Internal Dimensions Research Articles

Utility of focused cardiac ultrasonography training in veterinary students to differentiate stages of subclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs.

Differentiation of the subclinical phases of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs relies heavily on echocardiography. Focused cardiac ultrasonography (FCU) is a point-of-care technique that can assess heart size. Veterinary students trained in FCU can differentiate dogs with subclinical MMVD based on left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) dimensions. Forty-eight dogs with subclinical MMVD. Veterinary students were trained to measure LV dimension and LA-to-aortic root dimension ratio (LA : Ao) using FCU. Dogs were categorized into 2 cohorts based on whether or not the LV normalized internal diastolic dimension was ≥1.7 and LA : Ao was ≥1.6. Agreement between FCU and echocardiographic studies performed by cardiologists was evaluated. One-hundred and forty-six FCU examinations were performed by 58 veterinary students on 48 dogs. Overall agreement between students and cardiologists was moderate (Fleiss' kappa, 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.69; P < .001). Percentage accuracy in observations with heart dimensions less than the cutoffs (86/89, 97%) was significantly higher than in observations in with larger hearts (31/57, 54%; P < .001). Agreement increased from moderate to good as heart sizes became more extreme. Degree of confidence by students in performing FCU was significantly higher at the end vs start of the study. Categorization of dogs with subclinical MMVD by veterinary students using FCU was associated with moderate to good agreement with echocardiography. Focused cardiac ultrasonography is a point-of-care method that can help assess clinical stage in dogs with subclinical MMVD.

Impact of birth weight to placental weight ratio and other perinatal risk factors on left ventricular dimensions in newborns: a prospective cohort analysis.

To investigate the association between birth weight to placental weight (BW/PW) ratio, and echocardiographic left ventricle (LV) morphology at birth, while accounting for other relevant perinatal factors. A prospective cohort study was conducted on neonates at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital from 2014 to 2018, categorized by their BW/PW percentile. Missing data were imputed with principal component analysis. Chi-squared and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare BW/PW groups and the best regression model was selected using a genetic and backward stepwise algorithm. We analyzed 827 neonates in three BW/PW groups: small (n=16), normal (n=488), and large (n=323). Placental thickness and smallest diameter were positively correlated with several LV parameters, including inter-ventricular septal thickness during diastole (IVSd) (p=0.002, p<0.001) and systole (IVSs) (p=0.001, p<0.001), LV posterior wall thickness at end of diastole (LVPWd) (p=0.003, p<0.001) and systole (LVPWs) (p<0.001, p<0.001), LV mass (p=0.017, p<0.001), and LV mass/volume (p=0.011, p<0.001). The BW/PW ratio correlated with an increased shortening fraction (estimate=0.29, 95 % CI 0.03-0.55, p=0.027). PW correlated with IVSs (p=0.019), while the longest placental diameter was linked to a decrease in LV internal dimension during diastole (LVIDd) (estimate=-0.07, p=0.039), LV mass (estimate=-0.11, p=0.024), and LV mass/volume (estimate=-0.55, p=0.005). This study found that several placental factors, including the BW/PW ratio, can independently affect LV dimension and morphology, highlighting the importance of fetal growth and placental health in the physiological adaptation of the fetal heart. More research is needed to establish causation and inform newborn prevention strategies.

Quality Management in Chinese Academic Libraries: A Systematic Review

With global digital transformation and higher education evolution, academic libraries are enhancing their information and knowledge management practices. This study responds to this trend by identifying quality management (QM) models discussed and implemented in Chinese academic libraries, as well as by examining the enablers and challenges associated with QM planning and implementation. A systematic review was executed adhering to the PRISMA guidelines to critically appraise the relevant literature from five international and Chinese scholarly databases. Out of 435 initial records, 52 studies were included based on the established inclusion criteria and quality assessment benchmarks. The results revealed that Chinese academic libraries were increasingly integrating international QM models, including ISO 9000, TQM, and EFQM. This integration was driven by six enablers: four external enablers, including the introduction of QM, government support, technological advancements, and quality assessment practices; and two internal enablers, including developmental needs and cultural emphasis on educational excellence. However, these libraries also encountered six challenges in this process: three external challenges, including rapid industrial evolution, deficiency in comprehensive evaluation indicators, and rigorous ISO audits; and three internal challenges, including resistance to change, insufficiency of motivation for improvement, and inequitable distribution of resources. The findings of the current research could deepen the theoretical understanding of the enablers and challenges of QM in academic libraries from both external and internal dimensions. These findings could also support library management, higher education institution leaders, and policymakers in developing sustainable QM strategies for libraries in China and other countries.

Development of Multiculturalism Values in Religious Education and Its Implications for Multicultural and Democratic Student Ethics

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze multicultural content; multicultural content implementation strategy; multicultural content cultivating strategies; and the implications of multicultural content in PAI on the multicultural nature of students at SMAN 4 Magelang. Method: This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with a case study approach. The data collection procedure is carried out in a natural setting, with the primary data source of PAI teachers. The data collection technique is more with passive participation observation, in-depth interviews with school principals, PAI teachers and learning documentation studies in schools. Data analysis was carried out following the Miles and Huberman model, which included three activities, namely data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. Result: The results showed that the content of multicultural values in the PAI book at SMAN 4 Magelang was explicitly and implicitly stated. Multicultural values extracted from PAI materials include Religious Moderation, Equality, Democracy, Justice, and Tolerance (MB-KDKT). The school added the value of courtesy and integrity (SI) which was extracted from local wisdom. So that all values when acronymized become MB-KDKT-SI. Conclusion: The approach used for the implementation of multicultural content in PAI by adapting James A. Banks' theory of multicultural dimensions and the application of hidden curricula. The practice is packaged in the form of developing a learning culture that integrates intracurricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular learning activities in conceptual, operational and internalization levels or dimensions. The cultivation of multicultural values refers to Thomas Lickona's moral domain theory which is packaged in the form of homestays in people's homes for a certain period, joint camps between religious believers and modelling by teachers and school leaders. The implications of multicultural content in PAI are reflected in the form of multicultural content of learners. His findings, theoretically, are in the form of a formal formulation of Multicultural Adab. Practically (its manifestation) is in the form of moderate attitudes and behaviours in religion, as well as equality, democracy, justice, tolerance, courtesy and integrity in the learning process and social interaction.

Salesperson knowledge sourcing inside the vendor organization: Examining the performance-relationship continuum given selected boundary conditions

Salespeople can gain valuable knowledge from within their own firm to improve performance with customers. Despite this, salespeople's knowledge sourcing from various internal sources and personnel and the relationship of this to performance remains largely unexplored. Following a mixed-methods approach, Study 1 employs qualitative investigation to outline the distinct types of knowledge salespeople source from three distinct internal groups, namely (i) sales colleagues, (ii) sales managers and the (iii) internal business team (IBT), as well as several contingencies potentially impacting the effectiveness of knowledge-sourcing. To test hypotheses developed from Study 1, Study 2 empirically investigates the performance effects of salespeople sourcing knowledge from sales and non-sales IBT members via B2B salesperson survey data (n = 211). Results indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between knowledge sourcing from sales colleagues and salesperson performance, with curvilinear performance-relationships identified in terms of knowledge sourcing from sales managers and the IBT, as these are moderated by market-level variables. The research provides overdue insights on the still little-understood internal dimension of selling, while helping managers determine which knowledge-sourcing they should – and should not – encourage.

Abstract P437: Cumulative Effect of Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes on Left Ventricular Geometry - The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly common in young adults. Increases in left ventricular (LV) mass and wall thickness are early manifestations of myocardial involvement in T2D. The association between the cumulative burden of risk factors (RFs) and LV structural abnormalities in patients with early-onset T2D has not been well characterized. Objective: Investigate how metabolic RFs accumulated in a 25-year period among patients with early-onset T2D relate to LV mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT). Methods: We used data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (CARDIA, baseline to year 25). We defined early-onset T2D by self-reported T2D or anti-diabetic medication use, fasting glucose (FG) ≥126 mg/dL, or oral glucose ≥200 mg/dL at or before follow-up year 10 (age&lt;40). LV outcomes were measured by Doppler echocardiography (LVMI by Devereux formula indexed to body surface area; RWT = LV posterior wall thickness at end diastole x 2/LV internal dimension at end-diastole). Hypertrophy was defined by LVMI ≥115 g/m 2 in men or ≥95 g/m 2 in women. We used the area under the growth curve (AUC) that was derived from quadratic random-effects models of ≥4 repeated measures of RFs (BMI, SBP, DBP, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin) to estimate the cumulative burden of T2D through adulthood. We performed linear regressions to examine the associations of the total AUC of each RF with LVMI or RWT, accounting for sex, race, mid-life age, education, smoking, and control for hypertension, lipids, and diabetes. We assessed the associations by sex and race. Results: Among 227 patients with early-onset T2D, 39% had hypertrophy, and 13% had RWT&gt;0.42 at midlife. Each standard deviation (SD) increase in total AUCs of BMI, SBP, DBP, triglycerides, FG, and fasting insulin was significantly associated with increased LVMI (β coefficients =5.9, 11.5, 10, 7, 4.1, and 6.7, respectively), while high total AUC of HDL-c was inversely associated with LVMI (β = -5.1). Increased total AUC of triglycerides was associated with increased RWT (β = 0.2). Significant sex and race differences were shown in the cumulative effect of RFs on outcomes. The positive associations between AUC of RFs and LVMI were significant in both sexes, but the associations were stronger in male patients than in women. The inverse association between AUC of HDL-c and LVMI was only significant in male patients (P-interaction &lt;0.05). Women with early-onset T2D but not men exhibited significantly increased RWT related to the increase in AUCs of SBP, DBP, triglycerides, FG, and insulin (P-interaction &lt;0.05). The positive association between AUC of BMI and LVMI was significant in Whites but not Blacks (P-interaction &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Cumulative RFs alter mid-adulthood LV geometry in patients with early-onset T2D. This cumulative impact of early-onset T2D on LV geometry varies by sex and race.

Colour and furniture brand identity: Exploring the strategic value of brand’s iconic colour

This research explores the intersection of colour marketing and brand identity, focusing on the role of iconic colour in furniture branding. A comprehensive framework for crafting a furniture brand’s iconic colour was developed, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze data from three offline experiments with a total sample size of 111 subjects. The findings highlight the crucial influence of iconic colour on brand identity, revealing that both the referential meaning of hue and gender significantly impact brand perception. Contrary to conventional beliefs, variations in saturation and value are not solely detrimental; they can also enrich brand identity. The iconic colour serves as a cornerstone for ensuring consistency across internal and external brand dimensions, solidifying the brand’s core identifiers, and resonating with consumers’ minds. This research underscores the pivotal role of iconic colour in forging a coherent and distinct brand identity, offering valuable insights for marketers and brand strategists in the furniture industry and beyond.

Does the digitalization of municipalities affect the efficiency of universities? An Italian case study using DEA and Malmquist index approaches

Universities are a vital part of society, with both internal and external dimensions. The internal dimension involves crucial aspects, such as research activities, while the external dimension concerns the university's environment. The adoption and implementation of smart technologies have significantly improved the performance of various institutions, particularly universities. Consequently, the two dimensions intersect, allowing technological advancements from the outside to increase efficiency within universities. In this context, it is relevant to evaluate how the level of digitalization in the external environment can affect the efficiency of universities. This study aims to investigate the efficiency levels of Italian universities using three methodological techniques. First, the efficiency level of Italian universities was assessed using Data Envelopment Analysis. Second, Conditional Data Envelopment Analysis was used to estimate the conditioning role of the digitalization level of municipalities where Italian universities are located. Third, a Malmquist analysis was conducted to identify changes in efficiency during the study period. The analysis was based on data from 52 Italian state universities between 2018 and 2021. The study found that the level of digitalization in municipalities has a significant impact on university efficiency. Therefore, universities must reconsider and reorganize their traditional ways of managing public services and adopt new approaches to adapt to these changes.

Epicardial fat thickness among neonates of diabetic mothers attending the neonatal intensive care unit at Fayoum University Hospital: a case control study

BackgroundUsing conventional echocardiography, this study aimed to evaluate the epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and its role in discriminating infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) from those of non-diabetic mothers (INDMs) and to assess its prognostic role in IDMs. This case control study was conducted at the Neonatology and Cardiology Units of Pediatric Department, Fayoum University Hospital, Egypt, between February and September 2023. A total of 54 neonates were enrolled into three groups: 18 IDMs with well-controlled diabetes mellitus (DM), 18 IDMs with poorly controlled DM, and 18 INDMs.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff of EFT were 100%, 100%, and 3.950 mm for detecting cases of IDMs and were 66.7%, 72.2%, and 5.100 mm for differentiating controlled from uncontrolled diabetic mothers, respectively. The interventricular septum in diastole (IVSd), interventricular septum in systole (IVSs), estimated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), left ventricle (LV) Tei index, and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) of LV all showed a positive correlation with EFT (r = 0.35, 0.31, 0.41, 0.34, and 0.39; P = 0.009, 0.025, 0.002, 0.01, and 0.003; respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between EFT and left ventricular internal dimensions in diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal dimensions in systole (LVIDs) (r = − 0.44 and 0.42, P = 0.001 and 0.001). Regarding tissue Doppler, there was a significantly higher Tei index in group I cases compared to control (0.59 ± 0.10 vs. 0.49 ± 0.09, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe EFT is higher in IDMs than in INDMs, with a positive correlation with birth weight, IVSd, IVSs, Tei index of mitral, IVRT, and ESPAP and a negative correlation with LVIDd and LVIDs. Neonatal EFT can be used as one of the helpful parameters to detect IDMs. Also, it may be used as one of the prognostic factors in IDMs as it is positively correlated with the diastolic function of the LV.

Fast Shutter optioneering study for the ITER Disruption Mitigation System

ITER needs a Disruption Mitigation System (DMS) for protection from the consequences of plasma disruptions during high-power operation. The current DMS for ITER is based on the Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) technology. This works on the basic principle of a cryogenic pipe gun with around a half-meter-long acceleration barrel. It is important to avoid any contact between the pellet and the internal surfaces of the flight line to minimize the risk of premature pellet breakage. Therefore, the internal dimensions of the flight tube of the SPI are relatively large compared to the pellet hence providing a bypass for propellant gas resulting in a significant quantity arriving in the plasma ahead of the pellet. This will cause an undesirable instability in the plasma and compromise the effectiveness of disruption mitigation. The described events appear on a scale of a few milliseconds. One possible solution for this issue could be using a fast-acting shutter in the flight line, which will close after the pellet has passed through to hold back the propellant gas. Due to the environmental requirements, the shutter needs to close an approximately 40 mm aperture within a few ms, the shutter has limited space and limited access and acts under a magnetic field, therefore it should endure a high number of cycles and should perform well in a very demanding situation. This paper describes the optioneering study of the shutter and possible solutions for the demanding criteria. The laboratory testing of the Electromechanical Test Bench and the Prototype design are also detailed in separate papers.

The role of operational code and the Cyprus negotiations: the case of Derviş Eroğlu as the Turkish Cypriot leader

ABSTRACT This study aims to contribute to the literature on the Cyprus negotiations at the individual level and to identify the political-psychological factors underlying the negotiations through operational code analysis. Moreover, it also aims to analyze the role of operational code in intercommunal negotiations at the macro-function level. Using the Verbs In Context System (VICS) method, a quantitative variant of the operational code approach, this study examines President Eroğlu’s verbs in his public statements between 2010 and 2015 when he was in office and measures his political beliefs in the context of the Cyprus negotiations. It then discusses the macro-functionality of his operational code, especially at the domestic level. The external dimension of the operational code of Eroğlu related to his beliefs about the other was identified as ‘conflicting,’ but the internal dimension related to his beliefs about himself as ‘somewhat cooperative.’ In terms of macro-functionality, it was reported that Eroğlu’s operational code was far from serving the federal vision in intercommunal talks. Besides, it was concluded that his overall operational code contributed to the reproduction of the status quo and related nationalist and ethicist dominant identities in both the north and south of Cyprus.

Religious and Spiritual Dimensions of the Kris: Exploring the Enthusiast’s Perspective

This article investigates the religious and spiritual dimensions of the kris which is a cherised cultural heirloom. This research aims to portray the deepest meaning of the kris according to the kris enthusiasts in East Java. It is essential to see the kris from local knowledge perspectives. In exploring the meaning of the kris as a sacred object, the article puts forth two main questions: how the kris enthusiasts view the kris as a cultural symbol and how religious and spiritual experiences of the kris influence their views on daily life. This research uses a qualitative method with a combination of phenomenology and ethnography approaches. Data collection was through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, with informants selected using purposive sampling. The results of the research show that firstly, the kris enthusiasts view the kris as a religious symbol that helps build their journey of life. The kris is understood as a symbol of noble values and to contain a philosophy of life that is inseparable from other elements, including beliefs, moral values, art, thoughts and practices, thereby being of great importance for the lives of the kris enthusiasts. Secondly, the religious and spiritual experiences of the kris are not limited to external or ritualistic aspects alone, but also encompass the internal dimension that gives birth to spiritual and religious depth, creating a space of meaning for profound human experience.

COMPETENȚELE LEGALE ŞI IMPLEMENTAREA AGENDEI 2030 DE CĂTRE UNIUNEA EUROPEANĂ

Legal competences and implementation of the 2030 Agenda by the European Union Abstract: With the adoption on September 25, 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development of the UN, a general framework of Sustainable Development Goals and related goals was established, which the European Union, through its member states, undertook to implement. The 17 objectives, included in the mentioned document, are not “legally binding”, and their implementation is affected by the legal powers assigned to the coordination of the EU and the member states. The provisions of the treaties, as well as the jurisprudence of the EU Court of Justice, theoretically allow the European Commission to assume a greater role in both the internal and external dimensions of its sustainable development policies. However, legal coordination powers are not specifically invoked in the European Commission’s implementation strategy.

Developing New Public Governance as a public management reform model

ABSTRACT The concept of New Public Governance (NPG) has proven valuable as an umbrella term for cross-sector collaboration in public governance. Thus far, however, its conceptual development has mainly focused on the external relations of government. To develop NPG as a public management reform model, this article examines its internal dimension by specifying eight NPG reform tools for advancing collaboration within the public sector. We argue that the NPG reform model enables scholars to capture significant collaborative transformations in public administration and suggest new avenues for public management reform research.

Energy loss in practical waveguide channel designs

The presence of attenuation of electromagnetic waves in feeder paths leads to a decrease in the efficiency of radio engineering systems, as well as an increase in thermal noise, which reduces the sensitivity of the receiving part of the system. In addition to this, the thermal mode of the path deteriorates, which may be the cause of a decrease in its electrical strength, as well as overheating. For hollow rectangular waveguides, the loss value is determined by the following design characteristics: the internal dimensions of the cross section and the so-called microwave quality of the material in which the ultra-high frequency currents flow. For metallic waveguides microwave quality is characterized, first of all, by intrinsic conductivity and roughness of the inner surface. It should be emphasized that a necessary condition for a full-fledged study of the problem of loss reduction in waveguide devices is the possibility of practical substantiation of the results, specifically – the possibility of conducting measurements of losses in the layout of waveguide devices. However, in many works this issue is not given due attention, and any results of estimation of electrical parameters of conductive layers are not given. The purpose of this work is to study the magnitude of losses in practical designs of waveguide devices. The study is carried out on device layouts, conductive layers of which are made (formed) from common materials of high conductivity with different surface states. This paper presents the results of the study of effective conductivity values of practical waveguide channel designs. The research methodology showed acceptable accuracy (3...5%), and the research results are consistent with previously known data, as well as supplement them. The research results clearly demonstrate that such a widespread concept as the thickness (effective thickness) of the skin layer, obtained by calculation, is of practical importance only for ideal homogeneous materials. In other cases, the depth of occurrence and distribution of microwave current density is difficult to predict, depending on the coating thickness, roughness of the coating and the substrate, as well as on the ratio of their effective conductivities. Most publications on loss reduction in waveguide devices address the issues of surface microroughness. At the same time, in practical designs, attention should be paid to the condition of the surface layer. And it is peculiar not only for galvanic coatings, but also for surfaces obtained by cold deformation. Galvanic silver plating of the inner surface of brass waveguides used to increase electrical conductivity often does not give positive results due to the significant roughness and porosity of the silver coating. While the roughness can be improved (e.g. by mechanical means), reducing the porosity of the deposited metal represents a significant technological challenge.

Fuyu Decoction ameliorates myocardial fibrosis in rat model of heart failure by regulating Nrf2/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis

This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of Fuyu Decoction(FYD) in the treatment of myocardial fibrosis in the rat model of heart failure(HF). Sixty Wistar rats were randomized into a modeling group(n=50) and a sham group(n=10). A post-myocardial infarction HF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into model, low-dose(2.5 g·kg~(-1)) FYD(FYD-L), high-dose(5.0 g·kg~(-1)) FYD(FYD-H), and FYD+Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385, 30 mg·kg~(-1)) groups(n=10). FYD was administrated by gavage and ML385 by intraperitoneal injection. The rats in the sham and model groups were administrated with equal amounts of normal saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of intervention, the cardiac function indicators were measured, and the myocardial tissue morphology and collagen deposition were observed. The positive expression of collagens Ⅰ and Ⅲ, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were examined, and the levels of Fe~(2+) and reactive oxygen species(ROS) were determined. The protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), and acyl-coenzyme A synthase long chain family member 4(ACSL4) in the myocardial tissue were determined. Compared with sham group, the model group showed decreased left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS), increased left ventricular end internal dimension in systole(LVIDs), left ventricular internal diameter in diastole(LVIDd), and myocardial collagen deposition, positive expression of collagens Ⅰ and Ⅲ, elevated apoptosis rate and malondialdehyde(MDA), Fe~(2+), and ROS levels, lowered superoxide dismutase(SOD) and glutathione peroxidase(GSH) levels, down-regulated protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4, and up-regulated protein level of ACSL4. Compared with the model group, the above indicators were restored by FYD. Moreover, ML385 reversed the protective effect of FYD on myocardial fibrosis in HF rats. In conclusion, FYD can inhibit ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway, thereby ameliorating myocardial fibrosis in HF rats.

Strategic Autonomy, REPowerEU And The Internal Energy Market: Untying The Gordian Knot

The “open” strategic autonomy discourse now serves altogether as a new narrative and overarching principle of EU energy policy. This article conceptualizes EU strategic energy autonomy (SEA) as the Union’s ability to choose autonomously its own path towards a decarbonized “energy mix”. Realizing EU SEA demands a more holistic energy policy to tackle external dependence on foreign suppliers of energy commodities, technologies, and raw materials critical to the green transition. In this context, joint external action is important; but coordinated internal action is even more so, as the nature and magnitude of external constraints also depend on internal choices among the Member States concerning transition pathways. The article focuses on the internal dimension of EU energy policy. The REPowerEU plan and related emergency measures adopted under Article 122 TFEU to guarantee solidarity in tackling the impending energy crisis only brought a partial answer and once again raised the question of the EU competence to act on energy security issues. It is argued that the shared competence and related limitations foreseen in the TFEU should not prevent the EU from implementing a long-term holistic policy to pursue a resilient decarbonization policy throughout the energy value chains. The EU may well become more relevant than in the past when it comes to the energy security of Member States. New regulatory tools may be needed to support the integrity of the cornerstone of EU energy policy to date – the internal energy market – in the pursuit of an “open” SEA. The potential contribution to safeguarding “open” SEA from EU foreign direct investment screening, the forthcoming carbon border adjustment mechanism, and the new EUforeign subsidy regulation are discussed in this context.

Development of Multiculturalism Values in Religious Education And its Implications for Multicultural and Democratic Student Ethics

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze multicultural content; multicultural content implementation strategy; multicultural content cultivating strategies; and the implications of multicultural content in PAI on the multicultural nature of students at SMAN 4 Magelang. Method: This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with a case study approach. The data collection procedure is carried out in a natural setting, with the primary data source of PAI teachers. The data collection technique is more with passive participation observation, in-depth interviews with school principals, PAI teachers and learning documentation studies in schools. Data analysis was carried out following the Miles and Huberman model, which included three activities, namely data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. Result: The results showed that the content of multicultural values in the PAI book at SMAN 4 Magelang was explicitly and implicitly stated. Multicultural values extracted from PAI materials include Religious Moderation, Equality, Democracy, Justice, and Tolerance (MB-KDKT). The school added the value of courtesy and integrity (SI) which was extracted from local wisdom. So that all values when acronymized become MB-KDKT-SI. Conclusion: The approach used for the implementation of multicultural content in PAI by adapting James A. Banks' theory of multicultural dimensions and the application of hidden curricula. The practice is packaged in the form of developing a learning culture that integrates intracurricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular learning activities in conceptual, operational and internalization levels or dimensions. The cultivation of multicultural values refers to Thomas Lickona's moral domain theory which is packaged in the form of homestays in people's homes for a certain period, joint camps between religious believers and modelling by teachers and school leaders. The implications of multicultural content in PAI are reflected in the form of multicultural content of learners. His findings, theoretically, are in the form of a formal formulation of Multicultural Adab. Practically (its manifestation) is in the form of moderate attitudes and behaviours in religion, as well as equality, democracy, justice, tolerance, courtesy and integrity in the learning process and social interaction.

Mapping EU Externalisation Devices through a Critical Eye

Abstract The purpose of this article is to scope, map and critique EU externalisation devices in asylum law. The article first evaluates the internal dimension of externalisation in EU asylum law, with the Dublin system being an internal device of externalisation supported by the securitisation of asylum law. The article then maps EU border externalisation manifested in border violence and critically discusses judicial responses to it. Finally, the article scrutinises EU externalisation beyond its borders, as realised by the outsourcing of asylum responsibilities or border controls to non-European countries. EU externalisation is here studied in a multi-faceted way, taking stock of devices from across the spectrum of EU asylum law. It is argued that EU externalisation is wholly underpinned by a neo-colonial narrative of emergency and repulsion that is harmful to refugees as it does not sit comfortably with principles of refugee law or EU and international human rights law.

Evolution of internal dimensions in object‐oriented software–A time series based approach

SummarySoftware evolution is the process of adapting, maintaining, and updating a software system. This process concentrates the most significant part of the software costs. Many works have studied software evolution and found relevant insights, such as Lehman's laws. However, there is a gap in how software systems evolve from an internal dimensions point of view. For instance, the literature has indicated how systems grow, for example, linearly, sub‐linearly, super‐linearly, or following the Pareto distribution. However, a well‐defined pattern of how this phenomenon occurs has not been established. This work aims to define a novel method to analyze and predict software evolution. We based our strategy on time series analysis, linear regression techniques, and trend tests. In this study, we applied the proposed model to investigate how the internal structure of object‐oriented software systems evolves in terms of four dimensions: coupling, inheritance hierarchy, cohesion, and class size. Applying the proposed method, we identify the functions that better explain how the analyzed dimensions evolve. Besides, we investigate how the relationship between dimension metrics behave over the systems' evolution and the set of classes existing in the systems that affect the evolution of these dimensions. We mined and analyzed data from 46 Java‐based open‐source projects. We used eight software metrics regarding the dimensions analyzed in this study. The main results of this study reveal ten software evolution properties, among them: coupling, cohesion, and inheritance evolve linearly; a relevant percentage of classes contributes to coupling and size evolution; a small percentage of classes contributes to cohesion evolution; there is no relation between the software internal dimensions' evolution. The results also indicate that our method can accurately predict how the software system will evolve in short‐term and long‐term predictions.