bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Martin Heidegger
Authors: Trawny Peter
Published: February 2024

The German history of the last century manifests itself in Martin Heidegger's writings more than in almost any other philosophy. Peter Trawny's critical introduction to Heidegger's thought is a presentation of the problematic nature of this philosophizing. At the same time, however, it attempts to grasp the extraordinary significance of this fascinating thinker in the context of 20th century philosophy and beyond. In the preface, Trawny provides clues as to the position of Heidegger's philosophy in current problem constellations.
THE EFFECT OF PROJECT MANAGER COMPETENCE ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PERFORMANCE
Authors: Fauzan Surya Muhammad , Rauzana Anita , Bulba Alfa Taras
Published: February 2024

The development of the construction services sector in Indonesia continues to experience rapid growth, encouraging construction industry players to have quality human resources. This research aims to identify project manager competency factors on construction projects in Banda Aceh City, analyse the relationship between these and project performance achievements, and evaluate their influence on construction project performance achievements in Banda Aceh City. The object of this research is the competency factors of project managers that influence construction project performance. This research was conducted at contractor companies domiciled in the Banda Aceh City area. The data sources used in this research are primary data and secondary data. The population of contractors at small, medium and large qualification levels is 71 contractors. The total sample was 42 contractors. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The variables used in this research include the independent variable (X) and the dependent variable (Y). The data analysis used in this research is descriptive, simple correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The research results show that knowledge, skills, and attitudes have a solid relationship. In contrast, management has a high relationship with project performance achievement. Overall, the project manager's competency factor significantly affects project performance, reaching 94.9%. Management is the most dominant competency factor influencing the achievement of project performance in Banda Aceh City. Thus, increasing the competence of project managers, especially in management, is expected to improve the quality of construction project implementation in the region.
SEARCH FOR BİOLOGİCALLY ACTİVE SUBSTANCES USİNG THE EXAMPLE OF 2.4-DIOXO- AND 4-IMINO-2-OXO- 3-PHENYL-5-R-6-R`-THIENO[2.3-D]PYRIMIDINES, ROSPECTS FOR THEİR USE İN PHARMACY AND MEDİCİNE
Authors:   Department	of	Organic	Chemistry,	Uzhhorod	National	University, Uzhhorod, Ukraine, Rizak Galina
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this paper was the development of new bioactive substances – derivatives of 2.4-dioxo- and 4-imino-2-oxo-3-phenyl-5-R-6-R`-thieno[2.3-d]pyrimidines; researching the structure of invented substances and conducting their pharmacological analysis. Such research methods were used as synthesis of ethyl 4-R-5-R`-2-aminothiophene-3-carboxylates, nitriles of 4- R-5-R`-2-aminothiophene-3-carboxylic acids, their ureide derivatives 2.4-dioxo- and 4-imino-2- oxo-3-phenyl-5-R-6-R`-thieno[2.3-d]pyrimidines, their alkyl, acyl and cyanoethyl derivatives and products of their chemical transformations using various chemical reactions; application of physicochemical methods of analysis to prove the structure and individuality of synthesized compounds; prediction of biological activity using computer methods, a set of standard methods for studying biological properties; assessment and drawing conclusions based on the obtained results. As a result of the research, the peculiarities of the interaction of 2-amino-3- carbethoxy(cyano)thiophenes with phenylisocyanate were studied and the processes of cyclization of the obtained ureide derivatives into the corresponding 2.4-dioxo- and 2-oxo-4-imino-3-phenyl-5- R-6-R`-thieno[2.3-d]pyrimidines. The features of alkylation and acylation of the synthesized thieno[2.3-d]pyrimidines were studied. It was established that the mentioned reactions take place at the exocyclic oxygen atom with the formation of 2-alk(acyl)oxy derivatives. During the interaction of thieno[2.3-d]pyrimidinenes with acrylonitrile, nitriles of 3-(2.4-dioxo-3-phenyl-5-R-6-R`- thieno[2.3-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)propanoic acids were formed, the hydrolysis of which the corresponding propanoic acids were obtained in an acidic medium, and the corresponding amidoximes were obtained under the action of hydroxylamine. On the basis of computer screening data (PASS program), the secretory, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of the synthesized compounds were studied and some patterns were established between the connection of chemical structure and biological activity.
DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF CITALOPRAM AND ITS BIOTRANSFORMATION PRODUCT IN THE URINE BY THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY AND MASS SPECTROM- ETRY
Authors:   National University of Pharmacy of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kharkiv,Ukraine, Baiurka Sergii V. , Karpushina Svetlana A. ,   National University of Pharmacy of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kharkiv,Ukraine, Akhmedov Elshan Yu. ,   National University of Pharmacy of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kharkiv,Ukraine, Altukhov Olexander O. ,   National University of Pharmacy of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kharkiv,Ukraine
Published: February 2024

The conditions for detection of сitalopram and its metabolite in the urine after admin- istration of a single therapeutic dose of the antidepressant using Thin Layer Chromatography have been proposed. The Rf values of the native compound and its metabolite were determined in TLC screening systems. The сitalopram biotransformation product was identified as N- desmethylcitalopram by Mass Spectrometric study of the eluates from chromatograms. Colour reactions for сitalopram and N-desmethylcitalopram with the range of chromogenic reagents have been studied.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTIOXIDANT α-TOCOPHEROL ACETATE IN THE COM- PLEX THERAPY OF THOMSEN MYOTONIA
Authors:   Medical and diagnostic center ", Gasanov Khanlar I. ,   Shafa",   , Baku, Azerbaijan, Alieva Dilara M. ,   Azerbaijan Medical University, Department of Normal Physiology, Baku, Azerbaijan
Published: February 2024

The aim of this work was to study the therapeutic efficacy of diphenin and mexiletine in Thom- sen's myotonia (MT) both in monotherapy and in combination with the antioxidant α-tocopherol acetate. The results obtained suggest that the inclusion of α-tocopherol acetate in therapy signifi- cantly increases the effectiveness of mexiletine and diphenin in patients with severe MT. Given this, α-tocopherol acetate can be recommended in the complex therapy of MT.
CORRECTİON OF HEMOSTASİS DİSORDERS İN EXPERİMENTAL DİABETES WİTH ANTİDİABETİC LYMPHOTROPİC COMPLEX
Authors:   Azerbaijan Medical University, Department of Pathological Physiology, Badalova Aytaj T. , Aliyeva Jamilya T. ,   Azerbaijan Medical University, Department of Pathological Physiology
Published: February 2024

The article presents the results of the combined use of urokinase and the antidiabetic lymphotropic complex (ADLC) in the treatment of hemostasis disorders caused by diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to study the effect of combined administration of urokinase and ADLC on intravascular coagulation in the treatment of experimental diabetes. The studies were carried out on 18 Chinchilla rabbits, divided into control and experimental groups. The research was carried out by creating an alloxan model of diabetes mellitus. Thus, as a result of the studies, it was found that the combined use of urokinase and ADLC in the treatment of hemostasis disorders caused by experimental diabetes has a beneficial effect on the course of diabetes not only by increasing fibrinolytic activity in the blood, but also by slowing down intravascular coagulation.
Pemahaman Matematis Siswa Pada Materi Pola Bilangan di SMP Tamansiswa Pematang Siantar
Authors: Asmara Ramadhan  , Firman Pangaribuan  , Gayus Simarmata
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this research is to determine students' mathematical understanding of number pattern material at Tamansiswa Pematang Siantar Middle School. The results of this research can be concluded that students who have high comprehension abilities can solve questions accurately and correctly. Then you can solve it by writing down what is known and asked about the problem and being able to understand the concept of number patterns and number pattern facts in terms of simple concepts. Students who have high understanding meet all 4 indicators of mathematical understanding that have been selected by researchers. Students who have moderate understanding can solve problems on questions and are able to understand the concept of number patterns and number pattern facts in terms of simple concepts. However, students who had low understanding did not understand the questions given by the researcher. And students who have moderate understanding fulfill 2 indicators of mathematical understanding. Students who have low understanding are unable to understand the problem, cannot state that they know and are asked about a problem, are unable to solve the problem and are unable to complete the operation of the requested problem. The student was very confused in solving the questions, this was proven by the difference in what the question asked for and what he answered and was unable to convey the concepts of number patterns. Students who have low understanding only fulfill 1 indicator of mathematical understanding.
Letter from the Former Editor-in-Chief for 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 periods: Happy 30th volume and 35th Birthday, European Journal of Therapeutics!
Authors: Demiryürek Abdullah Tuncay
Published: February 2024

Dear Colleagues,
I am very pleased to share this editorial with you in commemoration of the 35th Anniversary and the 30th Volume of the European Journal of Therapeutics (Eur J Ther), formerly Gaziantep Medical Journal (Gaziantep Med J), where I served as Editor-in-Chief with great honour between 2011-2012 and 2013-2014.
The journal, which started its publication life in 1990 with the great efforts of Dr. Sabri Güngör, was initially published in two issues a year [1]. In 2009, it continued as three issues a year [2], and in 2014, during the period of our Editor-in-Chief, it started to be published as four issues a year [3]. While celebrating the thirty-fifth Anniversary and the thirtieth Volume of the journal in the February 2024 issue (Vol: 30, No: 1), I would also like to express my great happiness that it will be published six issues a year from now on.
When I was the Editor-in-Chief of the journal, there was no professional publisher support. We had not received any financial support during that time. So, we had to work hard to publish the issues on time. We managed to publish issues in both online and print versions. We used our university's printing office. I must indicate that I am very grateful to the director and workers of the printing office for their enormous help in publishing the printed issues of the journal at that time. As the Editor-in-Chief of the journal, I compiled all the previously published issues, converted them into PDF files, and formed the archives of the journal. We made the first attempt to increase the number of editorial board members by including foreign editors. It was one of the steps to becoming an international journal. We started to accept articles written in English. After all this work, we applied for indexing the journal with different organizations, and we received positive returns.
I believe that the former, current, and future editors are fighting in a long-term relay race as players of the same team. As one of the former Editor-in-Chiefs, I would like to express that I will always provide all the support I can for the further development of the journal, and I would like to thank all the editors who have contributed to the further development of the journal through this editorial.
Yours sincerely
Decision Support System for Determining Exemplary Employees Using the Evaluation Method based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS)
Authors: Priandika Adhie Thyo , Wahyudi Agung Deni
Published: February 2024

The selection of the best employees is a critical process in human resource management (HRM) that aims to get individuals who best fit the needs and goals of the organization. This study aims to determine the best employees using Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) using criteria of Loyalty, Discipline, Liveliness, Responsibilities, Leadership, Organization, Knowledge so that the resulting solution can provide recommendations for decision makers in making a decision. Based on the process of completing steps from stage 1 to stage 7, the selection of the best employees using the Evaluation Method based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) resulted in the best employee recommendations obtained on behalf of Yuni with a value of 0.686 to rank 1. 2nd place was obtained by Yustian with a value of 0.566, 3rd place was obtained by Lisa with a value of 0.563, and 4th place was obtained by Andi with a value of 0.486
Penerapan Metode Complex Proportional Assessment Dalam Penentuan Ketua Karang Taruna
Authors: Widodo Tri
Published: February 2024

Pemilihan Ketua Karang Taruna merupakan suatu proses yang krusial dalam organisasi pemuda dan remaja di tingkat desa atau kelurahan. Permasalahan yang terjadi dalam pemilihan ketua karang taruna belum adanya sebuah model keputusan dalam penentuan ketua karang taruna, sehingga perlu menggunakan sebuah model sistem pendukung keputusan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menerapkan metode COPRAS dalam pemilihan ketua karang taruna sehingga dapat memberikan rekomendasi sebagai solusi sebuah keputusan dalam proses penentuan ketua karang taruna. Hasil perangkingan pemilihan ketua karang taruna dengan menggunakan metode COPRAS untuk peringkat 1 dengan total nilai 100% didapat oleh calon ketua 3, peringkat 2 dengan total nilai 99,79% didapat oleh calon ketua 4, peringkat 3 dengan total nilai 98,86% didapat oleh calon ketua 2, dan peringkat 4 dengan total nilai 97,98% didapat oleh calon ketua 1. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan menggunakan metode COPRAS merekomendasikan Calon Ketua 3 menjadi ketua karang taruna berdasarkan hasil penilaian yang telah dilakukan oleh anggota pemilih.
Metode Multi-Objective Optimization on the Basis of Simple Ration Analysis Dalam Penentuan Penerima Beasiswa
Authors: Isnain Auliya Rahman
Published: February 2024

Scholarships provide significant benefits by opening the door to access education that previously might have been difficult to reach. The problem in this study arises from the conventional method used in the process of determining scholarship recipients. The Multi-Objective Optimization on the Basis of Simple Ration Analysis method or often known as the MOOSRA method is an innovative approach that combines two important concepts, namely multi-objective optimization and financial ratio analysis. This study aims to apply the MOOSRA method in the selection of scholarship recipients using criteria, namely the average value of report cards, parents' income, and the number of siblings. The ranking results using the MOOSRA method for scholarship recipients were obtained for rank 1, namely with a final grade of 2.17382 by Student C, rank 2 with a final grade of 1.75556 by Student B, and rank 3, namely with a final grade of 1.63415 by Student D.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Penentuan Barista Terbaik Menggunakan Rank Sum dan Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS)
Authors: Sintaro Sanriomi
Published: February 2024

The selection of the best barista has become a crucial factor in guaranteeing a unique and satisfying coffee experience for connoisseurs. As an appreciation of the art of coffee making increases, barista selection no longer revolves around technical skills, but also on creativity, dedication, and interpersonal expertise. This study aims to apply the ARAS (Additive Ratio Assessment) method in determining the best barista using the Rank Sum weighting method, so that the results of the criteria weighting will be better in producing the best barista recommendations based on the decision support system model. The criteria used in selecting the best barista are barista skills, barista knowledge, experience, mastery of tools, and communication. Based on the ranking results using the ARAS method, it recommended rank 1 with a final value of 0.9483 obtained by Fandy, rank 2 with a final value of 0.9294 obtained by Abdur, and rank 3 with a final value of 0.8902 obtained by Delvin. The results of the test assessment using the blackbox testing model all the features of the best barista determination application are in accordance with their functions, the final results of application testing by 100% have worked according to the features made.
Antibacterial Evaluation in vitro of the Essential Oil of Astronium urundeuva (M.Allemão) Engl. Against Multidrug-Resistant Strains
Authors: de Sousa Terezinha Raila Ramos , da Costa Silva José Thyálisson , da Costa Ismael Almeida , Moura Talysson Felismino , de Oliveira Borges João Arthur , Menezes Saulo Almeida , de Oliveira Alef Martins , da Silva Viviane Bezerra , Gonçalves Pereira Ana Letícia , Verçosa Cícero Jorge , de Souza Mikael Amaro , de Sousa Fernandes Priscilla Augusta , da Anunciação José Aglailson Oliveira , da Cruz Rafael Pereira , Morais-Braga Maria Flaviana Bezerra , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Almeida-Bezerra José Weverton ,   Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri,  63105-000, Crato, CE, Brazil.
Published: February 2024

Given the current disastrous situation of bacterial resistance resulting in deaths worldwide due to the misuse of antibiotics, it is necessary to explore natural means that can reverse this situation. Thus, the essential oil of Astronium urundeuva, which possesses properties directly related to its antibacterial effects, was the focus of this research. The objective was to analyze the antibacterial activity of the essential oil from A. urundeuva leaves, as well as its antibiotic-enhancing action. Initially, approval was obtained from the Biodiversity Authorization and Information Systems (SISBio) and the National System for Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge (SisGen). Subsequently, collections were made, and extracts from A. urundeuva leaves were obtained. In addition, in vitro tests were conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oil, along with tests to identify any modifying activity on antibiotic action. Bacterial strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were used for these tests. It was found through the minimum inhibitory concentration that the essential oil (EO) alone could not prevent bacterial growth, considering that its result was > 512 µg/mL. However, it was observed that the essential oil, in conjunction with certain antibiotics, had a potentiating effect on its antibacterial action. The most significant enhancers were Norfloxacin, as it achieved higher action against all three tested strains when combined with the EO, and Gentamicin, which, when combined with the EO, strengthened its action against E. coli and S. aureus. However, Ampicillin, when combined with the EO, showed significance only against S. aureus. Therefore, this study revealed that the essential oil of A. urundeuva may be promising, as it can enhance the action of antibiotics against bacterial growth.
Total Hepatic Herniation Associated with Giant Omphalocele: Case Report
Authors:   Pediatric Surgery Attending Physician, Armed Forces Specialty Hospital N°1 Quito- Ecuador., Moscoso Daniel Manzano , Gordón Laura González ,   Pediatric Surgery Attending Physician, Hospital Institute of Social Security IESS Quito Sur. Quito- Ecuador., Rodríguez Ana Lucía Cevallos ,   Resident Physician of Neonatology Service, Armed Forces Specialty Hospital N°1 Quito- Ecuador.
Published: February 2024

Omphalocele is a congenital defect of the abdominal wall. The current knowledge of its etiology suggests that this defect is not due to the failure of closure or migration of the body wall. Rather, since the umbilical cord is inserted into the sac, it is considered that the omphalocele appears due to the lack of return of the viscera to the abdominal cavity. Consequently, the abdominal contents are herniated with an incidence of 1.5 to 3 per 10,000 births and are associated with multiple congenital and chromosomal malformations. We present an atypical and rare case of a 37-year-old mother; As a result of his fourth pregnancy, with an ultrasound diagnosis at 21 weeks of omphalocele with herniated fetal liver, with birth without complications by scheduled caesarean section, whose defect was considered a giant omphalocele (> 6cm), and which was treated with the placement of silo since the introduction of the herniated contents (liver) into the abdominal cavity was not achieved. The purpose of this paper is to try to explain the complexity of the management of this type of patient, and the complications related to its management, since, being of rare presentation, it becomes a complex challenge for the multidisciplinary team that must face this type of pathology.
KETERLIBATAN ORANG TUA PADA PEMBELAJARAN SISWA BUDDHIS DI ERA NEW NORMAL
Authors: Wulandari Dippa , Parsiyono Parsiyono , Dewi Sukhitta
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to describe the involvement of parents in the learning of Buddhist students in the new normal era, to describe the learning model applied by parents, and to describe the appropriate learning model to be applied by parents. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The subjects in this study consisted of parents, Buddhist students, and teachers at SD Negeri Wates 01. The data collection techniques used by the researcher were interview, observation, and documentation tecniques according to the three instruments. Ways to ensure the validity of the data obtained were through continuous observation, triangulation, member check, credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The researcher analyzed the data obtained using the Miled & Huberman method. The results of this study include forms of parental involvement, namely accompanying children to study and checking the tasks that have been carried out during tutoring, paying attention and helping children while studying, asking children’s assignments, supervising and reminding children to learn. Meanwhile, the learning model applied by parents is the direct learning model, the questioning learning model, the inquiry learning model, and the discovery learning model. The appropriate learning model to be applied to parents is the learning model which has been applied plus the development of the nature of Mettā dan Karuņā so that the children’s learning process can be carried out in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings.
Historical biogeography of present-day Florida
Authors: Neill Wilfred T.
Published: February 2024

Numerous Floridian plants and animals have geographic ranges which reflect both environmental conditions of today and geologic and climatic events of the past, especially those of the Pleistocene. Seven biogeographic areas are recognized for the state, and the associated faunas and floras are described.
Middle-American Poeciliid Fishes of the Genus Xiphophorus
Authors: Rosen Donn Eric
Published: February 2024

Drawing upon information from the present studies of the comparative and functional morphology, distribution, and ecology of the forms of Xiphophorus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) and those made during the last quarter of a century on their genetics, cytology, embryology, endocrinology, and ethology, the species are classified and arranged to indicate their probable phylogenetic relationships. Their evolution and zoogeography are considered in relation to a proposed center of adaptive radiation on Mexico's Atlantic coastal plain. Five new forms are described: X. variatus evelynae, new subspecies; X. milleri, new species; X. montezumae cortezi, new subspecies; X. pygmaeus nigrensis, new subspecies; X. helleri alvarezi, new subspecies.
Fossil Sirenians and Desmostylids from Florida and Elsewhere
Authors: Reinhart Roy H.
Published: February 2024

Florida is the only part of the world in which extensive sirenian remains have been recovered from each epoch, beginning with the Eocene and continuing into the Recent. The evolutionary stage of the Mio-Pliocene sirenians from Florida parallels that of similarly aged European sirenians, in which a puzzling complex of specimens assigned to Metaxytherium, Halianassa, and Felsinothefium exists. From this study a proposal for synonymy of the above genera into the genus Metaxytherium is made. Florida metaxytheres are subdivided into three species with retention of trivial names now in use. Amplification and clarification of these species are made through a description of a number of new specimens. Changes in interpretation of the cranial morphology of Hesperosiren are suggested, with the result that this form appears to be closely related to Metaxytherium, rather than the highly aberrant form it has been considered. The presence of Halitherium in continental North America is now established beyond question in the new species H. olseni from Florida. Although of a similar evolutionary stage, this specimen is from beds of Middle to Upper Miocene, as compared to the Middle to Upper Oligocene European Halitherium. Ribs of Middle Eocene sirenians have been substantiated from a number of Florida localities, but no diagnostic elements have been found. Comments are made on Sirenia from areas other than Florida. These include a review of Sirenia from Java, the second report of a dugongid from South America, the validity of the Argentine trichechid Ribodon, and a report on the nomenclatorial status of Manatus and Trichechus. Desmostylid remains have been authenticated only from the circum-North Pacifc region, but reports on fragmentary teeth, incorrectly identified, have been attributed to Desmostylus from various localities. Two such proposals, Cryptomastodon from Java and Desmostylus from Texas, are discussed. Reports on new specimens of Cornwallius from the Aleutian chain, and Desmostylus from California and Florida are made, the latter being the first desmostylid authenticated outside of the Pacific. Discovery of Desmostylus in Florida extends its upper stratigraphic range from Late Miocene to Mio-Pliocene or to Middle Pliocene (Hemphillian), according to the age designation given to the Bone Valley Formation.
Foraging and Reproductive Ecology in a Panamanian Bat Community
Authors: Bonaccorso Frank J.
Published: February 2024

Resource partitioning, reproduction, and community structure in a tropical moist forest community of 35 bat species were studied on Barro Colorado Island, Panama Canal Zone. Over a three-year span 2884 bats were captured, banded, and released; data were collected on food habits, activity cycles, habitat selection, and reproductive timing. Information on seasonality and abundance of fruit, flower, and insect resources used by bats also was collected. Fluctuating levels of food resources require that many bat species utilize different habitats and foraging strategies through a year. Competitive interactions, predator avoidance, and climatic fluctuations further influence foraging strategies. The bat community is divided into nine feeding guilds on the basis of diet and method of food procurement. Within the most complex guilds food resources are partitioned temporarily, spacially, and by size and quality. Within the simplest guilds food resources are partitioned primarily by particle size. Reproduction coincides with high levels of food availability. Species utilizing food sources abundant over most of the year have two litters per year.
Variation and Relationships of Some Hispaniolan Frogs (Leptodactylidae, Eleutherodactylus) of the ficordi group
Authors: Schwartz Albert
Published: February 2024

Five species of Hispaniolan Eleutherodactylus of the ricordi group are discussed, and variation in these species is given in detail. The relationships of these five species, both among themselves and with other Antillean members of the ricordi group, are treated, and a hypothetical sequence of inter- and intra-island trends is given, based upon presence or absence of digital discs and glandular areas. Data on voice, habitat, and distribution of the included species are given.
Nannippus phlegon (Mammalia, Equidae) from the Pliocene (Blancan) of Florida
Authors: MacFadden Bruce J. , Waldrop John S.
Published: February 2024

Dental and postcranial remains of the three-toed horse, Nannippus phlegon, are described from four localities in Florida: Santa Fe River, Haile XVA, Sarasota, and Port Charlotte. As is the case elsewhere in North America, the presence of N. phlegon at these Florida localities appears to indicate a Blancan age, which spans a time interval from about 4.5 to 2 million years ago. Specimens of N. phlegon from Florida are similar to those found elsewhere in North America, e.g. the typotypic material from Mt. Blanco in the Texas Panhandle. Diagnostic characters of N. phlegon include: small and gracile stature, no preorbital facial fossa, elongate rostrum and symphysis, very hypsodont teeth, cement relatively thick above oval border, oval protocones, moderately complex enamel plications, deep ectoflexids, ectoparastylid absent, metapodials tridactyl and elongate, and trapezium absent. Postcranial remains demonstrate that N. phlegon was a functionally advanced and highly cursorial "antelope-like" hipparion. Several derived characters are presented here to support the hypothesis that a morphocline, which also is interpreted to represent an ancestral-decendent sequence, proceeds from N. minor (particularly from the Bone Valley district) to N. beckensis (from the early Blancan of Texas) to N. phlegon.
Catalogue of Fossil Birds, Part 3 (Ralliformes, Ichthyornithiformes, Charadriiformes)
Authors: Brodkorb Pierce
Published: February 2024

The third installment of the Catalogue of Fossil Birds treats 84 families comprising the orders Ralliformes, Ichthyornithiformes, and Charadriiformes. The species included in this section number 366, of which 215 are paleospecies and 151 are neospecies. With the addenda of 14 paleospecies, the three parts now published treat 1,236 species, of which 771 are paleospecies and 465 are living or recently extinct. The nominal order Diatrymiformes is reduced in rank to a suborder of the Ralliformes, and several generally recognized families are reduced to subfamily status. These include Geranoididae and Eogruidae (to Gruidae); Brontornithidae (to Phorusrhacidae); Bathornithidae, Psilopteridae, and "Hermosiornithidae" (to Cariamidae); Rostratulidae, Charadriidae, Phalaropodidae, and Haematopodidae (to Scolopacidae); Presbyornithidae (to Recurvirostridae); Rhegminornithidae (to Jacanidae); and Mancallidae (to Alcidae). New taxa include the family Gryzajidae (for Gryzaja odessana Zubareva, in suborder Otides); the subfamilies Palaeociconiinae (for Palaeociconia Moreno and Mercerat, in Phorusrhacidae) and Prophororhacinae (for Prophororhacus Rovereto, in Cariamidae); the genus Eortyx (for Tringa? hoffmanni Gervais, in Gallinuloidinae); and the species Gallinula kansarum (Upper Pliocene, Kansas), Eogrus wetmorei (Upper Miocene, Inner Mongolia), Limosa ossivallis (Lower Pliocene, Florida), and Erolia ennouchii (new name for Totanus minor Ennouchi, preoccupied).
The Mammal Fauna of Schulze Cave, Edwards County, Texas
Authors: Dalquest Walter W. , Roth Edward , Judd Frank
Published: February 2024

Vertebrate remains from two levels in Schulze Cave, Edwards County, Texas, are analyzed. The younger materials probably date from ca. 5,000 B.P. to 8,800 B.P. The fauna is essentially modern, but the absence of the armadillo collared peccary, ringtail, and rock squirrel is thought to be significant. Theolder materials probably date from ca. 11,000 B.P. to 8;000 B.P. The mammalian fauna of these Pleistocene sediments includes 62 species, of which 8 are extinct, 19 are not now regident on the Edwards Plateau, and 40 still live in the general area of the cave. Three species have not previously been reported from Pleistocene deposits in Texas: vagrant shrew, eastern chipmunk, and western jumping mouse. Five species of the Schulze Cave local fauna are now found no closer than the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado and New Mexico. These prefer an alpine meadow habitat, and it is postulated that alpine meadow conditions were present on the High Plains during late Wisconsin time. Other species of the Schulze Cave local fauna are now found no closer than the woodlands of eastern Texas, and it is probable that the wood-lands were continuous to the Edwards Plateau in late Wisconsin time.
Some Mexican Land Snails of the Family Urocoptidae
Authors: Thompson Fred G.
Published: February 2024

The genus Anisospira Strebel, 1880 is redefined on the basis of anatomical characters and divided into two subgenera. Anisospira (sensu strictu) is restricted to include only the species from the Tehuantepec region. Trachycion n. subgen., is proposed to include the remaining western Mexican species formerly placed in Anisospira (s.s.). Dissotropis Bartsch, 1906 is redefined anatomically, removed from subgeneric status within Anisospira, and recognized as a distinct genus more closely related to Coelocentrum. A. -liebmanni (Pfeiffer) and A. dalli (Martens) are redefined, and their anatomies are described for the first time. Cylindrella hyalina Pfeiffer, A. orcutti Dall, and Liocentrum wilmoti Bartsch are synonymized with A. liebmanni. New subspecies and species include: A. d. strigens n. ssp. from near Tehuantepec, A. (T.) hadromylla n. sp. from Coastal Michoacan, D. castaneum n. sp. from Jalisco, and D. amplaxis n. sp. from Colima. The anatomy of D. castaneum is described, providing a basis for relating Dissotropis to Coelocentrum. Also included are the descriptions of the following: Coelocentrum tanydeira n. sp. from San Luis Potosi; C. stenocion n. sp. from Guerrero; and C. tomacella adelphion n. ssp., C. tyla n. sp., C. cataclines n. sp., and Eucolodium otoides n. sp. all from Chiapas. Coelocentrum nelsoni Dall is redescribed and its type locality restricted. The embryonic shells of C. pfefferi Dall, C. turris (Pfeiffer), C. tomacella clava (Pfeiffer), and Eucolodium hegewischi Bartsch are also described. Crossostephanus Dall, 1908 is synonymized with the subgenus Coelocentrum Crosse and Fischer, 1872. Cylindrella ghiesbreghti (Pfeiffer), 1856 is synonymized with Eucolodium decollatum (Nyst), 1841.
Variation in Lizards of the Leiocephalus cubensis Complex in Cuba and the Isla de Pinos
Authors: Schwartz Albert
Published: February 2024

Leiocephalus cubensis Gray has been regarded as one of four species of this genus in Cuba and the Isla de Pinos, and has been known to occur throughout both islands in suitable habitats. Collection of 388 specimens and study of additional material from various museums resulted in the partition of L. cubensis into two species, each with four subspecies. L. cubensis is now known from Cuba and the Isla de Pinos, the Doce Leguas keys, and the Archipelago de los Canarreos, whereas the new species occurs in western Cuba and the Isla de Pinos. The status of Oriente lizards of this complex remains uncertain. A history of the two species leading to their contemporary distribution is offered.
The Herpetofauna of Komodo, with Notes on Adjacent Areas
Authors: Auffenberg Walter
Published: February 2024

The reptiles and amphibians of Komodo are reviewed; their taxonomy, distinguishing features, habitat preferences, parasites, and food habits are discussed. Zoogeography of the Lesser Sunda Islands is reconsidered in the light of new geologic data. A number of the included species have never before been reported from Komodo—some constitute considerable range extensions. New taxa are Typhlops schmutzi (n. sp. from Komodo), Hemiphyllodactylus typus pallidus (n. ssp. from Komodo), and Cyrtodactylus laevigatus uniformis (n. ssp. from Flores). Leilopisma kadarsani Darevsky is placed in the synonomy of Emoia similis Dunn, and Sphenomorphus mertensi Darevsky is olaced in S. emigrans emigrans (Lidth de Jeude). Cryptoblepharus boutonii burdeni (Dunn) is given specific status as C. burdeni Dunn.
A Review of the American Lizards of the Genus Xenosaurus Peters
Authors: King Wayne , Thompson Fred G.
Published: February 2024

Analysis of the total observed range of variation in color and morphological characters in the lizards of the genus Xenosaurus from the available museum material permits the recognition of three species, X. grandis, X. newmanorum, and X. platyceps new species, which can be separated consistently from each other by a number of morphological and color characteristics. Both X. newmanorum and X. platyceps have restricted distributions in San Luis Potosi and Tamaulipas respectively, while X. grandis ranges from Veracruz south to the Pacific slopes of Oaxaca and east to Alta Verapaz. Over the wide distribution of X. grahdis, five subspecies based on differences in color pattern are recognized, X. g. grandis, X. g. sanmartinensis, X. g. rackhami, X. g. arboreus, and X. g. agrenon new subspecies. The observed color variations and their possible derivation from a basic cross banded pattern are discussed.
Geographic variation in the song of Belding’s Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi)
Authors: Bradley Richard Alan
Published: February 2024

The song of Belding's Savannah Sparrow, resident from Santa Barbara, California, south to El Rosario, Baja California del Norte, was studied during the spring of 1973. Songs were recorded from individuals at 14 of the 15 remaining breeding localities of this subspecies and analyzed with an audiospectrograph. Recordings of color-banded birds indicated that each male sang a single highly stereotyped song pattern. Detailed analysis of intrapopulational and interpopulational variation was made. The study of interpopulational variation yielded a mosaic pattern of song "dialects." The occurrence of such song dialects has been substantiated elsewhere for a variety of species. The present study involves very small adjacent, but isolated populations.
Fossil Turtles of the Genus Terrapene in Florida
Authors: Auffenberg Walter
Published: February 2024

Recent paleontological work in the Pleistocene of Florida has made available a larger series of fossil box turtles, Terrapene, than has been studied previously. A large number of modern specimens were examined to determine the extent of variation existing in various populations and to evaluate characters found in the fossils. It is shown that two box turtles are represented in the known Pleistocene localities of the area. There is some evidence of intergradation between them, and the two fossil forms are thus considered subspecies of the Recent form, Terrapene carolina. The smaller Pleistocene form represents the modern T. c. carolina or T. c. bauri or both. The larger fossil form is termed T. c. putnami. Terrapene innoxia and T. formosa are considered synonyms of T. c. carolina or T. c. bauri or both. Terrapene canaliculata and T. antipex are synonyms of T. c. putnami. Terrapene singletoni seems to represent a specimen intermediate between T. c. carolina and T. c. putnami. Certain fossil populations are intermediate between these same two forms and are considered intergrades. A probable history of the genus Terrapene in southeastern United States is presented. The Pleistocene localities of Florida are tentatively correlated on the basis of the box turtles now available from them.
Garip Şair Cemâl Kocabaş Şiirleri
Authors: Sevinçli Veysi
Published: February 2024

Şairler, yaşadığı toplumların gözü, kulağı, sesi ve onların dertlerini dert edinmiş gönüllü erlerdir. Onun içindir ki “Şairleri haykırmayan bir millet / Sevenleri toprak olmuş öksüz çocuk gibidir” denmiştir. Bu gönüllü erlerden biri de Garip Şair Cemâl Kocabaş’tır. Kocabaş, şiirlerinde yaşadığı toplum, çevre, dost, arkadaş, aile gibi birçok sosyal katmanın dertlerini dile getirmiş, onların dertlerini -âdeta- dert edinmiş bir şairimizdir. Küçük yaşta yetim kaldığı ve ailesinin en büyük çocuğu olmasının sorumluluğuyla kardeşlerinin eğitimi, ailenin iaşesini sağlamak sebebiyle ancak ilkokul eğitimini tamamlayabilmiş ve buna rağmen de Allah vergisi bir yetenekle söz konusu dertleri dile getirmekten bir an olsun geri kalmamıştır. Şair sorumluluğuyla her gün bu konuları işlemeye de devam etmiştir. Görünen o ki bu azim ve gayret içinde olduğu müddetçe daha buna benzer pek çok eserlere şahit olabileceğiz. Bu arzu ve dileklerimizin gerçekleşmesi temennisiyle…
Doç. Dr. Veysi SEVİNÇLİ
ECONOMIC ISSUES OF THE WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Huseinagić Enes
Published: February 2024

Developing countries, regardless of their size, strive for economic and accelerated development. These countries do not have the appropriate prerequisites: the necessary capital, professional and especially highly professional personnel, a more developed market with a demand for new products capable of paying, a developed trade network capable of penetrating foreign markets, etc. Going over these evident real objective difficulties and obstacles to development, these countries are turning towards the economically developed part of the world, seeking and expecting from it actions and incentives for their development, convinced that in that case they would find enough strength to move their production forces forward more decisively. For this, it is necessary that these countries themselves make a special effort to train their entire internal social organization for the modern functioning of the economy, the social structure, and life in the country in general, to move towards the EU as ambitiously and fast as possible.

 
The Future Delivered: Rethinking Last Mile in the Age of Instant Gratification
Authors: Sharma Arjun
Published: February 2024

This study explains the problems faced in last mile delivery (LMD) and suggests innovative solutions for them. The demand for home delivery services for delivering small package to the customers’ doorsteps has expanded rapidly due to the exponential growth of online shopping. Last mile delivery has now become a key success factor for any business, thanks to the rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT), e-commerce and the COVID-19 pandemic. Final-mile delivery on the very same day as placing the order for a product, has turned out to be a critical success factor for businesses, since modern-day customers have grown new habits and hence new expectations - the expectation of expedited demand fulfillment through door-step delivery of the products they shop online. Though the costliest leg of the supply chain, LMD will always be what creates the competitive edge for the e-commerce. It is necessary for sustenance and success.
Setting up the MYSTAT potentiostat for development
Authors: Smith Kirk Pollard
Published: February 2024

While searching for an open-source potentiostat, I found the blog https://chemisting.com/, and discovered another home scientist, Daniel, working on (flow) batteries, who had been experimenting with various open source potentiostats from the literature. I reached out, and Daniel and I shared a PCB assembly order for this MYSTAT potentiostat. More details on Daniel’s blog!
Hallucination in Large Language Models and Two Effective Alleviation Pathways
Authors: Fang Qingqin
Published: February 2024

An Introduction to Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and Knowledge Graph

Author Qingqin Fang (ORCID: 0009–0003–5348–4264)

Introduction

Large Language Models (LLMs) have transformed the landscape of natural language processing, demonstrating exceptional proficiency in generating text that closely resembles human language.
Efficient Information Retrieval and Response Generation with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
Authors: Pi Wenyi
Published: February 2024

How to efficiently retrieve information for different applications

Author Wenyi Pi (ORCID: 0009-0002-2884-2771) This article aims to explore various ways in which Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) can be utilised to retrieve information and generate responses effectively within the dialogue system. The rationale behind utilising RAG as well as potential ways in which it can be employed effectively will be covered.
Recent Advances in using Retrieving Multimodal Information for Augmented Generation
Authors: He Xuzeng
Published: February 2024

An Introduction to RA-CM3, MuRAG and RACE Author Xuzeng He (ORCID: 0009-0005-7317-7426) Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) has demonstrated impressive performances in tasks such as text generation and text-to-image generation.
Explorando tarefas matemáticas para a formação de professores do ensino básico: desafios e possibilidades
Authors: Gomes Alexandra , Ferreira Dores , Gonçalves Catarina Vasconcelos
Published: February 2024

Não parecem existir dúvidas de que o que os alunos aprendem é amplamente definido pelas tarefas que lhes são dadas. Isto é válido também para a formação de (futuros) professores. Na formação de professores, as tarefas matemáticas podem ser usadas para diversos fins: para introduzir ideias matemáticas, para melhorar a compreensão matemática, para explorar questões relacionadas à pedagogia da matemática, entre outras. Por outro lado, a atividade que ocorre, relacionada com a tarefa, é altamente dependente: de como a tarefa é preparada; de como a tarefa é apresentada; das interações durante a atividade; e de como o trabalho é analisado. Enquanto formadores de professores, é importante escolher/criar cuidadosamente as tarefas matemáticas e estarmos cientes das nossas intenções, ao usá-las, nomeadamente saber que tipo de conhecimento matemático para ensinar pretendemos desenvolver aquando da sua aplicação. Quando usamos uma tarefa matemática para além da mobilização e melhoramento do conhecimento matemático, as nossas intenções também se relacionam com o desenvolvimento do conhecimento pedagógico dos (futuros) professores. Neste artigo iremos apresentar uma investigação ainda em curso, cujo objetivo é desenhar tarefas para a formação de professores do Ensino Básico, no âmbito da Geometria. Após a apresentação do enquadramento teórico e das principais opções metodológicas do estudo, serão apresentados exemplos de tarefas já elaboradas e serão discutidos alguns problemas e desafios associados ao desenho de tarefas.
Construção do conceito de integral definida em um ambiente de análise de modelos com uso de tecnologias digitais
Authors: Kapczynski Emanuel Rodrigues , Bueno Beatriz Helena Cordal , Soares Débora da Silva
Published: February 2024

O presente estudo é de cunho qualitativo e tem como pano de fundo a proposta de um ambiente de aprendizagem de Análise de Modelos com uso de Tecnologias Digitais para o ensino de Cálculo Diferencial e Integral. Seu objetivo é analisar potencialidades do referido ambiente para o desenvolvimento de processos de pensamento matemático avançado, a partir de uma tarefa que visava orientar os estudantes em uma análise de um modelo para o movimento retilíneo uniformemente variado, a fim de trabalhar o conceito de integral definida com uso dos softwares Modellus e GeoGebra. Para tanto, foram analisadas as transcrições de discussões de uma das duplas participantes de um curso de extensão ofertado em uma universidade federal em 2019. Tal análise identificou potencialidades do ambiente proposto relacionadas aos processos de transitar entre representações mentais, traduzir e generalizar, no qual as tecnologias utilizadas tiveram um papel fundamental, assim como o design das tarefas.