bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repercussões da irrresponsabilidade, do negacionismo e da necropolítica na saúde mental durante a pandemia da covid-19
Authors: Faleiros Vicente Paula , Caetano Maria José Pereira
Published: November 2024

Resumo Este artigo trata das repercussões e dos sentidos do negacionismo e da irresponsabilidade política na relação entre riscos de morte e proteção da população durante a covid-19 entre 2019 e 2022. Negaram-se vacinas, máscaras e isolamento. Tem como objetivo compreender e aprofundar a relação entre a desproteção, a desinformação, as fakes news e a saúde mental. Analisou-se o discurso oficial como um estudo de caso de bionecropolítica com repercussões na saúde da população. O resultado mostra que tanto a saúde física como a mental são afetadas pelo negacionismo, pela desinformação, pela má informação e pela falta de ética e de responsabilidade com repercussões nas representações de confiabilidade, na sociabilidade e na incidência de ansiedade, estresse e depressão. Sentidos de vida e morte são paradoxalmente atribuídos à covid-19 e à política estabelecida. As repercussões de doenças estão mais evidenciadas nas camadas mais pobres e periféricas em uma sociedade estruturada pela desigualdade econômica, de raça e de gênero com interseccionalidade dessas dimensões.
A circulação de ideias sobre a esquizofrenia no contexto psiquiátrico do Rio de Janeiro, décadas de 1910 e 1920
Authors: Venancio Ana Teresa A. , Beraldo Renilson
Published: November 2024

Resumo O artigo examina a circulação da categoria esquizofrenia em debates e espaços psiquiátricos no Rio de Janeiro no início do século XX. Analisa essa categoria no intercâmbio científico entre Eugen Bleuler e Ernst Kretschmer – observando correspondências entre teorias psicodinâmicas e constitucionalistas na Europa – para então perseguir seu uso no Pavilhão de Observação do Hospital Nacional de Alienados, em artigos e reuniões científicas. Investigamos como sua circulação foi simultânea nos espaços científicos e assistenciais e também demonstramos que, como ocorrera no contexto europeu, os psiquiatras brasileiros participaram ativamente da circulação transnacional da categoria esquizofrenia por meio de sua apropriação e pelo uso ampliado do campo semântico “esquizo” segundo interesses locais.
Perception of Capes scholarship holders about the impact of postdoctoral training abroad on scientific work
Authors: Souza Valdinei Costa , Pertusatti Jonas
Published: November 2024

Abstract The objective of this research is to analyze the impact of Capes’ postdoctoral training policy abroad (pd_training) on the insertion or quality of the scholarship holder’s work in their department/group in Brazil. The article empirically discusses post-doctorate as a strategy for the internationalization of science and adopts a qualitative approach, based on the automated content analysis technique, to investigate the data collected at the end of the scholarship holders’ activities by Capes itself. The results point to positive impacts, connected to the common perception of increased possibility of collaboration between national and foreign groups, as well as international visibility arising from relevant scientific publications. The positive impacts are also connected to specific perceptions, directly associated with the types of scholarships received and indirectly with the profile of the scholarship holder. Specifically, Visiting Professor scholarship holders tend to cite, as an impact of their training, the possibility of greater international insertion of the departments to which they are linked and greater mobility of students and researchers who are part of their research group in Brazil. Those who have a Post-Doctoral scholarship highlight greater professional insertion, related to opportunities in the job market for scientists in Brazil or the lack thereof. Those who have a Post-Doctoral Internship scholarship tend to associate the acquisition and application of new knowledge and techniques as a positive effect of their training. In conclusion, the results point to the importance of the articulation between the profile of the scholarship holders and the intentionality projected for the public training policy_pd, aiming to guarantee its effectiveness.
The water vapour distribution profile in a dry soil layer during evaporation with high spatial resolution monitored by distributed fibre-optic sensing technology
Authors: Guo Jun-Yi , Lienhart Werner , Sun Meng-Ya , Zhang Cheng-Cheng , Chen Zhuo , Jiang Hong-Tao , Shi Bin
Published: November 2024

The dry soil layer (DSL) typically forms on the surface of sandy soils during the evaporation process, with water in the DSL moving solely as vapour. Understanding the DSL thickness and its water vapour distribution is crucial for accurately estimating soil water flux, improving evaporation mechanisms and enhancing ecological conservation efforts. In this study, distributed fibre-optic sensing technology was employed to achieve high spatial resolution measurements (up to 1 mm) of the water vapour distribution within the DSL. Soil water vapour profiles in a sand column subjected to evaporation over 24 days were measured using a 60 cm long relative humidity sensing probe and an optical frequency domain reflection interrogator. The downward migration of the evaporating surface from the sand surface was effectively captured and the inhibitory effect of DSL thickness on evaporation was quantified using a logarithmic function. In addition, a linear distribution of water vapour with depth in the DSL was identified. The findings offer novel insights into the role of DSL in the hydrological behaviour of unsaturated soils and demonstrate the potential of the approach used by the authors for investigating dynamic changes in in situ DSLs, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
Drivers of Option-Implied Interest Rate Volatility
Authors: Sarisoy Cisil
Published: November 2024

Option-implied volatilities of U.S. short-term interest rates have risen sharply since late 2021, reaching their highest levels in over a decade. Although these measures declined moderately since early 2023, they remain at around the 70th percentile of their historical distribution. This note links the implied volatility of short-term interest rates to macroeconomic uncertainty and highlights two fundamental drivers of short-term interest rate volatility over the past 30 years: inflation uncertainty and growth uncertainty.
Case report of atypical re-sedation after general anesthesia using remimazolam
Authors: Lee Soo Jee , Jung Insik , Park Seongmin , Ki Seunghee
Published: November 2024

Background: Remimazolam, an ultra-short-acting anesthetic with flumazenil as a reversal agent, typically facilitates patient awakening postoperative. However, our case reveals an unusual occurrence: despite flumazenil initially restoring consciousness, re-sedation due to remimazolam ensued six hours later.Case: A 65-year-old woman underwent total intravenous general anesthesia with remimazolam and remifentanil during the 140-min surgery. Despite an initially smooth recovery, she progressively became drowsy upon transfer to the general ward, eventually reaching a stuporous state. Multiple interventions, including opioid reversal (intravenous patient-controlled analgesia discontinuation and naloxone administration), were attempted. Neurological consultation revealed no issues; however, immediate improvement after flumazenil administration suggested remimazolam's involvement. The patient was discharged without complications.Conclusions: This case challenges our understanding of remimazolam's dynamics, emphasizing the necessity for vigilant post-anesthesia monitoring, even in seemingly low-risk cases. It advocates for standardized response protocols to promptly manage unforeseen events and ensure patient safety.
Distribution and redistribution of salt ions in saline soils with shallow groundwater table
Authors: VN Mathinya  , ML Molomo
Published: November 2024

Saline water resources are more abundant than freshwater. Bringing these resources into sustainable, productive use will offer opportunities to reduce competition for freshwater resources, especially in arid and semi-arid areas where freshwater is scarce. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to elucidate the dynamics of salt ions in saline profiles of various soil types (sandy Clovelly and sandy loam Bainsvlei) under malt barley cultivation across 2 seasons where no leaching between the seasons took place. Results of this lysimeter study investigating increasing irrigation salinity (ECi) set at 1.5, 4.5, 6, 9, and 12 dSꞏm−1 over 2 seasons were used to explore ion dynamics of a saline environment. The lysimeter set-up included a saline constant (1.2 m) groundwater table with its salinity corresponding to ECi. Findings showed that ion concentrations are higher closer to the water source only in the Bainsvlei soil and remain variable in the Clovelly soil. Salt dynamics were more predictable in sandy loam soil than in sandy soil, making management of saline sandy soils far more challenging when leaching is not possible. Therefore, our hypothesis that the absence of leaching between seasons will lead to a differentiated progressive accumulation of salt ions in the soil profile, with variable effects on the soil depending on soil texture, was true. We conclude that the desalinized zone, which we determined to be at a depth of 600 mm, should be used to guide crop selection. Furthermore, in addition to the apparent provision for leaching of saline profiles, fertilization should target restoring ion balances, especially provisioning for calcium deficiencies. Both soils were prone to nutritional disorders, most especially calcium deficiency. Therefore, in addition to provision for leaching saline profiles, fertilization should target calcium provisioning for crop production in arid saline environments.
Türkiye’de Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma ile İlgili Eğitim Öğretim Alanında Yapılan Lisansüstü Çalışmaların İncelenmesi
Authors: Dündar Recep , Biçer Ramazan
Published: November 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de sürdürülebilir kalkınma ile ilgili eğitim öğretim alanında yapılan lisansüstü çalışmaların analiz edilerek genel eğilimlerinin tespit edilmesidir. Araştırmanın problemi ise, “Türkiye’de sürdürülebilir kalkınma ile ilgili eğitim öğretim alanında yapılan lisansüstü çalışmaların genel eğilimi nasıldır?” şeklinde belirlenmiştir. Araştırmada, nitel araştırma modeli ve içerik analizi türlerinden betimsel içerik analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında, YÖK Ulusal Tez Merkezi’nden indirilen 48 tez üzerinden çalışma yapılmıştır. Tezlerin incelenmesinde bir yayın inceleme formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre; sürdürülebilir kalkınmayla ilgili eğitim öğretim alanında hazırlanan çalışma sayısının 2019 yılında daha fazla olduğu, çalışmaların büyük çoğunluğunun yüksek lisans tezlerinden oluştuğu, çalışma sayısında Ortadoğu Teknik Üniversitesi’nin önde olduğu, çalışmaların amaçları kapsamında öğretmenlerin ve öğretmen adaylarının tutum, değer ve farkındalıklarını belirlemeye yönelik çalışmalarla çalışma gruplarında öğretmen adayları ve öğrencilerle gerçekleştirilen çalışmaların daha fazla olduğu, araştırma yöntemlerinden nitel araştırma yönteminin, veri toplama araçlarından ölçek ve görüşmelerin, veri analiz yöntemlerinden ise içerik analizi tekniğinin daha fazla kullanıldığı tespit edilmiştir. Buna göre, Türkiye’de sürdürülebilir kalkınma ile ilgili eğitim öğretim alanında yapılan lisansüstü çalışmaların genel eğiliminde artan bir ivmenin olduğu ifade edilebilir. Sonuçlar alan yazındaki çalışmalarla tartışılmış ve çalışmaya önerilerle son verilmiştir.
Fatal Nocturnal Stridor after Tracheostomy Decannulation in a Patient with Medullary Infarction and Vocal Cord Palsy
Authors: Kim Dong-Heon , Lee Han-Gyu , Shin Kihoon , Ji Ki-Hwan
Published: November 2024

Nocturnal stridor, a high-pitched breathing sound during sleep, is one of the respiratory signs indicating airway narrowing. A 70-year-old man experienced life-threatening nocturnal stridor following tracheostomy decannulation after medullary infarction and vocal cord paralysis. This rare case highlights the importance of evaluating risk of sleep apnea and vocal cord function pre-decannulation to prevent serious complications.
A Novel Landmark-based Semi-supervised Deep Learning Method for Cerebral Aneurysm Detection Using TOF-MRA
Authors: Yang Hyeonsik , Park Jieun , Kim Eunyoung Regina , lee Minho , Rieu ZunHyan , Kim Donghyeon , Sohn Beomseok , lee Kijeong
Published: November 2024

Background: Time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is widely used to identify aneurysm in human brain. Various deep learning models have been developed to help TOF-MRA reading in the field. The performance of those TOF-MRA analysis tools, however, faces several limitations in cerebral aneurysm detection. These challenges primarily come from the fact that cerebral aneurysms occupy less than 0.1% of the total TOF-MRA voxel size. This study aims to improve the efficiency of cerebral aneurysm detection by developing a landmark-based semi-supervised deep learning method, a technology that automatically generates landmark boxes in areas with a high probability of cerebral aneurysm occurrence.Methods: We used data from a total of 500 aneurysm-positive and 50 aneurysm-negative subjects. The aneurysm detection model was developed using clustering and a dilated residual network.Results: When the number of landmarks was ten and their size was 36 mm3, the best performance was achieved in our experiment. Although landmark occupies a small portion of the entire image, up to 98.2% of landmarks were cerebral aneurysms. The sensitivity of the model for cerebral aneurysm detection was 83.0%, with a false positive rate of 3.4%.Conclusions: This study developed a deep learning model using TOF-MRA image. This model generates the most suitable landmarks for each individual, excluding unnecessary areas for cerebral aneurysm detection, which makes it possible to focus on areas with a high probability of occurrence. This model is expected to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of cerebral aneurysm detection in the field.
Confusing Transient Epileptic Amnesia versus Transient Global Amnesia: Unraveling the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Kim Han-Beet , Nam Ki-Won , Woo Jong-Jin , Mo Hee-Jung , Hong Yooha , Cho Soo-Jin , Im Hee-Jin
Published: November 2024

Transient global amnesia (TGA) and transient epileptic amnesia (TEA) are inherently challenging to diagnose and share many similarities, which can easily lead to confusion. In this report, we present a case of a 57-year-old female patient experienced recurrent transient amnesia with incidentally found chronic ischemic temporo-parietal lesion including hippocampus and also revealed frequent interictal epileptiform discharges in acute period which can be features of TEA. We aim to explore the differences between TEA and TGA through this confusing case and when further evaluation may be necessary.
Effects of Competency-based Education on Resident Training: A Comparative Review of Korean Neurologist’s Entrustable Professional Activities 13 on Self-evaluation and Professor's Evaluation
Authors: Ryu Hokyoung , Oh Jeeyoung , Kim Chi Kyung , Park Jinse , Kang Kyung Wook , Choi Hojin
Published: November 2024

Since the implementation of the Resident Training Special Act in 2018, the Training Committee of the Korean Neurological Association has made significant efforts to establish a competency-based resident training program. Through various research activities, the committee has verified the effectiveness of the competency-based training program and conducted additional studies related to the evaluation of the resident training program. In this study, we aimed to analyze the evaluation process of the Korean neurologist’s entrustable professional activities (K-NEPA 13), which outlines 13 core competencies required for neurology residents, and to explore potential improvements in training guidelines and evaluation methods related to these competencies. New evaluation guidelines for the K-NEPA 13 were developed, and a study was conducted with supervising professors and residents from seven training hospitals. The residents were asked to conduct self-assessments, while the supervising professors also evaluated each resident. The evaluation results were compared by categorizing the residents into junior and senior groups to analyze the differences between the two assessments. The results of the evaluations could be classified into several distinctive groups, and each group, based on the specific content of the questions, helped identify the current status and challenges of the training program. Based on these findings, we believe that this research serves as a sufficient foundation for more in-depth investigations and studies in the future, and continuous efforts should be made to improve the competency-based resident training program.
FUNDIS DNA Extraction, PCR, Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION Sequencing and data analysis. v1
Authors: Singer Harte , Douglas Russell Stephen
Published: November 2024

Generating DNA barcode sequences from fungal samples using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION platform. Some methods adapted from Stephen D. Russell's protocols dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.36wgq7qykvk5/v3
Contextual Integrity and Personal Health Information Sharing in Online Social Networks
Authors: Li Han , Luo Xin , Sarathy Rathindra , Xu Heng
Published: November 2024

Many online social network (OSN) users exchange health-related information on OSNs to manage their health, obtain support, and offer assistance to others facing similar medical challenges. Nonetheless, OSN users are concerned about the privacy of their health information. Extant studies on online information privacy have largely resorted to a calculus perspective, focusing on the costs and benefits of information exchange with commercial vendors. Such a perspective, however, fails to capture the nuanced flows of personal health information (PHI) on OSNs, which involves more than two parties. To address this gap and further advance the research on information privacy, this paper embraces the theory of contextual integrity to explore the distinctive contextual idiosyncrasies of PHI flow on OSNs. In particular, we examine how context-specific values and norms affect OSN users’ personal privacy norms and their PHI disclosure intentions. Our theory-driven empirical results suggest that contextual values and normative expectations related to technology control, legislation, and peer users collectively influence OSN users’ personal privacy norms. In addition, perceived personal value and perceived altruistic value serve as motivators to promote PHI disclosure intentions, working in tandem with personal privacy norms. The key findings of the study also have important implications for policymakers and OSN providers in the context of OSN-mediated healthcare through (1) advancing our understanding of the complex dynamics of PHI flow on OSNs and (2) designing effective information privacy measures (i.e., policies, technical features, and programs) to uphold contextual integrity and nurture the development of patient-centered healthcare paradigms.
AN EMPIRICAL TEST OF THE PHILLIPS CURVE WITH GENDER DIFFERENCES IN TÜRKİYE
Authors: Ergül Murat
Published: November 2024

The potential existence and structure of the relationship between inflation and unemployment is a frequently examined topic in literature. A.W.H. Phillips (1958) explored the correlation between these two significant economic variables in the context of the United Kingdom, highlighting the trade-off relationship between them. This seminal work has led various economists to rigorously investigate the same phenomenon across different countries and country groups. The primary reason for this intense scrutiny is the assertion that monetary policies implemented in response to economic shocks may push these two variables in opposite directions. In this regard, the significant shocks experienced in Türkiye in recent years concerning inflation and unemployment have made it particularly intriguing to test the validity of the Phillips Curve for Türkiye. This study tests the validity of the Phillips Curve relationship for Türkiye. Utilizing monthly data from 2005 to 2023, the unemployment rates are modeled separately for male and female unemployment rates, distinguishing this study from others. The analysis employs the Johansen Cointegration Test and concludes that the Phillips Curve theory holds true for Türkiye. In light of the findings, there is a noteworthy presence of both a more significant and higher-level correlation between male unemployment rates and the producer price index.
Language Model Adaptation for Legal Ukrainian Domain
Authors: Sineglazov Victor , Savenko Illia
Published: November 2024

Language models in recent decades make a huge step towards solving the tasks that previously could be done only by humans. Development of NLP area is different scopes gives an opportunity to solve domain specific tasks and transfer knowledge from learnt data towards the useful inferences based on that. This article provides the NLP model approach in specific legal domain. Additionally, this article explores performance of pre-training small models and its utilization and checks the scores on fine-tuned task of checking sentence similarities via SBERT. According to this articles it is proven that domain-specific pre-trained models can perform better results than generally trained language model. This article also provides the language model that is adopted to the Ukrainian legal domain.
Beyond Aesthetics: Players, Player-Characters and Interactivity-as-Demand in Cozy Games
Authors: Boudreau Kelly
Published: November 2024

Cozy games are often defined by their soft visual design, ambient audio, and low risk gameplay that addresses a range of themes from casual to meaningful. Typically, they also center on simple gameplay in terms of control schema and the ability to disconnect, as a safe, relaxing play space, and with its easy exits points to quit the game. While these aspects have been discussed in both scholarly and media entertainment writing, the demands (or lack thereof) have yet to be explored from a theoretical perspective. Through the lens of interactivity-as-demand theory, this paper aims to explore the connection between the gameplay experience as it relates to cognitive, physical, social, and emotional demands and the in-game representations of the player-character. Through this analytical lens, it is possible to understand the consistency and disconnect of demands as experienced by the player compared to how they are (re)presented on screen which has potential implications related to the player’s expectations and design principles of cozy games.
Gry farmerskie utrzymane w estetyce cozy jako fantazmat marzeń o prostym życiu
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Adam
Published: November 2024

Artykuł poświęcony jest nurtowi gier farmerskich, które można opisać za pomocą estetyki cozy/„przytulności”. Kreowane w nich życie na wsi oparte jest o zjawiska kulturowe (głównie kino slow cinema i idylliczne obrazy wywiedzione z piosenek popularnych). Tym, co charakteryzuje gry cozy, jest tworzenie wrażenia powolności i przedkładania relacji ponad rywalizację czy osiągnięcie zamierzonego celu. Z tego względu etapy „życia” na farmie, składające się na funkcjonowanie gracza w rozgrywce – sianie, oczekiwanie na zbiory, żniwa – urastają do celu samego w sobie, dzięki swej powtarzalności stanowiąc źródło satysfakcji. Wpisana w rutynę cykliczność koresponduje z właściwą dla czasu rytualnego odnową. Uczestniczenie w tym akcie użytkownika gry pozwala mu zarazem wejść w ów czas, aby wziąć udział w rytuale tworzącym sens naddany temu, co jednostajne. Celem artykułu jest prezentacja gier farmerskich jako realizacji w cyfrowej przestrzeni fantazmatu o „prostym życiu”, będącym odpowiedzią na dynamicznie zmieniającą się pod wpływem technologii rzeczywistość społeczną. Marzenie to jest zarazem artystycznym przejawem szerszego projektu egzystencjalnego, jakim jest nurt slow life.
Południowokoreański nacjonalizm – kategoria Innego w budowaniu filmowych narracji narodowych
Authors: Beczkowska Joanna
Published: November 2024

Niniejsze opracowanie koncentruje się na roli „Innego” w kształtowaniu nacjonalizmu i tożsamości narodowej, poprzez studium przypadku Korei Południowej i jej relacji z Koreą Północną oraz Japonią. Głównym celem jest identyfikacja, charakterystyka i analiza różnych ról przypisywanych sąsiednim państwom w procesie konstruowania południowokoreańskiej tożsamości narodowej. Badania skupiły się na narracjach filmowych, które mają znaczący wpływ na kształtowanie zbiorowej pamięci i tożsamości narodowej oraz stanowią istotne narzędzie polityczne i ideologiczne.
Polityka Korei Południowej nie jest kształtowana wyłącznie przez czynniki racjonalne, ale także w odniesieniu do dwóch „Znaczących Innych” – Japonii i Korei Północnej. W takiej sytuacji czynniki emocjonalne odgrywają rolę w podejmowaniu decyzji. Co więcej, posiadanie dwóch „Znaczących Innych” i niejako dwóch tożsamości – koreańskiej i południowokoreańskiej – komplikuje dwustronne. Jako naród koreański Korea Południowa powinna dążyć do zjednoczenia z KRLD, jednocześnie czując potrzebę rozliczenia się z okresem kolonialnym, co generuje konflikt z Japonią. Natomiast dla narodu południowokoreańskiego największe zagrożenie stanowi Korea Północna – także w sensie symbolicznej legitymizacji władzy i reprezentacji Korei. Ta tożsamość wymaga dążenia do dominacji nad KRLD i skłania do współpracy z Japonią w oparciu o wspólne wartości. Posiadanie dwóch tożsamości definiowanych względem dwóch różnych „wrogów” sprawia, że polityka Republiki Korei względem Japonii i Korei Północnej ulega częstym zmianom. Identyfikacja i charakteryzacja ról, które pełnią te państwa jako „Znaczący Inni” w południowokoreańskich narracjach narodowych staje się przydatnym narzędziem w analizie zachowania Korei Południowej na arenie międzynarodowej.
Amino Acid Profile of Goat Milk Kefir with Lacticasei bacillus casei AP and Oat Milk during Storage
Authors: Wulansari Putri Dian , . Widodo , . Sunarti , . Nurliyani
Published: November 2024

Background: Accurate and up-to-date information about amino acid profile is crucial in the production and promotion of dairy products and fermented milk because both components contribute to the nutritional and market value of the dairy products. Methods: This study aims to evaluate the amino acid profile of goat milk kefir supplemented with Lacticaseibacillus casei AP, oat milk or both during 14-day storage using the gas chromatography method. Result: The results demonstrated that Lacticaseibacillus casei AP and oat milk incorporated into kefir production significantly affected amino acids (aspartac acid, glutamic acid, tyrosine, valin, phenylalanine, ileusin and leucine).The dominant amino acids in the treatments were phenylalanine (46.66 ppm), glutamic acid (40.40 ppm) and lysine (23.91 ppm). The storage time only significantly reduced the amount of valine. Conclusively, incorporating Lacticaseibacillus casei AP, oat milk or both into goat milk kefir did not negatively affect the amino acid profile during storage time.
SSHAP West Africa Hub: Addressing the Kush Epidemic in Sierra Leone
Authors: Conteh Abu
Published: November 2024

Sierra Leone has seen a sharp rise in the use of ‘kush’ – a relatively new drug formed through mixing several constituent drugs, including opioids, which is proving highly addictive and is having serious negative health and social consequences. In April 2024, the government declared a public health emergency resulting from high levels of kush use, with security services launching crackdowns.1 Limited data on kush use presents challenges to understanding the scale of the problem. The lack of evidence has hampered the government’s response to the kush crisis. This has contributed to a misunderstanding of the problem and a response that has negatively impacted those people using the drug. The composition of kush is similarly unclear; it is described as a combination of cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol,2 formaldehyde,3 disinfectants4 and – according to some media reports – ground human bones.3,5 Tests by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime6 found that the drug contains synthetic cannabinoids and nitazenes.6 Youth are thought to be major consumers of the drug.4 The response to this emergency has been primarily punitive with dealers and addicts being arrested by security forces and placed in detention centres or rudimentary mental health facilities.7–9 This brief contextualises and provides insight into the ongoing kush epidemic. While kush use in Sierra Leone has reached crisis levels – requiring urgent action – it is symptomatic of deeper, long-standing issues of poverty, unemployment and limited opportunities for youth. These issues require sustained and comprehensive solutions beyond immediate emergency measures. This brief draws on academic and grey literature as well as consultations with practitioners working with regulatory authorities in Sierra Leone. There is currently little research on kush use in Sierra Leone, especially on the perspectives of users and the circumstances of their use. Due to the lack of social science evidence that articulates the drivers of substance use in Sierra Leone, what is presented in this brief is an attempt to identify factors likely to be shaping the epidemic and is thus speculative in nature. Ultimately, this brief aims to catalyse a dialogue that supports more effective responses to the crisis, including a multidisciplinary response to the epidemic and harm reduction approaches that focus on mitigating the dangers associated with drug use.
Optimization of Effervescent Tablets in Sensory Acceptance from the Active Ingredients of Fish Protein Hydrolysate and Microalgae Chlorellae sp. powder
Authors: Yuniarti Tatty , Nanda Anggiani Putri  , M.Si Niken Dharmayanti , Mugi Mulyono  , Sri Sugiwati  , Taufik Hidayat  , Pujoyuwono Martosuyono  , Ita Junita Puspa Dewi  , Aghitia Maulani
Published: November 2024

Graphical Abstract

Highlight Research
1. FPH and Chlorella sp. microalgae can be used as effervescent tablet ingredients received by panelists.
2. The mixture design method can determine the formula of effervescent tablets made from a combination of FPH and microalgae
3. The best percentage of FPH and microalgae in effervescent tablets was 5.873% and 9.127%.
Abstract
Effervescent tablets are a popular pharmaceutical dosage due to their ease of use and effectiveness in delivering active ingredients to consumers. In order to develop effervescent tablets that are more effective and highly nutritious, this research focuses on the use of Fish Protein Hydrolysate (FPH) and microalgae Chlorella sp. powder as the active ingredient. This research aims to optimize the effervescent tablet formulation in Sensory Acceptance. Formula optimization uses the Design Expert 13.0® program with the d-optimal mixture design method, which recommends 13 formula combinations with analysis of response: color, plant and fishy flavor, sweet taste, sour taste, aftertaste, hedonic, protein content, lipid content, water, and pH of effervescent tablets with a p-value <0.05 indicates that the model results are significant. Evaluation of granules includes flow rate test, angle of repose test, compressibility test, and drying shrinkage test to meet the requirements. Evaluation of effervescent tablets includes size uniformity, weight uniformity, firmness, and dissolution time that meet the requirements. The proximate composition of FPH and Chlorella sp. powder consists of a protein content of 19.60% and 47.68%, a lipid content of 0.15% and 4.87%, a water content of 0.06% and 5.0%, and an ash content of 1.15% and 4.24%, respectively. In addition, Chlorella sp. powder consists of fiber (38.31%) and total flavonoids (2.69%). The optimal formula results obtained were with a composition of FPH 5.873% and Chlorella sp. powder 9.127%. The optimum formula of FPH and Chlorella sp. powder in effervescent tablets succeeded in increasing the acceptance of sensory attributes, including color response, plant aroma, fishy aroma, sweet taste, sour taste, aftertaste, hedonic, protein content, lipid content, and water content.
Harvesting Optimization, Biomass, and Lipid Content Analysis of Euglena sp. Culture with Ettlia texensis Bioflocculant and Commercial Chitosan
Authors: Agus Suyono Eko , Mudrikah Siti , Karilanata Khalid Erlangga , Kurnianto Dedy , Budiman Arief , Dewayanto Nugroho , Putri Renata Adaranyssa Egistha , Sadewo Brilian Ryan , Erfianti Tia
Published: November 2024

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Bioflocculation technique can improve the harvesting effectiveness of semimass culture of Euglena
The addition of E. texensis can significantly increase the flocculation efficiency of Euglena
The addition of commercial chitosan was able to increase the flocculation efficiency of Euglena sp.
The biomass and lipid content produced by Euglena with E. texensis flocculant agent showed higher results than the biomass and lipid content produced by Euglena sp. with commercial chitosan flocculant agent.

Abstract
Euglena sp. has a high potential to be developed as biofuel. However, the high cost and energy required for the harvesting process are hindering the production. Flocculation using natural substances, such as microorganisms and biopolymers, offers a promising solution to minimize energy and production costs, so it is applicable on a mass scale. Ettlia texensis is one of the autoflocculating microalgae that can excrete extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Chitosan is a linear copolymer of D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine produced by the deacetylation of chitin, which is usually exploited by marine crustaceans, shrimp, and crabs. Chitosan has a very high cation load, so it is often used for coagulation or flocculation. This study explores the potential of E. texensis and chitosan as flocculant agents to harvest the mass culture of Euglena sp. by giving different doses E. texensis with 1:0.25 (E3), 1:0.5 (E4), 1:1 (E5), and 1:2 (E6), and chitosan with 1.25 mg (C1), 2.5 mg (C2), 3.75 mg (C3), and 5 mg (C4). This research began with the cultivation of Euglena sp. and E. texensis on a 50 L scale for 12 days. The effectiveness of flocculation was measured by the spectrophotometric method. Based on this research, the best treatment for harvesting Euglena sp. culture by bioflocculation was shown by the addition of chitosan (5 mg) with the recovery of 84.83%, 0.2213 mg/mL biomass, and 0.2117 mg/mL lipid content. Meanwhile, with E.  texensis, the best was shown by the ratio of 1:2 with recovery 84.71%, 0.2053 mg/mL biomass, and 0.1753 mg/mL
Characteristic of Different Chitosan Types on κ-Carrageenan Polyelectrolyte Complex (PEC) Bioplastics as Food Packaging
Authors: Puteri Dhena Celia Haryadi , Alamsjah Mochammad Amin , Sulmartiwi Laksmi
Published: November 2024

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The author mentioned 4 highlights from their results research

This study investigates the impact of incorporating chitosan from different sources (shrimp, crab, and fish scales) with varying molecular weights on the mechanical characteristics of bioplastics used for food packaging.
The present study aims to optimize the volume ratio of κ-carrageenan and chitosan to form stable polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) for bioplastic production.
This study evaluates the quality of tilapia fillets wrapped with κ-carrageenan and chitosan PEC bioplastics after 24 h storage.

The present study investigates the reaction mechanism involved in the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes between κ-carrageenan and chitosan for bioplastic production.

Abstract
Bioplastic represents an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic plastic which can be derived from natural polysaccharides like carrageenan. κ-carrageenan is noted for its gel-forming properties making it a common raw material for bioplastics. Mechanical properties values of κ-carrageenan bioplastics are usually below standard. The addition of materials such as chitosan can enhance those properties. Chitosan-carrageenan can form polyelectrolyte complexe (PEC) through electrostatic interactions without toxic crosslinking agents. Polymer’s molecular weight is a crucial factor influencing PEC formation. Chitosan's molecular weight varies based on the raw material and extraction process. This study aims to identify the most suitable type of chitosan for food packaging bioplastics using polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) method. Three types of commercial chitosan with different molecular weights were evaluated (shrimp, crab, and fish scale chitosan). Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) were used for characterization assessment of bioplastics such as thickness, tensile strength, water resistance, water vapor transmission, and biodegradation rate as well as additional tests including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, and Total Plate Count (TPC) on fish fillets.The findings indicated that crab chitosan-κ carrageenan PEC bioplastic exhibited optimal results with a thickness of 0.178 mm, tensile strength of 18.053 MPa, elongation at break at 211.73%, water resistance of 63.94%, Water Vapor Transmission (WVT) of 0,001456 g/m2/day, biodegradation rate of 3.358% over 7 days, and the lowest TPC in fish fillets after 24 h, increasing from 4.39 log CFU/g to 7.45 log CFU/g. Molecular weight of chitosan was shown to significantly influence the PEC bioplastics characteristics.
Formulation and physical quality evaluation of aromatherapy oil combining patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) essential oils
Authors: Wahyudi Hendra , Hamzah Hasyrul , Yudhawan Indra
Published: November 2024

Background: Indonesia is a major producer of essential oils, with patchouli and peppermint oils being widely used in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy products, such as wind oil, provide therapeutic benefits but are often underused by younger consumers. Developing formulations that appeal to a broader audience may increase their use.
Objective: This study aimed to formulate an aromatherapy oil using patchouli and peppermint essential oils, evaluate its physical properties, and test consumer preferences.
Method: Four formulations (F1–F4) were prepared with varying concentrations of patchouli and peppermint oils. Physical tests, including organoleptic, homogeneity, clarity, pH, and spreadability, were conducted over four weeks. A hedonic test with 20 respondents assessed sensory preferences.
Results: Formulations remained stable in terms of homogeneity and clarity throughout the study. pH values were within the acceptable range for skin application, though they increased slightly during storage. Spreadability improved over time, with F2, F3, and F4 meeting the ideal range by the fourth week. F4, containing 6% patchouli and 15% peppermint oils, was the most preferred in the hedonic test, particularly for color, smell, and clarity.
Conclusion: Patchouli and peppermint essential oils can be effectively combined to create a stable, consumer-preferred aromatherapy oil. F4 showed the best physical and sensory qualities, making it a promising formulation for future development.
Exploring Differing Perspectives on Sustainability and Corresponding Strategies in German Automotive Companies
Authors: Isopp Antonio ,   Editorial Office, Philipp Marlon , Weyer Johannes , Zilt Aaron
Published: November 2024

In addition to acute crises dominating the societal discourse, such as the global consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world continues to face the ongoing challenge of limiting climate change and achieving a sustainable transformation. Yet, in public discourse, the widely used terms “sustainability” and “transformation” are not clearly defined, and the understanding varies greatly depending on the industry and the stakeholders considered. One important transformation arena lies within the German automotive industry, as it is one of the country’s biggest industrial sectors by revenue and the number of employees. In addition, the German automotive industry is currently going through a transition period due to the switch to electric drivetrains as the main propulsion technology opposed to combustion engines. Therefore, the following paper identifies the differing understandings of sustainability and according actions in the German automotive industry. Moreover, possible conflicts and prioritizations along the economic, ecological, and social dimensions of sustainability are presented based on an expert interview study. To do so, a structuring qualitative content analysis in combination with a descriptive approach was used focusing on the differing perspectives on sustainability of both the interviewees and their companies. The gathered data then allows to compare the aggregated individual and corporate sustainability perspectives in the German automotive industry, as well as comparing the sustainability perspectives of the interviewees and their respective companies case by case. The results suggest that there is a considerable discrepancy between individual and corporate understandings of sustainability. These differences can mainly be attributed to the companies’ economically driven views in contrast to the individuals’, mostly ecologically driven sustainability perspective. Moreover, several barriers and conflicts, rooted in the prioritization of economic gains, can be traced back to conflicts in the supplier pyramid. The identification of common transformation goals and measures among companies is necessary to enable a collaborative, sustainable transformation in the German automotive industry, which benefits all societal stakeholders in or attached to this sector.
Erros do poder público e responsabilidade civil
Authors: Mousinho de Figueiredo Isabel
Published: November 2024

The maxim “the King can do no wrong” is not intellectually honest. Based on a logical fallacy, it favours those who exercise authority. The rule of law is incompatible with the absence of accountability for public authorities. The immunity conferred on power is not only outdated and obsolete, but also unjustifiable. In an open society, it is essential to recognise the fallibility of authorities and the consequences of public shortcomings. The greater the power, the greater the responsibility. Civil liability represents an additional means of legitimising power, as well as an instrument of control and balance of powers, in addition to criminal, disciplinary, financial, administrative legality and political or parliamentary control. That said, it is also important to establish reasonable limits on public responsibility, not only in the legislative and judicial spheres.
El Reglamento de Inteligencia Artificial de la Unión Europea: regulación de riesgos y sistemas de estandarización
Authors: Miranzo-Díaz Javier
Published: November 2024

AI has been consolidated in recent years as a central line of action in the strategy of public administrations, and the AI Regulation approved by the EU intends to become a pioneering global standard for the regulation of this technology. This article analyses the nature and main characteristics of this regulation approved on 13 March 2024 by the European Parliament. The study conceptualises the EU Regulation as part of a normative trend, existing both at European and international level, consisting of the regulation of risks and situations of uncertainty. On this premise, the paper analyses the legal architecture of the norm, which revolves around a conformity assessment system that relies, in its turn, on three elements: (1) risk management instruments applicable to AI developers and implementers, (2) a procedure for the development of technical standards that will determine the specific content of the obligations of the regulation,  and (3) the creation of a governance system for the implementation and verification of such obligations.
Better Predictions, Better Outcomes: How Integrated Cost & Schedule Risk Analysis (iCSRA) Reduces Costly Consequences of Project Delays
Authors: Britton Christopher
Published: November 2024

The success of major capital projects hinges on the balance between revenue and expenditure. Integrated Cost & Schedule Risk Analysis (iCSRA) emerges as a critical tool for enhancing predictability and mitigating risks associated with project delays and cost overruns. This paper explores the impact of iCSRA on project outcomes, drawing on actual performance data openly published by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate and other industry benchmarks.

Key findings reveal that a significant proportion of projects exceed budget and schedule estimates at Final Investment Decision (FID), with only one in seven (14%) experiencing cost and schedule underruns. iCSRA helps address these challenges by providing a probabilistic approach to risk management, enabling better alignment of project teams and more informed decision-making. The methodology involves detailed risk identification, probabilistic modelling, and collaborative workshops to refine project schedules and cost estimates.

The paper underscores the importance of robust data inputs and the need to account for biases and uncertainties in risk assessments. By integrating cost and schedule risks, iCSRA offers a comprehensive view of project uncertainties, facilitating more accurate predictions and effective risk mitigation strategies. The ultimate goal is to maximize project success by improving the confidence level in achieving both cost and schedule targets, thereby enhancing the overall value and credibility of projects.
Enhancing Plug-N-Perf Technology for Unconventional Wells
Authors: Faizov Yury , Reshetnikov Alexander , Ali J. Alshehhi Hajer Mohamed , Kumar Rakesh
Published: November 2024

Company has been implementing fracturing in its carbonate reservoirs since 2017, with the aim of improving well performance, reducing operational costs and risks, optimizing reservoir management. This paper reviews challenges faced and evolution of Plug-and-Perf (PnP) multistage fracturing technology implementation in Company through engineering, field execution and lessons learnt, with special focus on milling of frac plugs and surface flowback set up and operational methods to face and efficiently handle harsh high temperature high pressure (HTHP) and high H2S environment.

Methodology approach is a flexible and iterative method that allows for rapid adaptation and improvement of PnP operations. Methods involved conducting several simultaneous PnP operations with different service providers and vendors, and capturing and implementing lessons learned and best practices across all operations. Main steps for the methodology included the following: operational optimization, equipment selection and engineering, whereby engineering process of designing and implementing PnP technology based on operational optimization and equipment selection results throughout all the process.

Paper describes and shares experience and lessons learnt for surface equipment set up to run and set plugs and casing perforation, lessons for plug removal from horizontal sections via implementation of thorough engineering process, utilization of latest available technologies, such as extended reach tools, composite and dissolvable plugs, utilization of properly planned and designed surface flowback equipment to handle HTHP operations with H2S content in fluids returning to surface during milling operations.

Optimizations and improvements include, but not limited to: thorough engineering and selection of coiled tubing (CT) pipe size, milling bottom hole assembly (BHA) components, surface flowback equipment selection, milling and wellbore clean up practices and recommendations

Approaches, lessons learnt and best practices that are described in the paper will be beneficial and can be used as a reference source for other projects for PnP operations where harsh HTHP and H2S environment present, Company will continue to implement and optimize PnP technology in its carbonate reservoirs, as well as explore the potential and feasibility of PnP technology in other reservoir types and environments.