bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black or White: The Art of Rhetoric in Sunset Limited
Authors: MacLeod Douglas C.
Published: October 2023

The film Sunset Limited is an HBO adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s play of the same name, and it is an in-depth character study of two individuals: Black (played by Samuel L. Jackson) and White (played by Tommy Lee Jones). In the beginning of the film, Black has already saved White from committing suicide and they are sitting together at a small, round kitchen table; viewers learn that Black was going to work when he saw White on the train platform about ready to jump in front of the Sunset Limited. Black is a religious Christian and White is an outright atheist; one believes in Jesus Christ and one believes in nothing; one has faith and one has no faith in anything. These ideological standpoints (the lack of an ideology is still an ideology) are the foundation of this text. The focus of Suset Limited is the push and pull between religious belief (Black) and philosophical thought (White), which ultimately will determine whether White stays and decides to live, or goes and decides to take his life. In essence, Sunset Limited is an exercise in rhetoric, in the art of persuasion, and how this artform can be used in both religious and secular conversation. This study of Sunset Limited will devote time to Cormac McCarthy’s connections to religion and philosophy using research about his work; then, there will be an in-depth textual analysis of the film, which will speak to not only who these characters are but also what they want to relay to one another about what they know (rather than what they believe) about the world. Black and White are polar opposites of each other (black and white); what this essay intends to prove is that there are similarities to their thought processes, even if they may not recognize it.
Train to Vehicle: Toward Sustainable Transportation in Dense Urban Regions
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Ali A. , Ahmad Rohama , Singh Jaskaran , Rahman Ahmed S.
Published: October 2023

This article investigates the feasibility of using regenerative energy from braking trains to charge electric buses in the context of New York City’s (NYC) subway and electric bus networks. A case study centered around NYC’s system has been performed to evaluate the benefits and challenges pertaining to the use of the preexisting subway network as a power supply for its new all-electric buses. The analysis shows that charging electric buses via the subway system during subway off-peak periods does not hinder regular train operation. In addition, having the charging electric buses connected to the third rail allows for more regenerative braking energy (RBE) to be recuperated, decreasing the energy wasted throughout the system. It was also found that including a wayside energy storage system (WESS) reduces the overall substation peak power consumption.
Strength and Conditioning Programs to Increase Bat Swing Velocity for Collegiate Baseball Players
Authors: Haruna Ryosuke , Doi Tatsuo , Habu Daiki , Yasumoto Shinya , Hongu Nobuko
Published: October 2023

Bat swing velocity (BSV) is an imperative element of a successful baseball hitting performance. This study aimed to investigate the anthropometric and physiological variables associated with BSV and explore strength and conditioning programs to increase BSV in collegiate baseball players. Seventy-eight collegiate baseball players (mean age ± SD, 19.4 ± 1.0 years) participated in this study. Maximum BSV (km/h) was measured using Blast Baseball (Blast Motion Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA). The anthropometric and physiological variables measured were height, body mass, lean body mass, grip strength, back muscle strength, the 30 m sprint, standing long jump, and backward overhead medicine ball throwing. Analysis using Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient showed a weak but significant positive correlation between all anthropometric measurements to BSV. Significant relationships existed between physiological variables of hand grip, back muscle strength, and backward overhead medicine ball throwing, but not the standing long jump and 30 m sprint. These data show that BSV is related to anthropometric and physiological variables, particularly upper and lower body strength and full-body explosive power. Based on the results of this study, we designed examples of sound training programs to increase BSV. Strength and conditioning coaches may want to consider using this information when designing a training program for collegiate baseball players.
A Comparison of Machine Learning Models for Predicting Flood Susceptibility Based on the Enhanced NHAND Method
Authors: Meng Caisu , Jin Hailiang
Published: October 2023

A flood is a common and highly destructive natural disaster. Recently, machine learning methods have been widely used in flood susceptibility analysis. This paper proposes a NHAND (New Height Above the Nearest Drainage) model as a framework to evaluate the effectiveness of both individual learners and ensemble models in addressing intricate flood-related challenges. The evaluation process encompasses critical dimensions such as prediction accuracy, model training duration, and stability. Research findings reveal that, compared to Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Lasso, Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Stacked Generalization (Stacking) outperforms in terms of predictive accuracy and stability. Meanwhile, XGBoost exhibits notable efficiency in terms of training duration. Additionally, the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) method is employed to explain the predictions made by the XGBoost.
RETRACTED: Envariance as a Symmetry in Quantum Mechanics and Applications to Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Bracken Paul
Published: October 2023

A quantum symmetry called entanglement-assisted invariance, also called envariance, is introduced. It is studied with respect to the process of performing quantum measurements. An apparatus which interacts with other physical systems, which are called environments, exchanges a single state with physical states equal in number to that of the possible outcomes of the experiment. Correlations between the apparatus and environment give rise to a type of selection rule which prohibits the apparatus from appearing in a superposition corresponding to different eigenvalues of the pointer basis of the apparatus. The eigenspaces of this observable form a natural basis for the apparatus and determine the observable of the measured quantum system. It is also discussed how statistical mechanics can be formulated in terms of this symmetry.
Enhancing Cloud-Based Security: A Novel Approach for Efficient Cyber-Threat Detection Using GSCSO-IHNN Model
Authors: Ramachandran Divya , Albathan Mubarak , Hussain Ayyaz , Abbas Qaisar
Published: October 2023

Developing a simple and efficient attack detection system for ensuring the security of cloud systems against cyberthreats is a crucial and demanding process in the present time. In traditional work, various machine-learning-based detection methodologies have been developed for securing the cloud network. However, those methodologies face the complications of overfitting, complex system design, difficulty understanding, and higher time consumption. Hence, the proposed work contributes to the design and development of an effective security model for detecting cyberthreats from cloud systems. The proposed framework encompasses the modules of preprocessing and normalization, feature extraction, optimization, and prediction. An improved principal component analysis (IPCA) model is used to extract the relevant features from the normalized dataset. Then, a hybrid grasshopper–crow search optimization (GSCSO) is employed to choose the relevant features for training and testing operations. Finally, an isolated heuristic neural network (IHNN) algorithm is used to predict whether the data flow is normal or intrusive. Popular and publicly available datasets such as NSL-KDD, BoT-IoT, KDD Cup’99, and CICIDS 2017 are used for implementing the detection system. For validation, the different performance indicators, such as detection accuracy (AC) and F1-score, are measured and compared with the proposed GSCSO-IHNN system. On average, the GSCO-IHNN system achieved 99.5% ACC and 0.999 F1 scores on these datasets. The results of the performance study show that the GSCSO-IHNN method outperforms the other security models. Ultimately, this research strives to contribute to the ongoing efforts to fortify the security of cloud systems, making them resilient against cyber threats more simply and efficiently.
Enhancing Performance of Millimeter Wave MIMO Antenna with a Decoupling and Common Defected Ground Approach
Authors: Tiwari Poonam , Gahlaut Vishant , Kaushik Meenu , Shastri Anshuman , Arya Vivek , Elfergani Issa , Zebiri Chemseddine , Rodriguez Jonathan
Published: October 2023

An approach is presented to enhance the isolation of a two-port Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna using a decoupling structure and a common defected ground structure (DGS) that physically separates the antennas from each other. The antenna operates in the 24 to 40 GHz frequency range. The innovation in the presented MIMO antenna design involves the novel integration of two arc-shaped symmetrical elements with dimensions of 35 × 35 × 1.6 mm3 placed perpendicular to each other. The benefits of employing an antenna with elements arranged perpendicularly are exemplified by the enhancement of its overall performance metrics. These elements incorporate a microstrip feed featuring a quarter-wave transformer (QWT). This concept synergizes with decoupling techniques and a defected ground structure to significantly enhance isolation in a millimeter wave (mm wave) MIMO antenna. These methods collectively achieve an impressively wide bandwidth. Efficient decoupling methodologies have been implemented, yielding a notable increase of 5 dB in isolation performance. The antenna exhibits 10 dB impedance matching, with a 15 GHz (46.87%) wide bandwidth, excellent isolation of more than 28 dB, and a desirable gain of 4.6 dB. Antennas have been analyzed to improve their performance in mm wave applications by evaluating diversity parameters such as envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) and diversity gain (DG), with achieved values of 0.0016 and 9.992 dB, respectively. The simulation is conducted using CST software. To validate the findings, experimental investigations have been conducted, affirming the accuracy of the simulations.
Pseudomonas putida Metallothionein: Structural Analysis and Implications of Sustainable Heavy Metal Detoxification in Madinah
Authors: Tasleem Munazzah , El-Sayed Abdel-Aziz A. A. , Hussein Wesam M. , Alrehaily Abdulwahed
Published: October 2023

Heavy metals, specifically cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), contaminating water bodies of Madinah (Saudi Arabia), is a significant environmental concern that necessitates prompt action. Madinah is exposed to toxic metals from multiple sources, such as tobacco, fresh and canned foods, and industrial activities. This influx of toxic metals presents potential hazards to both human health and the surrounding environment. The aim of this study is to explore the viability of utilizing metallothionein from Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) as a method of bioremediation to mitigate the deleterious effects of pollution attributable to Pb and Cd. The use of various computational approaches, such as physicochemical assessments, structural modeling, molecular docking, and protein–protein interaction investigations, has enabled us to successfully identify the exceptional metal-binding properties that metallothionein displays in P. putida. The identification of specific amino acid residues, namely GLU30 and GLN21, is crucial in understanding their pivotal role in facilitating the coordination of lead and cadmium. In addition, post-translational modifications present opportunities for augmenting the capacity to bind metals, thereby creating possibilities for focused engineering. The intricate web of interactions among proteins serves to emphasize the protein’s participation in essential cellular mechanisms, thereby emphasizing its potential contributions to detoxification pathways. The present study establishes a strong basis for forthcoming experimental inquiries, offering potential novel approaches in bioremediation to tackle the issue of heavy metal contamination. Metallothionein from P. putida presents a highly encouraging potential as a viable remedy for environmental remediation, as it is capable of proficiently alleviating the detrimental consequences related to heavy metal pollution.
Large-Scale Purification and Characterization of Recombinant Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Expressed in Yeast
Authors: Nagar Gaurav , Jain Siddharth , Rajurkar Meghraj , Lothe Rakesh , Rao Harish , Majumdar Sourav , Gautam Manish , Rodriguez-Aponte Sergio A. , Crowell Laura E. , Love J. Christopher , Dandekar Prajakta , Puranik Amita , Gairola Sunil , Shaligram Umesh , Jain Ratnesh
Published: October 2023

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is an essential component of numerous protein-based vaccines for COVID-19. The receptor-binding domain of this spike protein is a promising antigen with ease of expression in microbial hosts and scalability at comparatively low production costs. This study describes the production, purification, and characterization of RBD of SARS-CoV-2 protein, which is currently in clinical trials, from a commercialization perspective. The protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris in a large-scale bioreactor of 1200 L capacity. Protein capture and purification are conducted through mixed-mode chromatography followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. This two-step purification process produced RBD with an overall productivity of ~21 mg/L at >99% purity. The protein’s primary, secondary, and tertiary structures were also verified using LCMS-based peptide mapping, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The glycoprotein was further characterized for quality attributes such as glycosylation, molecular weight, purity, di-sulfide bonding, etc. Through structural analysis, it was confirmed that the product maintained a consistent quality across different batches during the large-scale production process. The binding capacity of RBD of spike protein was also assessed using human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. A low binding constant range of KD values, ranging between 3.63 × 10−8 to 6.67 × 10−8, demonstrated a high affinity for the ACE2 receptor, revealing this protein as a promising candidate to prevent the entry of COVID-19 virus.
Analysis of Language-Model-Powered Chatbots for Query Resolution in PDF-Based Automotive Manuals
Authors: Medeiros Thaís , Medeiros Morsinaldo , Azevedo Mariana , Silva Marianne , Silva Ivanovitch , Costa Daniel G.
Published: October 2023

In the current scenario of fast technological advancement, increasingly characterized by widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven tools, the significance of autonomous systems like chatbots has been highlighted. Such systems, which are proficient in addressing queries based on PDF files, hold the potential to revolutionize customer support and post-sales services in the automotive sector, resulting in time and resource optimization. Within this scenario, this work explores the adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs) to create AI-assisted tools for the automotive sector, assuming three distinct methods for comparative analysis. For them, broad assessment criteria are considered in order to encompass response accuracy, cost, and user experience. The achieved results demonstrate that the choice of the most adequate method in this context hinges on the selected criteria, with different practical implications. Therefore, this work provides insights into the effectiveness and applicability of chatbots in the automotive industry, particularly when interfacing with automotive manuals, facilitating the implementation of productive generative AI strategies that meet the demands of the sector.
A Quantitative Study on the Impact of China’s Dual Credit Policy on the Development of New Energy Industry Based on Taylor Expansion Description and Cross-Entropy Theory
Authors: Qiao Jiantong , Yang Shangru , Zhao Jiaming , Li Haoyuan , Fan Yuezhen
Published: October 2023

The Dual Credit Policy is an important policy to promote the development of new energy vehicles unique to China. There is a lack of research that intuitively reflects the impact of the Dual Credit Policy on industrial development through an industry-based factual comparison of this policy. Based on the Taylor expansion and Cross-Entropy description, this article obtains the development regression function by the quantitative analysis of five indicators—the number of new energy vehicle-related patents, sales volume, production volume, the number of newly registered enterprises, infrastructure construction (the number of charging piles) before and after the implementation of the policy, and describes them quantitatively using the Taylor expansion to obtain the CPTI index. The CPCEI index is obtained by calculating the Cross-Entropy of the distribution of each indicator before and after policy implementation. The above two indices were compared for the growth trend and growth quantity, respectively. Finally, the following conclusions were obtained: 1. the Dual Credit Policy is more significantly promoted at the market level than the impact on the technical level; 2. although there is also incentive in infrastructure construction, it cannot fully react to the market demand; 3. the number of start-up’s operating in the new energy field increases, but the overall growth trend gradually slows down and fails to significantly change the existing structure of the market. This study suggests that the government should launch a special incentive policy for charging piles, and new energy manufacturers should expand their production capacity to meet the market demand.
December 2020-Printed Issue
Authors:   Patient Safety Authority
Published: October 2023

The winter 2020 issue of Patient Safety is available to read online and download at no charge.

Each issue features the latest evidence-based research, thoughtful commentaries and editorials, interviews with healthcare leaders and safety advocates, and powerful patient stories.

An in-depth study of variables associated with wrong-site surgeries in Pennsylvania, demonstrating that this “never event” still happens all too often

An interview with Queen Quet, head of state of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, about life on the Sea Islands, overcoming racial disparities in healthcare, and more

A focus on sepsis, a severe condition that is difficult to distinguish from the flu and COVID-19

A polio survivor who never had the choice to take the vaccine shares her struggles with the aftereffects of the disease since she contracted it in childhood

Researchers delve into wrong-patient errors related to health information technology

A timely look at risks involved with using prone positioning to treat patients for acute respiratory distress syndrome, a common complication of COVID-19 and other infections

Thank you to our authors, peer reviewers, editorial board members, and Patient Safety Authority staff, who all play a part in the success of our journal and in advancing patient safety everywhere. Patient Safety is fully open access (no subscription fees or author fees), so please consider sending us your next original manuscript and sharing our journal with your colleagues, students, families, friends, and patients. Together we save lives.
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ENERGY BEGINNING IN THE THEORY OF STRUCTURE SYNTHESIS
Authors: Yuriev A. , Panchenko L.
Published: October 2023

The theory of construction synthesis is based on the principle of stationary action. The fundamental beginning of the design of structure is the variational principle of structural synthesis with energy content. The increment in the energy of external forces and the potential energy of deformation depends not only on the increments of displacements and internal forces, as provided by the principles of Lagrange and Castigliano, but also on the changes of configuration body and materials modules. The influence of these factors on the potential strain energy is discussed on the example of a tensioned rod and a rod system. A generalization of Vasyutinskii's theorem to the case of a system with stretched and compressed rods is given, which makes it possible to make a transition from minimizing the potential strain energy functional to minimizing the volume of material. Outside of this theorem, volume minimization is possible only when the energy principle is introduced into an additional condition, as evidenced by the dual substitution of the problem for a conditional extremum with integral connections. This situation is illustrated by the example of the formation of an I-section of a console loaded at the end with a moment. When the condition is set in the form of a relative deflection of the end of the console, the dual substitution of the problem takes place. It is unacceptable in the case of setting the admissible stress, excluding the energy content of the additional condition.
FEATURES OF URBAN PLANNING LOCATION OF EXISTING OBJECTS OF WASTE SORTING AND WASTE PROCESSING IN RUSSIA
Authors: Supranovich V.
Published: October 2023

The article presents the materials of the research “Features of urban placement of existing waste sorting and waste processing facilities in Russia”. The data of a comprehensive analysis of the historical stages of waste management in the country and, as a result, the formation of a practice for the creation of waste management facilities are presented. The existing objects of waste incineration plants, as well as waste processing complexes, which are expected to be built throughout the country in the future, are studied. The analysis of town-planning characteristics of domestic productions is carried out. Graphic schemes for the placement of waste management facilities have been developed in accordance with the profile of the enterprise (incineration or sorting-processing). The features of their location are revealed: the isolation of enterprises, regardless of the location (inside or outside the city boundaries), the dependence of areal characteristics and the shape of the site on the purpose of production, the compositional solution of the general plan of the territory and the organization of transport accessibility of objects. An assessment is given of the further development of waste sorting and waste processing enterprises in Russia, taking into account global trends in the development of "sustainable architecture" of industrial buildings. The data are published based on the results of the research work “Principles of urban planning and architectural and planning organization of waste sorting and waste processing facilities in Russia”, as part of the competition for grants for research work by scientific and pedagogical workers of SPbGASU in 2023.
ACID-BASE PROPERTIES OF THE SURFACE OF MICRO-REINFORCING FIBERS AS A COMPONENT OF A PHOTOCATALYTIC COMPOSITE MATERIAL FOR PLASTER MIXES
Authors: Nerovnaya S. , Sival'neva M. , Strokova V. , Ogurcova Yuliya , Gubareva E. , Klimenkova E.
Published: October 2023

The analysis of fibers of various types from the point of view of their use as a component of a photocatalytic composite material (PCM) of the composition "fiber – anatase", intended for use as an additive in the creation of self-cleaning plaster coatings was carried out. The fiber was treated with acids (nitric, acetic, formic) and thermal exposure at 550 °C, which simulates the conditions of sol-gel deposition of TiO2 on the carrier and synthesis of anatase. The criterion for evaluating changes in the properties of the surface of various fibers as a photocatalyst carrier was the nature of the distribution of adsorption sites in the area of Brensted acids. The positive effect on the activity of the fiber surface of the treatment modeling the process of sol-gel synthesis of PCM has been determined. The nature of the change in the total number of adsorption sites depending on the type of treatment and the type of fiber is established.
MATERIAL AND THERMAL BALANCE OF THE SHAFT FURNACE FOR LIME PRODUCTION USING CHEMICAL HEAT RECOVERY
Authors: Konovalov V. , Gostev N. , Fedorov A.
Published: October 2023

The results of the analysis of energy-efficient technology on the example of obtaining construction lime on the model of a shaft furnace are presented. The calculation of the material and thermal balance of a shaft furnace for lime production using synthetic fuel obtained in the process of chemical heat regeneration of secondary energy resources (SER) is presented. Saving energy resources and reducing technological emissions with a lower concentration of greenhouse gases is an urgent task. It involves the development of new approaches to improving heat exchange processes and increasing their exergetic capabilities. The involvement of secondary energy resources (heat of cooled lime) in the production of synthetic fuel – synthesis gas by steam-water and carbon dioxide conversion of natural fuel, on the one hand, allows to increase the intensity of cooling of firing products due to the high endothermic effect of the methane conversion reaction, and on the other hand, to increase the heat production of the resulting mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The use of this technology allows to reduce the consumption of natural fuel, by involving more than 45% of water in the synthetic fuel in the combustion process, to increase the efficiency of the installation and reduce the amount of exhaust gases by 19%.
INVESTIGATION OF THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO TYPES OF HIGH-ALUMINA MATRIX (BINDER) SYSTEMS
Authors: Trubitsyn M. , Volovicheva N. , Furda L. , Kurbatov A. , Lisnyak V.
Published: October 2023

The results of a comprehensive study of the material composition and structural and morphological characteristics of two types of high-alumina matrix systems, obtained entirely on the basis of domestic components - high-alumina highly concentrated suspension of ceramic binder (HCBS) and suspension based on reactive alumina (RA), are presented. The objects of study are four samples of experimental high-alumina matrix systems (HMS), comparable in particle size distribution. According to the results of X-ray phase analysis, HMS based on reactive alumina are characterized by the content of the α-Al2O3 phase of more than 99%, while the samples of HCBS are polyphase with a predominance of mullite, alpha-alumina and quartz in the mineral complex. The nature of the distribution of particles in the studied samples is different: both mondomodal HMS with a narrow distribution of particles and a median size of about 0.8 µm, and bimodal HMS with a median size of 4 µm or more are presented. The content of the submicron fraction (particle size less than 1 micron) varies from 10-15% to 60%. Using scanning electron microscopy, the features of the microstructure were revealed and the morphology of the particles of the solid phase of HMS of both types is studied in detail. Using X-ray microanalysis, the chemical (elemental) composition of the studied materials is established.
“Emi lokan, Yoruba lokan”: expression of ideologies in Bola Tinubu’s political speech
Authors: Ige Matthew
Published: October 2023

Beyond the traditional import of language which is for communicative purpose and information sharing, its usefulness cuts across other strands such as for expression of one ideology or others, representation and identification of self and other social groups among others, especially within the political context. Previous linguistic studies on political discourse with emphasis on (intra party) electioneering campaign speeches have invested on the nexus between language and politics. Such studies, however, have not exteriorised expressions of ideologies in Emi lokan, Yoruba lokan campaign slogan of Bola Tinubu in the build-up to 2023 Nigeria’s presidential election. This study, consequently, studies the differing ideologies expressed in the Emi lokan, Yoruba lokan speech made by the All Progressive Congress’ presidential aspirant in the build-to the party’s 2023 presidential primary election. The data for the study is audio-visual of the speech obtained from the YouTube platform, which was rendered in the mixture of English and Yoruba languages, given the nature of the audience where the speech was made. The translated video was transcribed into MS Word. The selected excerpts were subjected to Critical Discourse Analysis, borrowing insight from van Dijk’s (2006) socio-cognitive model. The findings reveal that supremacist, collectivist, welfarist and ethnocentric ideologies are embedded in Bola Tinubu’s emi lokan slogan/speech which are indexed through certain discursive moves.
Destructive Environmental Discourse: An Author's Writing Strategy in Children's Stories
Authors: Lanta Jumiati , Akhmar Andi Muhamamd , Lewa Inriati , Kasau M. Nurzin R
Published: October 2023

This article aims to describe the discourse of the destructive environment found in the book Indonesian Children's Stories of Choice and explain the presence of destructive environmental discourses as an author's writing strategy. Environmental discourse is a subject of special attention in studying language related to the environment. This study uses the Ecolinguistic theory of the story we lived by Arran Stibbe. Environment discourse is stories that live in a community environment that influences and even determines one's mind. The environment consists of constructive and descriptive discourse. This study focuses on destructive environmental discourse, i.e., disasters containing information that violates or opposes environmental conservation values. The results of this study indicate that destructive environments are one of the authors' writing strategies for punishing characters in stories that contradict the environmental values of intelligence. In addition, the discourse of environmental destruction is created to be the reason for the presence of the discourses of resistance that are constructive and on the side of the wisdom of the environment. This study concludes that the authors use the environmental disasters as part of the message of the story to be known so as not to be done or followed by readers, especially readers from among children.
Issues with the Speaking Section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS): An Assessment Critique
Authors: Solihin Solihin , Ari Dwi Intan Aprianti , Dita Rezkia Utami , Mayang Sari
Published: October 2023

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely used tests of English internationally. It is a testing system designed or owned by three partners: University of Cambridge ESOL Examination, British Council, and IDP Australia. This research is to critique the speaking section of the IELTS based on the experience of some test-takers involved as the subjects of this research. The method used was descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques applied were content analysis, interview, and self -reflection. Two IELTS test-takers were interviewed to get their views on the three phases of the speaking section. The authors’ own experiences when taking the IELTS were also reported.  It was found that there are issues with the speaking section of the IELTS. Those issues are its: fairness, authenticity, validity, and the appropriateness of interview as a sole tool to assess speaking ability. This paper also suggests a number of actions to be taken in order to make the speaking section fair, authentic, and valid. Additionally, other ways of assessing speaking ability are proposed.  This paper then reveals what these issues mean to test-takers, examiners, and organizations running IELTS.
The Analysis of Speech Act of Tourism Promotion in Pesona Indonesia and Malaysia Truly Asia: A Cross-Cultural Pragmatic Study
Authors: Al Izyra Ikhsan , Sartini Ni Wayan
Published: October 2023

This study aims to analyze the illocutionary speech act used in the promotion of rural tourism in high-altitude areas by the Indonesian and Malaysian Ministries of Tourism. Searle's taxonomy of illocutionary speech acts (1979) is used, namely assertive, directive, commissive, expressive and declarative to categorize rural tourism. The data in this study were taken from the YouTube platform which was published in 2022 with the theme of video content promoting of rural tourism in high-altitude. Data analysis through Searle's taxonomy which is interpreted through a qualitative descriptive method. The results of the study found that there were similarities found, namely the types of assertive, directive and expressive illocutionary acts in PI and MTA. Meanwhile, commissive and declarative types were not found in both. Overall, a total of 58 utterances were obtained, including illocutionary speech acts in PI found a total of 32 utterance frequencies and MTA a total of 26 utterance frequencies. Cross-culturally, MTA in promoting its tourism is accompanied by criticizing developments that have a negative impact on tourist villages. Meanwhile, PI in promoting its tourism prioritizes providing information and cultural knowledge to listeners.
Nephrology in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Foster Jonathan Daniel
Published: October 2023

Veterinary nephrology is a specialized field of veterinary medicine providing a high level of care for animals with all types of kidney disease. Veterinarians complete extensive training to become board-certified in veterinary nephrology–urology. Companion animal nephrology is the most advanced field; however, all species are afflicted by a variety of renal disorders. Most naturally occurring animal kidney diseases have similar disorders found in people; where veterinary research is lacking, clinical management is often modified from standard of care in people. Veterinarians have become adept at scaling down procedures to safely perform them on dogs and cats weighing only a few kilograms. Advanced diagnostics (renal biopsy, cystoscopy, fluoroscopic studies,etc.) and therapeutics (renal replacement therapy, interventional endourology,etc.) are commonly performed within the practice of veterinary nephrology–urology. Collaboration between veterinary and human nephrologists may advance both disciplines and improve care for people and animals alike.
Neregularne bračne situacije i valorizacija
savjesti u svjetlu apostolske pobudnice Amoris laetitia
Authors: Begić Martina s. Ana , Boljat Lucija
Published: October 2023

Rezultati dviju održanih biskupskih sinoda o obitelji iz 2014. i 2015. su proklamacija reforme kanonskog postupka za proglašenje ništavosti ženidbe i posinodalna apostolska pobudnica Amoris laetitia. Posinodalnom apostolskom pobudnicom nije došlo do promjene u moralnoj teologiji ili nauku o nerazrješivosti ženidbe već je naglasak na promjeni pastoralne djelatnosti Crkve. Sagledavanje konkretne osobe u njezinim životnim okolnostima, danas često u tzv. neregularnim bračnim situacijama, zahtijeva pastoralno razlučivanje te papa Franjo upozorava da se ne smiju izjednačavati sve situacije u kojima se može naći pojedini vjernik. U prvom dijelu rada interpretira se stoga važnost i značenje posinodalne apostolske pobudnice s obzirom na valorizaciju osobne savjesti i njezin odnos prema zakonu. Temeljna načela posinodalne apostolske pobudnice su prihvaćanje, praćenje, razlučivanje i uključivanje te u svjetlu tih načela potrebno je iznaći rješenja za pojedine situacije. Među prvima su argentinski biskupi pastoralne regije Buenos Airesa uputili svećenicima dokument koji sadrži deset temeljnih kriterija o mogućnosti pojedinačnog, kao izuzetak, dopuštanja rastavljenima i ponovno civilno vjenčanima primanje sakramenata pomirenja i euharistije i to samo u slučajevima kada su ispunjeni određeni uvjeti. Međutim, osim o osobnom i pastoralnom razlučivanju može se kao mogućnost promišljati i o sudskom razlučivanju, koje se odvija u postupku proglašenja ništavosti ženidbe, o čemu je riječ u drugom dijelu rada. Pristup crkvenom sudu otvoren je svim osobama bez obzira na to jesu li već u novom građanskom braku ili nisu, a uvjereni su ili dvoje da je njihova kanonsko sklopljena ženidba bila nevaljano sklopljena. Reformom kanonskog postupka naglasak je stavljen na pastoralno djelovanje crkvenih sudova, na predprocesnu ili pastoralnu istragu te novo vrednovanje dokaza.
Ruski emigrantski mislioci i francuski personalizam
Authors: Čulo Ivan
Published: October 2023

Između dva svjetska rata Pariz je postao središte umjetničkog, kulturnog i znanstvenog života, a ruski emigrantski mislioci i umjetnici značajno su tome pridonijeli. Pripadali su uglavnom personalizmu, filozofskom pravcu koji je rezultirao i stvaranjem više pokreta koji su pokušavali dati odgovore na složena onodobna kulturna, socijalna i filozofska pitanja. U radu se analiziraju pojam personalizma i njegova izvorišta, prikazuje se francuski personalizam i personalizam ruskih mislilaca te se ukazuje na njihove susrete i druženja. Iako je na francuske mislioce snažno utjecao neotomizam, a na ruske pravoslavna misao, naglašava se kompatibilnost i sličnost njihovih promišljanja, njihovo zajedničko djelovanje u razdoblju prije Drugoga svjetskog rata, koje je kasnije rezultiralo afirmacijom koncepta čovjeka kao osobe, ljudskog dostojanstva, ljudskih prava pa u konačnici i ujedinjenja Europe. Zaključuje se kako u ovom slučaju uspješno uključivanje emigranata u kulturni život nove postojbine i njihovo sinergijsko djelovanje znači i svojevrsni ekumenizam prije ekumenizma. Ostaje upitno koliko je personalistička misao, koja se može shvatiti kao simbioza neotomizma i ruske religijske misli, vratila kršćansku misao u središte europske misli, ali je nesporno da je zauzela značajno mjesto u suvremenoj raspravi o idejama.
Revisão de literatura: degeneração marginal pelúcida definição da doença
Authors: Melgaço João Vitor Rodrigues , Melgaço Nathália Polliana Rodrigues , Heringer Camila Araujo , Heringer Gustavo Carlos
Published: October 2023

Paciente do sexo masculino, 56 anos de idade, que procurou atendimento oftalmológico de emergência devido à piora da acuidade visual no olho direito. O paciente apresentava um histórico de ectasia de córneas bilateral e fazia uso de lentes de contato em ambos os olhos. Além disso, ele era portador de diabetes mellitus tipo II, com bom controle glicêmico. O exame oftalmológico revelou uma série de achados, incluindo hidropisia corneana paracentral inferior no olho direito, afinamento da córnea inferior no olho esquerdo e a presença do sinal de "garra de caranguejo" no exame de Mapa de curvatura no olho esquerdo. O paciente foi submetido a tratamento medicamentoso e encaminhado ao departamento de córnea para acompanhamento. a Degeneração Marginal Pelúcida (DMP) é uma doença rara da córnea que afeta predominantemente homens e resulta em afinamento progressivo na região inferior da córnea. Seu diagnóstico depende de exames oftalmológicos, como a topografia corneana, e seu tratamento varia de conservador a cirúrgico, dependendo da gravidade. O reconhecimento precoce e o acompanhamento adequado são fundamentais para o manejo eficaz dessa condição ocular.
Meningite recorrente por Sinus Trato Dérmico Lombossacral
Authors: Pereira Mirley Galvão , Dias Luísa Teixeira Fischer , Fonseca Maria Carolina Rios , Ferreira Ana Carolina da Bouza , De Castro Larissa Ramos Xavier , Leão Cinthia Mares , De Almeida Iúri Leão , Mundim Renato Resende
Published: October 2023

Sinus Trato Dérmico (STD) é uma alteração embriológica devido à não disjunção da neuroectoderme e ectoderme nas primeiras semanas de gestação. Mais comum na em região lombossacral, o STD tem como principal complicação as infecções, sendo mandatória correção cirúrgica após o diagnóstico. Pré-escolar masculino de 3 anos e 11 meses, admitido em pronto socorro infantil com quadro de meningite, que recorreu em 4 dias após tratamento antimicrobiano, sendo readmitido para novo tratamento e diagnosticado nesta ocasião o STD. O paciente foi abordado neurocirurgicamente com boa evolução clínica e sem novas infecções após. O diagnóstico e tratamento do STD deve ser idealmente quando assintomático, uma vez que estabelecida complicação como neuroinfecção a morbimortalidade e risco de sequelas neurológicas aumentam substancialmente nas crianças. O caso relatado evoluiu com desfecho favorável e sem sequelas, no entanto, casos de meningite recorrente são potencialmente fatais.
Fotossensibilizadores de origem natural: extração, caracterização e recentes avanços na fotoinativação bacteriana
Authors: Vilaça Rana Mara Andrade , Sodré Gabryela Pereira , Ferreira Isabela Silva , Da Costa Gustavo Dias , Dias Lucas Danilo
Published: October 2023

Introdução: A resistência microbiana, resultado do uso indevido de antibióticos, é reconhecida como uma das principais ameaças à saúde global. A falta de opções terapêuticas eficazes e o aumento do ônus financeiro são consequências preocupantes. A terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (aPDT) surge como uma alternativa promissora aos antibióticos. Dentre os fotossensibilizadores utilizados, os fotossensibilizadores de origem natural se destacam devido a sua eficiência e baixa toxicidade. Objetivo: Apresentar um panorama recente do uso de fotossensibilizadores de origem natural e aplicação no combate de infecções bacterianas. Método: Revisão de literatura com abordagem qualitativa, realizada por meio de levantamento bibliográfico na plataforma Web of Science no ano de 2022 e aplicação do seguinte descritor: natural photosensitizer. Resultados e Discussão: Os estudos analisados exploraram o uso de fotossensibilizadores naturais para a fotoinativação de micro-organismos patogênicos. Diversos fotossensibilizadores de origem natural foram reportados (riboflavina, clorofilina, curcumina), bem como nanoplataformas e nanopartículas para aumentar a eficácia dos tratamentos. Os resultados obtidos foram promissores, demonstrando a aPDT como ferramenta antimicrobina e a capacidade dos fotossensibilizadores naturais de fotoinativar bactérias, inclusive aquelas resistentes aos antibióticos convencionais. Conclusão: Os fotossensibilizadores de origem natural (curcumina, clorina e6, riboflavina, entre outros) apresentam uma excelente biocompatibilidade e eficiência fotodinâmica contra uma vasta família de microrganismos patogênicos. Além disso, salientamos a necessidade da transposição dos estudos laboratoriais para a prática clínica.
The impact of mindfulness on mental health in cancer patients: an integrative review
Authors: Martins Gustavo Barbosa , Puziski Amanda Simon , Costa Melissa Carolina Correa , Alves Rafaela Ibrahim , Santiago Thaina Gabriely
Published: October 2023

This article explores the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) in psycho-oncology, specifically targeting the reduction of depressive and anxious symptoms in cancer patients. It investigates short-term efficacy for anxiety and the uncertainty of long-term depression treatment. The study also examines the feasibility of internet-based MBIs for patients with limited in-person access, emphasizing the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance. Moreover, it underscores understanding therapeutic factors and personalized approaches for various patient groups. Using PubMed, articles with keywords "Mindfulness," "AND," and "Cancer" were searched, including those published between 2018 and 2023 in Portuguese and English. Exclusions comprised reviews, books, or irrelevant documents. From 105 samples, 32 were carefully selected, resulting in 20 articles. Analyzing 20 articles on MBIs in oncological patients' mental health revealed relative improvements in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Short-term stress resolution was noted, but long-term efficacy was diminished. Gender-wise, women exhibited greater mindfulness adherence and efficacy. Mindfulness interventions offer short-term relief for anxiety and depression, with less robust long-term effectiveness. Adherence, acceptability, and engagement play pivotal roles. Mindfulness proves cost-effective, accessible, and applicable across care stages. Further long-term studies are needed to assess its cost-effectiveness in cancer patient healthcare, regardless of gender.
Avaliação do impacto da incontinência urinária na saúde mental de idosos: revisão integrativa de literatura
Authors: De Oliveira Marta Janaina Pereira , Nogueira Elaine Aparecida de Jesus
Published: October 2023

A Sociedade Internacional de Continência (ICS) define a  incontinência urinária (IU) como perda involuntária de urina através da uretra. A IU pode ser classificada em três tipos: a IU de urgência, de esforço e mista. É um dos problemas prevalentes em idosos e está associada a diminuição da qualidade de vida e alterações psicossociais. O objetivo deste estudo  foi avaliar o impacto da incontinência urinária na saúde mental de idosos. O trabalho consistiu em uma revisão integrativa de literatura no mês de junho de 2023, realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scielo e Lilacs, publicados nos últimos cinco anos com os descritores: incontinência urinária, idoso e saúde mental. Foram selecionados cinco artigos. Os resultados confirmam uma grande prevalência de problemas mentais associados à IU em idosos, além de problemas sociais, redução da qualidade de vida e autopercepção de saúde. As preocupações em relação aos sintomas levam ao isolamento social, que pode causar incapacidade funcional, gerando impactos negativos na vida dos portadores.
Pancreatite aguda, aspectos epidemiológicos e perspectivas recentes de manejo terapêutico
Authors: Chaves Jenifer Carvalho , Ramos Augusto César da Silva , Pereira Pedro Henrique Alves , Martins Danielle Abreu , Pereira Marcos Vinícius Candido
Published: October 2023

A Pancreatite Aguda (PA) é uma inflamação súbita do pâncreas causada pelas próprias enzimas pancreáticas, resultando em sintomas agudos que geralmente desaparecem quando a glândula se recupera. Os principais fatores desencadeantes incluem cálculos biliares e consumo excessivo de álcool. O diagnóstico é baseado em critérios como dor abdominal súbita, níveis elevados de amilase ou lipase no sangue e exames de imagem. A incidência da PA está aumentando globalmente, afetando pessoas de todas as idades, incluindo crianças, gestantes e idosos. A PA moderadamente grave pode causar morbidade significativa e levar à falência persistente. Os casos de PA estão se tornando mais comuns em todo o mundo, com uma estimativa de 34 casos por 100.000 pessoas por ano. Os sintomas típicos da PA incluem dor abdominal intensa na região epigástrica, muitas vezes irradiando para as costas, acompanhada de vômitos, náuseas, distensão abdominal, febre e outras manifestações clínicas. O diagnóstico envolve a investigação das possíveis causas, como cálculos biliares, obesidade, consumo de álcool e medicamentos que podem desencadear a doença.Em cerca de 20% dos casos, ocorre necrose pancreática, com um risco significativo de infecção associada. A mortalidade é maior em casos de necrose infectada e falência orgânica. A decisão de intervenção cirúrgica depende da presença de necrose pancreática sintomática e piora clínica do paciente. Geralmente, a cirurgia é considerada após 4 semanas do início dos sintomas para melhor avaliação do tecido necrótico.