bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Mufrodat Asik Snakes-And-Ladders (Utama) Media For Arabic Language Learning In Class V At MI Bahrul Ulum Kemlagilor
Authors: Nurusshofa Moh Farih , Fithriyah Saadah , Viyanti Pratiwi
Published: February 2024

The present study aimed to address the problems encountered in Arabic learning for fifth-grade students at MI Bahrul Ulum, specifically the lack of innovative media, with a particular focus on Mufrodat materials. In addition, students' disinterest in learning Arabic can be attributed to the fact that teachers rely solely on traditional learning resources, such as textbooks devoid of any innovative media. This results in students experiencing boredom and lack of concentration during lessons, which renders learning uninteresting and repetitive. In addition to determining the degree of interest in Mufrodat Asik Snakes-and-Ladders (UTAMA) media under development, this study was focused on providing a description of the procedure used in its creation. To achieve this aim, the ADDIE model was employed by the following five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The findings of the study indicate that the Mufrodat Asik Snakes-and-Ladders (UTAMA) media product underwent a methodical development process. Several stages of validation were completed to ensure the media were valid and suitable. Media experts assessed the product with a 94% (very valid) rating, followed by language experts with a 95% (very valid) rating, and material experts with a 98% (very valid) rating. In the interim, students evaluated the attractiveness of the media through a series of testing phases and responses to a questionnaire: 97% for individual trials, 99% for small group trials, and 95% for large group trials (all piqued interest). Thus, it can be concluded that the developed Mufrodat Asik Snakes-and-Ladders (UTAMA) media satisfies the criteria for attractiveness and validity/feasibility, and can be utilized for educational purposes.
Quantifying Solar Radiation Pressure Effects on Dust at Small Heliocentric Distances
Authors: Hanlon Jake , Jones Geraint H. , Williams Vinay
Published: February 2024

The dynamics of dust grains has traditionally been modeled under the assumption that the ratio of the opposing solar radiation pressure and gravitational forces is fixed for an individual, unchanging grain. However, at small heliocentric distances, this assumption is inaccurate, as the variation in radiation pressure force with heliocentric distance does not follow an inverse square law there, as the Sun cannot be approximated as a point source of light. To correct for this, we have calculated the required correction to assumed radiation pressure force values, taking into account the decrease in both the visible solar area and in the radial solar radiation force components. We present here an empirical fit to this correction, for heliocentric distances 0.028–1.00 au. This correction may be used to more accurately simulate dust motion near the Sun.
Lucy Observations of the DART Impact Event
Authors: Weaver H. A. , Sunshine J. M. , Ernst C. M. , Farnham T. L. , Mottola S. , Spencer J. R. , Marchi S. , Dello Russo N. , Barnouin O. , Levison H. F. , Noll K. S. , Olkin C. B. , Statler T. S. , Cheng A. F. , Fahnestock E. G. , Fitzsimmons A. , Knight M. M. , Li J.-Y. , Moskovitz N. A. , Thomas C. A. , Chabot N. L. , Rivkin A. S. ,   Lucy Science Team, and DART Investigation Team
Published: February 2024

The Lucy LOng Range Reconnaissance Imager (L’LORRI) took 1549 images of the Didymos–Dimorphos binary system, starting 12 hr before the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) impact event on 2022 September 26 and ending 24 hr after it. The Lucy imaging campaign provided pre-impact monitoring of the baseline brightness of the Didymos system, as well as intensive 1 s cadence imaging starting 3 minutes prior to impact and extending until 4 minutes after impact, and then continued monitoring at increasing cadences and image exposure times to measure the Didymos system brightness changes produced by ejecta released during the impact. One of the L’LORRI images encompassed the exact time when the DART spacecraft impacted Dimorphos, but there is no evidence of a thermally generated optical flash in the image. L’LORRI observed a shell of fast-moving ejecta, and we derive a range of projected speeds (∼0.26–3.6 km s−1) for that material. The much slower moving ejecta (≲1 m s−1) stayed within a single L’LORRI pixel for the entire duration of the Lucy-DART program. We find that the slow ejecta were responsible for 57.4% ± 2.2% of the total post-impact brightness increase measured by L’LORRI, while the fast ejecta were responsible for 42.6% ± 2.3% of the post-impact brightness increase. The initial brightness increase relative to the pre-impact Didymos system brightness was significantly smaller for L’LORRI compared to that measured by some ground-based observers, which is plausibly explained by differences in phase angles and different responses to sodium emission depending on the camera spectral bandwidths.
Using scanning electron microscopy and molecular data to discover a new species from old herbarium collections: The case of Phlomoides henryi (Lamiaceae, Lamioideae)
Authors: Zhao Yue , Zhao Fei , Paton Alan J. , Xiao Jin-Fei , Chen Ya-Ping , Xiang Chun-Lei
Published: February 2024

Phlomoides is one of the largest genera of Lamiaceae with approximately 150–170 species distributed mainly in Eurasia. In this study, we describe and illustrate a new species, P. henryi, which was previously misidentified as P. bracteosa, from Yunnan Province, southwest China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. henryi is found within a clade in which most species lack basal leaves. In this clade, the new species is morphologically distinct from P. rotata in having an obvious stem and, from the rest, by having transparent to white trichomes inside the upper corolla lip. In addition, micro-features of trichomes on the calyx and leaf epidermis can differentiate the new species from other species grouped in the same clade and a key, based on trichome morphology for these species, is provided. The findings demonstrate that the use of scanning electron microscopy can reveal inconspicuous morphological affinities amongst morphologically similar species and play an important role in the taxonomic study of the genus Phlomoides.
An application of the Baker method to a new conjecture on exponential Diophantine equations
Authors: Hu Yongzhong
Published: February 2024

Let $ n $ be a positive integer with $ n > 1 $ and let $ a, b $ be fixed coprime positive integers with $ \min\{a, b\} > 2 $. In this paper, using the Baker method, we proved that, for any $ n $, if $ a > \max\{15064b, b^{3/2}\} $, then the equation $ (an)^x+(bn)^y = ((a+b)n)^z $ has no positive integer solutions $ (x, y, z) $ with $ x > z > y $. Further, let $ A, B $ be coprime positive integers with $ \min\{A, B\} > 1 $ and $ 2|B $. Combining the above conclusion with some existing results, we deduced that, for any $ n $, if $ (a, b) = (A^2, B^2), A > \max\{123B, B^{3/2}\} $ and $ B\equiv 2\pmod 4 $, then this equation has only the positive integer solution $ (x, y, z) = (1, 1, 1). $ Thus, we proved that the conjecture proposed by Yuan and Han is true for this case.
The bound of the correlation results of the roughness measure of the disturbation fuzzy set
Authors: Li Li , Shi Hangyu , Liu Xiaona , Shi Jingjun
Published: February 2024

This paper mainly studies and proves the roughness bound of disturbation fuzzy sets. Firstly, based on the theory of determining self-increment and uncertain self-decrement operators, the problem that the execution subsets are not equal sets is effectively solved, which hinders the quantitative study of disturbed fuzzy sets and lays a foundation for the quantitative study of the related properties of disturbed fuzzy sets in the future. The boundary of roughness measure of disturbing fuzzy set is further studied and proved. The new territories proposed in this paper can effectively avoid the unnecessary calculation space outside the boundary in the calculation process, so as to improve the work efficiency.
Complex symmetric difference of the weighted composition operators on weighted Bergman space of the half-plane
Authors: Jiang Zhi-jie
Published: February 2024

The main goal of this paper was to completely characterize complex symmetric difference of the weighted composition operators induced by three type symbols on weighted Bergman space of the right half-plane with the conjugations $ \mathcal{J}f(z) = \overline{f(\bar{z})} $, $ \mathcal{J}_sf(z) = \overline{f(\bar{z}+is)} $, and $ \mathcal{J}_*f(z) = \frac{1}{z^{{\alpha}+2}}\overline{f(\frac{1}{\bar{z}})} $. The special phenomenon that we focus on is that the difference is complex symmetric on weighted Bergman spaces of the half-plane with the related conjugation if and only if each weighted composition operator is complex symmetric.
Global structure of positive solutions for third-order semipositone integral boundary value problems
Authors: Bi Zhonghua , Liu Sanyang
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we were concerned with the global behavior of positive solutions for third-order semipositone problems with an integral boundary condition

   \begin{document}$ \begin{equation*} \begin{split} &y'''+\beta y''+\alpha y'+\lambda f(t,y) = 0,\; \; \; t\in(0,1),\\ &y(0) = y'(0) = 0,\; \; \; y(1) = \chi\int^1_0y(s)ds, \end{split} \end{equation*} $\end{document}

where $ \alpha\in(0, \infty) $ and $ \beta\in(-\infty, \infty) $ are two constants, $ \lambda, \chi $ are two positive parameters, and $ f\in C([0, 1]\times[0, \infty), \mathbb{R}) $ with $ f(t, 0) < 0 $. Our analysis mainly relied on the bifurcation theory.
Analysis of a nonlinear problem involving discrete and proportional delay with application to Houseflies model
Authors: Shah Kamal , Sher Muhammad , Sarwar Muhammad , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: February 2024

This manuscript established a comprehensive analysis of a general class of fractional order delay differential equations with Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative (CFFD). Functional analysis was used to examine the existence and uniqueness of the suggested class and to generate sufficient requirements for Ulam-Hyers (UH) type stability. Further, a numerical method based on Lagrange interpolation is used to compute approximate solution. Then, some applications in physical dynamics including a houseflies model and a Cauchy type problem were discussed to illustrate the established analysis with graphical illustrations.
Metagenomic analysis of fecal samples in colorectal cancer Egyptians patients post colectomy: A pilot study
Authors: Abo-Hammam Rana H. , Salah Mohammed , Shabayek Sarah , Hanora Amro , Zakeer Samira , Khattab Randa H.
Published: February 2024

One of the most prevalent malignancies that significantly affects world health is colorectal cancer (CRC). While genetics are involved in a portion of CRC patients, most cases are sporadic. The microbiome composition could be a new source of tumor initiation and progression. This research was conducted to investigate the microbiota composition of CRC patients post colectomy at taxonomic and functional levels. Using a next-generation sequencing approach, using an Illumina Novaseq 6000, the fecal samples of 13 patients were analyzed and the obtained data was subjected to a bioinformatics analysis. The bacterial abundance and uniqueness varied in CRC patients alongside differences in bacterial counts between patients. Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides vulgatus, Escherichia coli, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were among the pro-cancerous microorganisms found. Concurrently, bacteria linked to CRC progression were detected that have been previously linked to metastasis and recurrence. At the same time, probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium dentium, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Akkermansia muciniphila increased in abundance after colectomies. Additionally, numerous pathways were deferentially enriched in CRC, which emerged from functional pathways based on bacterial shotgun data. CRC-specific microbiome signatures include an altered bacterial composition. Our research showed that microbial biomarkers could be more usefully employed to explore the link between gut microbiota and CRC using metagenomic techniques in the diagnosis, prognosis, and remission of CRC, thereby opening new avenues for CRC treatment.
BV regularity of the adapted entropy solutions for conservation laws with infinitely many spatial discontinuities
Authors: Ghoshal Shyam Sundar , Towers John D. , Vaidya Ganesh
Published: February 2024

In this article, we focus on the BV regularity of the adapted entropy solutions of the conservation laws whose flux function contains infinitely many discontinuities with possible accumulation points. It is well known that due to discontinuities of the flux function in the space variable, the total variation of the solution can blow up to infinity in finite time. We establish the existence of total variation bounds for certain classes of fluxes and the initial data. Furthermore, we construct two counterexamples, which exhibit $ {\rm{BV}} $ blow-up of the entropy solution. These counterexamples not only demonstrate that these assumptions are essential, but also show that the BV-regularity result of [S. S. Ghoshal, J. Differential Equations, 258 (3), 980-1014, 2015] does not hold true when the spatial discontinuities of the flux are infinite.
La casa deshabitada: poesía e identidad
Authors: Saldaña Sagredo Alfredo
Published: February 2024

El desplazamiento y la extranjería son coordenadas desde las que se ha escrito buena parte de la mejor poesía de estos últimos siglos, una poesía que cuestiona su mismidad al emplazarse en territorios donde germinan el asombro y el extrañamiento de una otredad inquietante (Hölderlin, Rimbaud, Pessoa, Celan, Valente, etc.). De ese modo, la poesía pone en riesgo el estatuto aparentemente inalterable de cualquier identidad, la indivisibilidad o la coherencia del trazo de una línea que se resiste a doblarse y se obstina en seguir avanzando. El problema entonces viene dado por la consistencia y la firmeza del escudo con las que se enfrenta esa línea al explorar los límites de un espacio que necesariamente habrá que traspasar para dar, como pedía Roberto Juarroz, con el revés de las cosas.
Una epístola inédita de José Iglesias de la Casa dirigida a Juan Meléndez Valdés
Authors: López-Souto Noelia
Published: February 2024

Presentamos el estudio y edición de una epístola poética inédita dirigida por José Iglesias de la Casa a Juan Meléndez Valdés. Tras plantear una revisión del manuscrito y de la amistad entre estos dos pastores dentro del grupo poético salmantino, la epístola fechada en 1778 es encuadrada en la dinámica de ese grupo y en la tradición horaciana. Se analizan en ella, además, las referencias al mundo poético de su tiempo, el posicionamiento de Iglesias en ese escenario y en la polémica del Parnaso español, los tonos y construcción de la epístola, y el apremio a Batilo para que publique sus poesías.
¿Sueña Google con ovejas conectadas? Las voces de las miríadas silenciosas en Quédate este día y esta noche conmigo (2017) de Belén Gopegui
Authors: Cattaneo Simone
Published: February 2024

El objetivo del presente artículo es mostrar a través de la novela Quédate este día y esta noche conmigo (2017), de Belén Gopegui, algunas imbricaciones entre literatura y compromiso políticosocial en el contexto hipertecnológico contemporáneo, ya que en ella la autora centra su atención en Google como epítome de nuestra sociedad. Para resaltar sus críticas y propuestas, se hará dialogar el texto con diferentes ensayos elaborados en el ámbito de los estudios culturales sobre dicha empresa. Se pondrán así de manifiesto cuáles son los aspectos en que Gopegui, aprovechando las vivencias de un joven universitario y de una sexagenaria enferma, insiste para realizar su denuncia y brindar alternativas disidentes. En efecto, si por un lado desvela las conexiones con el capital de Google y sus consecuencias en los ciudadanos de a pie, por el otro, sugiere formas de resistencia contra un «sentido común» cada vez más determinado por los algoritmos.
Epílogos moretianos: la originalidad del gracioso y su léxico en Yo por vos y vos por otro
Authors: Martínez Carro Elena
Published: February 2024

La producción dramática conocida de Agustín Moreto se cierra con la comedia de enredo Yo por vos y vos por otro que no se publicó en las partes canónicas del dramaturgo. Debido a ello su difusión ha sido escasa a pesar de ser una obra de calidad donde el autor dio protagonismo a Motril, gracioso de los más destacados de su teatro. Los actuales avances en estilometría y lingüística computacional, aplicados al teatro áureo, nos permiten analizar cuantitativamente el léxico de este personaje para contrastar su originalidad y su evolución dentro del teatro moretiano con el fin de complementar las investigaciones filológicas tradicionales.
Application of Perceptual Model-Driven Multimedia Information Retrieval Technology in English Teaching Management Systems
Authors: Sun Jingfang
Published: February 2024

The application of multimedia technology in college English classroom teaching is suitable for sports and mute with illustrations, excellent audio, and video. The application of multimedia in the field of education has become the focus of the current English education reform, and education has entered the industrial age and the information age. This research aims at teaching practice in order to obtain high-quality educational results. And gradually turn multimedia, a new way, into an effective teaching tool in English education. Based on the research on the demand of information perception for English teaching, this article studies the relationship between constant information perception and English teaching demand from the perspective of multimedia information perception. An evolving model of English teaching needs caused by the change of multimedia information perception due to the input of external resources is established. The study found that when the average consumer perception is low, the revenue of enterprises can be rapidly improved by investing external resources.
Mismatch repair deficiency in adult granulosa cell tumours
Authors: Gupta P. , Kapatia G. , Gupta N. , Ballari N. , Rai B. , Suri V. , Rajwanshi A.
Published: February 2024

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Value of transvaginal ultrasound scan measured endometrial thickness in minimizing further investigations in postmenopausal bleeding
Authors: Munasinghe M. A. D. N. , Fernandopulle S. M. , De S. Hewavisenthi S. J.
Published: February 2024

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Digital Financial Literacy on Financial Behaviour Among Management Undergraduates of State Universities in Sri Lanka
Authors: Dewmini E. A. T. , Wijekumara J. M. N. , Sugathadasa D. D. K.
Published: February 2024

Fintech has transformed the financial landscape by integrating technology, resulting in a rapid surge in digital financial services and products. The growing adoption of these services exposes individuals to various risks, such as data theft, confidentiality concerns, unregulated network operators, security threats, and a lack of proficiency in financial and digital skills. Inadequate financial knowledge may lead individuals to overspend and incur debt, contributing to the failure of sound financial behavior. Therefore, this study aims to address this issue by investigating the impact of digital financial literacy on the financial behavior of management undergraduates in state universities in Sri Lanka. The research model was constructed with the independent variable of digital financial literacy and the dependent variable of financial behavior. The study employed a quantitative approach, drawing a sample of 370 undergraduates from a population of approximately 10,033 management undergraduates at the state universities of Sri Lanka. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and four hypotheses were formulated for the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was utilized for data analysis, with descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis as the analytical tools. The regression results revealed that digital financial awareness, digital financial skills and knowledge, and the digital financial usage of management undergraduates significantly impact financial behavior. However, digital financial attitude was found to have no significant impact on financial behavior. These findings emphasize the necessity for comprehensive digital financial education programs. Furthermore, the study suggests educational policy implications, recommending collaborations between financial institutions and universities to implement practical initiatives that enhance students' real-world application of digital financial knowledge.
Revolutionizing localized prostate cancer treatment: Stereotactic radiotherapy “Moroccan experience”
Authors: Naim Asmâa , Lahlou Zineb , Kaanouch Othmane , Heddat Abdelajalil , Mansouri Safae
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common urological cancer, and its incidence  is increasing. Radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy are theprimary treatments for localized forms. Stereotactic Body RadioTherapy (SBRT), a new and innovative therapy, has been validated for some cancer localizations but not yet for localized prostate cancer. Our study aims to report the efficacy and tolerance results of SBRT for localized prostate cancer.Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of 27 patients with localized prostate cancer (CaP) who were treated with SBRT in our department from 2017 to 2021 using transponders for tumor tracking. The dose was 36.25 Gy delivered in five fractions of 7.25 Gy. The delineation and doses of organs at risk were determined based on the recommendations of the SFRO and the TG101 report of medical physics. All patients were treated using a latest-generation linear accelerator (True Beam STXÒ).Results: Acute toxicities were observed in 33.3% of cases, with 22.2% grade 1 or 2 genitourinary (GU) and no grade 3 while 11.1% gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were reported as grade 1-2 (7.4%) and one case grade 3 (3.7%). Late grade 1 or 2 GU toxicity was observed in 14.84% of cases, with no reports of late GI toxicity. After a 26-month follow-up period, the biochemical failure-free survival rate was 92.6%.Conclusions: The results of our study are consistent with the existing literature and support the safety and effectiveness of SBRT as a treatment option for localized prostate cancer (CaP). In the United States, both ASTRO and the NCCN recognize SBRT as a valid treatment option for localized CaP. Ongoing phase III trials are being conducted to further substantiate these long-term results and to establish SBRT as the future standard of care for localized CaP.
Examination of ejaculate fructose levels on male infertility patients at various times and centrifugation using semiautomatic method
Authors: Hermansyah Hermansyah , Abdullah Muhammad Fadhli , Pakpahan Cennikon , I’tishom Reny , Supardi Supardi , Ilhamsyah Ilhamsyah
Published: February 2024

Objective: Various factors, such as obstructive azoospermia, cause infertility in men. Biochemical examination of ejaculate, especially measurement of fructose, can be an additional investigation that can be used for this diagnosis in reproductive health. Examination of fructose is carried out after routine ejaculate analysis, resulting in prolonging the examination time so that it will affect the measurement of fructose level in the ejaculate and the accuracy of the diagnosis. This study aims to determine the best timing and procedure for measurement of fructose using a semiautomatic method. Methods: This research is an analytic observational study conducted at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya. A total of 13 ejaculate samples from infertile male patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Each ejaculate was divided into eight aliquots that were examined for fructose using a semiautomated method after different intervals of time and centrifugation modalities. Results: This study showed a significant difference in fructose levels when aliquots were centrifuged and examined immediately or after different interval of time (p=0.036). In addition, aliquots left standing for more than 60 minutes (p=0.012) and 120 minutes (p<0.001) before centrifugation, showed significantly lower levels compared to aliquots that were centrifuged and then immediately examined. Conclusions: We suggest that measuring fructose immediately after centrifugation is more reliable than measuring fructose left standing before or after centrifugation. Leaving the ejaculate standing will reduce the fructose level so that it does not resemble its real level.
Factors related to lung function outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients in South Korea
Authors: Kim Tae Hun , Song Myung Jin , Lim Sung Yoon , Lee Yeon Joo , Cho Young-Jae
Published: February 2024

Background: New variants of the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continue to emerge. However, little is known about the effect of these variants on clinical outcomes. This study evaluated the risk factors for poor pulmonary lung function tests (PFTs).Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 87 patients in a single hospital and followed up by performing PFTs at an outpatient clinic from January 2020 to December 2021. COVID-19 variants were categorized as either a non-delta variant (November 13, 2020–July 6, 2021) or the delta variant (July 7, 2021–January 29, 2022).Results: The median age of the patients was 62 years, and 56 patients (64.4%) were male. Mechanical ventilation (MV) was provided for 52 patients, and 36 (41.4%) had restrictive lung defects. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were lower in patients on MV. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.228) and MV (OR, 4.663) were significant factors for decreased DLCO. The duration of MV was associated with decreased FVC and DLCO. However, the type of variant did not affect the decrease in FVC (P=0.750) and DLCO (P=0.639).Conclusions: Among critically ill COVID-19 patients, 40% had restrictive patterns with decreased DLCO. The reduction of PFT was associated with MV, type of variants.
Development of a deep learning model for predicting critical events in a pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Lee In Kyung , Lee Bongjin , Park June Dong
Published: February 2024

Background: Identifying critically ill patients at risk of cardiac arrest is important because it offers the opportunity for early intervention and increased survival. The aim of this study was to develop a deep learning model to predict critical events, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or mortality.Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital. All patients younger than 18 years who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit from January 2010 to May 2023 were included. The main outcome was prediction performance of the deep learning model at forecasting critical events. Long short-term memory was used as a deep learning algorithm. The five-fold cross validation method was employed for model learning and testing.Results: Among the vital sign measurements collected during the study period, 11,660 measurements were used to develop the model after preprocessing; 1,060 of these data points were measurements that corresponded to critical events. The prediction performance of the model was the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of 0.988 (0.975–1.000), and the area under the precision-recall curve was 0.862 (0.700–1.000).Conclusions: The performance of the developed model at predicting critical events was excellent. However, follow-up research is needed for external validation.
Roaming Dogs, Intense Brown Dog Tick Infestation, and Emerging Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Tijuana, México
Authors: Foley Janet , López-Pérez Andrés M. , Rubino Francesca , Backus Laura , Ferradas Cusi , Barrón-Rodriguez Julio , Mendoza Hugo , Arroyo-Machado Rodolfo , Inustroza-Sánchez Leslie C. , Zazueta Oscar E.
Published: February 2024

A two decades–long epidemic of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in northern México reached the U.S. border city of Tijuana in 2021. Cases were near the city periphery in marginalized areas, some lacking infrastructure such as streets or utilities. We worked in the three census areas where human cases were reported and in 12 additional control Áreas Geoestadisticas Básicas. There were dogs, the primary tick host and Rickettsia rickettsii reservoir, in 76% of homes, with 2.2 owned dogs per home on average, approximately equal numbers of roaming dogs were seen, and 46.2% of owned dogs were allowed to roam in the street. Sixty-eight percent of people had heard of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), and 35% self-reported tick infestation, including 19% of homes without dogs. Ticks appeared to move among houses of adjacent neighbors. Of 191 examined dogs, 61.8% were tick-infested, with 6-fold increased odds if they were allowed to roam. Although no dogs were Rickettsia polymerase chain reaction–positive, we found one R. rickettsii– and 11 Rickettsia massiliae–infected ticks. The rickettsial IgG seroprevalence by immunofluorescence antibody assay was 76.4%, associated with unhealthy body condition, adults, dogs with >10 ticks, more dogs being seen in the area, and dogs being permitted in the street. Insufficient medical and canine management resources have contributed to a case fatality rate of RMSF that has exceeded 50% in areas. High canine seroprevalence suggests risks to people and dogs; unfortunately, herd immunity is impeded by high turnover in the canine population owing to the birth of puppies and high death rates. Binational One Health workers should monitor disease spread, enact canine population management and tick eradication, and provide prevention, diagnostic, and treatment support.
Designing an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Control Model for an
Air-to-Ground Collaborative System
Authors: Millar Richard C. , Laliberté Jeremy , Mahmoodi Armin , Hashemi Leila , Meyer Robert Walter
Published: February 2024

In autonomous technology, uncrewed aircraft systems have already become the
preferred platform for the research and development of flight control systems.
Although they are subjected to following and satisfying complicated scenarios of
control stations, this high dependency on a specific control framework limits
them in their application process and reduces the flight self-organizing
network. In this article, we present a developed multilayer control system
protocol with the additional supportive manned aircraft layer
(Tender). The novelty of the introduced model is that
uncrewed aircraft systems are monitored and navigated by the tender, and then
based on the suggested scheme, data flows are controlled and transferred across
the network by the developed cloud–robotics approach in the ground station
layer. Therefore, it has been tried to design a semi-autonomous control network
to gather data that combines human observation and the automotive nature of
uncrewed aircraft systems. To ensure the accuracy and correctness of the model,
we simulate our approach in the software-in-the-loop using its web-based
interface with new configurations in the hardware and software architecture of
the network. Results will be examined by the in-order per message delay, which
has recorded a considerably low latency in both the uplink and downlink data
transmission processes. This optimization is achieved along with maintaining the
quality of data.
Sociophonetics of [r] in Akan
Authors: Boakye Bernard , Akpanglo-Nartey Rebecca , Amuzu Evershed
Published: February 2024

The study interrogates what has hitherto been called ‘free variation’ in Akan (cf. Schachter and Fromkin (1968), Dolphyne (1988), and Abakah (2004)), i.e., the alternation of [r], [l] and [d] in intervocalic position (V_V) and the alternation of [r] and [l] at the second consonant (C2) position of a CCV syllable structure in various dialects of the language. The study follows the quantitative sociolinguistic approach pioneered by Labov (1966) to investigate the extent to which the choice of one rather than the other of these sounds is not free but is dependent on the social backgrounds of speakers (described in terms of their age, gender, educational background and what dialect of Akan they speak). Interview and picture elicitation were the primary instruments of collecting data from 120 respondents (60 speakers of Asante and Fante respectively). The study did not uncover any major dialectal difference in the alternation between [r] and [l] but finds that [d] is decidedly an Asante variant that competes with the other two sounds in the speech of adults. The data however shows that the social variables age, level of education, and gender do influence the choice of [r] versus [l] in both Asante and Fante. Young, educated speakers, especially female speakers, demonstrated a higher tendency of using the [r] variant, which seems to have emerged as the most prestigious of the three variants.
Literatura na łamach prasy polonijnej w Brazylii 1892–1920
Authors: Ziomek Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

Literature in the press of Polish diaspora in Brazil 1892–1920

Literature was published extensively in the nineteenth century Polish diaspora press in Brazil. Even the entire page of a four-page issue could be taken up by a piece of belles lettres. The use of literature, contrary to what has been suggested in the source literature, was not simply an effortless way to fill journals with interesting, popular content. Belles lettres were carefully chosen, for instance based on the author’s worldview preferences. In addition to fulfilling the cultural and ludic functions of the Polish diaspora press, which are of primary importance in this context, literature also served important edu- cational, informative, and religious functions. Publishing literary works was a way to maintain boundaries with the language and culture of the country of origin, and Polish diaspora activists used satire to conduct debates.
Aleksandry Czechówny dwie wyprawy „do wód” – do Iwonicza (1875 r.) i Szczawnicy (1880 r.). Wybór z „Dziennika”
Authors: Lesiak-Przybył Bożena
Published: February 2024

Aleksandra Czechówna’s two trips “To the waters”– to Iwonicz (1875) and Szczawnica (1880) (Selected Works)

Aleksandra Apolonia Czechówna (1839–1923) was the daughter of Tomasz Czech and Aleksandra nee Zielińska. The journal she was writing for her entire life – almost un interruptedly for 68 years (1856–1923) is kept in the National Archive in Krakow under file no. 29/1582/1–29/1582/44 (former file no. IT 428/1–428/44). It is a great source pre senting cultural and social life of Krakow during the second half of 19th century and first two decades of the 20th century.

During hot summer months people were willing to leave the city. They would often go to the countryside but also the “the waters” – spa towns, which offered not only a ther apeutic activity but also leisure and entertainment. Numerous doctors were more and more often promoting spa treatment. Aleksandra Czechówna, living in Krakow, was also trying to spend the dog days of summer away from the city. She would often visit her family in the countryside or go for trips around Krakow. But to help her health or just accompanying her parents, several times she had also a chance to visit spa towns, mostly Polish ones but also abroad.

The presented two accounts from Aleksandra Czechówna’s trips to “the baths” – to Iwonicz in 1875 and to Szczawnica 1880, create an interesting contributory studies of the daily life of that times when the habit of holiday trips and spa treatment was emerging and developing dynamically.

The text comes from two volumes of Aleksandra Czechówna’s “Journal”: vol. 14 file no. 29/1582/14 (former file no. IT 428/14) and vol. 18, file no. 29/1582/18 (former file no. IT 428/18).
The Challenges Entry-Level Mathematics Teachers Face in Conducting Blended Teaching
Authors: Pule Gilbert Kereng , Raxangana Lukholo
Published: February 2024

In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of literature on online teaching and learning. Teaching mathematics in the fourth industrial revolution offers entry-level mathematics teachers formidable challenges. Despite using various teaching aids in explaining the learning area, entry-level mathematics teachers, those with zero to three years of teaching experience, have experienced challenges in blended teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such challenges could support the preconceived notion identified by others that the field of learning (mathematics) is difficult. This paper hinged on constructivist epistemology and investigated the challenges that entry-level mathematics teachers face in conducting blended teaching in the Sedibeng West District of Gauteng Province in the Republic of South Africa. Eight entry-level mathematics teachers were purposely sampled from four selected schools that participated in the article. This article adopted a case study design and responses were analysed thematically. The focus group interviews were used as tools to collect data in this study. The study revealed a variety of perceptions that entry-level mathematics teachers shared about the impact of blended teaching in mathematics learning. These included, but were not limited to, the use of teaching programs or software, the effects of load shedding and blended teaching challenges related to learners' performance and behaviour. The results of this study could provide program developers, subject advisors, school principals with other members of the management team, and mathematics teachers to support the entry-level mathematics teacher's confidence, sense of future and communication skills, as well as foster multigenerational connections in blended teaching.
Chronicling the Experiences of Mathematics Learners and Teachers on the Usage of Guided Discovery Learning (GDL) in Enhancing Learners’ Academic Performance
Authors: Mabhoza Zizipho , Olawale Babawande Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

South Africa has been battling with the poor performance of learners in Mathematics for a long time, with the Eastern Cape province being the worst-performing province. The Department of Education and other educational stakeholders have embarked on a journey of searching for solutions. Some of these include attitude toward Mathematics, a lack of foundation in Mathematics, and the use of teacher-centered methods to teach Mathematics, to mention a few. Hence, this present study investigated how the guided discovery learning strategy can be used to enhance the performance of Grade 10 learners in Amathole West district, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and qualitative research approach, the study employed participatory action research. A convenient sampling technique was used to select 19 Grade 10 Mathematics learners and 2 Mathematics teachers at a rural school in Eastern Cape Province. Data were collected using interviews, observations, and document reviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Research findings revealed that while some factors such as evaluation methods, time limitations, and insufficient motivation may impede the optimal implementation of Guided Discovery Learning, this instructional strategy is beneficial in the cultivation of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which in turn enhances mathematics learners’ academic performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that mathematics teachers should promote the utilisation of technology and multimedia resources to support learners in their visualisation and exploration of mathematical concepts in the use of GDL to enhance mathematics learners’ performance.
PENYULUHAN PENCEGAHAN TERHADAP PERMASALAHAN NYERI LUTUT PADA PETANI DI POSYANDU LANSIA MELATI 3 DESA GENTAN
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Pristianto Arif , Furqony Ifrah Yaumil , Prahesti Yona Risha , Selandani Ajeng Adela , Putri Risma Salsabila Isnaini
Published: February 2024

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which there is damage to the cartilage which causes pain and loss of movement ability. Risk factors for OA include age, gender, obesity, trauma or injury, muscle and ligament weakness in the knee. Because many members of the community did not know about the symptoms of OA, we therefore held outreach to the people in Gentan village. The method of carrying out the activities that the author does is the educational outreach method with lectures and simulation training, using PowerPoint media. Results: In providing education and simulation training, it was found that 95% understood material related to knee pain and osteoarthritis, and 59.1% of participants stated that the exercises carried out had an effect on the knee pain they experienced. The activities carried out are very effective in increasing the knowledge of at-risk workers, especially farmers, regarding knee pain they experience and exercises that can be done when they feel knee pain.
PENYULUHAN PENDIDIKAN LINGKUNGAN DI KALANGAN PELAJAR SEKOLAH MENENGAH ATAS HOSANNA MEDAN
Authors:   Universitas Satya Terra Bhinneka, Daulay Aulia Putra , Girsang Sahat Raja Marigo , Munthe Muhtar Ardansah
Published: February 2024

Collaboration to build an educational culture is very important, one of which is the culture of environmental education. Environmental education will encourage and provide opportunities for students to gain knowledge that will foster an attitude of care and commitment to protect the environment and use the environment wisely. Environmental education is one of the important factors in achieving success in environmental management, as well as a very important means in producing human resources that can implement the principles of sustainable development. Environmental education will foster skills, attitudes and behaviors, motivation and commitment to work together to be able to solve various environmental problems and prevent new problems from arising. Environmental education is directed at the importance of aspects of attitudes and behavioral behavior of students to understand the importance of the environment for life and how to love and protect the environment becomes a value embedded in their daily lives.
PELATIHAN PENGGUNAAN SISTEM INFORMASI DESA KEPADA APARATUR DESA LUMBAN PEA TIMUR
Authors:   Universitas Methodist Indonesia, Hutapea Marlyna Infryanty , Purba Eviyanti Novita , Perangin-angin Resianta , Jamaluddin Jamaluddin , Nainggolan Rena , Simamora Roni J. , Saragih Rijois I. E. , Harianja Eva J. G. , Lumbantoruan Gortap , Siringoringo Rimbun , Sembiring Rasmulia , Simanjuntak Stevani L. Z. , Napitupulu Thomson Januari
Published: February 2024

Lumban Pea Timur is one of the villages in Balige District, Toba Samosir Regency, North Sumatra Province. Village development is currently inseparable from the support of information technology, almost every village requires information technology to improve services to the community. The process of conveying information by the village to the resident, namely from the sub-district head to the village head reaches the resident. Processes like this often lead to inaccurate information. All existing regional potentials must be disseminated to show their superiority. Each district has an area called a sub-district and village. The rapid development of the world of communication technology has had a tremendous impact on the pattern of people’s lives. Information systems have made people’s lives dynamic and fast. With the facilities provided, encourages people to take advantage of information and communication technology to assist in their daily activities. The village government of Lumban Pea does not yet have a website address. This has resulted in information owned by the village that cannot be accessed by the wider community, causing this village to be very left behind. In this increasingly advanced technological era, a website-based information system can be implemented in East Lumban Pea village to overcome the above constraints. With the existence of a village information system, the community can directly access the various kinds of information presented. Likewise, village leaders can directly provide or update information related to the village they are fostering. All forms of information regarding population management can be accessed on the village information system page.
The Decision-Making Journey of Buying Personal Care Product at Indonesia Supermarket: A Qualitative Study
Authors:   School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Fairuz Youlanda , Sufiati, M.Sc. Dr. Ir. Mustika ,   School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the current purchasing behaviour of women regarding personal care products, using a decision journey methodology. It examines the impact of post-pandemic shopping shifts on XYZ Supermarket's sales, particularly in the personal care category, which experienced a 25% decrease from 2021 to 2023. Through qualitative analysis, including interviews with 16 regular supermarket shoppers, insights were gained into the diverse decision-making processes within this product category. The findings emphasize the necessity for tailored marketing approaches based on product attributes. Overall, this research sheds light on evolving consumer behaviour in personal care, offering valuable implications for strategic marketing in a post-pandemic retail landscape.
Perceived Predisposition Factors of Diabetes and Hypertension in the Shai-Osudoku District of Ghana
Authors: Kodom Michael Amponsah
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study examined the perceived predisposition factors of diabetes and hypertension in the Shai-Osudoku district of Ghana. The research design adopted by the study was qualitative approach. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data.  

Materials and Methods: A total of fifty-two (52) participants made up of thirty-five (35) without any diabetes or hypertension and ten (10) with only hypertension and eight (8) with both diabetes and hypertension were involved in the study. For participants without diabetes or hypertension, the process of selection was simple random sampling while those with either hypertension and diabetes or only hypertension, snow ball process was used to identify them. Content analysis with coding of the information was used to analysis the data.

Findings: The paper identified a number of perceptions and firmly held beliefs about the predisposition causes of diabetes and hypertension. These include spiritual means of contracting diabetes and hypertension, the type of work one does, the kind of foods one eats, the age of a person, from parents to children, eating habits of a person, and lack of exercise/physical activities. Two theories of causes of disease conditions were used in this study. These are: the Health Believe Model (HBM) and General Susceptibility Causes of Disease (GSCD). Comparing the above findings in the context of the two theories, it can therefore be said that, the participants’ opinion regarding behavioural risk factors of diabetes and hypertension are in consistance with the theories used for the study.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the findings, it is recommended that, the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service should engage social scientists such as sociologists and psychologists at the various healthcare centers to assist health professionals to improve the understanding of their patients; especially those with medical complications such as diabetes and hypertension in order to increase patient adherence to treatment. This is because if diabetic or hypertensive patient has a belief that his/her condition is caused by spiritual means, it presupposes that it can only be cured through spiritual means and therefore he/she will not adhere to routine medications as the case may be.