bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue and Cell Culture of Tea (Camellia sp.)
Authors: Mazumder Abhishek , Lama Urvashi , Borkotoky Meghali , Borchetia Sangeeta , Begam Shabana , Mondal Tapan Kumar
Published: April 2024

Tea(Camellia sp.) is a non-alcoholic drink consumed across the globe. Upon
consumption, it provides refreshment and enormous health benefits. Tea possesses
antioxidant compounds which prevent human health from several diseases and
disorders as well. Micropropagation and somatic embryogenesis are two distinct cell
and tissue culture methods which have been utilized for a long time for the production
of secondary metabolites having economical and industrial values. Micropropagation is
a clonal propagation method accomplished by selection of explants and establishment
of culture in basal media followed by shoot multiplication, development of callus,
rhizogenesis, hardening and acclimatization by transferring plantlets from the
laboratory to an open environment in the greenhouse or in the field. Somatic
embryogenesis is the development of embryos from somatic cells, not from the zygotic
cells. It consists of induction, multiplication, development and maturation of the
embryo. Globular, heart and torpedo, these three distinguishable developmental stages
are visible in somatic embryogenesis. Numerous genes associated with cell division,
organ formation and specific cellular processes related to somatic embryogenesis have
been identified. Tea possesses several secondary metabolites which have versatile
functions. Caffeine, theobromine and theophylline are typical secondary metabolites
which impart characteristic taste and flavour to tea. In addition, polyphenols, catechins,
proanthocyanin and flavonoids act as antioxidant compounds and possess several
health benefits. Various cell and tissue culture methods have been adopted for the
biosynthesis of secondary metabolites on laboratory and industrial scales. These
methods can be adopted on a larger scale, from experimental laboratory investigation to
the industrial setup for the discovery of novel metabolic compounds for their potential
applications as medicines and in commercial sectors.
In Vitro Strategies for Isolation and Elicitation of Psoralen, Daidzein and Genistein in Cotyledon Callus of Cullen Corylifolium (L.) Medik
Authors: Singh Tikkam , Yadav Renuka , Agrawal Veena
Published: April 2024

In recent times, natural herbal products/biomolecules are gaining immense
impetus, over modern synthetic allopathic medicines, for curing serious human
ailments as the former are proving their better efficacy, causing no or minimum side
effects. Consequently, many pharmaceutical industries are coming forward for
exploring novel drugs based on medicinal plants. Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik., a
well-known traditional medicinal herb of China and India, is extensively used in
Ayurvedic medicine to cure several skin diseases such as psoriasis, leprosy and
leucoderma. Besides, it also has properties like antioxidant, anti-cancer, antiinflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-mycobacterial, and anti-helminthic
due to the occurrence of a number of important furanocoumarins and isoflavonoids.
Furanocoumarins and isoflavonoids are biosynthesized via the phenylpropanoid
pathway in the plant parts of C. corylifolium and are extensively used as anticancerous
agents. The prominent marker compounds occurring in C. corylifolium are psoralen,
genistein and daidzein produced mainly in the green seeds. These are highly expensive
and occur in very low amounts. In vitro cell, tissue and organ culture can be used as an
alternative, controllable, sustainable and eco-friendly tool for rapid multiplication of
cells for the synthesis and elicitation of bioactive compounds. In addition, various
strategies such as precursors feeding, hairy root culture, biotic and abiotic elicitors, cell
suspension cultures, cloning and overexpression of genes involved in biosynthetic
pathways of secondary metabolites. are also available for the enhancement of bioactive
secondary metabolites. The present review aims at the screening of high-yielding elite
plant parts, biosynthetic pathways of psoralen, daidzein and genistein, and various
strategies employed for their elicitation and isolation in C. corylifolium.
Compliance en México. El caso de empresas de vivienda: Geo B y Sare B
Authors:   Instituto de Estudios Superiores p/la Competitividad y el Desarrollo de América (IESCDA, Villalobos López José
Published: April 2024

Introducción: desde 2017 aplica en México la NMX-CC- 19600-IMNC-2017, buscando implementar, conservar y optimizar el sistema de gestión para el cumplimiento normativo (compliance); en el índice de percepción de la pobreza, México se posiciona en el lugar 126 de 180 naciones, ubicándose en mejor posición Canadá, Uruguay, Estados Unidos, España, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina y Brasil; Objetivo: analizar el cumplimiento normativo y ubicar si dos empresas constructoras de vivienda (Corporación Geo y Sare Holding) se apegaron a sus disposiciones; Metodología: se sigue el método deductivo, con paradigma hermenéutico y con una perspectiva de índole cualitativa, sin usar técnicas ni análisis de datos; Resultados: el desplome de las acciones de Geo y Sare se puede atribuir a la falta de aplicación del cumplimiento normativo, donde hubo falta de supervisión por parte de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores; Conclusiones: Geo y Sare usaron contabilidad ‘creativa’ en la presentación de su información financiera; adquiriendo terrenos y construyendo en zonas alejadas de las zonas de trabajo; y se presenta un financiamiento inadecuado del Instituto del Fondo Nacional de la Vivienda para los Trabajadores (otorgando créditos sin estar terminada la obra y sin venderse los inmuebles).
Influence of Physical Attractiveness and Gender on Patient Preferences in Digital Doctor Consultations: Experimental Study
Authors: Wei Xia , Yu Shubin , Li Changxu (Victor)
Published: April 2024

Background

The rise of digital health services, particularly digital doctor consultations, has created a new paradigm in health care choice. While patients traditionally rely on digital reviews or referrals to select health care providers, the digital context often lacks such information, leading to reliance on visual cues such as profile pictures. Previous research has explored the impact of physical attractiveness in general service settings but is scant in the context of digital health care.

Objective

This study aims to fill the research gap by investigating how a health care provider’s physical attractiveness influences patient preferences in a digital consultation setting. We also examine the moderating effects of disease severity and the availability of information on health care providers’ qualifications. The study uses signal theory and the sexual attribution bias framework to understand these dynamics.

Methods

Three experimental studies were conducted to examine the influence of health care providers’ physical attractiveness and gender on patient preferences in digital consultations. Study 1 (n=282) used a 2×2 between-subjects factorial design, manipulating doctor attractiveness and gender. Study 2 (n=158) focused on women doctors and manipulated disease severity and participant gender. Study 3 (n=150) replicated study 2 but added information about the providers’ abilities.

Results

This research found that patients tend to choose attractive doctors of the opposite gender but are less likely to choose attractive doctors of the same gender. In addition, our studies revealed that such an effect is more prominent when the disease severity is high. Furthermore, the influence of gender stereotypes is mitigated in both the high and low disease severity conditions when service providers’ qualification information is present.

Conclusions

This research contributes to the literature on medical information systems research and sheds light on what information should be displayed on digital doctor consultation platforms. To counteract stereotype-based attractiveness biases, health care platforms should consider providing comprehensive qualification information alongside profile pictures.
Provider Adoption of mHealth in Rural Patient Care: Web-Based Survey Study
Authors: Weichelt Bryan P , Burke Rick , Kieke Burney , Pilz Matt , Shimpi Neel
Published: April 2024

Background

Physicians and patient-facing caregivers have increasingly used mobile health (mHealth) technologies in the past several years, accelerating during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, barriers and feedback surrounding adoption remain relatively understudied and varied across health systems, particularly in rural areas.

Objective

This study aims to identify provider adoption, attitudes, and barriers toward mHealth in a large, multisite, rural US health care system. We investigated (1) mHealth apps that providers use for their own benefit and (2) mHealth apps that a provider uses in conjunction with a patient.

Methods

We surveyed all patient-seeing providers within the Marshfield Clinic Health System with a brief, 16-item, web-based survey assessing attitudes toward mHealth, adoption of these technologies, and perceived barriers faced by providers, their peers, and the institution. Survey results were summarized via descriptive statistics, with log-binomial regression and accompanying pairwise analyses, using Kruskal-Wallis and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for significance, respectively. Respondents were grouped by reported clinical role and specialty.

Results

We received a 38% (n/N=916/2410) response rate, with 60.7% (n=556) of those sufficiently complete for analyses. Roughly 54.1% (n=301) of respondents reported mHealth use, primarily around decision-making and supplemental information, with use differing based on provider role and years of experience. Self-reported barriers to using mHealth included a lack of knowledge and time to study mHealth technologies. Providers also reported concerns about patients’ internet access and the complexity of mHealth apps to adequately use mHealth technologies. Providers believed the health system’s barriers were largely privacy, confidentiality, and legal review concerns.

Conclusions

These findings echo similar studies in other health systems, surrounding providers’ lack of time and concerns over privacy and confidentiality of patient data. Providers emphasized concerns over the complexity of these technologies for their patients and concerns over patients’ internet access to fully use mHealth in their delivery of care.
Current Status of Outcomes Reported by Patients With Stroke and an Analysis of Influencing Factors: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sun Jia , Ma Liang , Miao Xiao , Sun Hui , Zhu SuSu , Zhang Ran , Fan LeLe , Hu TingTing
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Its rate of incidence, disability, mortality, and recurrence is high, and the patients experience various symptoms of discomfort, which not only affect their rehabilitation function but also reduce their ability to perform daily activities and their quality of life. Nowadays, with the improvement of China’s medical standards, patients are increasingly attentive to their quality of life and health status. However, diagnostic techniques and effective treatments for patients with stroke are still limited but urgently required.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life during hospitalization using a stroke patient-reported outcomes (PROs) scale and additionally to recognize potential factors and risk indicators that may impact recurrent events, facilitating early intervention measures.

METHODS

This is a registry-based, retrospective observational cross-sectional study on patients with stroke. A convenient sampling method was used to select various indicators of patients. The Stroke-PRO scale was then used to assess patients’ conditions across physical, psychological, social, and therapeutic domains. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to identify factors influencing stroke PROs, while correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between these outcomes and blood lipid levels.

RESULTS

The mean Stroke-PRO score in this study was 4.09 (SD 0.29) points. By multiple linear regression analysis, residence, occupation, physical exercise, Barthel index, Braden scale, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission, and stroke type were the risk factors for reported outcomes of patients with stroke (P<.05). Correlation analysis showed that serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein were negatively correlated with Stroke-PRO scores in patients with stroke (P<.05), while high-density lipoprotein was positively correlated with patients with stroke (P<.05). The 95% CI was –0.31 to –0.03 for triglyceride, 0.17-0.44 for high-density lipoprotein, –0.29 to –0.01 for cholesterol, –0.30 to –0.02 for low-density lipoprotein, and –0.12 to 0.16 for blood glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with stroke have a low level of health, and their reported outcomes need to be improved. Accordingly, nursing staff should pay attention to the quality of life and blood lipid indexes of patients with stroke, actively assess their actual health status, and take early intervention measures to promote their recovery.
The Role of Assistive Technology in Enabling Older Adults to Achieve Independent Living: Past and Future (Preprint)
Authors: Sweeting Anna , Warncken Katie A , Patel Martyn
Published: April 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

In this viewpoint, we present evidence of a marked increase in the use of assistive technology (AT) by older adults over the last 25 years. We also explain the way in which this use has expanded not only as an increase in terms of the total number of users but also by going beyond the typical scopes of use from its inception in 1999 to reach new categories of users. We outline our opinions on some of the key driving forces behind this expansion, such as population demographic changes, technological advances, and the promotion of AT as a means to enable older adults to achieve independent living. As well as our review of the evolution of AT over the past 25 years, we also discuss the future of AT research as a field and the need for harmonization of terminology in AT research. Finally, we outline how our experience in North Norfolk (notably the United Kingdom’s most old age–dependent district) suggests that cocreation may be the key to not only successful research trials in the field of AT but also to the successful sustained adoption of AT beyond its original scope of use.
A 25-Year Retrospective of Health IT Infrastructure Building: The Example of the Catalonia Region (Preprint)
Authors: Piera-Jiménez Jordi , Carot-Sans Gerard , Ramiro-Pareta Marina , Nogueras Maria Mercedes , Folguera-Profitós Júlia , Ródenas Pepi , Jiménez-Rueda Alba , de Pando Navarro Thais , Mira Palacios Josep Antoni , Fajardo Joan Carles , Ustrell Campillo Joan , Vela Emili , Monterde David , Valero-Bover Damià , Bonet Tara , Tarrasó-Urios Guillermo , Cantenys-Sabà Roser , Fabregat-Fabregat Pau , Gómez Oliveros Beatriz , Berdún Jesús , Michelena Xabier , Cano Isaac , González-Colom Rubèn , Roca Josep , Solans Oscar , Pontes Caridad , Pérez-Sust Pol
Published: April 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Over the past decades, health care systems have significantly evolved due to aging populations, chronic diseases, and higher-quality care expectations. Concurrently with the added health care needs, information and communications technology advancements have transformed health care delivery. Technologies such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and mobile health apps promise enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and patient outcomes, leading to more personalized, data-driven care. However, organizational, political, and cultural barriers and the fragmented approach to health information management are challenging the integration of these technologies to effectively support health care delivery. This fragmentation collides with the need for integrated care pathways that focus on holistic health and wellness. Catalonia (northeast Spain), a region of 8 million people with universal health care coverage and a single public health insurer but highly heterogeneous health care service providers, has experienced outstanding digitalization and integration of health information over the past 25 years, when the first transition from paper to digital support occurred. This Viewpoint describes the implementation of health ITs at a system level, discusses the hits and misses encountered in this journey, and frames this regional implementation within the global context. We present the architectures and use trends of the health information platforms over time. This provides insightful information that can be used by other systems worldwide in the never-ending transformation of health care structure and services.
Transforming Surgical Training: A Systematic Review of AI Techniques for Assessment and Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Escobar-Castillejos David , Barrera-Animas Ari Y. , Noguez Julieta , Magana Alejandra J. , Benes Bedrich
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced novel opportunities for assessment and evaluation in surgical training, offering potential improvements that could surpass traditional educational methods.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review explores the integration of AI in surgical training, assessment, and evaluation with the objective of determining how AI technologies can enhance trainees’ learning paths and performance by incorporating data-driven insights and predictive analytics. Moreover, this study review aims to examine the current state and applications of AI algorithms in this field, identifying potential areas for future research.

METHODS

Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and software engineering review protocols, this systematic review searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published from 2020 to 2024. The review is structured around four research questions: the specific surgical procedures to which AI is applied, the AI techniques used, how AI assesses and improves surgical training, and its effects on trainees' learning curves.

RESULTS

From an initial 1,400 records, 56 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. AI applications have been used extensively in the fields of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), neurosurgery, and laparoscopy, with machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) being the most common techniques used in the field. Moreover, simulation training was identified as the predominant setup. Several studies also reported significant improvements in trainees' learning curves when AI was incorporated into training protocols, although some authors pointed out the importance of further studies in this area.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of AI in surgical training has exhibited the capacity to augment the process of learning and acquiring skills, hence facilitating the transition towards educational models that are more efficient, personalized, and adaptive. Future studies should aim to clarify AI methodologies and focus on scalable solutions that align with universal education goals. Moreover, simulation training emerges as a critical area for ongoing research and development, particularly including ML and DL techniques to design more insightful experiences.
Predictors of visceral obesity among patients with pathology of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Stepanov Yu.M. , Mosiychuk L.M. , Klenina I.A. , Tatarchuk О.М. , Petishko O.P. , Shevtsova O.M.
Published: April 2024

Background. In Ukraine, metabolic syndrome remains one of the most important problems of family medicine, it contributes to an increase in the prevalence of digestive diseases. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, researchers consider visceral obesity to be the most prognostically unfavo­rable. The purpose is to optimize diagnostic approaches to the formation of a risk group for the detection of visceral obesity in gastroenterology patients. Materials and methods. Eighty patients with gastrointestinal diseases were examined, 56 men (70.0 %) and 24 women (30.0 %). The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 66 years, with an average of (39.04 ± 1.03) years. TANITA MC-780MA body composition analyzer scales (Japan) were used to assess body structure. In all patients, serum levels of glucose, insulin, leptin, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined, as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), atherogenicity coefficient (AC) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results. Gastroenterological patients with visce­ral obesity had more pronounced changes in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, which were characterized by a decrease in the content of HDL-C by 16.3 % (p < 0.05), an increase in TG by 41.9 % (p < 0.001), VLDL-C by 41.7 % (p < 0.01), AС by 41.6 % (p < 0.01), HOMA-IR by 28.0 % (p < 0.01) compared to patients without visceral obesity. According to the results of the correlation analysis, functional relationships were found between the amount of visceral fat and the level of leptin (r = 0.37; р = 0.0008), insulin (r = 0.41; р = 0.001), HOMA-IR (r = 0.48; р = 0.00001), TG (r = 0.452; р = 0.017), LDL-C (r = 0.383; р = 0.016), AС (r = 0.566; p < 0.001), TG/glucose ratio (r = 0.27; p = 0.0181), HDL-C (r = –0.448; p = 0.004). Determined predictors for the development of visceral obesity were as follows: triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein ratio (odds ratio (OR) 1.32; p = 0.0001), triglycerides/glucose ratio (OR 1.17; p = 0.0014), HOMA-IR (OR 1.26; p = 0.0013), atherogenicity coefficient (OR 1.13; p = 0.0001), leptin/triglycerides ratio (OR 1.35; p = 0.0014). Conclusions. The formation of a risk group for the detection of visceral obesity with the help of defined diagnostic criteria will allow to personalize the management of gastroenterology patients already at the primary level of medical care.
The influence of obesity on the parameters of the kallikrein-kinin system and proteolysis in chronic biliary pancreatitis
Authors: Babinets L.S. , Kytsai K.Y. , Mykuliak V.R.
Published: April 2024

Background. Clinical practice and science have accumulated data that obese patients suffer from severe forms of acute and chronic pancreatitis, which is explained by the accumulation of fat around the pancreas, a decreased activity of pancreatic enzymes. The purpose of the study is to describe the features of the kallikrein-kinin system and proteolysis in chronic biliary pancreatitis (CBP), depending on the presence of comorbid obesity. Materials and methods. One hundred and thirty-seven patients with chronic biliary pancreatitis were examined and divided into two groups depending on the presence of comorbid obesity: group I consisted of 22 patients with CBP and group II — of 115 patients with CBP and obesity. Results. The obtained results proved that an increase in body weight of patients with CBP lead to a more severe kallikrein-kinin system imbalance, with enhanced activation of inflammation and a decrease in the protective effect of the proteolysis. An increase in the degree of obesity in patients with CBP was accompanied by a more severe kallikrein-kinin system and proteolytic imbalance with an increase in the proteolytic enzymes level that have a damaging effect on the hepatic and pancreatic tissues and have a pro-inflammatory activity, as well as by a decrease in the content of the proteolytic enzyme inhibitors, which reliably weakened the protective effect of kallikrein-kinin system and proteolysis. Conclusions. 1) It was proved that there is a higher activity of the kallikrein-kinin system (accor­ding to proteolytic activation and kallikrein levels) and a decrease in the activity of proteolytic enzyme inhibitors (α2-macroglobulin and kininase II) in patients with chronic biliary pancreatitis and comorbid obesity compared to those without obesity (p < 0.05). 2) An increase in the degree of obesity lead to an increase of proteolytic activity and a decrease in the content of the proteolytic enzyme inhibitors in patients with chronic biliary pancreatitis. It was proved the aggravating effect of obesity on the kallikrein-kinin system and proteolytic imbalance, which must be taken into account while forming a comprehensive treatment of such patients.
A Study on Consumers’ Negative Online Reviews and Merchants’ Responses Discourse Strategies Based on Rapport Management Theory
Authors: Yao Yingjuan , Li Yun , Guo Lijie
Published: April 2024

Online shopping is an important consumption channel, and customers can express reviews about products on the platform. Negative reviews can inform merchants about defects of products and services, providing references for other consumers. Negative reviews and responses reflect merchants’ and customers’ adjustments to interpersonal relationships. Based on Spencer-Oatey’s rapport management theory, this paper collects 400 negative consumer reviews and corresponding merchant responses from Tripadvisor. Then the writer conducts data statistics and case analysis on the corpus, aiming to obtain the proportions of strategies for complaints and responses and to analyze rapport management tendencies of communicators. Research shows that consumers mainly adopt rapport-challenge orientation, and the most commonly used complaint strategies are “explicit complaint”, “expression of annoyance or disapproval” and “below the level of reproach”. Most merchants take rapport-enhancement orientation and rapport-maintenance orientation. They frequently employ strategies of “expressing emotion”, “apologizing”, “committing and acting” etc. This paper intends to provide references for establishing harmonious interpersonal relationships and favorable business environment.
Analyzing of Agrotourism Potential in Malang City
Authors: Wicaksono Karuniawan Puji , Tyasmoro Setyono Yudo , Saitama Akbar , Permatasari Paramyta Nila
Published: April 2024

Agrotourism, in addition to being a tourist and learning place, also functions as generate income for the Regional Original Revenue. Malang City which most of its area is settlement, can be studied as an agro-tourism based on urban agriculture. The research was conducted in 4 Sub District of Kedungkandang District with microclimate characteristic as follow temperature (22.7- 25.1 °C) and humidity (79 - 86%) support the agro-tourism sector. Research was started from May - September 2022. The strong potentials of the selected locations are (1) Land owned by the Malang City government so that the possibility of using it for agro-tourism areas is more open; (2) At the moment a little paddy-based agro-tourism is integrated with sheep farming and fisheries; (3) There is a tour of the Masked Village in the Northeast aerial photo taking location; (4) There are many potential educational locations to be targeted for marketing agrotourism-based edutourism; and (5) Enthusiastic community. The method of survey was direct observation and then analyzed using SWOT method to find high potential agrotourism areas. The conclusion obtained was the design of agrotourism development in Tlogowaru Sub District is divided into two functions, namely (1) lodging and trade functions, (2) agriculture, animal husbandry and fishery education areas.
The portrayal of the Theme of Guilt and search for Redemption in “The tell- tale heart” and “The black cat”
Authors: Shirley C. Laura
Published: April 2024

The paper deals with the Theme of Guilt and the search for Redemption. Throughout the short stories “The Black cat” and “The Tell -Tale Heart”, both the narrator demonstrates their Guilt of Murder. They are obsessed with unusual things like the black cat and the old man’s evil eye. This shows that both the characters have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Poe tells the readers that no one can escape from the guilt. In the short stories, they feel extreme guilt and they justify themselves by repenting towards the sin that they have committed. The guilt that is tormenting the narrators can be justified by two perspectives of guilt, one is guilt as a moral emotion and the other is, as a social emotion.
DESIGN THINKING FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DESIGN THINKING TECHNIQUE TO ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH AND TEACHERS OF VARIOUS ACADEMIC FIELDS
Authors: Pondelíková Ivana
Published: April 2024

Design thinking is a dynamic approach and mindset employed to explore innovative and creative solutions to a wide range of challenges. At its core, design thinking places significant emphasis on the individual, their emotions and needs. Professionals who embrace design thinking actively seek out issues that impact people and offer appropriate solutions that will benefit users. Consequently, design thinking is an ongoing and iterative process, continuously researching and enhancing a product or service to the user’s satisfaction. This study aims to compare how English language and culture in specialized communication students and university teachers of various academic disciplines at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava and the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology at Trnava, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia, perceive the application of design thinking in the educational process. Two workshops were conducted to explore the application of design thinking in American literature seminars, with a total of 45 students who took part in the survey. The third workshop focused on enhancing intercultural awareness through online seminars and searching for the most appropriate methods of teaching intercultural communication in the online space. The workshop had a total of 25 students, with 21 participating in the research. A pilot workshop for teachers was organized in May 2023 within the project titled “Support of internal systems for ensuring the quality of higher education at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia”, with 25 university teachers participating (21 of whom took part in the survey). The research results indicate that both students and teachers perceive design thinking as a suitable method for the current educational process. Students identified presentation skills as their biggest challenge, whereas teachers did not face significant issues in this area due to their profession. Conversely, teachers expressed difficulties with digital skills, which were less prevalent among the students. Design thinking offers numerous benefits to students by creating a supportive learning environment. Additionally, for teachers, this method can become a part of their lifelong learning, as innovation relies on their motivation and efforts to teach traditional content differently.
CLIL AS THE VEHICLE OF TRANSITION FROM MONO- TO BILINGUAL INSTRUCTION AT SLOVAK UNIVERSITIES
Authors: Kovacikova Elena , Luprichová Jana
Published: April 2024

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) has demonstrated notable success in lower secondary and secondary levels of education, thus warranting consideration for its potential effectiveness in higher education. This scholarly exposition endeavours to delineate CLIL as a viable conduit for the gradual and voluntary transition from delivering specialized courses in the native language to conducting them in a foreign language, thereby facilitating bilingual instruction. Supported by empirical findings derived from ongoing Erasmus +, Visegrad Fund Project, KEGA (Slovak Cultural and Educational Grant Agency) initiatives, as well as research outcomes, the authors proffer a compendium of strategic recommendations designed to augment or inaugurate CLIL endeavours at the university level, particularly within non-philological study programs. Notably, integrating CLIL courses into teacher training programs across four faculties in Slovakia, which are responsible for preparing future English educators, offers promise for the widespread cultivation of CLIL-trained instructors and, consequently, a broader implementation of CLIL in higher education.
Prediction of Disease in Apple Leaf Using Convolution Neural Networks
Authors: Ravichandra B. , Shirisha P. , Harshith U. , Kirubakaran Dr. S.
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Apple tree diseases can significantly impact fruit quality and yield, making early detection and intervention crucial for orchard management. To avoid the impact on apple production a novel approach is required for the early and accurate prediction of apple leaf diseases through Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Our proposed system contains a comprehensive dataset of high-resolution pictures of apple leaves exhibiting various disease symptoms, including common issues like apple scab, apple rust, and powdery mildew. The dataset was carefully annotated to train and validate the CNN model effectively. The proposed CNN model makes use of its ability to automatically learn applicable features from images, making it highly suitable for the task of disease prediction in apple leaves. This model contributes to the field of precision agriculture by offering a cost-effective and efficient tool for apple disease detection.
Creating Search Engine Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Reddy Mr. D. Ranadeep
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The vast and ever-expanding amount of information available in the WWW has led to the widespread usage of search engines for data retrieval. It can be challenging to locate information that is actually relevant and helpful, even while ordinary search engines offer users an intuitive interface for entering queries and retrieving web page links as results. To rectify that problem, which paper presents a novel search engine that work ML techniques. The target is to come up users with most relevant web sites when they query the engine. The suggested search engine improves the relevancy and accuracy of search results by utilizing machine learning algorithms. This system seeks to grasp user intent, adjust to individual preferences, and deliver contextually relevant information by going beyond the bounds of traditional search engines. By using machine learning models, the search engine may learn dynamically and enhance the standard of its results over time by continuously refining its understanding. More sophisticated and adaptable search engines are being developed as an outcome of these combination of state-of-the-art machine learning libraries, tools for processing natural language, and effective indexing systems. The target of the research is too advance information retrieval systems by providing a more advanced and user-focused method of tackling the difficulties presented by the WWW's immense scope
Socio-Economic Status of Women Teachers Employees in India
Authors: Turaskar Dr. Rakhi Shiram
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Sexual orientation discrimination in India is the chief reason that has influenced women's socio- economic turn of events. Women in country territories are known to need sufficient offices and education for their turn of events. Most women in country zones have less access to social insurance. Most of women in towns are housewives and work for their occupation in the homestead division. In this study we concentrated on the socio-economic status of women employees of women teachers. The point of this study is to choose the distinction between the economic and cultural position, the association between the fragment status of women teachers and their economic prosperity, the association between the portion status of women teachers and their economic status, and to study the association between the profile components of women teachers and their social position. In the current study we inspect the relationship between the elements of the profile of the female teachers and their satisfaction at work. For this study the A pilot test was conducted and corrections were made in the questionnaire, as were other sources, for example, journals, papers, diaries, reports, articles and related investigations. The scientist gathered information from 300 female respondents picked utilizing a delineated irregular inspecting method. Among the 300 women respondents, 245 are working on a regular basis and 55 are on temporary/Guest basis. Random sampling method to distribute questionnaires was followed by the researcher, and user data was obtained. From the study one can see that strong measures are expected to upgrade the socio-economic status of women instructor employees. Women are intensely tried out advanced education and business. It might be because of government concerns in education and work, and Women's Universities and Colleges being established. In spite of the fact that their proportion is high, contrasted with that of guys, their rank isn't high. Various factors, for example, age, sexual orientation, religion, conjugal status, number of wards, scholarly qualifications, specialized qualifications, position, sort of school, nature of occupation and number of long stretches of experience influence the status of women instructor employees. Along these lines it is essential to improve the socio-economic conditions of women teachers. Female teachers ought to endeavor to find some kind of harmony between their work and family jobs. In addition to encouraging they ought not stop for a second to accept obligations. It builds their organizationalstatus as well as energizes their trust in themselves. Through taking part in different preparing programs, addresses, conferences, workshops and taking up further study courses they can findout to an ever increasing extent
Comparative Effectiveness of Varunadi Ghan Vati and Kanchnar Guggulu in Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism- Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jangra Dr. Himanshi
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Background: Hypothyroidism is an emerging disease nowadays. India has a high prevalence of Hypothyroidism, which is about 10%. Hormone replacement therapy is advised in the treatment of hypothyroidism. However, in subclinical hypothyroidism, no treatment is advised. Ayurveda describes a number of treatment modalities for the treatment of disease on the basis of their dosha-dushya. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Varunadi Ghan Vati in comparison with Kanchnar Guggulu in the management of subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods and Design: This study will be a prospective, single-centered, randomized controlled trial. A total of 60 patients of age between 19 and 60 years, diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, and presented with cardinal features of the disease will be randomized into two groups. In Group A, patients will be given Varunadi Ghan Vati and in Group B patients will be given Kanchnar Guggulu. Pathya-Apathya regarding the disease will be guided to both groups. Both groups will receive treatment for 45 days. Outcomes will be evaluated on the 15th, 30th and 45th days (during treatment) and 75 th day(post-treatment). The primary outcome will be evaluated on the basis of cardinal symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism. Improvement in laboratory investigations will be evaluated for secondary outcomes. Conclusion: This trial is the first to compare the effectiveness of Varunadi Ghan Vati with Kanchnar Guggulu in the management of subclinical hypothyroidism. Varunadi Ghan Vati is expected to improve the symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism, thus proving to be effective in the management of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Trial registration: CTRI/2023/07/055295
Exploring the best practices of the Youth for Environment in Schools – Organization (YES-O)
Authors: Cadiz Arlon P. , Cortez Leah Amor S.
Published: April 2024

Increasing community awareness and knowledge about environmental problems is the primary goal of environmental education. This study explores the best practices of the Youth for Environment in Schools-Organization (YES-O) in selected schools in the National Capital Region, Philippines. A qualitative study involving interviews and focus group discussions directed the collection and analysis of data. The study discovered that the implementation of the YES-O program was successful due to the following best practices: (a) personal advocacy, (b) resource availability, (c) flexibility, (d) integrated school efforts, (e) participatory approach, and (f) monitoring and evaluation strategies, which were all supported by the emerging themes. Meanwhile, capacity building and strong networks emerged as important themes supporting the YES-O program implementation in secondary schools. The schools can continue their practices to sustain the implementation of the program. However, schools should take into account certain indicators that require improvement to enhance their performance. These may include strengthening their networking, linkages, and partnership strategies to better engage and synergize environmental education given the mandated programs, projects, and activities of the YES-O program implementation.
Between West and Non-West - Turkey at a Crossroad of Geostrategic Choice
Authors: Avatkov Vladimir A. , Sbitneva Alina I.
Published: April 2024

Historically, the Republic of Turkey is one of the few states in the Middle East, in a civilizational sense, located between East and West. As time has passed since a number of unsuccessful attempts to integrate into Western institutions and with the beginning of geopolitical changes in the international arena, Turkey has made a “pivot to the East”. Considering the increasing role of the Non-West within the framework of the formation of a polycentric system of international relations, the study of Turkey as one of the key centers of forces of our time, as well as the identification of its characteristics, eastern and western features, is of particular relevance. The purpose of the study is to examine the civilizational characteristics of modern Turkey. By applying civilizational approach, Turkey’s position of a “middle state” was revealed, which has both Western and Eastern features, but is increasingly gravitating towards the non-Western world. At the same time, amid the ideology of “neo-Ottomanism” implemented by the current leadership and the increasing role of the ideological and value factor, Western features are gradually fading away, remaining only in the form of official secularism and stable ties with Western institutions. While the Turkish orientality, along with unofficial islamization, have a clearer image. Turkey develops in progressive-regressive cycles, where the Western cycle is replaced by the Eastern and vice versa. However, the West is systematically ceasing to be a symbol of progress. The authors conclude that the non-Western path of development is the most promising for modern Turkey, however, with the condition that eastern development will not be moderated by Islamist circles and supporters of political Islam.
Image Policy of the Greater Caspian States: Factors and Challenges to Forming the Macro-Region Image
Authors: Morozova Elena V.
Published: April 2024

The formation of the country’s image is one of the components of the national identity policy construction. The purpose of this study is to identify the substantive characteristics of the policy of the three Caspian states - Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan - within the formation of both the image of their countries and the macro-region. The concept of the ‘discursive power’ is applied; the empirical methods used are an online survey, focus group and expert interviews. The author characterizes the main groups of factors influencing the construction of the image in the countries under consideration, identifies the types of image policies, main strategies, and technologies. We focused on the problems and prospects of forming the image of the Caspian macro-region. According to the surveys of citizens conducted in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, the structural characteristics of the macro-region image are as follows: the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea and the common Soviet past. The main challenges to promoting the image of the macro-region are the lacuna of agencies in terms of institutions, general strategies and technologies, the uneven inclusion of the countries of the macro-region in the global and regional information space, the nature of center-regional relations in the countries of the region, the existing competition of macroregional projects. In the modern world order, the Caspian macro-region can be considered as a potential ‘center of power’, possessing enormous material and spiritual resources for development. The construction of its image, its promotion as one of the humanitarian components of the developing cooperation of the Caspian Five countries in the conditions of deglobalization and the creation of mega-regional projects that establish new standards and norms of interaction.
Turkey and Pan-Turkism Influence on the Development of New National Identities in the Caspian Region: The Evidence from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan
Authors: Romanova Anna P. , Chernichkin Dmitriy A.
Published: April 2024

The article focuses on how Turkey and Pan-Turkish ideology influenced the development of new national identities in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and the results of this influence. The theoretical basis of this study lies in the concept of transnational political spaces (ethno-worlds), which form new identities due to the spread of cultural patterns. The practical basis of this study entails a synthesis of several sociological methods: content analysis of data published from January 2, 2022, to July 31, 2023, collected according to specified criteria; surveys in the form of an electronic questionnaire; and a set of focused group and expert interviews attended by citizens of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The results showed that “soft power” in both countries influences the field of those policies that are crucial for the development of new identities: education, language, memory, symbology, etc. The mechanisms for promoting identity politics in Turkic countries are the main strength of the formation process in this ethno-world. The results of the study demonstrate educational programs to be the most effective tool, whose status allows the returned youth to become a part of a new elite in their countries, as well as emissaries of Pan-Turkist ideas. Based on the content analysis data, it can be noted that though TurkishKazakh and Turkish-Turkmen relations are actively and positively developing, primarily in the economic sphere, they still have certain contradictions. Though Pan-Turkish ideas and Turkish cultural patterns are presented in the information agendas of the analyzed countries, they are not their trends.
Hybrid Warfare and Operations in the Context of the National Security System: A Chinese Perspective
Authors: Abdrakhimov Leonid G. , Liksok Alina O.
Published: April 2024

The relevance of the topic of the study lies in the fact that the problems of hybrid warfare, hybrid operations, hybrid influence have become especially important in the context of the complicated geopolitical situation in the world after February 2022. In the author’s opinion, Russia’s forced conduct of the Special military operation is one of the tools of the US hybrid influence on China. In the study several methods were applied: the content analysis of conceptualdoctrinal and normative documents, analyzed the views of Chinese scientists, political and military figures on hybrid warfare and operations, as well as publications of authoritative media on this issue. As a result, it is concluded that in the Chinese understanding hybrid wars and operations are becoming the main form of confrontation between states and blocs of states. At the same time, the hybrid impact is exerted on the national security assurance system, which should effectively counter “traditional and non-traditional” threats and challenges, that are hybrid. Chinese experts note that there is a risk of underestimating the responsibility for a possible global conflict, which may be caused by inadequate projection of hybrid threats onto a country or group of countries. The author also concludes that we may be witnessing one of the last stages of the unfolding U.S. hybrid war against China.