bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defense diplomacy of Japan, China, and Russia in Southeast Asia: Strategies and tactics of implementation
Authors: Koldunova E. V.
Published: April 2024

The article undertakes a comparative analysis of strategies and forms of implementation of the defense diplomacy of Japan, China, and Russia in Southeast Asia. All the three above-mentioned countries seriously accelerated their defense ties with the states of the region in the 2010s both at the bilateral track and within the multilateral frameworks. The article focuses on Japan, China, and Russia due to the specifics of their relations with the region. All three countries have historical limitations in developing defense diplomacy in Southeast Asia. However, as this article argues, throughout the past decade, all the three have been actively emphasizing defense diplomacy as one of the pillars of their advancement in the region. There is a number of publications, in Russia and abroad, which study either bilateral forms of defense diplomacy or the activities of such ASEAN-centered regional institutions as the ASEAN Regional Forum, ADMM+, the ASEAN Expanded Maritime Forum, or externally generated frameworks like the Shangri-La Dialogue. However, up to nowadays, none of these publications undertook a comparative analysis of defense diplomacy strategies and tactics of Japan, China, and Russia. This article aims to bridge this analytical gap. Methodologically the article undertakes the comparative analysis of defense diplomacy of the three countries in question. The main parameters for comparison were the doctrinal frameworks of defense diplomacy (analysis of national security documents), case studies of the Southeast Asian states most important for the advancement of Japan, China, and Russia’s defense diplomacy and the instruments of defense diplomacy development at the bilateral (intergovernmental frameworks, military-technical cooperation, joint exercises, port calls, etc.) and multilateral levels (within ASEAN-centered institutions).
Seminar “Japan in the Asia Pacific Region”
Authors: Belov A. V. , Kireeva A. A. , Paksyutov G. D. , Mishchenko Ya. V.
Published: April 2024

On September 27, 2023, a seminar “Japan’s Economic Strategy in the Asia-Pacific Region” was held at MGIMO University. During the discussion, various issues related to the problems of Japan’s participation in the processes of international economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, infrastructure development projects, as well as the relationship between economic and political aspects of Japan’s regional strategy were analyzed. Special attention was paid to the Japanese concept of the Indo-Pacific region, the Japanese initiative “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure,” as well as the economic measures of the Japanese government aimed at containing China in the Asia-Pacific region. The publication offers a transcript of this seminar.
Natsume Sōseki’s address to the new generation of literary figures: The writer’s thoughts on literary movements
Authors: Selimov M.
Published: April 2024

This article analyzes two theoretical works by the writer Natsume Sōseki ( 夏目漱石, 1867–1916): the essay "Merits and Flaws of -isms" ( イズムの功過,  Izumu-no Kōka , 1910), in which Natsume Sōseki called on adherents of naturalism, prevalent in Japan in the early 20th century, not to view Japanese literature through the prisms of “isms” and to go beyond the boundaries set by them; and the writer’s lecture on literary theory titled “My Individualism” ( 私の個人主義,  Watakushi-no Kojinshugi, 1914). This lecture marked the culmination of the writer’s years-long theoretical inquiries, the most significant of which was his unsuccessful, as he later acknowledged, monograph “Theory of Literature” ( 文学論,  Bungakuron , 1907). However, Russian literary studies did not show any serious interest in Natsume Sōseki’s theoretical works, despite the fact that Natsume Sōseki’s thoughts on the appropriateness of using Western terminology to describe the works of Japanese artists are extremely intriguing. The writer insisted that literary theory should take into account the context of a particular culture rather than seek universal paths of development, resorting to typologies of literary development, etc. Natsume Sōseki became the first Japanese literary theorist  to  argue  that  ideological  and  artistic  trends  that  emerged  in  European  and American  cultures, bearing their imprint and conditioned by specific historical processes, cannot be transposed as a template onto Japanese soil simply because certain elements of Western artistic currents are evident in the works of Japanese writers. The present study raises the question of the value of studying Natsume Sōseki’s theoretical writings because they shed light on how he conceptualized, scientifically grasped the regularities, essence, and course of development of Japanese literature, being one of the most influential literary figures of the Meiji era (明治時代, 1868–1912).
From trade wars to political agreement: History of the EEC-Japan conflictive dialogue (1970–1991)
Authors: Chizhevskaya M. P.
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the relations between Japan and the European Economic Community (EEC) in the period of the 1970s–1980s. It explains how these relations shifted from fixation on trade issues to signing the Hague Declaration of 1991   – the first bilateral political agreement; why institutionalization of the relations between these two economic powers and, at the same time, US partners did not happen earlier. The author chose not to use traditional descriptive research method based on chronological ordering in favor of a logical method based on discovery of objective and subjective factors influencing EU-Japan relations. The Introduction includes research relevance, peculiarities of the relations between Japan and the European Economic Community as a supranational organization, and the chronological framework explanation. The main part of the article is divided into four parts. The first one focuses on the basic characteristics of the period, the reasons for trade frictions, their most notable examples being singled out. The second part is devoted to the classification of the methods which the European side used to settle disputes. Their measures are classified in two categories: the measures aimed at the limitation of the Japanese import and at the stimulation of the EEC export. The third part traces the reasons why both sides expressed little interest in establishing political partnership, as well as traces the first steps aimed at its promotion. The final part focuses on the Hague declaration and the reasons which made its signing possible. The Conclusion contains the main results of the research. The author proposes that the objective factors for slow development of the political dialogue were the absence of common political agenda, which can be explained by geographical remoteness of the actors; orientation of both actors at the US in the security sphere, which eliminated the need to establish new partnerships. Among the subjective factors are the European elites’ fixation on trade frictions, which harmed the expansion of the negotiations agenda, and the Japanese elites’ uncertainty about the EEC’s identity as a fully legitimate European actor. This uncertainty was gradually eliminated with successful expansion of the bloc and its political integration. The signing of the Hague declaration became a reality when both sides saw the necessity of creating a political institutional framework for the settlement of trade frictions on a regular and constructive basis.
The bear festival and the world of inau in Hokkaido as described by Matsuda Denjūrō 1799–1800 (Based on “Tales of the Northern Barbarians”)
Authors: Klimov A. V.
Published: April 2024

The  Manuscript  by  Matsuda  Denjūrō  松田伝十郎  (1769–1843)  "Tales  of  the  Northern Barbarians" (" Hokuidan ,”  北夷談) is a valuable source on the history of Russian-Japanese relations, the development by the Japanese of the northern territories inhabited by the Ainu, relations and barter between them and the Japanese. The written source consists of seven notebooks. We used the manuscript that is kept in the National Archives of Japan ( Kokuritsu K ōbunshokan,  国立公文書館), established in 1971. The material is posted on the official website of the archive. The time of its creation falls on the first years of the Bunsei  文政 era, which lasted from 1818 to 1831. It describes the events from 1799 to 1822 in chronological order, i.e., the events that occurred during the 24 years of Matsuda's service in the lands of the Ainu. The manuscript is written in cursive (Japanese: "grass writing," sōsho 草書). The second half of the first book of the "Stories" deals with the bear festival and the world of  inau . The text is accompanied by numerous sketches. Matsuda was probably one of the first who briefly described the festival and various inau , cult objects of the Ainu. For comparison with the statements of the Japanese official, the opinions of authoritative Russian researchers on these topics are used. The illustrations in the manuscript are of great value. They provide additional information that is missing from the text itself. Matsuda’s descriptions refer to November   – December 1799. The “Hokuidan ” manuscript has not yet been translated into any of the European languages, with the exception of Russian. The author of this article provides translations of fragments of the written source in the chapters of published collective monographs [Klimov 2020, pp. 214–254; Klimov 2021, pp. 277–334; Klimov 2022, pp. 151–170]. The translation was carried out from the published text of the Japanese manuscript in the ten-volume series of written monuments titled Collection of Historical Materials About the Life of the Common People of Japan (Nihon shomin seikatsu shiryō shūsei  日本庶民生活史料集成) in the fourth volume [Matsuda 1969, pp. 77–175]. In addition to this series, the "Stories" were published in Old Japanese in the fifth volume of a six-volume series of written monuments called Library: Northern Gate (Hokumon sōsho 北門叢書), published in 1972.
Correlation between Human Boca virus and IL-23in some Iraqi patients with ischemic heart disease
Authors: Alshate Rafal Hussein , Abd Wisal Salman
Published: April 2024

Heart diseases in the Iraqi population are a significant public health concern. Iraq has experienced in the prevalence of heart diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and hypertension. Different researches have shown that human Boca virus (HBoV) may be a risk factor, for some cardiac disorders. Hence, goals of resent work is to investigate roles of human Boca virus in ischemia heart disease (IHD) and to investigate roles of serum level of IL-23 in these diseases. 40 heart diseases patients and 40 controls were included. Controls were females (n=30) followed by males (n=10), while patients with IHD were 27 males and 13 females. There were highly significant variations in ages of patients and controls with (p≤0.01). The mean ± SE of age of patients with IHD was 37.90 ±0.75 years, while the mean ± SE of controls was 40.52 ±0.79 years. Lipid profile was measured. There were significant variations between patients' and controls. Also, mean ± SE of HDL was statistically significant between ischemia and control groups (85.28 ±4.31 and 55.10 ±1.23 mg/dl) with p≤0.01, respectively. The serum levels of IgG and IgM were assessed using ELISA. There was no significant variation in mean ± SE of serum level of IgM between ischemia and healthy controls (0.251 ±0.04 and. 0.341 ±0.07 ug/Ml). respectively. There were significant variations in mean ± SE of serum level of IgG between ischemia and controls (0.723 ±0.16 and. 0.076 ±0.004 ug/ml). There were highly significantly differences in Mean ± SE of serum level of 1L-23 between IHD heart diseases (0.407 ±0.073 Pg/mL) and healthy controls (0.0121 ±0.003 pg/mL) with p<0.001, respectively.
Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023
Authors: Tian Nan , Lopes da Silva Diego , Liang Xiao , Scarazzato Lorenzo
Published: April 2024

World military expenditure increased for the ninth consecutive year in 2023, reaching a total of $2443 billion. The 6.8 per cent increase in 2023 was the steepest year-on-year rise since 2009 and pushed global spending to the highest level SIPRI has ever recorded. The world military burden—defined as military spending as a percentage of global gross domestic product (GDP)—increased to 2.3 per cent in 2023. Average military expenditure as a share of government expenditure rose by 0.4 percentage points to 6.9 per cent in 2023 and world military spending per person was the highest since 1990, at $306. The rise in global military spending in 2023 can be attributed primarily to the ongoing war in Ukraine and escalating geopolitical tensions in Asia and Oceania and the Middle East. Military expenditure went up in all five geographical regions, with major spending increases recorded in Europe, Asia and Oceania and the Middle East. This SIPRI Fact Sheet highlights trends in military expenditure for 2023 and over the decade 2014–23. The data, which replaces all military spending data previously published by SIPRI, comes from the updated SIPRI Military Expenditure Database.
Leriche Syndrome: a rare presentation of arterial occlusive disease in Latin America
Authors: Portilla-Rojas Esteban , Torrez Victoria , Avendaño Sofía , Suárez-Gómez Santiago Andrés , Fula Reina Valeria , Rivero Rincón Melissa , Cabrera-Vargas Luis F
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTLeriche syndrome is a chronic arterial occlusive disease that primarily affects the lower abdominal aorta and iliac artery bifurcation. We present the case of a 53-year-old male with a classical Leriche triad of gluteal claudication, erectile dysfunction, and the absence of a femoral pulse. The patient had a history of hypertension and heavy smoking. Physical exam showed no ulcers. Distal capillary fill was greater than 10 seconds. Complementary exams reported normal findings. Leriche syndrome was suspected, and thoracoabdominal computed tomography angiography and lower limb computed tomography angiography were performed, revealing complete occlusion of the lower aortic bifurcation and iliac artery involvement. A retroperitoneal approach for bifemoral aortic bypass was performed. The patient had an optimal postoperative period and recovery.
Trasplante de corazón en pacientes con diabetes mellitus de tipo II
Authors: Careaga-Reyna Guillermo , Zetina-Tun Hugo Jesús , Arizmendi-Uribe Efraín
Published: April 2024

RESuMENIntroducción: el riesgo de infecciones y la falla de otros órganos pueden complicar la evolución del paciente diabético que recibe un trasplante de corazón. Se presenta la experiencia en un grupo de pacientes diabéticos que recibieron trasplante de corazón.Objetivo: analizar la evolución, las complicaciones y la sobrevida del paciente diabético que recibe un trasplante de corazónMaterial y métodos: se seleccionaron los pacientes diabéticos que recibieron trasplante de corazón entre el 1 de octubre del 2010 y el 30 de abril del 2020. Se analizaron la edad, el sexo, el tiempo de evolución con diabetes y el tratamiento recibido, los factores de riesgo adicionales, la presencia de agudización de estas complicaciones, las reacciones de rechazo, la diabetes postrasplante, las infecciones, la sobrevida, y la mortalidad y sus causas. Resultados: en el período analizado, se realizaron 181 trasplantes de corazón; de ellos, 29 (16,02%) se realizaron en pacientes que tenían diabetes mellitus. Predominó el sexo masculino y la indicación de trasplante fue la miocardiopatía isquémica; el tiempo de evolución de la diabetes fue de 10,2 años, la mayoría de los pacientes recibían tratamiento con hipoglucemiantes orales. Como causa de mortalidad se observó el predominio de las infecciones en las etapas temprana y tardía del posoperatorio, la falla del injerto fue predominante en el perioperatorio y la vasculopatía del injerto fue causa de defunción posterior al año del trasplante. El mayor número de defunciones se presentó en varones (83,3%). El promedio de seguimiento es 5,4 ± 2,95 años (rango: 1-9 años). Conclusión: al comparar los resultados con otras series, se concluye que el paciente diabético con insuficiencia cardíaca terminal puede recibir un trasplante de corazón si hay un control metabólico estricto.
Heart transplantation in patients with type II diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Careaga-Reyna Guillermo , Zetina-Tun Hugo Jesús , Arizmendi-Uribe Efraín
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The risk of infections and failure of other organs can complicate the evolution of the diabetic patient who receives a heart transplant. The experience of a group of diabetic patients who received a heart transplant is presented.Objective: To analyze the evolution, complications, and survival of diabetic patients receiving heart transplants.Material and methods: Diabetic patients receiving heart transplants between October 1, 2010, and April 30, 2020, were selected. We analyzed age, sex, time of evolution with diabetes and treatment received, additional risk factors, presence of exacerbation of these complications, rejection reactions, post-transplant diabetes, infections, survival, and mortality and its causes. Results: During the period analyzed, 181 heart transplants were performed; of these, 29 (16.02%) were performed in patients with diabetes mellitus. The predominant sex was male, and the indication for transplantation was ischemic cardiomyopathy; the time of evolution of diabetes was 10.2 years, and most patients were receiving treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents. As a cause of mortality, infections were predominant in the early and late postoperative stages, graft failure was predominant in the perioperative period, and graft vasculopathy was the cause of death after one year after transplantation. The highest number of deaths occurred in men (83.3%). The mean follow-up was 5.4 ± 2.95 years (range: 1-9 years). Conclusion: When comparing the results with other series, we conclude that diabetic patients with end-stage heart failure can receive a heart transplant if there is strict metabolic control.
Movimiento sistólico anterior de la válvula mitral tras reparación quirúrgica: factores de riesgo, diagnóstico y algoritmo de manejo
Authors: Castillo Javier
Published: April 2024

RESuMENEl crecimiento exponencial de la cirugía mitral reparadora ha transformado el pronóstico de los pacientes con insuficiencia mitral grave. La preponderancia de la reconstrucción mitral ya es reconocida en todos los consensos de expertos y en las guías clínicas actuales. De forma paralela, también se ha incrementado la incidencia de complicaciones inherentes a las técnicas de reparación más conservadoras, como, por ejemplo, el movimiento sistólico anterior (SAM, por sus siglas en inglés). Los mecanismos del SAM son complejos y dependen directamente de las características del aparato mitral tras la plastia y, por supuesto, del estado hemodinámico del ventrículo izquierdo. En este contexto, la ecocardiografía tiene un importante papel diagnóstico y pronóstico. Aproximadamente el 90% de los casos de SAM se pueden resolver de manera conservadora; por lo tanto, un abordaje multidisciplinar ordenado es crítico a la hora de entender el sustrato del problema, y saber cuándo y cómo intervenir. A continuación, se presenta un algoritmo sencillo para el manejo del SAM perioperatorio.
Síndrome compartimental peroneo bilateral atraumático agudo tras cirugía de acceso a diálisis
Authors: Pinto Diego , López Lucas , Bullone Celeste , Rodrigo Prado Nicolás , Farías Mariano
Published: April 2024

Resumen El síndrome compartimental atraumático agudo es una entidad rara; del compartimento peroneo es aún más raro, y bilateral, todavía más. Se presenta el caso de un paciente a quien se le efectuó una cirugía de rescate de una megafístula braquiocefálica con tres aneurismas asociados a una estenosis del arco cefálico. La técnica consistió en la aneurismectomía, eliminación de la vena sobrante, transposición y una anastomosis nueva distal a la vena axilar. La duración del procedimiento fue de 220 minutos y se realizó anestesia general. Al día siguiente, el paciente refirió parestesias en la pierna izquierda, dolor e incapacidad para evertir el pie izquierdo ni caminar. Los pulsos arteriales eran normales, así como el Doppler de onda de pulso. La resonancia magnética confirmó el síndrome compartimental peroneo y se realizó una fasciotomía de urgencia. Mientras se recuperaba con plena sensibilidad y motilidad durante las siguientes 24 horas en el lado izquierdo, presentó dolor y calambres en el compartimento peroneo derecho sin síntomas más graves, por lo que no se realizó fasciotomía; el cuadro resolvió de manera espontánea en 24 horas. Este es el primer caso informado de síndrome compartimental peroneo bilateral atraumático luego de cirugía de acceso a diálisis, con recuperación total después del tratamiento rápido.
Acute atraumatic bilateral peroneal compartment syndrome after dialysis access surgery
Authors: Pinto Diego , López Lucas , Bullone Celeste , Prado Nicolás Rodrigo , Farías Mariano
Published: April 2024

SCIENTIFIC LETTERACUTE ATRAUMATIC BILATERAL PERONEAL COMPARTMENT SYNDROME AFTER DIALYSIS ACCESS SURGERYReceived: 11/06/2023 Accepted: 11/20/2023 https://doi.org/10.55200/raccv.v22.n1.0062ABSTRACTAcute atraumatic compartment syndrome is a rare entity; of the peroneal compartment, it is even rarer and bilateral even more so. We present the case of a patient who underwent surgery to rescue a brachiocephalic mega-fistula with three aneurysms associated with a stenosis of the cephalic arch. The technique consisted of aneurysmectomy, removal of the excess vein, transposition, and a new anastomosis distal to the axillary vein. The procedure lasted 220 minutes, and general anesthesia was used. The following day, the patient reported left leg paraesthesia, pain, and inability to evert the left foot or walk. Arterial pulses were normal, as was pulse wave Doppler. MRI confirmed peroneal compartment syndrome, and an emergency fasciotomy was performed. While recovering with full sensation and motility for the next 24 hours on the left side, she presented with pain and cramps in the right peroneal compartment without more severe symptoms, so fasciotomy was not performed; the condition resolved spontaneously within 24 hours. This is the first reported case of atraumatic bilateral peroneal compartment syndrome after dialysis access surgery, with full recovery after prompt treatment.
Successful surgical management of three mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction: ventricular septal defect, severe mitral regurgitation and ventricular aneurysm
Authors: Jiménez-Espinosa, Rutilo D. , Saucedo Castillo Jesús , Velazco Ortiz Daniel , Navarro Vidaña Alejandro , Hernández-Pérez Ana Luisa
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTMechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction have a very high mortality rate on their own (40-50%), and the sum of these increases the risk of mortality after surgical repair. In this case report, we present a patient with a postinfarction ventricular septal defect of posterior location and early presentation with hemodynamic stability. Subsequently, the patient presented with severe acute mitral regurgitation plus posterior ventricular aneurysm. A surgical procedure with successful resolution is performed. Early diagnosis, patient selection, and adequate multidisciplinary management optimize successful outcomes. This communication aims to expose a clinical case with these characteristics since, in the literature, there are very few cases of living patients with these three complications who survived the acute event and even more after surgical repair.
Chronic pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery
Authors: Daza Julio , García Alejandro , Daza María José , Daza Juan , Toussaint Mercien
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTA 28-year-old male patient was admitted to the Orthopedic Service for a joint biopsy due to significant swelling in the left knee. He had a history of laparotomy for multiple gunshot wounds one year earlier, a mass in the left knee with severe pain, joint retraction, and gait limitation. Physical examination revealed a giant and reluctant mass in the left suprapatellar region. The tomographic study with vascular contrast showed a decrease in the caliber of the left superficial femoral artery in its distal portion prior to the emergence of the adductor canal, secondary to a large mass in the posterior compartment of the ipsilateral thigh. Arteriography showed a pseudoaneurysm of the left popliteal artery with a significant decrease in the caliber of the left superficial femoral artery. A firearm projectile was identified in the right knee. It was treated with open surgery and cell salvager Medtronic®, the pseudoaneurysm was resected, and raffia of the popliteal vein and arterial reconstruction with polytetrafluoroethylene prosthetic graft was performed.
Susceptibility of Staphylococcus spp. to the Plant Crude Extract
Authors: Daowd Sulaiman Dawod , Khudiar Haider Hamid , Sezae Tiba Ayad Ahmed
Published: April 2024

The study aimed to investigate whether the extract from the Thuja orientalis plant had any antibacterial properties against fifteen MRSA isolates in a group of thirty-seven Staphylococcus aureus isolates. To determine bacterial resistance, an antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted on five different drugs. Methicillin showed the highest level of bacterial resistance (100%), whereas Vancomycin had the lowest level of resistance (6.6%). The results of the examination of the Thuja orientalis plant extract clearly showed that it had a significant suppressive effect on all Staphylococcus aureus isolates.
MEDIA AND HATE SPEECH: A DISCURSIVE STUDY OF HATE SPEECH ON NAIRALAND FORUM
Authors: Akinsanya Taibat
Published: April 2024

Digital communication has dominated a major space in our everyday discourses; reflecting how we create, organize, conduct, and express our identities in everyday activities. This study entails the discursive study of hate speech on the Nairaland forum. This study is hinged on Van Dijk's Socio-Cognitive theory (2016) and Ruth Wodak's (2009) Discursive Strategies. The data for this study comprises twenty-eight (28) participants' comments extracted from Nairaland. Findings revealed that commenters of hate discourse on Nairaland used five discursive strategies which include nominalization, predication, argumentation, perspectivization, and intensification to produce their hateful comments on the forum. Strategic devices used include nominals, appositions, relative clauses, pronouns, predicative adjectives, metaphors, giving reasons, questioning, and hyperbole. The study also revealed that ethnic, political party, and religious affinities are the major triggers of hate comments on Nairaland. Thus, the study recommended that technology experts should be engaged to design features, using information derived from language experts to block or filter hate comments on social media platforms. Also, standard laws should be established to curb the menace of hate speech on social media platforms in Nigeria.
Unveiling the Cultural Impact of 'Ashar': A Societal Perspective
Authors: Shirzad Pashtoon Aqa , Rashidi Jamshed Khan , Hashimi Sayed Asghar
Published: April 2024

‘Ashar’, also referred to as Hashar, stands as a prevalent tradition deeply ingrained within Afghan culture, characterized by collective voluntary labor directed towards specific communal tasks or projects. This research endeavors to delve into the urgent necessity of addressing the potential decline of this significant social activity and to propose diverse solutions for its preservation. With its unique capacity to nurture unity and cohesion among communities, ‘Ashar’ yields a myriad of benefits that resonate across individuals and groups. Even the simplest act of aiding a single person exemplifies the profound impact and intrinsic value of this communal tradition. Through an exploration of its multifaceted implications, this study aims to illuminate the critical importance of safeguarding ‘Ashar’ to perpetuate its invaluable contributions to Afghan society.
Place of HPA1a Antigen in Neonatal Thrombocytopenia to Obstetric and Pediatric Gynecology Hospital of Douala and Laquintinie Hospital of Douala
Authors: Essola Josiane Kikie  , Nzinkeu Amougou Amanda Lucie  , Nsa’amang Eyebe Carrolle  , Djim-Adjim-Ngana Karyom  , Eyebe Richard Honore  , Embolo Enyegue Elisée Libert  , Essomba Noel Emmanuel  , Guy Pascal Ngaba  , Adiogo Dieudonne
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Platelet antigens called Human Platelet Antigen (HPA) present on the surface of platelets are involved in immunological conflicts sometimes leading to severe thrombocytopenia related to anti HPA1a antibody. The aim of this study was to detect platelet antibodies in newborns and the associated risk factors.
Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study from 05 January to 30 June 2017 at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala and the Gynaecological Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital in Douala, among newborns with thrombocytopenia and mothers in compliance with ethical considerations. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected, blood was collected on EDTA tubes for newborns and on tubes without anticoagulant for mothers in order to determine the presence of anti HPA1a antibody. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 software.
Results: A total of 35 newborns and 35 mothers were recruited in this study.  The mean age of the newborns was 8.5 ± 7.2 days with a sex ratio of 1.7% in favour of boys. The prevalence of neonatal thrombocytopenia was 4.1% and the prevalence of HPA1a antibody was 17.1%. Most of the newborns were born to primiparous mothers (57.1%) and 80.0% had prematurity and neonatal jaundice as reasons for hospitalization. Male newborns and those whose mothers had been transfused at least once during or before pregnancy had respectively 4 (OR = 3.53; p-value < 0.0001) and 14 (OR = 14; p-value = 0.0483) times more risk of having the anti-HPA1a antibody.
Conclusion: Our study has shown that the anti-HPA1a antibody is a risk factor for neonatal thrombocytopenia and is associated with maternal transfusion.
Health Promotion Quality Regarding Post-Placental IUDs in Malang Regency
Authors: Henri Sulistiyanto  , Soetrisno  , Ahmad Arman Subiyanto  , Retno Setyowati
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Community welfare is confronted with a substantial challenge by Indonesia's burgeoning population, and the government's principal aim is the promotion of Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). Post-placental IUD is an efficacious method that incorporates health promotion by means of midwife-delivered contraceptive counseling. Counseling promotes the development of positive relationships, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, thereby fostering responsible behavior and individual agency in decision-making. Nevertheless, the low utilization rate of postpartum IUD contraception can be attributed to the scarcity of information regarding the mother. The objective of this study is to examine the level of health promotion regarding post-placental IUD family planning in Malang Regency.
Material and Methods: Descriptive methods will be employed, including verbal and written observations of behavior and descriptive data on individuals. The interview-based data collection process spanned the months of June to August 2023.
Results: The research results suggest that inadequate efforts to promote postpartum IUD contraception are due to a dearth of understanding, motivation, resources, geographical proximity, and community customs. The objective is to improve the existing insufficiency of post-placental IUD family planning promotion in Malang Regency.
Conclusion: From the beginning of pregnancy onwards, expectant women must be consistently motivated and educated about health promotion and family planning in order to develop an interest in and understanding of the choice of post-placental IUD family planning.
Learner Autonomy Transfer: The Need for Explicit Teacher Training
Authors:   Ashkelon Academic College, Slabodar Ira
Published: April 2024

Autonomous learning in EFL refers to learner involvement, reflection and target language use. Teachers play a vital role of mediators and facilitators in self-regulated method. Thus, their perception of self-regulated practices dictates their implementation of this approach. While research has predominantly focused on inadequate management of autonomous learning in school mostly due to lack of appropriate teacher training, this study examined whether novice teachers who were exposed to extensive autonomous practices were likely to implement this method in their teaching. Twelve novice teachers were interviewed to examine their perception of learner autonomy and their management of this method. It was found that three-thirds of the respondents experienced a gap between familiarity with autonomous learning and a favorable attitude to this approach and their deficient integration of self-regulated learning. Although learner-related and institution-oriented factors played a role in this gap, it was mostly caused by the respondents’ not being genuinely autonomous. This may be due to indirect exposure rather than explicit introduction of the learner autonomy approach. The insights of this research may assist curriculum designers and heads of teacher training programs to rethink course composition to guarantee the transfer of methodologies into EFL classes.
Global Issues in Local Contexts: Japanese University EFL Learners' Reactions to the Development of Relevant and Engaging SDGS Materials
Authors:   Kindai University, Sheridan Robert , Tanaka Kathryn ,   University of Hyogo
Published: April 2024

With the growing importance of the United Nations’ SDGs, many EFL textbooks addressing the goals have been developed. However, these textbooks generally discuss the applicability of the SDGs in Global South countries, and for university students in Japan, this has resulted in “SDG burnout,” as they study the topic but often fail to find meaningful connections to the materials. This article builds on previous research into the efficacy of culturally familiar materials, and it takes SDG education in a new direction through the creation of materials in dialogue with social justice issues. Four lessons were created by the researchers, and as part of the post-reading assignment, learners had the autonomy to choose between culturally familiar or unfamiliar activities related to either the news or popular culture. A 6-point Likert scale was used to gauge student interest, which indicated that the inclusion of social justice issues may positively affect interest. A series of binomial tests revealed that learners preferred culturally familiar activities and activities related to the news. These findings provide important implications for teaching the SDGs as they suggest learners might be most receptive to culturally familiar materials that are based on the news and connected to issues of social justice.
The Contribution of Vocabulary Knowledge to Summary Writing Quality: Vocabulary Size and Lexical Richness.
Authors:   Rabdan Academy, Allagui Besma , Al Naqbi Shamma ,   Rabdan Academy
Published: April 2024

Vocabulary knowledge plays an important role in writing. Previous research has examined the relationship between various aspects of vocabulary knowledge and independent writing performance and limited attention has been given to integrated writing such as summary writing. Our study investigated the contribution of two aspects of vocabulary knowledge (vocabulary size and lexical richness) to summary writing quality. In addition, we examined the extent to which lexical richness measures relate to summary writing quality among students who have smaller vocabulary sizes and students who have larger vocabulary sizes. We addressed these questions by administering a lexical decision test called the LexTALE and analyzing lexical richness and writing quality in the summary writing of 73 Arabic English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners of English. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between vocabulary size and summary writing quality, indicating that a larger vocabulary size is associated with higher-quality summaries. . However, most measures of lexical richness did not show a significant correlation with summary writing quality. Interestingly, the relationship between lexical richness measures and summary writing quality varied when learners were put in two groups with different vocabulary sizes.. Implications of the findings of the study for language teaching pedagogy and for research on the complex relationship between vocabulary knowledge and summary writing are discussed.
English Language Learning Beliefs of Iranian High School Students
Authors:   University of Exeter, Abdollahzadeh Esmaeel , Rajaeenia Mahdi ,   Tarbiat Modares University
Published: April 2024

Language learning beliefs are considered to be an important factor influencing student learning outcomes. This mixed-methods research investigated English language learning beliefs of Iranian English language learners. Data were collected from 226 junior and senior male and female high school students using the Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) and semi-structured interviews. Participants reported strong beliefs in terms of ‘motivation and expectation’ and ‘foreign language aptitude’. First and third graders’ mean belief scores were statistically different across their ‘overall beliefs’, ‘foreign language aptitude’, and ‘motivation and expectations’. Moreover, although the overall gender differences were not statistically meaningful, significant differences were noticed with regards to beliefs about ‘difficulty of language learning’ and ‘foreign language aptitude’. The results underscore the hypothesis that changes in language learning beliefs happen due to learners’ stage of development, i.e. their grade. Further, certain misconceptions among high school learners were noticed about the role of aptitude and intelligence, error correction, and supremacy of learning certain forms of language. The implications are discussed with reference to language education and policy development.
Exploring Social Presence through Group Collaboration in Blended Learning
Authors:   Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University, Espiritu Bersamin Alvin , Bedoya Ulla Mark ,   Walailak University, Saripa Aree ,   Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University, Suebsom Korawan ,   Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University
Published: April 2024

Previous studies on blended learning (BL) have explored students' satisfaction, perception, and motivation. However, there remains a notable gap in the literature concerning the impact of group collaboration on students' learning experiences within blended learning environments. Using a qualitative approach, this study explores what 30 Thai English as a foreign language (EFL) vocational students think about their blended learning environment and how working in groups improves their learning. Findings from the interviews revealed that group collaboration is crucial for communication, understanding the topic, completing tasks, and building relationships and trust among students. Specifically, the research highlights how collaborative efforts foster greater student engagement, accountability, and a sense of community within blended learning environments. It also contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge, underscoring the essential nature of group collaboration within BL settings. The findings hold valuable implications for teachers, curriculum developers, and policymakers, suggesting avenues for leveraging blended learning and group collaboration to optimize language learning outcomes and enrich the overall educational experience for students.
Using Video to Support Teacher Reflection and Development in ELT (Book Review)
Authors:   Michigan State University, Gorshkova Elena
Published: April 2024

Videos have been a popular tool for language learners and teachers in the classroom for several decades now. The positive effects of using videos in the language classroom make intuitive sense, as learners are provided with the rich multimodal input that they cannot otherwise obtain from texts or audio-only listening. For example, videos that feature nonverbal behaviors, such as facial expressions and gestures, can enhance the comprehension of video content (Sueyoshi & Hardison, 2005). Other visual aids that are present in videos in the form of graphic (Suvorov, 2015) and textual resources (Gass et al., 2019) promote comprehension of verbal information and facilitate vocabulary learning. All in all, videos feature a wide range of semiotic resources that enhance communication in all contexts, not just the language classroom. Highlighting these benefits and pedagogical potentials, the recently published book Using Video to Support Teacher Reflection and Development in ELT by Laura Baecher, Steve Mann, Cecilia Nobre serves as an excellent example of how the use of video and its tools can facilitate reflective teaching, establish communities of practice, and enhance classroom instruction. The book contains a preface, introduction, and eight chapters, which are organically connected to each other and introduce relevant themes. [First paragraph of review]
EFL Teachers’ Responses to Crisis: Investigating Pedagogical Adaptations, Trauma-Sensitive Practices, and Teacher Identity after Earthquake
Authors:   Atatürk University, Eyerci Aysel
Published: April 2024

Two major earthquakes, measuring 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, occurred within a ninehour period in Türkiye’s southern region on February 6, 2023. These earthquakes affected 11 provinces, including various aspects of life such as education. Consequently, the Higher Education Council (YOK) in Türkiye postponed the commencement date of the spring term in all higher education institutions until further notice. To support the affected universities, YOK paired eight universities from the impacted areas with eight other universities to collaborate in commencing and conducting educational practices. This study aimed to investigate how Amy, a senior English lecturer at one of these host universities, negotiated her teacher identity while supporting an earthquake-affected university. The participant was selected through the purposeful sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and written teacher reflections to gain a better understanding of identity negotiations during times of uncertainty. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data. The results of this qualitative case study suggest that English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers negotiate their identities in response to challenging crises. One of the significant findings of this study is that EFL teachers need to learn how to manage trauma-sensitive classrooms by employing strategic adaptations to minimize the impact of crises.
Ecological Intersections of Religious Ideology, Agency, and Identity: Voices of Iranian English Language Teachers
Authors:   The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Nazari Mostafa
Published: April 2024

Parallel with the growth of research on the role of religious ideologies in teachers’ professional lives, the present study drew on an ecological perspective and explored how religious ideology (i.e., Islamic principles) intersected with Iranian English language teachers’ agency and identity. The study was methodologically situated within a narrative inquiry methodology, and data were collected from narrative frames and semi-structured interviews. Data analyses revealed that Islamic principles intersected with teachers’ agency and identity in three major ways: Islamic principles as a humiliating cult, agency-demolishing nature of ideology, and resisting Islamic ideologies. The study shows that, on the one hand, ideology can serve as a source of humiliation and harm to teachers’ agencies and identities. On the other hand, teachers also influence ideology by not only showing resistance, but practicing certain instructional initiatives that raise students’ awareness of the destructive nature of Islamic principles. The study concludes with implications for teachers on how to communalize their agentic initiatives so that they can construct their identities in more constructive ways.
DECIPHERING THE SCRIPTS AND LANGUAGES OF AFRIGHID KHOREZM A HISTORIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW.
Authors:   PhD student, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Institute of History, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, ugli Mardonbek Rajapov Qosimboy
Published: April 2024

This review explores the evolution and scholarly investigation of Khorezmian scripts and languages during the Afrighid era (4th-10th centuries), focusing on their Aramaic origins and transformations post-Arab conquest. Significant findings from the Khorezm Archaeological-Ethnographic Expedition have highlighted the minimal alterations in script style from the 3rd to the 8th century, despite cultural and religious shifts from Zoroastrianism to Islam. The research integrates contributions from both Soviet and international scholars, revealing that while the script's study began earnestly in the mid-20th century, many inscriptions from pivotal archaeological sites remain unpublished. Challenges in compiling and analyzing these texts are discussed, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive platform to publish and synthesize all findings. The paper also addresses the broader implications of script changes on the understanding of Khorezm’s cultural independence and historical linguistics, suggesting that further research could refine our knowledge of regional interactions and script evolution in ancient Central Asia.
Open versus Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedures for the Treatment of Shoulder Instability
Authors: Abdelaziz Abdallah Galal , Yahia Mohamed Ahmed , Elshamy Ahmed Sayed Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Background: Shoulder instability is a major challenge of daily orthopedic surgery.  Different fixation techniques are available. However, each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. Recently, Latarjet procedures were introduced and gains acceptance with passage of time. However, controversy still exists regards its value. The current work aimed at comparing the score of the clinical outcome, the complications rate, the accuracy of the graft, screw positioning and recurrent dislocation rates between the open and arthroscopic Latarjet techniques by systematic review of the literature.

Methodology: The study adheres to the specific guidelines for conduction of systematic review and meta-analysis. First the keywords were specified for the specific time and data bases.  EMBASE, Medline PubMed library, the Cochrane Library Database as well as Google Scholar. All studies published before the end of the year 2022 were included. The following keywords: “Latarjet” Bristow”, “Latarjet- Bristow”, “Latarjet-Patte”, “(Abstract or Title), “Dislocation”, (Abstract or Title), “shoulder instability” (Abstract or Title), “Coracoid” (Abstract or Title). “Bone block” (Abstract or Title). And “Transfer” ((Latarjet) OR (Bristow)) OR (Latarjet-Bristow)) OR (Latarjet- Patte)) AND (Dislocation)) OR (shoulder instability)) AND (Bone block)) OR (Coracoid)) AND (Transfer)).

Results and conclusion: Both open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures can be used to effectively treat shoulder instability with similarly low rates of complications, recurrent instability and need for revision surgery. Arthroscopic Latarjet procedures are associated with less early post- operative pain but require increased operative time. The evidence does not support there being any significant difference in graft or screw positioning between the two techniques. At this time neither procedure shows clear superiority over the other.