bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Immunogenicity, Antibody Persistence, and Safety of Three Different COVID-19 Boosters between Individuals with Comorbidities and the Normal Population
Authors: Ashrafian Fatemeh , Bagheri Amiri Fahimeh , Bavand Anahita , Zali Mahsan , Sadat Larijani Mona , Ramezani Amitis
Published: August 2023

Data on immunogenicity, immune response persistency, and safety of COVID-19 boosters in patients with comorbidities are limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate three different boosters’ immunogenicity and safety in individuals with at least one underlying disease (UD) (obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus) with healthy ones (HC) who were primed with two doses of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine and received a booster shot of the same priming vaccine or protein subunit vaccines, PastoCovac Plus or PastoCovac. One hundred and forty subjects including sixty-three ones with a comorbidity and seventy-seven healthy ones were enrolled. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was assessed before the booster injection and 28, 60, 90, and 180 days after it. Moreover, the adverse events (AEs) were recorded on days 7 and 21 postbooster shot for evaluating safety outcomes. Significantly increased titers of antispike, antiRBD, and neutralizing antibodies were observed in both UD and HC groups 28 days after the booster dose. Nevertheless, the titer of antispike IgG and anti-RBD IgG was lower in the UD group compared to the HC group. The long-term assessment regarding persistence of humoral immune responses showed that the induced antibodies were detectable up to 180 days postbooster shots though with a declined titer in both groups with no significant differences (p > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference in antibody levels was observed between each UD subgroup and the HC group, except for neutralizing antibodies in the hypertension subgroup. PastoCovac Plus and PastoCovac boosters induced a higher fold rise in antibodies in UD individuals than BBIBP-CorV booster recipients. No serious AEs after the booster injection were recorded. The overall incidence of AEs after the booster injection was higher in the UD group than the HC group among whom the highest systemic rate of AEs was seen in the BBIBP-CorV booster recipients. In conclusion, administration of COVID-19 boosters could similarly induce robust and persistent humoral immune responses in individuals with or without UD primarily vaccinated with two doses of the BBIBP-CorV. Protein-based boosters with higher a higher fold rise in antibodies and lower AEs in individuals with comorbidities might be considered a better choice for these individuals.
Efficiency Comparative Approach of Plant-Produced Monoclonal Antibodies against Rabies Virus Infection
Authors: Lumlertdacha Boonlert , Mahong Bancha , Rattanapisit Kaewta , Bulaon Christine Joy I. , Hemachudha Thiravat , Phoolcharoen Waranyoo
Published: August 2023

Rabies encephalitis is a fatal zoonotic viral disease caused by the neurotropic rabies virus. It remains a major public health concern as it causes almost 100% fatality and has no effective medication after the onset of the disease. However, this illness is preventable with the timely administration of effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) consisting of the rabies vaccine and passive immune globulins (HRIG and ERIG). Recently, conventional PEP has been shown to have many limitations, resulting in little support for these expensive and heterologous globulins. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) production via recombinant technology in animal and human cell cultures, as well as a plant-based platform, was introduced to overcome the costly and high-tech constraints of former preparations. We used transient expression technology to produce two mAbs against the rabies virus in Nicotiana benthamiana and compared their viral neutralizing activity in vitro and in vivo. The expression levels of selective mAbs E559 and 62-71-3 in plants were estimated to be 17.3 mg/kg and 28.6 mg/kg in fresh weight, respectively. The plant-produced mAbs effectively neutralized the challenge virus CVS-11 strain in a cell-based RFFIT. In addition, the combination of these two mAbs in a cocktail protected hamsters from rabies virus infection more effectively than standard HRIG and ERIG. This study suggests that the plant-produced rabies antibody cocktail has promising potential as an alternative biological to polyclonal RIG in rabies PEP.
Porous Asphalt Mixture with Improved Fatigue Resistance and Stormwater Pollutant Reduction in Urban Road Pavement
Authors: Hammes Gabriela , Thives Liseane Padilha
Published: August 2023

One alternative measure to minimise the stormwater runoff volume and its pollutants and reduce impervious areas is to use permeable pavement. However, due to weak mechanical performance under heavy-load traffic related to fatigue resistance, porous mixtures and permeable pavements have restricted applications, i.e., parking lots and low-traffic roads. This work aims to evaluate the fatigue resistance of a porous asphalt mixture produced with highly modified asphalt (HiMA) and its potential contribution to reducing stormwater runoff and pollutants. In order to estimate the capability of runoff pollutants and stormwater flood reduction, a case study was performed on an urban road. A permeable pavement was designed using the porous mixture as a surface layer. The mixture volumetric parameters and asphalt content were established using the Marshall method, considering the void content, interconnected voids, permeability, Cantabro test, and moisture damage test evaluation. The resilient modulus and fatigue resistance tests were performed on a diametral compression device. The mixture design resulted in an asphalt content of 5.1% and a void content of 21.5%. The resilient modulus was 2764 MPa, and the porous mixture obtained excellent fatigue performance, allowing its application in diverse traffic conditions. The porous mixture efficiency infiltration capacity was 90%, and some runoff pollutants could be reduced after being filtered by the pavement surface, contributing to minimizing environmental contamination. This work filled part of a gap in predicting porous mixtures’ fatigue performance, collaborating to popularise and expand its use for various purposes.
Evaluation of Reservoir Inflows Using Semi-Distributed Hydrological Modeling Techniques: Application to the Esil and Moildy Rivers’ Catchments in Kazakhstan
Authors: Serikbay Nurgalym , Tillakarim Tursyn , Rodrigo-Ilarri Javier , Rodrigo-Clavero María-Elena , Duskayev Kassym
Published: August 2023

This study explores the potential application of the HBV model for simulating water inflow into the Astana reservoir in Kazakhstan. The Astana reservoir, with an area of 60.9 km2 and a capacity of 411 million m3, serves as a vital hydrotechnical structure for the regulation of long-term water resources. Positioned on the Esil River, this reservoir plays a crucial role in providing drinking water to Astana, the capital city of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This study presents a concise overview of the HBV model and includes hydrometeorological data as well as information from a digital elevation model constructed from altitude maps of the catchment areas of the Esil and Moildy rivers. To simulate the runoff from both rivers, the GAP optimization algorithm was employed. Model parameters were calibrated for the period spanning 1975 to 2020. The effectiveness of the model was evaluated using the Nash–Sutcliffe criterion, which confirms a strong correlation between the simulated runoff dynamics and observed data. This study’s outcomes reveal the efficiency of the selected optimal parameters, particularly for the 2020–2022 timeframe, during which the HBV model’s parameters were validated. Overall, the quality metrics achieved during both the calibration and validation periods are satisfactory, affirming the model’s suitability for short-term runoff forecasts, especially during flood events. Furthermore, the model proves valuable for assessing potential shifts in river runoff patterns under the influence of climate change.
Potential for Thermo-Chemical Conversion of Solid Waste in Canada to Fuel, Heat, and Electricity
Authors: Yao Yuxiang , Ramu Chandhini , Procher Allison , Littlejohns Jennifer , Hill Josephine M. , Butler James W.
Published: August 2023

The amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in Canada was 34 million tonnes in 2018. Responsible waste management is challenging, but essential to protect the environment and to prevent the contamination of the ecosystem on which we rely. Landfilling is the least desirable option, and diversion through thermo-chemical conversion to value-added products is a good option for difficult-to-recycle waste. In this study, the amounts, moisture contents, heating values, and compositions of municipally collected solid waste produced in Canada are reported, a classification that is suitable for conversion purposes is proposed, and the potential for thermo-chemical conversion is determined. Much of the waste generated in Canada is suitable for being converted, and its potential for heat or electricity generation was determined to be 193 PJ/yr and 37 TWh/y, respectively. The GHG emissions that are saved through diversion from the landfill, while assuming the generated heat or electricity offsets natural gas combustion, gives a GHG reduction of 10.6 MMTCO2E/yr or 1.6% of Canada’s GHG emissions. The blending of waste in feedstocks can have varying effects on the amount of biogenic CO2 produced per unit energy in the feedstock, which is an important consideration for new projects. Other considerations include the heating values, moisture contents, and contaminant levels in the waste.
Building a Model for Forecasting the Exchange Rate on the Long-term and Short-term Horizons
Authors:   MGIMO University, Ageev Aleksandr I. ,   MEPhI,   International Research Institute for Advanced Systems, Glaz’ev Sergei Yu. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University,   Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Sciences on complex problems of Eurasian economic integration, modernization, competitiveness and sustainable development, Zolotareva Olga A. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University,   MIREA — Russian Technological University, Mityaev Dmitrii A. ,   Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Sciences on complex problems of Eurasian economic integration, modernization, competitiveness and sustainable development, Pereslegin Sergey B. ,   International Research Institute for Advanced Systems
Published: August 2023

Forecasting the ruble exchange dynamics appears objectively necessary for shaping both the medium-term financial strategy of industry corporations and the general strategic course for occupying leading positions in sectors of business interest, including through the use of new financial instruments, new markets and, in general, a system of strategic planning of socio-economic development of Russia. However, in today's realities, according to most experts, with whom we cannot but agree, the task of forecasting seems extremely difficult and appears complicated by the fact that the launched crises are unpredictable and are characterized by a diverse nature (pandemic and geopolitical crises, expansion of trade wars and sanctions). In such conditions, when uncertainty grows excessively, it is important to turn to the accumulated experience: to analyze to what extent the available models can be suitable for prospective assessments in the current environment.
Patients’ perspectives on video consultation for non-communicable diseases: a qualitative study in Singapore
Authors: Tan Mui Suan , Kang Gary Chun-Yun , Fong Rodney Jin Kai , Cheong Nian Kai , Shi Haixiao , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of telemedicine in primary care services. Understanding patients’ perspectives on telemedicine is pivotal for its wider adoption in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the community.

Aim

To explore the views and concerns of patients who have yet to use video consultation (VC) for NCD management in Singapore.

Design & setting

This qualitative study was conducted in a primary care clinic in Singapore.

Method

In total, 16 patients participated in individual in-depth interviews. The participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension and/or hyperlipidaemia without prior VC experience. They were purposively enrolled in the polyclinic. Audited transcripts were independently coded by two investigators. Thematic analysis was performed to identify perspectives on telemedicine based on the health, information, and technology zones of the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model.

Results

The following three themes emerged: perceived benefits of VC utility; perceived barriers of VC adoption; and potential challenges of VC. Participants viewed VC as safe and convenient if they had stable NCD. They voiced concerns on possible suboptimal care owing to the absence of physical examination, network connectivity, and personal medical data security. Participants highlighted challenges of VC uptake such as digital health familiarity, availability of their own mobile and telemonitoring devices, and healthcare costs consideration.

Conclusion

Addressing the concerns and challenges highlighted by non-VC users can help physicians and policymakers explore ways to scale up telemedicine in Singapore. A hybrid clinical care model comprising in-person visits and VC may be the way forward for NCD management.
The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength—A Book Review
Authors: Johnson Steven
Published: August 2023

Jennifer Kahnweiler's The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength presents a four-step process introverts can use to handle situations in the workplace, such as how to have your voice heard at a meeting. This book brings out concepts such as that introversion is not a disorder and that introverts can bring value to an organization. The book, filled with examples, reinforces the points of the four-step process. Presented is a process to effectively deal with situations where introversion may be preventing you from reaching your goals.
Team Development and Beyond
Authors: Wilson Mary , Benedict Jamie , Snow Gwenn , Havercamp Mike
Published: August 2023

Team development and leadership remain important roles for Extension. This article demonstrates how Tuckman's model for small group development can be used to examine the evolution of teams retrospectively for the purpose of improving future practice. Our experience leading Nevada's Nutrition Network serves as the example. Critical points in the evolution of this team are identified and alternative actions are cited.
The End of the Beginning and the Beginning of the End: The Decline of Public Agricultural Extension in Ontario
Authors: Milburn Lee , Mulley Susan , Kline Carol
Published: August 2023

Canadian Extension has reached a critical point: the last 20 years have seen drastic reduction in governmental agricultural Extension services in Ontario. This article proposes that the breakdown of the Canadian Extension system has been the result of a variety of factors. The situation in Ontario suggests that Extension in the United States needs to recreate itself: it must address the changing profile of rural residents, shift program foci and delivery models, document and promote its benefits, redefine its contribution to the research system, (re)train Extension experts, use technology creatively, and maintain field staff to protects its role in rural development.
Role of vitamin D in COVID-19 management
Authors: Zandifar Samaneh
Published: August 2023

Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: Vitamin D plays an essential role in the management of COVID-19.
How Can Architecture Improve the Health of Honeybees?
Authors:   University of Colorado Boulder, Cook Chelsea , Drenna Kimberly ,   Marquette University
Published: August 2023

“We shape our buildings and afterwards, our buildings shape us.”—Winston Churchill in a speech to Parliament, 1943.While Churchill may have been speaking about social dimensions of design for the House of Commons, his words foreshadow a challenge to Charles Darwin’s Standard Evolutionary Theory. Conrad Waddington and Richard Lewontin introduced a new model of biological evolution, Niche Construction Theory (NCT) in the late 1980s that suggests species do not evolve purely through natural selection. In Niche Construction Theory, organisms direct their own evolution through intentionally modifying their environment: “The organism influences its own evolution by being both the object of their own natural selection and the creator of the conditions of that selection.”
Boullée’s Drawing Praxis and the Contemporary Speculative Practice
Authors:   The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hwang Cheng-Chun Patrick , Hui Yuk-yi Sukey ,   The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the relationships between the drawing praxis of Boullée and the contemporary speculative practices. The modus operandi on drawing is discussed through the lens of ‘speculation’. Drawings are used to probe, anticipate, and to project his imagination of utopia, where the ‘thing’ of drawing and the idea behind it forms the vessel to the uncharted frontier on science and reason. Another type of drawing is embraced by practices emerged out of the post- Bilbao exuberance, a period after the completion of Gehry’s magnum opus in 1997 until the 2008 Recession. A tendency dominated by, and relied upon speedy image-making, and disseminated through social media for mass consumption. The appetite for architecture as images stemmed from two coinciding conditions. First, the explosion of emerging mar¬kets and its demand for building construction. Second, the widespread and ease of use of computational tools in creating architectural shapes and images. These practices are often associated with transnational architectural firms that are conjoined to the capitalistic preconditions. The production of the drawings in these practices are to elevate and enhance the potentiality of the property owners, investors or the State. The objective is not to advance a visionary agenda in the avant-garde sense of the tradition, but rather to visualize the speculative monetary return.
Modernism: The Other French Connection | A Tale of Ambition + Intrigue + Suppression
Authors:   Indiana Univerisity, Newman Marleen
Published: August 2023

In the history of modern architecture, Mark Twain’s maxim “The very ink with which all history is written is merely fluid prejudice.”1 may well have a place. If one examines the development of architecture since the early twentieth century, two divergent lines can be discerned. The first of these lines is the one with which we are all familiar, mainly written by the “victors” of the interna-tional style debate, Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Sigfried Giedion. The architectural and written works of these men loom large in the history of modernism and were chronicled in Henry Russell Hitchcock and Philip Johnson’s famous book, The International Style.2 Even today, it is this version of modernism that is universally studied in the history and theory of modern architecture. However, there has always been one piece of this puzzle that does not fit in an otherwise neatly organized historiography. Ironically absent from this list of titans is another equally famous architect, Alvar Aalto, whose divergent modernism is at odds with the International Style of Corbusier, Gropius, and Mies. Aalto’s architectural and theoretical works seem to emanate from a modern regionalism based on the ver¬nacular architecture and landscape of his home country, Finland. A consideration of Aalto leads us to a second line of development in modern architecture, one that starts with a little known French architect, AndréLurçat, passes through Aalto, and completes itself in the Midwestern town of Columbus, Indiana with the built and written work of the architect, Harry Weese.
Writing and Building Queer Space Theory: A Layered Definition
Authors:   Arizona State University, Vallerand Olivier
Published: August 2023

Definitions of “queer” vary greatly, from activist to theoretical to mainstream discourses. In turn, architectural theorists, historians, and practitioners have used “queer space” to discuss both political challenges to architectural education and disciplinary knowledge and aesthetic challenges to formal conventions. Furthermore, as built examples of queer approaches to design have been very limited, writing has stayed a major mode of expression of queer thinking in architecture. This paper explores how different queer space theorists have used writing, linking essays and exhibitions, performances, and built spaces to understand the tensions between different understandings of “queer space” since their emergence in the 1980s. The paper focuses on untangling how theorists and practitio¬ners link ethics and aesthetics, queer political activism and queer theory, through their writing methods, highlighting, challenging or reinforcing (and sometimes all at the same time) the relation between these different modes of action, between formal and social critiques. Building on the idea that challenges to traditional forms of designing or writing highlight the social normativity of those forms, many have sought to propose new ways of thinking about how one experiences space. However, in writing as in designing, balancing the formal and social critiques brings tension. I argue here for a renewed focus on identifying the objectives behind queer modes of writing in architecture in order to assess their limits and, by extension, more productively use those limits.
ASSESSMENT OF DEHA PRAKRITI AND ITS CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Authors: Tiwari Lalit , Singh Vivek
Published: August 2023

Prakriti is one of the most important concept described in Ayurveda . Prakriti is constitution of the body which is determined by Tridosha at the time
of conception. Prakriti determine physical, physiological, physchological characteristics of human. Determination of Prakriti is also helpful to
achieve the aim of Ayurveda which is to maintain the health of heathy person and treat the disease one. If someone modify his lifestyle according to
his Prakriti he may remain healthy and if the treatment is given to patients according to their Prakriti it is more benecial to patient and minimize
the chance of adverse drug reaction. The assessment of Prakriti involve a detail examination of various factors including physical attributes,
physiological functions , mental characteristic etc. One can employ different assessment tools such as questioning, observation , Nadi Pariksha to
determine an individual's Prakriti accurately. This article aims to exlore the concept of Prakriti in Ayurveda and highlight its signicance in guiding
personalized healthcare practice.
FRENECTOMY BY PARALLELING TECHNIQUE – A NOVEL AND AESTHETIC APPROACH
Authors: Dayakar Mm , Mishra Shivani
Published: August 2023

An esthetic smile is the foundation of dentistry. It is the main reason to improve appearance, personality, and self-condence. Smile harmonization
is mainly associated with the teeth in relation to soft tissue and muscle attachment. Among these muscle attachments, frenum attachment is the
most inuencing factor toward esthetics. A frenum is a fold of tissue or muscle connecting the lips, cheek, or tongue to the jaw bone. Certain
problems are caused by high frenum such as hindrance in oral hygiene maintenance leading to periodontal disease progression. Frenectomy is a
procedure to manage such an aberrant frenum. Certain disadvantages are there with the conventional technique like large rhomboidal wound
healing through primary intention was difcult. To overcome the complications of the conventional method, paralleling technique as a
conservative approach has been introduced. The aim of this article is to present a case report of frenectomy with paralleling technique, a novel
conservative approach.
A PROSPECTIVE STUDY / CASE SERIES ON LOCAL - NON-INFECTIOUS ETIOLOGY FOR CUTANEOUS NECROSIS
Authors: Nikhat Nikhat
Published: August 2023

Background: Cutaneous necrosis has a spectrum of causative agents, commonly found in the daily use / over the counter chemicals which need to
be understood by clinicians and common man alike. Aim:Case series to signify non-infectious local aetiology for cutaneous necrosis due misuse of
indigenous chemicals for the awareness Results: Study shows wide variety of common topical causative agents (phenol, salicylic acid,
podophyllin, bleach, corn plast, ayurvedic topical preparations) with adverse effects like cutaneous necrosis in the aetiopathogenesis Conclusion:
Early diagnosis and management of sudden necrosis of skin could likely manifest, therefore clear and present danger of chemical agents without
medical guidance should be avoided, leading to unprecedented morbidity, as simple skin test for sensitivity has to be performed prior to such use by
the medical fraternity and the common man alike, as a small prevention or a consultation would actually save the patients larger monetary loss as
compared to the small amount he/she puts into nding a cheap treatment / alternative medication
Treatment of Stage IV Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer with Pembrolizumab in Combination with Platinum-Based Doublet Chemotherapy in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Khanh Toan , Van To Ta
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Lung cancer has been one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide in recent decades. According to the findings of the KEYNOTE-407 (2018) study on patients with stage IV squamous cell lung cancer, the combination of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy in the first-line treatment prolongs overall survival compared with chemotherapy alone. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of treating patients with stage IV non–small cell lung cancer with pembrolizumab in combination with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter study on 46 patients at four hospitals in Vietnam between June 2018 and August 2022. Patients received first-line treatment with a protocol of pembrolizumab in combination with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy (pemetrexed plus carboplatin or paclitaxel plus carboplatin). The study's primary endpoints were progression-free survival and safety. The secondary endpoint was overall survival.

Results

The median progression-free survival was 11.0 months (95% CI, 7.4–14.7 months). The median overall survival was 23.1 months (95% CI, 18.4–27.8 months). The survival rate of patients after 1 and 2 years was 82.3% and 43.3%, respectively. The most common side effects were anemia and elevated liver enzymes, but they were primarily mild or moderate severity. Progression-free survival did not depend on cancer type based on histology (p = 0.13). The progression-free survival was independent of programmed death ligand-1 expression levels < 50% or ≥ 50% (p = 0.68).

Conclusion

Treatment of stage IV non–small cell lung cancer without EGFR and ALK gene mutations with the immunotherapy protocol of pembrolizumab in combination with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy resulted in favorable outcomes without any new safety concerns. A larger sample size and longer follow-up in the future are necessary to yield more complete results.
Theoretical basis of tooling parameters selection for assembly
process
Authors: Vodolazskaya N.V.
Published: August 2023

The issues of assembly of threaded connections are considered. Rarely percussive nut wrenches are presented as the
tooling, which provide transfer of the maximum part of the flywheel energy to the anvil. The possibility of such transmission
is realized due to the proposed selection of rational kinematic and inertial-metric parameters of the main elements of
rarely percussive nut wrenches.
Assembly of plug connectors and lamp panels
Authors: Ivanov A.А. , Kretinin O.V.
Published: August 2023

The production of electrical connectors, or plug connectors, is typically multi-product. The electrical connector assembly
area contains the required number of assembly complexes for plug and socket packages with sets of automatic equipment
for cassetting parts and monitoring the parameters of assembled packages, a warehouse for storing insulators, contacts
and cases in cassettes, and corresponding vehicles. Technological schemes for the assembly of contact packages, a
modular assembly line and equipment for automating the processes of manipulating objects are presented.
Vibration diagnostics issues in
cutting processes on metalworking machines
Authors: Lapshin V.P. , Popov N.A. , Omelechko V.Yu.
Published: August 2023

The vibration activity of the tool when cutting metals is analyzed. The main causes of vibration vibrations of the instrument
have been identifi ed, which are regenerative vibrations, thermal vibrations and other types of vibrations. The vibration
activity of the tool on modern advanced equipment has been estimated from the point of view of the forces generated that
prevent the tool’s formative movements.
Tecnología de Bioflóculos: Un camino hacia la acuacultura sustentable
Authors: Ochoa-Hernández María Elena , Villanueva-Gutiérrez Emmanuel , Martínez-Córdova Luis Rafael , Calderón Alvarado Kadiya del Carmen
Published: August 2023

La acuacultura se ha convertido en el sector alimentario con la más alta tasa de crecimientos en los últimos años. Sin embargo, esta actividad tiene un importante impacto ambiental principalmente por el uso de grandes cantidades de agua y la alta cantidad de efluentes contaminados. La tecnología de bioflóculos (BFT) ofrece una alternativa sustentable que, a través de la actividad metabólica de una comunidad de microorganismos, puede ayudar a mantener la calidad del agua, permite ser utilizada como alimento por los organismos de cultivo y beneficia el sistema inmune de los organismos acuáticos. En este artículo se presenta a la BFT como una potencial herramienta que permita obtener alimentos de calidad y dirija la acuacultura hacia un camino sustentable
Analysis of Factors Influencing The Capital Buffer In Sharia Commercial Banks In Indonesia
Authors: Tanjung Rizki Amalia , Imsar Imsar , Harahap Rahmat Daim
Published: August 2023

Capital Buffer is the difference between the ratio of bank capital to the minimum capital adequacy ratio in accordance with central bank regulations. This study aims to determine the determinants of Capital Buffer in Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia in 2018-2021. This study aims to examine the effect of ROE, NPF, FDR, BOPO, and Bank Size on the Level of Capital Buffer simultaneously. The analytical method uses a quantitative research approach and uses secondary data. In this study, the analysis technique used was panel data regression with a fixed effect model using the Eviews 10 tool. Based on the results of the analysis of this study, it shows that ROE has no significant effect on Capital Buffer. FDR has no significant correlation to Capital Buffer. NPF has no significant effect on the Capital Buffer, BOPO has no significant correlation on the Capital Buffer, and Bank Size has a significant effect on the Capital Buffer. Simultaneously ROE, FDR, NPF, Bank Size, and BOPO have a significant effect on Capital Buffer. the results of the regression estimation show that the independent variable has a predictive ability of the model of 80.25%, while the remaining 19.75% is influenced by other factors outside the model.
Dosimetry and safety of single-channel applicators for intracavitary brachytherapy in cervical cancer
Authors: Chen Ren-Jin , Pang Hao-Wen , Shi Xiang-Xiang , Yang Lei , Lin Sheng , Wu Jing-Bo
Published: August 2023

High-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy plays a crucial role in achieving local control in the treatment of unresectable uterine cervical cancer. In this treatment approach, the single-channel applicator (SCA) offers a simpler structure for implantation compared to the fletcher applicator set (FAS), easing the treatment planning. To evaluate the dosimetry and safety of the SCA for intracavitary brachytherapy in cervical cancer, the present study aims to assess its dose distribution in relation to the FAS. In this study, we compared the physical and dosimetric characteristics of the inferential reference points (A, cervix; B, bladder; and R, rectum) of the SCA to those obtained with tandem and FAS dosing. Dosimetric characteristics and dose distributions in a Chinese female anthropomorphic phantom were evaluated using RGD-3B thermoluminescent dosimetry. The SCA generated an oblate, pear-shaped dose distribution curve, resulting in a reduced high-dose area along the bladder-rectum axis. Compared to the tandem, the SCA resulted in dose reductions of 21% and 17% at the bladder and rectum, respectively. When compared to the FAS, the dosing with the SCA at the bladder and rectum did not show significant differences concerning the occurrence of severe toxic effects. The SCA demonstrated a dose distribution curve similar to the standard FAS but not the tandem. The results of the present study indicate that both SCA and FAS showed equally acute toxicity and resulted in late injuries to the rectum and bladder. Nevertheless, the SCA’s simpler structure, which allows for more convenient placement and planning, warrants further clinical investigations to assess its efficacy and practical application.
"Oi! Skins": Trans-Atlantic Gay Skinhead Discourse on the Internet
Authors: Haines James
Published: August 2023

For about a year and a half now I have been studying non-racist and anti-racist skinheads and their look-alike neo-nazi "bonehead" cousins, using skin websites, e-mail lists and newsgroups as my primary source of data. As I have had no face-to-face contact with my informants, my approach might be called discourse-centered ethnography. At a Cultural Studies conference in June 1998 I reported on an ether community of US and Canadian gay skins that I have been monitoring since November 1997, the Queer Skinhead Brotherhood [QSB]. That report had its origins in a longer ethnography which was based on data gleaned from the QSB website, a QSB e-mail list, the home pages of several QSB list subscribers, and e-mail interviews and personal correspondence with a little over a tenth of the QSB membership. This ethnography is available on the web and has been linked to from the QSB website, which suggests that QSB members find it a fairly accurate report.
Intercultural communication or parallel cultures? The Swiss example with special regard to the Rhaeto-Romance situation
Authors: Söhrman Ingmar
Published: August 2023

Politically correct terminology often fails to describe actual reality. Switzerland is commonly held up as an example of accomplished multiculturalism and multilingualism. Although appealing, this image is also fairly erroneous as the German majority and French "dominant" minority seem to live separate lives. Likewise, Italian and Rhaeto-Romance are generally marginalized and rarely either spoken or understood by the French- and German-speaking Swiss - creating the so-called "2 and ½-lingualism".This article does not pretend either to "prove" or "reject" Switzerland as a good example to follow. The domestic intricacies of each and every country demand home-grown solutions, and those solutions may or may not incorporate outside experience and practice. The intention is to discuss the difference between political will (and prejudice) and pragmatic arrangements in an attempt to identify what promotes multilingualism (and multiculturalism) in some places and what leads to coexisting languages and cultures that follow separate and parallel paths in others. The central hypothesis is that while a country may be multilingual politically, having embedded this intention in law and having organized the local community according to these laws in order to facilitate the usage and utility of the different cultures and linguistic varieties, this political arrangement may have little reflection in more complicated practice, with linguistic and cultural populations choosing to follow parallel and separate paths instead. The central issue is whether intercultural communication actually does exist, to what extent it exists, and what promotes it in a world that is turning its back on other national cultures and languages.
How "refugees" became "illegal migrants": Constuction, Reconstruction, … Deconstruction
Authors: Zagar Igor Z.
Published: August 2023

In 1998, Marjeta Doupona Horvat, Jef Verschueren, and myself published a booklet The pragmatics of legitimation: The rhetoric of refugee policies in Slovenia. The book discusses an episode in Slovenian public rhetoric, historically situated roughly as a one-year time span from April 1992 to March 1993, and topically defined in terms of "refugee policies". The approach was a pragmatic text analysis in a tradition of empirical ideology research, paying special attention to implicit aspects of meaning construction, in interaction or in contrast with explicitly voiced perspectives and with rhetorical goals and constraints.In the present paper, I would like to re-examine and re-interpret some of these eight years old data in the light of the latest "refugee crisis" that culminated in the first months of 2001. This time the "problem" weren't the Bosnians refugees who chose Slovenia as their final destination, but refugees from the former Soviet Union, Asia, Middle East and Africa, mostly seeking refuge and asylum in the West, and therefore using Slovenia only as a transit state.The aim of the paper is to show how their "identity" was (re)constructed in Slovenian media, and to uncover implicit mechanisms (and techniques) behind these constructions.
The cross-cultural business communication project or expoiting ICT to facilitate ICC
Authors: Cebron Mag. Neva , Jablonkai Mag. Reka , Rados Ljerka
Published: August 2023

The paper relates the experience gathered in the area of intercultural awareness raising with respect to methods and approaches used in the classroom and in terms of students’ response. The developments related were an integral part of an EU - Leonardo da Vinci Programme sponsored project in which learning of Business English has been carried out through an integrated skills approach in a series of virtual workshops. Within the CCBC project the teacher had to assume the role of a facilitator helping students to deal with cross-cultural issues while carrying out a simulated transaction in English. Virtual environment formed the backdrop for an international network of simulated companies, thus motivating the exchange of business messages and intercultural encounters. In the academic year 2003/04 almost 500 students, 18 teachers, 16 institutions from 10 different countries participated in the CCBC network.In the first part, the article provides information on our approaches to intercultural issues, how the topic was tackled at earlier stages of the project and what lessons have been drawn from those attempts to teach ICC (Intercultural Communication Competence). The second part gives an account of improvements introduced at later stages of the project, listing specific tasks, approaches and teaching materials developed to facilitate certain aspects of ICC in an era of the Internet. The third part is concerned mainly with results of students’ work and their perception of own identity. Students benefit from the project since it gives them the opportunity to establish contacts with a number of peer groups from different countries and learn about different cultural communication patterns and possible misunderstandings.
Attention to Cultural Imperialism beneath Discourse Implicature in International Business Communication
Authors: Guan Xinping
Published: August 2023

Based on case studies of the author’s first-hand experience, this paper calls attention to the awareness of cultural imperialism by the exploration of discourse implicature in business context across cultures. It is assumed by analysis that the cultural imperialism exists verbally, textually or non-verbally through the behavior of individual interlocutors, who preserve an outdated awareness of cultural-goods against cultural-humble. The cultural awareness serves as the dynamics for the production of communicative behavior and discourse implicature. The effective communication to get rid of such cultural imperialism relies on three major elements, i.e. a sober cultural understanding, a mastery of both source and target languages and an appropriate communicative behavior.
Sensemaking and Identity Development: Different Fields, Similar Processes, but How?
Authors: Ojha Ajay K.
Published: August 2023

The following article examines sensemaking and the minority/majority identity development models as processual theories. While these theories are offered in different concentrations of Speech Communication (i.e., Organizational Communication and Intercultural Communication respectively), they are actually interrelated concepts that share similarities. Sensemaking is a process where individuals attempt to understand unknown elements because of unfamiliar/uncertain situations. Identity development is very similar to sensemaking because we have to make sense of who we are in everyday life through unfamiliarity. Sensemaking and identity development are two similar theories that impact our identity/identities within organizations. In order to articulate this connection further, I explain sensemaking and the minority/majority identity development models. I also synthesize sensemaking and minority/majority identity development noting other relevant theories.
Internationalisation, intercultural communication and intercultural competence
Authors: Stier Jonas
Published: August 2023

This article assumes that the internationalization of higher education demands more elaborate pedagogical approaches to utilise the experiences of multiethnic student groups and to facilitate every student’s acquisition of intercultural competencies. Drawing from three internationalisation ideologies embedded in the educational discourse, it is argued that intercultural communication – as a field of study or a discipline – can play a key role in this endeavour. Twelve fields of consideration, when international educators work with students, are also identified.
An Investigation of Chinese Students´Difficulties in Intercultural Communication and its Role in Elt.
Authors: Xiao Hong , Petraki Eleni
Published: August 2023

This study discusses the intercultural communication competence of Chinese students who were studying at an Australian University. The study specifically explores the frequency of interactions between Chinese students and students from other countries; the difficulties they encountered and the reasons they attributed to these difficulties. Research results, derived from questionnaires and interviews, reveal that the Chinese students encountered many difficulties when interacting with students from other countries which they ascribed to lack of knowledge of intercultural communication, cultural shock and differences in nonverbal communication and politeness strategies. Findings suggest that intercultural communication skills should be an important component of English language teaching (ELT) in China particularly with the rapid globalization of English and its use in international business communication.
An Exploratory Study of “Fairness” in Educational Settings —American and Japanese University Students—.
Authors: Kobayashi Junko , Viswat Linda
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with differences and similarities in the perception of "fairness" in e ducational settings between American and Japanese university students. First, data was collected through open-ended questionnaires and interviews as to the words and actions of Native English-Speaking (NES) teachers that Japanese students regarded as unfair, and those of Japanese students that American teachers found to be unfair. Based on the responses, a second questionnaire was prepared and distributed to 155 American students and 157 Japanese students. This paper specifically discusses the diverse viewpoints voiced by American and Japanese students, and suggests ways to reduce their respective discontentment in educational settings.Keywords: fairness, students’ perceptions, cultural differences, individual differences, diverse viewpoints
Power in Intercultural Education: "Education in Bolivia – from Oppression to Liberation"?
Authors: Drange Live Danbolt
Published: August 2023

In this article I will consider the discussion on the educational system in Bolivia. Education is a potentially powerful way of communication. The educational reform of 1994 was a radical reform making it possible for the Indigenous peoples to receive education in their native languages. Nevertheless the government of Evo Morales abolished it as soon as they were in position, starting the process of making a new law with the slogan "decolonizing the education". "Education is oppression or liberation", with these words in the spirit of Paulo Freire the president of the Bolivian senate Santos Ramirez answered when I asked him why the new Bolivian government wants to change the educational system.
A Longitudinal study on intercultural awareness and Foreign Language acquisition in the Netherlands
Authors: Korzilius Hubert , Hooft Andreu van , Planken  Brigitte
Published: August 2023

In a longitudinal study we assessed the effect of a four-year International Business Communication program at a university in the Netherlands on students’ intercultural awareness and foreign language acquisition. In pre-test and post-test a measurement instrument featuring everyday (monocultural and intercultural) dialogues involving business associates was used to assess intercultural awareness in a group of 39 students. In addition, self-assessments of students’ mastery of foreign language and interest in other cultures were collected on both occasions. The results indicate that students’ mastery of the foreign languages English and Spanish had increased. However, there was little evidence to indicate an effect of the teaching program on the development of students’ intercultural awareness.
A study on impact of social media in promoting tourism
Authors:   Shashank Kumar Dwivedi, Hitesh Tripathi, Vivek Kumar and Subhi Vishwakarma
Published: August 2023

Social media is now acknowledged to have a significant part in sustaining and promoting the reputation of tourism locations. Unquestionably, the dynamic online environment plays an important role in promoting tourism on a worldwide scale. In order to use this knowledge to market Indian tourist attractions, it is therefore essential to understand how social media functions. The study analyses how netizens use social media for travel planning and exploring new destinations. It also discusses the benefits and difficulties associated with social media use by the tourism industry and other stakeholders. The study's theoretical social media and tourism analysis is based on secondary data sources. For the research survey method of qualitative and quantitative analysis were used. It helped to conveniently gather primary information about the extent of social media usage, tourists, and tourism establishments at tourism destinations. We analysed the impact of social media on tourism promotion with the help of a questionnaire. The study shows that more tourists are using social media for searching, identifying, making plans, making reservations, and sharing their experiences with various goods and services. In addition to highlighting social media's critical role in the marketing and growth of tourism, the study also points out some drawbacks of using it to advertise a particular location. In addition to analysing the tourism industry in India, this research looks at social media discourse and how it contributes to the marketing strategy.