bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three crucifixes in the Amerbach Cabinet and the incomplete small-scale sculptures around the year 1500
Authors: Dziki Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

The aim of this article is to present the case study of the three crucifixes in the Amerbach Cabinet in Basel in the context of a wider scope of intentional incompleteness around the year 1500. I would like to challenge the view that this particular group and a wide variety of other small scale sculptures were only an unsuccessful experiment and eventually to recognize the intentional blurring of the boundary between finished and unfinished as an artistic category in specific time and space. Those seemingly unfinished products have so far been incorporated into other classes, which were validating their existence. The perspective of “incompleteness” is essential to expand the knowledge of the late medieval / early modern collecting history: it gives an insight into the interests of the court and urban elites, enriches the knowledge of craftsman–donor relationship and enables to understand the changed perception of what was seen as art itself.
Bologna and its porticoes: a thousand years’ pursuit of the “common good”
Authors: Bocchi Francesca , Smurra Rosa
Published: December 2024

Medieval cities featured porticoes, especially in market areas; however, many porticoes disappeared over time. This paper deals with the emergence and continuity of Bologna porticoes underlining the property law system which supported the continuity and maintenance of Bolognese porticoes. While describing the structure of the medieval wooden portico and its evolution, the article also illustrates the phases of urban development and the political, social and economic factors which determined such a continuance of Bolognese porticoes.
Which Polish? What Neue? What Wilde? Provincialisation of the centre – centralisation of the province on the example of the Düsseldorf “Papers” by Marek Sobczyk and Jarosław Modzelewski
Authors: Balisz-Schmelz Justyna
Published: December 2024

The starting point of the article are four paintings created jointly by Marek Sobczyk and Jaroslaw Modzelewski during their trip to Dusseldorf in autumn 1984 on a Solidarnosc scholarship, the so-called Papers. Both painters belonged to the Warsaw “Gruppa”, whose work was compared in Poland with German Neo-Expressionism. Their stay in Germany enabled them to make their own reconnaissance in the German artistic community and become familiar with the western conditions of art production and distribution, but in the same way it made their painting, which grew out of the local cultural and socio-political context, subject to a test of authenticity. Also not without significance for the cultural capital brought back to Poland was the destination itself – West Germany: a country with which relations, due to the historical past and the arrangement of political forces after the War, were multifold and complicated during the communist period. Inspired by the trip, the works both highlighted the consequences of the Cold War divisions and initiated in Polish art the process of transferring cultural content from West Germany, which was a brave step towards a way out of the space dominated by the politicized discourse of German-Polish relations after the War. Thus, Papers can serve to prompt a deepen reflection on the complexity of multiple relations: Poland–Germany, centre–periphery, East–West, while at the same time making it possible to problematize the issue of “originality” of phenomena in art that arise outside the main centres.
Letter to the Editor: “Rare Presentation of Primary~Hyperparathyroidism in a Young Woman”
Authors: Maia Ariana , Couto Carvalho André
Published: December 2024

N/A
A Comparative Study between Legally Imported and Smuggled Brands of Atenolol and Atorvastatin Drugs Marketed in Aden, Yemen
Authors: Al-Nasi Abdullah Ali , Banafea Abdulmalek , Al-helali Abdulaziz , Badhri Abdullah , Al-obadi Ibrahim , Al-haj Marwah , Al-obadi Muaadh , Al-qumishi Nasser , Alkhalifi Omar , Al-akbari Salem , Al-haddad Thekra
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this project was to compare the quality control parameters of both legally imported and smuggled products of Atenolol (Tenormin®) and Atorvastatin (Ateroz®) drugs marketed in Aden, Yemen.  Hundred tablets from each studied product were taken from the market and were determined by the quality control parameters including weight variation, hardness, diameter, thickness, disintegration, leakage and assay tests as well as identification of drugs by Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrophotometer. The result of this study showed that both legally imported and smuggled tested tablets of Atenolol (Tenormin®) in accordance with quality control specifications except the assay test of smuggled Tenormin where the result shows a value of 81% only and thickness test of smuggled Tenormin that show the values outside of the acceptable range. On the other hand, legally imported and smuggled tablet of Atorvastatin (Ateroz®) complied quality control specifications for the tested parameters. We concluded that the tested drugs complied most of quality control specifications with presence of a variation in some quality control tests between legally imported and smuggled products.
PHENOMENOLOGICAL QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE FIRST EXPERIENCE OF BRIMOB TROOPS THE FIRING SQUAD EXECUTORS
Authors: Ramadiany Nungky , Sakti Hastaning
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study is to figure out on the first experience of Brimob troops as an executor of firing squad in Nusakambangan. The approach used in this study is qualitative with phenomenological method and the data analysis technique using Individual Phenomonenology Description (DFI). The subjects involved in this study are three Brimob troops who had been selected as an executor of firing squad using a purposive method. The method of collecting data is semi-structured interviews. The result of this study is that two subjects experienced a conflict when they were ordered to become the executor. The subjects were ready to carry out that order, but they thought of the sin of killing a people who have no resistance. Therefore, there were doubts to carry out that order. A spiritual guidance from kyai who came from Brimob was able to overcome the doubts and become the reinforcement to be sure to carry out their duty that night. Three subjects experienced anxiety before firing on the form of worrying about making mistake, so the subjects regulated their emotions. Entering the firing range, the subjects focused on the implementation so that they dared to shoot the convicted person. The impact of the execution made two subjects experience flashbacks by carrying out the execution and then they overcome them by letting the memories flow. Therefore, they could forget themselves as time went on and the activities at Brimob.
Keyword: Brimob Troops, Death Penalty, Executor of Firing Squad, Phenomenological Qualitative Study
THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF YOUTH IN INDIA AND INDONESIA
Authors: John Sunil
Published: December 2024

The interest in the youth and their contribution to the achievement of the SDG goals has increased in the recent times with academic research being undertaken by Governments to measure their role is a good sign towards creating opportunities for the young persons. Governments of India and Indonesia have taken a number of steps to encourage the youth to make a contribution to the achievement of the SDG goals especially those dealing with the eradication of poverty and gaining education and skills. In this article we will examine the measures taken by the governments to be compatible with the United Nations plan toaugment life and conditions of livelihood by 2030.
Daya Tarik Kerjasama Perjanjian Iklim California-Quebec bagi Pemerintah Daerah di Amerika Utara
Authors: Anjani Puspita , Azizah Namira Putrie , Rahmadita Winda , Putra Farrel Firmansyah
Published: December 2024

Perjanjian karbon California-Quebec menunjukkan bagaimana mekanisme perdagangan karbon regional dapat memberikan manfaat bagi negara bagian dan provinsi. Kesepakatan ini menggabungkan rencana perdagangan emisi karbon Cap-and-Trade California dengan sistem Quebec untuk menciptakan pasar karbon gabungan terbesar di Amerika Utara. Pasar gabungan ini meningkatkan efisiensi sekaligus menurunkan biaya kebijakan bagi kedua pemerintah Quebec dan California. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui sejauh mana kerjasama California-Quebec mampu menjadi model baru bagi pemerintah daerah di regional Amerika Utara dalam upaya mengimplementasikan kebijakan iklim regional melalui hubungan luar negeri. Penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kualitatif dengan tipe analisis deskriptif. Dalam penelitian ini, digunakan teknik pengumpulan data sekunder dengan mengambil berbagai referensi yang relevan dan metode studi literatur. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori paradiplomasi transregional dan teori paradiplomasi hijau untuk menganalisis topik yang dibahas. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keberhasilan Quebec dan California dalam menciptakan kestabilan harga karbon melalui perjanjian iklim mampu menarik negara lain di kawasan regional Amerika Utara untuk ikut berkontribusi dalam upaya mengatasi perubahan iklim.
Kata Kunci: Amerika Utara, California, Quebec, Perubahan Iklim, Emisi Karbon.
Implikasi Belt Road Initiative di Kazakhstan Terhadap Konektivitas Ekspor ke Eropa
Authors: Lestari Maharani Tri , Kurniawan Andi
Published: December 2024

Infrastruktur dan konektivitas merupakan salah satu kendala utama dalam kinerja perdagangan luar negeri Kazakhstan. Sebagai salah satu negara di Asia, Kazakhstan menghadapi tantangan serius dengan kualitas infrastruktur yang rendah. Permodalan menjadi isu utama dalam pengembangan infrastruktur ini, sehingga kehadiran investasi dari Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) yang dipimpin oleh China sangat disambut baik oleh Kazakhstan. Namun, efektivitas dan keberhasilan investasi ini menjadi pertanyaan yang menarik untuk didiskusikan, terutama karena ekspor Kazakhstan ke negara-negara sekitarnya tidak menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan. Sehingga, kehadiran Belt Road Initiative (BRI) yang diluncurkan pada tahun 2013 dengan upaya untuk meningkatkan perdagangan internasional dengan membangun jaringan infrastruktur yang luas antara negara-negara anggota Penelitian ini bertujuan mengeksplorasi dampak BRI terhadap konektivitas Kazakhstan ke Eropa dan pengaruhnya terhadap perekonomian negara tersebut. Menggunakan metodologi kualitatif deskriptif, penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa BRI telah berhasil meningkatkan konektivitas Kazakhstan ke Eropa melalui modernisasi infrastruktur vital seperti jalan raya, pelabuhan, dan stasiun kereta api.
Kata Kunci: Kazakhstan; Belt Road Initiative; Infrastruktur; Konektivitas; Eropa.
Pengaruh Paris Agreement terhadap Industri Batubara di Indonesia Tahun 2017-2022
Authors: Savanna Ayla
Published: December 2024

Isu Lingkungan telah menjadi isu hangat yang sering diperbincangkan dikarenakan mulai terasa dampak yang ditimbulkan olehnya. Salah satu dampak nyata yang dapat dirasakan adalah pemanasan global dimana salah satu faktor penyebabnya adalah banyaknya pembakaran bahan bakar fosil seperti batu bara dan minyak bumi, yang telah menyebabkan sebuah fenomena bernama Gas Rumah Kaca (GRK). Aktivis lingkungan mulai bermunculan dan mendesak pemerintah untuk segera mengatasi hal ini yang kemudian mendorong disahkannya Paris Agreement sebagai hasil kesepakatan Negara Negara untuk mengatasi permasalahan ini. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh Paris Agreement dalam industri batu bara di Indonesia. Dengan menggunakan penelitian kualitatif, pengumpulan data bersumber pada web resmi pemerintah dan media massa pendukung lainnya. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Green Politics Theory gagasan Antroposentrisme dan Keamanan Energi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan pengaruh Paris Agreement terhadap industri batubara di Indonesia adalah dikeluarkannya Undang-Undang yang mengatur mengenai batasan produksi batubara tersebut.
Kata Kunci: Perubahan Iklim; Industri Batu bara; Perjanjian Paris; Gas Rumah Kaca.
Barriers and enablers to the implementation of person-centred care in an Indonesian hospital: a qualitative study
Authors: Dewi Wan Nishfa , Nazriati Elda
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Person-centred care (PCC) is increasingly considered as one of the criteria standards for delivering healthcare in hospitals. Registered nurses are increasingly expected to provide PCC in daily practice. However, although the hospital commits to enhancing and improving PCC, implementing this approach into practice has faced barriers and enablers. As the implementation of PCC is still at an early stage of development, it is well-recognised that the need to identify barriers and enablers is essential. This study aims to explore these barriers and enablers to implementing PCC in Indonesian hospitals.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative exploratory study conducted from July 2023 to September 2023 at a public hospital in Pekanbaru, Riau Province. It applied semi-structured interviews to collect data on barriers and enablers to implement PCC from 2 managers and 12 nurses from the medical ward. All participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data collected from interviews were transcribed and then thematically analysed.
Results: Three barriers-related themes emerged, namely time constraints and workload, lack of resources, and communication challenges. Furthermore, three enablers themes also emerged, including leadership, commitment, and sufficient monitoring and supervision.
Conclusions: The study results lead hospital managers and policymakers to overcome existing barriers using adaptive planning and strategies and to improve enablers with well-trained professionals and strong leadership to deliver a PCC approach into practice. The implications to practice are that healthcare organisations must continue their support to decrease the barriers and optimise professional care in healthcare facilities to improve healthcare services.
Exploring empathy of nursing students and the extent of their clinical experiences: a cross-case analysis
Authors: Cabataña Pia Gabrielle E. , Dacayana Yosef Liam A. , Jabagat Jarrean B. , Palompon Daisy R.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Empathy is the ability of a nurse to understand the circumstances, experiences, and feelings of the patients. It is a vital component of a nurse as this enables the nurse to respond therapeutically to the needs of the clients, thereby providing quality nursing care. This study explored the development of empathy among nursing students based on their hospital exposure and other factors that provide a more in-depth understanding of the phenomenon investigated.
Methods: Using the intrinsic case study method, the study interviewed six nursing students as informants, selected based on their extent of clinical exposure through purposive sampling. A standardized Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) was also used to provide information on empathy. A cross-case analysis was used to generate the findings of this study.
Results: Findings generated five themes: maintaining empathy level across different conditions, prior clinical experiences affect empathy levels, empathy increases with knowledge, expression of empathy is hindered by academic workload and mismatch between perceived and objectively measured empathy levels.
Conclusions: Empathy was more developed by nursing students when they were exposed to patient care experiences. The extent of knowledge and the continued experience in the clinical field are major factors that contribute to their increased empathy levels of nursing students.
Parental support and influencing factors for school-age children's healthy movement behavior: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rachmawati Praba Diyan , Krisnana Ilya , Pradanie Retnayu , Qur'aniati Nuzul , Arief Yuni Sufyanti , Biru Mustika Milenia Dwi Tunjung , Asih Meirina Nur , Rithpho Pratuma , Kurnia Iqlima Dwi
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Optimizing healthy lifestyles in children requires parental support for healthy movement behaviors. This study analyzed factors influencing parental support for school-age children's movement activities.
Methods: This study employed an analytic descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach, involving a sample of 355 mothers with school-age children. The independent variables included family, child, and environmental factors, whereas the dependent variable was parental support for healthy movement behaviors, as assessed through a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using binary logistic regression with backward elimination.
Results: The factors that significantly influenced parental support for their children's engagement in light physical activities included the children's own level of participation in such activities (OR=2.52, 95% CI=0.76-6.67). Factors affecting support for moderate to vigorous activities were maternal exercise habits (OR=3.37; 95% CI=1.18-9.65), children's sports habits (OR=5.18; 95% CI=1.64-16.26), and the presence of personal gadgets (OR=0.45, 95% CI=0.23-0.86). Parental support for preventing sedentary behaviors was influenced by parental knowledge (OR=2.33; 95% CI=1.34-4.05), mother's sleep duration (OR=2.46; 95% CI=1.27-4.75), and gadgets (OR=0.55; 95% CI=0.31-0.95). Factors affecting support for adequate sleep included children's light activities (OR=3.42; 95% CI=1.27-9.23) and their ownership of personal gadgets (OR=0.44; 95% CI=0.24-0.79)
Conclusions: Parental support is influenced by the knowledge and physical activity habits of both mother and child, as well as gadget use and maternal sleep patterns. Pediatric nurses can enhance this support through health education focused on promoting healthy movement behaviors within families.
The dementia certified nurse process for acquiring knowledge for care of older adult patients with dementia in acute care hospitals: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Kabaya Sonoko , Nagahata Tayo , Juanamasta I Gede
Published: December 2024

Introduction:  This study aimed to explore DCNs’ perceived knowledge acquisition in older adult patients with dementia in acute-care hospitals.
Methods: The study used qualitative methods, with 14 Japanese DCNs involved in the snowball sampling method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted between June and December 2016 by the principal investigator. A qualitative content analysis was used in this study. The study results were divided into nine categories and 31 sub-categories.
Results: This study highlights the process through which DCNs in acute-care hospitals acquire expertise in caring for older adults with dementia. Initially, DCNs faced dilemmas between patients’ resistance to treatment and their professional priorities, leading to emotional and cognitive shifts that motivated them to seek specialized knowledge and refine their care methods. By reflecting on their experiences, integrating patient-centered approaches, and sharing insights with team members, DCNs deepened their understanding, adapted care strategies, and enhanced their clinical capacity to meet patients' needs effectively.
Conclusions: Nurses should provide appropriate training before taking care of the patients. Knowledge should be combined with patient’s problems and behavior. Thus, nurses become more flexible in adapting to patients with dementia. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering reflective practices and educational interventions to enhance DCNs’ expertise, enabling them to provide patient-centered care and improve outcomes for older adults with dementia.
Addressing Loneliness in Dementia Patient’s Caregiver Through Spiritual Aspect
Authors: Christophorus Aditya Pawitan  , Agustina Konginan
Published: December 2024

Introduction: In this brief case report, we aim to focus on the spiritual aspect and how it may benefit in addressing loneliness. Case: The case is a female 62 years old, diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder with a psychosocial stressor of perceived isolation (loneliness), treatment approach consists of medication and spiritual-integrated cognitive behavioral therapy focused on her loneliness. Discussion: According to the definition spirituality is related to a transcendental being (vertical) and relation with others, the environment, and oneself (horizontal). In loneliness, the psychosocial symptom of perceived social isolation might be caused by the falling apart of a spiritual relation, either vertical or horizontal. Conclusion: Loneliness might be prolonged by a change in spiritual value and addressing loneliness through a spiritual aspect is an area that needs to be explored in future studies.
 
Keywords: Spirituality, Loneliness, Spiritual Intervention, Caregiver, Mental Health
The Role and Function of Single Parents in Special Needs Children to Combat Loneliness
Authors: Royke Tony Kalalo
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Caring for children with special needs often poses various challenges, including coping with stress in parenting. Single parents have an even increased vulnerability to stressful conditions in parenting, especially from feelings of loneliness and alienation. This literature review aims to obtain an effective intervention model for overcoming loneliness for single parents with special needs children. Methods: Various studies were searched with the keywords “role of a single parent,” “function of a single parent,” “children with special needs,” and “loneliness.” Selected studies are evaluated and critically reviewed. Results: Various challenges of parenting children with special needs include stigma, efforts to overcome communication and behavior problems of children, adjustments to parenting according to special needs conditions, economic burdens, and intrapersonal problems of single parents. These challenges can be significant stressors that further degrade the quality of life of single parents and their children. However, they can be opportunities for personality development and parenting skills through self-care efforts and seeking psychiatric help, including efforts to find a community that understands the experience of being a single parent. Conclusions: Efforts to help single parents cope with loneliness include improving self-efficacy, emotional stability, positive parenting, and social intelligence by being part of a supportive community.
Keywords: Single Parent, Children, Special Needs, Loneliness, Psychological Wellbeing
Prediction of Thermal Properties of Solid Contact
Authors:   Moscow Aviation Institute, Ezhov A. D. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute, Bykov L. V. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute, Kiselev V. P. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute, Talalaeva P. I. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute, Kotovich I. V. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute, Platonov I. M.
Published: December 2024

We propose a method of numerical simulation of contact heat transfer, the calculation results of which are in good agreement with experimental data.
Addressing Antibiotic Resistance with Bacterial Cytological Profiling: A High-Throughput Method for Antibiotic Discovery
Authors: Salgado Jhonatan , Rayner James , Ojkic Nikola
Published: December 2024

Developing new antibiotics poses a significant challenge in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a critical global health threat responsible for approximately 5 million deaths annually. Finding new classes of antibiotics that are safe, have acceptable pharmacokinetic properties, and are appropriately active against pathogens is a lengthy and expensive process. Therefore, high-throughput platforms are needed to screen large libraries of synthetic and natural compounds. In this review, we present bacterial cytological profiling (BCP) as a rapid, scalable, and cost-effective method for identifying the mechanisms of action of antibiotics, offering a promising tool for combating AMR and drug discovery. We present the application of BCP for different bacterial organisms and different classes of antibiotics and discuss BCP's advantages, limitations, and potential improvements. Furthermore, we highlight the studies that have utilized BCP to investigate pathogens listed in the Bacterial Priority Pathogens List 2024 and we identify the pathogens whose cytological profiles are missing. Lastly, we explore the most recent artificial intelligence and deep learning techniques that could enhance the analysis of data generated by BCP, potentially advancing our understanding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the discovery of novel druggable pathways.
Risk Prediction and Management for Central Nervous System Infection after Resection for Gliomas - The 8-Year Experience from a Tertiary Medical Center
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zheng Zhiyao , Guo Xiaopeng , Wang Hai , Gong Le , Wang Yu , Guo Fuping , Ma Wenbin
Published: December 2024

Objective: Glioma surgery, involving manipulation of brain parenchyma, can lead to elevated levels of inflammatory molecules in the central nervous system and alterations in cerebrospinal fluid circulation, potentially increasing the risk of central nervous system infection (CNSI). However, research on risk factors, clinical characteristics, and predictive models for CNSI following glioma resection remains scarce.

Methods: We studied 435 patients undergoing glioma resection at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (2015-2023), collecting demographic, clinical, surgical, laboratory, and survival data. We analyzed risk factors for postoperative CNSI, developed a predictive model, and summarized cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics and antibiotic use in CNSI patients. The impact of CNSI on long-term prognosis was also assessed.

Results: Of 435 patients, 65 (14.9%) developed CNSI. After excluding 98 patients with missing data, 61 of 337 analyzed patients had postoperative CNSI. Independent risk factors included ventricular opening, postoperative systemic infection, maximum cavity diameter, and preoperative peripheral blood mononuclear cell percentage. A nomogram based on these factors showed good predictive performance (C statistic = 0.797) and was validated internally and externally (AUC = 0.731). Decision curve analysis indicated positive net benefits within a 0-30% risk threshold. CSF in CNSI patients showed elevated protein (median 1.73 g/L), decreased glucose (median 2.7 mmol/L), and increased white blood cells (median 1478 × 10^6 /L) with a high polymorphonuclear cell percentage (median 84.1%). Meropenem and vancomycin were the most used antibiotics, with average durations of 7.79 and 8.41 days, respectively. Survival analysis showed no impact of CNSI on long-term prognosis.

Conclusions: This study identifies risk factors for CNSI following glioma resection and develops a predictive model, aiding clinical decision-making. Summarized CSF characteristics and antibiotic use provide diagnostic and treatment references for CNSI post-glioma surgery.
India’s Transition to a Circular Economy Towards Fulfilling Agenda 2030: A Critical Review
Authors: Rajayya Ananthi , Nair Rajiv , P. K. Viswanathan
Published: December 2024

Globally, economies are experiencing a paradigm shift from linear production practices (make-use-dispose) towards circular economy (CE) pathways as critical development strategies to achieve Agenda 2030. In the context of the progressive shift to CE, we critically review extant literature to comprehend the trends and constraints concerning adopting CE practices. Our review reveals burgeoning literature encompassing a gamut of CE practices prevalent in multiple domains globally. We also discuss the emergent trends and patterns in adopting CE across sectors in India. Our study also confirms that implementing the transition to CE with ad hoc policies or as a tactical response to external or internal stimuli is unsustainable; instead, it necessitates organisational agility and strategic collaboration among stakeholders. We also identify consumer perceptions and economic feasibility as the most significant criteria determining the institutionalisation of CE. Further, responding to calls for investigation of CE in small and medium enterprises, we present a conceptual framework that can enable a non-disruptive transition towards CE. We contribute to existing explorations into the overlap of CE and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by conceptualising a direct (SDG12) and indirect (SDGs 2, 6, 8, and 13) link between the three major stakeholders of CE (society, environment, and economy. This framework discusses the interlinkages of the above objectives and underscores the need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders toward a sustainable circular economy. When practices align with these objectives, firms can successfully manage low environmental impacts while enhancing their economic relevance and social responsibility.
Predicting Wheat Yellow Rust and Powdery Mildew Incidence Using Real Time Weather Variability Through Machine Learning Algorithms: An Approach Towards Managing Crop for Sustainable Production
Authors: Bijlwan Amit , Ranjan Rajeev , Singh Manendra , Purohit Rahul , Chakravarty Sumit
Published: December 2024

The integration of disease severity with real-time meteorological variables and advanced machine learning techniques has given valuable predictive insights for assessing disease severity in wheat. This study emphasizes the potential of machine learning models, particularly artificial neural networks (ANN), in predicting wheat disease severity with high accuracy. Field experiment was conducted over two consecutive rabi growing seasons (2023 and 2024), using randomized block design with four sowing dates to investigate critical weather-disease relations for two key wheat pathogens: Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (yellow rust) and Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (powdery mildew). Weekly assessments of disease severity were combined with meteorological data and analyzed using ANN and regularized regression models. The ANN model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy for both yellow rust and powdery mildew, achieving R-squared value (R2) of 0.96 and 0.98 for calibration, and 0.93 and 0.95 for validation, respectively. Random Forest (RF) models also exhibited robust performance with R2 values of 0.97 and 0.98 for calibration and 0.93 and 0.90 for validation for yellow rust and powdery mildew respectively, while Elastic Net, Lasso, and Ridge regression models showed comparatively moderate predictive capabilities. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained the key meteorological variables influencing disease incidence, with evapotranspiration, temperature, wind speed and humidity emerging as critical factors. Disease prediction is an important aspect to develop decision support system and make farmers to take informed decision to optimize production.
Towards Quantitative Description of Proteolysis: Contribution of Demasking and Hydrolysis Steps into Proteolysis Kinetics of Milk Proteins
Authors: Vorob’ev Mikhail M.
Published: December 2024

The hydrolysis of proteins by proteases (proteolysis) plays a significant role in biology and food science. Despite the importance of proteolysis, a universal quantitative model of this phenomenon has not yet been created. The review considers approaches to modeling proteolysis in a batch reactor that take into account differences in the hydrolysis of various peptide bonds, as well as the limited accessibility (masking) for the enzyme of some hydrolysis sites in the protein substrate. The kinetic studies of proteolysis of b-casein and b-lactoglobulin by various proteolytic enzymes throughout the whole degree of hydrolysis are reviewed. The two-step proteolysis model is regarded that includes demasking of peptide bonds as a result of opening of the protein structure at the first stage, and then hydrolysis of the demasked peptide bonds. To determine the kinetics of demasking, the shift in Trp fluorescence during opening of the protein substrate is analyzed. Two stages of demasking and secondary masking also are considered, explaining the appearance of unhydrolyzed peptide bonds at the end of proteolysis with decreasing enzyme concentration. Proteolysis of a nanosized substrate is considered on the example of tryptic hydrolysis of b-CN micelles, leading to the formation and degradation of new nanoparticles and non-monotonic changes in the secondary protein structure during proteolysis.
Spinnability and Morphological Stability of Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Blends by Electrospinning
Authors: Anaya-Mancipe Javier Mauricio , da Silva Vanessa Fernandes , Becerra-Lovera Angela Yeissel , Dias Marcos Lopes , Thiré Rossana Mara da Silva Moreira
Published: December 2024

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a plant-derived polymer known for its excellent anti-adhesive properties, making it suitable for dressings for highly exudative lesions. However, CMC alone is considered an un-spinnable biopolymer due to its complex intermolecular interactions. This study explored the spinnability of CMC through electrospinning by blending it with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) at an 8:2 (PVA/CMC) ratio. Two types of PVA with varying molecular weights and hydrolysis degrees were used at different concentrations. Solutions were prepared with Milli-Q water at 90°C for about 2 hours, followed by electrospinning under varying voltage and flow rates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assessed spinning ability, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) characterized the mats' chemical composition. Thermal behavior was analyzed using TGA and DSC. Results showed that the neat PVA.1 solution produced smaller nanofibers (~217.9 nm), while the PVA.1/CMC blend resulted in larger fibers (129.9 nm) but with more defects due to higher surface tension. In contrast, PVA.2 and PVA.2/CMC exhibited larger diameters (448.6 nm and 270.1 nm, respectively) and better thermal and morphological stability, indicating their potential for anti-adhesive chronic wound dressings.
Evaluating the Impact of Supply Chain Flexibility on Gaining Competitive Advantage in Bangladeshi SMEs
Authors: Rahman Sadia , Nath Avishek , Barsa Nusrat Jahan , Chowdhury Most. Sharmin Ara
Published: December 2024

This research examines the impact of supply chain flexibility on competitive advantage inside Bangladeshi small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). This study employs a quantitative methodology and analyzes a sample of 250 SMEs to examine many facets of supply chain flexibility, including supplier flexibility, production flexibility, delivery flexibility, inventory flexibility, and market responsiveness. The results demonstrate a substantial correlation between market responsiveness and competitive advantage, underscoring its vital importance in improving SMEs' market standing. In contrast, the research revealed that other aspects of supply chain flexibility did not have a statistically significant effect on competitive advantage. This study enhances the comprehension of supply chain dynamics in emerging economies, specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The research is constrained by its concentration on a single geographic area and its dependence on self-reported data, potentially introducing biases. Practical implications indicate that SMEs have to emphasize market responsiveness in formulating their supply chain strategy, hence enhancing agility and flexibility to changing market circumstances. The study underscores the need of assisting SMEs in developing adaptable supply chains to improve their competitiveness and foster economic development. The novelty of this research is in its concentrated examination of supply chain flexibility within Bangladeshi SMEs, addressing a deficiency in the literature of supply chain management in developing nations.
Leverage Digital Platforms for Circular Economy: Value Creation View
Authors: Li Suicheng , Wu Huifang , Hou Wenjing , Zhang Xinyi
Published: December 2024

The practical role of digital platforms in fostering circular economy (CE) among businesses remains unresolved.Unlike previous research on digital platforms and firm performance, this study analyzes the bridging function of the value creation system from a value creation perspective. It identifies resources (business model innovation) and relationships with other value creators (closed-loop supply chain) as key elements for achieve CE.Using survey data from 243 firms, this study validates the significant mediation of business model innovation and closed-loop supply chain in the relationship of digital platforms - CE. This narrows the theoretical gap and expands value creation-based CE research.
Enhanced Binding Affinity of 2-Deoxyglucose-6Phosphate to Hexokinase I: Insights from Molecular Simulations
Authors: He Yifan , Liu Haotian , Shi Qianyi , Xu Leyao , Feng Junming , Xu Chunxin , Qu Yan , Meng Bowen , Lai Xiaoyi , Liu Xingchen , Chen Shoucheng , Cao Yang
Published: December 2024

2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), targeting Hexokinase I (HKI) to inhibit glycolysis in cancer cells, has inspired drug design. Increasing evidence suggests that its phosphorylated form, 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate (2-DG-6-P), may inhibit HKI more effectively, highlighting the need to understand the molecular mechanisms behind this effect. Using molecular simulations, we examined interactions between HKI and its substrates—glucose (G) and glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P)—and inhibitors—2-DG and 2-DG-6-P. G and G-6-P showed stable interactions with HKI, involving residues like ILE 662, SER 588, and PRO 590, while 2-DG had less stable interactions. However, 2-DG-6-P formed the most stable complex, engaging additional residues such as VAL 663 and THR 848, with enhanced binding through hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions facilitated by its phosphorylated group. This study reveals the differential effects of 2-DG and 2-DG-6-P on HKI inhibition, highlighting the unique mechanism of 2-DG post-phosphorylation and supporting the development of targeted HKI inhibitors that exploit cancer cell metabolism.
A Unified Mission Ontology Based on Systematic Integration of Interdisciplinary Concepts
Authors: Belay Zelalem Mihret , Axelsson Jakob
Published: December 2024

The concept of a mission is fundamental to system design and development, especially in system of systems (SoS) engineering. However, the diverse usage of the term 'mission' across disciplines, coupled with the absence of universally accepted definitions, often results in ambiguity regarding its core meaning and practical application in mission-centric engineering tasks. Clearly defined and precisely represented missions are essential for improving communication among stakeholders and bridging interdisciplinary gaps. This study aims to develop a unified mission ontology that promotes clarity and improves interoperability across various domains. To achieve this goal, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to examine how missions are conceptualized and represented, followed by a thorough analysis of the findings. Based on the analysis results, we propose a unified mission ontology that can be tailored for domain-specific applications, promoting interoperability across domains through a high-level abstraction of shared concepts. To validate the comprehensiveness and adaptability of the proposed unified mission ontology, we conducted a coverage analysis using semantic similarity estimates to assess the equivalence of ontological concepts. This evaluation quantified the extent to which concepts from various domain-specific ontologies, including the mission engineering guideline, align with those in the proposed unified mission ontology.
The Influence of Different Cultivation Technologies on Bacterial Communities in the Soil under a Horse Bean Plantation
Authors: Swędrzyńska Dorota , Bocianowski Jan , Wolna-Maruwka Agnieszka , Swędrzyński Arkadiusz , Płaza Anna , Górski Rafał , Niewiadomska Alicja
Published: December 2024

Modern agriculture must reverse its degrading influence on soils, the natural environment, and the climate. No-till soil cultivation technologies, which have been used for many years and are constantly being improved, are an example of such activities. Our research assumes that soil samples taken from a faba bean plantation in the twentieth year of the static field experiment will show differences in the composition of bacterial communities at the level of phylum, orders, classes, and species. The differences would be manifested by the environmental and agricultural functionality of the microorganisms in the soil cultivation system-dependent manner and they would indicate the bacterial species with environment-friendly properties. As a result, five variants of the soil samples were distinguished: 1 – plantless, fallow buffer zone of the field experiment – sample ‘0’, 2 – conventional tillage (ploughing), 3 – reduced tillage (stubble cultivator), 4 – strip tillage,5 – no tillage (direct drilling into stubble). Our study showed that the no-till cultivation technologies, mainly the strip till and no-till methods, applied at the horse bean plantation had a positive influence on microbial communities. The number of OTUs of species such as Gemmatimonas aurantiaca and Aeromicrobium ponti increased. The abundance of these species determines soil fertility and yield of crops. They are also environment and climate friendly, and therefore very important for sustainable or even regenerative agriculture. Further investigations of soil samples collected from another plantation of crops in different tillage systems may indicate functional species of microorganisms which are important for climate change and for the fertility of the soil.
Ultrasensitive Peptide-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Universal Diagnostic of Dengue
Authors: Prado Isis C , Carvalho João P.R.S. , Araujo André S. , Napoleão-Pêgo Paloma , De-Simone Salvatore Giovanni
Published: December 2024

Dengue is a neglected disease mainly affecting tropical and subtropical countries. The diagnosis of dengue fever is still a problem since most of it is made from whole or recombinant DENV proteins, which present cross-reactions with other members of the Flavivirus family. Therefore, there is still a huge demand for new diagnostic methods that provide rapid, low-cost, easy-to-use confirmation. Thus, in this work, we developed an affordable electrochemical biosensor for rapidly detecting immunoglobulin G (IgG) serological antibodies in the sera of DENV-infected patients. Materials and methods: An identified linear B-cell epitope (DENV/18) specific for DENV 1-4 serotypes recognized by IgG in patient sera was selected as a target molecule after a microarray of peptides using the Spot-synthesis methodology. After chemical synthesis, the DENV/18-peptide was immobilized on the surface of the working electrode of a commercially available screen-printed gold electrode (SPGE). The capture of DENV-specific IgG allowed the formation of an immunocomplex that was measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using a potassium ferri-iron cyanide K+ ([Fe(CN)6]3-/4-) electrochemical probe. Results: An evaluation of the performance of the biosensor showed a detection limit of 100 µg mL-1 for the synthetic peptides (DENV/18) and 0.002 µg mL−1 for human serum, with a sensitivity of 7.21 µA in CV and 8.79 µA in DPV. The differentiation of infected and uninfected individuals was possible even at a high dilution factor that reduced the required sample volumes to a few microliters. Conclusion: The final device proved suitable for diagnosing DENV by analyzing real serum samples, and the results showed good agreement with molecular biology diagnostics. The flexibility to conjugate other antigenic peptides to SPEs suggests that this technology could be rapidly adapted to diagnose other pathogens.
Investigation on the Recovery of Rare Earth Fluorides from Spent Rare Earth Molten Electrolytic Slag by Vacuum Distillation
Authors: Yang Ziyan , Xiao Faxin , Sun Shuchen , Tu Ganfeng , Zhou Zhentao , Chen Jingyi , Hong Xin , He Wei , Sui Chengfu , Yu Kuopei
Published: December 2024

The spent rare earth molten salt electrolytic slag (REMES) needs to be recovered not only its economic value of rare earth elements, lithium and fluorine, but also the environmental benefits. Vacuum distillation has many advantages, such as a short process and less wastewater. In this work, the structural characterization of REMES and recovery of REMES by vacuum distillation was analyzed. The structural characterization showed that the slag was mainly composed of rare earth fluorides with some forms of rare earth oxyfluorides, carbon and some impurities oxide. The directly distillation experiments showed that 42.04% of rare earth and 99.99% of lithium fluoride could be evaporated at 1573 K and 0.1 Pa for 4 h, and discovered the phase transition from REF3 to NdOF in the function of SiO2、Al2O3、Fe2O3 of in the distillation process, which terribly affected the recovery efficiency of REEs. Therefore, the fluorination pretreatment was firstly proposed to transfer oxide impurities, rare earth oxides and rare earth oxyfluoride to fluorides. Fluorinating the slag by 20 g NH4HF2 significantly improved the recovery of rare earth elements, which was 86.23%. This research aimed to find a new method based on vacuum distillation to recover rare earth elements with no waste water, promoting the advance of environmentally friendly secondary resources recovery methodologies.
The Role of Plant DNA Methylation in Stress Response and Crop Breeding
Authors: Qiao Shuai , Song Wei , Hu Wentao , Wang Fang , Liao Anzhong , Tan Wenfang , Yang Songtao
Published: December 2024

DNA methylation, a highly conserved epigenetic modification, plays an essential role in regulating gene expression and maintaining genome stability. Aberrations in DNA methylation patterns can significantly disrupt plant developmental processes, often leading to abnormal phenotypes. These methylation states are governed by a dynamic interplay of de novo methylation, maintenance methylation, and active demethylation, mediated by a suite of specialized enzymes operating under distinct regulatory pathways. This review explores the multifaceted roles of DNA methylation in plants. We provide a comprehensive overview of methylases, demethylases, and regulatory factors, elucidating how these components interact within the broader methylation machinery. Key functions of DNA methylation, including its roles in transposon silencing, gene expression regulation, and chromatin interactions, are systematically examined. Additionally, the impact of DNA methylation on plant development is analyzed, with a focus on its involvement in responses to biotic and abiotic stressors. Finally, we discuss the potential applications of DNA methylation in crop improvement, highlighting its promise for advancing modern agricultural practices.
Firm-Level Regulatory Intensity and Labor Investment Efficiency
Authors: James Hui Liang , Ngo Thanh , Wang Hongxia
Published: December 2024

We examine the impact of firm-level regulatory intensity on corporate labor investment efficiency in U.S. firms using a sample from 1995-2019. We find that labor investment inefficiency decreases with regulatory intensity, providing evidence that greater regulatory burden pushes managers to make better labor investment decisions. This finding is robust to subsample analyses and various model specifications, suggesting that regulations, though seemingly costly, generate efficiencies and positive externalities. We conclude that regulatory requirements prompt firms to invest in labor more accurately to absorb regulatory compliance costs, and U.S. firms can lift their regulatory burden to some extent through improved labor investment.