bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of a diesel engine performance powered by soybean biodiesel and diesel fuels
Authors: Abdelrazek Mohamed Khaled , Abdelaal Mohsen Mohamed , El-Nahas Ahmed Mustafa
Published: January 2023

Background

The present study presents a 3-D numerical simulation of a direct injection diesel engine powered by base diesel oil and soybean biodiesel fuel at different load conditions. The modeling was performed using commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software linked to a chemical solver. A chemical kinetic reaction mechanism was developed to simulate the combustion and fuel spray processes. Base diesel oil results were verified using a single-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engine.

Results

The study showed that the usage of the soybean biodiesel fuel caused a reduction in carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by about 42.38% and 41.35%, compared with base diesel and an increase in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of about 21.8% and 11.2%, respectively. Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) is reduced by an average value of 9.4%, the brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) is increased by an average value of 11.8% and the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) is dropped by an average value of 11.3% for soybean biodiesel fuel.

Conclusions

The CFD model showed the effect of the unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters present in soybean biodiesel on the spatial distributed values of NOx, oxygen and temperature during the combustion in engine cylinder. It was observed that the combustion of soybean biodiesel began about 3.89 CAD earlier than base diesel, and the in-cylinder peak pressure was dropped by 8.25%. Soybean biodiesel fuel was optimized by performing four starts of injection (SOI) at timings of − 18, − 16, − 15 and − 13,5 bTDC, and it was found that the combustion characteristics of soybean biodiesel are optimum at SOI = − 15 bTDC. These results indicate that the biodiesel fuel can be used as an alternative and environmentally friendly fuel in the engine without any modifications.
Care at Your Fingertips: Codesign, Development, and Evaluation of the Oncology Hub App for Remote Symptom Management in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Bradford Natalie , Slater Penelope , Fielden Philippa , Condon Paula , Skrabal Ross Xiomara , Douglas Matthew , Radford Claire , Carter Amanda , Walker Rick , Badat Ashraf , Edwards Rachel , Spencer Brooke , Herbert Anthony
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE

To codesign, develop, and evaluate a smartphone app that includes patient-reported measures of symptoms and real-time advice in children's cancer.

METHODS

The Oncology Hub is a comprehensive approach to symptom management that includes a suite of codesigned tools and resources including clinical algorithms to determine the level of concern, symptom management advice, and resources for families of children with cancer. The evaluation involved Think Aloud interviews with parent and adolescent patients to complete tasks in the app as well as a User Experience questionnaire (score range, 0-120) and qualitative feedback. The accuracy of algorithms was determined by repeated testing of inputs and outputs over 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Design and wireframes were iteratively refined through consultation with parents and adolescents confirming the final design. Beta testing evaluation was then completed by 25 participants including two adolescents. Across all participants, 84% of tasks were easy to navigate, and the Oncology Hub demonstrated high usability, usefulness, and acceptability with participants' scores ranging between 90 and 120 (mean = 112.2, standard deviation = 9.43). Qualitative feedback was positive. Testing of algorithms identified inconsistencies in understanding between clinical research and coding teams; refinements were made until the expected response notifications were returned with 100% accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Technology offers new ways to think about how clinicians and families communicate and share information to harness the best of community and hospital services. Understanding how information is exchanged using health apps, and how this affects clinical workflow is critical to successful implementation, and optimizing symptom assessment and management in children with cancer.
Από την υπηρεσία στον σουλτάνο στη στελέχωση του ελληνικού κράτους
Authors: Ανδρέου Άννα
Published: January 2023

Η διατριβή αφορά τον τελευταίο Φαναριώτη ηγεμόνα, Μιχαήλ Γρηγορίου Σούτσο, γνωστότερο ως Μιχάλβοδα. Στο επίκεντρο της μελέτης έχει τεθεί η διερεύνηση της πολιτείας του Μιχάλβοδα, εστιάζοντας κυρίως στο πεδίο της πολιτικής εντός του οποίου δραστηριοποιείται. Η περίοδος πραγμάτευσης συμπίπτει με ολόκληρο σχεδόν το χρονικό ανάπτυγμα της πολιτείας του Μιχάλβοδα, ήτοι από τις αρχές του 19ου αιώνα, οπότε και προετοιμάζεται ως κρατικός αξιωματούχος (homme d’état) έως και τα μέσα του ίδιου αιώνα, που εκών άκων περιορίστηκε στα του οίκου του. Μολονότι η έρευνα εστιάζει σε ένα άτομο, το ξετύλιγμα της δράσης του Μιχαήλ Σούτσου «επιβάλλει» την πραγμάτευση και άλλων ζητημάτων, όπως εκείνου της διακυβέρνησης στο πλαίσιο της οθωμανικής εξουσίας, της μετάβασης από τη μία πραγματικότητα –εκείνη του σουλτανικού καθεστώτος– σε μιαν άλλη, εντελώς διαφορετική, όπως είναι αυτή της συγκρότησης και στελέχωσης του νεοσύστατου εθνικού κράτους. Καταρχήν το ενδιαφέρον επικεντρώνεται αναπόφευκτα στα γεγονότα του 1821, καθότι η Επανάσταση σήμανε το γκρέμισμα του παλαιού κόσμου· εκείνου που είχε διαμορφώσει τον Σούτσο ως Φαναριώτη Ηγεμόνα. Εκ των πραγμάτων το 1821 προσεγγίζεται ως σημείο τομής στην πορεία του Μιχάλβοδα, καθώς τα καθέκαστα της περιπετειώδους συμμετοχής του στο κίνημα του Υψηλάντη, τον ακολούθησαν σε ολόκληρο τον πολιτικό του βίο. Στην πραγμάτευση αυτή καταδεικνύεται ότι η μετάβαση από το καθεστώς της οθωμανικής νομιμότητας στο μοντέλο του εθνικού κράτους μόνο γραμμική και απρόσκοπτη δεν ήταν. Συνακόλουθα, η διαμόρφωση εθνικής ταυτότητας υπήρξε προϊόν διαπραγματεύσεων, αντιφάσεων και αντινομιών, που οδήγησαν στην ανατροπή του λεγόμενου «παλαιού κόσμου» στον οποίο ο Μιχάλβοδας ήταν άριστα ενσωματωμένος.
Κοινωνική οικονομία και νέα επιχειρηματικά μοντέλα στα ΜΜΕ. Το παράδειγμα του περιοδικού δρόμου Σχεδία
Authors: Παπαδοπούλου Λαμπρινή
Published: January 2023

Η παρούσα μελέτη διερευνά τα νέα επιχειρηματικά μοντέλα που αναδύονται οργανικά στο ελληνικό επικοινωνιακό τοπίο και τα οποία, πέρα και πάνω από τους οικονομικούς στόχους, θέτουν ως προτεραιότητά τους κοινωνικές αξίες και οράματα που συνάδουν με τις αρχές της κοινωνικής οικονομίας, όπως η καταπολέμηση του αποκλεισμού και η επανένταξη κι ενδυνάμωση ευάλωτων κοινωνικών ομάδων. Εστιάζοντας στο εν λόγω πεδίο, στόχος είναι να καταγραφούν και να ερευνηθούν οι εναλλακτικές λύσεις που μπορεί να προκύψουν όταν ο τρίτος τομέας συναντά τον κλάδο των ΜΜΕ. Μέσα από την ανάλυση του επιχειρηματικού μοντέλου του περιοδικού δρόμου Σχεδία, το παρόν άρθρο υποστηρίζει πως η κοινωνική οικονομία μπορεί να θέσει τα θεμέλια για ένα νέο μοντέλο ΜΜΕ, το οποίο έχει τη δυνατότητα να δημιουργήσει ισχυρές ρωγμές στο κυρίαρχο παράδειγμα.
Conrad, M., Hálfdanarson, G., Michailidou, A., Galpin, C., and Pyrhönen, N. (Εds.) (2023). Europe in the Age of Post-Truth Politics: Populism, Disinformation and the Public Sphere. Palgrave Macmillan.
Authors: Gotsis George
Published: January 2023

N/A
Παναγής Παναγιωτόπουλος (2021). Περιπέτειες της μεσαίας τάξης. Κοινωνιολογικές καταγραφές στην Ελλάδα της ύστερης μεταπολίτευσης. Επίκεντρο.
Authors: Γαζή Αγγελική
Published: January 2023

N/A
Influence of Organic Iron Enriched Diets on Performance, Egg Quality, Blood Haematological and Biochemical Constituents in Quails
Authors: Olgun O , Gül ET , Yildiz AÖ
Published: January 2023

The current research was carried out to investigate the effect of diets enriched with different levels of organic iron on performance, egg quality, blood haematological parameters, and serum biochemical constituents in laying quails. In the study, 120 female quails at 20 weeks of age were allocated to 5 treatment groups with 6 replicates of 4 quails in each. Experimental diets were formed by adding 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of iron (iron-glycine) to the diet containing 96 mg/kg of iron. Performance parameters of quails were not affected by the supplementation of organic iron to diet (P>0.05). The supplementation of organic iron affected as quadratic only the eggshell breaking strength among the egg external quality parameters, and it was maximum at 150 mg/kg organic iron addition (P<0.01). Egg yolk a* value, which is one of the egg internal quality parameters, was linearly affected by organic iron addition, but other parameters were not affected (P<0.01). The administration of organic iron to the diet linearly increased the serum iron level (P<0.01), the serum phosphorus level was affected quadratically (P<0.05) and reached a maximum at 150 mg/kg. Among the blood haematology parameters, white blood cell and monocyte counts linearly increased with the addition of organic iron to the diet (P<0.01), but other parameters were not affected. According to the results obtained from current research, it can be said that enrichment of laying quail diets with organic iron up to 150 mg/kg level improved eggshell breaking strength without affecting performance, however, it negatively affected blood parameters by increasing white blood cell and monocyte without changing blood red cell parameters.
Rupture of the Prepubic Tendon in a Quadruplet Pregnant Romanov Ewe
Authors: Yilmaz Ö , Biçici Ö , Karakaya-Bilen E
Published: January 2023

A case of prepubic tendon rupture in a Romanov ewe in which four live lambs were removed by cesarean section is presented. A three-year-old ewe, on the 142±3 days of the second gestation was brought to the Siirt University Animal Health Application and Research Center with a sudden downward expansion of the abdomen during the last one day.  When ewe was examined reluctance to locomotion, mild depression, tachycardia, tachypnea and abdominal peculiar enlargement on the left side more than right side were noticed. Because of this case was detected early the general condition was not so bad and clinical examination revealed that swelling was non-painful and non-edematous. Ultrasonography was performed to detect viability of the fetuses, and to eliminate possibility of hernia of the abdominal muscles. Based on anamnesis, abdominal palpation, and clinical examination, this case was diagnosed with prepubic tendon rupture. The prognosis of saving the lives of ewe and fetuses depends on successfully handling all aspects of the case in the last period of pregnancy. Although it is not possible to repair the abdominal integrity surgically in cases of prepubic tendon rupture in the ewe, a planned cesarean operation is indicated to increase the survival rates of both ewe and lambs.
Validation of a LC-UV method for determination of tildipirosin in goat milk
Authors: Galecio JS , Hernandis V , Escudero E , Marín P
Published: January 2023

A simple, rapid, low-cost, and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed to determine tildipirosin in milk goat. Milk samples were precipitated with acetonitrile, and after evaporation, tildipirosin was determined by reverse-phase chromatography with an ultraviolet detector set at a wavelength of 289 nm. Tildipirosin was separated on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column, 150 x 3.0 mm, 5 μm with gradient chromatographic elution. The retention times for tildipirosin and tylosin tartrate were 4.4 min and 10.5 min, respectively. Calibration curves were ranged from 100 to 2500 µg/L. The lower limit of detection was 75 µg/L, and the lower limit of quantitation was 100 µg/L. The accuracy and precision were always <15% except for LOQ < 20%. Mean recovery was 95.6 %. This procedure can be applied to perform pharmacokinetic studies in lactating animals and be useful to detect residues in dairy products.
Investigation of the Epidemiology of Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infections southeast part of the Marmara region of Turkey
Authors: Sait A , Ince OB
Published: January 2023

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are viral pathogens that are common in goats and sheep, affect production, and cause significant economic losses in small ruminant breeding. Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) and Maedi-Visna virus (MVV) are prototypes of SRLVs. Both of them affect animal health and welfare in sheep and goats and cause progressive and persistent infections in the small ruminant industry. The present study aimed to reveal the epidemiological status of lentivirus infection in the sheep region in Yalova province located in the southeast part of the Marmara region and determine the circulating genotypes by conducting the sequence analysis of the samples detected positive by a molecular method and molecular characterization of the detected field strains. To that end, 231 sheep blood samples were used between May 2016 and April 2018. Based on sampling results of the PCR test and ELISA tests, 5.62% (13/231) and 5.19% (12/231) positivity rates were found in sheep, respectively. According to the ELISA test results, a significant difference was found in terms of age groups (6 months -1 age, 1-3 age, >3 age) (χ2: 6.01; p=0.04). Furthermore, the sequence analysis of the gag gene region detected the existence of the A genotype of small ruminant lentiviruses in sheep. The data obtained from the study revealed a low seroprevalence course of SRLV infection in the study area in the absence of a systematic disease control program.
Crimean Tatar kinship terms formed with +pçe
Authors: Jankowski Henryk
Published: January 2023

This article discusses a few Crimean Tatar kinship terms and a noun formed by compounding with an independent word which was contracted to pçe and merged with the preceding word. It is argued that this independent word was apçe ‘elder’ sister, still used in a Crimean dialect in the meaning ‘grandmother’. Attempt was made to show similar strategies in the use of personal names and some other nouns denoting persons with forms of address, as well as to explain the word apçe.
Kollektaneen zum Uigurischen Wörterbuch. Die Vier Edlen Wahrheiten im uigurischen Buddhismus
Authors: Röhrborn Klaus
Published: January 2023

The Four Truths are the basic dogmas of ancient Buddhism and since the pre-classical time they play an important part in Uyghur Buddhism also. The first dogma is the law of suffering in which all living beings are embroiled through impermanence. The fourth dogma is the way of release from suffering as it is taught by the Buddha. This study presents the Uyghur terms for the Four Truths and for the different kinds of suffering.
How to say ‘to fuck’ and other things in Middle Mongγol
Authors: Rybatzki Volker
Published: January 2023

Obscene (and not so obscene) words are, due to prudery, seldom dealt with in Turkic and Mongolic lexicography. Rare exceptions are the works of Jens Peter Laut and Claus Schönig. In the following a short collection of MMo. words related to sexuality, sexual organs and action, abusive words and actions, as well as similar lexemes are presented. The collection is based on a manuscript of mine entitled “Etymological Dictionary of Middle Mongγol”.
Polish (?) bigos. About the thing and about the word
Authors: Skarżyński Mirosław
Published: January 2023

As is well known, the dish under the name of bigos belongs to the canon of Polish cuisine, and is generally viewed as a national dish. The thing itself, however, and its name, are both German borrowings. Based on scarce mentions in old texts, the author attempts to reconstruct the history of bigos – the thing and bigos – the name. With regards to the former, the original German recipe has been heavily modified in the Polish culinary tradition, resulting in a contemporary dish which bears very little resemblance to the German prototype. As for the name itself, an overview of the data cited in etymological dictionaries and in works analyzing the history of German borrowings in Polish (Brückner [= SEBr]; Bańkowski [= SEBań]; Linde [= SL-1]; de Vincenz, Hentschel [= WDLP]; Czarnecki 2014), has persuaded this author to support the hypothesis which derives Pol. bigos from MHG perfect participle bîgossen.
FATORES ASSOCIADOS AO RISCO DE INFECÇÃO E DE HOSPITALIZAÇÃO PELO SARS-COV-2 EM PACIENTES REUMÁTICOS
Authors: Fernandes Camila , Quintans Araujo Yuri , de Sousa Viana Tiago , Pitombeira Noronha Marcos Vinicios
Published: January 2023

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome respiratória aguda grave-coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), apresenta heterogeneidade clínica, a depender das singularidades dos indivíduos. As doenças reumatológicas, que cursam com alterações imunológicas, além de, necessitarem da terapia imunomodulatória para seu controle, acabam por influenciar na responsividade à infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2. Contudo, tal associação, bem como os fatores de risco e de gravidade, não estão claramente elucidados. OBJETIVO: analisar os fatores associados à infecção e à hospitalização de pacientes reumatológicos pelo SARS-Cov-2. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura narrativa, que utilizou as bases de dados PUBMED, Science Direct e o Portal Regional da Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), com os descritores “Covid-19”, “Rheumatic Disease” and "Immunosuppression". Foram selecionadas 11 produções científicas para compor esta revisão. RESULTADOS: Doença reumatológica não foi associada à maior suscetibilidade à infecção/hospitalização por SARS-Cov-2. Em relação aos fatores demográficos, a associação com o aumento do risco de adoecimento/internação por Covid-19 não foi convergente. As comorbidades foram apontadas como fator de maior propensão para a infecção viral, já quanto às drogas antirreumáticas, houveram divergências. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes reumatológicos apresentaram suscetibilidade semelhante à infecção/hospitalização da população geral. A idade avançada e a presença de comorbidades são fatores associados ao risco aumentado de infecção grave e hospitalização por Covid-19. Quanto à terapia imunossupressora, pacientes em uso de Rituximabe ou de glicocorticosteróides de forma crônica, apresentam maior taxa de hospitalização e infecção grave por Covid-19, com aquele aumentando ainda o risco de morte. Já o uso de anti-TNF alfa apresentam efeito protetor.
ESTUDO DA PREVALÊNCIA DOS FATORES INTRÍNSECOS E EXTRÍNSECOS DE RISCO DE QUEDA EM IDOSOS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA
Authors: Pinheiro Neiva Victor Rangel , Loiola Gomes Moreira Raquel
Published: January 2023

No Brasil, entre 2000 e 2010, as internações hospitalares por causas externas, financiadas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), apresentaram um aumento de 19,1%, tendo como principais causas as quedas, especialmente entre a população idosa, representando um problema de saúde pública em ascensão. Objetivo: Averiguar a prevalência de determinados fatores de risco de quedas em idosos da comunidade acolhidos na APS e sua associação com o alto risco intrínseco. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal realizado com idosos atendidos na UBS Dr. Milton Lopes, Imperatriz/MA. A coleta de dados foi instrumental, utilizando-se a Escala de Downton modificada, associada a um instrumento semiestruturado, analisando aspectos como perfil sociodemográfico e elementos considerados fatores de risco para a ocorrência de quedas, além das consequências desse agravo. As variáveis foram associadas pelo teste qui-quadrado de Pearson ou pelo teste exato de Fischer e os valores com p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 182 idosos, com média de idade igual a 72,1 anos, predominando o sexo feminino (62,1%). Houve grande número de relatos de quedas anteriores (48,4%), uso de medicamentos (74,7%) e de déficits sensoriais (81,9%) nessa população. Foi constatada uma prevalência de alto risco intrínseco para quedas em 53,85% da amostra. Dentre os que já caíram, uma boa parcela sofreu lesões de pele (25%) e/ou fraturas (20,4%). Conclusões: Sugere-se a assistência integral e prioritária pelos serviços de saúde pública, visando a identificação de populações com risco aumentado e o pronto estabelecimento de estratégias preventivas nesse âmbito.
Local development in Cuba from a higher education perspective
Authors: Núñez Jover Jorge , Fernández González Aurora
Published: January 2023

The place of local development issues in the country’s economic and social development model has changed drastically, especially in the last three years. Documents such as the Constitution of the Republic and the National Plan for Economic and Social Development 2030, together with the discourse, a set of approved policies and numerous actions by the government, clearly indicate that local development is no longer considered a relatively peripheral issue, of limited importance and only partially understood. To the contrary, it is now seen as a key element of the socio-economic transformations under way. In many municipalities the government–higher education–local development links are being consolidated. The Articulated Platform for the Integral Development of the Territories is an important tool: a flexible, integrative, inter-territorial, multi-level and multi-actor platform that operates throughout the country. The article reviews some of the obstacles that hinder the advancement of local development. Displacing the traditional centralist and top-down model is a difficult task.
Comportamiento del cumplimiento tributario de los trabajadores por cuenta propia en Cuba
Authors: Díaz Maira Vázquez , Silveira-Pérez Yahilina , Sanabria-Navarro José Ramón , Gutiérrez Oscar Parada
Published: January 2023

The Municipal Office of Tax Administration of Santiago de Cuba faces a sustained growth in the level of tax debt of the sector of self-employed workers who pay taxes under the general regime. In this paper, the factors that have the greatest influence on the behaviour of tax compliance in this segment of taxpayers are examined. Surveys were applied to selected experts from the institution, and to a selected sample, processed in SPSS 28.0 and applying prospective planning methods. It showed as key factors: the perception of risk, institutional control, tax justice, keeping documentation of fiscal relevance, trust in ONAT, communication and knowledge of the destination of their contributions to the budget. In addition, strategic recommendations are offered to strengthen strategic alliances with territorial organizations that intervene in compliance management.

La Oficina municipal de Administración Tributaria de Santiago de Cuba enfrenta un crecimiento sostenido del nivel de deuda tributaria del sector de trabajadores por cuenta propia que tributan por el régimen general. En este trabajo se exponen los factores que mayor incidencia tienen sobre el comportamiento de cumplimiento tributario en este segmento de contribuyentes. Se aplicaron encuestas a expertos seleccionados de la institución y a una muestra seleccionada de trabajadores por cuenta propia, fueron procesadas en el SPSS 28.0 y se aplicaron métodos de planificación prospectiva. Dichas encuestas arrojaron como factores clave la percepción del riesgo, el control institucional, la justicia tributaria, la conservación de la documentación de relevancia fiscal, la confianza en la ONAT, la comunicación y el conocimiento del destino de sus aportes al presupuesto. Se ofrecen, además, recomendaciones estratégicas para potenciar las alianzas estratégicas con organismos del territorio que intervienen sobre la gestión de cumplimiento.
Global geopolitical confrontations in the post-Cold War era and the role of Cuba
Authors: Oliva Campos Carlos , Prevost Gary
Published: January 2023

The authors begin from the premise that it is useful to analyse broad trends in international affairs by identifying key moments of change. The primary focus is the current phase of international affairs that has been labelled the post-Cold War world. The authors accept that the fall of the USSR at the end of 1991 marked an important change in geopolitics but argue that the 30-year time period since the fall of the Soviet Union has been marked by some very important changes. The era began with a seemingly omnipotent United States that proclaimed a New World Order of peace, prosperity and democracy. The authors analyse how that vision did not come to pass in the context of wars in the Middle East and the rise of China as a great power and the recovery of Russia. Cuba’s role in the post-Cold War era is analysed and preliminary thoughts are made on the potential changing world order in the context of the Russia-Ukraine War.
Economic and media war against socialist societies: The case of US–Cuban relations
Authors: Ginsburg Mark
Published: January 2023

This article examines the US’s use of sanctions or unilateral coercive measures (economic war) and the US’s support for propaganda communicated through its own organised mass media and the supposedly “independent,” corporate mass media as well as through social media to instigate anti-government sentiment and action (media war). The US’s economic war against Cuba began soon after Cuba’s 1959 revolution, although the US’s hostile actions as well as desires and efforts to shape Cuban society go back to the 19th century. This economic war has had tremendous negative impact on Cuba’s economy and the daily life of Cubans. In terms of the media war, this article focuses on how propaganda distributed through mass, corporate media as well as social media, often paid for by the US government, was directed at misleading Cubans and others, including those in the US, about the situation in Cuba. Such distortions were designed to provoke alienation and anti-government action by Cubans in general and, in more recent years, particular subgroups of artists, musicians, Afro-Cubans, and youth. And while some successes can be noted (specifically the sparking and broadcasting of protests on 11 July 2021), more generally the media war has failed in its goal of regime change. The non-event of 15 November 2021 is a clear example of this.
There and back again: United States policy toward Cuba in the 21st century
Authors: Domínguez López Ernesto , Rodríguez Rodríguez Raúl
Published: January 2023

The article proposes an approach to the US Cuba policy in the 21st century as public policy. We examine the core variables that drive this Cuba policy and their behaviour during the 21st century. We then identify the central axes of the policy and study their expressions. This allows us to explain the evolution of that policy across three administrations, the first year of a fourth and ten and a half legislative periods. The conclusions of the study provide a better understanding of the making and the nature of that policy. Consequently, it will help to explain the framework that the US Cuba policy creates to thwart the development of Cuba.
Cuban cobalt: A gateway to strategic minerals politics?
Authors: Michael Erisman H.
Published: January 2023

This article explores Cuba’s status within the context of strategic minerals politics, focusing specifically on cobalt. Cuba has the third largest cobalt reserves in the world, which is a crucial element in lithium-ion batteries (especially those used in electric cars). The US, on the other hand, is sorely lacking in cobalt, which is on Washington’s list of Strategic Raw Minerals and is ranked third in terms of its “supply chain risk”. The key issues/questions addressed in the article are: “Cobalt as a Strategic Raw Material”; an “Overview of Cuban Cobalt”; and “Cuban Cobalt: Economic and Political Implications”. The article concludes with an analysis of cobalt’s potential to enhance Havana’s bargaining power with respect to any negotiations with Washington which might occur regarding US economic sanctions in particular and normalization of relations in general.
Passively CEP stable sub-2-cycle source in the
mid-infrared by adiabatic difference frequency
generation
Authors: Ritzkowsky Felix , Bebeti Felix , Rossi Giulio Maria , Mainz Roland , Suchowski Haim , Cankaya Huseyin , Kaertner Franz
Published: January 2023

We report on the generation of a passive carrier-envelope phase (CEP) stable 1.7-cycle pulse in the mid-infrared by adiabatic difference frequency generation. With sole material-based compression, we achieve a sub-2 cycle 16 fs pulse at a center wavelength of 2.7 μm and measured a CEP stability of <190 mrad RMS. The CEP stabilization performance of an adiabatic downconversion process is characterized for the first time.
Occupational and geographical differentials in financial protection against healthcare out-of-pocket payments in Nepal: Evidence for universal health coverage
Authors: Sapkota Vishnu Prasad , Bhusal Umesh Prasad , Adhikari Govinda Prasad
Published: January 2023

Background

The low-and middle-income countries, including Nepal, aim to address the financial hardship against healthcare out-of-pocket (OOP) payments through various health financing reforms, for example, risk-pooling arrangements that cover different occupations. World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended member states to establish pooling arrangements so that the financial risks owing to health uncertainty can be spread across population. This study aims to analyse the situation of financial protection across occupations and geography using nationally representative annual household survey (AHS) in Nepal.

Methods

We measured catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) due to OOP using two popular approaches—budget share and capacity-to-pay, and impoverishment impact at absolute and relative poverty lines. This study is the first of its kind from south-east Asia to analyse disaggregated estimates of financial protection across occupations and geography. The inequality in financial risk protection was measured using concentration index. Data were extracted from AHS 2014–15 –a cross-sectional survey that used standard consumption measurement tool (COICOP) and International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO).

Results

We found a CHE of 10.7% at 10% threshold and 5.2% at 40% threshold among households belonging to agricultural workers. The corresponding figures were 10% and 4.8% among ‘plant operators and craft workers’. Impoverishment impact was also higher among these households at all poverty lines. In addition, CHE was higher among unemployed households. A negative concentration index was observed for CHE and impoverishment impact among agricultural workers and ‘plant operators and craft workers’. In rural areas, we found a CHE of 11.5% at 10% threshold and a high impoverishment impact. Across provinces, CHE was 12% in Madhesh and 14.3% in Lumbini at 10% threshold, and impoverishment impact was 1.9% in Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpachim at US $1.90 a day poverty line.

Conclusion

Households belonging to informal occupations were more prone to CHE and impoverishment impact due to healthcare OOP payments. Impoverishment impact was disproportionately higher among elementary occupations, agricultural workers, and ‘plant operators and craft workers’. Similarly, the study found a wide urban/rural and provincial gap in financial protection. The results can be useful to policymakers engaged in designing health-financing reforms to make progress toward UHC.
Red blood cell rheology during a complete blood count: A proof of concept
Authors: Taraconat Pierre , Gineys Jean-Philippe , Isebe Damien , Nicoud Franck , Mendez Simon
Published: January 2023

Counting and sizing blood cells in hematological analyzers is achieved using the Coulter principle. The cells flow in a micro-aperture in which a strong electrical field is imposed, so that an electrical perturbation, called pulse, is measured each time a cell crosses the orifice. The pulses are expected to contain information on the shape and deformability of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), since recent studies state that RBCs rotate and deform in the micro-orifice. By implementing a dedicated numerical model, the present study sheds light on a variety of cells dynamics, which leads to different associated pulse signatures. Furthermore, simulations provide new insights on how RBCs shapes and mechanical properties affect the measured signals. Those numerical observations are confirmed by experimental assays. Finally, specific features are introduced for assessing the most relevant characteristics from the various pulse signatures and shown to highlight RBCs alterations induced by drugs. In summary, this study paves the way to a characterization of RBC rheology by routine hematological instruments.
Does hand proximity enhance letter identification?
Authors: Grossi Giordana , Olmstead Annie J. , Lukaszewski Danielle
Published: January 2023

Adam et al. (2012) found that letters were identified more accurately when presented near, compared to away from, the hands. Participants performed the task in two conditions: with their hands held stationary and with their hands moving towards and away from the target letters. The near-hands effect included the contribution of both static and dynamic trials. Further studies showed that accuracy in letter discrimination was higher when hands were away from a target (a far-hands effect) and moving toward it, suggesting an interaction between hand position and movement direction. The present study aimed to test whether hand proximity affects letter identification when the hands are stationary, as it remains unclear if this effect can be reliably observed. Participants viewed strings of three consonants, briefly presented and masked, and had to verbally report their identity. Stimuli were presented under two different hand conditions: proximal and distal. The predicted effects of letter position and stimulus duration were all statistically significant and robust; however, we did not observe a hand proximity effect.
Culinary Business Recommendation Application Using Promethee-II Method
Authors: Setiawan Eko Budi , Ferdika Bayu Herlambang  , Angga Setiyadi
Published: January 2023

This research discusses the application that can help determine consumer segmentation and provide recommendations for culinary business, including its selling price. The technology used in this research is a GPS sensor, Google API and JavaScript Object Notation. An Android-based mobile application platform uses GPS sensors to determine the new business location. This research used the Promethee-II method for the recommendation process, and it was based on certain criteria, particularly the factors influencing consumers to purchase. Five criteria were applied, and eight alternatives were calculated. The application was developed with the waterfall model. Based on the results of the alpha testing and user acceptance test, it is concluded that the application which was successfully built could provide prospective business makers with information regarding recommended types of culinary businesses including their selling price, recommended business location, and information about the consumer segmentation.
Morpho-physiological screenings and molecular analysis of west sumatra rice genotypes under submergence stress
Authors: Pohan Selvia Dewi , Sukiran Noor Liyana , Jamsari Jamsari , Abd Aziz Shamsudin Noraziyah
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the submergence tolerance level of 14 rice genotypes by morpho-physiological and molecular analyses of Sub1 alleles. IR64-Sub1 was used as a submergence tolerant check. The submergence screenings were conducted by submerging 14-days-old seedlings in water tanks for 14 days while molecular analysis was conducted using 14 Sub1 linked markers. The results showed that 5 tested genotypes, namely Inpari 48 Blas, Mundam Putiah, Batang Piaman, Banang Pulau and Pulau Sijunjung, recorded high survival rates (SR) of 80% to 100% under submergence stress. PCR-based identification of the Sub1 alleles confirmed that several tested genotypes carry Sub1A and Sub1C, but not all were expressed in their phenotypic performance towards submergence. IR64-Sub1 and Batang Piaman not only showed well-adaptation towards submergence by maintaining lower elongation (<20%) and less chlorophyll content change (TCC) (<30%) but were also equipped with the Sub1A allele. These genotypes potentially provide good phenotypic and genotypic performance under submergence stress conditions. Additionally, based on population structure analysis, these genotypes were grouped into 3 clusters, of which 35.71% are pure accessions, while the remaining 64.29% have admixture ancestry between populations 1, 2 and 3. The data in model-based population structure and UPGMA dendrogram supported that rice genotypes in this study have 3 well-differentiated genetic populations and admixtures. Most genotypes have a close genetic relationship with Nei’s similarity index ranging from 0.571 to 0.893.
Cleaning up black carbon using plant strategies
Authors: Samudro Harida , Samudro Ganjar , Mangkoedihardjo Sarwoko
Published: January 2023

Black carbon aerosol is able to absorb solar radiation and the earth's surface, which results in warming of the air. In addition, aerosols that are directly absorbed through inhalation can have a negative impact on human health. Meanwhile, the ability of air to reduce the level of pollution is the deconcentrating of pollutants through abiotic mechanisms in the form of distribution, dilution, precipitation and washing when it rains. To strengthen the abiotic approach, this study aims to develop a biotic strategy by preparing plants capable of deconcentrating black carbon. The research method is based on a literature review, which specifically addresses the issue of black carbon. Literature is collected from the Mendeley platform and enriched through resource searches in open access journals. The results obtained are cleaning priorities for the closest source of aerosol generation, plant placement in priority areas, selection of plant species, intensification of vegetation quality and management of land cover extensification. The contribution of biotic strategies and phytoremediation pathways enhances the aerosol cleaning process. Plant maintenance and regeneration determine the sustainability of aerosol phytoremediation.
Classes of trivial ring extensions and amalgamations subject to pseudo-almost valuation condition
Authors: Moutui Moutu Abdou Salam , Ouled Azaiez Najib , Koç Suat
Published: January 2023

This paper studies the transfer of pseudo-almost valuation property
(PAVR property for short) to various context of commutative ring
extensions such as power series ring, trivial ring extension and amalgamation. Our
work is motivated by an attempt to generate new original classes of
rings satisfying this property. The obtained results are backed with
new and illustrative examples arising as trivial ring extensions,
amalgamations and pullback constructions.
On interpolation of reflexive variable Lebesgue spaces on which the Hardy–Littlewood maximal operator is bounded
Authors: Diening Lars , Karlovych Oleksiy , Shargorodsky Eugene
Published: January 2023

We show that the necessity part of the main result of [L. Diening, O. Karlovych and E. Shargorodsky,
On interpolation of reflexive variable Lebesgue spaces on which the Hardy–Littlewood maximal operator is bounded,
Georgian Math. J. 29 2022, 3, 347–352]
can be derived easily from its predecessor [2, Theorem 4.1]
and its sufficiency part.
North Korea
Authors: Pateman Joe
Published: January 2023

In communist discourse, revisionism denotes a modification of socialist theory and practice that undermines the revolutionary essence of socialism. This article examines the meaning and purpose of North Korea’s anti-revisionism. Each leader has emphasized different aspects of anti-revisionism, in accordance with the changing circumstances. Kim Il Sung made no concessions to revisionism. He endorsed Juche, the monolithic ideological system, and Korean-style socialism to oppose revisionism. Under Kim Jong Il’s leadership, economic cracks emerged in North Korea’s anti-revisionist edifice, though he promoted Songun politics to mitigate them. These economic cracks have widened under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, though he has promoted Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism to successfully maintain an anti-revisionist course. North Korea has upheld anti-revisionism to safeguard socialism and build communism. Anti-revisionism has played a central role in North Korea’s development by determining the evolution of its ideology, socialist system, and foreign policy. Today, North Korea is the last remaining bastion of anti-revisionism.
Reprocesowanie endoskopów elastycznych
Authors: Domrzalska Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

W niniejszym artykule przedstawiono sposób postępowania z endoskopem elastycznym po przeprowadzonym badaniu. Omówiono proces dekontaminacji endoskopu oraz czynniki wpływające na efektywność przygotowania do ponownego użycia. Opisano cele wyżej wymienionych procesów, a także zagrożenia, które mogą być przeszkodą dla uzyskania prawidłowego efektu przeprowadzonej dekontaminacji.
Czynniki motywujące i satysfakcja z pracy pielęgniarek epidemiologicznych w wybranych placówkach opieki zdrowotnej w okresie pandemii COVID-19
Authors: Opaczewski Michał , Paszko Krystyna
Published: January 2023

Wstęp Zakażenia szpitalne stanowią istotny problem dla szpitali, a kluczową rolę w ich ograniczaniu odgrywają pielęgniarki epidemiologiczne. Cel Celem niniejszego badania było określenie czynników motywujących oraz ocena satysfakcji z pracy tej grupy zawodowej. Materiał i metody W badaniu oceniającym czynniki motywujące oraz satysfakcję z pracy pielęgniarek epidemiologicznych w okresie pandemii COVID-19 udział wzięło 191 respondentów z całej Polski. Wyniki i wnioski Badania wykazały, że istotnie statystycznie najwyższy poziom satysfakcji prezentowali respondenci w wieku powyżej 51 lat, a najwyższy poziom frustracji wykazywały osoby, których staż pracy wynosi 11–20 lat. Poziom zadowolenia respondentów rośnie wraz ze stażem pracy. Wykazano także zależność pomiędzy poczuciem docenienia przez pracodawców oraz otrzymywanym wynagrodzeniem a poziomem satysfakcji. Jako najważniejszy demotywator pielęgniarki epidemiologiczne wskazują na wynagrodzenie nieadekwatne do ich pracy. Poziom wykształcenia oraz przynależność organizacyjna nie miała wpływu na zadowolenie z pracy.
SYSTEM ANALYSIS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE OF CUSTOMS AND LOGISTICS SERVICE OF GOODS OF DIFFERENT NOMENCLATURE DURING INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION
Authors: LUZHANSKA N. , LEBID I. , LEBID E.
Published: January 2023

Aim. The study intends to optimize customs clearance formalities for goods of various nomenclature in the territory of customs checkpoints of freight customs complexes. The proposed development will allow customs authorities to plan the staffing level of inspectors capable of ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the infrastructure facility, taking into account the utilized capacity and the cargo flow structure. Methods. The quality assessment of the customs and logistics service of goods of various nomenclature in the organization of international transportation is carried out on the basis of a simulation model developed in the GPSS software environment. Results. The practical experience of customs authorities shows that the customs regime in which the goods are moved and their nomenclature bring about changes in how long customs formalities take. Accordingly, the procedures related to customs clearance and customs control by the types of goods will differ in their complexity, and therefore will affect the customs inspector`s workload. In turn, customs authorities` working efficiency will shape the capacity of the freight customs complex and its structural subdivisions. The main segment of customs and logistics service customers chooses infrastructure facilities, where there are small waiting lines and minimal procedure time without the loss of service quality. Scientific novelty. The developed simulation model of customs inspectors` work in the territory of the freight customs complex makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the customs checkpoint as well as to determine the optimal staffing level to ensure the operation of the infrastructure facility. Practical implications. The practical implications of the work lie in the fact that the proposed model makes it possible to assess customs inspectors` workload taking into account the structure of the cargo flow, which may include goods of different nomenclature that are moved in different customs regimes by large-, medium-, small- and micro-sized enterprises. Based on the results of the simulation, the owner of a freight customs complex will have the opportunity to plan its material, technical and staffing support in order to provide high-quality customs and logistics services, and accordingly, the State Customs Service will organize the work of the customs checkpoint taking into account the demand of entities engaged in foreign economic activities for completing customs formalities.
TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS SUPPLY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE, OTHER MILITARY FORMS DURING COMBAT OPERATIONS
Authors: HUDIMOV V. , MAKSYMENKOV Y.
Published: January 2023

Summary: Long-term experience of local wars and armed conflicts shows that road transport has a number of advantages over other types of transport: it can continuously follow its troops, be in their battle formations, ensure the transportation of a large amount of material resources directly to the troops, and also perform evacuation transportation. Due to its maneuverability, flexibility, high passability and less vulnerability, road transport is a decisive means that ensures the close relationship of all other types of transport during their integrated use in the organization of comprehensive support of troops.
ANALYSIS OF THE BENEFITS AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE RELIABILITY FASTENING OF SPECIAL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT ON THE TRANSSHIPMENT PLATFORM
Authors: KOVALENKO H. , NETESA A. , YAKOVLIEV S.
Published: January 2023

Goal. The purpose of the work is to study the means of increasing the reliability of fixing special construction equipment on the railway platform. Method. The study was carried out on the basis of the analysis of literary sources, the experience of using special construction equipment fasteners, and the development of proposals for the use of possible equipment fasteners on rolling stock, and an assessment of the prospects for their application was made. The results. In the process of conducting research, it was established that sets of universal multi-defense fasteners are a reliable and strong attachment of special equipment to specially designated nodes and parts on the railway platform, which will prevent oscillations and translational movements (shaking) during transportation, as well as overturning of the machine. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that for the first time, based on the selected concepts, a system for choosing reliable fastening of special construction equipment has been formed. Practical significance. The urgent problem of increasing the level of reliability and strength of fastening special wheeled and tracked machinery on the railway platform has been solved.