was glycosylated with starch in the presence of α-amylase to produce menthyl maltoside (MenM) as the primary product. Optimization of the experimental parameters, including the menthol-starch ratio, enzyme concentration, temperature, and time, was performed using response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM-generated model displayed adequate accuracy and reasonable predictability for the MenM yield under the specified experimental conditions. Under the optimized reaction conditions of the menthol-to-starch ratio of 1:3 (50 °C, 18 h) and enzyme concentration of 50 U, the highest yield of MenM (23.7%) was obtained. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies were employed to analyze the synthesized menthol derivative MenM. Compared with standard menthol, the synthesized menthol derivatives displayed various biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of RSM-optimized synthesis of MenM from the glycosylation of menthol with starch. This study showed that MenM is highly soluble in water and can be easily stored owing to its non-volatile nature.
Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Amomum Species
Authors: Dinata Deden Indra , Maharani Rani , Muttaqin Fauzan Zein , Supratman Unang
Published: December 2024

Amomum is a pungent and aromatic plant genus that contains 150–180 species, where Southeast Asia is the center of endemism, with Indonesia indigenous to 24 breeds. These species are used as spices and traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. This paper aims to provide Amomum species summarized data regarding phytochemistry and biological activities. Several studies have been carried out on the fruits, seeds, roots, rhizomes, and leaves of Amomum species from 1999 to 2024, as approximately 127 metabolites were isolated as flavonoid, diterpenoid, diarylheptanoid, monoterpenoid, sesquiterpenoid, phenylpropanoid, phenolic, and steroid groups. Besides cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potentials; it also has an owed tendency for use as a chemical marker. The extracts and compounds obtained from the Amomum species were evaluated for biological activities, including cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anticancer, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, platelet antiaggregation, and antidiabetic properties. Tsaoko arilon (neolignane) had antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, with the highest reactions considered as lead compounds for further development. The findings highlighted the significance of using compounds from the Amomum genus in traditional medicine and the discovery of new medicines. Therefore, the results supported the concept of utilizing Amomum species as a potential source for producing biologically active compounds.
New Insights of Response Surface Methodology Approach in Optimizing Total Phenolic Content of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. Fruit Extracted Using Microwave-Assisted Extraction and the Impact to Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Sumaiyah Sumaiyah , Murwanti Retno , Illian Didi Nurhadi , Lubis Muhammad Fauzan , Tampubolon Keshia
Published: December 2024

Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC., a unique spice plant from North Sumatra, is rich in beneficial secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic compounds. This study utilized the microwave-assisted extraction method to enhance the extraction of these bioactive compounds. The goal was to determine the optimal extraction conditions, including solvent concentration (X1), microwave power (X2), and extraction time (X3) to maximize the total phenolic content (TPC) of Z. acanthopodium fruit. A Box-Behnken design, part of response surface methodology, was used with three factors at three levels: X1 (50%, 75%, and 100% ethanol in water), X2 (180, 300, and 450 W), and X3 (3, 8.5, and 14 min). The phenolic compounds in the optimized extract were identified using LC-HRMS, and its antioxidant activity was measured using radical scavenging activity assays. The statistical analysis indicated a significant quadratic model (p-value < 0.05), with a high R2 of 86.25%. Optimal conditions for maximum TPC (159.637 ± 5.72 mg GAE/g) were achieved with 50% ethanol, 450 W, and 8.5 min, outperforming conventional extraction methods. Compared to the non-optimized extract, the optimized extract also exhibited strong antioxidant activity, particularly in DPPH radical inhibition. This method successfully optimized TPC in Z. acanthopodium fruit, enhancing its antioxidant properties.
Analysis of Hg(II) Metal by Voltammetric Method Using a Carbon Electrode Modified with EDTA from Used Tire Waste
Authors: Sukoma Sukoma , Alva Sagir , Safitri Eka , Julinawati Julinawati , Mustanir Mustanir , Fonna Syafrizal , Ihsan Muhammad , Dara Fitri , Dayanti Meri , Arifin Ahmad Kamal , Suhud Khairi
Published: December 2024

Development of a carbon electrode sensor from used tire waste via pyrolysis, modified with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for mercury detection using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) method. EDTA plays a role in metal complexation due to its strong response to mercury metal. The FTIR results of the carbon electrode and EDTA show a C–N bond at a wavenumber of 1,217.08 cm−1, indicating the presence of EDTA. The SEM results reveal a clear difference between the unmodified carbon electrode and the EDTA-modified carbon electrode. The calibration graph is linear, with an R2 value of 0.9961, a sensitivity of 0.3472, as well as LoD and LoQ values of 0.03 and 0.08 ppm, respectively. The correlation coefficient is less than 2%, and the %recovery is within the allowable error range. Mercury measurements in Sungai Mas water samples, Aceh Barat, using voltammetry and AAS, exceed the threshold set by Indonesian Government Regulation (PPRI) No. 22 of 2021. The t-test results for the two Hg measurement methods at a 5% significance level (α) show that tcalculated < ttable (0.083 < 2.571). This indicates no significant difference between the voltammetry and AAS methods for measuring Hg concentrations in water.
A Comparative Study of LiNCA Cathode Recycled from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries and Synthesized from Metal Precursor
Authors: Jumari Arif , Apriliani Enni , Yudha Cornelius Satria , Purwanto Agus , Syahrial Anne Zulfia , Pita Rengga Wara Dyah
Published: December 2024

Spent lithium NCA (LiNCA) battery was recycled using organic and inorganic acids and the performances were compared against the cathode synthesized from precursor. The metals in the spent cathode were leached using sulfuric or citric acid and coprecipitated into ternary metal oxalate (TMO) after reduction and lithium separation. Subsequently, the coprecipitated solution was used for cathode synthesis. Leaching efficiencies for nickel, cobalt and aluminum using citric acid were 85.6, 94.1, and 99%, respectively, while the efficiencies using sulfuric acid were 96, 98, and 100%, respectively. TMO produced from coprecipitation had the same physical characteristics. It was important to acknowledge that all cathodes also had similar physical characteristics. The electrochemical tests showed that commercial cathodes had the highest capacity of 150 mAh/g. This was followed by those from precursors, sulfuric acid leaching, and citric acid leaching, which recorded 142, 135, and 130 mAh/g, respectively. Based on the cycle test at 1C, the sample from citric acid leaching was 86% after 20 cycles compared to others at 82–83%. The results suggested that spent LiNCA could be regenerated into new cathodes using acid with performance comparable to those synthesized from precursor. This presented a viable alternative for LiNCA cathode synthesis.
Synthesis, Characterization, Biological, and Antioxidant Activity of New Metal Ion Complexes with Schiff Base Derived from 2-Hydroxybenzohydrazide
Authors: Kadhim Ayyat Jawad , Shaalan Naser
Published: December 2024

The study involved the synthesis of new complexes with tetradentate ligand (LH). The general formula of complexes was [M(LH)(H2O)2] with M of Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn+. The ligand was synthesized by treating the 2-hydroxybenzohydrazide with salicylaldehyde. The structural characteristics of ligands and complexes were analyzed using various techniques, including elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity, infrared, ultraviolet absorption, mass, and NMR spectroscopy studies. The physical measurements indicated that the prepared complexes are non-electrolyte and showed that the ligand is tetradentate when coordinated with metal ions through the nitrogen of azomethine (–C=N–), two oxygen atoms of O–H phenolic, and an oxygen atom of carbonyl (C=O) for benzohydrazide. It was found that Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ complexes are octahedral, while Ni2+ complexes are square planar. The biological screening of the complexes demonstrates that the Schiff base metal complexes exhibit remarkable efficacy in combating microorganisms by utilizing Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria, as well as Candida albicans fungi. Hence, their results were good in inhibition. Then, the potential of these prepared compounds as antioxidants was determined by inhibiting free radicals.
Legitimating Financial Deficit in Corporate Annual Reports: Evidence in the U.S.
Authors: Zhong Xiaoling , Zhou Yun
Published: December 2024

Over the last decade especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, large companies have confronted overwhelming financial challenges, evidenced by revenue shortfalls and, in certain sectors, deficits. What’s worse, such under-performance poses a serious legitimacy threat on the companies’ right to survive and succeed in the context of heightened public scrutiny of corporate activities and results. Thus, this paper examines and analyzes 50 CEO statements of annual reports published by 21 Fortune Global 500 U.S. companies which were identified in deficit of the year. The study presents the way in which the companies attempted to divert or downplay their deficits via the strategies of Image Enhancement, Deflection, Mitigation and Admission. The findings of this study contribute to apprehending the linguistic and rhetorical elements tactically deployed by the companies for impression management, legitimacy repair and also crisis communication.
Judgement Aggregation of Preference-Evaluation
Authors: Tang Shiwen
Published: December 2024

In response to an Arrovian impossibility in combining ranking and evaluation, it is often asked whether we could embed this impossibility result into judgment aggregation. I.e. preference-evaluation aggregation is a special case of judgment aggregation. We argue for this claim, after proving this result as a corollary of Dietrich’s (2015) work. We thereby provide a new proof of the impossibility result in preference-evaluation aggregation and clarify the relation between judgment and preference-evaluation aggregation, and to illustrate the generality of the judgment aggregation model.
Comparative Analysis of the Chinese Versions of Never Let Me Go under the Translation Theory of Lin Yutang—Taking the Translations by Zhu Qiji and Zhang Kun as Examples
Authors: Pan Mengzhen , Zhang Peifang
Published: December 2024

Based on Lin Yutang's translation theory, this article conducts a comparative analysis of two Chinese versions of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go - the translation by Zhu Qiji and the translation by Zhang Kun. It explores how the two translators, while maintaining the spirit of the original text, employ different strategies to deal with cultural differences and language expressions. Zhu Qiji's translation focuses on accurately conveying the original information, while Zhang Kun's translation pays more attention to the reading experience of the readers. Through comparison, this paper analyzes the differences between the two translation versions in terms of translation accuracy, fluency, and style reproduction.
An Analysis of the International Communication Discourse on Beijing “Rural Revitalization” Strategy
Authors: Li Weina
Published: December 2024

This paper takes the English translation of the reports to the work of Beijing municipal government over the past seven years as data to conduct discourse construction research on the strategic content of “rural revitalization”. Result shows that the English version of government work report helps to build a specific discourse ecosystem, and to convey a voice internationally. Through the related information about the in-depth implementation and comprehensive promotion of the rural revitalization strategy in Beijing, which is based on local circumstances and can present the distinctive economic image of the capital, the report demonstrates the pragmatic style of the government and its people-oriented responsibility. The study helps to understand the discourse construction characteristics of political strategy in foreign communication, thus enabling the international community to better understand the planning, implementation as well as the distinctive achievements of that strategy, in order to better understand China through Beijing, capital as the window towards the world.
Identity and Transformation in King Lear: From King to Beggar
Authors: Mondal Ajit
Published: December 2024

In Shakespeare's King Lear, the protagonist’s journey from powerful monarch to vulnerable beggar serves as a profound exploration of identity and transformation. This paper examines Lear’s metamorphosis, focusing on how his shifting sense of self reflects broader themes of authority, vulnerability, and human frailty. At the outset, Lear defines his identity through his royal power and relationship with his daughters, but his misguided decisions lead to his downfall, initiating a process of personal and psychological unraveling. The Fool and Lear’s madness serve as pivotal moments, forcing him to confront the discrepancy between self-deception and self-awareness. Stripped of his kingdom and family, Lear’s transformation into a beggar marks a profound shift in his understanding of identity. In the absence of external markers of power, Lear gains insight into his own humanity, recognizing the universality of suffering and the impermanence of authority. Ultimately, this paper argues that Lear’s tragic transformation is not just a loss of status but an awakening to self-knowledge. His death, while tragic, represents the completion of his transformation, as he gains a deeper understanding of love, humility, and the fragility of human existence. Through this process, King Lear offers a poignant meditation on the nature of identity and its complex, often fragile, formation.
Tecnología para techo de vivienda de producción social, hacia la sustentabilidad
Authors: Castañeda Nolasco Gabriel , Ferras Coutiño Helmer , Farrera Vázquez Neín , Jiménez Albores José Luis
Published: December 2024

La oferta de vivienda en México, especialmente en Chiapas, contrasta con la producción social de vivienda (PSV). A pesar de sus beneficios demostrados, la PSV es ignorada debido a una visión economicista. En el Laboratorio Nacional de Vivienda y Comunidades Sustentables, sede Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas LNVCS-UNACH, se han adaptado tecnologías para PSV, enfocadas en techos sostenibles y seguros en zonas sísmicas. Los resultados son prometedores. Es necesario sumar esfuerzos para ampliar su impacto y promover una vivienda adecuada y sostenible para todos.
“Você no sabe o que es se sentir humilhada asi”: humilhação, afetos hostis e outras regularidades afetivas do governo do refúgio
Authors: Fonseca Nathalia Antonucci
Published: December 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é investigar a humilhação como uma regularidade afetiva do governo do refúgio e defender a centralidade dos afetos na análise desse governo. O texto baseia-se na pesquisa de doutorado da autora, que está em andamento. A pesquisa consiste na construção de uma etnografia, resultante da dupla atuação da autora como pesquisadora e gestora na LGBT+ Movimento, uma organização voltada para o público migrante e refugiado LGBTI+. A partir desse enfoque metodológico, o estudo foca na experiência de algumas mulheres trans e lésbicas acompanhadas pela organização entre 2020 e 2022. Na primeira parte deste artigo, examina-se como uma série de reconfigurações administrativas, provocadas pelo crescimento e formalização da organização, desafiam o modelo de gestão pela intimidade, gerando conflitos. Na segunda parte, destaca-se que os afetos não são elementos novos no campo dos estudos migratórios e humanitários; no entanto, argumenta-se que o espectro de afetos se amplia quando se considera as experiências dos sujeitos no encontro com os aparatos administrativos. Na última parte, apresenta-se o caso de Maritza, uma mulher trans venezuelana, e analisam-se as dimensões micropolíticas das emoções ligadas à humilhação, a fim de evidenciar como esse afeto passa a funcionar como um mecanismo de governo, participando de maneira regular da vida dos sujeitos migrantes e refugiados. Por fim, sugere-se que as regularidades afetivas vivenciadas por Maritza e outros migrantes e refugiados estão conectadas a algumas tradições administrativas historicamente presentes nos programas destinados a essa população no Brasil.
Friendship and Aesthetics: Chekhov’s Influence on Bunin’s Early Literary Works
Authors:   University Lorand Etvesh, Racz Ildiko Maria
Published: December 2024

This article is devoted to the study of A. Chekhov’s aesthetic influence on I. Bunin’s early prose, showing how the personal friendship and artistic principles of the elder writer influenced the style and themes of Bunin’s early works. Special attention is paid to the aesthetic quests of both writers, their approach to the depiction of reality, psychologism and methods of creation by the authors of their images, as well as the specificity of narrative in their work, musicality of artistic language. The author of the article touches upon the theme of artistic perception of nature by the writers and explains why, behind the actions of the romantic heroes of Chekhov and Bunin, there are completely different motives and different driving forces. The article describes how Bunin, in his posthumous book “On Chekhov”, describes his human and creative attitude to Chekhov. On the basis of such early works of Bunin as “On the Farm”, “To the Edge of the World”, “Teacher”, “Late at Night”, “Fog”, “Silence”, “In Autumn”, and “New Year”, the author of the publication tries to show the differences and similarities between the poetics of Chekhov and Bunin.
“The Author of Serious Correspondence”: Ivan Bunin in the “Kievlyanin” Newspaper (1892–1894)
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Bakuntsev Anton V. , Morozov Sergey N. ,   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: December 2024

The publication presents a number of attributed correspondences of Ivan Bunin, published anonymously in the “Kievlyanin” newspaper in 1892–1894. The introductory article describes the methodology by which the authors were able to identify and attribute anonymous texts published in the “Kievlyanin” (68 in total). However, due to the lack of documentary evidence sufficient for the indisputable establishment of Ivan Bunin’s authorship, those selected correspondences will be placed not in the main body of the corresponding volume, but in the “Dubia” section of the future Ivan Bunin’s Complete Collection of Works and Letters.
Ivan Bunin’s Story “On the Donets (Holy Mountains)”: The History of the Text and a Commentary
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Morozov Sergey N.
Published: December 2024

The article describes the history of the text of Ivan Bunin’s early short story “On the Donets [River]”, retitled “Holy Mountains” in emigration. As a result of the analysis of the text of the story, it was possible to identify Bunin’s fifth journey through Ukraine, which was previously unknown: in April 1894, the novice writer visited the old Svyatogorsk monastery. The travelogue story contains a detailed description of this trip. This work has been published by the author nine times. In emigration, a new version of the story appeared in connection with the major author’s edits (the reduction of the text by almost half). The choice of the main text of the story is justified: it will be published based on the Complete works of Bunin (Pg., 1915). The article pays special attention to commenting on the story “On the Donets”, which contains many historical realities. The considered story once again confirmed the correctness of the developed textual principle: the choice of the main text of a particular work should be carried out according to the latest author’s edition of the period in which it was written.
ANTIVIRUS !Make some domestic noise! on ∏ Node Part I
Authors: Sarah Brown and Valentina Vuksic  , Valentina Vuksic
Published: December 2024

Stream your domestic appliances on p-node.org: fridge, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, coffee machine, etc. You can also use gardening tools.
I’ll mix them and re-stream the mix on ANTIVIRUS.
(As you know, we can easily mix different streams on the p-node website by changing the volume levels and streaming the mix at the end.)
ANTIVIRUS !Make some domestic noise! on ∏ Node Part II
Authors: Sarah Brown and Valentina Vuksic  , Valentina Vuksic
Published: December 2024

!Make Some Domestic Noise! was a series of collective online performances that took place during the first COVID-19 lockdown. They featured what might be described as an online domestic noise big band. As everyone was isolated at home, the ∏ Node collective launched the Antivirus program to train people on how to join and contribute their own stream and sounds.
Being alone at home can be stressful, but it can also reveal the beauty of everyday noises.
On a weekly basis, people were invited by email to participate by playing with the noises of their domestic appliances and live stream the results. These separate audio streams were then mixed in real time and sent to the main output stream. This was enabled by the ∏ Node site structure, which provides a volume control for every active stream. The website also has an Internet Relay Chat through which participants can, and did, directly interact.