bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Volatile and Particulate Emissions from Desktop 3D Printers
Authors: Finnegan Melissa , Thach Colleen Lee , Khaki Shirin , Markey Emma , O’Connor David J. , Smeaton Alan F. , Morrin Aoife
Published: December 2023

The rapid expansion of 3D printing technologies has led to increased utilization in various industries and has also become pervasive in the home environment. Although the benefits are well acknowledged, concerns have arisen regarding potential health and safety hazards associated with emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates during the 3D printing process. The home environment is particularly hazardous given the lack of health and safety awareness of the typical home user. This study aims to assess the safety aspects of 3D printing of PLA and ABS filaments by investigating emissions of VOCs and particulates, characterizing their chemical and physical profiles, and evaluating potential health risks. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed to profile VOC emissions, while a particle analyzer (WIBS) was used to quantify and characterize particulate emissions. Our research highlights that 3D printing processes release a wide range of VOCs, including straight and branched alkanes, benzenes, and aldehydes. Emission profiles depend on filament type but also, importantly, the brand of filament. The size, shape, and fluorescent characteristics of particle emissions were characterized for PLA-based printing emissions and found to vary depending on the filament employed. This is the first 3D printing study employing WIBS for particulate characterization, and distinct sizes and shape profiles that differ from other ambient WIBS studies were observed. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing safety measures in all 3D printing environments, including the home, such as improved ventilation, thermoplastic material, and brand selection. Additionally, our research highlights the need for further regulatory guidelines to ensure the safe use of 3D printing technologies, particularly in the home setting.
Assessment of the Influence of the Geometrical Shape of the Damper on the Efficiency of an Ultrasonic Operation Piezoelectric Transducer
Authors: Vechera M. S. , Konovalov S. I. , Konovalov R. S. , I B. , Tsaplev V. M. , Soloveva A. D. , Lee J.
Published: December 2023

The results of a study on the geometric shape of the damper on the efficiency of the ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer are presented. In particular, a damper in the form of a truncated cone is considered, the generatrix of which has an inclination angle α relative to the diameter of the piezoceramic plate. The shape of the damper in the form of a truncated cone is chosen based on the a priori assumption that this helps to increase the path of the wave in the damper material due to numerous reflections in it. A criterion for the efficiency of damper operation is proposed. The optimal (from the point of view of the damper efficiency) value of the angle α was determined theoretically and experimentally. The technology of its production is described. Satisfactory agreement between the results of theoretical and experimental studies was noted.
A Post-Quantum Digital Signature Using Verkle Trees and Lattices
Authors: Iavich Maksim , Kuchukhidze Tamari , Bocu Razvan
Published: December 2023

Research on quantum computers has advanced significantly in recent years. If humanity ever creates an effective quantum computer, many of the present public key cryptosystems can be compromised. These cryptosystems are currently found in many commercial products. We have devised solutions that seem to protect us from quantum attacks, but they are unsafe and inefficient for use in everyday life. In the paper, hash-based digital signature techniques are analyzed. A Merkle-tree-based digital signature is assessed. Using a Verkle tree and vector commitments, the paper explores novel ideas. The authors of this article present a unique technology for developing a post-quantum digital signature system using state-of-the-art Verkle tree technology. A Verkle tree, vector commitments, and vector commitments based on lattices for post-quantum features are used for this purpose. The concepts of post-quantum signature design utilizing a Verkle tree are also provided in the paper.
Smoking, Alcohol Intake and Torque Teno Virus in Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Doorenbos Caecilia S. E. , Jonker Jip , Hao Jiasi , Gore Edmund J. , Kremer Daan , Knobbe Tim J. , de Joode Anoek A. E. , Sanders Jan Stephan F. , Thaunat Olivier , Niesters Hubert G. M. , Van Leer-Buter Coretta C. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: December 2023

Torque Teno Virus (TTV) is a non-pathogenic virus that is highly prevalent among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Its circulating load is associated with an immunological status in KTR and is considered a promising tool for guiding immunosuppression. To allow for optimal guidance, it is important to identify other determinants of TTV load. We aimed to investigate the potential association of smoking and alcohol intake with TTV load. For this cross-sectional study, serum TTV load was measured using PCR in stable kidney transplant recipients at ≥1 year after transplantation, and smoking status and alcohol intake were assessed through questionnaires and measurements of urinary cotinine and ethyl glucuronide. A total of 666 KTRs were included (57% male). A total of 549 KTR (82%) had a detectable TTV load (3.1 ± 1.5 log10 copies/mL). In KTR with a detectable TTV load, cyclosporin and tacrolimus use were positively associated with TTV load (St. β = 0.46, p < 0.001 and St. β = 0.66, p < 0.001, respectively), independently of adjustment for potential confounders. Current smoking and alcohol intake of >20 g/day were negatively associated with TTV load (St. β = −0.40, p = 0.004 and St. β = −0.33, p = 0.009, respectively), independently of each other and of adjustment for age, sex, kidney function, time since transplantation and calcineurin inhibitor use. This strong association of smoking and alcohol intake with TTV suggests a need to account for the smoking status and alcohol intake when applying TTV guided immunosuppression in KTR.
Research on the Mechanism and Evolution Law of Delayed Water Inrush Caused by Fault Activation with Mining
Authors: Zhu Guangli , Wang Shuli , Zhang Wenquan , Li Baoyu
Published: December 2023

Confined water inrush caused by fault activation is the main form of water disaster in deep mining. With theoretical analysis and similar simulation tests, the mechanism and evolution law of delayed water inrush caused by fault activation are revealed. At the theoretical level, the expansion and extension of the internal microstructure in the fault zone under the action of the mining stress field and seepage field are the essential causes of fault activation. Overlying strata movement and surrounding rock creep failure are the basic reasons for delayed water inrush caused by fault activation, and delayed time caused by surrounding rock creep failure is much longer than that of overlying strata movement. A similar simulation test was carried out with self-development solid–liquid coupling with similar simulation materials; the results show that delayed water inrush caused by fault activation with mining includes three stages. Micro-activation stage: Water inrush weakness point is formed because of the expansion and extension of the micro-fissure and structure at the bottom of the fault zone. Macro-activation stage: With the change in the stress of the waterproof coal pillar and surrounding rock, the micro-fissures and structures in the stress relief area and tension area of the fault zone expand and extend sharply; meanwhile, water intrudes into the interlayer stratification of the floor in the stress relief area, forming a strong laminar flow phenomenon, and cracks in the floor form and expand; finally, water-conducting channels in the fault zone and floor are formed. Water inrush stage: The waterproof coal pillar and water-resisting layer fail and are destroyed, and the first confined water inrush point is located at the junction of the waterproof coal pillar and gob floor.
Effect of Land Use on Stream Water Quality and Biological Conditions in Multi-Scale Watersheds
Authors: Lee Jong-Won , Park Se-Rin , Lee Sang-Woo
Published: December 2023

Understanding the relation between watershed land use and stream conditions is critical for watershed planning and management. This study investigated the effects of land use on stream water quality and biological conditions in sub-watersheds and micro-watersheds across the Han River watershed in South Korea. We developed random forest models for each water quality and biological indicator using the proportions of urban, agricultural, and forested areas. Our results indicate that water quality and biological indicators were significantly affected by forest area at both scales, and the sub-watershed models performed better than the micro-watershed models. Accumulated local effects were used to interpret the effect of each explanatory variable on the response variable. The plots for water quality and biological indicators with proportions of watershed land use demonstrated similar patterns at both scales, although the relation between land use and stream conditions was slightly more sensitive in micro-watersheds than in sub-watersheds. Urban and agricultural areas showed a lower proportion of water quality and biological condition variability in the micro-watersheds than in the sub-watersheds, while forests showed the opposite results. The findings of this study suggest that different spatial scales should be considered when developing effective watershed management strategies to maintain stream ecosystems.
Land Cover Trajectories and Their Impacts on Rainfall-Triggered Landslide Occurrence in a Cultivated Mountainous Region of Western Japan
Authors: Kimura Takashi , Sato Go , Ozaki Takatsugu , Van Thang Nguyen , Wakai Akihiko
Published: December 2023

Land cover changes in mountainous regions are potential precursors to landslide disasters. However, the effects of past long-term land cover changes on the characteristics of recent landslides remains underexplored. We studied land cover evolution over a 56-year period on Omishima Island in western Japan to examine the spatial relations of landslides in the July 2018 storm event based on rainfall, land cover trajectories, and topography. We generated land cover maps for 1962, 1981, and 2018 by aerial photo interpretation. We also identified 512 new landslides. Based on 47-year precipitation records, we estimated the return periods of 1- to 264-h rainfalls during the storm using the generalised extreme value (GEV) distributions. Return periods showed wide variation when the derived GEV distributions were applied to 1-km grid rainfall distributions. Despite such pronounced spatial variations in rainfall, we did not observe a clear correlation between rainfall intensity and landslide distribution. In contrast, land cover trajectories had a pronounced effect on landslide occurrence. Landslides were more concentrated on slopes that experienced land cover changes after 1962. A comparison of slopes on farmland developed between 1962 and 1981 (mainly citrus orchards) indicated that landslide density and area ratio were significantly lower on slopes that had reverted to forests than on those remaining as farmland. However, the values of the reforested slopes exceeded those of forests and farmlands that remained since before 1962. Our geospatial analysis revealed that even if the field had shifted to forests, the effects of reduced slope stability due to orchard development had remained for at least 37 years. This suggested that the impacts of converting forests to orchards last longer than harvesting in managed plantation forests.
PLUG: A City-Friendly Navigation Model for Electric Vehicles with Power Load Balancing upon the Grid
Authors: Quttoum Ahmad , Alsarhan Ayoub , Aljaidi Mohammad , Alshammari Mohammed
Published: December 2023

Worldwide, in many cities, electric vehicles (EVs) have started to spread as a green alternative in transportation. Several well-known automakers have announced their plans to switch to all-electric engines very soon, although for EV drivers, battery range is still a significant concern—especially when driving on long-distance trips and driving EVs with limited battery ranges. Cities have made plans to serve this new form of transportation by providing adequate coverage of EV charging stations in the same way as traditional fuel ones. However, such plans may take a while to be fully deployed and provide the required coverage as appropriate. In addition to the coverage of charging stations, cities need to consider the potential loads over their power grids not only to serve EVs but also to avoid any shortages that may affect existing clients at their various locations. This may take a decade or so. Consequently, in this work, we propose a novel city-friendly navigation model that is oriented to serve EVs in particular. The methodology of this model involves reading real-time power loads at the grid’s transformer nodes and accordingly choosing the routes for EVs to their destinations. Our methodology follows a real-time pricing model to prioritize routes that pass through less-loaded city zones. The model is developed to be self-aware and adaptive to dynamic price changes, and hence, it nominates the shortest least-loaded routes in an automatic and autonomous way. Moreover, the drivers have further routing preferences that are modeled by a preference function with multiple weight variables that vary according to a route’s distance, cost, time, and services. Different from other models in the literature, this is the first work to address the dynamic loads of the electricity grids among various city zones for load-balanced EV routing in an automatic way. This allows for the easy integration of EVs through a city-friendly and anxiety-free navigation model.
Les enjeux de l'aumônerie musulmane dans l'armée française de 1914 à 1962
Authors: Boniface Xavier
Published: December 2023

The Muslim chaplaincy issue in the French Army in 1962 ; Muslim chaplains have been permitted in the French army since the decree of 18 March 2005. Yet their presence was allowed for from the time of the 1914-18 war onwards, when North African troops fought in French uniforms. But, although numerous projects surfaced between 1914 and 1962, Muslim chaplains enjoyed only an ephemeral existence and limited reach, bound as they were by a decree issued in May 1940 and an ordonnance of 1943 that put strict limits on what they could do. Muslim chaplains were justified in terms of the risk of death run by the tirailleurs, who could draw moral strength from their religion. But the shilly-shallying of the political and military authorities over thisissue harked back to the lack of any institutional organisation of Islam within France and to a respect for the Republican secularist principles, the 1905 Church-State Separation Law not applying in France's North African protectorates and only partly in Algeria. Without doubt the presence of religious Imams in the army had political implications. It demonstrated that France would honour Islam in order to underpin the loyalty of Muslim soldiers. When the Algerian War broke out, however, the political argument rebounded on the chaplaincs, however, for their existence risked fanning the flames of Algerian nationalism among tirailleurs. Fhus the question of a Muslim chaplaincy was one reflection of wider French-Muslim relations during the 20th Century.
Challenges in the Care of Patients with AKI Receiving Outpatient Dialysis: AKINow Recovery Workgroup Report
Authors: Neyra Javier A. , Gewin Leslie , Ng Jia H. , Barreto Erin F. , Freshly Bonnie , Willett Jeff , Abdel-Rahman Emaad M. , McCoy Ian , Kwong Yuenting D. , Silver Samuel A. , Cerda Jorge , Vijayan Anitha
Published: December 2023

Background

Up to one third of survivors of AKI that required dialysis (AKI-D) during hospitalization remain dialysis dependent at hospital discharge. Of these, 20%–60%, depending on the clinical setting, eventually recover enough kidney function to stop dialysis, and the remainder progress to ESKD.

Methods

To describe the challenges facing those still receiving dialysis on discharge, the AKINow Committee conducted a group discussion comprising 59 participants, including physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and patients. The discussion was framed by a patient who described gaps in care delivery at different transition points and miscommunication between care team members and the patient.

Results

Group discussions collected patient perspectives of (1) being often scared and uncertain about what is happening to and around them and (2) the importance of effective and timely communication, a comfortable physical setting, and attentive and caring health care providers for a quality health care experience. Provider perspectives included (1) the recognition of the lack of evidence-based practices and quality indicators, the significant variability in current care models, and the uncertain reimbursement incentives focused on kidney recovery and (2) the urgency to address communication barriers among hospital providers and outpatient facilities.

Conclusions

The workgroup identified key areas for future research and policy change to (1) improve communication among hospital providers, dialysis units, and patients/care partners; (2) develop tools for risk classification, subphenotyping, and augmented clinical decision support; (3) improve education to providers, staff, and patients/care partners; (4) identify best practices to improve relevant outcomes; (5) validate quality indicators; and (6) assess the effect of social determinants of health on outcomes. We urge all stakeholders involved in the process of AKI-D care to align goals and work together to fill knowledge gaps and optimize the care to this highly vulnerable patient population.
Pengaruh Profitabilitas, Likuiditas, Dan Leverage Terhadap Return Saham Perusahaan Manufaktur Di BEI
Authors: Br purba Neni Marlina
Published: December 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh rasio profitabilitas (Return on Asset / ROA), likuiditas (Quick Ratio / QR), leverage (Debt to Equity Ratio / DER) terhadap return saham. Objek penelitian ini adalah perusahaan manufaktur industri makanan dan minuman yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia pada tahun 2013-2017. ROA, QR, DER, dan return saham diukur melalui laporan tahunan yang dipublikasi oleh Bursa Efek Indonesia tahun 2013-2017. Sampel yang digunakan adalah 13 perusahaan dari 18 perusahaan yang terdaftar dengan menggunakan metode purposive sampling, metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah uji deskriptif, uji asumsi klasik yang terdiri dari uji normalitas, heterokedastisitas, autokorelasi dan multikolonieritas. Sedangkan uji hipotesis yang digunakan adalah uji regresi linear berganda dengan taraf signifikansi 5%, uji parsial, uji simultan dan uji koefisien determinasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan secara parsial ROA bepengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap return saham. QR berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap return saham. DER berpengaruh positif namun tidak signifikan terhadap return saham. Dan secara simulltan, ROA, QR, DER berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap return saham.
Ownership Structures Badan Usaha Milik Negara : Internet Financial Reporting
Authors: Nazar Shinta Ningtiyas , Syafrizal Syafrizal
Published: December 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Ownership Structures berupa Public Ownership, State Ownership, Outside Ownership, dan Foreign Ownership  terhadap Internet Financial Reporting (IFR) pada 19 perusahaan Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) dan terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2014-2018. Peneliti menambahkan variabel kontrol yaitu opini audit, profitabilitas, ukuran perusahaan, jenis industri dan umur listing pada penelitian ini. Metode analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi linier berganda. Pengujian hipotesis (t-hitung; sig) menunjukkan bahwa State Ownership (-2,611; 0,011), Public Ownership (-3,296;0,011) memiliki pengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap Internet Financial Reporting sementara Outside Ownership (0,461:0,646) dan Foreign Ownership (-0,837;0,405) tidak berpengaruh terhadap Internet Financial Reporting, hanya profitabilitas (2,303;0,024) memiliki pengaruh positif signifikan terhadap IFR, variabel control lainnya tidak berpengaruh. Hasil menunjukkan R square sebesar 25,4%, dan anova (F-hitung; sig), (3,063;0,003).

Kata kunci: Public Ownership, State Ownership, Outside Ownership, Foreign  Ownership, Internet Financial Reporting, BUMN
DESIGN AND TESTING OF MODERN APPLE ORCHARD PRUNING MACHINERY
Authors: WANG Yuliang , WANG Zhiqiao , CHEN Zhaoying , FAN Guoqiang , SU Rui , YIN Peijun , WANG Jinxing
Published: December 2023

In response to the problems of low efficiency and difficulty of pruning operations in modern dwarf dense orchards, an adjustable position saw blade pruning machine was designed, mainly consisting of a pruning device, a regulating device and a hydraulic system. Through the mechanical and modal analysis of the circular saw blade, the limit speed of the circular saw blade was derived. A finite element model of the sawing process was established, and a single-factor simulation analysis was conducted for three important parameters: feed rate, circular saw blade speed and branch diameter, and a three-factor, three-level quadratic regression orthogonal test was designed to derive the best matching sawing parameters, which was verified in field tests. The test results showed that the average passing rate was 92.8% at the feed rate of 4 km/h under the circular saw blade speed of 2800 rpm, which was higher than 88.8% at 3 km/h and 88.9% at 5 km/h. The optimum sawing parameters were: the circular saw blade speed of 2800 rpm and feed rate of 4 km/h, which were consistent with the simulation results, and the passing rate of the cut was high at this time, meeting the technical requirements of orchard pruning.
Formation of corrugated nano-fuzz tungsten thin film on silicon via helium plasma irradiation
Authors: Feng Shuangyuan , Kajita Shin , Yasuhara Ryo , Tokitani Masayuki , Shi Quan
Published: December 2023

Tungsten thin films were deposited onto silicon substrates using sputtering techniques, and helium plasma irradiation was performed in a linear plasma device. Observations of the surface and cross-sectional morphology revealed the presence of a corrugated fiberform nanostructure, referred to as corrugated nano-fuzz, on the irradiated silicon samples. This structure has a distinct pattern of ridges and valleys with nanofibers on the surface. In addition to its unique morphology, the corrugated nano-fuzz demonstrates remarkable optical absorptivity, as revealed by optical absorptivity measurements, even after being exposed to helium plasma even for a short duration. The utilization of silicon-substrate thin film holds the potential to not only accelerate the processing for nanostructure growth but also yield uniformly corrugated structures and high optical absorptivity. These findings offer valuable insights for advancing the development of efficient fabrication methods within the field of nanotechnology.
Numerical investigation of plasmon-enhanced emission from a nanofiber coupled single photon emitter
Authors: Xuan Yining , Sun Rui , Baek Soyoung , Sadgrove Mark , Edamatsu Keiichi
Published: December 2023

This study explores the enhancement of emission from a single photon emitter in a quantum communication network by coupling the source with an optical nanofiber and leveraging gold nanoparticles for Purcell enhancement. Large Purcell enhancements of more than 50 times were recently reported experimentally, but the understanding of important issues, including the maximum Purcell factor and limits to quantum efficiency due to ohmic losses, is still lacking. Our findings reveal that the reported experimental results are reasonable, and confirm that such composite devices provide a promising route for high-efficiency single photon sources coupled to an optical fiber-based quantum communication network.
What is ‘Rural’ in South Africa, and Why Does it Matter?
Authors:   University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mubangizi Betty
Published: December 2023

The term ‘rurality’ has no universal definition and varies across geographical and temporal dimensions. What is deemed rural in the Global North may vastly differ from rural conceptions in the Global South, indicating a profound disparity in socio-economic and cultural contexts. Furthermore, the passage of time alters the perception of rurality; areas once considered rural may now be on the urban fringe, transformed by the spread of cities and infrastructure.
Conflicts Among Councillors in the Local Government Authorities: A Tale of Msalala District Council
Authors:   Mzumbe University, SWAI IDDA LYATONGA , UHAHULA FARAJA  COSMAS ,   Mzumbe University, NDESEKIO VICENT EVARIST ,   Kahama Municipal Council, NYAKEGA CHACHA TIMASI , IGULU GEORGE ,   Mzumbe University
Published: December 2023

This paper focused on conflicts among councillors in Tanzania's Local Government Authorities, where qualitative approaches were employed in data collection and analysis. The study focused on understanding the causes and effects of conflicts in the Local Government Authorities where Msalala District Council in Shinyanga Region was used as a case study. A sample of 22 participants was interviewed through mobile calls. Various local government documents, including the minutes of meetings and reports, were reviewed. The study found three types of conflicts at Msalala District Council. The conflict between the elected councillors themselves, conflicts between the District Council Chairperson and other councillors and conflicts between elected (Ward) councillors and special seat councillors. It was further found that the conflicts were contributed by the low level of education among councillors, personal interest and selfishness, poor communication, conflicting roles and unequal distribution of resources. The study found that the conflicts among the councillors affected the implementation of projects in the council, reduced the morale of the special seat councillors and increased unnecessary costs to the council. Different mechanisms have been adopted to resolve conflicts, like collective bargaining and cooperativeness, which are emphasized for the growth of local government authorities, and this reduces the rate of biased decisions. This study recommends training for councillors immediately after being elected to provide awareness of their roles and duties in the local government authority. Keywords: Councillors conflicts, Causes of conflicts, Conflicts in the council, Councillors’ role
Enhancing the Role of Parliament in the Budget-Making Processes
Authors:   University of Johannesburg, MOLEPO MATJATJI , JAHED MOHAMMED ,   University of Johannesburg
Published: December 2023

A budget is an important financial plan that provides a framework for the effective allocation of resources and is thus vital for ensuring effective public financial management. Parliaments play a critical role in ensuring that budgets deliver their intended outcomes. It is the responsibility of Parliaments to exercise oversight roles over the executives’ budget proposals, scrutinise budget information, and depending on the government system in place, approve, amend, or draft a new budget. The aim of this paper is to explore mechanisms that can be used to enhance the role of Parliament in budget-making processes by focusing on gender budgeting, budget reforms, and capacity building through the establishment of Independent Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as Parliamentary Budget Offices (PBOs) as mechanisms of enhancement. Based on the aim of this paper, the researcher chose to use a descriptive research design and employed a desktop research approach through a literature review. The relevant data was collected from various sources such as books, journals, and the internet. The online sources included in the academic database and government portals containing information relating to Parliaments, budgeting processes, and budget management. The findings suggest that Parliament plays an important role in ensuring that a budget is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs and demands of the public, including women and marginalised groups. It is also evident that some of the main challenges faced by Parliament to ensure an effective budgeting process include limited resources, political interference, and inadequate public participation. The study concludes that parliamentary involvement during the budget-making process is critical and therefore recommends strengthening the institutional capacity of Parliament, promoting public participation in the budget process, and ensuring gender-responsive budgeting in all stages of the budget cycle. Keywords: Parliament; Budget; Budget-making processes
Z Kielc czy z Kielczy? O pochodzeniu Wincentego, hagiografa św. Stanisława
Authors: Okniński Piotr
Published: December 2023

Of Kielce or Kielcza? On the origins of Wincenty, the hagiographer of St. Stanislaus

The author of the article presents the historiographical disputes that have arisen over the question of the place of birth of the Dominican Wincenty, the first hagiographer of St. Stanislaus. According to the classic hypothesis, formulated and documented in the first biography of Wincenty by Tadeusz Wojciechowski (1885), the hagiographer was said to have been born in Kielce, on the estate of the Bishops of Cracow in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains. However, most contemporary scholars favour an alternative concept, formulated by Gerard Labuda (1983), according to which Wincenty was born in Kielcza, a village in Upper Silesia. In the article the author discusses the limited source basis of the two hypotheses. In addition, he examines the evolution and reception of these views in later historiography, noting the various errors, simplifications and overinterpretations committed by researchers. The author of the article argues that the concept whereby Wincenty came from Silesian Kielcza was created in isolation from the sources and is based on the convoluted conjectures of its creator. G. Labuda created the figure of Wincenty of Kielcza as part of a broader reflection aimed at proving the hypothesis concerning the existence of the so-called lost Dominican chronicle from the thirteenth century, apparently written by Wincenty. The very concept of a lost Dominican chronicle remains the subject of intense criticism in contemporary historiography. Although the final resolution of the dispute over Wincenty’s birthplace seems impossible, the author of the article argues that in the light of known source-based circumstantial evidence and arguments, the original interpretation, which has Wincenty born in Kielce, remains more convincing. However, it should still be regarded only as a hypothesis.
„Stare to miasto i nieładne, ale wielkie...” Padewskie doświadczenia i obserwacje przybyszy z Rzeczypospolitej
Authors: Tygielski Wojciech
Published: December 2023

“It’s an old town and not very pretty, but huge...”. Paduan experiences and observations of travellers from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

The aim of the study is to examine students’ stays in as well as short pleasure visits to Padua by the inhabitants of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the sixteenth–eighteenth centuries. An analysis of different categories of these visits has made it possible to reconstruct the educational and tourist expectations of the visitors and to describe the observations they were making in loco. This has allowed the author to define the visitors’ cultural inspirations, which were the primary effect of the stays at the University of Padua and in the city itself. Moreover, the author has been able to outline the gradual evolution of that impact on the successive generations of the Polish-Lithuanian elite.
The travel diaries of people who visited Padua have been the main primary source of the study. Other sources include the memoirs of noblemen and other narratives not directly connected with foreign travels. The analysis has also encompassed parliamentary diaries and political leaflets, which illustrate the possible contexts in which this Italian educational centre may have been perceived. As a result, the author has been able to reconstruct and describe the evolution in the significance of Padua and the changing social associations this university centre created among the visitors as well as the inhabitants of the Polish- Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Analysis of Components Selection of Oil Draining Machine for Spinner System Based Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors:   Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Riau, Indonesia, Simanjuntak Evander , Susilawati Anita ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Riau, Indonesia, Herisiswanto Herisiswanto ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Riau, Indonesia, Cupu Dedi-Rosa-Putra ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Riau, Indonesia
Published: December 2023

The function of the oil draining machine is to effectively reduce the oil content in the food from frying. This study aims to analyse the spinner system's components for the oil draining machine using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The AHP makes broad and unstructured problems into a flexible and easy-to-understand model. This research begins with a study of the initial design of the spinner system for the oil-draining machine components. Then, the characteristics and process parameters (spinner) of the oil-draining machine's parts were analysed using the AHP method. From the analysis results, the new designs were developed by eliminating or combining components that did not add value. The priority of consumer needs for function, performance, ergonomics, durability, serviceability and aesthetics were referenced to make a new design. Then, the new components of the spinner system oil draining machine were developed. Customers' needs for design priority include functionality to drain the cooking oil and crackers, capacity exceeding 3kg, ease of assembly, lightweight, easy to use, stainless steel material, easy to repair and dark colour selection.
Recent advances in the development of bioartificial pancreas using 3D bioprinting for the treatment of type 1 diabetes: a review
Authors: Ghosh Anushikha , Sanyal Arka , Mallick Abhik
Published: December 2023

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that results from the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas. Current treatments for type 1 diabetes, such as insulin therapy and pancreatic islet transplantation, have several limitations and, hence not quite effective in the long run. As current therapy methods fail to slow disease development, novel strategies such as the development of a bioartificial pancreas are being seriously considered. Over the last decade, research has focused on tissue engineering, which aids in the design of biological alternatives for the repair and replacement of non-functional or damaged organs. Three dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology which employs 3D printing technology to generate 3D tissue-like structures from biomaterials and cells, offers a promising solution for the treatment of type 1 diabetes by providing the ability to generate functional endocrine pancreatic tissue. Bioprinted structures are therefore an important aspect of tissue engineering because they have been found to replicate the native extracellular matrix, promoting cell survival and proliferation. In this review, recent developments in 3D bioprinting of endocrine pancreas for the treatment of type 1 diabetes particularly focussing on the choice of cells, biomaterials, growth factors, and essential considerations have been discussed in detail. Additionally, the key challenges and perspectives towards recapitulation of the pancreatic function of the pancreatic organ engineering technologies have also been discussed.
Unexpected “Lazarus response” to single-agent bevacizumab in heavily pretreated patients with HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Emshanov Alexey V. , Nesterov Denis V. , Sokolova Tatyana N. , Amankwah Priscilla S. , Imyanitov Evgeny N.
Published: December 2023

Early clinical trials aimed to halt cancer progression by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels in tumors through single-agent targeted therapy with bevacizumab. These trials largely proved unsuccessful. However, bevacizumab turned out to be efficient when administered in combination with other anticancer drugs. The efficacy of this approach is explained by the ability of bevacizumab to eliminate immature blood vessels thus normalizing intratumoral blood flow and improving the delivery of cytotoxic or targeted agents. This report describes four cases of heavily pretreated patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, who had no meaningful treatment options left, and who received single-agent bevacizumab as an empirical last-resort therapy. Three of these patients had severe complaints, and they demonstrated striking symptomatic relief within the first day of this treatment. In addition to the observed “Lazarus response”, which was likely attributed to the bevacizumab-driven resolution of edema, some evidence of a direct antitumor effect was observed. These data may call for the reconsideration of bevacizumab monotherapy in patients with HER2-associated breast cancer, and perhaps in some other categories of cancer patients.
Conservation agriculture and cover crop adoption by smallholder farmers in Cambodia: Understanding perceptions, challenges, and opportunities for soil improvement
Authors: Nickens Presley , Ader David R. , Miller Max , Srean Pao , Gill Tom , Huot Sovanneary
Published: December 2023

Practical solutions for soil conservation are needed to ensure sustainable food production. Conservation agriculture and the use of cover crops are promising strategies for soil improvement in agricultural systems. These strategies are being promoted in Cambodia to address rapidly declining soil fertility; however, there is a lack of insight into the perceptions of Cambodian smallholders towards cover cropping within a conservation agriculture approach. A greater understanding of the utilization and perceptions of cover crops is needed to increase adoption and prevent further soil degradation. This study utilized a mixed methods approach with quantitative data from a farmer survey and qualitative data gathered from follow-up interviews with farmers. Analysis shows that farmers understand what conservation agriculture is and reported benefits, including increased yields, after practicing conservation agriculture. Conservation agriculture was viewed as a way to protect the environment and increase soil fertility, particularly by using cover crops. However, farmers reported that the use of cover crops as part of a conservation agriculture approach faces challenges, preventing further adoption. Understanding the benefits and challenges for farmers can help improve adoption, leading to improved soil and more resilient agricultural systems. Further research on how to address the challenges presented by farmers is needed.
A combined gas-phase dissociative ionization, dissociative electron attachment and deposition study on the potential FEBID precursor [Au(CH3)2Cl]2
Authors: Bilgilisoy Elif , Kamali Ali , Gentner Thomas Xaver , Ballmann Gerd , Harder Sjoerd , Steinrück Hans-Peter , Marbach Hubertus , Ingólfsson Oddur
Published: December 2023

Motivated by the potential of focused-electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID) in the fabrication of functional gold nanostructures for application in plasmonic and detector technology, we conducted a comprehensive study on [Au(CH3)2Cl]2 as a potential precursor for such depositions. Fundamental electron-induced dissociation processes were studied under single collision conditions, and the composition and morphology of FEBID deposits fabricated in an ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) chamber were explored on different surfaces and at varied beam currents. In the gas phase, dissociative ionization was found to lead to significant carbon loss from this precursor, and about 50% of the chlorine was on average removed per dissociative ionization incident. On the other hand, in dissociative electron attachment, no chlorine was removed from the parent molecule. Contrary to these observations, FEBID in the UHV setup was found to yield a quantitative loss and desorption of the chlorine from the deposits, an effect that we attribute to electron-induced secondary and tertiary reactions in the deposition process. We find this precursor to be stable at ambient conditions and to have sufficient vapor pressure to be suitable for use in HV instruments. More importantly, in the UHV setup, FEBID with [Au(CH3)2Cl]2 yielded deposits with high gold content, ranging from 45 to 61 atom % depending on the beam current and on the cleanliness of the substrates surface.
Air Contamination and Ecological Information Disclosure from South Africa’s High Energy Consumption Industries
Authors: NYAHUNA Thomas , DOORASAMY Mishelle
Published: December 2023

Globally, South Africa is currently amongst the countries with the poorest air pollution. Organizational ecological information disclosure has recently become a progressively more prevalent method for ecological by-laws. However, at the moment, there needs to be empirical confirmation of the organization's ecological information disclosure effects of air contamination. This research investigates the relationship between air contamination and organization ecological information disclosure by applying cross-sectional data gathered from listed South African companies in high-energy consumption sectors from 2015 to 2021. The findings disclose that the link between air contamination and organizational ecological information disclosure is substantially adverse. The Northern Province significantly affects organizational ecological information disclosure compared to the Eastern Province. Furthermore, the effect air contamination has on organization ecological information disclosure also varies in companies situated in the provinces with various corporate ecological information disclosure transparency. This study portrays the interaction between air contamination and ecological information disclosure expansion in emerging economies such as South Africa.
The Role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Innovation and Lifestyle in Enhance Revisit Intention Through Destination Image at Tourist Attraction of Untung Jawa Island
Authors: SETIAWAN Angga , SHIRATINA Aldina
Published: December 2023

This research aims to analyse the role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Innovation and Lifestyle in enhancing Revisit Intention Through Destination Image at the tourist attraction of Untung Jawa Island. The population for this research comprises tourists who have visited Untung Jawa Island at least once, with a sample size of 280 respondents selected using a stratified random sampling method. Data analysis is conducted using Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The study results show that SME Innovation and Lifestyle have a positive and significant influence on Destination Image. Destination Image also has a positive and significant effect on Revisit Intention. Additionally, Lifestyle has a positive and significant impact on Revisit Intention. However, SME innovation has a positive impact, but not a significant effect on Revisit Intention. Overall, the research results indicate that SME Innovation and Lifestyle have a positive and significant effect on Revisit Intention through Destination Image. Destination Image plays an intervening variable between SME Innovation and Lifestyle in relation to Revisit Intention. The implications of this study suggest that the relevant parties of Untung Jawa Island can enhance Revisit Intention by focusing on SME Innovation, Lifestyle, and Destination Image.
The Effect of Savings Growth, Deposit Growth, and Credit Growth on Profitability Growth
Authors: PUTRA I Wayan Gde Yogiswara Darma , VIDYANTARI Putu Kemala
Published: December 2023

This research is entitled The effect of savings, deposits, and credit growth on profitability growth in LPD Kintamani District, Bangli Regency for the 2020-2022 period. The formulation of the problem in this study is whether savings growth, deposit growth, and credit growth affect profitability growth. This study aims to empirically examine the effect of savings growth, deposit growth, and credit growth on profitability growth. The population in this study included 60 LPDs in Kintamani District. The sample in this study was 54 LPDs determined based on the purposive sampling method. The types of data used are quantitative data and secondary data. The data analysis techniques used are classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis, f test, t test and determination coefficient. The results showed that savings growth had a significant positive effect on profitability growth while deposit growth and credit growth had an insignificant effect on profitability growth in LPD Kintamani District.
The Effect of Leadership Style and Competence on Performance with Job Satisfaction as An Intervening Variable
Authors: NARINDRA A.A Ngurah Mayun , DHARMANEGARA Ida Bagus Agung , KAWISANA Putu Gede Wisnu Permana
Published: December 2023

Throughout human civilization's history, it has been known that the dynamics and movements of an organization to some extent depend on humans as the implementers in carrying out organizational activities. When examined in general, the success of an organization or a company in achieving its goals depends on the components within the organization itself, such as leadership, employees, programs, objectives, facilities, and infrastructure available. Performance is crucial in a company because it is closely related to the activities carried out by employees. Mangkunegara (2010) defines employee performance as the quality and quantity of work an employee achieves in carrying out their tasks by their responsibilities. Competence is a fundamental characteristic of an individual that influences how they think and act, make generalizations about all situations they encounter, and endure within a person for a considerable period (Ruky, 2006). Leadership style has a strong positive influence on performance. In an institution, organizational behavior factors also directly or indirectly affect performance. This study focuses on all SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) near Badung Regency, using random sampling for testing variables with Smart PLS 4.0. From the research results, it can be concluded that leadership style does not have a significant influence on employee performance, competence has a significant positive relationship with employee performance. Job satisfaction does not have a significant influence on employee performance. Leadership style does not have an indirect influence on employee performance. Competence does not have an indirect influence on employee performance through job satisfaction.