bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systems and Criteria for Patient Evaluation and Discharge in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit: A Systematic Review
Authors: Saei Azam , Taghizadeh Shaqayeq , Azizi Darbandi Mohammad Mehdi , Gholamzadeh Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Safe transfer of patients who have undergone anesthesia and surgery is a basic principle to maintain stability, and avoid side effects and preventable errors. Specific scoring systems or criteria may be used to assess and decide whether patients are sufficiently recovered to be safely transferred to another ward or discharged home. This study aims to answer the question, what criteria are appropriate for patient evaluation and discharge in the post-anesthesia care unit? designed. To find documents related to writing a review article on various scoring systems for patients after anesthesia in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases and using English keywords post-anesthesia care unit, PACU, recovery room, discharge, scoring system, Assessment was searched. A total of 168 articles were found by searching the databases. After removing duplicates, 77 articles were evaluated. Finally, 17 articles were selected and included in the study. The included studies included a variety of tools and criteria for evaluating and discharging patients in the post-anesthesia care unit. This article separately describes each of the tools and criteria for the evaluation and discharge of patients in the post-anesthesia care unit along with the method of scoring, advantages and disadvantages of each. A safe scoring system for discharge from PACU should evaluate important parameters after anesthesia, including alertness, blood pressure, heart rate, ventilation, oxygen saturation, and surgical site bleeding, which can cause serious complications. Considering that one of the goals of PACU is to relieve patients’ pain in the post-surgery phase, the evaluation and control of pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting is effective in the satisfaction and safety of patients.
Immunomodulatory effects of live and UV-killed Bacillus subtilis natto on inflammatory response in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line in vitro
Authors: Elkhichi Parisa Abedi , Aslanimehr Masoumeh , Javadi Amir , Yadegar Abbas
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease of the colon or rectum arising from adenoma precursors and serrated polyps. Recently, probiotics have been proposed as an effective and potential therapeutic approach for CRC prevention and treatment. Probiotics have been shown to alleviate inflammation by restoring the integrity of the mucosal barrier and impeding cancer progression.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of live and UV-killed Bacillus subtilis natto on the inflammatory response in CRC. Caco-2 cells were exposed to various concentrations of live and UV- killed B. subtilis natto, and cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. Gene expression analysis of IL-10, TGF-β, TLR2 and TLR4 was performed using RT-qPCR.
Results: Our findings showed that both live and UV-killed B. subtilis natto caused significant reduction in inflammatory response by decreasing the gene expression of TLR2 and TLR4, and enhancing the gene expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in Caco-2 cells as compared to control group.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that live and UV-killed B. subtilis natto may hold potential as a therapeutic supplement for modulating inflammation in CRC.
Antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm forming ability of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Jordanian patients with diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Owais Dima , Al-Groom Rania M. , AlRamadneh Tareq Nayef , Alsawalha Laila , Ahmad Khan Mohd Sajjad , Yousef Omar H. , Burjaq Shereen Z.
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives: Microbial biofilm is characterized by the irreversible attachment of planktonic cells to a surface and is usually associated with high antimicrobial resistance with worsening the wound healing. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) of diabetic patients and to in- vestigate antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these isolates. In addition to screen biofilm forming ability of isolated S. aureus.
Materials and Methods: A total of 112 non-healing wound swabs of diabetic foot patients were collected and cultured on different culture media to identify and characterize 98 isolates. The S. aureus isolates were examined for their antibiotic susceptibility to different antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, S. aureus isolates were evaluated for their biofilm production capability using the Tissue Culture Plate Method (TPC). The level of icaA gene expression was determined by RT-PCR.
Results: The results of this study showed that these non-healing wounds yield positive cultures, with an average of 1.67 or- ganisms per sample. The isolates showed highest resistance against oxacillin (95.2%) and lowest resistance against linezolid (3.7%). All isolates were biofilm producers and a significant association with the icaA gene expression level was recorded.
Conclusion: This study showed that S. aureus isolates have a great ability to produce biofilms that are associated with the chronicity of wounds in diabetic patients. Routine screening for biofilm formers in chronic wounds and their antibiotic sus- ceptibility testing will help in early treatment and prevent any other complications.
Multi-drug resistant gene mutation analysis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by molecular techniques
Authors: Sultana Monika , Alam Mohammad Mamun , Mistri Somen Kumar , Mostafa Kamal S. M. , Ahsan Chowdhury Rafiqul , Yasmin Mahmuda
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives: Rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH), two most potent antibiotics, are prescribed to cure tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), is resistant to these first-line drugs. Here, two molecular techniques were demonstrated such as PCR sequencing-based and GeneXpert assay for rapidly identifying MDR-TB.
Materials and Methods: Pulmonary samples (sputum) were collected from 55 MDR-TB suspected patients from the Na- tional Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL), Dhaka where the research work was partially accomplished and con- tinued in the department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. We strived for sequencing technique as well as GeneXpert assay to identify mutations in rpoB and katG genes in MTB strains and sputum directly. Culture-based drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed to measure the efficacy of the molecular methods employed.
Results: When analyzed, rpoB gene mutations at codons 531 (54.54%), 526 (14.54%), and 516 (10.91%) were found by sequencing in 80% of the samples. Nucleotide substitution at katG315 (AGC→ACC) was spotted in 16 (76.19%) out of 21 samples. When comparing the sequencing results with DST, sensitivity and specificity were investigated to determine drug-resistance (rifampicin-resistance were 98 and 100% whereas isoniazid-resistance were 94 and 100% respectively). Additionally, as a point of comparison with DST, only 85.45% of RIF mono-resistant TB cases were accurately evaluated by the GeneXpert assay.
Conclusion: This research supports the adoption of PCR sequencing approach as an efficient tool in detecting MDR-TB, counting the higher sensitivity and specificity as well as the short period to produce the results.
Diagnostic evaluation of Tru-Nat MTB/Rif test in comparison with microscopy for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis at tertiary care hospital of eastern Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Ranjan Piyush , Rukadikar Atul R , Hada Vivek , Mohanty Aroop , Singh Parul
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the efficacy of the TrueLab™ Real Time mini-PCR system in providing rapid and accurate diagnostic results for tuberculosis (TB) detection in India. The goal is to improve case detection and ac- celerate treatment in settings with limited resources.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted by the Department of Microbiology on 120 patients, age ranging from >=15 years with at least two clinical symptoms of pulmonary TB. Molbio and Universal Cartridge Based Sam- ple Prep were the 2 methods used for processing sputum samples. The diagnosis was based on the MTB Real Time PCR test, which has a detection limit of 100 CFU/mL. Patients under 15 years, samples lacking clinical background, saliva specimens or extra-pulmonary TB cases were excluded from the study.
Results: A total of 44.17% samples were positive for TB with maximum positivity in the age group 31-45 years. Positivity rate was found to be higher in females. In 4.17% of cases there was rifampicin resistance, which was significantly high in previously treated cases. Comparison of Truenat with Ziehl-Neelsen and fluorescent method revealed that it was more sen- sitive and less time consuming.
Conclusion: Truenat MTB/RIF is a sensitive detection system for TB with rapid results, which serves as an important tool in the early management of tuberculosis patients and drug-resistant-TB cases.
Neurological Manifestations and Risk Factors of HTLV-1 Infection in the Middle East Region and Iran: A Comprehensive Review of 137 Articles of the Last 23 Years
Authors: Rajabpour-Sanati Ali , Irankhah Shahriar , Rahmani Laadan , Riasi Hamid Reza
Published: August 2024

Background & Objectives: The Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) retrovirus is prevalent in some regions, such as Iran. This comprehensive literature review explores the symptoms and risk factors associated with HTLV-1 infection Middle East Region and Iran.
Materials & Methods: This narrative review used PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar as searching engines using terms HTLV-1, neurological disorders, pathogenesis, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology for articles published between 2000 and 2023. In total, 137 articles were eligible.
Results: Breastfeeding, unsafe sexual contact, and contaminated blood products are main HTLV -1 transmission routes. Brazil, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic are countries with a high percentage of HTLV-1 infection, with estimates ranging from 1% to 13.9% in Brazil, up to 57% in Ecuador, and 1% to 5% in the Dominican Republic and it is endemic in Iran, Japan, the Caribbean, South America, and Africa. While numerous patients are asymptomatic, the virus can cause HTLV1 -associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and peripheral neuropathy. Tax viral proteins cause nervous system inflammation and HAM/TSP. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may decipher spinal cord shrinkage and white matter lesions in affected patients. Immunodeficiency conditions, blood transfusion, and risky sexual behavior increase infection rate. The neurological symptoms are initiated with sensory -motor impairments. The main symptoms are limb weakness, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and cognitive impairment.
Conclusion: HTLV-1 infection is highly prevalent in Japan, Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Iran (especially in northeastern regions like Neyshabur). By understanding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of HTLV-1, proper strategies and targeted treatments can be developed for associated disorders like HAM/TSP. International collaboration is essential in addressing health concerns related to HTLV -1 infection.
Risk Factors for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) -Related Mortality among Hospitalized Patients in Southeastern Iran: A Case -Control Study
Authors: Khoubfekr Hekmatollah , Abdollahi Motahareh , Amiri Hamed , Amiri Sadegh , Babazadeh Saleh , Rahmanian Vahid , Jokar Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Background & Objectives: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19 ) pandemic has posed a devastating global impact, with millions of cases which vary widely in the disease severity. Southeastern Iran has been particularly hard hit, with a high number of patients requiring hospitalization. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with mortality from COVID -19 among hospitalized patients in this region.
Materials & Methods: A case -control study compared hospitalized COVID -19 patients who succumbed to the disease (confirmed by death certificates and positive polymerase chain reaction or PCR tests) with those who recovered, from February 27, 2020, to June 30, 2021. Researchers analyzed data using t -tests and chi - square tests to identify significant factors associated with mortality (p < 0.05). Variables significant at a less stringent level (p < 0.2) were then included in a backward logistic regression model to explore independent predictors of mortality.
Results: This retrospective study examined data from 473 patients, of whom 158 were in the case group and 315 were in the control group. Among the case group, 80.4% were elderly, compared to 41% in the control group. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the case group (12.7%) experienced critical symptoms leading to the ICU hospitalization, compared to the control group (7.3%). Multivariable regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with increased mortality risk. These included ICU hospitalization (OR=5.27, CI: 3.09 -8.98), advanced age (OR=4.06, CI: 2.43 -6.80), hypertension (OR=4.44, CI: 1.52 -12.93), cardiovascular diseases (OR=2.56, CI: 1.1 -5.98), and critical symptoms (OR=2.74, CI: 1.92 - 8.04). Diabetes, pregnancy, nationality, and gender did not statistically increase mortality risk (p -value ≥ 0.05).
Conclusion : Advanced age, severe symptoms requiring ICU care, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are all critical mortality risk factors in hospitalized COVID -19 patients.
Quality of Case Reports and Adherence to the CARE (CAse REport) Guidelines: Protocol for a Scoping Review
Authors: Taheri Abolfazl , Adibi Peyman , Saeedizadeh Marzieh , Sabagh -Jafari Seyed Mojtaba , Rahimi Alireza , Abbasi Alireza
Published: August 2024

Background & Objectives: The use of reporting guidelines aims to enhance the completeness and transparency of biomedical publications. The CARE guideline was developed in 2013 to assist researchers in improving the reporting of their case reports. In this study, drawing on evidence from studies that have evaluated the reporting quality of case reports based on the CARE guideline, we aim to conduct a scoping review focusing on the state -of-the -art adherence to the CARE guidelines in case reports and identifying factors associated with adherence to this guideline.
Materials & Methods: The protocol for this scoping review follows the Arksey and O ’Malley framework. We searched for meta -research studies indexed in four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) from 2013 to 2023, for studies primarily aimed at evaluating the reporting quality of case reports based on the CARE guidelines. Study selection was performed in duplicate. This study report followed the PRISMA -ScR.
Results: Our database searches retrieved 35 studies, of which 14 were included for full -text analysis. The publication rate has increased sharply in recent years; seven articles (50%) were published in 2020 and 2021. Further analysis is in progress and scheduled for completion by July 2024.
Conclusion : By conducting this scoping review, we attempted to gain a comprehensive and in -depth understanding of the quality of case reports based on the CARE guideline, identify gaps, and provide recommendations for the more efficient and meaningful use of the CARE reporting guideline in the future.
THE APPLICATION OF PROBABILISTIC LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TO BUILDINGS: A CASE STUDY
Authors:   RMIT University, Australia, Lei Haoran , Yang Wei ,   The University of Melbourne, Australia, Li Chun-Qing ,   RMIT University, Australia
Published: August 2024

Life cycle assessment is widely used to measure the environmental impacts of buildings. However, various uncertainty sources, e.g., life cycle inventory data, models and analysis methods, can affect the consistency and comparability of assessment results. This paper adopts a probabilistic life cycle assessment to determine the sustainability performance of buildings based on carbon emissions and the corresponding emission reduction targets. Time-dependent reliability methods are employed to calculate the probability of unsatisfactory sustainability performance. A case study is also carried out to demonstrate the applicability of probabilistic life cycle assessment in buildings. It is found that this method provides a practical tool for quantifying uncertainties and benchmarking results of carbon emissions. This method also promotes multi-objective optimisation and the consideration of carbon emissions as variables at the early design stage of buildings. These outcomes will accelerate the adoption of probabilistic life cycle assessment and reduce the carbon emissions of buildings.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE CHLORIDE DIFFUSION OF CONCRETE BASED ON ITS PORE STRUCTURE
Authors:   College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, China, Jin Wei-Liang , Tian Zhuang ,   College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, China, Xiao Guan-Yan ,   College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, China, Xia Jin ,   College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, China
Published: August 2024

The relationship between the pore characteristics and the chloride diffusion coefficient of mortar was investigated in this paper. Mortars with different water-cement ratios and aggregate volume fractions were prepared. The chloride diffusion coefficient was measured by the salt-saturated conductivity method (NEL). The pore size distribution was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The sensitivity analysis indicates that the chloride diffusion coefficient is better correlated with the capillary porosity. Based on the general effective media (GEM) model, the chloride diffusion coefficient of the C-S-H gel was calculated. On this basis, the relationship between the chloride diffusion coefficient of the C-S-H gel and the gel porosity was fitted and the key parameters were obtained. Based on the gel porosity and capillary porosity, a three-phase model was proposed to predict the diffusion coefficient of concrete, and the prediction results were in good agreement with the experimental results.
EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE MADE FROM COATED EPS AGGREGATES USING ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY
Authors:   Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Wibowo Andi Prasetiyo ,   Coventry University, UK, Saidani Messaoud ,   Coventry University, UK
Published: August 2024

A prevalent variant of lightweight concrete is the type that incorporates Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) as part of its primary aggregate. Despite its lightweight nature, the utilisation of EPS material have a detrimental impact on the overall quality of concrete, particularly in terms of its compressive strength. A non-destructive test method using an Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) meter used in this study to determine the density of lightweight concrete with EPS aggregate beads. The comparison between normal concrete, uncoated, and coated EPS beads, with Fly Ash powder as a coating material as Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) as the binder. The findings of this study indicate that incorporating EPS as a concrete aggregate reduced the speed of travel of ultrasonic pulse waves. This reduction in this pulse confirmed by a decrease in the overall strength of lightweight concrete compared to normal concrete as control. However, interestingly, using modified EPS beads in concrete resulted in better results than using uncoated EPS beads.
ORIENTED THERMAL CONDUCTIVE COMPOSITE PHASE-CHANGE MATERIAL ENABLED BY ORIENTED EXPANDABLE GRAPHITE SKELETON FOR HEAT STORAGE
Authors:   Beijing Institute of Technology, China, Zhiqi Xu Zhiqi Xu , Shaoliang Zhang Shaoliang Zhang ,   Beijing Institute of Technology, China, Yongliang Shen Yongliang Shen ,   Beijing Institute of Technology, China, Shuli Liu Shuli Liu ,   Beijing Institute of Technology, China
Published: August 2024

Commonly used PCMs have low thermal conductivity and high thermal resistance, which is not conducive to heat transfer, making it difficult for materials to quickly absorb and conduct heat. This study presents the fabrication and characterization of an oriented thermal conductive composite phase-change material (OTC-CPCM) using the vacuum adsorption method and compression-induced self-assembly method. Paraffin wax (PW), oriented worm expandable graphite (WEG), and high-purity graphite sheets (GS) were incorporated to form distinct layered structures perpendicular to the pressure direction, establishing stable thermal flow channels. The influence of WEG content on microstructure, thermal conductivity, and phase change characteristics was investigated. Results show that higher WEG content enhances the layered structure and thermal conductivity of the OTC-CPCM while reducing the supercooling degree during solid-state phase transition. Moreover, the OTC-CPCM exhibits excellent leak-proof performance, with cyclic stability increasing with higher WEG content. These findings demonstrate the potential of OTC-CPCM in thermal management, building energy conservation, and heat storage applications.
Evaluation of Economic Efficiency of Introduction of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Judicial Proceedings
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of the Humanities and Socioeconomic Disciplines of the Volga, Terekhov Andrey M. , Kuvychkov Sergey I. ,   Associate Professor of the Department of the Humanities and Socioeconomic Disciplines of the Volga
Published: August 2024

In the context of digitalization processes being actively introduced into all spheres of public life, the issues of evaluating the effectiveness of their practical application are becoming relevant. The judicial system is no exception, since the use of modern information technologies in it, including artificial intelligence systems, will help to reduce material costs for the functioning of courts, reduce labor costs and save time, minimize the risks of making erroneous decisions. In this regard, the authors have proposed tools for assessing the economic results associated with the introduction of artificial intelligence systems in judicial activity. A preliminary assessment of the economic efficiency of the introduction of artificial intelligence into the judicial system will allow to predict the possible results of the functioning of the judicial system in the future, and an assessment of the budget effect will ensure savings due to reduced costs due to the introduction of modern intelligent systems.
Problems of Electronic Evidence in the Conditions of Development of Electronic Justice in the Arbitration Procedure
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Academic Cluster of the Institute of Management and Territorial Development, Yaroshenko Tatyana V.
Published: August 2024

The article reveals the problematic issues of the development of electronic justice in arbitration proceedings, considers the legal nature of electronic evidence, determines their place and role in the issuance of judicial acts.
Features of Arrangement of and Control over Records Management in Courts of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Assistant Judge of the Commercial Court of the Primorsky Territory, Sheremetyeva Natalya V.
Published: August 2024

The rules of record keeping in courts and, in particular, in arbitration courts have not changed dramatically since 2013, but since that year the clerks’ tools have changed a lot, which requires new approaches to monitoring record keeping and rethinking the control process itself. This is due to the fact that the electronic document flow has increased, and now not only court decisions are processed electronically, but also citizens’ appeals to the court, and citizens’ notification of court sessions, and the provision of evidence in cases, and many other procedural actions. The study used general scientific and private legal methods of cognition, which include methods of deduction and induction, classification method, method of synthesis and analysis, method of lexical research of official documents, logical method. According to the conducted research, the conclusions are made that the document flow in the courts has changed significantly, which requires a slightly different approach to the control of office work. On this basis, separate proposals have been made to improve the norms governing the control process in the field of judicial records management.
The Principle of Procedural Economy as a Doctrinal Principle of the Russian and Armenian Law
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of Theory of State and Law, Ilyukhina Vera A.
Published: August 2024

The article considers the principle of procedural economy as a doctrinal principle of Russian and Armenian law. Based on the analysis of scientific literature and judicial practice, the author comes to the conclusion that this principle is quite actively used by the courts when motivating judicial acts, but at present its normative consolidation in the procedural codes of Russia and Armenia is inappropriate.
On the Direct Effect of Human Rights and Freedoms
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of Public and Private International Law, Novoseltsev Aleksey Yu.
Published: August 2024

The article considers proposals for the creation of an alternative to the ECtHR, an international court of human rights; Russian Court of Human Rights; the transfer to the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation of the authority to check for compliance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation of court decisions of other courts. The author believes that the above proposals can hardly be called a priority task for Russian justice. According to the author, a court decision can be checked for compliance with the law, and not with human rights. Only normative acts can be tested for compliance with human rights. In Russia, this task is successfully performed by the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, which can be regarded as a worthy alternative to the ECtHR.
Development of Electronic Justice in Civil and Arbitration Proceedings: Challenging Issues
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of Jurisprudence of the Western Branch of the Russian Presidential Academy, Yaroshenko Tatyana V.
Published: August 2024

The article reveals the problematic issues of development and legal regulation of e-justice in civil and arbitration proceedings, discusses the prospects for the use of artificial intelligence in the judicial system.
Legal Regulation of the Security of Parties to Criminal Proceedings
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of Criminal and Legal Disciplines of the Kazan Branch, Bikmiev Ramil G. , Burganov Ramis S. ,   Associate Professor of the Department of Criminal and Legal Disciplines of the Kazan Branch
Published: August 2024

In the article the authors analyze the legal regulation of the security of litigants. Moreover, the authors systematize and classify normative acts regulating the security of litigants. Based on the analysis of statistical data, judicial practice and the legal framework for this activity, conclusions are drawn and proposals are made for the improvement of legislation and regulations
THE PRINCIPLE OF RESPECT OF HONOR AND DIGNITY OF AN INDIVIDUAL IN THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF THE RUSSIAN CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of Judicial Activities and Criminal Procedure, Militsin Sergey D.
Published: August 2024

The article analyzes the modern practice of implementation of the principle of respect of honor and dignity of an individual in criminal proceedings of the Russian Federation, gives statistical data on the number of applications related to illegal violent actions and criminal cases initiated based on respective facts, notes difficulties of proving thereof. The author justifies the need to grant a prosecutor a right to initiate cases on crimes in the criminal proceedings sphere, with termination of such criminal cases being possible only upon the prosecutor's consent.
Eksperimen Penerapan Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek (PJBL) pada Peningkatan Kreativitas Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Irayana Ika , Assyauqi Iqbal
Published: August 2024

This article elucidates the significance of fostering creativity in early childhood through the implementation of the Project Based Learning (PJBL) model, particularly in the context of creativity. In an era of intensifying competition, Era 4.0 underscores the necessity for individuals to possess high creativity. Creativity is regarded as the pivotal factor in enhancing the quality of life of individuals and contributing to the prosperity of society. In the context of education, creativity plays a pivotal role in the early childhood learning process, given that every child possesses unique creative potential. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with experimental and control groups at PAUD Tarbiyatul Athfal UIN Antasari Banjarmasin, involving 36 children aged 4-6 years. Data were collected through checklist sheets and documentation of activities. The results demonstrated that the implementation of PPA significantly enhanced children's creativity in the experimental group. The Mann-Whitney U-Test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Children who participated in PPA exhibited active engagement, collaborative skills, and proficiency in problem-solving, idea-sharing, and effective communication.
Migraine Causality in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Authors: Demir Unal Esra
Published: August 2024

Alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is an anti-inflammatory mediator with antiprotease activity associated with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in various inflammatory conditions. A1AT deficiency (A1ATD) has been associated with various hyperinflammatory diseases, such as lung disease (emphysema and bronchiectasis), liver disease (chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatoma), and skin diseases (panniculitis). Migraine with aura is one of the common migraine subtypes associated with neuroimmunologic activation and neuroinflammation which is associated with cortical spreading depression and glial hyperinflammation in etioradiopathogenesis, and the main mechanisms explained so far are hyperinflammation of pro-inflammatory mediators, sensitivity of trigeminal nerve fibers and pain-conjugated glial cells activation. In this case report, a causative perspective of migraine with aura and A1ATD was presented through etioradiopathogenetics mechanisms that show the central reflections of systemic hyperinflammatory processes, and the importance of peripheral hyperinflammatory conditions in migraine etiology was examined.
Assessing the effectiveness of bioclimatic strategies in improving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption in a house located in a desert climate
Authors: Hamdani Maamar , Cherier Mohamed Kamal , Mawloud Guermoui , Bekkouche Sidi Mohammed El Amine , Abdelfetah Belaid , Mohamed Zaiani , Djeffal Rachid , Al-Saadi Saleh , Kamel Ehsan
Published: August 2024

This article examined the effectiveness of bioclimatic strategies to enhance thermal comfort and decrease energy consumption in a desert-climate residence. The study assessed the impact of thermal insulation, natural ventilation, and phase-change materials (PCMs) over a year, with each strategy evaluated both independently and in combination. Monthly energy bills were analyzed to determine the impact of these strategies. The results indicated substantial reductions in energy costs, with decreases of up to 50% during transitional seasons; however, the complete elimination of heating and cooling systems was not feasible due to significant thermal phase differences between indoor and outdoor environments. Further analysis of thermal discomfort hours revealed that increasing insulation thickness during specific seasons could mitigate peak heat intensity and delay its occurrence, thus extending periods of comfort and reducing discomfort hours. Despite these improvements, some periods of thermal distress persisted during the warmest months, underscoring the necessity for a balanced approach to climate adaptation strategies. Overall, the implementation of these strategies proved effective in improving comfort and reducing energy usage in desert-climate homes, although they do not fully negate the need for traditional heating and cooling systems.
Antropologiczne braterstwo: Lévi-Strauss a Rousseau
Authors: Pieniążek Paweł
Published: August 2024

W artykule przedstawiam wpływ filozofii Jeana-Jacques’a Rousseau na Claude’a Lévi-Straussa refleksję nad statusem i powołaniem antropologii kulturowej. Refleksję tę rozwija on w kontekście swych lektur dzieła Rousseau, któremu nadaje znaczenie etnologiczno-antropologiczne. W pierwszej części artykułu omawiam problematykę dwóch zasadniczych i dopełniających się tekstów Lévi-Straussa o Rousseau, w których podejmuje kwestię warunków powstania etnologii i jej wewnętrznych, teoretycznych sprzeczności, których rozwiązanie Lévi-Strauss znajduje właśnie u Rousseau, jak również jej implikacje praktyczno-polityczne. W części drugiej rozważam podobieństwa i różnice między myślą Lévi-Straussa i myślą Rousseau przez pryzmat napięcia między ich dwiema tendencjami: polityczno-­historyczną i kontemplatywno-mistyczną.
Ciało: mięso i tłuszcz
Authors: Libera Zbigniew
Published: August 2024

Od 30 lat publikuję prace z zakresu antropologii i historii ciała. Dotyczą one kulturowej anatomii, fizjologii, psychologii i etnosemiotyki. Niektórym artykułom nadawałem podtytuł: „Fragment semiotyki antropologii popularnej w Europie Środkowo-Wschodniej czasów nowożytnych i współczesnych”. Niniejszy artykuł jest kolejną częścią wskazanych prac.
Stół. Obrzęd – codzienność – dizajn. Krótki raport z badań etnograficznych o praktykach zamieszkiwania
Authors: Orszulak-Dudkowska Katarzyna
Published: August 2024

Przedmiotem rozważań przedstawionych w artykule jest stół rozumiany jako ważny element współtworzący przestrzeń zamieszkiwaną w różnych środowiskach kulturowych. W tradycji polskiej naznaczany różnymi znaczeniami – sakralizowany, powiązany z zachowaniami obrzędowymi, funkcjonujący jako metafora spotkania i znak gościnności. Uwikłany zarówno w praktyki codzienne, jak i celebrowanie świąt. W kulturze współczesnej traktowany zaś przede wszystkim jako mebel i typowy przedmiot wyposażenia domu, dopasowywany do określonej stylistyki wnętrza i indywidualnych gustów użytkowników. Autorka, wykorzystując wyniki własnych badań etnograficznych, inspirowanych antropologią dizajnu, prowadzonych w latach 2020–2023, stara się odpowiedzieć na pytania: jak obecnie traktowany jest stół w polskich przestrzeniach domowych, jakie przypisuje się mu znaczenia, jak jest wykorzystywany w sytuacjach zwyczajnych oraz szczególnych. Wiedza ta zaś stanowić może zespół wskazówek dla specjalistów z obszaru projektowania, ale także dokumentację sposobów zamieszkiwania praktykowanych we współczesnym polskim społeczeństwie.
Telluryzm i folkloryzm w okresie dwudziestolecia międzywojennego na przykładzie warszawskiego stowarzyszenia malarzy Pro Arte
Authors: Pawłowska Aneta
Published: August 2024

Tekst jest analizą zjawiska fascynacji ludowością i folklorem w okresie dwudziestolecia międzywojennego w Polsce. Przywołane przykłady dotyczą kontekstu inspiracji twórców sztuk wizualnych, w szczególności związanych z warszawskim stowarzyszeniem artystycznym Pro Arte, takich jak: Stanisław Masłowski (1853–1926), Henryk Piątkowski (1853–1923), Stefan Popowski (1870–1937), Józef Rapacki (1871–1929), Stanisław Straszkiewicz (1870–1925), Czesław Tański (1862–1942), Władysław Wankie (1860–1925), Marian Wawrzeniecki (1863–1943), Henryk Weyssenhoff (1859–1922), Teodor Ziomek (1874–1937). Grupa funkcjonowała w latach 1922–1932 w środowisku zbliżonym do Towarzystwa Zachęty Sztuk Pięknych. W szczególności poruszone zostaną dwa wątki przywiązania do ziemi ojczystej (koncepcja telluryzmu), czego wyrazem jest malarstwo pejzażowe członków grupy oraz zainteresowanie stylizowanym rodzimym folklorem.
Lokalny land-art jako przykład dekolonizacji wyobraźni w perspektywie antropologii kulturowej
Authors: Kuźma Inga B. , De Santo Milica Kočović
Published: August 2024

Autorki tekstu przedstawią zagadnienie, jakim jest tzw. dekolonizacja wyobraźni. Potraktowały je jako narzędzie interpretacyjne wraz z krytycznym namysłem nad tą propozycją i próbą zastosowania w kontekście kulturowym Globalnej Północy. Uwaga autorek skupiła się na wybranym przypadku, polegającym na interwencji w przestrzeni przyrodniczej za pośrednictwem sztuki ziemi. Materiału do rozważań i badań dostarczył terenowy casus, czyli Międzynarodowy Plener Form z Wikliny i Land-Artu odbywający się w Łodzi. Zapleczem metodologicznym i warsztatowym autorek jest przede wszystkim antropologia kulturowa. Włączyły też do swoich rozważań badania land-artu, środowiska oraz pejzażu; czerpały z rozważań nad antropocenem i antropopresją. Oparły się też na teorii dewzrostu, z której wyrasta kluczowy dla autorek termin, czyli dekolonizacja wyobraźni. Tym, co pogłębia wyzwanie interpretacyjne w opinii autorek, jest lokalizacja owych plenerów – miejski ogród botaniczny. Jest to układ przyrodniczy poddany ściślej kontroli człowieka. Akcje artystyczne w takim miejscu mogą się kojarzyć z kolejną antropo-ingerencją, choć ogród botaniczny jako sztucznie wytworzony jest z zasady podatny na zmiany wprowadzane przede wszystkim przez ludzi. Pomimo tego, zdaniem autorek, land-art dokonuje transformacji zastanego środowiska ogrodu w kierunku odzyskiwania i wzmacniania przez nie własnej „naturalności” i stawania się bytem per se. Dzieje się tak punktowo, w wybranych aspektach i miejscach.
Zerwania i nieciągłości auto/biograficzne
Authors: Kafar Marcin
Published: August 2024

Artykuł jest próbą zastosowania w pracy auto/biograficznej zasad etnografii CAP (creative analytical practices), konceptu Laurel Richardson, zakładającego zniesienie podziału między „produktem” a „procesem”, co prowadzi do wielowymiarowego angażowania twórczej percepcji. Przyjęta perspektywa odwołuje się do tradycji myślenia (i pisania) refleksywnego, za cel obierając analizę ruchomego Siebie. Na innym poziomie tekst pokazuje lokalny kontekst transformacji relacyjnych wytrącających się w obszarze jednostka twórcza/ kolektyw myślowy (Ludwik Fleck), stanowiąc dokument osobisty, będący przyczynkiem do historii intelektualnej polskiej etnografii, antropologii kulturowej oraz edukacji i nauk o wychowaniu przełomu wieków XX i XXI.
Kilka refleksji nad rekonstrukcją historyczną w Polsce
Authors: Daszyńska Jolanta
Published: August 2024

Autorka artykułu przedstawia swoje własne spojrzenie na społeczne zjawisko zwane rekonstrukcją historyczną. Jako historyczka i rekonstruktorka polemizuje z tezą, że przedstawiane bitwy są rekonstrukcjami historycznymi, gdyż są one jedynie przypominaniem dawnych wydarzeń. Na dowód tego przytacza wiele argumentów potwierdzających, że widowiska batalistyczne nie mogą być uznawane jako dokładne odtworzenie przeszłości. Współcześnie odtwarzane bitwy mają przypomnieć o tych, które były, a nie być dokładnie odwzorowane, gdyż jest to z wielu powodów niemożliwe.
A Comparative Analysis of the Age-dependent Features of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Buffalo Adipose Tissue
Authors: Hasif Mohamed , Sharma Manjinder , Lonare Milindmitra K. , Singh Digvijay
Published: August 2024

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells are a potential candidate for regenerative medicine. Many factors may influence the physiological characteristics of stem cells that may lead to the alteration in their potential. Methods: The impact of age on mesenchymal stem cell characteristics was investigated in older buffaloes (aged over 10 years) and compared to younger counterparts (aged less than 2 years). Following isolation through enzymatic digestion, the mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in DMEM containing 12.5% FBS and antibiotics. Different variables indicating stem cell characteristics were evaluated at subsequent cultures. Result: The results revealed both groups displayed positive staining for alkaline phosphatase (AP) and expressed stem cell markers, including CD73, CD105 and OCT4, while remain negative for CD34. Furthermore, both sets of stem cells demonstrated the ability to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenicand chondrogenic lineages. There were no notable variations observed between the two groups in terms of the cell yield, percentages of senescent cells, necrotic cells, dead cells and the apoptotic index. Expression of the P53 gene in RT-PCR amplicon in both groups confirms that stem cells are dividing normally as healthy cells and not tumor cells. Consequently, it was concluded from the present investigation that the age of the animal does not influence the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue. Thus, the stem cells derived from older and younger buffaloes are suited equally as a cell source for regenerative therapeutics.
Writings On The Eight Readings Presentation and Explanation/ المؤلفات في القراءات الثمان عرض وبيان
Authors: Alrowithy Ahmed Humud
Published: August 2024

This research aims at collecting the writings of the Eight Readings without guidance and explanation books, explaining what is present and what is missing, and what is related to that in terms of the emergence of the writing of the Eight Readings and the names of the narrators in those writings. The research followed the descriptive historical approach, arranged the books according to their authors' deaths, and was limited to novel books without guidance and explanation books. The results revealed that the writing of the eight readings coincided with the emergence of the seventh of the seven or shortly after the seven peers of Ibn Mujahid Musba'. The eight readings are the seven with Jacob reading, and the oldest book that has reached us is Al-Badi’s book by Ibn Khalawayh. The research counted eighteen books written in the eight readings; ten are missing. Notably, there is a lack of writing in the eight compared to the seven and the ten, and there are no systems in the eight, in contrast to the number of systems in the seven, ten, three, and others. The researcher recommended searching for missing books of readings in manuscript vaults and investigating.
A Review of Virtual Reality Technology in Exercise Training for Older Adults
Authors: Chan Louise P P
Published: August 2024

Regular physical activity has profoundly positive impact on an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. Older adults are recommended to engage in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day, and for three or more days per week. However, older adults may encounter various barriers which may lead to poor exercise compliance. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly popular in healthcare settings, with the aim to improve physical function, cognitive abilities, and mood in older people with chronic diseases. VR-based exercise may improve self-motivation in performing exercise, increase social interaction, and reinforces older adults’ compliance to exercise training. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of VR exercise and the potential advantages of incorporating VR-based rehabilitation for the aging population. Keywords: Exercise; Virtual reality; Older adults; Chronic diseases; Diabetes
Towards Inclusive Social Assistance for Marginalised People in the KRI
Authors: Shaw Jackie , Rohwerder Brigitte , Karem Harem
Published: August 2024

Intersecting inequalities exacerbate the negative impacts of crises on marginalised people’s lives. Yet there is a gap in knowledge about the layered effects of marginalisation and protracted crises, what this means for how those with pressing needs cope and access social assistance in particular contexts, and how to tackle the interlinked material, emotional, relational, and socio-political influences. This research addresses this gap through generating understanding about the social assistance experiences of marginalised people in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), and insights into how safer, and more dignified, inclusive, effective, and accountable provision might be fostered through inclusive participatory processes. During phase 1, we used qualitative, narrative, creative, and participatory methodologies with peer researchers, disabled women in Sulaymaniyah, and rural young people from Halabja. Phase 2 brought participants and the research team together to collectively analyse the data generated in phase 1, co-construct video outputs on key insights, and develop recommendations and solutions. Phase 3 involved participants in dialogue to influence social assistance stakeholders and developing their own actions to improve the dignity of provision processes. We found that protracted crises in the KRI aggravate the issues marginalised people face due to exclusionary identity-based patronage systems and political/religious agendas that are a legacy of the civil war. Persistent tensions between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government of Iraq, and an ongoing financial crisis, restrict social protection budgets and mean formal social assistance is very limited. Consequently, marginalised people facing poverty are surviving mainly through irregular support provided by informal/semi-formal actors and agencies. This assistance is often inadequate, ineffective, discriminatory, conditional, and unsafe, especially for women who face sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. Shame about needing help, and social assistance failures, generate strong negative feelings such as despair and hopelessness, which intensify distress and historic collective trauma. Undignified processes, especially the common practice of taking photos of beneficiaries and posting them online, were identified as major issues for those accessing social assistance in the KRI. This resulted in participants’ subsequent impactful ‘action’: the Protect my Dignity campaign. We illustrate the potential of inclusive participatory processes to build social assistance improvements and participatory accountability from the bottom up through Participatory Action Research processes with marginalised people.
Workshop report: How can epidemic preparedness and response be improved in the Central and East African borderlands?
Authors: Akello Grace , Moro Leben , Muzalia Godefroid
Published: August 2024

Epidemics have long affected the borderlands in Central and East Africa due to a combination of ecological, social, economic and political conditions. For example, porous borders and cross-border social and economic networks make it easy for people – and pathogens – to move from country to country. While preparedness and response activities to disease epidemics have evolved over time, risks remain, and many lives continue to be lost due to preventable disease outbreaks. Policy and practice can build on what has been learned from past and ongoing outbreaks, and from research on borderland preparedness and response. These changes in policy and practice can improve resilience against infectious disease outbreaks and their multi-dimensional impacts. This short report offers recommendations and reflects on discussions on epidemic preparedness and response in the Central and East African borderlands from a workshop attended by social scientists, policymakers and humanitarian and public health practitioners from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. The SSHAP Central and East Africa Hub facilitated and hosted the workshop in August 2023 in Kampala, Uganda. The report begins with a list of recommendations that emerged from the discussion. This is followed by additional context and reflections on the social, economic and political contexts that shape disease risk and which must be considered to improve the effectiveness of future preparedness and response in the region.