bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Dominance in the South China Sea: Legal and Geopolitical Battles over Strategic Resources
Authors: Rani Mohd Haris Abdul
Published: January 2025

Observing the geopolitics of the South China Sea continues with an increasingly delicate and complex dilemma that involves complicated and sensitive territorial claims presented by countries such as China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. This is also tied to the economic and social implications, especially on the region’s energy resources, mainly natural gas and oil reserves. The Nine-Dash Line, which China claimed, and its move to militarise and expand several coral reefs into artificial islands within the waters have further increased the tensions. China’s ignorance and defiance of international laws, namely the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the decision by the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), hinder peace in that region. The involvement of other foreign parties, like the US, Japan, and Australia, over the matter exacerbates the condition. This article investigates the issue with the insight of energy law over the matter of bountiful energy resources that can be found and the potential roles of all involved parties to come to an agreement to find solutions to the conflict. The analysis emphasises the model of joint development agreements as a means to properly manage the resources to ensure mutual benefits, prosperity, and development, uphold international maritime law, and create a collaborative framework that would result in peace within the territory.
Exploring the Challenges Faced by Bachelor of Education with Guidance and Counselling Students during Practicum
Authors: Ngure Lucy Njeri
Published: January 2025

The main goal of this study is to explore the challenges faced by Bachelor of Education with Guidance and Counselling (B. Ed -G&C) students during their practicum, aiming to identify specific obstacles that hinder their professional development. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a structured questionnaire administered to students from a public University in Kenya. The findings reveal six primary themes of challenges: logistical issues, resource-related deficiencies, role conflict and overload, relational dynamics, confidentiality and ethical concerns, and inadequacies in training and curriculum. Notably, logistical challenges, such as difficulties accessing counselling facilities and inadequate time allocation, were prevalent among 90% of respondents. Resource-related challenges, including insufficient clients and referral documents, further limited the students’ practical training. The study highlights the dual roles of teaching and counselling as a significant stressor and emphasizes the relational issues stemming from negative attitudes among students, staff, and administration. Ethical challenges concerning confidentiality were also identified, indicating a critical gap in the students’ preparedness for real-world counselling scenarios. The paper concludes with targeted recommendations to enhance the practicum experience, ultimately fostering the growth of competent and resilient counsellors capable of meeting the increasing demand for mental health services.
Variational Bayes analysis of the normal-gamma-exponential prior
Authors: Hussein Noor Hassan , Mohammad Gorgees Shaheed
Published: January 2025

The Variational Bayes (VB) method for the Normal-Gamma-Exponential (NGE) prior is derived. The relation between the VB method and the regular Gibbs sampler is shown. The factorized approximation tool is used to expand the VB method to the Mean Field Variational Bayes (MFVB) method. The predication ability and theoretical properties of this method
with the NGE prior are demonstrated using simulated data and its result is compared with other methods showing that this method preforms reasonably well.
Intensification using conjugate gradient for removing impulsive noise from images
Authors: Hassan Basim Abbas , Taha Mohammed W.
Published: January 2025

A conjugate mode is generally the main focus of conjugate_gradient approaches. During image restoration, the conjugate gradient method is utilized to fix issues. Using the quadratic model creates a new coefficient conjugate for the operation. The algorithms illustrate global convergence and descent. The numerical testing showed that the new
technique is far better than its predecessor. The newly developed conjugate gradient path outperforms the industry standard (FR) conjugate gradient.
New conjugate gradient methods based on the modified secant condition
Authors: Jabbar Hawraz N. , Al-Arbo Ali A. , Laylani Yoksal A. , Khudhur Hisham M. , Hassan Basim Abbas
Published: January 2025

Conjugate gradient (CG) algorithms are an optimization method with fast convergence. To date, several CG methods have been developed to improve computational performance and have been used to solve unconstrained optimization problems. In this paper, a new CG algorithm based on the modified secant condition is proposed to solve unconstrained optimization problems. The proposed algorithm has the following properties:it achieves sufficient descent property and global convergence property, We used a number of test functions for large-scale unconstrained optimization problems and the numbers showed that the proposed algorithm works better than other algorithms like Hestenes and Steifel (HS) and Fletcher and Revees (FR).
JD-paracompact space
Authors: Jabar L. A. A. , Mutawek Alyaa Yousef Khudayer
Published: January 2025

The concepts of paracompact and ideal are two important mathematical notions in topology. They have a significant role in applied science. In light of these two concepts, the idea of merging them into one concept, which we called ID-paracompact space has emerged. Its most important algebraic and topological properties and its relationships to I-paracompact
space and paracompact space were studied. In addition, we discussed the effect of some different functions on preserving the ID-paracompact space property.
A Study on Motivation and Factors That Influence Chinese Consumers’ Patronage of Cheongsam
Authors: Hou Kaihui , Sirinkraporn Supavee
Published: January 2025

Understanding the consumption behavior of customers for specific products is crucial to the success of businesses. The cheongsam, a traditional costume for Chinese women, acts as a representative symbol of China and often appears on the international stage. The fashion trend of the cheongsam has been shaped by the cultural preferences, awareness, and lifestyles of people during specific historical periods. Therefore, by analyzing consumer purchasing behaviors, needs, and desires, a plan for the innovative design of the cheongsam can be developed. This study thus aims to explore the motivations and factors that influence the purchasing decisions of Chinese cheongsam consumers. Electronic questionnaires were distributed, and 50 responses with the necessary coverage and details were collected. Data analysis indicates that most respondents were aged 18-25, commonly referred to as Generation Z. Among the motivational factors considered, the beauty of Cheongsam emerged as the dominant factor followed by culture, celebrity influence, individuality, pursuit of fashion and as workplace requirement in that order. Regarding preferred patterns or design elements, customers tend to favor traditional patterns with auspicious meanings. This study thence recommends that cheongsam fashion designers can incorporate innovative design concepts, such as other Chinese cultural art forms (like paper cutting art and bamboo carving), to enhance the design and increase the acceptability of cheongsam products.
АТАСУ-АЛАШАНЬКОУ МҰНАЙ ШЛАМДАРЫНЫҢ РЕОЛОГИЯЛЫҚ МІНЕЗДЕМЕЛЕРІНЕ ЖВҚИР-ДЫҢ ӘСЕРІН ЗЕРТТЕУ
Authors: А. Ж. Сатыбалдин  , М. И. Байкенов  , Б. Б. Жандыбаев  , Р. С. Сейтжан  , Д. Н. Бердибаев
Published: January 2025

Мұнай өңдейтін кәсіпорындарда құрамында мұнайы бар қалдықтардың барлық түрлері қалыптасады – мұнай қалдықтары мен құрамында мұнайы бар техногенді шикізаттар сияқтылар. Олар тазалау процесстерінен, атап айтқанда мұнай цистерналардан шөгінділерді жою кезінде, мұнай қалдықтары мен құрамында мұнайы бар техногенді шикізатты пайдалану немесе залалсыздандыру кезінде қалыптасады және де бұл қиын техникалық мәселе болып табылады. Оны шешудің табысы айтарлықтай дәрежеде, мұнай қалдықтарын жоюға, өңдеуге және детоксикацияға бағытталған технологиялық, зертханалық, тәжірибелік және теориялық өңдеулер қандай принципте негізделуіне байланысты. Құрамында мұнайы бар қалдықтарды өңдеу процесстеріне ғылыми тәсіл бірінші дәрежелі мәнге ие. Айрықша мақсатқа оларды кешенді пайдалану жатқызылады, яғни құрамында мұнай қалдықтарын құрайтын барлық құраушыларын қолдану арқылы және нәтижесінде ол өнім, реагент немесе басқа өнімдерді өндіру кезінде, және де басқа қалдықтарды өңдеу кезінде қолданыс табады. Берілген мақаланың болып жағашылдығы - өндірістік шарттарда мұнай қалдықтарын қалдықсыз пайдалану кешенді технологиясы үшін, мұнай қалдықтары мен құрамында мұнайы бар техногенді шикізатты өңдеуде ЖВҚИЭР (жоғары вольтты қысқа импульсті электрогидравликалық разряд) қолдану болып табылады. Бұл әдістің негізінде ЖВҚИЭР разрядтық толқындардың өңделетін шикізатқа әсері жатыр.
Кілтті сөздер: ЖВҚИЭР (жоғары вольтты қысқа импульсті электрогидравликалық разряд), мұнай шламы, мұнай қалдығы, катализатор, минералды бөлік.
АНАЛИТИЧЕСКОЕ ОПИСАНИЕ ГЕОМЕТРИЧЕСКИ НЕЛИНЕЙНЫХ ДЕФОРМАЦИЙ УПРУГИХ ТЕЛ
Authors: Т. Б. Дуйшеналиев  , В. П. Чирков
Published: January 2025

В данной статье предложена новая математическая модель, разработанная с использованием неклассического подхода к решению статической краевой задачи теории упругости. В этой модели ключевым аспектом является выбор конечного состояния упругого тела в качестве исходной области определения для уравнений равновесия, совместности деформаций и граничных условий. Такой подход позволяет рассматривать упругое тело с учетом его нагруженного состояния, что обеспечивает более точное моделирование реальных физических процессов. Решение задачи представлено в виде функций напряжений, которые уравновешивают внешние силы как внутри объема тела, так и на его границах. Эти напряжения используются для вычисления деформаций, описывающих изменения формы и размера тела под действием нагрузок. Перемещения, определяемые с использованием формул Чезаро, позволяют восстановить геометрическую конфигурацию тела как в начальном, ненагруженном состоянии, так и во всех промежуточных состояниях при различных уровнях нагрузки. Предложенная модель демонстрирует высокую универсальность, позволяя анализировать широкий спектр задач теории упругости. Она может быть полезной для исследования сложных упругих структур и материалов, а также для разработки инженерных решений, связанных с анализом напряженно-деформированного состояния тел в различных приложениях. Изложенный в статье подход, в отличие от классического, строго соответствует сути краевых задач. Как показывается в статье, модель описания деформирования упругого тела приводит к простоте и ясности, а также избавляет от ряда проблем и осложнений, характерных для классического подхода.
Ключевые слова: упругость тела, краевые задачи, механическое напряжение, деформация тела, формула Чезаро, ненагруженное состояние.
Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analysis of Wawan Dam Rafi Water, Karaftai, Kazaure Local Government Area at the Early and Late Rain Fall
Authors: Maimuna Ibrahim Tukur  , Ahmad Mohammed Gumel  , Kabiru Ibrahim Karamba  , Haruna Abubakar Danyaya
Published: January 2025

Water quality is crucial for human well-being and existence, but its availability remains a challenge in underdeveloped and developing countries. The demand for quality water in urban cities in Nigeria has increased due to limited public water supplies. This study conducted physicochemical and bacteriological analysis of Wawan Rafi Dam water during early and late rain fall. Results showed fluctuating temperature and pH levels, high dissolved ion concentrations, and within WHO permissible levels. Turbidity, nitrate, and phosphate levels were also found. Heavy metal concentrations were higher during the early rain fall compared to the late rain fall. However, zinc levels did not exceed the maximum permissible level. Manganese, Co, Pb, and Cu concentrations varied between 0.05 to 0.15 mg/L and 0.01 to 0.05mg/L, respectively. Gram staining identified two bacteria from Wawan Rafi Dam water: E. coli and E. cloacea. E. coli had a rod shape, motile, variable capsule, non-sporing, and flagellated appearance, while E. cloacea had straight rod-like cells bound in clusters with few laterally inserted flagella with pili and mucoid material and numerous bubbles on the surface. DNA sequencing analysis revealed that MA1 merged with Escherichia coli and MA2 merged with Enterobacter cloacae. All two strains showed sensitivity to gentamycin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and Ciprofloxacin. E. Cloacae and E. coli showed high resistance to trimethoprim and ampicillin, while E. cloacae was sensitive to trimethoprim and ampicillin. These findings contradict the belief of Karaftayi people who believe the water has medicinal properties.
A Review on Application of Radioisotopes in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Mr. Sahil S. Gundawar  , Mrs. Sneha K. Salve  , Dr. Manisha D. Kitukale
Published: January 2025

Radioisotope therapy is a procedure where liquid radiation, such as Lutathera, along with amino acids to protect the kidneys, are administered through an infusion. The liquid radiation targets cancerous cells while causing minimal damage to surrounding healthy cells. Radiopharmaceutical are radioactive isotopes which are used to diagnose or work as a cancer therapy. Radioactive isotopes have unstable nucleus that decays or emit excess radiation or energy until the nucleus becomes stable. To date, researchers have discovered radioactive substances that can target various cancer like thyroid cancer, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, brain cancer or cancer which widespread to the bones. In the thyroid cancer the cause is unknown or poorly understood but may involve the genetic and environmental factors
Hailing, Voicing, and Masturbation Abstention: NoFap’s Role in Socializing Young Men into the Right-Wing Politics of Ressentiment
Authors: Burnett Scott , Borba Rodrigo , Hiramoto Mie
Published: January 2025

Digital ethnographic and linguistic anthropological analysis of the far right is an invaluable resource for explaining the gradual processes of socialization through which individuals are recruited into right-wing extremism. This article examines online masturbation abstention programs in three linguistic contexts (English, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese) as potential sites that mobilize gender and sexual norms to draw subjects into anti-feminist and racist sociopolitical visions. NoFap (known as nōfappu or onakin in Japan) is a fairly popular trend that is understood to help men regain the focus, vitality, and energy they have lost to pornography addiction. By analyzing the ways figures of personhood are constructed through the enregisterment of disparate semiotic materials in these very different contexts, we argue that the right-wing abstemious masculine subject is produced through tensions between neoliberal generalized competition and the imagined authority of a “tradition” associated with restrictive gender and sexual norms.
Reviving functionalism: Applying translation-oriented text analysis to synthetic text (editing)
Authors:   Utrecht University, van Egdom Gys-Walt , Declercq Christophe
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the potential application of translation-relevant text analysis. Rooted in the functionalist approach and Skopos theory, the translation-relevant text analysis is seen as instrumental in translation education for assessing the quality of synthetic text output for translation purposes (MT and/or AI) and improving (post-)editing performance relating to said output. Despite recent advancements in machine translation and the partially self-professed potential of AI models, accurately conveying the intended function of the target text remains a challenge in professional translation practices. This paper argues that salvaging functionalist theory can benefit both translator education and, ultimately, professional translation practices. To support this argument, three use cases are presented in which the key principles of functionalism and Skopos theory are applied to develop critical text analysis skills necessary for handling and editing synthetic text.

Keywords: Functionalism, Translation Technology, Machine Translation, Generative Artificial Intelligence, Post-editing
Humus state of Dark Chestnut soils derived from rice crop rotation
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Bezuglova Olga , Kushnareva Alla ,   Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Rostov region, Omelianchuk Alina ,   Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Rostov region, Tishchenko Svetlana ,   Southern Federal University
Published: January 2025

The humus state of Dark Chestnut soil on the territory of the Proletarian irrigation system used in rice crop rotation and derived from it 20 years ago has been studied. As a comparison, a similar soil of a fallow site located in the immediate vicinity from rice field (200 meters) was used. The flooding of the rice soil was accompanied by negative changes in the humus state, including a decrease in humus content and a change in its quality towards fulvic acids increasing. The exclusion of Dark Chestnut soil from the rice turnover contributed to a decrease in humus content by improving the water-air regime and intensifying the organic matter mineralization. In the Dark Chestnut soil of the fallow area, on the contrary, an increase in the humus content and an improvement in its qualitative composition were observed.

Keywords: ROSTOV REGION, HUMUS CONTENT, DARK CHESTNUT SOIL, RICE CROP ROTATION, IRRIGATION BY FLOODING
Unity of criteria of antioxidant status before treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis and acute blood loss
Authors: Evseenko D. A. , Dundarov Z. A. , Chueshova N. V. , Schemelev V. M. , Shchurova E. А.
Published: January 2025

Objective. To determine and establish the unity of some indices of antioxidant status before treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis and acute blood loss.

Materials and methods. The present study included 267 patients with liver cirrhosis and acute blood loss of varying severity, as well as 20 practically healthy volunteers. On the day of admission to the hospital, blood for the study of key indicators of the antioxidant system: nitrate (NO3 - ) and nitrite ions (NO2 - ), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat) and glutathione reductase (GR) was collected from the patients before treatment.

Results. Depending on the severity of liver cirrhosis and acute blood loss, patients showed a decrease in the concentration of NO3 - , NO2 - , SOD, Cat, and increase in the concentration of GR, which is a redox adaptation, and indicates the development of oxidative stress and its manifestations: multiorgan failure syndrome.

Conclusion. Interpretation of the formative unity of antioxidant well-being criteria: NO3 - , NO2 - , SOD, Cat and GR is a key indicator in the complex assessment of the extent of pathophysiological reactions of oxidative stress initiation in patients with liver cirrhosis and acute blood loss.
Changes in gastric microbiota associated with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in a patient with gastritis
Authors: Voropaev E. V. , Osipkina O. V. , Kovalev A. A. , Shaforost A. S. , Ziatskov A. A. , Voropaeva A. V. , Shevchenko N. I. , Nazarchuk Yu. A. , Stoma I. O.
Published: January 2025

Objective. To evaluate dynamic changes in the gastric microbiota against the background of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in a patient with gastritis using the method of high-throughput sequencing based on the analysis of variable regions of the 16s rRNA gene.

Materials and methods. The patient (male, 57 years old) with chronic associated Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) moderately severe and moderately active gastritis of the antrum and body of the stomach without atrophy and metaplasia. There is no primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin according to polymerase chain reaction results.

Next generation sequencing method based on the analysis of variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene was used to study the gastric microbiota. H. pylori eradication was performed according to the following scheme: amoxicillin, clarithromycin, omeprazole. The study included gastric mucosa (GM) biopsy samples obtained from unchanged tissue (N) and pathologically altered tissue (P) at different stages of treatment during 12 months. Taxonomic identification of reads was performed using the DRAGEN Metagenomics software package (Kraken2 algorithm).

Results. Negative dynamics of alpha-diversity of gastric microbiome (by 5.8 times) was noted in the patient without treatment when assessing the unchanged tissue of the stomach. When antibiotic therapy was used, an increase in alpha-diversity of the gastric microbiota by more than eight times was noted.

Conclusion. Analysis of the data of taxonomic diversity of gastric microbiota in morphologically different samples of the gastric microbiota at different stages of therapy indicates positive changes in the dynamic composition of the gastric microbiota in the course of treatment, which is confirmed by a decrease in the relative representation of H. pylori. When using therapy based only on proton pump inhibitors, the number of H. pylori is not significantly reduced. The dynamics of alpha-diversity of gastric microbiota is related to the morphological state of the tissue, and without the use of therapy has a significant and rather rapid tendency to a significant decrease (2-fold in less than two months). It is possible to achieve reduction of H. pylori to minimal amounts using standard first-line eradication therapy based on clarithromycin, but complete eradication does not occur.
Legal and regulatory basis for organizing work within suicide prevention
Authors: Shcharbakova K. N.
Published: January 2025

Objective. To study the legal and regulatory basis of the Republic of Belarus on work organization of institutions implementing preventive measures within suicide prevention.

Materials and methods. The legislative framework of the Republic of Belarus in the field of healthcare on issues of organizing the work of institutions implementing preventive measures in the context of suicide prevention was analyzed. The features of inter-institutional interaction of structures implementing preventive measures to reduce suicide risks were selected in laws and regulations.

Results. Inter-institutional level of responsible entities implementing preventive measures within suicide prevention is defined by the number of laws and regulations. The State Program “Public Health and Demographic Security” for 2021–2025, subprogram 3 “Prevention and Overcoming of Drunkenness and Alcoholism, Protection of Mental Health” which also includes suicide prevention activities, is specificated in the list of the State programmes of social and economic focus implemented in 2021–2025. Designated owner of the programme is the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus.

Conclusion. In order to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals for mental health, the goals of the WHO General Program of Work and the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030, and subject to the basic principles of the Agenda for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the Republic of Belarus by 2030 (universality, interrelation, indivisibility, inclusiveness, partnership) it is necessary to organize the work of institutions implementing preventive measures within suicide prevention, setting the inter-institutional responsibility of agencies enshrined in law. For use of effective organizational approaches in the practices of state regional administrative bodies in order to implement a set of measures of the State Program “Public Health and Demographic Security” for 2021–2025, it is necessary to update the Modified Suicide Risk Scale: the factors “suicide attempts or treatment by a psychiatrist in past medical history”, “alcohol or other psychoactive substances abuse” should be assigned a value of 2.
Role of neonatal screening in the diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns
Authors: Zaryankina A. I. , Sergeychik L. S. , Kozik E. A. , Tselekhovich O. P.
Published: January 2025

A current problem of medicine is the preservation of the health of every newborn, every child, and the entire child population. The issues of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of childhood diseases come to the fore, starting from the moment of conception, intrauterine development, and the newborn period.

Thyroid hormones (thyroid gland) largely determine the normal intrauterine and postnatal development of a child, affecting the formation, differentiation, development of organs and systems, especially the central nervous system. Timely diagnosis and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an important social and medical problem worldwide. Introduction of population-based neonatal screening for CH has made it possible to avoid early irreversible brain damage, early mental retardation and to provide thousands of children with normal physical and mental development.

The article describes a clinical case of CH in a newborn with clinical symptoms of progressive multiorgan failure that required hospitalization in the intensive care unit, transfer to level 3 of respiratory support, and administration of cardiotonic drugs. The positive result of neonatal screening for CH (the result was obtained on the 17th day of life) allowed to make the correct diagnosis, prescribe hormone replacement therapy, thus controlling clinical symptoms and preventing irreversible brain changes, severe mental retardation, and disablement of the child.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Current Safety Practices and Sustainable Solutions in Reducing Construction Site Fatalities in North-West Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Ismail Oladunni Muhammed  , Basiru Muazu Namaiwa
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This paper aims to evaluate the current safety practices and their impact on the reduction of accidents and fatalities in construction sites in North-West Nigeria tertiary institutions. To achieve this aim, the study, through a survey design, draws a sample of forty-two respondents comprising a chief builder, director of works, physical planners and project supervisors using a convenience sampling technique. To obtain pertinent data, a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was administered to participants and the collected data were analyzed using the relative importance index using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17. However, findings from the analysis show that; the adoption of comprehensive and sustainable safety practices at construction sites significantly mitigates risks, safeguards the well-being of their workers, enhances project efficiency, and bolsters their overall reputation. Hence, there is a need for continuous improvement in safety standards, emphasizing proactive measures such as robust safety training and strict adherence to safety protocols. More so, integrating safety considerations into all phases of project management emerges as crucial for achieving sustainable safety outcomes.
Perceptions and Barriers to Disclosure of HIV Status of Children by Caregivers at Donkerhook Clinic, Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia
Authors: Ndinomukulili N Lomboleni  , Prof Honore K Mitonga
Published: January 2025

Background: Disclosure of HIV status in general and to children in particular has remained a challenge along the continuum of HIV prevention, treatment care and support. Failure to disclose often brings several challenges for both the caregiver and the children involved.
Method: The study used a qualitative research approach whereby 35 parents and caregivers were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide at Donkerhoek clinic in Windhoek. Moreover, in-depth interviews were held with the parents and caregivers who volunteered to participate in the study after giving consent to participate in the study.
Results: The study found out that caregivers face multiple challenges related to disclosure of HIV status to children. One major barrier is finding an age-appropriate way to explain HIV, fearing children may misunderstand it as a punishment or fail to grasp the need for medication adherence. There is also fear of emotional and psychological reactions, with caregivers worrying that children may become depressed, angry, or isolated, potentially leading to denial or refusal to take medication. Another barrier they face is responding to difficult questions, particularly around how the child contracted HIV, they fear this can trigger guilt and anxiety, especially if the caregiver transmitted the virus. Stigma and discrimination are significant concerns; caregivers fear the child might disclose their status to others, resulting in rejection or bullying. Adherence to medication is another challenge, as some children may resist treatment after disclosure.
Conclusions: Caring for children living with HIV poses significant challenges, primarily due to societal stigma, the need for continuous health management, and the emotional toll on both the child and caregiver. Although early disclosure and education about HIV status have shown positive impacts, many caregivers remain uncertain about how to approach disclosure and navigate the related emotional complexities. The findings indicate a need for improved support systems for caregivers and children, aimed at reducing stigma, providing education, and ensuring emotional well-being.
PENGARUH KETELADANAN IMAN AYAH KRISTEN TERHADAP KEDEWASAAN SPIRITUAL REMAJA
Authors: Tameon Sance Mariana , Manu Mieke Yen , Biaff Messak Ori
Published: January 2025

Salah satu problema terbesar dunia adalah ketiadaan ayah atau fatherless dalam kehidupan keluarga terkhusus anak-anak dalam berbagai aspek termasuk aspek kerohanian. Ada berbagai faktor penyebab kondisi anak tumbuh tanpa ayah seperti kematian, perceraian, kelahiran tanpa pernikahan, kesibukan orangtua dalam bekerja, kepribadian ayah yang egois. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh keteladanan iman ayah kristen terhadap kedewasaan spiritual remaja. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan tujuan asosiatif yang menjelaskan hubungan kausal/pengaruh variabel role model ayah (X) terhadap Kedewasaan spiritual remaja (Y). Hipotesa yang diajukan dalam penelitian ini adalah terdapat pengaruh antara role model ayah terhadap kedewasaan rohani remaja di kota Soe. Jumlah sampel dipilih secara simple random pada populasi remaja kota Soe dan berhasil menjaring sebanyak 82 remaja sebagai reponden. Instrumen untuk variabel role model ayah merujuk pada angket Christian Faith Practices Scale (CFPS). Sedangkan kedewasaan spiritual remaja mengadaptasi Indeks Kematangan Spiritual (SMI) yang berasal dari teologi Kristen evangelis. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara role model ayah terhadap kedewasaan rohani remaja (H1 diterima). Adapun arah hubungan kedua variabel adalah positif yang berarti semakin baik role model ayah maka kedewasaan rohani remaja semakin baik pula. Meskipun demikian, kuatnya pengaruh role model ayah kepada kedewasaan rohani remaja di kota Soe sebesar 16% yang berarti berada pada kategori sangat rendah.
Kata Kunci: Ketiadaan Ayah, Keteladanan iman, Kedewasaan Spiritual, Remaja
Report on a field test of aerial application of VectoBac G® small granules against floodwater mosquito larvae in Sweden
Authors: Schäfer M.L. , Blue C. , Lundström J.O.
Published: January 2025

Floodwater mosquito control in Sweden has been conducted since 2002, applying the larvicide VectoBac G® large granules by helicopter. The dosage has been gradually reduced from 15 kg/ha to 11 kg/ha, but a lower dosage than that was deemed too risky to achieve sufficient larval mortality in areas with patchy small water bodies. The small granulate variant of VectoBac G® consists of small even-sized granules with high bulk density. The number of granules per unit area is about 7.5 times higher than with the large granules which should allow for lower dosage with similar efficacy. We evaluated VectoBac G® small granules against floodwater mosquito larvae with 8 and 11 kg per hectare in a field test in four swamps and four wet meadows at Lake Färnebofjärden, Sweden, during a flood in May 2023. Dosage was randomly allocated to an equal number of each wetland type. In each study area, mosquito larvae were counted before and 24 hours after VectoBac G® small granules application. The mean number of mosquito larvae differed significantly before and after aerial application of small granules and total reduction of mosquito larval abundance was 92.6% with a dosage of 11 kg/ha and 98.5% with a dosage of 8 kg/ha. In the study areas with 8 kg/ha, larval abundance reduction was similar in wet meadows (98.8%) and swamps (98.1%). With 11 kg/ha, larval abundance reduction differed markedly between wet meadows (99.6%) and swamps (86.3%), due to one sample site in a swamp where a high number of alive larvae were found after application. This sample could be considered an outlier but it could also reflect natural conditions. We feel confident with the results and the usage of VectoBac G® small granules with a dosage of 8 kg/ha has been successfully implemented in regular treatments.
The mosquitoes of the Balearic Islands: an inventory and a snapshot field survey
Authors: Miranda M.Á. , Schaffner F.
Published: January 2025

A snapshot field survey was conducted in the Balearic Islands (Spain) to widen knowledge about mosquito species present in the archipelago. A search for mosquito species records in published literature, local mosquito collections and unpublished grey literature was also undertaken. The main mosquito habitats (except urban habitats) on the four major islands of the archipelago (Mallorca, Menorca, Eivissa and Formentera) were visited between October and November 2019. A mosquito survey was conducted in 32 municipalities, including field collection of larvae, pupae and adults. The literature review updated the list of mosquito species in the Balearic Islands to 23 taxa (one invasive species and 22 considered native to the region). The 169 field samples collected during the snapshot identified 19 species, including three first records in the Balearic Islands (Anopheles marteri, Culex mimeticus, and Cx. impudicus), and also confirmed the presence of Aedes detritus, considered extinct until 2020. Seven species reported in the Balearics were not detected, i.e. Ae. aegypti, Ae. rusticus, An. algeriensis, An. atroparvus, An. claviger s.s., Coquillettidia richiardii, and Cx. hortensis. Mosquito larvae were collected from a wide variety of natural and artificial habitats, with torrent bed pools housing the highest diversity (12 species). The most common species across a wide variety of breeding sites were Cx. pipiens followed by Culiseta longiareolata and Cx. laticinctus. Moreover, we provide information about the possible vector role of reported species in the Balearic Islands.
Indigeneity and Resistance in Zubair Ahmad’s Grieving for Pigeons
Authors: Sadiq Nayab
Published: January 2025

This article explores how short stories in Zubair Ahmad’s collection Grieving for Pigeons (2022) manipulate the narrative of cultural memory to project the intricate realities of the postcolonial Pakistani Punjab. These stories set in Lahore foreground the rich memories of pure culture and the partition of Punjab, contribute to the empowerment of Punjabi language, and depiction of cultural and historical heritage of Lahore. Moreover, significantly, these short stories also showcase a postcolonial resistance. Drawing upon concepts of Mieke Bal on cultural memory and Aleida Assman’s “remembering forward”, this research highlights how Ahmad’s stories (2023) succeed in excavating the transformation and reformation of cultures by reinterpreting understanding of the past and, thus, put forward a “remembering forward”. These stories, originally written in Punjabi and translated into English by Anne Murphy, situate culture of the past in the future to come, by influencing people to embrace their culture, enabling it to adapt to new circumstances and achieve an elevated position where it becomes resistant against colonial exercise. I argue that cultural memory, impacting the identities of individuals, grows to a point of resistance which I term as postcolonial resistive memory. This postcolonial resistive memory produces the Affect to emphasize the authenticity of the shared past and ideological resistance in the masses. This memory also has the potential to maintain indigeneity, reinscribe the cultural past, and revolutionize futuristic ideals.
Decoloniality, Indigenous Resistance, and Environmental Justice in Mother Forest: The Unfinished Story of C.K Janu
Authors: Midhun Mohan MIDHUN MOHAN
Published: January 2025

This study explores the connection between indigenous resistance, decoloniality and environmental justice through Mother Forest: An Unfinished Story of C.K. Janu. The fight for land rights issues by the Adivasi community started in India right after Independence. This controversial and sensitive realm, worsened initially by the British and sustained by successive governments through Forest Policies, requires critical examination. Resistance voices were always raised against such inhumane deeds of expropriation. The inseparability of land from their existence reinforced their struggle to be rooted in indigenous ontologies. Resistance battles were against the governmental bodies that stripped them of their autonomy, sovereignty, and self-determination. They were able to question bigger structures with colonial origins, highlighting the colonial nature of contemporary forest policies. Indigenous Adivasi resistance struggles, thereby, turn out to be decolonial in nature, as they contest colonial ideas that persist today. Mother Forest: An Unfinished Story of C.K. Janu, is one such tale of indigenous insurgence against unjust land expropriation. Examining the text from a decolonial perspective unveils the potential of indigenous uprisings to question bigger structures of injustice.
Penguatan Karakter Kejujuran pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar Melalui Nilai-Nilai Budaya Lokal Banjar
Authors: Normalasarie Normalasarie
Published: January 2025

Karakter kejujuran merupakan salah satu nilai moral yang sangat penting dalam pengembangan pribadi siswa, terutama di lingkungan pendidikan. penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh integrasi pembelajaran budaya lokal Banjar melalui cerita rakyat dan dongeng terhadap pembentukan karakter kejujuran siswa di kelas IV SDN Kota Banjarmasin. Subjek dalam penelitian ini melibatkan 30 siswa kelas IV, satu guru dan beberapa orang tua sebagai informen. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran berbasis cerita rakyat mampu meningkatkan keterlibatan siswa serta memahami dan menerapkan nilai-nilai moral termasuk kejujuran. Siswa menunjukkan perubahan positif dalam sikap dan perilaku yang mencerminkan kejujuran baik di dalam maupun di luar lingkungan sekolah. kesimpulan dari penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya pengintegrasian budaya lokal dalam pendidikan sebagai sarana efektif untuk menanamkan kerakter kejujuran. Dengan memanfaatkan cerita rakyat siswa tidak hanya belajar konsep kejujuran tetapi juga mengimplementasikan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Temuan ini diharapkan dapat menjadi referensi bagi pengembangan kurikulum pendidikan yang lebih relevan dan bermakna.
Soil Application Of Plant Growth-Promoting Fungi: A Sustainable Strategy For Agriculture.
Authors:   PG Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant pathology Khalsa College Amritsar 143001, Bhullar Muskan
Published: January 2025

PGPF (Plant Growth-Promoting Fungi) application is a
revolutionary sustainable approach that enhances crop
yields, improves soil health, and mitigates environmental
degradation. PGPF interacts with plants, stimulating root
growth, and boosting nutrient uptake, leading to improved
crop productivity and quality. The fungal community also
induces systemic resistance in plants through the expression
of defence-related enzymes (such as peroxidase, polyphenol
oxidase, and chalcone synthase) and defence chemicals (such
as phytoalexin and anti-microbial phenolic compounds) for
conferring structural and chemical barrier against pathogens
and pests. Additionally, PGPF promotes soil biodiversity,
structure, and fertility, increasing water retention and
aeration. This approach reduces the reliance on chemical
fertilizers and pesticides, minimizing soil pollution and
environmental harm. By adopting PGPF application, farmers
can achieve sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security
and environmental conservation.
Oxidative Stress induced by Over-Expressed NADPH Oxidase (NOX) Initiates Breast Cancer, Promotes Metastasis via Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), Remodels Chromatin and Confers Drug Resistance.
Authors: Fathah Duaa e , Ejaz Samina ,   Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics, IBBB. The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Hameed Yasir ,   Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics, IBBB. The Islamia University of Bahawalpur.
Published: January 2025

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)
oxidases (NOX) are the known enzymes in the human body
that are exclusively involved in the production of reactive
oxygen species (ROS). The trans-membrane protein NADPH
oxidase is known to contain seven isoforms, NOX1-5 and
DUOX1-2, which catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) needed for a variety of cellular functions.
Strong anti-oxidant networks are necessary for cells to
scavenge ROS and shield biological components from
oxidative damage because too much ROS causes oxidative
stress. The overexpression of NOX isoforms is typically
linked to the carcinogenesis of several types of carcinomas,
including breast cancer (BC). Because NOX isoforms are
overexpressed in BC, they cause oxidative stress, damage
mtDNA, and promote angiogenesis and EMT, which in turn
aid in BC spreading. With the exception of BC, a number of
NOX inhibitors are being used to treat different diseases.
Although numerous researchers have suggested that blocking
NOX activity is a viable therapeutic approach for individuals
with various types of cancer, the therapeutic utility of this
approach has not yet been confirmed by clinical trials. Given
that breast cancer is the most frequent cancer globally, it’s
critical to comprehend how ROS and NOX isoforms contribute
to the pathobiology of the disease and investigate the possible
therapeutic applications of NOX inhibitors in the treatment of
breast cancer. In an effort to validate the role of NOX inhibitors
as a successful therapeutic approach to controlling BC, this
review paper attempts to give a thorough explanation of the
involvement of NOX isoforms in the promotion of metastasis
associated with BC.
The Growth of Medical Tourism Combines Health Innovation with Global Mobility.
Authors:   Department Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia., Akbar Fuad Husain , Idrus Hasta Handayani ,   Department of Biomedical Sciences, Postgraduate School, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.,   Center for Biomedical Research, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)., Ningseh Tuti ,   Department of Family Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia., Jaapar Mustafa Bin ,   Department of Family Oral Health, Ministry of Oral Health, Malaysia., Rejeki Putri ,   Department of Preventive & Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia., Kristanto Riki ,   Department of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia.
Published: January 2025

Objectives: The study investigates the expanding field
of dental tourism within the broader context of medical
tourism, exploring the factors that drive its growth, its
economic implications, and the satisfaction of patients who
seek dental care abroad.
Methods: Employing the PRISMA systematic review method,
the authors searched academic databases for articles
published from 2015 to 2024, using keywords related to
dental and medical tourism. The search yielded numerous
articles, from which eight were selected based on relevance
and quality criteria.
Results: The review found that dental tourism is propelled by
the search for affordable yet quality dental care, with patients
from developed countries increasingly traveling to developing
nations for treatments. Key factors include the high cost of
local healthcare, long wait times, and the allure of better
value. The internet and low-cost air travel are instrumental
in enabling this trend. Patients report high satisfaction, with
quality of care, accessibility, and the attractiveness of the
destination being key determinants.
Conclusions: The study concludes that dental tourism is a
burgeoning sector within medical tourism, offering substantial
economic advantages to host countries. It underscores the
importance of maintaining high standards of care and patient
satisfaction, while also recognizing the ethical and legal
challenges that must be addressed to ensure the responsible
development of dental tourism.
PHYSICS BASED ALGORITHMS FOR FUZZY TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM
Authors: Labaran Z. I. , Adamu N. Y
Published: January 2025

Transportation problems are computationally challenging due to their nondeterministic polynomial-time hard (NP-hard) nature, especially when uncertainties in costs, supply, and demand are involved. The fuzzy transportation problem addresses these uncertainties by representing them as fuzzy numbers, requiring robust methods for ranking and solving optimization models. Traditional exact methods become impractical for such problems, leading to the adoption of metaheuristic approaches. This study introduces three novel physics-based algorithms: one single-point-based and two population-based methods. These algorithms leverage principles from gravitational attraction, electromagnetism, and water flow dynamics, incorporating innovative neighborhood structures tailored to the fuzzy nature of transportation problems. The proposed methods were tested on diverse problem sizes and compared against established optimization techniques, such as genetic algorithms and commercial software, using Python implementations. An experimental design methodology was employed to optimize parameter tuning, enhancing computational efficiency and reducing experimentation time. Results demonstrate that the physics-based algorithms achieve competitive performance in terms of solution quality, computational efficiency, and adaptability to uncertainty. These findings underscore the potential of physics-based methods to advance optimization in fuzzy transportation and other domains with inherent uncertainties, paving the way for further research in hybrid and multi-objective approaches.