bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphic Narratives on Overcoming Eating Disorders and Reconciliation of the Body Image in Nadia Shivack’s Inside Out (2007)
Authors: Lourduraj Luffina , Amalaveenus J.
Published: January 2025

Mental illness is often misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misrepresented in the social-cultural context of society. Even with the development of psychology, there is still no widespread understanding of mental disorders and depression. Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, are psychological disorders where the victim never eats food or binge eats and purges after eating, respectively. Young men and women are influenced by body shaming in society. They lose their self-esteem because they do not have that picture-perfect body portrayed in the media and mainstream culture, they use binge eating, purging, and starvation in their struggle to attain a body that is accepted by mainstream culture. Some fall into unhealthy eating practices causing nutrition deficiency, anemia, and ulcers; thus, they ruin their overall health. Graphic narratives about psychological disorders like eating disorders provide a realistic picture of the suffering of the victim through words and imagery. This research paper analyzes the graphic novel Inside Out: Portrait of an Eating Disorder (2007) by Nadia Shivack, a memoir that elaborates on the author’s struggle with an eating disorder. The subjective narrative of the eating disorder highlights the struggles of the patient as well as society’s concern for those who overlook the disorders. Moreover, graphic narratives help victims of eating disorders pave the way for self-acceptance and creating a positive self-image.
Exploring the Noble Values of Humanism in Said Ramadhan Al-Buthi’s Syarah Al-Hikam: A Systemic Functional Translation Studies Approach
Authors: Anis Muhammad Yunus , Arifuddin  , Wardojo Waskito Widi
Published: January 2025

This research aims to explore the noble values of humanism contained in Said Ramadhan al-Buthi’s syarah al-Hikam. One important problem to explore in relation to the noble values of humanism in this book is the problem of inequality. Therefore, the research questions in this study can be formulated as follows: (1) how are the noble values of humanism interpreted in syarah al-Hikam based on a Systemic Functional Translation Studies (SFTS) approach, and (2) what strategies are designed to reduce tensions of inequality based on the Sufi texts. The data in this study are the source text (L1) (Arabic) and the target text (L2) (Indonesian and English) in Said Ramadhan al-Buthi’s monumental book syarah al-Hikam. The general design of the research is a descriptive qualitative study. The data analysis uses Spradley's model, including: (1) a domain analysis to map the information structure in syarah al-Hikam, (2) a taxonomic analysis to elaborate the noble human values in the book, (3) a componential analysis to unify the information structure and human values found in the Sufi texts, and (4) an analysis of cultural themes, which concludes that the text of al-Hikam not only examines spiritual issues but also strives comprehensively to show the implementation of human values in everyday life. The contribution of this research is an attempt to reduce tensions of inequality based on Sufi texts and to interpret the Arabic text based on a linguistic approach.
Politeness Strategies in Divorce Mediation Within Indonesian Religious Courts
Authors: Swasono Endratno Pilih , Djatmika Djatmika , Sumarlam Sumarlam , Nugroho Miftah
Published: January 2025

Politeness plays a critical role in divorce mediation within religious courts as it significantly affects the mediator's effectiveness in resolving cases. While Brown and Levinson's theory addresses politeness in general discourse, it does not specifically tackle politeness strategies within the context of divorce mediation in religious courts. This research aims to bridge this gap by investigating politeness strategies in the context of divorce mediation. Data collection was carried out using direct observation and interviews with mediators at the Religious Courts in the Sidoarjo region. The results identify the politeness strategies used by mediators, such as bald on-record, positive politeness, negative politeness, and off-record. An additional politeness strategy, namely sharing story strategy, was also found.  Using a case study approach, the research reveals that mediators employ a sharing story strategy to build a sense of empathy, reducing tension and openness to experiences and feelings and promoting understanding and reflection. This strategy also reflects cultural relevance to facilitate successful mediation in divorce cases within religious courts. The factors that influence the use of these strategies, particularly within the context of Indonesian culture, were also explored. The findings contribute conceptually by extending the existing theory and practically by offering insights to enhance communication in mediation processes.
Predictive Modeling of Respiratory Virus Evolution: Current Capabilities and Limitations
Authors: Tychkova V.I. , Leonenko V.N. , Danilenko D.M.
Published: January 2025

Modeling of viral evolution trajectories is of primary practical importance when selecting strains to be included in influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Regular updating of the vaccine composition has a pronounced effect on their efficacy, which depends, first of all, on the correspondence of the strains selected for inclusion in the vaccine to those that will circulate during the epidemic season. Given the complexity of the choice, which is based on a large amount of experimental data, and the need to make it in advance for early deployment of vaccine production, the development of predictive methods can significantly improve the correspondence of the selected vaccine strains to those circulating in the upcoming epidemic season. The article considers the main approaches to modeling viral evolution, describes their strengths and limitations. The optimal approach is selected for predicting the evolution of influenza viruses circulating in Russia. The results of using this approach with an assessment of its predictive power on retrospective genomic data of the A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype from the EpiFlu GISAID database are presented. A method for assessing the correspondence of the set of the most adapted strains obtained as a result of the predictive model to the strains selected by experts for inclusion in influenza vaccines in the corresponding epidemic seasons is proposed. This approach can be expanded to predict the evolution of other respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
The Emotional Costs of Solidarity: How Refugees and Volunteers Manage Emotions in the Integration Process
Authors: Spit Neeltje , Tonkens Evelien , Trappenburg Margo
Published: January 2025

While emerging right‐wing populist voices are calling to prevent the arrival of refugees and their integration, volunteers perform solidarity by performing activities to support refugee integration. Most studies on these forms of solidarity in diversity focus on the quality and effectiveness of the activities. The emotional labor involved has received limited attention. To consider this emotional labor in more detail, we use Arlie Hochschild’s concept of feeling and framing rules and relate these rules to prevailing citizenship regimes, distinguishing between the self‐reliance regime and the community regime. Based on in‐depth ethnographic research of volunteer solidarity work in a deprived urban neighborhood and a middle‐class commuter town in the Netherlands, we show that volunteers are strongly aligned with the community regime, which involves navigating a multitude of feeling rules they struggle with. Refugees are more aligned with the self‐reliance regime, which also gives way to emotional struggles. We argue that to promote solidarity in diversity, scholars and policymakers should pay more attention to these different forms of emotional labor and the painful and joyful emotions involved.
An in-place method of forming a database on the technical condition of the internal combustion engine fuel system of technological machines in real time
Authors: Arzhenovsky Alexey G. , Sevryugina Nadezhda S. , Apatenko Alexey S.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: The economic component of the effective functioning of technological machines consists in their uninterrupted operation when performing various tasks in such industries as construction, road, agriculture, etc. It is currently possible to take into account the variety of operating conditions of technological machines and constantly changing loading modes by using digital technologies that allow creating an array of databases not only in real time, but also for an individual machine. A relevant task is to create methods for collecting information about the operating modes of the machine, the factors causing changes in the efficiency of operation, the development of algorithms for making decisions about maintaining the working condition of all units and systems of the machine, preventing their failures and non-production downtime of the machine as a whole.
OBJECTIVE: Ensuring the effective functioning of a single technological machine by managing the risks of failures, by adjusting the frequency of maintenance and periods of repair-and-restoration activities based on the real-time data on the technical condition and digital processing of decision-making information.
METHODS: The nature of changes in the technical condition of units and systems of technological machines in the theory of systems is most often considered as random due to the high probability of uncertainty of factorial influence. It is proposed to consider the problem of failure risk management of system elements and units of technological machines using the basic provisions of the excursion theory. The object of the study is a diesel engine of a technological machine with an example of monitoring the technical condition of the fuel system.
RESULTS: The justification of the expediency of performing maintenance and repair-and-restoration activities (MaR) of technological machines as required is presented. The adjustment of the MaR frequency was carried out based on the data of changes in the performance of the machine, in particular the internal combustion engine fuel system. To develop an algorithm for the formation of a data array, typical architectures for collecting and processing information using digital platforms for decision-making on the intensity of parameter changes are used, as an example, oscillograms of pressure changes during the operation of the internal combustion engine fuel system are presented.
CONCLUSIONS: A module for diagnosing the technical condition and efficiency of the internal combustion engine of a single technological machine in real time has been developed. It is proposed to introduce an intelligent decision-making system with subsequent transformation into the form of a digital twin of failure risk management and control of the efficiency of the machine for various operating conditions.
NGHIÊN CỨU SỰ ẢNH HƯỞNG CỦA TRÒ CHƠI ĐIỆN TỬ ĐẾN HÀNH VI CỦA TRẺ VỊ THÀNH NIÊN DÙNG KẾT HỢP VỚI KĨ THUẬT DATA MINING
Authors: Chí Trung Nguyễn , Duy Trung Anh Nguyễn , Hải Tiệp Đào , Thọ Hoàn Phạm
Published: January 2025

The paper investigates and analyzes data regarding the effects of video games on adolescents’ learning, skill development, and social interaction to understand the current situation and propose corresponding solutions for this age group. It examines four factors (learning, social interaction, skill development, and personal behavior) by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Theory of Reasoned Action to clarify their relationship with video gaming. Additionally, the survey data is analyzed using data mining techniques (data visualization) to analyze the survey results more deeply. The findings indicate that the investigated factors are closely correlated, with the impact on learning being considered the most significant influence.
Infratemporal fossa abscess with leptospirosis resembling stroke
Authors: Ealumalai Schandtinie , Lo Ren Hui , Tang Ing Ping , M. Bohari Nursyahirah Sheila Salinah
Published: January 2025

Infratemporal fossa (ITF) abscess is the formation of abscess in the deep space bounded above by the greater wing of sphenoid and part of temporal bone, medially by later pterygoid of the sphenoid and anteriorly by the posterior surface of the maxilla. We present a rare case of leptospirosis abscess in infratemporal fossa that resembles stroke. Seventy-four-year-old years old gentleman with hypertension presented with 4 days history of left temporal painful swelling. It is associated with fever and reduced oral intake. He started slurring of speech and right upper limb weakness on the day of presentation. On examination, there was a 3×3 cm firm, warm, painful swelling at left temporal region. There was no gag reflex and the patient had right upper limb weakness (3/5). Leptospirosis IgM was positive. CECT brain showed infratemporal fossa collection. Incision and drainage were done with incision made over left temporal swelling guiding to infratemporal fossa. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for 10 days and wound dressings.  2 days post operative, all positive neurological signs recovered. ITF abscess with leptospirosis is rare and can have various atypical presentations. Doctors much always remember such possibilities to prevent delay and mismanagement.
TRAJETÓRIA PÚBLICA DE MARIA DA CONCEIÇÃO DA COSTA NEVES POR MEIO DE REGISTROS PESSOAIS
Authors: Reyes Ana Carolina , Bettamio Rafaella
Published: January 2025

O acervo pessoal de Maria da Conceição da Costa Neves que se encontra no Arquivo Nacional traz elementos que iluminam a história do período em que vigorou a ditadura militar no Brasil. A titular, que viveu de 1908 a 1989, teve forte atuação como deputada estadual de São Paulo, participando ativamente da oposição ao governo de João Goulart que deflagrou o golpe civil-militar de 1964. Seu acervo reflete sua atividade como deputada e é composto por documentação sonora e audiovisual. O presente artigo analisa a trajetória de Maria da Conceição da Costa Neves a partir de três fontes principais, com temporalidades distintas: o seu acervo pessoal, sob custódia do Arquivo Nacional desde 2009, sua autobiografia publicada em 1984, anos antes de sua morte, e o depoimento oral de Mônica Rocha da Silva Telles, sua sobrinha-neta, concedido em novembro de 2022. A análise das fontes contribui para conhecermos a história de vida da titular e também nos permite revelar interessantes aspectos da sociedade brasileira ao longo do século XX.
Território e desenvolvimento regional em Mato Grosso – 1960/2000
Authors: Nogueira Carlo Eugênio , De Freitas Manoel Messias , Pereira Moisés Silva
Published: January 2025

Este texto apresenta alguns resultados de dois estudos de caso derivados do projeto de pesquisa “Geografia Histórica e Formação Territorial em Mato Grosso – Século XX”, desenvolvido entre 2014 e 2017 no âmbito do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso – Campus Universitário de Rondonópolis. O objetivo do projeto foi o de efetuar uma avaliação do processo de formação territorial de Mato Grosso ao longo do século XX, analisando as alterações ocorridas na geografia material do estado a partir de uma visão retrospectiva centrada no território. Nos casos em tela, apresenta-se primeiramente um estudo acerca dos polos de desenvolvimento implantados no norte de Mato Grosso no contexto da política de integração nacional, vigente na década de 1970. Em detalhe, discute-se de que modo a materialização de determinadas ações vislumbradas para a região ao longo do regime militar deu origem a certas tendências de apropriação e transformação do espaço que, posteriormente, foram bem sucedidas em imprimir um relativo padrão na configuração territorial da porção setentrional de Mato Grosso. Ao final, coloca-se em debate uma pesquisa que buscou avaliar qual é a relação existente entre a expansão continuada da agricultura e da pecuária praticada em larga escala, o processo de urbanização que acompanha essa expansão e a distribuição espacial de algumas doenças em Mato Grosso. A hipótese geral pontuava uma provável correlação entre o aumento dos casos de alguns tipos de cânceres, o aumento da área plantada e o crescimento da produção agrícola no território mato-grossense.
"Primero la verdad que la paz" La problemática del perjurio en el arbitraje
Authors: Martínez-Fraga Pedro J. , B. Mañón Raúl
Published: January 2025

En su monografía lapidaria titulada ¿Qué es la Justicia? Hans Kelsen comienza su diálogo retórico y algo circular con las siguientes palabras:
Jesús de Nazaret, al ser interrogado por el gobernador romano, admitió ser un rey, mas agregó: "Yo para esto he nacido y para esto he venido al mundo, para dar testimonio de la verdad". Pilato preguntó entonces: "¿Que es la verdad?". Es evidente que el incrédulo romano no esperaba respuesta al interrogante: el Justo, de todos modos, tampoco la dió. Lo fundamental de su misión como rey mesiánico no era dar testimonio de la verdad. Jesús había nacido para dar testimonio de la justicia, de esa justicia que deseaba se realizara en el Reino de Dios. Y por esa justicia fue muerto en la cruz. De tal manera, de la interrogación de Pilato: "¿Qué es la verdad?" y de la sangre del Crucificado, surge otra pregunta de harto mayor importancia, la sempiterna pregunta de la humanidad:" ¿Qué es la justicia?" . No hubo pregunta alguna que haya sido planteada con más pasión, no hubo otra por la que se haya derramado tanta sangre preciosa ni tantas amargas lágrimas como por ésta; no hubo pregunta alguna acerca de la cual hayan meditado con mayor profundidad los espíritus más ilustres, desde Platón a Kant. No obstante, ahora como entonces, carece de respuesta. Tal vez se deba a que constituye una de esas preguntas respecto de las cuales resulta válido ese resignado saber que no puede hallarse una respuesta definitiva: sólo cabe el esfuerzo por formularla mejor.
EconoQuantum: 20 años de excelencia
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Guízar Mateos Isaí
Published: January 2025

EconoQuantum: 20 años de excelencia
Impact of Herbal Medicine and Probiotics in Pediatric Asthma
Authors: Zojaji Yasamin Fatemeh Sadat , Erfanian Nafiseh , Ebrahimpour Yazdan , Khatami Sahbasadat , Tafrishi Rana , Ahanchian Hamid
Published: January 2025

Asthma, a prevalent chronic condition in children, poses significant challenges in management. While conventional treatments like inhaled corticosteroids and beta-agonists are standard, there is increasing interest in the role of herbal medicine and probiotics as complementary therapies. This paper reviews the impact of herbal remedies—such as Butterbur, Ginger, Turmeric, Boswellia, Licorice, and Ephedra—and probiotics on pediatric asthma. Evidence suggests these therapies may reduce inflammation and improve respiratory function, potentially benefiting asthma management. However, variability in product quality and study designs necessitates further research. Future studies should focus on validating these interventions through rigorous clinical trials to better integrate herbal medicine and probiotics into comprehensive asthma care for children.
Prevalence and Severity of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis Infestation and their Association with Common Skin Diseases in Northwest Iran
Authors: Afşar Milad , Hazrati-Tappeh Khosrow , Emre-Beyhan Yunus
Published: January 2025

Background: Demodex spp., a cosmopolitan mite, can exist as a commensal or parasitic organism. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Demodex spp. infestation in patients with common skin diseases and explore the potential association between demodicosis and these conditions in Urmia, northwest Iran. Methods: A total of 246 patients attending the Skin Polyclinic of Iranian Urmia Taleghani Hospital were enrolled in the study. Samples were taken from the nose wings, cheeks, and forehead regions of the face area of the persons using the standard superficial skin biopsy method.Results: Demodicosis was detected in 43 (16.3%) patients, with 42 cases attributed to D. folliculorum and 1 case to D. brevis infestation. The highest positivity was found in the 31‒50 (21.4%) and 51‒72 (22.2%) age groups. In the rela­tionship between demodicosis and skin diseases, Demodex spp. was found in 13 (32.5%) of 40 patients who had skin disease; 6 of these patients with rosacea (42.9%) and 7 with eczema (29.2%). Mite infestation was found in 6 (37.5%) of 16 patients who had hemodialysis due to renal insufficiency. Furthermore, 46.7% of positive patients reported using common goods. The prevalence of demodicosis was similar among patients residing in villages (17.2%) and cities (17.6%).
Conclusion: This study sheds light on the potential association between Demodex infestation and common skin diseas­es such as rosacea and eczema in Urmia, Iran. Therefore, there is a pressing need to augment research endeavors on de­modicosis.
Modeling the Distribution of Dominant Hard Ticks in Southeastern Coastal Areas of the Caspian Sea
Authors: Nabian Sedighe , Ebrahimzadeh Elahe , Farahi Abbas , Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad Ali
Published: January 2025

Background: Ticks are hematophagous arthropods that have direct and indirect effects on hosts, including the trans­mission of pathogens. An environmental suitability study of some vector species of hard ticks was conducted using the MaxEnt model in the south-eastern region of the Caspian Sea in Iran.
Methods: The ticks were collected monthly (2014−2015) at 45 study sites covering different areas in terms of topogra­phy. Because most farms in the study area are traditionally engaged in sheep production and they are taken to pastures in the warm season, the ticks were sampled from herds of sheep.
Results: In total, 2410 hard ticks were collected and the vector species with wider distributions were considered for modelling. The areas under the curve for Hyalomma anatulicum, Hy. asiaticum, Hy. marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rh. sanguineus, and Rh. turanicus were 0.848, 0.762, 0.812, 0.772, 0.770 and 0.803, respectively. This means that tem­perature and precipitation were effective environmental variables for the prediction of appropriate regions for these tick species. The outputs of the models indicated that the western and south- western regions of Golestan Province provided the best niches for the presence of ticks.
Conclusion: The western regions of Golestan Province are potential habitats for tick-borne diseases in both livestock and humans and special attention should be focused on preventing the spread of such diseases in this region
Development and Optimization of a Nanoparticle-Based Imidacloprid Insecticide for Effective Control of Blattella germanica
Authors: Saba Ismail , Amani Amir , Baniardalani Mojgan , Basseri Hamid Reza
Published: January 2025

Background: The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a pest with a global distribution that has adapted to live in human environments. Blattella germanica threatens human health by producing asthma-inducing allergens, carrying pathogenic/antibiotic-resistant microbes, and contributing to unhealthy indoor environments. Effective application of insecticides can play an important role in cockroach control programs. The purpose of this research was to develop and optimize a nanoparticle-based imidacloprid insecticide and evaluate its effectiveness against the German cockroach.
Methods: A bioassay was conducted to determine the LC50 and LC90 of imidacloprid technical against adult German cockroaches. The appropriate initial concentration of 3mg/m2 was then utilized in the synthesis of nanoencapsulated imidacloprid via the ionic gelation method. The average particle size was determined using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and the dried nanoparticles were analyzed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The LC50 and LC90 values of Nano-imidacloprid were then compared with the technical grade of the insecticide.
Results: A comparison of the bioassay results for nanoencapsulated and imidacloprid technical revealed a superior in­secticidal effect of the nanoencapsulated imidacloprid against the German cockroach. The LC50 value for the nanoen­capsulated imidacloprid decreased from 4.656 to 3.081 mg/m2 and the LC90 value decreased from 8.381 to 4.486 mg/m2 when compared to imidacloprid technical.
Conclusion: The use of nanotechnology in insecticides can lead to increased efficacy and reduced consumption. This is because the smaller particle size of nanomaterials allows for better penetration and targeted delivery to pest organisms, reducing the overall amount needed for control.
Molecular Detection of Coxiella burnetii in Ticks Isolated from Domestic Animals in Slaughterhouses and Farms, Shahr-E-Rey, Tehran, Iran
Authors: Talaie Pedram , Tavassoli Maryam , Mostafavi Ehsan , Telmadarraiy Zakiyeh , Rohani Mahdi , Esmaeili Saber , Sedaghat Mohammad Mehdi
Published: January 2025

Background: Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever, a zoonotic and vector-borne disease. Ticks serve as vectors for this bac­terium. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in ticks in Shahr-e-Rey County, Tehran Province.
Methods: From December 2016 to November 2017, 179 ticks were collected on sheep at animal husbandry facilities and slaughterhouses located in Shahr-e-Rey, Tehran Province. Tick samples were morphologically identified and evalu­ated for the presence of the C. burnetii IS1111 gene using real-time PCR.
Results: Ticks were classified into four genera: Hyalomma (66.48%), Rhipicepalus (23.47%), Dermacentor (7.26%), and Ornithodoros (2.79%). Furthermore, 35.20% of the ticks were Hyalomma nymphs.
All 77 ticks were pooled by species, and C. burnetii was found in 22.08% (n= 17). Ornithodoros lahorensis was the most prevalent tick infected with C. burnetii.
Conclusion: The distribution of C. burnetii and reports of Q fever from various regions of the country strongly suggest that the monitoring system should give this disease more attention.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Contribute to the Disease Severity of Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Cucunawangsih Cucunawangsih , Sari-Wijaya Ratna , Hardjo-Lugito Nata Pratama , Suriapranata Ivet
Published: January 2025

Background: The spectrum of dengue infection ranges from asymptomatic or mild to severe disease. The pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. A viral infection can induce the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and the excessive NETs lead to increased vascular permeability, coagulopathy, and platelet dysfunction, a hallmark of severe dengue.
Methods: To evaluate the association of NETs formation with disease severity using a human public transcriptomic dataset (GSE17924) and clinical samples from dengue patients with different disease severity. 
Results: Based on the transcriptomic analysis, the whole blood gene expression functional in neutrophil activities and NETs formation was upregulated with dengue disease severity. The serum concentration of citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), a NETs marker, was measured in 28 dengue patients, of whom 18 classified as dengue fever (DF) and 10 as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) grade 1 and 2. A significantly higher CitH3 concentration was found in DHF com­pared to DF patients. The level of CitH3 was negatively correlated with platelet counts.
Conclusion: Our results suggest NETs have contributed to the disease severity of dengue infection. Future studies on the predictive value of NETs markers and the potential NETs as a targeted therapy in dengue disease should be priori­tized
Effects of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation and Cognitive Training on Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chu Ka Yin , Cheng King Hei
Published: January 2025

Introduction: We aimed to systematically evaluate the most recent evidence regarding the potential short-term and long-term synergistic effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) and cognitive training (CT) on the memory of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and to explore the optimal treatment protocol.
Materials and Methods: Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE was conducted to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to December 2022. The identified studies were summarized and analyzed to examine the efficacy of the combined intervention.
Results: Ten studies involving participants with MCI or dementia were included. Four RCTs with memory-related outcomes were analyzed. A small-to-medium effect size (ES) of 0.28 was found for the short-term effect (95% CI, 0.02%, 0.55%). However, the long-term effect was non-significant, with an ES of 0.17 (95% CI, -0.09%, 0.44%).
Conclusion: The combined intervention appears to effectively mitigate cognitive decline in the short term only. Optimal treatment protocol remains inconclusive due to heterogeneity among studies. More robust evidence is required to determine whether the combined approach can serve as an effective intervention in clinical practice.
The Effects of Ankle Joint Position on Deep Peroneal Nerve Latencies
Authors: Hussein El-Gendy Mohamed , El-Fattah Mahmoud Salah Abd , Meligie Mohamed Magdy El , Kentiba Efrem , Lasheen Yasser Ramzy
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Joint positioning can impact nerve function. Few studies have explored the effects of ankle positions on deep peroneal nerve conduction. This cross-sectional study investigated the influence of different ankle joint positions on the deep peroneal nerve’s distal motor and sensory onset latencies.
Materials and Methods: A total of 31 healthy adults (23.4±3.9 years old) underwent a deep peroneal nerve conduction study. Distal motor and sensory onset latencies were measured at neutral (0°), dorsiflexion (20°) and plantar flexion (40°) ankle positions.
Results: Changing ankle position significantly affected distal motor (P=0.001) and sensory onset latencies (P=0.001). Latencies were shortest in dorsiflexion (motor: 3.8±0.46; sensory: 2.4±0.2 ms), followed by neutral (motor: 4.2±0.5; sensory: 2.6±0.3 ms) and most prolonged in plantar flexion (motor: 5±0.6; sensory: 3.3±0.2 ms).
Conclusion: Ankle position impacts deep peroneal nerve conduction. Dorsiflexion and neutral positions reduced distal motor and sensory latencies compared to plantar flexion. These findings provide preliminary evidence that may help optimize ankle positioning in electrodiagnostic testing. Further blinded research with larger, more diverse samples is warranted.
Effect of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on Activity of External Oblique Muscle in Low Back Pain
Authors: Hosseini Hediyeh , Rahimi Abbas , Javanshir Khodabakhsh , Taghipour Mohammad , Daryabor Aliyeh , Naimi Sedigheh Sadat
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) or core stabilization exercises have been used to improve core stability, but their effect on nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of DNS exercises on the electromyography (EMG) activity of the external oblique muscle in people with NSLBP.
Materials and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 44 people with chronic NSLBP were randomly assigned to the experimental and the control groups, with 22 participants in each group. The control group received standard physical therapy exercises, while the experimental group performed DNS exercises. Each group underwent an 8-week therapeutic exercise program, 5 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. Surface EMG was utilized to assess the core muscle activity of the external oblique. The EMG activity of the external oblique was measured in both groups before and after the 8-week intervention.
Results: Nineteen people in the control group and 21 in the DNS group were analyzed. The results showed that after the intervention, patients in the DNS group obtained, on average, an 8.82% (95% CI, 6.53%, 11.10%) higher increase in the EMG activity of the external oblique muscle compared to the patients in the control group (P<0.001, effect size: 0.622).
Conclusion: DNS exercises can be recommended for improving the activation of superficial core muscles like the external oblique in individuals with NSLBP.
Immediate Respiratory Warm-Up Effect on Dynamic Inspiratory Muscle Strength in Cardiac Surgery Candidates
Authors: Mehregan Far Bahareh , Naimi Sedigheh Sadat , Abedi Mohsen , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Monfared Mahmood Beheshti , Baghban Alireza Akbarzadeh
Published: January 2025

Introduction:The strength of inspiratory muscles is one of the essential factors in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications (POPC). One of the new tools to safely measure the strength of the inspiratory muscles in heart patients dynamically and without breath holding is the strength-index (S-index). This study aims to evaluate the immediate effects of a respiratory warm-up (RWU) session on the S-index and other lung parameters in cardiac surgery candidates, a subject with limited existing research.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. Forty participants scheduled for heart surgeries were randomly assigned to either the study (RWU between two tests) or control (without RWU) groups. RWU consists of threshold loading inspiratory muscle training (TL-IMT) exercises at 30% of the S-index with 30 breathing cycles. Respiratory tests, including S-index, peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and vital capacity (VC), were assessed twice using an electronic respiratory device.
Results: Covariance analysis showed no significant difference in the average and best values of the S-index, PIF or VC indices at the second tests, between two groups (P>0.05), or in the independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test for the “rate of changes,” between two tests (P>0.05). Finally, intra- group changes, assessed with paired sample t test between two tests, were mostly non-significant for these indices (P>0.05), except for the best VC in the study group (P=0.03).
Conclusion: The study results suggest that a RWU session does not significantly impact cardiac surgery candidates’ S-index or other respiratory parameters. Thus, incorporating RWU before S-index testing may not be necessary.
Designing a competency model for the succession of nursing managers, using the Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Khorasani-Gerdehkouhi Marzieh , Taheri Seyed Mahmoud , Cheraghi Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2025

Background & Aim: Identifying competencies is fundamental for effective succession planning. Studies show that achieving a suitable succession planning model for mid-level nursing managers/supervisors can be helpful in achieving the desired goals of top-level nursing managers/matrons. Thus, this study aimed to design a competency model for the succession of mid-level nursing managers from the perspective of top-level nursing managers using the Fuzzy Inference System.
Methods & Materials: This health services management research was conducted during 2020-2021. Participants in this study included top-level nursing managers/matrons working in the hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. A census sampling method was used in this study with 14 matrons participating as experts. A three-level Fuzzy Inference System was designed by a competency model for mid-level nursing managers/supervisors, using the previous study. Input and output variables were defined, and fuzzy questionnaires were designed using pair-wise comparison matrices to gather expert opinions on fuzzy rules. These rules were analyzed using MATLAB (R 2019 b) software to compare the effect of each criterion on other levels.
Results: The results showed that managerial experience, equipment management, emotional intelligence, influence and impact on others, self-confidence, and strategic thinking in the first Fuzzy Inference System level, as well as management abilities, influencing skills, and leading management development in the second level, were more influential. In the third- level, the perceptual, relational, and technical variables had higher priorities, respectively.
Conclusion: Senior managers could use the proposed model as a checklist/questionnaire to make strategic planning for the succession of nursing managers.
Exploring the relationship between nursing professional values and job satisfaction in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Thi-Phuong-Thao , Huang Mei-Chih
Published: January 2025

Background & Aim: Nursing professional values and job satisfaction are two significant concepts that are influenced by culture and working conditions, and therefore their evaluation in different societies may provide different results. This study explores the relationship between five factors of nursing professional values (i,e, caring, activism, trust, professional, and justice) and job satisfaction among nurses in Vietnam a developing country.
Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional survey is conducted with a total of 669 Vietnamese nurses through the Vietnamese Nursing Association network by purposive convenience sampling. The main questionnaire with 32 items was used to measure nurses' professional values and job satisfaction. The data is analyzed by using IBM SPSS 26 and Smart PLS 3 software. A structural equation model of partial least squares (SEM-PLS) was utilized.
Results: Among five factors of professional value, activism is the most influential factor on job satisfaction, followed by justice. Caring, professionalism, and justice did not show significant influence, which could be explained by the structure and organization of healthcare systems in Vietnam context characterized by hierarchical structures, resource constraints, high patient-to-nurse ratios, limited professional development opportunities, and cultural factors.
Conclusion: This study explores the relationship between nursing professional values and job satisfaction among Vietnamese nurses, revealing that activism and justice significantly influence job satisfaction.
“Profesor es el que enseña más allá de la técnica”: entrevista al artista ecuatoriano Julio Mosquera
Authors: Gutiérrez-Yerovi Hugo Juan
Published: January 2025

Julio Mosquera es un artista plástico ecuatoriano que ha sido entrevistado en numerosas ocasiones. Sin embargo, en la presente ocasión se ha querido centrar la atención en cuestiones didácticas, y el artista realiza su aporte al proceso de la enseñanza-aprendizaje del dibujo como disciplina artística. Por primera vez se consigue sistematizar un grupo de criterios que parten de la experiencia de Mosquera como estudiante y se enriquece con la de profesor.
investigación musical a nivel de grado en la Universidad Nacional de Loja: fuentes referenciales para el estudio musicológico
Authors: Larez-Castillo Chemary Aylin
Published: January 2025

La necesidad de estudios en torno al tema musicológico en América Latina es una realidad que debe ser atendida desde todas las disciplinas que puedan contribuir al estudio del hecho musical. En el caso de Ecuador, y en especial de la ciudad de Loja, existe una importante cantidad de fuentes para el estudio de la música que no son tomadas en consideración y que en muchos casos reposan en archivos de las que la mayoría de ellas, nunca serán rescatadas, condenadas al deterioro y consecuentemente al olvido. La investigación en curso, de la que el presente artículo constituye una primera aproximación, consiste en abordar el tema de la investigación musical como producto de la formación universitaria en la ciudad de Loja. Este trabajo parte de investigaciones que han nacido de la Carrera de Música de la Universidad Nacional de Loja en los últimos años bajo el formato de proyectos o tesis y que podrían significar un aporte importante al área de la musicología, al constituirse en fuentes referenciales de consulta para la generación de músicos e investigadores que se comienza a formar en la nueva carrera de Artes Musicales que ofrece esta casa de estudios.
memes: prácticas artísticas participativas en el ciberespacio
Authors: González-Acosta Melvis , Amoroso-Peralta Silvana , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Diana
Published: January 2025

El presente texto tiene por objetivo abordar el tema de “los memes de Internet” como una práctica artística participativa desarrollada en la era digital. El uso y abuso de los memes, los han hecho merecedores de un carácter ocioso, equivalente a copy-paste, que podría descalificar esta pretensión. La siguiente reflexión cobra significado, considerando el arte como un acto de resistencia. Los memes de Internet, por su función comunicativa y expresión de emociones colectivas, manifiestan una pretensión estética en respuesta a unos cánones culturales establecidos por el contexto de la aldea global.
Evolución del trabajo por proyectos como medio didáctico en el ámbito de la educación plástica
Authors: Ramos-Vallecilo Nora
Published: January 2025

El Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos es un modelo metodológico vinculado al proceso artístico que ha sufrido una importante evolución desde finales del siglo XIX. En la actualidad estamos experimentando un proceso en el que las artes visuales tienen una función didáctica y los proyectos de trabajo nos permiten la adquisión de conocimientos globalizados para alcanzar un aprendizaje significativo.
educación musical en la formación integral de los niños
Authors: Velecela-Espinoza Manuel Alejandro
Published: January 2025

El tema propuesto en la presente ponencia intenta demostrar de manera objetiva e independiente la importancia de la educación musical en el aprendizaje de los niños, exponiendo la relevancia de hacer parte dentro del currículo como una materia, y no como un complemento de horas clase, de modo tal que se consiga incluirla en el sistema educativo por parte de las autoridades.
huairo: entre lo sagrado y lo artístico en el cantón Sígsig
Authors: Arévalo-Plasencia José Luis
Published: January 2025

El presente texto se posiciona en el umbral que intercala al rito sagrado con el arte a través de un análisis del juego del Huairo en el cantón Sígsig. La investigación se focaliza en los artefactos (Huairo-Cuadro de Almas) que se utilizan durante su práctica y la trasmutación que sufren estos al ubicarse en diferentes contextos, manteniéndolos en un constante tráfico entre el rito y el arte; al ser una herencia prehispánica utilizada para rendir homenaje, comunicarse u orar por los difuntos, se les ha dado la categoría de artefactos sagrados. Por otro lado, en la actualidad –y paradójicamente quizá– por la misma razón han sido considerados objetos coleccionables, se suma a esto su valor estético, simbólico e histórico.
De la cultura a la subcultura y culturas juveniles
Authors: Amaya-Trelles Leandro
Published: January 2025

Muchas veces los conceptos de cultura generan una idea similar, los que manifiestan que la misma se opone a la naturaleza. Estas nociones se contraponen a la idea de alta-cultura y las teorías racistas, refutando la idea de que hay personas cultas e incultas. La cultura hegemónica distribuye el poder cultural, la relación entre jóvenes y cultura dominante, por tanto, está mediatizado por diferentes instancias, siendo la cultura dominante la que negocia los diferentes escenarios. La memoria colectiva de los jóvenes determina un lugar físico para redescubrir los territorios marginales olvidados y dotarlos de significado, siendo las manifestaciones y producciones de estos grupos el punto de referencia para la crítica social, provocando estereotipos y prejuicios hacia estos grupos urbano-marginales.
¿Equidad de género en el mercado del arte?
Authors: Pérez-Zúñiga Tania Marilú
Published: January 2025

El presente trabajo pretende manifestar la desigualdad de género en la esfera artística. El objetivo es evidenciar que, por muchas causas, al trabajo de la mujer artista no se le otorga la importancia merecida, lo cual trasciende a la institución del mercado del arte. Sobre la base de investigaciones realizadas se busca reflexionar acerca de esta particularidad, así como relevar la labor de artistas mujeres como parte de una lucha constante por la igualdad de género, en este caso desde el área del arte.
Educación estético-ambiental, etnografía y desarrollo humano: propuesta docente-educativa para rehumanizar los sentidos
Authors: Estévez Álvarez Lurima
Published: January 2025

El texto establece nexos entre la Educación Estético-Ambiental (EEA), la Etnografía y la práctica estético-educativa que realizamos en el curso de extensión “La dimensión estético-ambiental en la ambientación curricular”, con alumnos del tercer año de la Licenciatura en Artes Visuales de la Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG (Brasil, 2016), con el objetivo de dilucidar cómo los procesos de la Educación Estética vinculados a procesos de la Educación Ambiental contribuyen a una formación más integral de la personalidad. Para ello, efectuamos entrecruzamientos entre teóricos de la EEA, en especial, Pablo René Estévez, el principal referente en dicho campo; de la Etnografía y la Antropología (como Roberto Cardoso de Oliveira, Mariza Peirano y Carlos Rodriguez Brandão), y de la Teoría Bioecológica del Desarrollo Humano, de Urie Bronfenbrenner. Se ofrece un esbozo de los Talleres de Sensibilización Estético-Ambiental implementados, en función de una  formación más integral de los sujetos en lo que concierne al vínculo hombre-naturaleza-sociedad, así como a la comprensión e interpretación de la realidad desde la perspectiva de la EEA.
Visión autoetnográfica como base reflexiva en torno a la situación de la Educación Cultural y Artística y la necesidad de formación profesional de docentes para esta área en Ecuador
Authors: Vázquez Neira Paola Silvana
Published: January 2025

El texto presenta una narrativa personal de la experiencia como sujeto reflexivo en torno al ámbito artístico y educativo. Se realiza un recorrido vivencial relacionado con el interés en el arte y cómo dicho interés determinó la indagación y propuesta de una pertinente formación profesional en el ámbito de la educación artística al momento aún novel desde la perspectiva dos instituciones de educación superior en el contexto ecuatoriano.
Modificaciones (propuesta) al plan de estudio para la carrera de Artes Visuales de nivel medio del sistema nacional cubano de enseñanza artística
Authors: Rodríguez-Aguilar Jorge Luis
Published: January 2025

Las condiciones actuales que atraviesa la humanidad, de la cual los cubanos no quedamos excluidos, plantean la necesidad de activar una modificación del Plan de Estudio para la carrera de Artes Visuales de Nivel Medio en el país, a partir de un grupo de acciones que permitan reestructurar y acometer una estrategia metodológica dinámica y participativa, al tiempo que garantice el aprendizaje profesional y facilite el crecimiento personal del estudiante. La misma, toma en cuenta las condiciones fundamentales docentes y de organización de la malla curricular, la cual presenta ventajas respecto a los horizontes metacognitivos a desarrollar en el estudiante y a las posibilidades de ajuste del mismo Plan de Estudio.
Una aproximación autoetnográfica a una práctica artística corporal
Authors: Singer Mariela
Published: January 2025

La autoetnografía constituye una estrategia metodológica novedosa y en crecimiento en América Latina, dada su especificidad para el abordaje de fenómenos vinculados a corporalidad y experiencias artísticas. Sin embargo, la circulación de textos en castellano con abordajes concretos desde este enfoque resulta aún insuficiente. El presente escrito ofrece una aproximación autoetnográfica a una práctica artística corporal, dando cuenta de las potencialidades de esta metodología. El artículo se basa en resultados de investigación de mi tesis doctoral, y se extiende puntualmente en la descripción de una clase de la danza Contact Improvisación en Argentina. Efectúa, asimismo, observaciones sobre la danza, y reflexiona sobre la necesidad de profundizar en la socialización de aproximaciones autoetnográficas, en pos de fortalecer el desarrollo de diseños metodológicos creativos en América Latina.