bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mildly Super-Eddington Accretion onto Slowly Spinning Black Holes Explains the X-Ray Weakness of the Little Red Dots
Authors: Pacucci Fabio , Narayan Ramesh
Published: November 2024

JWST has revealed a population of low-luminosity active galactic nuclei at z > 4 in compact, red hosts (the “Little Red Dots,” or LRDs), which are largely undetected in X-rays. We investigate this phenomenon using General Relativistic Radiation Magnetohydrodynamics simulations of super-Eddington accretion onto a supermassive black hole (SMBH) with M
• = 107
M
⊙ at z ∼ 6, representing the median population; the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) that we obtain are intrinsically X-ray weak. The highest levels of X-ray weakness occur in SMBHs accreting at mildly super-Eddington rates (1.4 < f
Edd < 4) with zero spin, viewed at angles >30° from the pole. X-ray bolometric corrections in the observed 2–10 keV band reach ∼104 at z = 6, ∼5 times higher than the highest constraint from X-ray stacking. Most SEDs are extraordinarily steep and soft in the X-rays (median photon index Γ = 3.1, mode of Γ = 4.4). SEDs strong in the X-rays have harder spectra with a high-energy bump when viewed near the hot (>108 K) and highly relativistic jet, whereas X-ray weak SEDs lack this feature. Viewing an SMBH within 10° of its pole, where beaming enhances the X-ray emission, has a ∼1.5% probability, matching the LRD X-ray detection rate. Next-generation observatories like AXIS will detect X-ray-weak LRDs at z ∼ 6 from any viewing angle. Although many SMBHs in the LRDs are already estimated to accrete at super-Eddington rates, our model explains 50% of their population by requiring that their masses are overestimated by a mere factor of ∼3. In summary, we suggest that LRDs host slowly spinning SMBHs accreting at mildly super-Eddington rates, with large covering factors and broad emission lines enhanced by strong winds, providing a self-consistent explanation for their X-ray weakness and complementing other models.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Interstellar Candidate Ethynyl Thiocyanate: HCCSCN
Authors: Alonso Elena R. , Insausti Aran , Kolesniková Lucie , León Iker , McGuire Brett A. , Shingledecker Christopher N. , Agúndez Marcelino , Cernicharo José , Rivilla Víctor M. , Cabezas Carlos , Jiménez-Serra Izaskun , Martín-Pintado Jesús , Guillemin Jean-Claude
Published: November 2024

This work aims to spectroscopically characterize and provide for the first time direct experimental frequencies of the ground vibrational state and two excited states of the simplest alkynyl thiocyanate (HCCSCN) for astrophysical use. Both microwave (8–16 GHz) and millimeter-wave regions (50–120 GHz) of the spectrum have been measured and analyzed in terms of Watson’s semirigid rotor Hamiltonian. A total of 314 transitions were assigned to the ground state of HCCSCN, and a first set of spectroscopic constants have been accurately determined. Spectral features of the molecule were then searched for in Sgr B2(N), NGC 6334I, G+0.693−0.027, and TMC-1 molecular clouds. Upper limits to the column density are provided.
Ultralow-frequency Waves in Jupiter’s Magnetopause Boundary Layer
Authors: Zeng Zhili , Yao Zhonghua , Liu Jian , Xu Yan , Dunn William R. , Zhang Binzheng , Archer Martin O.
Published: November 2024

Ultralow-frequency (ULF) waves (∼tens of minutes period) are widely identified in the Jovian system and are believed to be associated with energy dissipation in the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Due to the magnetodisk oscillation related to planetary rotation, it is challenging to identify the periodicities inside the magnetosphere, although remote sensing observations of the polar emissions provide clear evidence of the tens of minutes pulsations. In this study, we take advantage of Juno’s in situ measurements in the magnetopause boundary layer for a long duration, i.e., >4 hr, to directly assess the tens of minutes periodicities of the boundary dynamics caused by the interactions between the internal plasma and external solar wind. Through periodogram analysis on the magnetic field and particle data, we find ULF waves with periodicities of ∼18 minutes, ∼40 minutes, and ∼70–80 minutes, which is generally consistent with pulsations in multiple remote sensing observations. A multiple-harmonic ULF phenomenon was also identified in the observations. The periodicities from in situ measurements provide crucial clues in understanding the origin of pulsating wave/auroral emissions in the Jovian system. The results could also further our understanding of energy transfer and release between the internal plasma of Jupiter and external solar wind.
Model for Predicting Microhardness Profiles of Steel after Nitriding
Authors: Horák Vladimír
Published: November 2024

The plasma nitriding process produces a hard near-surface thin layer of the nitrided material. The thickness of the diffused layer, produced in the course of this process, is between 0.001 and 0.6 mm. The paper presents a study of influence of the nitriding temperature, pressure, and time on the steel microhardness profiles. The one-dimensional transient diffusion model is applied to a thin nitride layer. That allows one to predict the material hardness distribution within the near-surface layer as a function of time for a modified nitrogen diffusion coefficient. The temperature and pressure dependence of the diffusion coefficient is considered. Hence, the model involves the reaction rates of nitrides formation. The solution thus obtained is compared with experimental data for a decrease of hardness as a function of depth and time, until the core hardness is reached.
Applied Sensor Fault Detection, Identification and Data Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Yu , Bingham Chris , Gallimore Michael
Published: November 2024

Sensor fault detection and identification (SFD/I) has attracted considerable attentions in military applications, especially where the safety issues present priority drivers. This paper presents two readily implementable approaches for SFD/I in complex systems. Firstly, hierarchical clustering (HC) approach is demonstrated for use on gas turbines. SFD/I is achieved by monitoring cluster changes occurring in the resulting dendrograms, by comparing to HC fingerprints that are developed for ‘normal’ operation. In the second approach, using self organizing map neural networks (SOMNNs), SFD/I is performed according to the classification of changes from neural network outputs, and again comparing to fingerprints for ‘normal’ operation. The proposed methods are capable of detecting sensor faults from large groups of sensors. In contrast to many traditional methods of SFD/I that require the detection and identification of faulted sensors in multiple stages, the proposed methods are capable of achieving SFD/I in a single stage.  It is shown that the SOMNN classifications and the HC dendrograms provide commensurate detection and identification outputs, whilst also allowing for convenient operator use through graphical interpretations of their outputs.  Furthermore, after identifying a faulted sensor, it is possible in some circumstances to reconstruct the measurements expected from that sensor (using the remaining non-faulted sensor information) and thereby facilitate improved unit availability. The efficacy of the proposed approaches is demonstrated through the use of experimental measurements from gas turbines, although ultimately the underlying principles are applicable to other complex industrial and military systems. The presented techniques are now fully operational and monitoring a fleet of gas turbines in real-time.
Fault Detection and Diagnosis Based on Extensions of PCA
Authors: Zhang Yu , Bingham Chris , Gallimore Michael
Published: November 2024

The paper presents two approaches for fault detection and discrimination based on extensions of principal component analysis (PCA).  The first approach proposes the concept of y-indices through use of a transposed formulation of the data matrices utilized in traditional PCA. The y-indices are introduced to measure the differences between sensor reading datasets in the ‘sensor domain’ rather than as traditionally employed in the time domain. This addresses problems associated with traditional PCA methods when measurement data is subject to bias and drifting due to transient power demand or load changes, for instance, which can lead to excessive false alarms. Residual errors (REs) and faulty sensor identification indices (FSIIs) are introduced in the second approach, where REs are generated from the residual sub-space of PCA, which is used to detect abnormal operating conditions, and FSIIs are introduced to supplement the REs in order to classify sensor- or component-faults. The methods are employed in a time rolling window on field data from a gas turbine system during commissioning. It is shown that in-operation sensor faults can be detected through use of both y-indices and REs and FSIIs, and sensor faults and component faults can be discriminated. The techniques are generic, and will find use in many military systems with complex, safety critical control and sensor arrangements.
Two new species and additional records of Sinlathrobium Assing (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae) from southern China
Authors: Chen Xi , Ye Jian-Ping , Peng Zhong
Published: November 2024

New taxonomic and faunistic data for three species of the genus Sinlathrobium Assing, 2013 from China are provided. Sinlathrobium assingi Chen & Peng, sp. nov. (Chongqing: West Daba Shan) and Sinlathrobium chenzhilini Chen & Peng, sp. nov. (Guangxi: Maoer Shan) are described and illustrated. Additional records from Chongqing, detailed bionomic data and female sexual characters of S. lobrathioides (Assing, 2012) are provided. A key to the species of Sinlathrobium is given.
¡París llega a Zaragoza! Los Grandes Almacenes El Águila, templo para el consumo y el ocio
Authors: Vázquez Astorga Mónica
Published: November 2024

Con el inicio de la Edad Contemporánea, Europa asistió al nacimiento de nuevos espacios comerciales, en buena medida vinculados a la formación de la urbe decimonónica y a la aparición de nuevos ritos cotidianos y formas de socialización. Uno de esos nuevos establecimientos fueron los grandes almacenes que, más allá de su resolución tecnológica y estilística, se caracterizaron por la organización interior de amplias superficies para la libre disposición de la mercancía, el uso generalizado de escaparates y la incorporación de innovaciones técnicas. El modelo de los grandes almacenes parisinos tuvo eco en Zaragoza en los Grandes Almacenes El Águila, que fueron los primeros que se abrieron en esta ciudad en 1904. En este artículo se pretende trazar su historia, relacionada con el despegue económico e industrial de la época, y valorar su importancia como lugar de consumo y ocio.
General Super-Resolution Techniques
Authors: D. G. Carvalho Isabela , Nohama Percy , N. Nogueira Guilherme
Published: November 2024

Super-resolution (SR) is a technique aimed at improving the resolution of images. In blood cell imaging, it aids in the accurate identification and classification of cells. Improving the analysis process of microscopic images is necessary to achieve better disease diagnoses, especially the image quality, so that health professionals can reach a diagnosis closer to the ideal. For those aiming to implement SR algorithms to analyze microscopic blood cell images, it is crucial to determine which algorithms are in use, their intended purposes, future trends, and current gaps. No review of SR techniques focusing on blood cells was found in the literature. Therefore, this paper presents various techniques to improve the resolution of blood images. Data screening and inclusion followed the PRISMA method. Articles were grouped into four subtopics: generic (25.0%), vascular imaging (28.1%), cell imaging (9.4%), and blood cell imaging techniques (37.5%). Results revealed that more research efforts on cell imaging techniques would be required to achieve a more balanced distribution. This study contributes to knowledge by reviewing the most used techniques, their purposes, and applications, helping researchers find the best technique for their studies, especially for pathological researchers involved in image enhancement.
Novel Classification Approach for Thyroid Detection: Feature Enhanced AdaBoost Optimization with Max Voting
Authors: Bhende Deepali , Sakarkar Gopal , Jaiswal Ambika , Khandar Punam , Uparkar Satyajit , Agrawal Lalit
Published: November 2024

The need for enhanced methods in disease prediction is a significant challenge in the medical field. Current predictive models often face challenges such as limited accuracy, insufficient adaptability to diverse datasets, and inefficiencies in feature selection and model training. These limitations can hinder early diagnosis and effective management of thyroid conditions, which are vital for patient outcomes. The study introduces an innovative method for enhancing thyroid disease prediction using a machine learning study employs algorithms such as support vector machine (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), logistic regression (LR), and stochastic gradient descent (SGD) in conjunction with filter, wrapper, and embedded feature selection methods across three distinct models. The study uses two thyroid datasets, one from Dew Medicare Ternity Hospital, Nagpur, and the other from the UCI thyroid repository, revealing the potential of the novel ‘FeatureBoostThyro’ approach for improving thyroid risk prediction across diverse datasets. The proposed method achieved accuracies of 98.10%, 97.47%, and 95.58% for the three models using the UCI dataset, and 97.42%, 98.71%, and 97.83% for the DMTH dataset. The novelty of this approach lies in its integrated pipeline that ensures the selection of the best features, systematic model training, and rigorous evaluation. This results in a robust, accurate, and reliable model that outperforms traditional approaches, making it a significant advancement in the field of disease prediction. The enhanced performance metrics, especially accuracy, highlight the potential of this method in clinical settings for early and accurate thyroid disease detection.
Artificial Neural Networks with K-Fold Cross-Validation and Feature Selection for Early Heart Disease Prediction
Authors: El Guabassi Inssaf , Bousalem Zakaria , Marah Rim , Haj Abdellatif
Published: November 2024

The most common reason behind death all over the world is heart diseases. These conditions are to hit hardest in low- and middle-income nations, where 80% of premature heart attacks could be prevented. In this regard, early diagnosis also plays an important role in increasing patient health and survival rate from heart disease. The purpose of this study was to improve the forecasting power by means of feature selection techniques and then apply K-Fold cross validation in combination with high-performance ensemble machine learning (ML) methods (J48, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Logistic Regression, Naive Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbors) by utilizing a dataset of 401,958 patients. Our experimental results demonstrate that ANNs achieve the highest accuracy at 91.48%. They also record the lowest Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.13, highlighting their precision in predictions. Additionally, ANNs exhibit a low root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.26, further indicating their reliability in modeling.
Anticiper et gérer la fondation et la construction des complexes religieux : réflexions autour des ordres mendiants en Auvergne (début du XIIIe siècle – début du XVIe siècle)
Authors: Bourguignon Claire
Published: November 2024

Les formes de vie proposées par les ordres mendiants, fondées sur le renoncement à la propriété et la pratique de l’apostolat au-delà du cloître, ont rapidement été confrontées aux réalités matérielles, financières et constructives des fondations conventuelles. Anticiper, gérer, mais aussi improviser, s’adapter, faire évoluer des choix initiaux voire surmonter les échecs constituèrent ainsi l’essence même des ordres mendiants. L’enjeu du propos, fondé sur une approche pluridisciplinaire, est de comprendre comment ces religieux, installés dans les diocèses de Clermont, du Puy et de Saint-Flour entre le premier tiers du XIIIe siècle et le dernier quart du XVe siècle, ont combiné leurs spiritualités et leurs missions d’apostolat aux attentes matérielles et dévotionnelles des fidèles et des autorités urbaines. Inscrits dans la durée, la diversité des pratiques de gestion de l’installation et du développement des communautés ont permis d’adapter le projet pastoral mendiant aux réalités locales et de rendre pérenne chacune des fondations lancées. Dans le domaine de la construction, le caractère séquentiel des chantiers témoigne d’une gestion pragmatique voire opportuniste du chantier, laquelle fut adaptée au succès rencontré par le projet pastoral mendiant et ingénieusement utilisée à cette fin.
Éthiques de l’argent dans la mondialisation : une appréciation fondée sur la vision de John R. Commons
Authors: Théret Bruno
Published: November 2024

Après la crise financière de 2008, les questions sur l’éthique dans la finance ont émergé, mais ont vite été oubliées avec le « retour à la normale » favorisé par les politiques monétaires non conventionnelles des banques centrales. Ces politiques sont devenues la norme, tandis que d'autres crises financières se sont succédé (dettes publiques européennes, endettement des entreprises émergentes, crise de la Covid-19). Par ailleurs, les aspects monétaires de la mondialisation financière n’ont jamais été remis en question par les économistes dominants. Cet article propose de rompre avec ces silences en articulant les dimensions éthique et monétaire de la finance contemporaine selon une approche d'économie institutionnelle. Divisé en trois parties, il présente la conception de l’éthique de J.R. Commons, puis sa place dans l’approche institutionnaliste de la monnaie, avant de les combiner pour interpréter la relation entre argent et éthique dans le contexte de la mondialisation néolibérale post-2008.
Ce pourquoi les clubs de football paient : le talent ou la date de naissance ? Une étude sur les joueurs français de première division entre 1970-2019
Authors: Ballet Jérôme , Bazin Damien
Published: November 2024

La littérature sur le football professionnel a mis en évidence un effet d’âge relatif, Relative Age Effect (RAE), symbolisé par le mois de naissance des joueurs. Le mois de naissance devient un facteur déterminant du talent. Cette contribution se focalise sur l’étude longitudinale de la distribution des mois de naissance des joueurs en activité entre 1970 et 2019 en Ligue 1 en France. La concentration des mois de naissance des joueurs est alors mise en parallèle avec l’évolution du processus institutionnel de sélection et de formation. Il en ressort que les aptitudes et les talents sont un construit institutionnel
Passéité, futurité et actualité, les temporalités de l’activité
Authors: Gislain Jean-Jacques
Published: November 2024

À partir du cadre conceptuel de John R. Commons, en particulier son concept de futurité, et en prolongeant ce cadre par les concepts de passéité et d’actualité, cet article examine comment s’articulent ces différents concepts pour rendre compte des temporalités de l’activité. En premier, le schéma général des temporalités de l’activité est présenté. Ensuite, est examinée plus en détails la séquence logique la plus souvent ignorée et relative au rôle causal de la futurité. Enfin, l’exemple de la monnaie et du capital permet d’illustrer la pertinence de cette analyse de l’activité dans les termes de ses propres temporalités.
Boudica, the Warrior Queen, as seen through DevianArt: Why pop culture proves to be so informative
Authors: Bélo Tais Pagoto , Callataÿ François de
Published: November 2024

The paper aims to investigate the image of the Warrior Queen Boudica (Boudicca, Boadicea) in contemporary pop culture through the lens of the website DeviantArt (®), providing valuable information about the countries and the gender of the creators, along with the possibility of studying the creative scene in real-time by artists who are most often not professionals but young creators and even more importantly, young female creators. From a general point of view, Boudica-the-Warrior is winning the battle in the other representations of Boudica and certainly over Boudica-the-Mother. But while there is hardly any difference when it comes to carrying weapons, this is not the case for the portrayal of aggression. Here, the rate is twice as high among male contributors. The difference is even greater for the sexualization of Boudica’s body. Several general trends observed for Boudica are also true for Cleopatra. Each is represented more often standing alone. Each is more often described as a powerful embodiment of strong women: in arms for Boudica, with felines for Cleopatra. And in each case, their images have been simplified in order to be understood by large audiences. A sexualized Egyptian (i.e. pharaonic) woman is now necessarily Cleopatra. The same holds true for Boudica: a warrior woman with red hair and blue paint on her visage seems only to refer to her.
Rievocazioni storiche in Italia: un panorama storico-critico. La ricostruzione del passato come patrimonio culturale immateriale, tra sacre rappresentazioni e “living history”
Authors: Buslacchi Maria Elena , Ranalli Omerita , Santoro Vita , Santonico Valentina , Trupiano Valeria , Villanucci Alessia
Published: November 2024

Notre proposition d’article découle d’un projet d’inventaire national des reconstitutions historiques, en cours en 2022, développé à l’initiative d’ICPI - Ministero della cultura (MIC) en Italie, en collaboration avec SIMBDEA. Le projet « Rievocazioni storiche », qui a comporté d’abord un recensement des pratiques existantes et un approfondissement ethnographique conséquent, a mis en lumière les « manières de réactualiser le passé dans le présent » (Dei & Di Pasquale 2017), les formes d’auto-représentation des communautés à l’origine de ces reconstitutions, ainsi que la multiplicité des positionnements des acteurs, entre recherche d’une fidélité philologique, volonté de fédérer plusieurs groupes (professionnels, associatifs…), inspiration du concept de living history et construction d’un récit fonctionnel au marché touristique. Dans l’esprit d’une approche participative, le projet vise aussi à étudier cet objet de recherche spécifique en vue de sa protection et préservation. L’article présentera la politique du patrimoine culturel qui sous-tend le projet et analysera le panorama italien des reconstitutions en retraçant son évolution historique et conceptuelle, à l’aide de quelques cas d’études de reconstitution de l’Antiquité.
Dry Medical Thoracoscopy with Artificial Pneumothorax Induction Using Veress Needle
Authors: Huan Nai-Chien , Kho Sze Shyang , Nyanti Larry Ellee , Ramarmuty Hema Yamini , Rahim Muhammad Aklil Abd , Ho Rong Lih , Lo Shan Min , Tie Siew Teck , Kannan Kunji Kannan Sivaraman
Published: November 2024

Background: In the absence of significant pleural effusion, conventional medical thoracoscopy (MT) is often not feasible due to the risk of lung injury. Dry MT mitigates these risks by inducing artificial pneumothorax through needle insufflation or blunt dissection. Although the Veress needle is commonly used by surgeons to create pneumoperitoneum before laparoscopic surgeries, its application in dry MT has not been widely reported in recent times.Methods: We report on a series of 31 patients who underwent dry MT with artificial pneumothorax induction using Veress needle under thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) guidance. A procedure was considered technically successful if it met all the following criteria: successful pneumothorax induction, allowing smooth insertion of the semi-rigid thoracoscope; absence of immediate significant procedural-related complications; and no delayed complications such as persistent air leaks, defined as leakage lasting more than 5 days necessitating extended chest tube placement.Results: Complete pneumothorax induction was achieved in 25 cases, resulting in an 80.6% technical success rate; however, biopsies were successfully performed in all cases. The most frequent histopathological diagnoses were malignancy (n=9, 29.0%), followed by inflammatory pleuritis (n=8, 25.8%) and tuberculosis (n=8, 25.8%). No procedural complications were reported.Conclusion: These results indicate that TUS-guided dry MT utilizing a Veress needle is technically feasible and secure when performed by experienced MT practitioners in TUS.
Air Pollution and Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Jo Yong Suk , Song Jin Woo
Published: November 2024

This review article explores the multifaceted relationship between air pollution and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), particularly focusing on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most severe form of fibrotic ILD. Air pollutants are mainly composed of particulate matter, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). They are recognized as risk factors for several respiratory diseases. However, their specific effects on ILDs and related mechanisms have not been thoroughly studied yet. Emerging evidence suggests that air pollutants may contribute to the development and acute exacerbation of ILDs. Longitudinal studies have indicated that air pollution can adversely affect the prognosis of disease by decreasing lung function and increasing mortality. Lots of in vitro, in vivo , and epidemiologic studies have proposed possible mechanisms linking ILDs to air pollution, including inflammation and oxidative stress induced by exposure to air pollutants, which may induce mitochondrial dysfunction, promote cellular senescence, and disrupt normal epithelial repair processes. Despite these findings, effective interventions to mitigate effects of air pollution on ILD are not well established yet. This review emphasizes the urgent need to address air pollution as a key environmental risk factor for ILDs and calls for further studies to clarify its effects and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults attending Phelophepa Train, South Africa
Authors: Mafuleka Sicelo M. , Metsing Thokozile I.
Published: November 2024

Background: Visual impairment (VI) is caused by various conditions such as uncorrected refractive error (URE), cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), trauma and HIV or AIDS complications.Aim: This study determines the prevalence and associated factors of VI among adults aged 35 years and older attending the Phelophepa Train in the Eastern Cape.Setting: Data were collected at the Phelophepa eye clinic using participants from the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.Methods: A quantitative and cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling method to select a sample of record cards from 563 participants. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to perform bivariate analyses, linear regression analysis and confidence intervals (CI).Results: The mean age was 59.17 ± 12.95 years (range = 35–93 years). The prevalence of VI and blindness was 57.6% (95% CI: 53.0% – 61.0%), VI was 51% and blindness at 6.6%. The majority were females and resided in rural areas, with low socioeconomic status being a significant risk factor for VI (P  0.001). The primary causes of VI were URE (38%), cataracts (20%), glaucoma (2.3%), DR (1.6%) and corneal opacities (0.5%). The most prevalent chronic diseases were hypertension (HTN) (28.4%), followed by comorbidities of HTN and diabetes mellitus (DM) (17.94%), HIV/AIDS (7.82%) and DM (5.20%) (P = 0.01).Conclusion: Visual impairment and blindness among adults ≥ 35 years old were high, with primary causes including URE, cataracts, glaucoma, DR and corneal opacities.Contribution: Sustainable programmes should be established to provide optimal optical correction for UREs and cataract removal.
The role of indigenous knowledge in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Chikwawa, Malawi
Authors: Mwalwimba Isaac K. , Manda Mtafu , Ngongondo Cosmo
Published: November 2024

The role of indigenous knowledge in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation cannot be underestimated. It acts as a preparedness and response tool to climate change-related impacts such as floods, droughts and strong winds. However, inadequate studies about indigenous knowledge in Malawi is a major challenge when dealing with extreme climatic conditions. Learning from indigenous knowledge systems, by investigating first what local communities know and have, can improve the understanding of local conditions and can provide a productive context for activities designed to help communities reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts. This paper assessed the role of indigenous knowledge systems in DRR and climate change variability and adaptation strategies in Chikwawa district. The study used a participatory research approach involving interactive research methods such as focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews and participant observations. Data from key informants and FGDs were analysed thematically. The study revealed various indigenous knowledge which communities in the Chikwawa district use to respond to climate-related impacts such as floods. Some of these include hippopotamus relocating from the river to the village, extreme hissing of pythons in nearby forests, buffaloes and zebras wreaking havoc in the villages and crocodiles flocking to the village.Contribution: The study concludes that indigenous knowledge provides the basis for problem-solving approaches for local communities, hence, a need to document it at a wider scale.
Reflecting on our transdisciplinary contributions
Authors: Van Zyl Izak
Published: November 2024

No abstract available.
Perceptions and practices of blood pressure measurement in pediatric office practice: An online survey from Kerala
Authors: Rahman Rehna K. , Panangandy Shabeer Machilakath
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

As pediatricians, we all are aware of the importance of checking blood pressure (BP) in children. However, in day-to-day practice, we face various issues in BP measurement.

OBJECTIVE:

We conducted this online survey to assess the perceptions and practices of pediatricians regarding the measurement of BP in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A Google Form-based questionnaire was circulated among the pediatricians with 10 questions related to BP measurement.

RESULTS:

Of 296 responses,77.8% were from general pediatricians. About 91.6% of them were not measuring BP routinely. About 60.3% reported the nonavailability of appropriate BP cuff sizes to be the limiting factor, whereas 43.8% found it difficult to measure BP due to their busy practice. About 16.8% found BP cut-off tables cumbersome, and 35.7% reported difficulty due to noncooperation from the child.

CONCLUSION:

There are various issues faced in pediatric BP measurement and simple measures like oscillometric devices and simplified BP screening tables will make things better.
Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth in a Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative certified quaternary care hospital
Authors: Unni Jeeson C. , Verghese Elsy
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Breastfeeding within the first hour of life protects against infection and has been shown to prevent neonatal death due to sepsis, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypothermia.

OBJECTIVE:

A prospective clinical audit was conducted as a quality indicator of breastfeeding promotion in our hospital to assess the rates of initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and to consider challenges and possible strategies for improvement of these rates, if necessary

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

All 883 babies delivered in our, between January 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were assessed by the labor room staff, for the time of giving first breastfeed and the reason for not starting breastfeeding within 1hour of birth was noted by the lactation counselor. This data was analysed.

RESULTS:

853 (96.6%) babies received their first breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Of the 30 (3.39%) babies who did not receive their first breastfeeding in the first hour of birth, 20 were babies of coronavirus disease 2019 positive mothers and 10 were babies of mothers who had not recovered from general anesthesia.

CONCLUSION:

India’s goal is to increase the rate of early initiation of breastfeeding to 90% by 2025.could be achieved with breastfeeding promotion interventions that include (a) sensitization of the mother regarding early initiation of breastfeeding during an antenatal checkup, immediate postnatal period, and follow-up (b) engagement of lactation counselors with adequate training and regular and repeated training of all hospital staff (c) encouragement of early skin to skin contact; and (d) involvement of fathers and grandparents in the breastfeeding promotion program.
Early onset virilization: Importance of ruling out the sinister causes
Authors: Nafiya Palakkadath , Soodhana Dhanya , Kesavan M. R. , Remesh Preetha , Mammen Abraham
Published: November 2024

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon adrenal gland endocrine tumor with a dismal prognosis. It has an incidence of 0.2–0.3 patients per million in individuals under 20, and it has a rare incidence in the pediatric population. ACCs can be functional or may be unassociated with syndromes related to hormone overproduction. Since ACC and adenoma share many phenotypic characteristics, it is critical to distinguish the phenotypic characteristics between the two and determine the prognosis. In children, due to the rapid development of symptoms, ACC and adenoma present early. We describe the case of a 2-year-old girl who presented with peripheral precocious puberty having features of virilization, which included growth of facial and pubic hair. She had a rather insidious course.
Word length versus lower central series depth for surface groups and RAAGs
Authors: Malestein Justin , Putman Andrew
Published: November 2024

For surface groups and right-angled Artin groups, we prove lower bounds on the shortest word in the generators representing a nontrivial element of the

k^{\text{th}}

term of the lower central series.
Intact fish skin graft a new hope for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: A case report
Authors: Jugnet Anne Christine , Benard Tatiana , Lequint Corinne , Bobony Elise , Pieheiro Anna-Rosiana , Winther Thomas , Penfornis Alfred , Dardari Dured
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a real public health problem which carry a high risk of amputation. The treatment of DFUs is based on general management such as the treatment of infection, arterial disease, and offloading, but recent studies have shown that the quality of the local covering can impact the healing rate.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the case of a 39-year-old man, living with diabetes since the age of 15, who developed DFU on the dorsum of his left foot, with muscle and tendon involvement. Conventional management with intensive diabetes control, surgery, treatment of infection and negative pressure therapy gave only limited results. The patient benefited from the application of an intact fish skin graft with complete epithelialisation of the ulcer after 10 weeks of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The use of intact fish skin graft appears to be a promising option for deep DFUs.
Teneligliptin mitigates diabetic cardiomyopathy through inflammasome inhibition: Insights from experimental studies
Authors: Cheng Chun-Yao , Hao Wen-Rui , Liu Ju-Chi , Cheng Tzu-Hurng
Published: November 2024

This article provides commentary on the article by Zhang et al . In this original research, Zhang et al investigated the therapeutic potential of teneligliptin for diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), which was mediated by targeting the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Through the use of both in vivo and in vitro models, the study demonstrated that teneligliptin alleviates cardiac hypertrophy, reduces myocardial injury, and mitigates the inflammatory responses associated with DCM. These findings suggest that teneligliptin’s cardioprotective effects are mediated through the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, positioning it as a promising therapeutic option for managing DCM in diabetic patients.
Różewicz: białe chusty dzieciństwa
Authors: Skrendo Andrzej
Published: November 2024

Tadeusz Różewicz w swej twórczości, zwłaszcza późnej, tworzy mit dzieciństwa. Mit ten opiera się na kilku założeniach. Po pierwsze, że poeta to ktoś pozostający przez całe życie w szczególnej relacji z matką (matka poety była nawróconą na katolicyzm Żydówką). Po drugie, że dzieciństwo to źródło, do którego trzeba wracać, aby poezja mogła istnieć w świecie wyjałowionym z wartości po wojnie i Zagładzie. Po trzecie, że dzieciństwo jest czasem niewinności, który funkcjonuje poza odróżnieniem dobra i zła. W opozycji do tych założeń autor artykułu dowodzi, że – po pierwsze – relacja z matką ma odwrotną stronę, jest to relacja ojca z synem. Wchodzi w nią Różewicz jako syn oraz jako ojciec wobec własnych dwóch synów. Po drugie, że nie ma powrotu do dzieciństwa, sytuuje się ono ponad porządkiem czasu, a ta przestrzeń ponad czasem nie jest porządkiem mitu, lecz traumy. Po trzecie, że dzieciństwo u Różewicza jest wewnętrznie naznaczone doświadczeniem zła – dzieciństwo nie jest niewinne.
Dziecko w świecie kultury wizualnej
Authors: Nowotniak Justyna
Published: November 2024

Artykuł dotyczy małego fragmentu kultury wizualnej, ale obejmującego duże pole problemowe, którym jest proces tworzenia światów wizualnych dla dzieci w postaci gier sieciowych i zasygnalizowania roli streamerów w poruszaniu się po tym świecie. W pierwszej części artykułu scharakteryzowano sposób rozumienia kultury wizualnej i mechanizmy jej tworzenia. W drugiej części wskazano na przykłady gier i popularnych w Polsce streamerów. Artykuł jest wstępną propozycją zmierzenia się z tą problematyką.
Praktyki wykluczania rówieśniczego w grupie pięcioletnich dziewczynek – analiza dyfrakcyjna
Authors: Zbróg Zuzanna
Published: November 2024

Wykluczanie rówieśnicze w grupach przedszkolnych, mimo że jest zjawiskiem powszechnym, badawczo jest rzadko rozpoznawane, zwłaszcza w polskiej pedagogice – częściej dotyczy uczniów. W artykule proponuję nową, eksperymentalną metodę odczytywania obserwowanych praktyk wykluczania rówieśniczego: analizę dyfrakcyjną. Fragmenty konwersacji rówieśniczej w grupie pięciolatek są podstawą rozszerzania perspektywy badawczej polegającej na podejmowaniu prób myślenia w kategoriach intraakcji i dyfrakcji, tworzących złożony, przestrzenny układ wzajemnych zależności. Cechą charakterystyczną przedstawianego wywodu jest problematyzowanie kolejnych elementów analizowanych zdarzeń, w rezultacie prowadzące do wyzwolenia się z nawykowego myślenia o wykluczaniu rówieśniczym (obwinianie agresora) i wyłaniania się „bardziej etycznej drogi” interpretacji tego, co się zdarzyło – stanowi to główny cel przedstawianych badań.
Dziecko badaczem w świecie matematyki
Authors: Pawlusińska Lidia
Published: November 2024

Współczesne trendy matematycznego kształcenia najmłodszych uczniów mocno podkreślają aktywność poznawczą i wskazują, że to właśnie ona jest warunkiem koniecznym prawidłowego rozwoju kompetencji matematycznych. W tym kontekście uczenie się matematyki należy rozumieć jako budowanie własnych struktur umysłowych jednostki. W tak rozumianą edukację matematyczną dobrze wpisuje się uczenie przez badanie.

W artykule zaprezentowano zagadnienie zorganizowanej, matematycznej działalności badawczej uczniów na pierwszym etapie edukacyjnym. Tekst jest próbą przekonania czytelnika, że mimo niedojrzałości intelektualnej dziecko jest zdolne do prowadzenia badań, w trakcie których uruchamia zachowania zbliżone do tych przypisywanych profesjonalnym matematykom. Przedstawiono także zarys genezy koncepcji kształcenia przez badanie oraz poruszono zagadnienia matematycznej aktywności badawczej dziecka i procesów umysłowych uruchamianych w trakcie uczenia się przez badanie.
Nowoczesność pedagogiczna w Panu Podstolim Ignacego Krasickiego
Authors: Stępkowski Dariusz
Published: November 2024

Celem prezentowanego artykułu jest konfrontacja wypowiedzi Ignacego Krasickiego na temat wychowania i edukacji (nauczania), zawartych w powieści Pan Podstoli, z ideą nowoczesności. Do opisania tej idei zostały użyte pojęcia ukształcalności i (samo)kształcenia. W badaniu posłużono się metodologią lingwistyczną opartą na teorii potencjałów znaczeniowych (semantycznych) i teorii integracji pojęciowej. W rezultacie przeprowadzonych eksploracji została potwierdzona obecność w Panu Podstolim wspomnianych pojęć pedagogicznych jako neosemantyzmów, co oznacza, że wyjściową tezę należy uznać za prawdziwą. Z tego wynikają następujące wnioski: (1) dominujący w historii myśli pedagogicznej sposób odczytywania twórczości Krasickiego wymaga reinterpretacji, (2) pojęcia ukształcalności i (samo)kształcenia umożliwiają rozpoznanie idei nowoczesności tak w odniesieniu do teorii, jak i praktyki pedagogicznej, oraz (3) zastosowanie teorii lingwistycznych w badaniach pedagogicznych otwiera nie tylko nowe pole dla eksploracji badawczych, lecz również nowy przystęp do tekstów pedagogicznych.
Selected Problems of Child Care and Upbringing Presented during the 1st National Children’s Congress in 1938
Authors: Ryk Andrzej
Published: November 2024

The article describes selected problems of child care and upbringing presented during the 1st National Children’s Congress, which took place in Warsaw on 2–4 October 1938. The congress was an important event for all circles of the Second Polish Republic who wanted to improve the situation of Polish children. The economic crisis, Poland regaining independence after many years of captivity, the syndrome of the young Polish state and the maturing democracy brought many neglects and deficiencies in the care and upbringing of children and young people. The congress became an opportunity not only to highlight them but also to take countermeasures.
Opinion: Reflections on Critical Thinking
Authors: Dunne Gerry
Published: November 2024

This short essay explores a series of conceptual misconceptions surrounding critical thinking, a widely endorsed yet poorly understood concept in educational discourse. Despite its central importance, critical thinking often lacks a clear theoretical foundation, resulting in a series of diverse and sometimes contradictory interpretations. This article aims to spell out what critical thinking is not, drawing tentative boundaries that demarcate it from related concepts. Key distinctions are drawn to distinguish critical thinking from radical scepticism, arbitrary thinking, purposeless thinking, unintentional thinking, and logicality. Ultimately the article argues for a richer conceptual understanding of critical thinking—not simply as a static skill but as a dynamic, context-sensitive approach to stress-testing the support of reasons supporting all claims to knowledge.
Disjunctures and flows in the global “scapes”: The case of Indian medical students in China
Authors: Wu Bin , Wu Pengtao , Jiao Xiaomin
Published: November 2024

Traditionally, international students have gravitated towards Western countries, but South-to-South exchanges have grown substantially in recent years, with China emerging as a key destination for students from non-Western regions. This paper explores this shift by examining the experiences of Indian medical students, as well as Chinese professional staff and faculty, at a Chinese university, drawing insights from interview data. The study is guided by Appadurai’s theory of global cultural flows, which encompasses five ‘scapes’—ethnoscapes, mediascapes, technoscapes, financescapes, and ideoscapes. The findings highlight the fluidity and complexity of these global landscapes. While the 'scapes' appear disjointed and dynamic, they are simultaneously interconnected and intertwined, shaping and sustaining imagined communities and global networks.
ALGEBRAIC DIAMETER PROPORTION EXPRESSIONS DERIVED AND EXAMINED FOR EQUAL FLOW DISTRIBUTION BY MANIFOLD NOZZLE COUPLE
Authors:   Mechanical Engineering Department, Technology Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya, Türkiye, Canli Eyüb
Published: November 2024

Manifolds are key components regarding equal flow distribution for their outlets. They are simple in shape and cheap in economic terms, yet they are very effective on flow distribution control. On the other hand, nozzles generally operate in groups in serial or parallel configurations, and they need to be equally fed. Another solution for the nozzles is active flow control measures at each nozzle. However, sophisticated flow control solutions come with their complexity and high cost though they also offer better precision. Accordingly, flow distribution to nozzles by manifolds seems to be the simplest and low cost yet powerful solution. Designing manifolds may involve analytical solutions, empiricism, numerical analyses, and/or computational simulations. In the present paper, algebraic expressions of dimensionless ratio between nozzle feeding line diameter and the manifold diameter is sought for incompressible laminar flow in the nozzle feeding line. Nozzle outlets generally generate jets and therefore generate turbulence. However, most of the time, nozzle feeding lines have laminar flow due to small confinement and low rates of mass flow and therefore mean velocity. Analytical solution of friction factor for circular pipes with laminar flow is utilized together with mass balance and algebraic pressure drop equation in order to obtain algebraic expressions for diameter ratios of nozzle feeding line diameter and manifold diameter. The diameter ratios expressions are then used to foresee 1% variation of a measure, i.e., variation between mass flow rate of initial nozzle and last nozzle in an inline arrangement of multiple nozzles. Computational simulation data from a previous work is used for evaluating and assessing the algebraic expressions. The initial estimates of diameter ratios in the previous work were based on three different criteria, which were manifold flow velocity over nozzle feeding line velocity, manifold pressure drop over nozzle feeding line pressure drop, and initial nozzle mass flowrate over last nozzle mass flowrate. The results show that simple expressions with strong simplifications perform better than more complex expressions that lower the simplification levels. This unintuitive result is evaluated to be due to the nozzle feeding line inlet effects that invalidate the procedures for obtaining more complex expressions. Future studies are necessary to focus on the nozzle feeding line inlet for lowering energy consumption and obtaining better forecast ability.
On the syntax of the Persian classical narrative poetry: constructions with a past participle in the Shāhnāme
Authors: Orsatti Paola
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to describe a particular syntactic construction: that of dependent constructions (clauses, phrases) with a verb in the form of a past participle. Examples of them are mainly taken from Ferdowsi’s Shāhnāme and texts of early poetry, where they represent a prominent and well-attested linguistic phenomenon, but examples from early prose texts have also been given. In the Shāhnāme and early poetry texts, constructions with a past participle are usually placed after a clause with a finite verb in the past tense. They are endowed with a series of syntactic and semantic functions which are not always distinguishable from each other, such as adnominal relativizing, or adverbial modification through phrases or clauses, or predicative complement to the verb. Of these, only participial constructions with an adverbial value, mainly expressing time, but also manner, cause, and other relations, continue up to the present, though in a more rigid form: they are placed before the main clause, and have the value of a subordinate adverbial clause indicating anteriority to the action of the main clause.