Original Application Research Articles

Agricultural economic complexity and regional inequalities: a new approach using census data from Brazil

ABSTRACT The paper presents an original application of economic complexity to the agricultural sector aiming to determine its suitability to measure and depict regional structural inequalities across Brazilian regions. Using census data, we calculate agricultural complexity indexes for products (PCI-Agro) and regions (ECI-Agro) and the agricultural product space. We show that higher PCI-Agro is associated with higher levels of productivity, education, income and human development. Also, we found that ECI-Agro is associated with higher productivity in agriculture. The econometric evidence points to an inverted ‘U’-shape curve relationship between ECI-Agro and agricultural productivity, which has significant policy implications.

Latent Markov time-interaction processes

We present parametric and semiparametric latent Markov time-interaction processes, that are point processes where the occurrence of an event can increase or reduce the probability of future events. We first present time-interaction processes with parametric and nonparametric baselines, then we let model parameters be modulated by a discrete state continuous time latent Markov process. Posterior inference is based on a novel and efficient data augmentation approach in the Markov Chain Monte Carlo framework. We illustrate with a simulation study; and an original application to terrorist attacks in Europe in the period 2001-2017, where we find two distinct latent clusters for the hazard of occurrence of terrorist events, negative association with GDP growth, and self-exciting phenomena.

Method for Increasing the Energy Efficiency of the Gear Teeth Cutting Process by Smoothing the Cutting Force Variation

The energy efficiency in metal cutting is, sometimes, very low. Recent studies show that the energy consumed for detaching chips represents only about 15% of the total energy involved in material machining. The available solutions for energy optimization in cutting processes mentioned are the improvement of manufacturing equipment, the optimization of processes, and appropriate production scheduling. Already-performed research shows that to increase energy efficiency, the cutting force must be reduced, for example, by reducing the depth of the cut and by increasing the feed rate. However, this is applicable when the cutting force is quasi-constant during the process, which is not the case for gear teeth cutting when the cutting force significantly varies. The present paper proposes a new solution for energy efficiency increase in gear teeth cutting, namely, the smoothing of the cutting force variation during the machining process, by keeping the area of the detached chip section quasi-constant during the cutting process. This can be reached by replacing the constant rolling feed, currently used in gear teeth cutting, with a rolling feed that varies after an appropriate law. An algorithm dedicated to implementing this solution has been developed. It uses graphical modeling in CATIA to find the variation in the detached chip area. Original MatLab R2018a applications were developed (i) to identify the analytical form of the law that approximates this variation and (ii) to find the variation law of the feed during the rolling motion, if imposing a constant area of the detached chip. The algorithm was successfully applied in the cases of toothing with a rack tool (by slotting) and with a pinion cutter (by slotting and turning). A technical solution for method implementation in practice is also presented.

MONITORING ACTIVITY IN THE RISK-ORIENTED INTERNAL AUDIT: A MODEL PROPOSAL

The purpose of this article is to make a proposal for process development for monitoring activities in a way that includes experiences gained from audits conducted in order to achieve the goal of risk-oriented internal audit function in institutions and to contribute a guiding study on the subject to the literature. In this study, first of all, the risk-oriented internal audit approach and monitoring process are explained with the document analysis method, and then a model for the monitoring process is presented and conclusions and recommendations are made. By using the document analysis method and the features of the risk-oriented internal audit approach, an original application process was compiled to test the risk and control processes for the internal audit activities required for an effectively functioning monitoring system. It is suggested that risk- oriented internal audit will be an important tool in increasing the added value for institutions with the monitoring system designed for risk- oriented internal audit activity, which examines the processes and offers suggestions for areas of development in order to ensure that all financial and non-financial resources are used effectively, economically and efficiently and to add value to the work of the organization.

Update/Refinement of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Indication: A Scoping Review of Applications for Non-Amputees

Background: Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) was originally developed to enhance prosthetic control in amputees. However, it has also serendipitously demonstrated benefits in reducing phantom pain and neuromas. As a result, it has emerged as a secondary treatment for chronic neuromas in amputees and holds promise for managing neuropathic pain in non-amputee patients, particularly those with neuromas. This review synthesizes the current literature on TMR indications for non-amputee patients, highlighting its potential to address chronic peripheral nerve pain and neuromas beyond its original application in amputation. Methods: A thorough search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases up to January 2024 was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials reporting TMR outcomes in non-amputees. Results: Of 263 articles initially identified, 8 met the inclusion criteria after screening and full-text assessment. The articles were all case series with varied sample sizes and mainly focused on neuroma treatment (n = 6) and neuropathic pain management (n = 2) for both upper and lower extremities. Clinical studies included TMR efficacy for sural nerve neuromas in the lower extremities and hand neuromas, showing pain relief and improved function. Key findings were encouraging, showing successful pain relief, patient satisfaction, and psychosocial improvement, with only rare occurrences of complications such as motor deficits. Conclusions: In non-amputee patients, TMR appears to be a promising option for the surgical management of neuropathic pain, demonstrating favorable patient satisfaction and psychosocial outcomes along with low morbidity rates. Although functional improvements in gait recovery and range of motion are encouraging, further research will be important to confirm and expand upon these findings.

A glimpse through the origin, composition and biomedical applications of green tea and its polyphenols: A review

Green tea is an aromatic healthy beverage that is the least processed type of tea, containing numerous bioactive components beneficial to humans. It is produced from the plant Camelia sinensis, a shrub native to Asia. This article reviews the literature review on the origin, manufacturing, composition, biomedical applications and health benefits of green tea and its polyphenols. The main bioactive components of green tea are polyphenols, primarily flavonoids. Catechins are the main flavonoids present in tea. These high-potential compounds can stimulate certain enzymes and alter cellular functions by preventing the oxidation of biomolecules due to their antioxidant properties. The catechins found in tea include (-) –epicatechin (EC), (-) epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin -3-gallate (EGCG). Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most prominent catechin in fresh leaves, constituting around 50-60 % of the flavonoids. EGCG is the active component with significant health benefits. These catechins contribute to therapeutic actions and the prevention of infections. Recent research on green tea suggests various applications based on its medicinal value to reduce the risk of many diseases.

Fetishism for Our Times: A Rhetorical and Philosophical Exploration

This article develops a detailed theory of the fetishes of the modern world. Fetishes may still have their original religious application as talismans and totems, but their actual range is much wider, as I illustrate. I show that a modern fetish satisfies our needs in an unexpected and unlikely manner: it does what it, prima facie, is not supposed to do. How does this happen? To explain, we must trace the construction of fetishes; I do this using some key rhetorical concepts. Paradiastole is a technique of evaluative redescription. It describes the world in value terms as something it is not—we can then ironize the result. If it serves the speakers’ essential interests and satisfies their desires, we have explained a fetish as a good-maker. The fetishization of an object, because of its ironic background, tends to invite critical, meiotic, and even derogatory responses—usually, the issue is and remains essentially contested. For example, early Christians wrote hagiographies that treated some people as saints, thus creating ad hoc beliefs that satisfied their religious interests. I also suggest a different, metonymic understanding of fetishes and their educational benefits. Perhaps my theory is overly permissive, allowing too many fetishes. My final conjecture is that true fetishes function as identity markers; for example, the crucifix is a fetish that defines Christianity.

Phonon transport manipulation in TiSe2 via reversible charge density wave melting

Titanium diselenide (TiSe2) is a layered material that under a critical temperature of Tc ≈ 200 K features a periodic modulation of the electron density, known as charge density wave (CDW), which finds applications in quantum information and emerging electronic devices. Here, we present first-principles calculations showing the suppression of the CDW via photoexcitation and consequent stabilization of the undistorted high-temperature phase, in agreement with experimental observations. Interestingly, the unfolded CDW melting is accompanied by a sizable reduction in the thermal conductivity, κ, of up to 25% and a large entropy increase of ~10 J K−1 kg−1. The significant κ variation is almost entirely originated from photoinduced changes in the phonon–phonon scattering processes involving a high-symmetry soft phonon mode. Our results open new possibilities in the design of devices for thermal management and phonon-based logic, and suggest original applications in the of context solid-state cooling.

Plasmonic Photovoltaic Effect of an Original 2D Electron Gas System and Application in Mid‐Infrared Imaging

AbstractOwing to their consistently emerging applications in modern photonics, highly sensitive and rapid mid‐infrared (MIR) photodetectors, operating at high temperatures, are of great significance. Herein, a novel PbTe/Ge heterostructure is introduced. Notably, the discovery of a 2D electron gas (2DEG) system on the surface of the PbTe layer is experimentally identified for the first time. A high‐performance PbTe/Ge heterostructure MIR photodetector utilizing a plasmonic photovoltaic effect is developed by employing asymmetric electrodes. The photodetecting device demonstrates an exceptionally high detectivity of 1.1 × 1011 Jones along with a short response time of 15 ns at room temperature. Additionally, the proposed plasmonic photovoltaic mechanism of the device is investigated and mainly ascribed to the propagating plasmons, generated by the coupling of the 2DEG with incident MIR photons. Moreover, a linear detector array (LDA) of PbTe/Ge is demonstrated for a thermal imaging application, which exhibits promising high‐quality real‐time imaging via the 2D photodetector arrays on Ge‐based integrated circuits. This work opens up a new way for the development of next‐generation, advanced MIR photonic devices and integrated photonic systems.

Real-world evidence to support regulatory submissions: Alandscape review and assessment of use cases.

Real-world evidence (RWE) has an increasing role in preapproval settings to support the approval of new medicines and indications. The main objectives of this study were to identify and characterize regulatory use cases that utilized RWE and other related observational approaches through targeted review of publications and regulatory review documents. After screening and inclusion/exclusion, the review characterized 85 regulatory applications with RWE. A total of 31 were in oncology and 54 were in non-oncology therapeutic areas. Most were for indications in adults only (N = 42, 49.4%), while 13 were in pediatrics only (15.3%), and 30 were in both (35.3%). In terms of regulatory context, 59 cases (69.4%) were for an original marketing application, 24 (28.2%) were for label expansion, and 2 (2.4%) were for label modification. Most also received special regulatory designations (e.g., orphan indication, breakthrough therapy, fast track, conditional, and accelerated approvals). There were 42 cases that utilized RWE to support single-arm trials. External data to support single-arm trials were utilized in various ways across use cases, including direct matching, benchmarking, natural history studies as well as literature or previous trials. A variety of data sources were utilized, including electronic health records, claims, registries, site-based charts. Endpoints in oncology use cases commonly included overall survival, progression-free survival. In 13 use cases, RWE was not considered supportive/definitive in regulatory decision-making due to design issues (e.g., small sample size, selection bias, missing data). Overall, RWE is utilized in regulatory approval processes for new indications/label expansion across various therapeutic areas with wide range of approaches. Multifaceted cross-sector efforts are needed to further improve the quality and utility of RWE in regulatory decision-making.

Games, diversity and occupation: a bidimensional CSR perspective for adaptive organisations

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a bidimensional perspective to study the role that diversity and occupation play in corporate social responsibility (CSR).Design/methodology/approachFive big American companies were selected from a ranking carried out by a globally recognised website for finding flexible and inclusive jobs (www.flexjob.com). After a gap evaluation, content analysis and click analysis were carried out on the institutional websites.FindingsThis analysis provides insight into best practices for inducing employees to select inclusive and non-toxic working environments.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to its original application of game-based inclusiveness, the limited cases and exploratory research approach should be considered as limits of the study.Practical implicationsThe research illustrates the internal relevance of sustainability and diversity, creating best practices for bidimensional CSR by matching the offer of and demand for social-inclusive recruitment and employment.Originality/valueIn pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal No.10, regarding reduction of inequalities, games as an inclusive practice could be used to avoid toxic work environments and promote well-being in the workplace.

LeichtPRO-profiles: development and validation of novel linear biocomposite structural components fabricated from pultruded natural flax fibres with plant-based resin for sustainable architectural applications

Reconsidering the materials used in construction is crucial within the building industry, particularly in the context of sustainability. Recently, there has been a growing interest in exploring novel materials, with fibre-reinforced composites emerging as a prominent choice with biocomposites standing out as promising for advancing sustainability goals. This paper introduces the development of LeichtPRO-Profiles, continuous linear biocomposite profiles fabricated using the pultrusion technology. A primary focus is the application of these profiles in structural systems as load-bearing elements, emphasising the significance of understanding their mechanical properties. Specifically, an original application involves active-bending structures, necessitating a focus on the material’s bending behaviour. This study discusses the methods employed in developing the pultruded biocomposite profiles which are made from natural flax fibres and an optimised matrix formulation based on a plant-based resin system. This research also outlines the optimisation of the fabrication process of these biocomposite profiles using bio-based ingredients. The results demonstrate the material’s mechanical capabilities through extensive experiments and mechanical tests, revealing a compression strength of 31.2 kN and a flexural strength of 300 MPa, with a bending radius of up to 2.4 m, indicating its suitability for structural applications. Concepts of applications in several systems across different scales and contexts are also presented. The versatility and adaptability of this product make it suitable for a wide range of applications spanning various scales and thematic contexts.

Problems of Implementing Village Origin Rights in Indonesia

Local democracy in the village is essentially based on these rights of origin and traditional rights. This paper aims to discuss the problems of villages in exercising their rights of origin in Indonesia. To understand how these rights of origin are implemented, this article refers to the practice of Nagari as a customary legal community unit in West Sumatra Province. Not only that, enrichment related to implementing rights of origin also refers to Desa Pakraman in Bali Province. This article uses a literature study derived from documents that have been published from various sources such as articles in scientific journal, mass media news, and official government documents. This article finds that problems in the application of origin and traditional village rights arise because of strict government regulations that encourage village governments to focus on carrying out governance functions in their area. Using the principles of recognition and subsidiarity in the administration of village government results in an attitude of ambiguity in the administration of village government. As a result, the village government prefers to implement the household authority handed over to it accompanied by a budget through Village Fund transfers rather than developing the original rights that have become the identity of pre-existing local democracy.

Wildlife monitoring with drones: A survey of end users

AbstractRapid advancements in technology often yield research inquiry into novel applications and drone (i.e., unoccupied aircraft systems or UAS) applications in wildlife management are no exception. We questioned the time lag between drone‐related research and end‐user assessments. We implemented an online, cross‐sectional survey of wildlife professionals to better understand current drone use and benefits or concerns, complemented by a review of contemporary peer‐reviewed and gray literature. We found little disparity between scientific inquiry and end‐user experiences (i.e., similar trends among concerns in published literature and survey results). Exploring new (i.e., advancements in computer vision) and refining original drone applications (i.e., evaluating animal behavior responses during monitoring) were strong among pilots of relatively minimal experience (1–5 years). Advancements in drone technology and changes in drone‐related legislation will continue to offer benefits and challenges.

Based on the Advantages of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy, the Multiple Exploration of the Correlation between the Meridians and the Circulatory System of the Nervous System

The meridians, nervous system, and circulatory system are important components of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine. The meridians have a high degree of consistency with the distribution of the nervous and circulatory systems in modern medicine, and are closely related in the process of disease treatment. Therefore, people often confuse the three. Based on the great advantages of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of nervous system and circulatory system diseases, the author has made diversified exploration on its rele⁃ vance in terms of origin, physiological anatomy, physiological function and clinical application. It is believed that meridians have their relative independence, and the nervous and circulatory systems cannot completely replace meridians. However, meridians are closely related to the nervous and circulatory systems, and in clinical practice, meridians can be combined with the nervous and circulatory systems to guide the treatment of diseases.

Flexurba: An open-source R package to flexibly reconstruct the Degree of Urbanisation classification

This paper describes flexurba, a software library written in R, with the first open reconstruction of the Degree of Urbanisation algorithm to classify cities, towns, and rural areas. The R package offers enhanced flexibility and facilitates constructing alternative versions of the Degree of Urbanisation classification by customising parameters such as the minimum population size required for a city, and more ‘hidden’ implementation details including the contiguity rules and edge smoothing procedures. To illustrate how the package can be employed, we briefly demonstrate the grid classification and spatial units classification for Belgium. In addition, we compare results generated by the flexurba package with the official classification and discuss potential use cases. The package enables a broad range of analyses beyond the Degree of Urbanisation’s original application, including evaluating alternative urban delineations, sensitivity analyses, and comparative research.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and neurobehavioral outcomes. Impact of different original and recalled exposure measures on the associations.

Several measures of occupational exposure to pesticides have been used to study associations between exposure to pesticides and neurobehavioral outcomes. This study assessed the impact of different exposure measures for glyphosate and mancozeb on the association with neurobehavioral outcomes based on original and recalled self-reported data with 246 smallholder farmers in Uganda. The association between the 6 exposure measures and 6 selected neurobehavioral test scores was investigated using linear multivariable regression models. Exposure measures included original exposure measures for the previous year in 2017: (i) application status (yes/no), (ii) number of application days, (iii) average exposure-intensity scores (EIS) of an application and (iv) number of EIS-weighted application days. Two additional measures were collected in 2019: (v) recalled application status and (vi) recalled EIS for the respective periods in 2017. Recalled applicator status and EIS were between 1.2 and 1.4 times more frequent and higher for both pesticides than the original application status and EIS. Adverse associations between the different original measures of exposure to glyphosate and 4 neurobehavioral tests were observed. Glyphosate exposure based on recalled information and all mancozeb exposure measures were not associated with the neurobehavioral outcomes. The relation between the different original self-reported glyphosate exposure measures and neurobehavioral test scores appeared to be robust. When based on recalled exposure measures, associations observed with the original exposure measures were no longer present. Therefore, future epidemiological studies on self-reported exposure should critically evaluate the potential bias towards the null in observed exposure-response associations.

Chromatic fixed point theory and the Balmer spectrum for extraspecial 2-groups

abstract: In the early 1940s, P. A. Smith showed that if a finite $p$-group $G$ acts on a finite dimensional complex $X$ that is mod $p$ acyclic, then its space of fixed points, $X^G$, will also be mod $p$ acyclic. In their recent study of the Balmer spectrum of equivariant stable homotopy theory, Balmer and Sanders were led to study a question that can be shown to be equivalent to the following: if a $G$-space $X$ is a equivariant homotopy retract of the $p$-localization of a based finite $G$-C.W. complex, given $H<G$ and $n$, what is the smallest $r$ such that if $X^H$ is acyclic in the $(n+r)$th Morava $K$-theory, then $X^G$ must be acyclic in the $n$th Morava $K$-theory? Barthel et.~al. then answered this when $G$ is abelian, by finding general lower and upper bounds for these ``blue shift'' numbers which agree in the abelian case. In our paper, we first prove that these potential chromatic versions of Smith's theorem are equivalent to chromatic versions of a 1952 theorem of E. E. Floyd, which replaces acyclicity by bounds on dimensions of mod $p$ homology, and thus applies to all finite dimensional $G$-spaces. This unlocks new techniques and applications in chromatic fixed point theory. Applied to the problem of understanding blue shift numbers, we are able to use classic constructions and representation theory to search for lower bounds. We give a simple new proof of the known lower bound theorem, and then get the first results about nonabelian 2-groups that do not follow from previously known results. In particular, we are able to determine all blue shift numbers for extraspecial 2-groups. Applied in ways analogous to Smith's original applications, we prove new fixed point theorems for $K(n)_*$-homology disks and spheres. Finally, our methods offer a new way of using equivariant results to show the collapsing of certain Atiyah-Hirzebruch spectral sequences in certain cases. Our criterion appears to apply to the calculation of all 2-primary Morava $K$-theories of all real Grassmanians.

Translating Human and Animal Model Studies to Dogs' and Cats' Veterinary Care: Beta-Glucans Application for Skin Disease, Osteoarthritis, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management.

The inclusion of beta-glucans in dog and cat food is associated with numerous beneficial effects on the health of these animals. In this regard, there is an effort to elucidate the potential of this nutraceutical in chronic patients. Since there is a lack of a review on the topic, this review article aims to compile and discuss the evidence found to date. Atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and osteoarthritis are diseases of significant clinical relevance in dogs and cats. In general, the pathophysiology of these chronic conditions is related to immune-mediated and inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, the immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of beta-glucans are highlighted throughout this review. The available information seems to indicate that the studies on beta-glucans' impact on allergic processes in dogs indicate a reduction in clinical signs in atopic dermatitis cases. Additionally, while beta-glucans show promise as a safe supplement, particularly for osteoarthritis, further clinical trials are imperative, especially in uncontrolled environments. Beta-glucans emerge as a potential nutraceutical offering immune benefits for inflammatory bowel disease patients, although extensive research is required to define its optimal origin, molecular weight, dosage, and specific applications across animals suffering from this disease.

Spider and Wasp Acylpolyamines: Venom Components and Versatile Pharmacological Leads, Probes, and Insecticidal Agents.

Polyamines (PAs) are polycationic biogenic amines ubiquitously present in all life forms and are involved in molecular signaling and interaction, determining cell fate (e.g., cell proliferation, dif-ferentiation, and apoptosis). The intricate balance in the PAs' levels in the tissues will determine whether beneficial or detrimental effects will affect homeostasis. It's crucial to note that endoge-nous polyamines, like spermine and spermidine, play a pivotal role in our understanding of neu-rological disorders as they interact with membrane receptors and ion channels, modulating neuro-transmission. In spiders and wasps, monoamines (histamine, dopamine, serotonin, tryptamine) and polyamines (spermine, spermidine, acyl polyamines) comprise, with peptides and other sub-stances, the low molecular weight fraction of the venom. Acylpolyamines are venom components exclusively from spiders and a species of solitary wasp, which cause inhibition chiefly of iono-tropic glutamate receptors (AMPA, NMDA, and KA iGluRs) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The first venom acylpolyamines ever discovered (argiopines, Joro and Nephila toxins, and philanthotoxins) have provided templates for the design and synthesis of numerous analogs. Thus far, analogs with high potency exert their effect at nanomolar concentrations, with high se-lectivity toward their ionotropic and ligand receptors. These potent and selective acylpolyamine analogs can serve biomedical purposes and pest control management. The structural modification of acylpolyamine with photolabile and fluorescent groups converted these venom toxins into use-ful molecular probes to discriminate iGluRs and nAchRs in cell populations. In various cases, the linear polyamines, like spermine and spermidine, constituting venom acyl polyamine backbones, have served as cargoes to deliver active molecules via a polyamine uptake system on diseased cells for targeted therapy. In this review, we examined examples of biogenic amines that play an essential role in neural homeostasis and cell signaling, contributing to human health and disease outcomes, which can be present in the venom of arachnids and hymenopterans. With an empha-sis on the spider and wasp venom acylpolyamines, we focused on the origin, structure, derivatiza-tion, and biomedical and biotechnological application of these pharmacologically attractive, chemically modular venom components.