bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’empreinte de l’inachèvement et de l’insaisissable. Henri Michaux et l’expérience de l’avant-pensée
Authors: Quey Francesca
Published: July 2024

Désapprendre, défigurer, déstructurer, démembrer, disloquer. Autant de verbes utilisés par Michaux pour raconter le processus de démantèlement de la construction solide et structurée de la pensée afin de vivre l’expérience de la déprise de soi, du « ne plus savoir-penser ». Grand voyageur des terres de « l’ailleurs » géographique et intime, Michaux se mue en explorateur-poète de la pensée saisie à sa naissance, à l’instant du germinal. Le présent progressif est le temps de l’être, sa condition en devenir et sa manière de ne jamais être quelque chose ou quelqu’un mais toujours essayer d’être potentiellement autre chose et/ou quelqu’un d’autre. Par ses alphabets Michaux cherche à rejoindre ce qu’il appelle une « préécriture pictographique », une narration par des gestes, susceptibles de restituer le tracé du mouvement pensant, ou par des empreintes, moments des passages des êtres qui furent. Toujours se garder d’arriver : cet impératif dirige la composition et l’invention des différents modes d’êtres qui adoptent une disposition momentanée sur la page, dessinant une géographie picturale de l’intime en perpétuelle formation, arrêt, accélération ou suspension. La polysémie de l’alphabet pictographique de Michaux donne vie à des récits aussi indéchiffrables que signifiants pour imaginer une nouvelle écriture de l’être et, peut-être, de l’être-avec-le-monde.
Expérienciations verbo-visuelles et épiphanies transmédiales : L’Espace d’un instant (2021-2022) de Pierre Ménard
Authors: Lahouste Corentin
Published: July 2024

Pierre Ménard, nom de plume de l’écrivain français Philippe Diaz, qui est très actif sur le web depuis le début des années 2000 et est à l’origine de projets littéraires développés sur une diversité de supports (livres imprimés, livres numériques, bande radiophonique, vidéos, blogs, sites internet, affiches ou encore cartes à jouer), juxtapose texte et image de manière quasiment systématique dans ses créations, en un geste d’écriture foncièrement intermédial, et parfois transmédial. Il s’agit par cette contribution de mettre en lumière, au départ d’un travail mené sur son projet L’espace d’un instant élaboré sur son site Liminaire entre janvier 2021 et février 2022, la manière dont l’appropriation iconique se trouve au cœur du dispositif d’écriture de cet auteur, ainsi que la façon dont les déplacements qui sont inhérents à ce geste d’appropriation font éclore de singulières expérienciations verbo-visuelles. Alors que le projet se présente comme une « constellation d’instants suspendus, d’arrêts sur images » créant des spatialités affectives en un ensemble où la vastitude du monde émerge à partir de l’épiphénoménal, l’on voit comment s’y révèle, à travers les 420 denses fragments le composant, une logique d’accumulation d’épiphanies qui a pour dessein d’« esquisse[r] un portrait en creux, une sorte d’autobiographie à visée universelle ».
Sympathie universelle et souffle cosmique : le monde des stoïciens, de Posidonius à Chrysippe
Authors: Veillard Christelle
Published: July 2024

Le monde selon les stoïciens est un immense corps vivant, unifié par un principe qui est à la fois souffle chaud et intelligence ordonnatrice. Tous les êtres du monde sont reliés par cette communauté de souffle (sumpnoia) de sorte qu’ils sont tous co-affectés les uns par les autres : la sympathie (sumpatheia) universelle fait du monde un écosystème au sens fort du terme, par lequel non seulement le dieu organise, voit et prévoit tout, mais qui place surtout l’homme dans une dépendance étroite vis-à-vis des conditions géographiques, atmosphériques, historiques de son environnement. La postérité a attaché le nom de Posidonius à cette thèse : l’objectif de cet article est d’exposer son enseignement sur ce point, tout en montrant, par une revue des occurrences antérieures du terme, que la sumpatheia est nécessitée par la conception stoïcienne du corps unifié, mise en place dès Chrysippe.
L’« élan vital révolutionnaire » d’Antonio Gramsci
Authors: Pirotta Sebastiano
Published: July 2024

Les écrits d’Antonio Gramsci témoignent d’un processus d’assimilation et de réélaboration progressive du concept bergsonien d’« élan vital ». Cette notion, filtrée par le paradigme herméneutique de la « philosophie de l’intuition », est interprétée par Gramsci dans une perspective historiciste et révolutionnaire, entre 1916 et 1926. Ainsi émerge une première écriture politique d’un « langage de la vie » se développant à l’intérieur d’une réflexion qui prend ses distances à l’égard des interprétations mécanistes de l’histoire et des individus. Dans « le rythme de la pensée » des Cahiers de prison des références au vocabulaire de Bergson resurgissent. Mais quel rôle faut-il attribuer au fameux « bergsonisme » de Gramsci dans ce contexte ?
Bergson überbiologiste
Authors: Hoquet Thierry
Published: July 2024

L’objet de cet article est de montrer que L’Évolution créatrice (1907), œuvre du philosophe Henri Bergson, fut non seulement un texte de philosophie mais aussi une contribution positive à la biologie théorique. Bergson se proposa de dépasser les concepts et méthodes de la biologie en vue d’améliorer la biologie elle-même : c’est cela que nous appelons une attitude « überbiologiste », manière d’être plus « biologiste » que les biologistes eux-mêmes, ou de faire une biologie meilleure par des moyens que la biologie ignore. Plus qu’une œuvre de métaphysique, voire de philosophie des sciences, Bergson proposa une œuvre de philosophie dans les sciences : visant à résoudre un problème scientifique, et proposant de nouveaux concepts (celui de « gerbe de l’évolution » ou « élan vital ») destinés à être testés empiriquement et utilisés par les scientifiques. En France notamment, un grand nombre de penseurs évolutionnistes (traditionnellement rattachés à la tradition « néo-lamarckienne ») ont pris les suggestions de Bergson au sérieux et les ont utilisées, notamment dans une visée polémique relativement à la théorie synthétique de l’évolution.
La céramique des xie et xiie s. dans le bassin lavallois (Mayenne). Première synthèse
Authors: Moreau Claire , Noël Aurore
Published: July 2024

Des fouilles récentes à Laval et dans ses environs ont mis au jour un nombre important de céramiques issues de plusieurs contextes des xie et xiie s., période pour laquelle la céramique du bassin lavallois est mal documentée. L’analyse croisée des poteries de quatre sites de Laval et ses environs permet de compléter le répertoire des formes pour ces deux siècles. L’étude de leur approvisionnement renouvelle la connaissance des productions potières lavalloises, dont les ateliers des xie-xiie s. ne sont pas encore connus. Enfin, la comparaison des résultats avec les synthèses et sites régionaux permet de mettre en évidence un faciès céramique tout à fait original pour cet espace d’étude.
Intimité géologique
Authors: Halperin Ilana
Published: July 2024

Cet article explore l’œuvre géologique d’Ilana Halperin, à partir de quelques récits récents qui soulignent l’interdépendance de nos vies avec celles des roches et des minéraux. Il établit des parallèles entre les événements biographiques personnels et les événements géologiques pour ouvrir un espace de réflexion quant à notre place dans le continuum du temps géologique d’un point de vue intime. Il propose de nouvelles pistes – celles de la « famille poudingue » ou de « pierres corporelles » – pour avancer vers une réponse poétique à notre relation avec le monde géologique.
BELUGA WHALE LION OPTIMIZATION IN DEEP-NETS FOR HUMAN AGE ESTIMATION USING HAND X-RAY
Authors: Patil K. A. , Bhavsar R. P. , Pawar B. V.
Published: July 2024

Bones undergo significant changes in size and shape with the growth of the child, and bone age estimation is crucial for determining the growth, genetic and endocrine disorders in children. Hand X-ray images are extensively utilized for diagnosing disorders in children. The variation in the chronological age and bone age indicates the presence of endocrine disorders, genetic problems, and growth abnormalities. Traditionally, bone age is estimated manually by inspecting the X-ray images, which is extremely time-consuming and prone to error. Further, the accuracy of the bone estimate depends on the experience of the medical practitioner, and thus it suffers from intra- and inter-observer variability. Hence, to overcome these issues, it is essential to devise automatic methods that can estimate the bone with high accuracy and in a short duration. In this work, bone age is estimated using a Deep Residual Network (DRN), whose learnable factors are adjusted using the devised Beluga Whale Lion Optimization (BWLO) algorithm. Further, the BWLO_DRN is examined for its superiority considering metrics, like accuracy, True Positive Rate (TPR), and True Negative Rate (TNR), and the corresponding values of 89.8%, 86.8%, and 90% are found to be achieved from the experimental results.
Revolutionizing Public Sector Human Resources
Authors: Mbatha Vumani , Ramraj Andrisha Beharry , Ganiyu Idris Olayiwola
Published: July 2024

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 sometimes known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has gathered momentum, and it calls for faster production rates, more flexible scheduling, and better customer services. The advent of automated and digital technologies has already revolutionised many private industries and has the potential of revolutionising public sector human resource management in South Africa. However, the South African public sector has been lagging in digital transformation. The integration of digital advancements in Human Resource Management (HRM) within the South African public sector is imperative considering the need to improve the delivery of public goods and services. The existing Human Resource Management (HRM) processes used in the recruitment of public officials are outdated and prone to biases, which can negatively impact talent acquisition, diversity, inclusion, and employee morale. This chapter aims to delve into specific strategies and approaches necessary for effectively implementing digital transformation initiatives in HRM within the public sector context. The chapter utilised a document analysis and conceptual analysis, where traditional scholarly and peer-reviewed sources on public sector human resource management and digital examination were examined. The analysis of documents pointed to key findings regarding the pivotal role of revolutionising Public Sector HRM through digital skills development which is critical in driving the transformation of the public sector in the 4IR. The findings reflected further the underlying impact of revolutionising public sector HRM which lies in enhancing individual and organizational productivity. Human Resources (HR) emerges as a strategic facilitator in this process, necessitating job redesign and organizational restructuring to foster readiness and innovation. However, there is a notable gap in understanding tailored strategies for the unique challenges faced by the South African public sector. Policy frameworks are identified as critical enablers of ethical and effective digital transformation in HR processes.
Digitalisation of Employee Performance Evaluation to Advance Public Sector Human Resource Management
Authors: Mthuli Syanda A.
Published: July 2024

The evaluation of the performance of government remains one of the most fiercely debated in democracies and problematic in countries. While today's digital age affects all aspects of life, necessitates change including the integration of advanced technologies to aid policy implementation & public service delivery performance. The efficiency of governments and the positive develop of humans is said to be tied to innovation and technological progress. This study explores the digitalisation of employee performance evaluation in human resource management in South Africa's bureaucracy, with an objective to explore its contribution as a panacea for policy implementation & public service delivery ills in the country. The findings point to that in the public service in the country employee performance evaluation remains outdated though policy documents call for the integrating information communication technology. A digitalised performance measurement (e-performance management and e-HRM) in the country would add value and have a positive impact as has been long established in the private sector.
Positioning Digital Transformation of Public Sector Human Resources in Zimbabwe and South Africa
Authors: Chigova Lewis Edwin , Hofisi Costa
Published: July 2024

This chapter notes that in Zimbabwe and South Africa, where challenges such as service delivery, economic instability, and technological disruptions are prevalent, the potential of advanced technologies to reshape the public service workforce is recognised. However, very few studies position the digital transformation of HRM within these countries' contextual constraints and opportunities necessitating a need for more systematic inquiries. The study draws from various peer-reviewed articles and expansive policy documents on the digital transformation of HRM in the public sector in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It found that while the two countries have recognised the importance of digital transformation in HRM and laid down frameworks to support this transition, their paths diverge on implementation effectiveness and the challenges faced. Strategic and administrative hurdles impede South Africa's journey, whereas infrastructural and HR constraints deeply challenge Zimbabwe's. The study recommends that these countries must establish solid digital transformation strategies for HRM.
Vitamin A Deficiency and Management
Authors: A. M. Beulah , D. Madhavi , G. Sireesha , M. Niharika , Savalapurapu Bhargavi
Published: July 2024

Vitamin A refers to retinol and its related compounds. The revival of interest in vitamin A is related to the actions of retinoid acid as paracine and endocrine hormone in human body. It is believed that retinoic acid is essential in the formation of embryonic stem cell differentiation, development, and retaining healthy epithelial cell configuration and function. While the widely known role of vitamin A relates to vision, the deficiency is high among the countries which have food insecurity. This vitamin's role is also in the control of cell division and differentiation, as well as cell apoptosis. The symptoms of vitamin A deficiency start with night blindness, caused by a disorder of the retina; the whites (conjunctiva) and corneas of the eyes can develop into dry and thick, a state termed as exophthalmia. Cornea becomes dry and soft; then it deteriorates and it leads to blindness. Vitamin A is important in the formation and maintenance of epithelial tissues; deficiency may lead to dry and flaky skin. Inclusion of Vitamin A food sources will decrease the deficiency symptoms.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Management
Authors: Yerramathi Babu Bhagath , Pagadala Pruthvi , Muniraj Beulah Annem , Sholapuri Payani , Gandham Sandeep Kumar , Kola Manjula
Published: July 2024

Vitamin D, a vital fat-soluble nutrient, plays a critical role in proper functioning of various metabolic activities in the body. Acting as both a vitamin and hormone, it influences the synthesis and production of key molecules in the body. It affects the several metabolic activities such as calcium and phosphorus absorption, direct production of parathyroid hormone (PTH), and other direct and indirect roles under current research. Vitamin D impacts cancerous cell growth control, immune system enhancement, and reduction of infections and inflammations. The presence of vitamin D receptors in organs and tissues prompts ongoing exploration of its roles, particularly in the peripheral and central nervous systems, as observed in conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. Vitamin D deficiency leads to syndromic clinical conditions with chronic low serum levels, while severe deficiency can result in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, potentially causing life-threatening events such as coma, paralysis, and cardiac arrest.
Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride Deficiency
Authors: Yiu Lok Yu Vanessa , Pati Nalini
Published: July 2024

Sodium, potassium, and chloride are the main electrolytes that are crucial in maintaining body homeostasis in human bodies, with essential roles in fluid balance and normal function of muscles and nerves. Deficiency of any of these electrolytes can cause disruption to body systems and may lead to severe health consequences. Clinical signs and symptoms of these deficiencies can be organ specific but also systemic; hence, this should be followed up with assessments of serum electrolyte levels which are essential in identifying electrolyte imbalances. However, this must be coupled with other biochemical assessments to determine the cause of deficiency. Common causes include inadequate intake and pathological conditions. Understanding important food sources for these nutrients and monitoring patients with these pathological conditions are useful in preventing electrolyte imbalances especially in high-risk populations. The management of electrolyte deficiencies is complex and requires consideration of the cause, consequences, and severity of the disease.
Greening Industry 4.0
Authors: Chaker Bassem , Damak Chedli
Published: July 2024

In this chapter, the authors explore the dynamic interplay between Industry 4.0 technologies and green supply chain management (GSCM). The investigation focuses on how Industry 4.0 innovations can amplify the impact of sustainable practices, providing businesses with cutting-edge tools to enhance environmental efficiency, reduce waste, and promote responsible sourcing within their supply chains. Through a comprehensive examination, the authors aim to illuminate the synergies between Industry 4.0 and GSCM, offering actionable insights and practical recommendations for businesses seeking to align Industry 4.0 initiatives with sustainability goals. By focusing on the foundational principles of GSCM, exploring the role of Industry 4.0 as enablers of green supply chains, discussing strategies for integrating sustainability into smart manufacturing, and addressing anticipated challenges in navigating the path to Green Industry 4.0, they pave the way for a future where technology and sustainability converge to create a more resilient and environmentally conscious supply chain ecosystem.
Agricultural Crop Recommendations Based on Productivity and Season
Authors: Kumar A. V. Senthil , M. Aparna , Dutta Amit , Ray Samrat , Rahman Hakikur , R. Masadeh Shadi , Musirin Ismail Bin , L. Manjunatha Rao , R. V. Suganya , Malladi Ravisankar , Dulhare Uma N.
Published: July 2024

This chapter aims to develop an agricultural crop recommendation system leveraging the power of machine learning algorithms. The proposed system takes into account crop productivity and prevailing season as crucial factors in making appropriate crop suggestions. The authors proposed the SVM algorithm, which was trained and evaluated on a comprehensive dataset comprising historical agricultural data with diverse features such as climate variables, soil properties, and geographical factors. The data was further segmented based on seasonal patterns to provide crop recommendations tailored to specific timeframes. The models' performance was evaluated using standard metrics, and an ensemble approach was considered to enhance the system's robustness. Ultimately, the developed system offers farmers and agricultural experts a valuable tool for making informed decisions, optimizing crop selection, and increasing overall agricultural productivity
Conductive Inks with Chemically Sintered Silver Nanoparticles at Room Temperature for Printable, Flexible Electronic Applications
Authors: Rezaga Bethel Faith Y. , Balela Mary Donnabelle L.
Published: July 2024

Conductive inks composed of chemically sintered silver (Ag) nanoparticles were prepared. The enlargement of particle size was accompanied by the increase in conductivity of the Ag nanoparticle ink. The resistance of the as-prepared and sintered Ag nanoparticles printed on different substrates was measured, and results showed that the formulated conductive ink works best on glossy paper. This is due to the compatibility of the conductive ink with the porosity and surface roughness of the glossy paper. The conductive ink formulation was also used as printer ink, and results showed a decrease in resistance as the printing pass was increased.
Experimental Study on Fracture Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Red Mud Waste and Different Steel Fiber Types
Authors: Magbool Hassan M.
Published: July 2024

This study aims to investigate the effect of integrating red mud (RM) waste and different types of steel fibers on the fracture toughness characteristics of self-compacting concrete (SCC). A total of 24 specimens consisting of notched SCC beams with various steel fibers (measuring 100 × 100 × 500 mm) are subjected to a three-point bending test. This study examines five various fiber types characterized by varying shapes and aspect ratios. These fiber types include the hook-end fiber with lengths of 60 and 30 mm, the long straight fiber with lengths of 21 and 13 mm, and the flat-end fiber. Six concrete mixtures, each incorporating fibers with 1% of the volume percentage, are examined. RM is used at a replacement rate of 20% of the mass of cement. Another objective of the study is to analyze the mechanical and fresh characteristics of concrete. The findings indicate that the incorporation of steel fiber has an adverse effect on the fresh concrete characteristics of SCC. The presence of steel fiber results in enhanced mechanical properties, peak loads, and deflection at the point of failure, in addition to an increase in the crack mouth opening displacement. The fracture toughness of SCC mixtures is also influenced by the presence of steel fiber.
Unraveling the Interplay: Financial Inclusion's Impact on Growth, Trade Dynamics, and Foreign Investment – A Comprehensive Empirical Study
Authors: Kushwah S. V. , Siddiqui A. A.
Published: July 2024

The present study develops a Financial Inclusion (FI) index and extends an interlinkage between FI and Economic Growth (EG). The study is the first to develop an FI index created for the main trading nations from 2001-2019 based on financial development, financial depth, and financial stability and creates an association between FI and EG, including trade and foreign investment. Once the FI index is constructed, panel data analysis is applied by examining the stationarity and cointegration of the series, followed by panel regression and causality tests. Findings highlight a strong interlinkage between FI, EG, trade, and foreign investment for the selected nations. It suggests that the nations emphasize financial inclusion to stimulate EG, enhance trade, and increase foreign investment inflows. Each of the three variables is highly integrated, as indicated in the results, and acts as prerequisites for each other. The study is a significant contribution to the field of FI, trade, and EG. As very few studies have been carried out for integrated analysis, this study helps devise policies for expanding further relationships between FI, trade, investment, and EG across nations. Moreover, this study is the first to select a time period that marks major events like the US-China Trade War (2018) and the Global Financial Crisis (2008). The results of this study are helpful to the governments and policymakers of various economies. They can improvise the existing policies and procedures related to trade and foreign investment to enhance FI and EG. It is seen that for each country, the effect of the variables selected is different. In terms of developing holistic and effective trade policies, each nation can assess the relationship between these four key macroeconomic variables.
A Multi-Level Analysis of Help-Seeking Behaviour of Male Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Candia D. A. , Weke P. G. O. , Muhua G. O. , Manene M. M.
Published: July 2024

Globally, many men are victims of intimate partner violence but not many seek help to stop the violence. This study sought to identify the factors associated with the help-seeking behavior of male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Uganda. This was done using ordinary and mixed-effects regression models with logit, probit, and complementary log-log link functions and secondary data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. Most males (70.6 percent) never sought help after experiencing intimate partner violence. Marital status, listening to the radio, physically hurt partner, experienced physical injury, number of control issues, father ever beat mother, and severity of violence were significantly associated with the help-seeking behavior of male victims of IPV. There is a need to come up with interventions that encourage males to report IPV, especially among the married, and also sensitize males not to wait until they have experienced physical injuries or any other severe violence before they seek help. Given that the sampling methodology used in demographic and health surveys introduces nesting in the data, researchers should consider using multilevel models.
Phagocytic Plasma Cells in Teleost Fish Provide Insights into the Origin and Evolution of B Cells in Vertebrates
Authors: Han Xue-Qing , Cui Zheng-Wei , Ma Zi-You , Wang Jie , Hu Ya-Zhen , Li Jun , Ye Jian-Min , Tafalla Carolina , Zhang Yong-An , Zhang Xu-Jie
Published: July 2024

Teleost IgM+ B cells can phagocytose, like mammalian B1 cells, and secrete Ag-specific IgM, like mammalian B2 cells. Therefore, teleost IgM+ B cells may have the functions of both mammalian B1 and B2 cells. To support this view, we initially found that grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) IgM+ plasma cells (PCs) exhibit robust phagocytic ability, akin to IgM+ naive B cells. Subsequently, we sorted grass carp IgM+ PCs into two subpopulations: nonphagocytic (Pha−IgM+ PCs) and phagocytic IgM+ PCs (Pha+IgM+ PCs), both of which demonstrated the capacity to secrete natural IgM with LPS and peptidoglycan binding capacity. Remarkably, following immunization of grass carp with an Ag, we observed that both Pha-IgM+ PCs and Pha+IgM+ PCs could secrete Ag-specific IgM. Furthermore, in vitro concatenated phagocytosis experiments in which Pha−IgM+ PCs from an initial phagocytosis experiment were sorted and exposed again to beads confirmed that these cells also have phagocytic capabilities, thereby suggesting that all teleost IgM+ B cells have phagocytic potential. Additionally, we found that grass carp IgM+ PCs display classical phenotypic features of macrophages, providing support for the hypothesis that vertebrate B cells evolved from ancient phagocytes. These findings together reveal that teleost B cells are a primitive B cell type with functions reminiscent of both mammalian B1 and B2 cells, providing insights into the origin and evolution of B cells in vertebrates.
Dullstroom 1884-1984
Authors: De Jong, C.
Published: July 2024

In 1883 a company was formed in the Netherlands to buy agricultural land in the Transvaal for the establishment of Dutch farming colonies. As a result in 1884 a number of Dutch families settled on the farms Groot Suikerboschkop and Elandslaagte and established the town of Dullstroom at the foot of Suikerboschkop. Despite serious teething problems the town eventually developed and was granted municipal status in 1891. However, during the Anglo-Boer War it was almost completely destroyed and after the war few of the original inhabitants returned. Although the rebuilt town has almost no essential Dutch character the memory of the pioneers is still honoured.
Grahamstown's assumption convent
Authors: Hunt K.S.
Published: July 2024

Grahamstown's Assumption Convent was the first such institution to be established in Southern Africa. It was opened in January 1850 when in response to a request from Bishop Aidan Devereux, of the Eastern Cape, Mother Marie Eugenie, the founder of the Assumption Order in Paris, sent out a party under Sister Gertrude. The beginnings were simple: a small thatched cottage accommodated the sisters while a free school, St Joseph's, was started in two convened stables. A fee-paying school, St Catherine's, was also established. Gradually the sisters involved themselves not only in education but also in all facets of communal work. Their contribution in many ways has been of inestimable value and although the Assumption Convent in Grahamstown closed down at the end of 1982 the Sisters continue to work in Grahamstown and in other centres among the young, the needy, the aged, and the infirm.
Analysis of clinical management and radiological affection of coronavirus disease 2019 patients under isolation: an experience from a University Hospital
Authors: Hefzy Enas M. , Ali Doaa Y. , Magdy Ahmed M. , Abdel Wahed Wafaa Y. , El Khateeb Ahmed F. , Ahmed Mona I.
Published: July 2024

Background

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Egypt was among the minor epidemic areas. COVID-19 has wide variations in the clinical presentation manifesting as a heterogeneous disease severity varying from mild, moderate, and severe to critical illness.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the potential clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics and prognosis of the COVID-19 patients obtained during the first peak of this pandemic at a University Hospital in Egypt, and to provide a reference for the pandemic management in the subsequent peaks.

Patients and methods

A single-center prospective study was done on patients with COVID-19 admitted to Fayoum University Hospital during the period from May to July 2020. All patients had full medical history taking, clinical examination, laboratory assessment, oxygen-saturation monitoring, chest computed tomography (CT), and reverse transcriptase-PCR testing. All the patients were treated with the treatment protocol accredited by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and accordingly disease outcome was determined.

Results

The study included 162 COVID-19 patients, 80 (49.4%) had mild cases, 40 (24.7%) had moderate cases, and 26 (16.0%) and 16 (9.9%) had severe and critical cases, respectively. The median CT-severity score was 10 (3.75–11.25). Significantly high serum levels of C-reactive protein, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin levels were observed in severe cases (P<0.01 for all) in comparison with mild/moderate cases. By comparing died cases with other severe cases, the proportion of cases with CURB 65 score (comorbidity, confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and 65 years of age or older score) more than or equal to 4, PaO2/FiO2 less than 300, hypoxemia less than 85%, higher levels of ferritin, D-dimer, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, CT severity, and consolidation score were significantly higher in died cases than other severe cases. By regression analysis, among severe cases, predictors of death were the presence of comorbidity and increased consolidation size.

Conclusion

All healthcare workers should understand the presentation of the disease, workup, and supportive care experienced from the first outbreak and offer an evidence-based management for succeeding outbreaks in our community.
Strengthening the transportation network to improve diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: role of postal services
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh R. , Kamran Sheikh , Shrivastava Prateek S. , Joshi Abhishek
Published: July 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) has been acknowledged as one of the major public health concerns, being present in all the nations and has the potential to affect people from all age groups. Ensuring prompt diagnosis of TB is an essential step to improve the prognosis of the patients and minimize the development of complications. To accomplish the set targets under the end TB strategy, the diagnostic arm in TB control activities needs to be immensely strengthened and expanded. We have to ensure that the quality of the sample remains the same during the transport, especially in those regions where reference laboratories are present in distant locations. In conclusion, in the battle against TB, there is an immense need to strengthen the diagnostic services to enable early detection and prompt initiation of treatment. However, the same becomes a major challenge in resource-constrained settings, especially for making a diagnosis of multidrug-resistant-TB. This calls for the need to explore alternative options to expedite the process and roping in the postal network have emerged as a feasible and effective mechanism to overcome the existing challenges.
Clozapine and Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy Resolving Forced Normalization: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Raj Rajnish , Khanam Aaliya , Wani Zaid Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Multiple studies have been done in the past to understand the relationship between seizure and psychosis, still no conclusive point has been found yet. The mechanism behind the relationship is unknown. Seizures may cause brain damage, increasing the chance of schizophrenia and psychosis, or the two illnesses may share etiological elements. We present a case of a 45-year-old male with a prior history of viral meningoencephalitis, axonal motor polyneuropathy, encephalopathy, and well-controlled generalized tonic–clonic seizures. However, the patient presented to us with a new onset of behavioral disturbances in the form of severe aggression, disinhibition, homicidality, and suicidality during treatment with multiple antiepileptics drugs but with no response to multiple antipsychotics. This patient had an adequate response to clozapine and modified electroconvulsive therapy. No such case has been reported in literature, till date. During the phase of forced normalization, the patient may experience behavioral issues following the management of their seizures with antiepileptic medications and the normalization of their electroencephalography. Any unusual behavior observed in epilepsy patients following the initiation of therapy and seizure control should alert clinicians to the likelihood of this condition.
Insights about Minimally Invasive Dentistry among Dental Students at Chengalpattu District – A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Abarna S. , Indrapriyadharshini K. , Subraman Vishnuprasad , Jagadeson Mahesh , Karthikayan  , Revanth M. P.
Published: July 2024

Background:

The holistic patient care philosophy known as minimally invasive dentistry involves the full patient–dentist team-care approach.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, perception, and barriers to practice minimally invasive dentistry among dental students.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate dental students’ knowledge, perception, and barriers in practicing minimally invasive dentistry in Chengalpattu district over the period of 6 months. It comprised seven knowledge questions, five questions that assessed the perceptions of students, and five questions about barriers in performing minimally invasive dentistry. The data were checked for completeness and consistency daily and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results:

About 76.2% of final years, 87.8% of interns, and 100% of postgraduates responded correctly regarding the techniques used in minimally invasive dentistry. There was a strong, positive correlation between the year of the study, knowledge about minimally invasive dentistry, perception about minimally invasive dentistry, and barriers about minimally invasive dentistry which was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Our study identified important data that sufficient knowledge, perception, and barriers about minimally invasive dentistry exist among postgraduates and interns compared to final-year dental students.
Tobacco Cessation – A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Hazarika Suranjana Jonak , Kanungo Sloka
Published: July 2024

With 8 million deaths worldwide due to tobacco use each year, it is one of the biggest public health problems. Its consumption is a significant risk factor for numerous oral and systemic illnesses. The economy of the nation is impacted by tobacco, as well as the social sphere. A narrative review was conducted to observe cessation techniques of smokers and nonsmokers. Relevant articles published during the study period in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used in this study. There are a variety of methods for quitting smoking, both for the person and the community. Experts in oral health play a critical role in prevention and assist those who are victims of this abhorrent practice in giving up the habit. Counseling sessions, learning opportunities, and awareness-raising efforts aid in promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle. The provision of services along with accurate monitoring and evaluation are needed for the effectiveness of the programs implemented to decrease the burden inflicted by tobacco.
Comparative efficacy and safety of gabapentin, pregabalin, oxcarbazepine, and duloxetine in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Shah Karan Bhavesh , Rana Devang A. , Mehta Yash Dharmendra , Malhotra Supriya Deepak
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To conduct a network meta-analysis comparing the safety and efficacy of gabapentin (GBP), pregabalin (PGB), oxcarbazepine (OXC), and duloxetine (DLX) in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Materials and Methods:

The study’s eligibility criteria includee randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a focus on DPN patients receiving GBP, PGB, DLX, or OXC versus placebo. Noncompliant trials with incomplete information and observational studies were excluded.

Results:

Twelve (RCTs) of PGB, 2 of GBP, 3 of DLX, and 1 of OXC met the inclusion criteria. When drugs were compared for efficacy (direct comparison), GBP (Odd’s ratio [OR] = 3.208, P < 0.001) was most effective followed by OXC (OR = 2.4, P = 0.0248), DLX (OR = 2.346, P < 0.001), and PGB (OR = 2.161, P < 0.001). When drugs were compared for withdrawal due to adverse drug reaction (ADR) (direct comparison), GBP (OR = 1.3818, P = 0.766) was safest followed by PGB (OR = 2.16, P < 0.001), DLX (OR = 2.469, P < 0.001), and OXC (OR = 4.4967, P = 0.001). Indirect comparison was done for efficacy, DLX was statistically significant than PGB and OXC (DLX vs. PGB, P = 0.03; DLX vs. OXC, P = 0.02). When indirect comparison was done for patient withdrawal due to ADR, OXC was worst (GBP vs. OXC, P = 0.0001; PGB vs. OXC, P = 0.007; DLX vs. OXC, P = 0.015). When drugs were compared for individual ADRs (direct comparison), dizziness was most commonly seen with OXC (OR = 9.6535, P = 1.8425), headache with OXC (OR = 3.8686, P = 0.006), somnolence with PGB (OR = 5.189, P < 0.001), and nausea with DLX (OR = 3.264, P < 0.001). GBP was most effective and safest drug followed by OXC > DLX > PGB for efficacy and PGB > DLX > OXC for safety.

Conclusion:

In evaluating medications for DPN against placebo, GBP and OXC demonstrated the highest effectiveness while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
The effect of flowable composite and glass ionomer liner on the marginal integrity of class II composite resin restorations
Authors: Abdelsamie Esraa Ahmed , Abdalla Ali I. , Salama Mirvat M.
Published: July 2024

Aim of the study

To evaluate the effect of flowable composite and glass ionomer liner on the marginal integrity of Class II composite resin restorations.

Materials and methods

A total of thirty non-carious human maxillary molar teeth were mounted in acrylic blocks. Simple Class II cavity with parallel walls was prepared. The cervical margin was established 1.5 mm above the cemento- enamel junction. The overall dimensions and depth of the cavities were standardized as follow: 4 mm length occlusocervically, 4 mm width buccolingulaly and 2 mm depth axially. Specimens were randomly divided into three equal groups (10 each). Group 1: The cavities were restored with Xtra Fil bulk fill composite without liner. Group 2: Xtra base flowable composite (1 mm thickness) was applied, followed by Xtra Fil bulk fill. Group 3: Ionoseal glass ionomer was applied as a base (1 mm thickness), followed by Xtra Fil bulk. Specimens were then subjected to 500 thermal cycles from 5 to 55oC with 30 s dwell time, and 15 s transfer time. Impressions of the teeth were made using a polyvinyl siloxane material, poured with epoxy resin. These replicas were left 24 h for complete setting. Then, Gold sputtered to be examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results were expressed as percentage of open margins for the total margin length for proximal and cervical margins and also the width of the gap were measured. The recorded data was collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results

It was found that there was a significant difference in total gap length between group 1 and group 2 with P value = 0.000. Where group 1 has the biggest marginal gap length and the smallest marginal gap length belongs to Group 2. While there was no significant difference between group 1 and group 3 with P value 0.124. It was also found that there was no significant difference between groups in marginal gap widths.

Conclusions

The use of flowable composite and glass ionomer as liner could reduce microleakage of bulkfill composite restorations.
Mitigating Adversarial Reconnaissance in IoT Anomaly Detection Systems: A Moving Target Defense Approach based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Osei Arnold , Al Mtawa Yaser , Halabi Talal
Published: July 2024

The machine learning (ML) community has extensively studied adversarial threats on learning-based systems, emphasizing the need to address the potential compromise of anomaly-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) through adversarial attacks. On the other hand, investigating the use of moving target defense (MTD) mechanisms in Internet of Things (IoT) networks is ongoing research, with unfathomable potential to equip IoT devices and networks with the ability to fend off cyber attacks despite their computational deficiencies. In this paper, we propose a game-theoretic model of MTD to render the configuration and deployment of anomaly-based IDS more dynamic through diversification of feature training in order to minimize successful reconnaissance on ML-based IDS. We then solve the MTD problem using a reinforcement learning method to generate the optimal shifting policy within the network without a prior network transition model. The state-of-the-art ToN-IoT dataset is investigated for feasibility to implement the feature-based MTD approach. The overall performance of the proposed MTD-based IDS is compared to a conventional IDS by analyzing the accuracy curve for varying attacker success rates. Our approach has proven effective in increasing the resilience of the IDS against adversarial learning.
On the finitary content of Dykstra’s cyclic projections algorithm
Authors: Pinto Pedro
Published: July 2024

We study the asymptotic behaviour of the well-known Dykstra’s algorithm. We provide an elementary proof for the convergence of Dykstra’s algorithm in which the standard argument is stripped to its central features and where the original compactness principles are circumvented, additionally providing highly uniform computable rates of metastability in a fully general setting. Moreover, under an additional assumption, we are even able to obtain effective general rates of convergence. We argue that such an additional condition is actually necessary for the existence of general uniform rates of convergence.
culto y lo oculto. El rol de lo vernáculo en la historia de la arquitectura chilena
Authors: González-Carrasco Diego Andrés
Published: July 2024

El siguiente artículo analiza –desde un punto de vista teórico a través de un trabajo de revisión y análisis de fuentes impresas– el discurso oficial de la historia de la arquitectura en Chile. Se confrontan los referentes construidos aceptados formalmente por la disciplina con aquellos otros ejemplos que suelen ser ignorados u ocultados y que forman parte del patrimonio vernáculo nacional construido, particularmente aquel de los pueblos originarios. Se argumentará por qué dicho patrimonio debiese ser considerado dentro de lo que se denomina la historia de la arquitectura oficial o culta, relevando y visibilizando estas evidencias construidas vernáculas, al mismo tiempo de contribuir con el enriquecimiento e inclusión de la pertinencia cultural en los referentes arquitectónicos utilizados en la discusión disciplinar.
Reconocimiento asimétrico, conflicto y justicia contextual: diálogos entre el norte y el sur global
Authors: Salas-Astraín Ricardo , Balbontín-Gallo Cristóbal
Published: July 2024

En estricto rigor, el presente dosier enmarcado en el trabajo de la Red Norte-Sur de Teoría Crítica no constituye una completa novedad. En efecto, la presente selección de trabajos nace en continuidad con un dosier anterior: “Reconocimiento y don en la actual filosofía social francesa”, aparecido en el volumen 4, número 1 del año 2021 de esta misma revista. Así, este segundo dosier debería ser leído como una continuidad y profundización de las hipótesis que el primero movilizaba, a saber: la elaboración por parte de la filosofía social francesa de una teoría del reconocimiento a partir de …
Colonialismo, diálogo intercultural y reconciliación: controversias entre James Tully y Glen Coulthard
Authors: MacAdoo-Espinoza Andrés
Published: July 2024

El presente artículo tiene como propósito profundizar en los conceptos más destacados de James Tully y Glen Coulthard respecto del colonialismo, la descolonización, y la identidad indígena. Mediante un análisis comparativo de las obras de ambos autores, se repasan los nudos teóricos y puntos de discusión más relevantes para la actual discusión acerca de la interculturalidad y la descolonización. En una primera parte se analizan las distintas perspectivas sobre el colonialismo, y en la segunda, sus propuestas respecto de la descolonización. Si bien ambos convergen en varios aspectos, la divergencia de los diagnósticos de ambos autores los lleva a desarrollar en algunos pasajes análisis contrapuestos. En la tercera parte, una vez se repasan las controversias sobre la reconciliación y la dialéctica del amo y del esclavo, se concluye sobre la importancia de profundizar en el interjuego de los efectos de reconocimiento institucional y la producción de subjetividades indígenas en el contexto de las estructuras políticas estatales.
Enrique Dussel y el reconocimiento crítico del Otro: liberación e interculturalidad
Authors: Levine Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

El presente artículo intenta mostrar cómo la crítica de la idea hegeliana de reconocimiento desempeña un papel central en la filosofía de la liberación de Enrique Dussel. El texto comienza mostrando cómo Dussel se encontró con la riqueza y los límites del pensamiento levinasiano sobre el reconocimiento. Siguiendo los pasos de Levinas, Dussel argumenta sobre la fecundidad ética y política de un reconocimiento asimétrico y no recíproco de la alteridad radical. Este reconocimiento específico es el verdadero motor del método analéctico propio de la Filosofía dusseliana de la liberación. Recordando los principales puntos de su debate con Axel Honneth, el artículo muestra, entonces, que la Ética de la Liberación (1998) y la Política de la Liberación (2007) dan prioridad a un reconocimiento a la vez material, formal y “factible” de los Otros excluidos y oprimidos. Este reconocimiento crítico se concretiza en la lucha política por la dignidad de los diversos movimientos sociales o frentes de liberación tanto en el Sur como en el Norte, y en el diálogo intercultural hacia una transmodernidad pluriversal.