bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal Regulation of the Cloud Services Market of Ukraine
Authors: Koverznev Vadym , Ponomarоv Sergiy , Ivanov Andrii
Published: February 2024

Based on the analysis of the economic state of the cloud services market and trends of its development, it was concluded that cloud technologies have a significant impact on the activities of business entities, as well as state administration bodies of all developed countries of the world.

It was established that the cloud services market of Ukraine is at the formation stage, which is connected with the unsatisfactory economic condition of business entities due to the military aggression launched by the Russian Federation.

The current state of legal security of the cloud services market of Ukraine is studied; at the same time, it is substantiated that the Law “On Cloud Services” adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in February 2022 only lays the foundations for its legal development and further formation of a legal framework aimed at the comprehensive regulation of the relations arising from the provision and consumption of cloud services under market principles.

It is emphasized that for proper implementation of the Law provisions, the approval by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of a number of subordinate legal acts is required, namely: structure and order of the formation and use of electronic catalogs of cloud services and services of data processing centers; requirements to the providers of cloud services; procedure for providing cloud services related to the processing of the state information resources; procedure for the proposals development for the use of cloud services by state authorities, as well as a standard contract that must be concluded between the providers and users of cloud services.

Criteria for the quality and safety of cloud services that must be guaranteed by their provider, in case of crisis situations and cyber attacks, are proposed.

The expediency of supplementing the Law of Ukraine “On Cloud Services” with the provisions that empower the regulator of cloud services to inspect the providers of cloud services in the event that they provide the regulator with incomplete of false information, as well as to make requests that are mandatory for consideration by other addressees, is substantiated.

It is proposed to introduce legal liability of the officials of state bodies in case they do not return to Ukraine state information databases and their backup copies within six months after the termination or cancellation of the legal regime of martial law.

 

Keywords: cloud services, cloud computing technologies, cloud servers, regulator in the field of communication services
Effects of nitrogen fertilization on the ground vegetation cover and soil chemical properties in Scots pine and Norway spruce stands
Authors:   Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland, Jetsonen Johanna , Laurén Annamari , Peltola Heli , Muhonen Olli , Nevalainen Juha , Ikonen Veli-Pekka , Kilpeläinen Antti , Tuittila Eeva-Stiina , Männistö Elisa , Kokkonen Nicola , Palviainen Marjo
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization intensity on the ground vegetation cover and soil chemical properties in two Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and two Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) dominated stands on upland forest sites in Eastern Finland. The fertilizer was applied using a helicopter in the spruce stands and a forwarder in the pine stands. The distribution and the amount of fertilizer was measured with funnel traps. Cover of each species of ground vegetation was estimated before fertilization and 3–4 years after it in pine and 2–3 years after it in spruce stands. Further, the cover observations were aggregated by plant types. Based on measurements, we analyzed the effects of the funnel-trap-observed amount of N fertilizer on the cover and plant type composition of ground vegetation and soil N and C concentration. In addition, we analyzed the impacts of competition caused by trees on the ground vegetation cover based on competition indices. N fertilization increased the cover of herbaceous plants and decreased the cover of mosses and dwarf shrubs, and the total cover of ground vegetation. Further, it increased the N concentration of the mor humus layer. The magnitude of the changes increased with the intensity of the N fertilization. The competition caused by trees did not affect the cover of ground vegetation.
TomoRay: Generating Synthetic Computed Tomography of the Spine From Biplanar Radiographs
Authors: Zanier Olivier , Theiler Sven , Mutten Raffaele Da , Ryu Seung-Jun , Regli Luca , Serra Carlo , Staartjes Victor E.
Published: February 2024

Objective: Computed tomography (CT) imaging is a cornerstone in the assessment of patients with spinal trauma and in the planning of spinal interventions. However, CT studies are associated with logistical problems, acquisition costs, and radiation exposure. In this proof-of-concept study, the feasibility of generating synthetic spinal CT images using biplanar radiographs was explored. This could expand the potential applications of x-ray machines pre-, post-, and even intraoperatively.Methods: A cohort of 209 patients who underwent spinal CT imaging from the VerSe2020 dataset was used to train the algorithm. The model was subsequently evaluated using an internal and external validation set containing 55 from the VerSe2020 dataset and a subset of 56 images from the CTSpine1K dataset, respectively. Digitally reconstructed radiographs served as input for training and evaluation of the 2-dimensional (2D)-to-3-dimentional (3D) generative adversarial model. Model performance was assessed using peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), and cosine similarity (CS).Results: At external validation, the developed model achieved a PSNR of 21.139 ± 1.018 dB (mean ± standard deviation). The SSIM and CS amounted to 0.947 ± 0.010 and 0.671 ± 0.691, respectively.Conclusion: Generating an artificial 3D output from 2D imaging is challenging, especially for spinal imaging, where x-rays are known to deliver insufficient information frequently. Although the synthetic CT scans derived from our model do not perfectly match their ground truth CT, our proof-of-concept study warrants further exploration of the potential of this technology.
Ciência cidadã e Educação Ambiental
Authors: Martins Diny Gabrielly de Miranda , Cabral Eloisa Helena de Souza , Alcântara Valderí de Castro
Published: February 2024

Citizen Science and Environmental Education: educational alternative in the area of urban solid waste
As possibilidades e potencialidades de alunos e professores atuarem na área de resíduos sólidos urbanos com base nos fundamentos da ciência cidadã compuseram o estudo realizado com 36 alunos e 12 professores do terceiro ano do ensino médio da Escola Estadual Rodolfo Almeida, do município de Formiga/MG. Os resultados indicam que a maioria dos participantes possui compreensão limitada sobre Ciência e desconhece as práticas e os princípios da ciência cidadã. Evidenciam, ainda, a necessidade de conscientizar a população formiguense quanto à problemática do descarte inadequado do lixo no meio ambiente. Como produto do estudo, elaborou-se uma proposta didática para professores utilizarem no ensino da destinação dos resíduos sólidos.
Educação Ambiental Crítica e Gênero
Authors: Pereira Maria Odete da rosa , Rosa Pereira Clara da , Justo Felipe da Silva
Published: February 2024

Critical Environmental Education and Gender: women and their community organization bonds
Neste trabalho apontam-se as primeiras impressões dos elementos constitutivos do encontro entre um projeto de educação ambiental e uma associação comunitária de mulheres, assim como os vínculos estabelecidos entre as participantes, todas do gênero feminino, e os motivos que as mantêm atuando desde a fundação da entidade. A sistematização se deu à luz das teorias da educação ambiental crítica e da psicologia social, assim como da educação popular. Considera-se a importância da fala e da escuta pedagógica como um reconhecimento do ser mulher, pescadora, ou marisqueira, de uma comunidade em situação de pobreza, mas que está organizada em grupo e que cumpre um papel social, engajada nos espaços públicos de decisão política da sua região. Ainda se observa o papel que cada uma desempenha no coletivo através da teoria dos grupos operativos de Pichon-Rivière e das teorias de Vygotsky.
Air assistance and spray volumes on the coverage, droplet density, and spray deposition in melon plants
Authors: Oliveira Fontes Larissa , Lopes de Freitas Francisco Cláudio , Martins Teixeira Mauri , Nunes Silva Ítalo , Nunes Lopes Robson WIllian
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of air assistance on the coverage, droplet density, and deposition of the mixture volume applied to melon plants. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design set up in a 4 x 4 x 2 factorial arrangement referring to four spray nozzles (AVI 110-02, TT 110-02, AVI 110-03, and TT 110-03), four mixture volumes (140, 200, 300, and 400 L ha-1), and two application techniques (with and without air assistance), at a constant working pressure of 300 kPa. Deposition analysis was performed by using a bright blue dye, and the coverage pattern and droplet density were analyzed using water-sensitive paper tags attached to the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaf blade of melon plants. Air assistance in the spray boom improved the deposition of the mixture sprayed on melon leaves only when using nozzle TT 110-02, whereas nozzles TT 110-03, AVI 110-02, and AVI 110-03 were not influenced by air assistance. Coverage and spray deposition on the adaxial leaf surface increased with the mixture volume applied for all nozzles. The technique using water-sensitive tags is not efficient to evaluate droplet density when working with high spray volumes.
Do sub-doses of glyphosate and 2,4-D cause hormesis in the pineapple plants? Insights into the response of the pineapple plants to this phenomenon
Authors: Barreto Glauber Ferreira , Arcanjo Alves José Maria , Ribeiro Rocha Paulo Roberto , Santiago Castro Thaís , Oliveira da Silva Deyse Cristina , Sonicley da Silva Maia Sonicley , A Alves de Albuquerque José de Anchieta , Torres de Souza Leandro
Published: February 2024

The slow growth of the pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) during the vegetative phase prolongs the crop cycle, resulting in higher production costs. When used in low doses, some herbicides can stimulate plant growth, a phenomenon known as hormesis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sub-doses of glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on growth in the Pérola cultivar of the pineapple. The treatments under study consisted of glyphosate applications of 0, 1.8, 3.6, 7.2, 18, 36, 72, 180, 360 and 720 g a.e. ha-1, and 2,4-D applications of 0, 1.68, 3.35, 6.70, 16.75, 33.5, 67, 167.5, 335 and 670 g a.e. ha-1. The experiments were completely randomised with four replications. The plants were grown in the greenhouse in pots with a capacity of 8 dm3 substrate. Growth variables were evaluated in the plants, together with the total and partitioned accumulated biomass (leaf, stem and root). The data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression. The pineapple showed greater phytotoxicity from the glyphosate herbicide at applications ranging from 18 to 720 g a.e. ha-1 and from 2,4-D in the range of 167.5 to 670 g a.e. ha-1. The hormesis effect was evidenced by the 32.25% increase in root fresh weight at the dose of 1.8 g a.e. ha-1 glyphosate. However, the slow growth of the pineapple was not overcome by the hormesis effect of the herbicides.
Population-Based Study of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease in England in 2001–2018: Influence of Socioeconomic Position
Authors: Askgaard Gro , Jepsen Peter , Jensen Morten Daniel , Kann Anna Emilie , Morling Joanne , Kraglund Frederik , Card Tim , Crooks Colin , West Joe
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION:

England has seen an increase in deaths due to alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) since 2001. We studied the influence of socioeconomic position on the incidence of ALD and the mortality after ALD diagnosis in England in 2001–2018.

METHODS:

This was an observational cohort study based on health records contained within the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink covering primary care, secondary care, cause of death registration, and deprivation of neighborhood areas in 18.8 million residents. We estimated incidence rate and incidence rate ratios of ALD and hazard ratios of mortality.

RESULTS:

ALD was diagnosed in 57,784 individuals with a median age of 54 years and of whom 43% had cirrhosis. The ALD incidence rate increased by 65% between 2001 and 2018 in England to reach 56.1 per 100,000 person-years in 2018. The ALD incidence was 3-fold higher in those from the most deprived quintile vs those from the least deprived quintile (incidence rate ratio 3.30, 95% confidence interval 3.21–3.38), with reducing inequality at older than at younger ages. For 55- to 74-year-olds, there was a notable increase in the incidence rate between 2001 and 2018, from 96.1 to 158 per 100,000 person-years in the most deprived quintile and from 32.5 to 70.0 in the least deprived quintile. After ALD diagnosis, the mortality risk was higher for patients from the most deprived quintile vs those from the least deprived quintile (hazard ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.18–1.27), and this ratio did not change during 2001–2018.

DISCUSSION:

The increasing ALD incidence in England is a greater burden on individuals of low economic position compared with that on those of high socioeconomic position. This finding highlights ALD as a contributor to inequality in health.
Remote Sensing Application in Water Quality of Lake Burdur, Türkiye
Authors: Kokal Aylin Tuzcu , Kacikoc Meltem , Musaoglu Nebiye , Tanik Aysegul
Published: February 2024

The advancements in space technology have facilitated water quality (WQ) monitoring of lake conditions at a spatial resolution of 10 m by freely accessible Sentinel-2 images. The main aim of this article was to elucidate the necessity of spatiotemporal WQ monitoring of the shrinking
Lake Burdur in Türkiye by examining the relation between field and satellite data with a state-of-the-art machine learning- based regression algorithm. This study focuses on detection of algal blooms and WQ parameters, which are chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and suspended solids (SS). Furthermore,
this study leverages the advantage of geographic position of Lake Burdur, located at the overlap of two Sentinel-2 frames, which enables the acquisition of satellite images at a temporal resolution of 2–3 days. The findings enrich the understanding of the lake's dynamic structure by
rapidly monitoring the occurrence of algal blooms. High accuracies were achieved for Chl-a (R-squared: 0.93) and SS (R-squared: 0.94) detection.
DETERMINING FACTORS OF LEPROSY: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN A HYPERENDEMIC AREA OF THE BRAZILIAN LEGAL AMAZON
Authors: Novais Dennis Gonçalves , Barbosa Silvia Minharro , Mariano Wagner dos Santos , Santos Helcileia Dias
Published: February 2024

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.  It can result in permanent physical disabilities if not diagnosed early. A case-control study was conducted to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of leprosy in individuals living in a region of high incidence of the disease in the Tocantins state in northern Brazil. Sixty cases were diagnosed between 2016 and 2018, and 120 controls were included in the study. The control group consisted of residents from the same area as the cases, the same sex, and with an age variation of up to 5 years. Data were collected through interviews with each participant. Associations were assessed by univariate analysis, followed by logistic regression analysis. The following factors were associated with leprosy in the logistic regression model: households with no more than four rooms (OR = 4.01), absence of a BCG vaccination scar (OR = 2.16), and a previous case of leprosy in the family (OR = 4.32). The data indicated that a close relationship between individuals of the same family in small households, without any immunological protection, and with a history of leprosy cases, significantly increased the risk of M. leprae infection and development of leprosy.
Análisis de la reglamentación del uso del Big Data ambiental en España: aplicaciones para la conservación y gestión de los parques naturales
Authors: Expósito Gázquez Ariana , Martínez Navarro Juan Alejandro
Published: February 2024

El Big Data ambiental, considerado como tecnología derivada de la Revolución Digital, puede ser un aliado objetivo para el desarrollo de la función pública de conservación y protección del medio ambiente, ayudando a cambiar la tendencia de intervención discrecional de las Administraciones, a una más objetiva en atención a los datos que obran en su poder. En este sentido, para la consecución del Big Data ambiental es necesaria la utilización de otras tecnologías tales como el IoT, los drones o la tecnología Lidar, en tanto que estas son herramientas captadoras de información, y que permite la interactuación entre la máquina y la naturaleza.
Psychometric properties of the Child Problematic Traits Inventory in Portuguese children
Authors: Barroso Ricardo , Azevedo Rita , Costa Raquel
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The Child Problematic Traits Inventory (CPTI) is a teacher-reported instrument to assess psychopathic personality traits in 3 to 6-year-old children (M=4.78, SD=.60). This is the first study to test the reliability and validity of this instrument within a Portuguese sample of 264 children aged between 3 to 6 years (43.2% female). Cronbach alpha values greater than .80 were observed for all CPTI scale scores. Regarding the criterion validity, CPTI total and its three dimensions were significantly correlated with an alternative measure of impulsiveness. The CPTI items loaded differently on the three theoretically proposed factors: (1) Interpersonal/Grandiose-Deceitful, (2) Affective/Callous-Unemotional, and (3) Behavioral/Impulsive-Need for Stimulation. The Total CPTI and the three dimensions of CPTI were significantly correlated with the alternative measure of Impulsiveness – CBQ Impulsivity subscale (r=.37Total; .29Interpersonal; .26Affective; .45Behavioral). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the CPTI is a psychometrically sound measure to assess psychopathic personality traits in a sample of community-residing Portuguese children.
Analisis Dan Pengukuran Quality Of Service (Qos) Jaringan 4G (Operator Telkomsel, Xl, Dan Indosat)
Authors: Pranata Eko Jhony , Rizki Dewantara
Published: February 2024

Teknologi jaringan komunikasi merupakan serangkaian komponen teknologi yang saling berhubungan antara satu dengan yang lainnya. Salah satu di antaranya yang banyak di gunakan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari yaitu teknologi jaringan 4G. Dengan adanya jaringan tersebut akan mempermudah kebutuhan akan internet sehari-harinya. Namun perbedaan kecepatan dalam mengakses perlu akan adannya pengujian dan pembahasan suatu jaringan dalam layanan yang baik dan juga perlu adanya layanan Quality Of Service(QOS) yang baik pula. Dalam pengujian Teknologi jaringan 4G ini berfokus hanya pada lima parameter QOS saja yaitu : Throughput, Delay, Jitter, Packet loss  dan Bandwidth. Dalam pengukuran performa teknologi jaringan 4G menggunakan layanan Quality Of Service (QOS), analisa dan pengujian yang di lakukan untuk mengetahui reperentasi pada kondisi jaringan pada saat ini. Dari hasil penelitian ini, didapatkan perbedaan yang tidak begitu signifikan antara masing-masing operator jaringan. Meski tidak begitu signifikan operator jaringan TELKOMSEL memiliki hasil yang lebih baik di banding operator XL maupun INDOSAT. Dari hasil penelitian ini dari ketiga operator jaringan tersebut dapan di gunakan sebagai pertimbangan bagi user dalam memilih penggunaan internet sesuai dengan kebutuhan masing-masing.
Kata kunci: QOS, jaringan 4G, Telkomsel, Xl, Indosat
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Communication network technology is a series of technological components that are interconnected with one another. One of them that is widely used in everyday life is 4G network technology. With this network, it will facilitate the need for daily internet. However, the difference in speed in accessing the need for testing and discussing a network in good service and also the need for good Quality Of Service (QOS) services as well. In testing 4G network technology, it focuses only on five QOS parameters, namely: Throughput, Delay, Jitter, Packet loss  and Bandwidth. In measuring the performance of 4G network technology using Quality Of Service (QOS) services, analysis and testing are carried out to determine the representation of current network conditions. From the results of this study, it was found that the difference between each network operator was not so significant. Although not so significant, TELKOMSEL network operators have better results than XL and INDOSAT operators. From the results of this study of the three network operators can be used as a consideration for users in choosing internet usage according to their individual needs.
Keywords: QOS, 4G Network, Telkomsel, Xl, Indosat
Editorial: Introduction to CriSTaL Special Issue: Thinking with ocean/s for reconceptualising scholarship in higher education
Authors:   Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Romano Nike ,   University of the Western Cape, Bozalek Viv , Shefer Tammy
Published: February 2024

There are growing moves in higher education to reconceptualisescholarship in contemporary contexts. Located in a wide body of critical work including feminist new materialism, posthumanism, decolonial and indigenous thinking, efforts to reimagine and reconfigure pedagogical and research practices in higher educationare proliferating. Scholars are increasingly challenging the dominant colonial, patriarchal, eurowestern logics which neoliberal, corporatised academia has intensified.
Thinking with/in surfing: Podcasting as public pedagogy and scholarship in/for the global South
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Thompson Glen , Graaff Karen
Published: February 2024

This article introduces The Deep Duck Dive —a podcast engaging with the oceanic turn in the global South by focusing on issues that matter within surfing as a lifestyle sport. As co-hosts of the podcast, we have approached podcasting as forms of public pedagogy and public scholarship. Our aim is to increase the accessibility of scholarship and research by creating an alternative space for conversations with those outside of the academy. The article charts how we conceptualised and realised this podcast project as thinking with/in surfing. Within this epistemological approach, we seek to contribute to the intellectual currents of hydrocolonialism, hydrofeminism and critical surf studies, and to open our soundwork as an alternative pedagogical practice within justice-to-come public scholarship. To illustrate our podcasting style, reflexive of our positionalities as scholars and surfers, we have provided the transcript of our pilot episode.
Lalela uLwandle (Listen to the Sea): Interdisciplinary approaches and embodied engagements in thinking with ocean/s
Authors:   Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Wiese Abigail
Published: February 2024

This article is a self-reflexive engagement on the performance, Lalela uLwandle (Listen to the Sea, 2019) created by the South African collective, Empatheatre. I engage with the performance in an affective and embodied way, commenting on my experience of watching myself, watching Lalela uLwandle. I ask how the performance contributes to knowledge production on the ocean, and how it might facilitate agentive engagements with its current health tragedy. To do so I examine the modalities employed in Lalela uLwandle: research-creation, empatheatre as methodology, indigenous storytelling and material aesthetics. I propose that, through its specific methodological framings and performance aesthetics, Lalela uLwandle repositions the (disconnected) audience member to reconnect with the human and the non-human. I suggest that the performance aesthetics enacted in the methodological approaches used by Empatheatre offer audiences an opportunity to acknowledge their own precarious construction in relation to the ocean by considering their historical entanglements with it.
Gamificación para la Enseñanza y Aprendizaje de las Matemáticas basado en la Solución de Problemas en Estudiantes con Necesidades Educativas Especiales (NEE)
Authors: Cardenas Cuesta Diana Patricia , Chacon Guerrero Gerardo Antonio
Published: February 2024

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo diseñar e implementar un conjunto de actividades orientadas a la gamificación de retos matemáticos que permitan identificar conocimientos de los estudiantes con necesidades educativas especiales (NEE) de ciclo V, a partir de la solución de problemas y establecer qué heurísticas o recursos emplean en su desarrollo. Se usó como metodología un enfoque cualitativo, donde se realizó un estudio de caso con cinco estudiantes (tres mujeres y dos hombres) de grado décimo de un colegio público de la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Para ello, se establecieron cuatro fases: la primera consistió en el planteamiento del problema, fundamentación teórica y determinación de elementos metodológicos para el desarrollo de la investigación. La segunda fue el diseño de un ambiente virtual de aprendizaje (AVA) en ingame con un primer mundo denominado “Explorando”, donde los estudiantes se enfrentaron a seis retos matemáticos en la plataforma, que tuvo herramientas interactivas, y dinámicas de juego para incentivar la participación en la clase de matemáticas. La tercera fase fue la socialización del proyecto a la institución educativa, además de la solicitud a los padres de familia de los consentimientos informados, por ser menores de edad, y la implementación del AVA. La última fase muestra el análisis de resultados frente al trabajo de los estudiantes, así como las soluciones dadas en cada uno de los retos, y se analizan elementos del discurso matemático que emplean a la hora de justificar sus respuestas. Este primer estudio sirve como punto de partida y orientación para el desarrollo de esta pesquisa y abre una puerta para profundizar en investigaciones sobre el uso de la gamificación en la enseñanza y aprendizaje de la matemática y su pertinencia para incluir a estudiantes que presentan diferentes situaciones de discapacidad.
Analisis Platonian atas Fenomena Regresi Demokrasi di Indonesia
Authors: Tinambunan Edison R.L.
Published: February 2024

Salah satu sistem pemerintahan yang banyak digunakan di dunia ini adalah demokrasi yang juga telah dipilih oleh Indonesia. Ciri khas demokrasi adalah kebebasan berpendapat. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menunjukkan keunggulan kebebasan berpendapat di dalam demokrasi yang berdasar pada kebenaran dan kebijakan. Teori pendasaran yang digunakan adalah berbagai tulisan Plato tentang demokrasi. Untuk itu tulisan ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan deskriptif analisis filosofis Platonis yang disertai dengan penafsiran teks terkait dari Plato untuk diimplementasikan dengan konteks demokrasi di Indonesia. Tujuan penelitian ini menekankan kebebasan berpendapat sebagai sistem dan praktik demokrasi yang benar dan baik untuk mencegah oligarki dan tirani. Melalui kebebasan berpendapat menjadi suatu kontribusi penting dalam perkembangan demokrasi saat ini di Indonesia. Implementasinya adalah bahwa pengetahuan pelaksanaan demokrasi yang benar dan baik yang bercirikan kebebasan berpendapat mampu memajukan kehidupan bernegara Indonesia.
Deliberative Mini-publics as a Response to the Crisis of Representative Democracy: First Attempts at Institutionalization in European Cities
Authors: Podgórska-Rykała Joanna
Published: February 2024

The growing crisis of representative democracy and associated citizen dissatisfaction has stimulated innovative thinking about democracy. Over the past two decades, a wide range of democratic innovations have emerged to increase the involvement of ordinary people in politics, combining direct mass participation with in-depth dialogue on pressing public policy issues. The innovations are rapidly spreading territorially, becoming increasingly institutionalised and tailored to specific political, cultural and social contexts. Mini-publics, which are forums for small-scale debate, are particularly remarkable. Faced with citizens’ dissatisfaction with the practice of the public sphere, there are attempts to institutionalise one-off deliberative forums and make them part of a broader political system. This challenge was first taken up by the German-speaking community of Belgium (Ostelbelgien) and followed by other public authorities. Attempts to incorporate mini-publics into the decision-making space have also been made by local authorities – Paris, Newham and Aachen. In this article I argue that citizens’ assemblies are the most advanced method of institutionalising deliberative democracy. I demonstrate that although the first citizen assemblies realised in the world were one-offs, following their example, particularly because of the success of the unique Ostelbelgien model, subsequent public authorities have begun to see this innovation as an opportunity to permanently (rather than just one-off) power democracy and make it more resilient to crises. I also show that local authorities can play a leading role in strengthening and institutionalising deliberative processes using mini-publics.
Anniversary Resolutions of the Polish Sejm and Senate as the Subject of Political Science Research
Authors: Secler Bartłomiej
Published: February 2024

Undoubtedly, memory studies can be included in the mainstream of contemporary political science. They encompass reflections on the politics of memory, and historical or collective memory. The political science literature has designated little space to examine anniversary resolutions of the Polish Sejm and Senate after 1989. Therefore, it has become the main focus of this article based on research conducted and funded by the National Science Centre. The research examined the place and role of anniversary resolutions of the Polish Sejm and Senate in the Polish politics of memory. It has been assumed that such resolutions express the will of the two chambers of the Polish Parliament to commemorate historical anniversaries related to events and people who, in the opinion of resolution promoters, play an important role in the history of the state and nation. Furthermore, it is understood that the anniversary resolutions, among other things, are an important tool of the authorities to implement the politics of memory. The aim of the publication is to present the main research findings. The findings are based on the analysis of 589 anniversary resolutions adopted by the Sejm and the Senate in 1989–2019. The article also draws attention to the significance and usefulness of the resolutions for political science research, not only those referring to memory studies.
Estimating age-dependent performance in paired comparisons competitions: application to snooker
Authors: Baker Rose D. , McHale Ian G.
Published: February 2024

We first present a model for the outcome of snooker matches in which player strengths are allowed to vary deterministically with time. The results allow us to identify the greatest players of all time, and to examine the relationship between age and performance. Second, we present a random effects model which uses the estimated strengths from our first model, to forecast player performance, and to assess the extent to which early promise has been maintained. Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry are the two candidates for the title of the greatest of all time. We find that peak performance occurs between the ages of 25 and 30, younger than would be expected when compared to findings in other sports. Outside sport, these findings contribute to the general literature on variation of performance with age.
Female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have a lower ovarian reserve than either primary APS or SLE patients
Authors: Xu Xiaoping , Wang Hua-bin , Cai Shu-qian , Wu Jun-Qi
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the ovarian reserve (OR) in women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially SLE-associated APS, and to determine the association between OR and clinical and laboratory parameters.

Methods

We compared the antral follicle count (AFC), anticardiolipin antibody, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B (INHB), antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2) among patients with primary APS (PAPS), SLE-APS, and SLE who were treated at Jinhua Central Hospital between 2017 and 2020. We conducted correlations and logistic regression analyses to identify the risk factors of OR failure in women with APS.

Results

Serum AMH were positively correlated with AFC and INHB in APS patients, and low AMH was independent risk factor for OR decline in APS patients. The ROC curve showed a high accuracy for AMH in the prediction of OR failure. Compared to healthy subjects (HS), patients with PAPS, SLE-APS, and SLE exhibited lower serum AMH, AFC, INHB, and E2 levels and higher FSH and levels (p<0.05). Of all the patients, those with SLE-APS manifested the lowest serum AMH, AFC, INHB, and E2 levels and the highest FSH levels (p<0.05).

Conclusions

APS and SLE patients showed lower indications of OR, including AFC and AMH, compared to HS. SLE-APS patients also appeared to have a lower OR than either SLE or PAPS patients.
Truthmaking. Are Facts Still Really Indispensable?
Authors: Mzyk Błażej
Published: February 2024

In recent years there has been a lot of skepticism about the existence of facts. It seems that one of the last places for their application is in truthmaking theory. In this paper I discuss two approaches to the use of facts in truthmaking. The first, categorial, holds that facts are entities that belong to one of three ontological categories (true propositions, truth of propositions, instantiations of universals). The second, deflationary, holds that a fact is merely a functional concept denoting any entity that performs a truthmaking function. I argue that in the face of significant criticism of categorial facts as truthmakers, a defender of facts may resort to the deflationary concept. Nevertheless, even in this case we can do without facts as truthmakers.
Theoretical model of passive mode-locking in terahertz quantum cascade lasers with distributed saturable absorbers
Authors: Seitner Lukas , Popp Johannes , Haider Michael , Dhillon Sukhdeep S. , Vitiello Miriam S. , Jirauschek Christian
Published: February 2024

In research and engineering, short laser pulses are fundamental for metrology and communication. The generation of pulses by passive mode-locking is especially desirable due to the compact setup dimensions, without the need for active modulation requiring dedicated external circuitry. However, well-established models do not cover regular self-pulsing in gain media that recover faster than the cavity round trip time. For quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), this marked a significant limitation in their operation, as they exhibit picosecond gain dynamics associated with intersubband transitions. We present a model that gives detailed insights into the pulse dynamics of the first passively mode-locked QCL that was recently demonstrated. The presence of an incoherent saturable absorber, exemplarily realized by multilayer graphene distributed along the cavity, drives the laser into a pulsed state by exhibiting a similarly fast recovery time as the gain medium. This previously unstudied state of laser operation reveals a remarkable response of the gain medium on unevenly distributed intracavity intensity. We show that in presence of strong spatial hole burning in the laser gain medium, the pulse stabilizes itself by suppressing counter-propagating light and getting shortened again at the cavity facets. Finally, we study the robustness of passive mode-locking with respect to the saturable absorber properties and identify strategies for generating even shorter pulses. The obtained results may also have implications for other nanostructured mode-locked laser sources, for example, based on quantum dots.
Advances in fundamentals and application of plasmon-assisted CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Fusco Zelio , Beck Fiona J.
Published: February 2024

Artificial photosynthesis of hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide (CO2) has the potential to provide renewable fuels at the scale needed to meet global decarbonization targets. However, CO2 is a notoriously inert molecule and converting it to energy dense hydrocarbons is a complex, multistep process, which can proceed through several intermediates. Recently, the ability of plasmonic nanoparticles to steer the reaction down specific pathways and enhance both reaction rate and selectivity has garnered significant attention due to its potential for sustainable energy production and environmental mitigation. The plasmonic excitation of strong and confined optical near-fields, energetic hot carriers and localized heating can be harnessed to control or enhance chemical reaction pathways. However, despite many seminal contributions, the anticipated transformative impact of plasmonics in selective CO2 photocatalysis has yet to materialize in practical applications. This is due to the lack of a complete theoretical framework on the plasmonic action mechanisms, as well as the challenge of finding efficient materials with high scalability potential. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive and critical discussion on recent advancements in plasmon-enhanced CO2 photoreduction, highlighting emerging trends and challenges in this field. We delve into the fundamental principles of plasmonics, discussing the seminal works that led to ongoing debates on the reaction mechanism, and we introduce the most recent ab initio advances, which could help disentangle these effects. We then synthesize experimental advances and in situ measurements on plasmon CO2 photoreduction before concluding with our perspective and outlook on the field of plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis.
Sex and age affect depot expression of Ca2+ channels in rat white fat adipocytes
Authors: Meng Yan , Toledo-Rodriguez Maria , Fedorenko Olena , Smith Paul A
Published: February 2024

White adipose tissue (WAT) requires extracellular Ca2+ influx for lipolysis, differentiation, and expansion. This partly occurs via plasma membrane Ca2+ voltage-dependent channels (CaVs). However, WFA exists in different depots whose function varies with age, sex, and location. To explore whether their CaV expression profiles also differ we used RNAseq and qPCR on gonadal, mesenteric, retroperitoneal, and inguinal subcutaneous fat depots from rats of different ages and sex. CaV expression was found dependent on age, sex, and WFA location. In the gonadal depots of both sexes a significantly lower expression of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 was seen for adults compared to pre-pubescent juveniles. A lower level of expression was also seen for CaV3.1 in adult male but not female gonadal WFA, the latter of whose expression remained unchanged with age. Relatively little expression of CaV3.2 and 3.2 was observed. In post-pubescent inguinal subcutaneous fat, where the third and fourth mammary glands are located, CaV3.1 was decreased in males but increased in females – thus suggesting that this channel is associated with mammogenesis; however, no difference in intracellular Ca2+ levels or adipocyte size were noted. For all adult depots, CaV3.1 expression was larger in females than males – a difference not seen in pre-pubescent rats. These observations are consistent with the changes of CaV3.1 expression seen in 3T3-L1 cell differentiation and the ability of selective CaV3.1 antagonists to inhibit adipogensis. Our results show that changes in CaV expression patterns occur in fat depots related to sexual dimorphism: reproductive tracts and mammogenesis.
Calcium oxalate crystals and the optimal growing conditions for Actinidia arguta
Authors: Kong Ree Keun , Goh Jun Ho , Won Kyung Rok , Shin Hyeon Woo , Jang Byung Il , Kim Jong Wan , Kim Chun Sik , Byeon Hee Seop
Published: February 2024

The presence, distribution, and morphology of calcium oxalate (CaC2O4, CaOx) crystals were observed in the stunted bodies of Actinidia arguta (A. arguta) vines, and their ability of microorganisms to degrade CaOx crystals was analyzed. Leaves, branches, and roots of stunted A. arguta vines were collected. In the roots, CaOx crystal bundles were distributed in the form of dotted lines. In the branches, CaOx crystal bundles were observed blocking and accumulating in the vessels. In the leaves, CaOx crystal bundles were observed in a net-like entanglement. Therefore, CaOx crystals present in the roots, branches, and leaves hinder the growth. A hydroponic cultivation with different calcium (Ca) concentrations showed that the growth of A. arguta was best at a Ca concentration of 1 cmol+/kg; at a Ca concentration of 2 cmol+/kg, the edges of the leaves began to dry out after 7 days; and at a Ca concentration of 4 cmol+/kg, the entire leaves died within 14 days. From this study, it was concluded that CaOx crystals hindered the growth of A. arguta, and the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (A. calcoaceticus) strain was effective in degrading CaOx crystals. Therefore, the Ca concentration in the soil of the cultivation site should be managed at less than 2 cmol+/kg.
Revolutionizing corrugated board production and optimization with artificial intelligence
Authors: Garbowski Tomasz
Published: February 2024

In the field of corrugated board production and packaging optimization, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has initiated a paradigm shift. This paper presents a brief analysis of AI’s role in revolutionizing both the production of corrugated board and the design of corrugated packaging. It explores the integration of AI in the homogenization process of complex corrugated board structures into single-layer, shallow shell-based computational models, aiming to improve and accelerate load-bearing calculations. This work presents also how AI’s predictive and analytical capabilities are pivotal in achieving efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in the corrugated board industry.
Cellulose fibers as a trendsetter for the circular economy that we urgently need
Authors: Hubbe Martin A. , Savithri Dhanalekshmi
Published: February 2024

Picking up a discarded can or bottle and placing it in a recycling bin may seem like a very small step to take in the direction of making a better world. The scope of benefits that might accrue, by combining many such steps, and making careful plans, was highlighted in a recent Waste to Advanced Resources Matter (WARM) workshop hosted at this university. As shown during the discussions at the workshop, those who are deeply involved with issues of waste management, climate change issues, and care for our planet already know the “broad brush” answers regarding what needs to be done. Now is the time for action in implementing efficient and widespread recovery of valuable materials and energy from what we presently throw away.
A Systematic Literature Review on the Relationship Between Quality of Work and Intentions to Retire Among Individuals Aged 50 and Older
Authors: Kairys Antanas , Sadauskaitė Raimonda , Zamalijeva Olga , Guðmundsson Halldór S. , Reine Ieva , Sakkeus Luule , Tomsone Signe
Published: February 2024

Europe, notably in countries like Lithuania, is facing substantial demographic shifts due to aging, impacting various systems, including the labor market. In this context understanding retirement intentions is crucial. Quality of work is a key determinant of retirement intentions, yet other factors such as financial situation, health, or family pressures also play a role, and a comprehensive understanding of their interactions remains a research gap. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review of research on the relationship between retirement intentions and quality of work, with a specific focus on potential control factors, moderators and mediators of this relationship. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA). Articles were electronically retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO databases. Studies selected were full-text, peer-reviewed articles in English from 2003 to 2023, which used quantitative methodologies and focused on the relationship between retirement intentions and quality of work for workers aged 50+. The quality of the selected publications was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies – AXIS tool. Of the initial 776 sources, after removing duplicates and irrelevant articles, 91 were fully screened, and 17 met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. This systematic literature review provided further insights into the relationship between retirement intentions and quality of work, highlighting the roles of moderators, mediators, and control factors in this relationship.
Факти і віхи наукового шляху видатного вченого-механіка
Authors: Богданов Вячеслав Леонідович , Назаренко Володимир Михайлович , Рущицький Ярема Ярославович
Published: February 2024

29 січня виповнюється 85 років видатному українському вченому й організатору науки, засновнику наукової школи в галузі лінеаризованої механіки деформівних тіл і суміжних напрямів, лауреату Державної премії СРСР (1985), двічі лауреату Державної премії України в галузі науки і техніки (1979, 1988), заслуженому діячеві науки і техніки України (2016), лауреату Золотої медалі ім. В.І. Вернадського НАН України (2014), премій імені видатних учених НАН України: імені О.М. Динника (1979), імені М.К. Янгеля (1983), імені С.П. Тимошенка (2000), імені Г.С. Писаренка (2014), імені В.М. Глушкова (2016), імені О.К. Антонова (2017), багаторічному директору Інституту механіки ім. С.П. Тимошенка НАН України (1976—2022), доктору технічних наук (1965), професору (1969), академіку НАН України (1978) Олександру Миколайовичу Гузю.