bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Country of Origin Association With Value-Led Fashion Retailer E-Servicescapes
Authors: Rashid Arooj , Kent Anthony
Published: July 2023

This chapter outlines and explores how consumers access the e-servicescape of online value-led fashion retailers and form country of origin perceptions. The focus is on online fashion virtual environment, branding, and country of origin perceptions. The development of online fashion retailers is described, as is how consumers associate with country of origin when evaluating fashion retail websites. The chapter further discusses country of origin for several online value retail brand settings. It uses case studies to set the scene. Finally, the chapter presents the critical implications of the research and offers some recommendations.
Key Drivers Influencing Airport Development Strategy as National Gateways
Authors: Dimitriou Dimitrios
Published: July 2023

The scope of this chapter is to investigate and present the main business streams related with nation branding for the sector of transportation, with a special focus on international mobility and cargo flows, such as the airports. By a systemic approach, the linkage of nation brand for the development of international business is depicted, providing a coherent overview of the linkage of nation branding with airports asset value and the opportunities to attract multinational enterprises and international commerce brands. The key assets impacted by the national branding added value are analyzed. The analysis is based on the breakdown of the activities attracted at airports, especially non-aeronautical activities where the public interest for investment and development is high. The case study is focused on European airports located in the Mediterranean region, serving popular tourist destinations, where the concept of airport nation gateway is adopted, widely.
Transforming a Country Through Effective Nation Branding
Authors: Naidoo Vannie
Published: July 2023

Countries today invest in nation branding as a means to effectively position their country in the world as a possible investment and tourism destination. South Africa is no different; it has a unique history of a past apartheid regime. Under the apartheid regime, South Africa had sanctions inflicted on it, making it an unpopular state for investments and tourism. Once the new democratic South Africa emerged, the country had to show the world how it has transformed as a premier destination for investment, economic development, and tourism. The role of nation branding is therefore crucial to the economic sustainability of a country. In Africa the South African brand is synonymous with democracy, freedom, and infrastructural growth. These are very favorable to a developing nation's brand.
Children and Spirituality
Authors: Hyde Brendan
Published: July 2023

Neoliberal school reform agendas have served to create a culture of performativity in which learners' success is measured in terms of how well they perform against sets of externally prescribed educational standards. In response, this chapter proposes the notion of a rights-respecting curriculum to nurture and promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of learners in the classroom. Such a curriculum assists learners to develop the skills and qualities of collaboration, social responsibility, empathy, and creativity. These qualities reflect the notions of connectedness and relationality, both of which are key elements in the descriptions of spirituality found in academic literature. Some examples of ways in which rights-respecting curricula might nurture and promote the spirituality of learners in the classroom honor learners' ontological and innate spirituality, and which place worth and value on these learners as people, rather than on their ability to attain particular standards.
The Kinship Worldview
Authors: Topa (Four Arrows aka Don Trent Jacobs) Wahinkpe , Jacobs Jessica London
Published: July 2023

In this chapter, the authors introduce some Indigenous worldview precepts as a way to define and bring forth spirituality in education. Then the authors use a fictional story about two young children who find a mysterious letter from Indigenous spirits that seems to be responding to their recent complaints about their schooling. It emphasizes the importance of constantly recognizing and respecting the many reciprocal relationships in one's life, including those other than human ones. The authors show how Indigenous worldview precepts are a foundation for interconnectedness, experiential learning, playfulness, and responsible relationships that emphasize place and non-human life. The authors propose that such a spiritual orientation is generally lacking in schools that operate primarily from dominant worldview perspectives, and recommend that, while the worldview precepts can and should be brought into mainstream schools, a “no-school” approach has a better chance of bringing spirituality into education.
The Spiritual Dimensions of Coping for Preservice Teachers
Authors: McDowell Amy , Kenreich Todd W. , Conley Brenda , Christenson LeaAnn
Published: July 2023

This chapter describes an empirical study of preservice teachers' coping and spiritual practices. Compared with workers in other fields, teachers report higher levels of workplace stress, but they also rate their work as highly meaningful. To explore preservice teachers' coping and spiritual practices, a survey was conducted with preservice teachers from a university in the United States. While preservice teacher coping strategies spanned a wide range of practices including hobbies, professional therapy, and medication, their spiritual practices were categorized as follows: 1) meditation, 2) faith and prayer, 3) maintenance of social ties, 4) care for the body, 5) communion with nature, and 6) reflection on one's sense of purpose. The chapter closes with implications for teacher educators and school leaders as well as directions for future research. One implication for teacher educators is to strategically help future teachers stay anchored to their sense of purpose while equipping them with spiritual practices to cope with the stress and strain of working in schools.
Technology Integration in Mathematics to Promote Wellbeing of Learners During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Maqoqa Thabisa T.
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the effects of technology integration in mathematics teaching to promote wellbeing of learners during Covid-19. An interpretive approach together with face-to- face interviews were utilized to gather information from nine participants who teach grade ten mathematics from each of the three senior secondary schools in the OR Tambo Coastal District. The findings revealed that several teachers lacked the formal technology expertise required to embrace online learning successfully and found a dearth of learner connections while teaching online. It was also found out that there was a lack of access to technology. It is recommended that the department of basic education should ensure that all learners have the data card loaded with uncapped data for learning to run smoothly. It was advised that professional development programs be established to train teachers in the design, use, and application of ICT technologies for online teaching.
Strategies for Motivating Learners to Complete the General Education and Training Certificate Level 1 in South Africa
Authors: Setlhodi Itumeleng I. , Moroe Motlagoiloe S.
Published: July 2023

The general education and training certificate: adult basic education and training provides learners with foundational learning through the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed for social and economic development and the promotion of justice and equality. However, national statistics show that the number of learners who enroll for the programme exceeds those who complete it. The qualitative study was conducted to explore strategies that can be used to motivate adult learners to complete the GETC: ABET. Interactive individual and focus interviews (=35) led to findings indicating that interventions used by teachers to encourage learners to complete their studies, and support given, minimise, or eliminate barriers against completing the programme. Thereupon, the Department of Higher Education and Training has an opportunity to strengthen the teachers' stratagems in ensuring that more learners complete the programme. Accordingly, this chapter proposes strategies found to be essential in this study, for consideration by community colleges.
Corporate Governance
Authors: Altamirano Michael Anibal , Sloley Ameil A.
Published: July 2023

Corporate governance is a system of controlled activities that act as a form of stewardship for organizations. Governance is represented by a board of directors, which balance the interest of stakeholders and company performance through the evaluation of internal processes such as organizational mission and vision, establishing core values, review of strategic planning process, assessment of organizational policies, hiring and compensation of senior executives, promoting diversity and inclusion, appraisal of executive leadership performance, and self-governance. Boards operate autonomously as they uphold their fiduciary obligations to the company and monitor and control corporate accountabilities. For boards to be effective, they should adhere to the highest standards of integrity while being objective in the delegation of their duties. This chapter offers a perspective of corporate governance and its relative relation, the strategic planning process, while explaining the complexity of organizational boards of directors.
Institutionalisation of Sustainability
Authors: Barrena-Martínez Jesús , López-Fernández Macarena , Romero-Fernández Pedro M. , Ruiz-Rodriguez Margarita
Published: July 2023

Contributing to sustainability no longer remains an optional activity. Institutional pressures exert a major influence on organisations towards the adoption of sustainability. However, the literature shows how these pressures are necessary but remain insufficient. This chapter focuses on how there is a certain organisational discretion regarding the refusal to merely conform by going further than strictly required (strategic commitment to sustainability). In this respect, the human resources (HR) manager acquires a crucial role in this process as an institutional entrepreneur. A qualitative study is also carried out with which it is intended to understand this process of institutionalisation in a real case study. The results of the interview with the HR manager show the proactivity acquired on assuming the role of institutional entrepreneur: an aspect that has favoured not only the awareness and institutionalisation of sustainability at a strategic level, but also the culture, processes, practices, and services that include this management philosophy.
Organizational Opportunities Through Digital and Social Media Marketing
Authors: Reddy K. Pradeep , Chandu Venkateswarlu , Shifaly B. , Likhitkar Bhavana , Gangula Amala
Published: July 2023

The internet and social-media have altered customer behaviour as well as the methods in which businesses operate. Organizations may benefit from digital and social-media marketing (DSMM) by lowering expenses, increasing brand-recognition, and increasing revenues. However, poor electronic word-of-mouth as well as obtrusive and unpleasant online-brand presence poses substantial obstacles. This chapter brings together the aggregate wisdom of various renowned experts on DSMM concerns. This study provides a significant and prompt contribution to both practitioners and investigators in the context of issues and challenges, highlighting the shortcomings of the existing research, identifying research gaps, and developing questions and propositions that can help promote knowledge in the area of DSMM promotions.
Competing Across National Borders
Authors: Gono Sinfree
Published: July 2023

Firms are epitomised as complex structural variables moulded by their environments, capabilities, and resources. For cross-border firms whose existence is typified by researchers as ‘global commons' may no longer be governed by the rule of law but by their degree of geographical spread. These firms leverage their resources, experiences, and capabilities to access global markets beyond the comfort of local environments. This chapter focusses on firms foraying into international markets hence gives us an insight into their attempts at exploiting market power, accessing resources, and overcoming limitations of the home market by developing strategies that overcome the complexities of operating in a foreign market. The existence of institutional variations in these contexts call for a different set of capabilities and strategies that reside outside the firm's repertoire. Any failures by firm managers to understand the complexity of global markets and “raison d'être” of their internationalising will have wider strategic implications.
Augmenting Performance Through Strategic Management and Leadership Capabilities
Authors: Haba Herman Fassou , Dastane Omkar , Rafiq Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) suffer persistent challenges due to global market competition, time limits to respond strategically, talent retention, productivity, and uncompetitive operational expenses. Enhancing employee performance (EP) then becomes critical in defining SME success. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of strategic management (SM) and leadership capabilities (LC) on EP and recommend solutions to improve EP. The function of employee engagement (EE) as a mediator between interactions involving LC, SM, and EP is also investigated. A quantitative research method was employed by collecting empirical data of employees working with Malaysian SMEs. Analysis including reliability and normality assessments, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling with AMOS 22 were carried out. According to the data, SM exerts a positive and substantial impact on EP. In the context of Malaysian SMEs, the novel findings provide a strong reason for the use of SM, emphasising the need to strengthen managers' knowledge in SM capabilities.
Types of Social Capital in the Context of Company Managers
Authors: Aricioğlu Mustafa Atilla , Ertuğrul Yunus Emre
Published: July 2023

In the research, data were obtained from 200 different senior managers. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that the attitudes of senior managers in Türkiye, the general level of trust similar to the general structure in Türkiye, and the rate of civic participation are low. In this respect, in the context of weak and strong ties, which is the first type of social capital, it is seen that senior managers in Türkiye have weak and strong ties at a low level. Finally, it was concluded that senior managers in Türkiye are higher than all other types of social capital in terms of structural social capital based on the existence of network structures between individuals and conceptual social capital, which is a more abstract part of social capital and is representative of trust, norms, and common discourses.
New Normal HEI
Authors: Shawyun Teay , Wattanasap Somkiat
Published: July 2023

Existential crises question the organization's readiness to withstand uncertainties. Geopolitics and natural disruptions have changed human behavior into a “new normal.” In improving business continuity, HEIs must strategically deal with operating models, resilience, and agility and be better prepared for disruptions. Typical HEI reactions of online home TLR lack addressing the human capacity/capability needs, technologies/infrastructure, academic/student services support, and TLR evaluation/assessments that cover the HEI broader approach of education values, systems, mechanisms and pedagogies, and student outcomes assurance. It includes HEI human, infor, and organizational capital capacities and capabilities of these systems. Being resilient and agile calls for faster decision-making focused on HEI priorities. This chapter addresses the HEI strategic readiness through a strategic organizational readiness model (SORM) managing the HEI organization readiness. The SORM evolves around the HEI six thematic systems, with resilience and agility as vital analytical and assessment parameters.
The Impact of Digital Media on Urban Discourse
Authors: Damurski Lukasz , Arena Virginia , Drijfhout Yannick , Mendez Carlos , Pach Paweł , Piskorek Kasia
Published: July 2023

The media plays a crucial role in disseminating public information. This holds particular significance in urban contexts where it is vital for citizens to be informed about local issues as an integral element of urban discourse in the public sphere. With the growth of digital media, concerns about the quality of media content are increasing. This study investigates media perspectives on the quality of urban discourse, drawing on interviews with 51 journalists across four countries (Ireland, Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom). The findings underscore the immense potential of local journalism in shaping interactions between local government and citizens. While digital media has led to an explosion of content availability, it also poses challenges in providing reliable information to citizens. The study reviews these challenges and proposes solutions to enhance the quality of urban discourse.
Pathergy-like reaction induced by laser hair removal in a patient with Behçet disease
Authors: Nicolau R. , Martins Rocha T. , Costa L.
Published: July 2023

Behçet disease (BD) is a rare systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, primarily characterized by recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions. Pathergy test positivity is a nonspecific inflammatory response of the skin to trauma and supports the diagnosis. Recently, new inducers of pathergy reactions have been identified, for example, the placement of dental braces and laser hair removal. Our clinical case highlights the importance of thinking about this potential pathergy inducer in BD patients, to improve their quality of life and avoid complications.
Retention rate of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, anti-interleukin 17, and anti-interleukin 12/23 drugs in a single-center cohort of psoriatic arthritis patients
Authors: Ferrito M. , Cincinelli G. , Manara M. , Di Taranto R. , Favalli E.G. , Caporali R.
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) survival in several therapy courses of patients affected by psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to compare tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and non-TNFi retention rates. A total of 241 bDMARD therapy courses (155 TNFi drugs, 65 anti-interleukin (IL)-17 drugs, and 21 anti-IL12/23) were analyzed. Bivariate analyses were performed to assess the presence of demographic and clinical features, as well as comorbidities, associated with bDMARD discontinuation in TNFi and non-TNFi groups. In the bivariate analyses of TNFi and non-TNFi groups, we found a lower age at the start of TNFi therapy in the former group [46 years, interquartile range (IQR) 45-54 vs 50.5 years, IQR 42-61; p=0.004] as well as a lower proportion of patients with skin psoriasis (65.8% vs 88.4%; p<0.001). Survival analysis showed no significant differences between TNFi and non-TNFi groups. Cox regression found fibromyalgia as a predictor of drug failure [hazard ratio (HR) 3.40, confidence interval (CI) 1.92-6.03; p<0.001] and first-line bDMARDs as a protective factor (HR 0.46, CI 0.25-0.88; p=0.019). Lastly, among TNFi courses, fibromyalgia was associated with drug suspension (HR 6.52, CI 3.16-13.46; p<0.001), while only a trend of significance for skin psoriasis as a risk factor for drug failure was shown (HR 2.38, CI 1.00-5.66, p=0.05). This study provides information about clinical and demographic factors associated with retention rates of bDMARDs from a real-life, single-center cohort of PsA patients.
Macrophage activation syndrome in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus undergoing cyclophosphamide treatment: a case report
Authors: Fioravante da Silveira L. , Zago A. , Zanchet D. , Chemello D.
Published: July 2023

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a disorder related to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and is a life-threatening complication of rheumatic diseases. The diagnosis is challenging because MAS symptoms are quite similar to those of many active autoimmune diseases or severe sepsis. We describe the case of a female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus that presented with symptoms suggesting acute decompensation of autoimmune disease and sepsis. She was later diagnosed with MAS. Despite an aggressive immunosuppressive treatment, she developed a fatal outcome.
Eating Disorder Risk and Pathogenic Behaviors Among Collegiate Student-Athletes
Authors: Torres-McGehee Toni M. , Uriegas Nancy A. , Hauge Madison , Monsma Eva V. , Emerson Dawn M. , Smith Allison B.
Published: July 2023

Context

Eating disorders (EDs) are a cluster of behavioral conditions characterized by uneasy thoughts and behaviors that grow into severe or persistent eating disturbances. The demands on student-athletes may create mental and physical stressors that increase the likelihood of EDs and disordered eating.

Objective

To examine the ED risk through eating attitudes and behaviors in male and female student-athletes and across various sport types (endurance, aesthetic, power, ball or team, or technical sports).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Collegiate athletics.

Patients or Other Participants

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and II student-athletes (n = 2054; males = 631; females = 1423) from 40 institutions.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Participants completed a web-based demographic survey and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Multiple χ2 analyses examined participants classified as at risk for EDs. Independent-samples t tests and a 1-way analyses of variance compared sex and sport type across EAT-26 totals and subscale (Dieting, Bulimia, and Oral Control) scores.

Results

Overall, 25.3% (n = 520/2054) of student-athletes were classified as at risk for EDs. Differences were found between sex and ED risk (χ21,2054 = 32.9, P ≤ .01; 17.3% [n = 109/631] males, 28.9% [n = 411/1423] females) and across ED risk and sport type (χ24,2054 = 13.4, P = .01). When examining females only, we observed differences across ED risk and sport type (χ24,1423 = 13.4, P ≤ .01). No differences were evident across ED risk and sport type for males. Differences were seen between sex and binge eating (χ21,2054 = 6.8, P = .009), sex and diet pill use (χ21,2054 = 19.6, P ≤ .01), and sport type and diet pill use (χ24,2054= 12.2, P = .016), excessive exercise (χ24,2054 = 32.1, P ≤ .01), and losing more than 20 lb (9 kg) in the last 6 months (χ24,2054 = 10.2, P ≤ .037).

Conclusions

Student-athletes in the collegiate setting are at risk for EDs. Medical professionals, such as athletic trainers, need to be educated on the potential risk factors that may lead to EDs. Protocols for prevention, screening and recognition, and referral should be developed for student-athletes at risk for EDs.
Prognostic Significance of Intramural and Extramural Lymphovascular Invasion in Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Amritha P. S. , Mallya Varuna , Khurana Nita , Lal Pawanindra
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Evaluation of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) may help to predict the metastatic potential and identify patients with aggressive tumor. Such patients may benefit from adjuvant therapy, hence improving their survival and disease-free outcome.

Aims and Objectives:

To identify LVI in cases of CRC and classify them as intramural and extramural and find its correlation with parameters such as tumor volume, location, growth pattern, histological type, grade, tumor budding, stage, and nodal metastasis.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2020 at a tertiary care hospital, New Delhi, which included 27 cases of CRC. Demographic and perioperative data were collected. LVI identified on H and E, further differentiated into intramural and extramural and correlated with clinicopathological data.

Observation and Results:

About 70.3% of cases showed the presence of LVI. A statistically significant association between intramural and extramural LVI and nodal metastasis was identified. A statistically significant association was also noted between extramural LVI and staging.

Conclusion:

LVI is an independent predictor of recurrence and silent metastasis in many cancers, especially colorectal cancer. It is a cost-effective and simple method. The result of the present study adds on to the growing literature on the significance of LVI in CRC. However, more work needs to be done with a large sample size to fulfill the limitations.
Comparative Study of Open Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy versus Closed Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy in Fissure in Ano
Authors: Pathak Amogh , Dikshit Bharat , Mohite Saurabh , Phalgune Deepak
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Among many treatment modalities for a chronic anal fissure, lateral internal sphincterotomy remains the first line of treatment. It is performed by the closed and open methods. Until now, no definitive guidelines have been shown on the choice of open or closed technique for performing lateral internal sphincterotomy. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcome of open and closed techniques of lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of anal fissure.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety patients aged between 20 and 75 years were included in this single-blind randomized controlled study. Group A patients underwent open lateral internal sphincterotomy (OLIS), whereas Group B patients underwent closed lateral internal sphincterotomy (CLIS). The primary outcome measure was the healing of fissure, whereas secondary outcome measures were severity of pain by the Visual Analog Scale score and per rectal bleed postoperatively. The intergroup comparison of categorical and continuous variables was done using the Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test and unpaired t-test, respectively.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the OLIS and CLIS groups in relation to the severity of the postoperative pain, postoperative per rectal bleeding, and the healing of fissure on direct rectal examination.

Conclusions:

There was no difference between OLIS and CLIS in fissure-in-ano with respect to surgical outcome.
Anorectal Symptom Severity and Quality of Life Questionnaire: Development and Validation of a New Assessment Tool in Hindi Language in Patients Suffering from Piles
Authors: Koley Munmun , Kumar Ratnesh , Vimal Vinod Kumar , Verma Arvind Kumar , Saha Subhranil
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Context:

To date, no questionnaire is available to measure the impact of piles on quality of life (QoL).

Aims:

We aimed to develop so and examine its cross-cultural adaptability considering linguistic equivalence.

Study Design:

A mixed method approach was taken. The Anorectal Symptom Severity and Quality of Life (ARSSQoL) Questionnaire English version was developed through Delphi technique initially. The questionnaire consisted of 16 items. Subsequently, the Hindi version was produced by standardized forward– backward translations. The psychometric properties were tested after gathering responses through a cross-sectional study at State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Patients and Methods:

Data were obtained from 258 patients suffering from piles through consecutive sampling.

Statistical Analysis:

Psychometric analysis was run to examine its factor structure, validity, and reliability. Construct validity was examined by exploratory factor analysis (n = 129) using principal component analysis (varimax rotation). Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 129) was performed to verify model fit. Reliability was examined using internal consistency (n = 258).

Results:

The overall internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s a and intra-class correlation coefficient: 0.823; 95% confidence interval: 0.790–0.853). Concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity was acceptable. Test–retest reliability (P > 0.05) was satisfactory. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (0.790) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (Chi-square = 644.228, P < 0.001) suggested sample adequacy. In factor analysis, all the items loaded above the prespecified value of 0.4 and identified three components (psychological impact, symptom severity, and concern) and two isolated items (bleeding per rectum and itching in anus) explaining 63% of variation. The goodness of fit in CFA model was acceptable (Chi-square: 163.201, P < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.806, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.762, root mean square error of approximation = 0.097, standardized root mean square residual = 0.106).

Conclusions:

The ARSSQoL Hindi consisting of 16 items and framed within 3 components and 2 isolated items appeared as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the impact of piles on QoL. Translation into other languages, cross-cultural adaptation, and formal validation are warranted.
Investigating Air Pollutant Trends Based on Temporal Air Quality Indexes in Karaj, Iran, during 2012 − 2018
Authors: Noorisepehr Mohammad , Vosoughi Mehdi , Chavoshani Afsane , Eskandari Zahra
Published: July 2023

Aim:

Due to the importance of the relationship between air pollutants and the incidence of many diseases in polluted cities, in this study, we collected the data related to yearly, seasonally, monthly, daily, and hourly concentrations of particulate matter (PM) 2.5, PM10, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) recorded at four monitoring stations across Karaj city, Iran, to investigate the air pollutant trends based on air quality indexes (AQIs) in the city during 2012–2018.

Materials and Methods:

The correlations between PMs and gaseous pollutants were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The concentrations of air pollutants indexes including O3, NO2, SO2, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 were recorded in four air pollution monitoring stations in Karaj obtained from the monitoring system of the environment department. Then, the data were analyzed using SPSS and Graph pad softwares.

Results:

The findings showed that in 20%–40% and 1%–5% of days during 2012–2018, higher concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were experienced than the national standard (NS) concentration, respectively. Furthermore, during this time, 0.3%–0.9% of days indicated the higher concentrations of CO and SO2 than the NS, respectively. Although the daily concentration of NO2 was lower than NS, 0.5%–5% of days were exposed to the higher concentration of O3 than NS. SO2 concentration showed a negative and positive correlation with PM10 (r = −0.69, P = 0.013) and O3(r = 0.58, P = 0.03), respectively.

Conclusion:

These results indicated that Karaj AQI was moderate and the most problem with air quality in Karaj city was attributed to the PM2.5 concentrations. To reduce health disorders related to this pollutant, it is necessary to control PM2.5 sources and sensitive groups should reduce outdoor activities.
Control Strategy of Diesel Engine Hybrid Starter
System
Authors: Abouzaid M. A. , Bahgat M. E. , Watany M. , Abd Elhafiz Mohamed M.
Published: July 2023

This article presents, a prototype to control a duel starting system for diesel
engines. A pneumatic starter has been proposed as an additional choice for the
engine starting system to overcome the conventional starting system fail,
especially on the faraway roads. Starting management between pneumatic and
electric starting systems has been controlled by an electronic control unit
(ECU) based on air pressure levels. The automatic controller hardware is
automated using the Automation Studio program and then controllers were
assembled and programmed to build ECU. MATLAB/SIMULINK software have been used
to investigate the performance of both electric and pneumatic starting systems
to assess the proposed pneumatic starter. In conclusion, the battery life can be
increased, and the size, mass, and battery capacity can be reduced.
El Salvador's Drug Experience in Mexico
Authors: Gupta Liza
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the potential for a comparable agreement in Mexico. In order to comprehend the viability of implementing El Salvador's experience, to determine whether negotiations or a violent approach has been effective in containing cartel violence. To check if there are any similarities between El Salvador's drug trafficking organizations and gangs. Mexico's drug cartels by gaining an understanding of both nations' landscapes. There is no hope of eliminating violence in these countries through violent means. Further divisions and the emergence of other, more aggressive organizations would follow. In the event of a civil war between cartels and states, highly trained security forces would be required to operate in a variety of terrains, such as deserts, jungles, and metropolitan areas.
A vida imita a arte: aproximações entre Geografia e Literatura no romance Julieta, Coisa e Tal
Authors: Azevedo Ana Carolina Nunes de , Vargas Maria Augusta Mundim
Published: July 2023

O texto dá ênfase às aproximações entre Geografia e Literatura motivadas pela análise das relações espaciais empreendidas no romance Julieta, Coisa e tal, escrito por Osmar Rodrigues Marques, ambientado na cidade maranhense de Caxias nos anos 1970/80. As aproximações foram conduzidas por levantamentos de documentos históricos sobre Caxias e o autor e pelo percurso etnogeográfico realizado nos lugares referenciados no romance e ancoradas em diálogos profícuos com autores dedicados aos liames entre a Geografia e a Literatura. O autor traz o cotidiano de um prostíbulo, o que nos fez entender que o espaço vivido na literatura é atuante na construção do imaginário, possibilitando apreender a construção do sentimento de pertencimento ao lugar.
HINTS TOWARD COSMOLOGY: THE NEED FOR COSMOLOGY IN PEIRCE’S PHILOSOPHY
Authors: Brioschi Maria Regina
Published: July 2023

The aim of the present paper is to show the need for cosmology in Peirce’s thought. To reach this goal, I first clarify Peirce’s definition of cosmology and its place in the classification of the sciences. Then, I shed slight on the entailment of cosmology in Peirce’s understanding of metaphysics and of logic, and I elucidate these connections in view of Synechism. Finally, in the light of the results achieved through the analysis, I provide a summarily description of Peirce’s cosmology, far from the common interpretation of it.
C.S. PEIRCE’S COSMOGONIC PHILOSOPHY OF EMERGENT EVOLUTION: DERIVING SOMETHING FROM NOTHING
Authors: Rose Philip
Published: July 2023

Peirce’s cosmogonic philosophy of Nature represents a radical rethinking of the idea of emergence, replacing the traditional metaphysics of mechanism that was dominant within the science of the day with the idea of a chance world as the base or grounding condition of the general order of Nature. The result is a novel and potentially revolutionary account of emergent evolution that sees both the conditions of mechanism and generalized conformity to law as emergent conditions that come into being through evolutionary processes operating at a cosmological scale. By grounding evolutionary cosmogony in the idea of chance Peirce’s philosophy of Nature represents a radical and important departure from much of the emergentist tradition. Most importantly, it offers the groundwork for a general theory of emergence that would see emergent phenomena as generally predictable and explicable part of the general order of Nature as such.
RELIGIOSIDAD EN UN CONTEXTO SECULAR
Authors: Aznar Francisco Javier
Published: July 2023

La religión parece presentarse en franco declive en nuestras sociedades modernas. No en vano, numerosos sociólogos vaticinaron el fin de la religión en favor de la ciencia y el saber técnico. No obstante, tales profecías no solo no parecen cumplirse, sino que la actualidad presenta un resurgir de la espiritualidad y la religión en lugares que no se esperaba y como respuesta al hastío de tanto materialismo. Así lo atestiguan sociólogos de contrastada experiencia y que parecen indicar que la tan aplaudida tesis de la secularización posee más de ideología que de realidad social. Atendemos pues en este artículo a tal situación con el fin de comprender mejor qué es lo que está ocurriendo en las modernas sociedades que parecen tenerlo todo y, en cambio, carecen de aspectos importantes como el sentido que guía una existencia.
SILENCIO TECNOLÓGICO
Authors: Marcos Alfredo
Published: July 2023

Tenemos la sensación de que la tecnología nos resulta tan útil como peligrosa. Esta doble cara nos produce inquietud y desazón. De ahí derivan algunas prácticas que implican la renuncia total o parcial a ciertos modos tecnológicos. Dichas prácticas no siempre están dotadas de sentido y fundamentación suficientes. Constituyen, más bien, reacciones dispersas guiadas por sensaciones e intuiciones. En el otro polo, tenemos la obra de algunos pensadores que han reflexionado sobre la técnica. A partir de ahí, han enunciado valiosas recomendaciones que permanecen, no obstante, en un plano abstracto. Nuestra hipótesis es que la noción de silencio tecnológico puede funcionar como un puente entre la especulación filosófica y la praxis efectiva, dando a la primera concreción y a la segunda lucidez. Para probarlo presentaremos, en primer lugar, la propia noción de silencio tecnológico (sección 1), para, a continuación, relatar algunas prácticas contemporáneas orientadas a la reducción de lo tecnológico (sección 2). En un tercer a paso expondremos las recomendaciones de Heidegger y Kierkegaard sobre lo técnico (sección 3). Veremos, acto seguido, en qué sentido el silencio tecnológico puede ejercer aquí de puente entre filosofía y praxis (sección 4). Recogeremos, por último, lo obtenido en un resumen conclusivo (sección 5).
FENOMENOLOGÍA Y EUDAIMONÍA. LA BÚSQUEDA RACIONAL DE LA FELICIDAD EN LA ÉTICA DE EDMUND HUSSERL
Authors: Crespo Mariano
Published: July 2023

La reconstrucción sistemática y el análisis crítico de la teoría husserliana acerca de la felicidad y de su búsqueda no es tarea fácil. Ello se debe tanto a dificultades terminológicas como a la dispersión en las distintas obras del fundador del método fenomenológico. Este trabajo pretende presentar los elementos fundamentales de una teoría tal en el contexto de la teleología de la vida moral. La felicidad entendida como vida dichosa en su totalidad (seliges Gesamtleben) en la cual todas las intenciones –tanto las teóricas como las éticas– son cumplidas, satisfechas, constituye un ideal, inalcanzable de hecho, que guía la vida moral. Sin embargo, según Husserl, es posible acercarse, aunque sea asintóticamente, a dicha felicidad, una felicidad que también tiene una dimensión intersubjetiva que reside en el cumplimiento de los fines de una comunidad ética
La función de la analogía en el discurso de la revolución libertadora
Authors: Cortés Daniel Fabián
Published: July 2023

Se conoce como Revolución Libertadora al golpe militar que derrocó al presidente Juan Domingo Perón (Argentina,1955) poniendo fin a un gobierno constitucional con amplio apoyo popular. La matriz discursiva de los golpistas militares recurrió numerosas veces a la figura retórica-argumentativa de la analogía como forma persuasiva de establecer parangones con otros sucesos históricos de la historia argentina para legitimar la propia intervención, perpetuar una preexistente línea ideológica que recorre la historia del país y, a la vez, proyectarse en la posteridad como una interrupción de la democracia que se interpretara como razonable, válida y necesaria en el adoctrinamiento del pueblo argentino. Pero la analogía no fue una simple figura ocasional de adorno retórico o un recurso argumentativo más. Encuentra su fundamentación en el interdiscurso historiográfico contemporáneo (Spengler, Toynbee), que sostenía que, a través del tiempo, podía suscitarse cierta repetición de procesos históricos comparables bajo circunstancias históricas y estructuras sociales que fueran relativamente similares. Bajo este pretexto, los militares pretendieron establecer una continuidad y una identificación con las acciones de próceres y fundadores de la patria. Por su parte, otras regularidades discursivas del corpus investigado, como los abundantes paralelismos sintácticos, son también expresiones que coadyuvan a crear este efecto de coherencia en el imaginario social o bien que responden a un mismo esquema de pensamiento manifestado en diferentes niveles del lenguaje.
Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA): breve história para uma longa discussão.
Authors: Souza Fernandes Murilo Henrique de , Costa e Silca Ana Lucia
Published: July 2023

O Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) é uma condição geral que se caracteriza por baixa interatividade social, pouca habilidade comunicativa (tanto verbal quanto não verbal), comportamentos repetitivos e estereotipados, bem como um repertório mais restrito de interesses nas atividades propostas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi fazer uma busca teórica inicial, destacando as informações que se tem sobre o tema a fim de instigar discussões e reflexões sobre o autismo, a partir das informações e debates  presentes. A metodologia utilizada foi a revisão bibliográfica, com recorte dos artigos e dados entre os anos de 2012 e 2021, nas bases de dados como Scielo, BVS e CAPES, a fim de responder às seguintes inquietações: quais as causas do autismo; qual o tratamento  específico para pessoas com TEA e seus familiares; se autismo tem cura e como  investir em  políticas públicas para inclusão e equidade das pessoas com TEA. Os resultados apontam para a continuidade de estudos e discussões sobre o tema, com maior inclusão e equidade das pessoas com autismo e suas famílias e mais pesquisas sobre o tema, dentro do contexto brasileiro, uma vez que algumas questões ainda continuam sem respostas ou com insuficiência de dados que permitam o avanço na discussão sobre o tema.
A correlação dos níveis de colesterol e doenças cardiovasculares em idosos
Authors: Guimarães Rodrigues Iara , Vieira Débora , Moreira Vilaça Ana Júlia , Machado Borges Cecilia Cristina , Vecchini Martins Fabio , Carpim Oliveira Isadora , Sousa Silva Kamilla Teresa , Ferreira Paneago Livian
Published: July 2023

Introdução: O aumento da concentração de colesterol, primordialmente da lipoproteína de baixa de densidade (LDL), é considerado potencial fator de risco para doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Este presente artigo objetiva analisar a correlação entre níveis de colesterol lipoproteico (de baixa densidade) e eventos cardiovasculares em população idosa. Métodos: Consiste em revisão integrativa de literatura de estudos publicados e indexados no banco de dados da plataforma PubMed, em que os critérios de inclusão foram artigos disponíveis a partir do ano de 2018, gratuitos, nos idiomas inglês e português e que abordassem a temática da correlação entre o risco de doenças cardiovasculares e os níveis de colesterol. Resultados e Discussão: Apesar de alguns estudos prévios demonstrarem relação de até 50% de relação entre hipercolesterolemia as custas de LDL e eventos coronarianos, apenas um dos cinco estudos analisados demonstrou essa associação. Os outros, no entanto descartaram a possibilidade de altos níveis de colesterol LDL levarem a eventos cardiovasculares em idosos, como doença coronariana, insuficiência cardíaca e óbito de causa cardíaca. Isso está relacionado a diversos fatores, as características do colesterol, a concentração no vaso, assim como outras morbidades que altera as características vasculares. Conclusão: Outros fatores devem ser considerados nos desfechos cardiovasculares dos idosos, visto que apenas a hipercolesterolemia isolada não é preditor de risco isoladamente.
Frequency of psychiatric illnesses and opinion/vantage of patients attending neurology out-patient department
Authors: Nazia Nazir  , Maryam Khokhar  , Muhmmad Numan Akram  , Saadia Saleem  , Muhammad Naveed Alam  , Iqra Yousaf
Published: July 2023

Objective: To determine the Frequency of psychiatric illnesses in patients with neurological conditions, and to take their opinion about psychiatric disorders.
Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to August 30, 2021, at the Neurology Outpatient Department of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan, and comprised patients of either gender aged 12-70 years from among those visiting the outpatient clinic. Data was collected through interviews and the 41-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.
Results: Of the 201 patients, 160(79.6%) were females and 41(20.4%) were males. The overall mean age was 34.5+/-9.38 years. Primary neurological problem was headache 119(59.2%). Overall, 155(77.2%) patients met the criteria of psychiatric disorders; 55(27.4%) anxiety, 37(19.4%) had depressive disorder, 42(20.8%) mixed anxiety depressive disorder, and 19(9.5%) had other psychiatric illnesses. Also, 101(50.2%) patients lacked awareness about psychiatry illnesses, 35(17.4%) had fear of stigma, and 28(13.9%) had misconceptions.
Conclusion: The Frequency of psychiatric disorders among those visiting the neurology outpatient department was high, and was associated with negative views about such illnesses.
Key Words: Comorbidity, Neurology outpatient, Psychiatric illness, Opinion.
An improvised approach for regaining mouth opening and managing tooth wear in oral sub-mucous fibrosis
Authors: Farhan Raza Khan  , Nazeer Muhammad Rizwan
Published: July 2023

This case report demonstrates the full mouth prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with generalised compensated tooth wear and oral sub-mucous fibrosis (OSMF). A 50-year-old female with advanced tooth wear and concomitant OSMF presented to the clinic. She was managed in a sequential manner using an occlusal splint, extractions of hopeless teeth, root canal treatment of strategically important teeth, surgical crown lengthening of abutment teeth, and dental implants to replace missing dentition, followed by crown and bridgework to rehabilitate the dentition. All procedures were done on the principles of re-organised occlusal intervention. The outcome was a functional dentition with an aesthetic smile and a satisfied patient. The regaining of mouth opening among OSMF subjects is a challenge.
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Application of new WHO classification on malignancies of sinonasal tract: correlation with epidemiology and survival in Pakistani population
Authors: Waseem Zainab , Mushtaq Sajid , Hassan Usman , Hussain Mudassar , Loya Asif , Hussain Raza , Jamshaid Arif
Published: July 2023

Objective: To analyse the clinicopathological characteristics of sinonasal malignancies in the light of the updates regarding head and neck tumours.
Method: The retrospective study was conducted at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised data of patients diagnosed with primary malignant tumours of the sinonasal tract between 2015 and 2020. Slides related to biopsies and resection specimens were retrieved from the institutional database and reviewed by two pathologists. Follow-up data was also obtained. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.
Results: Of the 245 samples, 144(58.7%) were epithelial tumours, 46(18.7%) neuroectodermal tumours, 41(16.7%) hematolymphoid tumours and 14(5.7%) were malignant soft tissue tumours. A heavy reliance was placed on immunohistochemical stains to diagnose poorly-differentiated tumuors. Survival was dismal, especially with early and frequent spread to the brain (33.3% in cases of Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma).
Conclusion: A wide array of sinonasal malignancies was seen. Updated knowledge of the malignancies prevalent in the region is imperative for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Key Words: Sinonasal tract, Squamous cell carcinoma, Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, NUT c, Survival, Pakistani.