bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guía de sostenibilidad ambiental para las centrales de transformación y beneficio de café cereza
Authors: Quintero-Yepes Laura , Verú-Torres Andrea , Orozco-Esguerra Andrea
Published: January 2025

Guía de lineamientos ambientales en la planificación, construcción y operación de las centrales de transformación y beneficio de café cereza. Detallando los beneficios ambientales, y la normativa aplicable para minimizar los impactos negativos de orden ambiental.
The Variable X-Ray Emission of the Cataclysmic Variable V1460 Her with a Rapidly Rotating White Dwarf
Authors: Monson Erik B. , Pavlov George G. , Garmire Gordon P.
Published: January 2025

Using a recent Chandra ACIS observation of the eclipsing cataclysmic variable (CV) V1460 Her (2MASS J16211735+4412541) with a fast-rotating (P
spin = 38.9 s) white dwarf, we estimated a flux

F

0.5
–
7

keV

abs

=
(
1.9
±
0.5
)
×
1

0

−
14

 erg cm−2 s−1, a factor of ~7 lower than found from previous Swift XRT observations ≈8 yr ago, when the CV was quiescent. The drop in the flux suggests a corresponding drop in the accretion rate, and the resulting intrinsic luminosity L
0.5–7 keV ~ 1.6 × 1029 erg s−1 places V1460 Her among the lowest-luminosity magnetic CVs known, in a state of very low accretion.
Droit du statut personnel et transformations de la famille au maghreb et au proche-orient, de la fin du xx e siècle au début du xxi e siècle
Authors: Bernard-Maugiron Nathalie
Published: January 2025

Bien que souvent perçu comme le paradigme d’un droit immuable et monolithique, le droit de la famille dans les pays arabes a connu d’importantes évolutions, qui ont permis de rétablir un certain équilibre au sein du couple dans le mariage et en cas de divorce. Loin de se limiter à retranscrire des règles du fiqh réputées intangibles et uniformes, ces codifi ations ont permis aux législateurs d’atténuer la rigueur de certaines règles, afi de rééquilibrer les rapports au sein du couple. La conception traditionnelle de la répartition des tâches entre conjoints, selon laquelle l’époux doit prendre en charge toutes les dépenses familiales en échange de l’obéissance de sa femme, a été remise en question dans plusieurs de ces textes. Sur la base de l’étude comparée des codes de statut personnel présents et passés des pays du Maghreb et du Proche-Orient ainsi que de la loi ottomane de 1917et du Code de Qadrī Pasha de 1875 en Égypte, cette contribution étudie l’évolution de la représentation de la famille et des normes liées au genre à travers la comparaison des droits et obligations conjugales dans les codes des xx e et xxi e siècles et les di érents obstacles qui viennent entraver leur réforme, puis leur mise en œuvre.
Des géants du Net toujours plus puissants
Authors: Soupizet Jean-François
Published: January 2025

Voilà plusieurs années que Jean-François Soupizet suit, pour Futuribles , les grandes tendances d’évolution dans le domaine du numérique, de la technologie et des acteurs qui gravitent dans ce secteur. Préoccupé par les relations complexes qui se tissent entre les géants du numérique et les États, et par leur impact en termes de pouvoir (économique, politique, juridique…), il réinvestit ces problématiques dans le contexte du renforcement de la puissance des Big Tech et de son extension à de nouveaux champs, susceptibles de bousculer encore plus radicalement les équilibres sociopolitiques, voire géopolitiques. Jean-François Soupizet montre d’abord comment les géants du Net ont su, ces dernières années, pérenniser leurs positions, mais aussi investir dans les infrastructures stratégiques (centres de données, câbles sous-marins, secteur spatial…) pour garantir leur mainmise sur les vecteurs de communication à travers la planète. Il souligne également leurs investissements massifs dans la recherche et l’innovation, dans la plupart des technologies d’avenir : une évolution inquiétante et porteuse, selon l’auteur, d’un certain nombre de vulnérabilités « qui plaident pour un retour des États » dans le jeu (cybersécurité, impacts écologiques, protection des données…). Enfin, compte tenu de ce nouveau contexte, il propose quatre trajectoires d’évolution possible pour l’équilibre des pouvoirs entre géants de la Tech et États, en fonction des configurations géopolitiques (balkanisation versus mondialisation) : « vers des oligopoles mondiaux », « régulations multilatérales », collusion entre la Tech et les régimes illibéraux, ou « balkanisation et exacerbation des inégalités ». S.D.
École, démocratie et citoyenneté
Authors: Vallaud-Belkacem Najat
Published: January 2025

Dans la foulée des articles sur les questions d’éducation publiés dans les deux précédents numéros de la revue, Futuribles prolonge les réflexions sur ce sujet en ouvrant ses colonnes à l’ancienne ministre française de l’Éducation, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem. Face à l’incapacité du système éducatif à endiguer l’échec scolaire et à relancer l’ascenseur social, celle-ci déplore la valse des annonces en matière de réformes éducatives, sans que jamais l’on prenne un temps suffisant pour évaluer correctement les besoins sur le terrain et les effets des réformes antérieures. Or, lorsque l’on prend ce temps, on constate qu’un certain nombre d’outils et de pratiques mis en place depuis une dizaine d’années ont démontré leur efficacité et permis, là où ils étaient expérimentés, de corriger certains dysfonctionnements, qu’il s’agisse d’inégalités sociales, de mixité sociale, de sensibilisation à la citoyenneté, d’intégration des défis écologiques… Najat Vallaud-Belkacem revient sur ces pistes susceptibles de répondre à un certain nombre d’enjeux d’avenir pour l’éducation des jeunes Français, et d’améliorer à la fois leurs compétences et la cohésion de la société à laquelle ils appartiennent. S.D.
L’Europe doit investir
Authors: Drevet Jean-François
Published: January 2025

En septembre 2024, Mario Draghi, ancien président du Conseil italien et de la Banque centrale européenne, rendait public un rapport que la Commission européenne lui avait commandé quelques mois avant les élections européennes de juin 2024, sur l’avenir de la compétitivité de l’Union. Très commenté, son diagnostic est sévère et pointe un réel manque de compétitivité de l’industrie, qui constitue selon lui un important handicap pour son avenir. Si l’on ajoute à ce constat le retour au pouvoir de Donald Trump aux États-Unis, qui risque de bouleverser substantiellement les équilibres commerciaux dans le monde, il devient impératif, pour les Européens, de se mobiliser pour relancer leur compétitivité. En d’autres termes, l’Europe doit investir, mais comment, s’interroge Jean-François Drevet dans sa chronique ? Après avoir rappelé les contraintes budgétaires de l’Union et de ses États membres, il explore les possibilités de les dépasser, en particulier par des emprunts communs, ou en revoyant une partie des règles fiscales, et en ciblant particulièrement les grandes entreprises et les multinationales. Comme le montre cette chronique, sous réserve d’une bonne concertation et de pédagogie, l’Union est en capacité d’investir pour redresser sa compétitivité. S.D.
L’adolescence au Togo et en Côte d’Ivoire : une réalité plurielle
Authors: Tokpa Ladeu , Jean-Simon David , Toudeka Ayawayi Sitsopé , Joseph Ghislaine
Published: January 2025

RésuméCet article se veut une contribution à la définition de l’adolescence en privilégiant une entrée par les représentations socio-culturelles des populations. Les auteurs prennent appui sur le vécu quotidien des populations ivoirienne et togolaise pour analyser les particularités des logiques sociales qui expliquent les différentes perceptions du concept de l’adolescence. L’analyse révèle que l’adolescence dans ces pays est une réalité sociale plurielle.
Biographisation de l’expérience adolescente et construction identitaire : Récits de vie d’un jeune homo marocain
Authors: Kossari Toufiq , Ait Dra Ayoub , El Mahraz Dhar
Published: January 2025

RésuméComprendre l’expérience adolescente homosexuelle sous l’angle de l’identité et de la reconnaissance est l’enjeu sociologique majeur de cette contribution. En fait, l’adolescent gay est un sujet en quête de soi. Dans un contexte hétérosexuel qui juge et condamne, ce sujet vit cette quête comme une souffrance, puisqu’il ressent de l’indifférence et de la stigmatisation à son égard. Ainsi, le groupe homosexuel en tant qu’espace alternatif de construction de soi fonctionne comme un fort support identitaire. Il permet à l’adolescent gay de déployer des stratégies qui permettent de contourner le stigmate, en renforçant un sentiment d’identité et de valorisation personnelle.
The relationship between childhood sleep, emotional intelligence and Body Mass Index in school aged children
Authors: Ferentinou Eftychia , Koutelekos Ioannis , Dousis Evangelos , Evangelou Eleni , Pappa Despoina , Theodoratou Maria , Dafogianni Chrysoula
Published: January 2025

Sleep duration and quality have been increasingly recognized as critical determinants of childhood obesity risk, with insufficient sleep linked to disruptions in appetite-regulating hormones and unhealthy weight gain trajectories. Emotional intelligence, which involves recognizing, understanding, and managing one's own emotions as well as those of others, has garnered attention for its potential impact on VARIOUS aspects of health and well-being, including weight management. Moreover, childhood obesity remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with multifaceted factors contributing to its prevalence and persistence. Research is starting to reveal how sleep patterns and emotional intelligence (ΕΙ) influence children's weight status. This study aims to investigate the relationship between childhood sleep patterns, EI, and body mass index (BMI) in school-aged children. Utilizing a sample of 614 children, aged 8–12 years (mean age 10.0 y), data on emotional intelligence scores, sleep duration and quality, and BMI measurements were collected and analyzed. The results reveal significant correlations among these variables, indicating that emotional intelligence may play a crucial role in both sleep patterns and BMI outcomes in children (Mean = 3.53, SD = 0.51 in total sample; Mean = 3.53, SD = 0.51 in overweight/obese). Specifically, higher emotional intelligence scores are associated with better sleep quality and duration, as well as healthier BMI levels (p ≤ 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of considering emotional well-being and sleep hygiene in the context of childhood obesity prevention and intervention efforts. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these relationships and to develop targeted strategies for promoting emotional intelligence and healthy sleep habits in school-aged children.
Empowering E-Consumers: 2022 – The Year Hungarian Consumer Law Went Digital
Authors:   Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary, Firniksz Judit
Published: January 2025

Empowering consumers has been a significant challenge for modern societies. As the economy’s complexity has grown and the emphasis of trade and consumption has shifted towards the digital arena, an increasing number of rules and regulations aim to protect consumers’ economic rights and interests by making them “digital-proof”. In Hungary, 2022 can be seen as the year consumer protection “went digital”. Transposition of the Sale of Goods Directive and the Digital Content and Services Directive marked part of a reform focused on empowering “e-consumers”. Digital transformation requires adaptation on both the supply and demand sides of the economy. On the supply side, for traders and platform service providers, adaptation means translating new legal obligations into the language of compliance. On the demand side, the focus is on empowering e-consumers: supporting the adoption of new skillsets to enable consumers to navigate digital transactions. Transformation is still underway, and, in the long run, consumer protection rules must operate in interaction with existing EU and national regulations, while also aligning with new and emerging digital policies.
The Challenges of Transposing (and Not Transposing) The Sale of Goods Directive and the Digital Content and Services Directive into Common Law Jurisdictions: Ireland and Post-Brexit England and Wales
Authors:   University of Bristol Law School, Bristol, United Kingdom, Giliker Paula
Published: January 2025

2022 was a significant year for European consumer lawyers with the provisions of the Sale of Goods Directive (EU) 2019/771, Digital Content and Digital Services Directive (EU) 2019/770 and the Omnibus Directive (EU) 2019/2161 all required to come into force. This paper examines the challenges of transposing these Directives into common law jurisdictions where, in relation to sale of goods law at least, consumer law is a mixture of well-established statutory material and case-law authority. It contrasts the implementation of the Directives in Ireland with their non-transposition in post-Brexit England and Wales, two common law systems with strong historical ties. Examining Irish law, we see the challenges of transposition, including how to fit EU law into established legal structures and to ensure that consumers are aware of their rights while changing engrained business practices. These challenges are likely to arise in all Member States. Transposition raises questions, therefore, of legal development, not least how to change legal (and business) cultures in EU Member States.
The Protection of Individuals Against Privacy-Invasive and Discriminatory Inferences Under European Law: From the General Data Protection Regulation and the Digital Content and Services Directive to the Artificial Intelligence Act
Authors:   University of Tuscia, Department of Legal, Social, and Educational Sciences, Viterbo, Italy, Gioia Gina , Lener Sofia Maria ,   University of Tuscia, Department of Legal, Social, and Educational Sciences, Viterbo, Italy
Published: January 2025

Inferences are information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person generated using machine learning techniques, allowing probabilistic correlations between input data to be discovered and predictions made in new cases. Inferences carry many risks: they are inherently uncertain, predictions are only as reliable as the data on which they are based, and inferences can be used to nudge and manipulate individuals. It is essential to prevent these risks, and where they materialise, provide appropriate protection. This paper examines whether current European legislation adequately addresses these issues. The first task is to classify inferences to determine whether they fall within the concept of personal data and are this covered by European personal data laws. This analysis considers both possibilities – treating inferences as personal and non-personal data – and evaluates the relevant regulatory frameworks, including the General Data Protection Regulation, the Proposal for a Regulation on Privacy and Electronic Communications, Digital Content and Services Directive, and the Artificial Intelligence Act.
Restitution After Termination for Breach of a Contract for the Supply of Digital Content and Services: A Tough Row to Hoe
Authors:   University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Lutman Karmen
Published: January 2025

While European contract law is traditionally based on a monetary economy, the recently adopted Digital Content and Services Directive has introduced certain novelties in this regard. It establishes a set of rules whereby a consumer obtains digital goods and services in exchange for their personal data. While this concept brought some new challenges throughout the contract lifecycle, this paper focuses on the restitutionary consequences of the terminating such contracts. Where money serves as the counter-performance, the Directive’s restitution rules are relatively clear and align closely with established EU private law. However, the situation is markedly different when restitution involves data. By examining the evolving trends in European private law, this paper seeks to conceptualise the restitution rules introduced by the Digital Content and Services Directive and to provide guidelines for their application and interpretation in practice.
Transforming University Education with AI: A Systematic Review of Technologies, Applications, and Implications
Authors: Кazimova Dinara , Tazhigulova Gulmira , Shraimanova Gulmira , Zatyneyko Anatoly , Sharzadin Adilzada
Published: January 2025

This systematic literature review explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), machine learning, natural language processing, and adaptive learning platforms in university education. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we evaluated peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and government reports from 2015 onwards. The results demonstrate that AI technologies not only enhance personalized learning and educational outcomes but also streamline administrative functions, transforming educational practices. However, challenges such as ethical issues, data privacy, and algorithmic bias remain. The review underscores the importance of theoretical frameworks like constructivist learning theory and the TPACK framework for effective AI integration. Recommendations are provided for educators, administrators, and policymakers to ensure responsible AI use in university settings. This paper offers insights into the current capabilities and future prospects of AI in higher education, promoting ongoing research and strategic implementation.
Research on the Incentive Model of Express Packaging Recycling Based on the Three-Party Game Model
Authors: Pang Wenbin , Yang Shanshan , Qiu Jianwei , Alghalith Moawia
Published: January 2025

Reverse logistics, a new logistics model with the advantages of resource conservation and environmental protection, has emerged in response to the strong negative externalities of traditional logistics. However, in a fully competitive market environment, enterprises generally do not actively implement reverse logistics based on their own profitability and competitiveness considerations. In order to explore the impact of various factors on the implementation of reverse logistics by enterprises, an incentive model based on the three-party game model for express packaging recycling is constructed from the perspective of the participating subjects in the process of reverse logistics. This is a three-party evolutionary game model that includes the government, express packaging recycling enterprises, and consumers, then analyzes the stability of strategic choices and equilibrium points of the game system of the three-party subjects in the implementation of the reverse logistics. The results show that when the incentives from the central government can fully cover the cost of the local government’s choice of active regulation strategy, it will lead the system to stabilize at the strategy combination of implementing reverse logistics, actively regulating, and participating in reverse logistics.
Le bâti colonial algérien, un patrimoine affirmé ou nié ?
Authors: Mami Anissa
Published: January 2025

Au lendemain de l’indépendance en 1962, l’Algérie se retrouve face à un parc immobilier urbain et des infrastructures assez importantes. Ces constructions et bâtiments sont alors placés au cœur de nombreux enjeux politiques et culturels. En effet, le patrimoine colonial du XIXe et XXe siècle, porte en germe les traces directes ou indirectes du système colonial qui continue de laisser des traces douloureuses dans le pays. Néanmoins, depuis l’indépendance, a émergé une politique patrimoniale qui ne pouvait ignorer le legs de la période de la présence française. Il s’agit ici d’en retracer les grandes lignes et d’en comprendre le sens actuel.
Danser, un risque pour la santé ?
Authors: Gil Emma
Published: January 2025

Les concours de danse classique sont devenus des hauts lieux de représentation et de sélection depuis leur création dans les années 1960. Dans ces concours, les exigences et les normes physiques et esthétiques de la danse classique se frottent à la santé des danseur·euses, régulièrement mise à rude épreuve. Créé en 1973, le Prix de Lausanne renouvelle dans les années 1990 les enjeux des carrières professionnelles de la danse classique en mettant notamment en avant la santé du corps. Comment sa politique de santé évolue-t-elle ? Faut-il voir dans la prise en considération des difficultés des danseur·euses une avancée, ou bien une nouvelle manière de contrôler et justifier les normes physiques et esthétiques ? Cet article explore la manière dont le cadre du concours interagit avec le discours de santé qui émerge alors dans ce secteur professionnel et artistique, en s’appuyant sur une étude de santé menée en 2004 et 2005. Il montre que l’existence et le développement d’un discours sur la santé ne suffit pas seul à faire émerger un changement structurel dans l’organisation et les systèmes de pensée caractérisant la danse classique.
A Study on the Effects of Glocal Advertisements on Audiences From Different Cultures
Authors: Aktaş Pelin Ügümü
Published: January 2025

Symbolic consumption at the center of the postmodern age has led brands to address their consumers with specific strategies. One of these strategies is glocal advertising in which global brands address local cultures. The aim of this study is to understand the effects of glocal advertisements on audiences with different cultural backgrounds. For this purpose, focus group studies were conducted to reveal how the glocal advertisements prepared for the Turkish market by the Coca-Cola brand were received by both Turkish and foreign audiences. The data were analyzed descriptively with qualitative content analysis. The results of the analysis showed that the cultural elements used in the films evoked predominantly positive emotions in the participants. The emotional connection with the glocal advertisement text is much stronger than with the global advertisement. It can be said that the brand established a close bond with its audience through cultural codes and succeeded in positioning itself as a part of the target culture in the eyes of the audience.
Understanding Social Influences in Cinema Managing Culture, Society, and Peer Influence
Authors: Sharma Anshu , Biloria Damini
Published: January 2025

you will have the deeper understanding of the significance of comprehending how social factors interact with audience movie preferences, particularly within the context of an increasingly globalized world. This book chapter delves into the profound impact of culture, community, and peer influence on shaping audience preferences within the film industry. It examines how cultural nuances influence film selection, explores the role of community and peer groups in fostering shared movie experiences, and discusses strategies for engaging diverse audiences effectively, such as leveraging cultural insights for content creation. The chapter also highlights the power of community engagement in shaping movie-going behaviour while underscoring the importance of empowering individuals to make autonomous decisions based on informed choices. Furthermore, it addresses the evolving landscape due to technological advancements, with an emphasis on utilizing social media platforms to amplify diverse voices and enrich global cinematic experiences through inclusive storytelling.
Synergizing Employee Share Ownership With Corporate Governance and CSR
Authors: H. P. Ramya , K. G. Hemalatha , Deepak R.
Published: January 2025

Over the past three decades, employee share ownership has gained traction in both industrialized and emerging economies, drawing interest from academics, policymakers, and practitioners (Dondi, 1992). This phenomenon has sparked significant interest across academic circles and among policymakers and business practitioners (Kuvaas, 2003; Pendleton et al., 1998).This chapter explores the synergies between Employee Share Ownership (ESO), corporate governance, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), demonstrating how ESO can drive organizational performance and long-term value creation. By integrating agency theory and evidence-based research, it presents best practices for implementing ESO, analyzing its effects on employee engagement, financial performance, and sustainability while addressing potential challenges in stakeholder alignment.
A Framework for Assessing the Environmental and Social Benefits of Employee Ownership
Authors: Herath Siriyama Kanthi , Kulathunga Hewa Gamage Eranga Ravihara
Published: January 2025

This research develops a framework to assess the environmental and social benefits of employee ownership models. By reviewing literature, we identify factors that contribute to positive sustainability outcomes and examine supporting evidence. Our goal is to inform policymakers, business managers, and scholars seeking to advance sustainable and equitable business practices. Additionally, we will explore the potential challenges and limitations associated with employee ownership models, such as financial risks and governance issues. Our findings will provide practical recommendations for businesses and policymakers interested in implementing or enhancing employee ownership programs.
Employee Stock Ownership
Authors: Amudha R. , Dinesh S. , Shobhana N.
Published: January 2025

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a strategic welfare extended to the employees in a company in the form of sharing the profits and progress of a company. The managerial personnel who have decided to go for ESOP strategy have to decide about the centre for power of control in day-to-day business operations. Thus, corporate decision making is made crucial when ESOP is decided to be followed to strengthen the ownership of an enterprise. The main challenge in issuing ESOP is the dilution in the management. This chapter deals with the corporate social responsibility, corporate governance and tax implications associated with ESOP.
Evaluating Profitability of Traditional Taxi Services in Urban Arteries
Authors: Karabulut Nihat Can , Ozen Halit
Published: January 2025

Traditional taxis have an important place in urban mobility because taxis provide flexible, comfortable and door-to-door service to passengers. However, for the continuity of traditional taxi services, profitability analyzes were needed despite the sharing economy. For this reason, the focus of this study is traditional taxis. This study aims to analyze the profitability of traditional taxi services in the urban arteries of Istanbul. For this purpose, a survey was conducted with 35 taxis and 70 taxi drivers. Then a model was then developed consisting of the independent variables number of trips (TRP), total trip distance (DST) and efficiency (EFF) that affect the profitability of taxi services. Additionally, contour plots were used to more accurately evaluate the effect of independent variables. As a result, it was concluded that the most important variable affecting the profitability of traditional taxi services is the efficiency (EFF) independent variable.
Tsunami-Resilient Building Assessment for Coastal Community of Karachi
Authors: Raza Muhammad Ali , Mohammad Aslam Faqeer
Published: January 2025

The construction of resilient infrastructure and buildings is a key requirement for sustainable cities and communities. Tsunami is a natural hazard that can have a devastating impact on coastal communities. The 2010 Chile and 2011 Great East Japan tsunamis changed the way that structural engineers estimate design loads for structures. During these events, coastal protective structures and waterfront concrete buildings failed to sustain the tsunami hydrodynamic forces. This paper demonstrates the performance evaluation of a numerically simulated case-study tall building located at the Karachi coastal belt employing the ASCE 7-16 provisions. Results include the resilient-based assessment of the overall building and individual component performance when subjected to hydrodynamic loadings and debris damming effects due to active-sea debris such as wooden logs and shipping containers.
Utilization of Sustainable and Smart Materials in Slender Shear Walls- a Deep Insight
Authors: Amir Muhammad , Ali Majid
Published: January 2025

Tall buildings require slender shear walls as fundamental structural elements since the structure’s performance and safety depend on the walls' capacity to bear lateral loads while retaining their ductility. Concrete that has short fibers, like those made of steel or glass is known as fiber concrete. By increasing the ductility of concrete, these fibers can increase its resistance to brittle shear failure. This work aimed to investigate the effects of fiber concrete on thin shear wall ductility. The ductility of fiber concrete shear walls is significantly higher than that of typical concrete shear walls, according to tests conducted on thin shear walls made of both types of concrete. This occurred because of the fibers in the fiber concrete filling up the cracks and stopping them from getting worse. It has been stated that fiber concrete can be utilized as a building material in a variety of ways after being treated. Its application to cylinder shear walls has not been documented solely, though. Therefore, a thorough assessment of the literature regarding the potential of steel fiber concrete for the prevention of shear cracks. The optimal choice for fiber concrete in this application is characterized by a high fiber aspect ratio and a minimum fiber volume fraction of 1%, with steel fiber concrete being highly recommended. The study's findings imply that slender shear walls' ductility can be increased and their resistance to brittle shear failure increased by using steel fiber concrete.
Establishment and evaluation of real-time PCR based SELEX platform for the identification of protein binding aptamers: A pilot study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeykoon A.I. , Kumarasinghe K.M.N. , Chandrasekharan N.V. , Wickramasinghe P.M.T.B.
Published: January 2025

Aptamers are single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) affinity reagents capable of substituting conventional antibodies in processes of molecular recognition. Their higher affinities, lower costs of production and longer shelf lives of aptamers are making them increasingly popular and replacing conventional antibodies in the fields of diagnostics and therapeutics. Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is a well-established and efficient technology for generation of aptamers with high affinity against various targets including whole cells, isolated proteins, and small molecules. This study is the first to report efforts in exploring SELEX for isolating protein-binding aptamers using a quantitative PCR and NGS-based approach in a local context. A low-cost selection platform was developed by coating microwell plates with human serum albumin, the target protein of interest, for quantitative and qualitative solid phase immunoassays. Changes in affinity and diversity were monitored through analysis of amplification plots, melt curves, remelt curves and high-resolution melt curve (HRM). Following eight selection cycles, the enriched DNA was subjected to high-throughput sequencing, and the two most abundant sequences were identified. The sequences were evaluated through in-silico binding assays, which resulted in comparable binding affinities expected for aptamers. Among the monitoring techniques, the amplification curve analysis was a valuable tool in understanding changes in pool affinity. Although the melt curve initially lacked sufficient resolution in the early stages of SELEX, the re-melt curve and HRM analysis accurately reflected pool diversity during this time. Thus, we demonstrate that it is feasible to use locally available technology for the successful development of aptamers. This highlights the potential to produce affinity reagents locally on a commercial scale in the future.
Estimating plant dominance using field-measured structural parameters and remotely sensed data; A case study from Rekawa mangrove forest, southern coast of Sri Lanka
Authors: Samarakoon S.M.T.M. , Madarasinghe S.K. , Thilakarathne N.D.S.D. , Bandularathne A.M.N.N. , Wijayathilaka H.D. , Kodikara K.A.S.
Published: January 2025

The conventional method of determining plant dominance using the basal area is challenging for inaccessible ecosystems. Thus, the present study aimed to develop a new method to determine plant dominance in such inaccessible ecosystems using a remote sensing (RS) method. The target ecosystem of the study was the Rekawa mangrove forest. In this study, plant dominance was determined using both conventional and RS-based methods for two selected vegetation types in the Rekawa mangrove forest, i.e., monospecific and mixed vegetation stands. Google Earth (GE) satellite images and drone images were used to digitize the crown area using on-screen digitization technique in ArcMap v.10.3. Finally, plant dominance values, determined through the three methods (conventional method, using GE satellite images, and using drone images) were compared in terms of their percentage deviation calculated with reference to the conventional method. This study reveals that there is a weak positive correlation (P < 0.05, r = 0.132) between basal area and individual tree crown area in a mangrove forest. Moreover, for both mangrove vegetation types, the drone imagery method has shown the least average percentage deviation in determination of plant dominance, compared to that of the GE satellite imagery method. For instance, the drone imagery method could be used with 100% and 86.02% average accuracies respectively for monospecific and mixed mangrove vegetation, whereas the GE satellite imagery method could be used with 97.85% and 42.15% average accuracies, respectively for monospecific and mixed mangrove vegetation. Therefore, this RS-based method could be used as an alternative method to the conventional basal area-based method of determining plant dominance in dense mangrove forests.
Rare manifestation of tuberculous pericarditis with normal inflammatory markers in a healthy young female
Authors: Washeem Ferose , Kaththota K. R. P. R. , Bowattage Sunil
Published: January 2025

No abstract available
Waist circumference and altered metabolic indices are associated with increased resting pulse rate in middle-aged adults
Authors: Ashour Laith , Taimeh Zaid , Hussein Moaiad , Jarrar Zeid , Madani Nicola Hanna , Mnaa Noor , Ayesh Layan , Odeh Ahmad , Abu Monshar Sama Samer , Dabas Muath Mohammad , Almejaibal Rawan
Published: January 2025

Metabolic indices significantly impact cardiovascular health. Research on the influence of metabolic indices on resting pulse rate in younger adults is needed. Utilizing the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) Wave 5 Public-use biological data, we performed a multiple linear regression analysis to determine the predictive factors of resting pulse rate in adults aged 32-42 years. We controlled for sex, anthropometrics, lipid indices, diabetic status, blood pressure, and antihypertensive use. The total number of participants was 1839 (weighted n=1,390,763), the mean age was 38.1 [standard deviation (SD)=2.0] and the mean pulse rate was 75.2 (SD=11.6). Notably, body mass index did not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with resting pulse rate. Conversely, females presented a statistically significant higher pulse rate than males when adjusted for other variables [p<0.001; coefficient = 4.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.54-6.13], as did individuals with increased waist circumference (p=0.023; coefficient = 2.62; 95% CI: 0.39- 4.85). The data indicated a progressive rise in pulse rate correlating with elevated low-density lipoprotein and hemoglobin A1C levels, particularly among those with severe hypercholesterolemia (p=0.048, coefficient = 6.42; 95% CI: 0.12-12.71) and diabetes (p<0.001, coefficient = 7.11; 95% CI: 3.3-10.92). A significant increase was also observed in individuals with hypertension stage 1 and 2 [p<0.001 for both; coefficients = 2.98 (95% CI: 1.45-4.52) and 7.2 (95% CI: 5.28-9.12), respectively]. These findings underscore the necessity of considering metabolic indices in understanding the pathophysiology of elevated pulse rates in adults, thereby enhancing comprehension of cardiovascular tachyarrhythmias in younger adults.
Perceptions and attitudes towards AI among trainee and qualified radiologists at selected South African training hospitals
Authors: Nciki Ayanda I. , Hlabangana Linda T.
Published: January 2025

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, but its adoption in healthcare, especially radiology, remains contentious.Objectives: This study evaluated the perceptions and attitudes of trainee and qualified radiologists towards the adoption of AI in practice.Method: A cross-sectional survey using a paper-based questionnaire was completed by trainee and qualified radiologists. Survey questions covered AI knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and AI training in the registrar programme on a 3-point Likert scale.Results: A total of 100 participants completed the survey; 54% were aged 26–65 years and 61% were female, with none currently using AI in daily radiology practice. The majority (78%) of participants understood the basics and knew the role of AI in radiology. Most knew about AI from media reports (77%) and majority (95%) were never involved in AI training; only 3% of participants had no knowledge of AI at all. Participants agreed that AI could reliably detect pathological conditions (89%), reach reliable diagnosis (89%), improve daily work (78%), and 89% favoured AI practice; 89% believed that in the future, machine learning will not be independent of the radiologist. Participants were willing to learn (98%) and contribute towards advancing AI software (97%) and agreed that AI will improve the registrars’ programme (97%), also noting that AI applications are as important as medical skills (87%).Conclusion: The findings suggest AI in radiology is in its infancy, with a need for educational programmes to upskill radiologists.Contribution: Participants were positive about AI implementation in practice and in the registrar learning programme.
Ascorbic acid alleviates reproductive toxicity of di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate in female Wistar rats
Authors: Manokaran Kalaivani , Bhaskaran Ravi Sankar , Mudgal Jayesh , Paramasivam Prabu , Shetty Sachin , Nayak Deepak , Carnelio Sunitha , Jaganathan Vennila , Shanmugam Dharani Abirama Sundari , Pai Karkala Sreedhara Ranganath
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To investigate the potential of ascorbic acid in mitigating reproductive toxicity induced by di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in female Wistar rats, focusing on oxidative stress, hormone levels, and gonadotropin receptors expression.

Methods:

Forty female Wistar rats [30 days old, weighing (60±10)g] were randomly divided into five groups (n=8 per group). Group 1 received corn oil (control). Groups 2 and 3 were administered DEHP at 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.), respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received DEHP at 10 and 100 mg/ kg b.wt., respectively, plus ascorbic acid 100 mg/kg b.wt.. All treatments were given orally for 30 days. Blood and ovarian tissues were collected to assess serum reproductive hormones, gonadotropin receptor gene expression, oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis.

Results:

DEHP, particularly at the higher dose, significantly decreased hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol) and gonadotropin receptor gene expression (FSHR, LHR), while increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Co-treatment with ascorbic acid significantly improved these parameters, reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis, and restoring hormone levels and gonadotropin receptor expression. Histopathology revealed fewer atretic follicles and less disruption in ovarian structure in DEHP and ascorbic acid-treated groups compared to those treated with DEHP alone.

Conclusions:

Ascorbic acid demonstrates protective effects against DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats, likely through mitigating oxidative stress and normalizing hormone levels and ovarian function.
Characteristics and prognosis of testicular mixed teratoma and seminoma
Authors: Li Kai , Sun Fengdan , Fan Caibin
Published: January 2025

Background:

To evaluate the association of demographic and clinicopathological characteristics with the survival of patients with testicular mixed teratoma and seminoma (TMTS).

Methods:

The data of 3296 eligible patients with TMTS who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2015 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were determined using the Kaplan–Meier survival curves. The association of demographic and clinicopathological characteristics with the OS and CSS of patients with TMTS was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results:

The number of patients with TMTS increased annually. In Kaplan–Meier analyses, TMTS patients with advanced T stage (P < 0.001 for OS and P < 0.001 for CSS), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001 for OS and P < 0.001 for CSS), distant metastasis (P < 0.001 for OS and P < 0.001 for CSS), no regional lymph node resection (P = 0.003 for OS and P = 0.002 for CSS), large tumor size (P = 0.001 for OS and P = 0.001 for CSS), and LVI (P < 0.001 for OS and P < 0.001 for CSS) exhibited inferior OS and CSS. Moreover, distant metastasis (HR 11.224, P < 0.001; HR 15.817, P < 0.001) and regional lymph node resection (HR 0.425, P = 0.003; HR 0.366, P = 0.004) were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS in patients with TMTS through multivariable analyses.

Conclusions:

Distant metastasis and lymph node metastasis were deemed important prognostic factors for OS and CSS in patients with TMTS. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding and clinical assessments of these prognostic factors are necessary before tailoring clinical management and treatment plan specified for patients with TMTS.
Long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for T1b colorectal cancer
Authors: Cao Zhixin , Zhao Jingfang , Liu Juan , Tian Xiangguo , Shi Yongjun , Zhang Junyong , Hu Jinhua , Liu Fuli
Published: January 2025

Background:

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a standardized procedure for intramucosal and slightly invasive submucosal colorectal cancers (CRC). However, the role of ESD for T1b (depth of submucosal invasion: ≥1,000 μm) CRC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of ESD for T1b CRC.

Methods:

This study involved 50 patients with T1b CRC who underwent ESD, including 31 who received subsequent surgery (ESD + surgery group) and 19 who reported comorbidities or refused subsequent surgery (ESD-alone group). The clinical outcomes, lymph node metastasis (LNM) rate, and recurrence and survival rates were determined.

Results:

All the patients achieved en-bloc resection, and 41 patients achieved R0 resection. The mean tumor diameter was 31.2 ± 11.9 mm. LNM was detected in 3 (6%) cases, demonstrating high-grade tumor budding (Bd 2/3) and invasion depth of >1,500 um. LNM was significantly correlated with tumor budding (P = 0.030). The overall median follow-up period was 41.00 ± 27.69 months and 33.16 ± 19.05 months in the ESD-alone and ESD + surgery groups, respectively (P = 0.241). Two patients in the ESD group had local recurrence and two patients died. Patients in the ESD + surgery group reported no local recurrence, distant metastasis, or disease-related death. Recurrence (P = 0.074) and survival rates (P = 0.072) were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The LNM rate was exceedingly low in patients with T1b. ESD is an effective and safe method for these patients. The necessity of additional surgical treatment after ESD should be comprehensively determined following the patient’s characteristics.
Recent research progress on microRNAs from mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for tumor therapy: A review
Authors: Jiang Yifan , Gao Xue , Zheng Xuezhen , Lu Yan , Zhang Minghan , Yan Wenxuan , Pan Wentao , Li Hengli , Zhang Yueying
Published: January 2025

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of protocells that can differentiate into various cell types and have robust replication and renewal capabilities. MSCs secrete various nutritional factors to regulate the microenvironment of tumor tissues. The mechanism by which they inhibit or promote tumor growth may be closely related to MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo). However, the role of MSC-Exo vesicles in tumors remains controversial. This review discusses the potential applications of microRNAs in exosomes derived from MSCs in treating tumors.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Biosafety Guidelines among Dental Undergraduates during COVID-19 Pandemic at a Dental Institution in North Karnataka – An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nidarkar Vaishnavi A. , Naik Zameera , Kumar S Lokesh , Badavannavar Anand , Hinduja Muskan D. , Kumar Ram Surath
Published: January 2025

Background:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had universally affected every field of health sciences with dentistry being no exception. The current study was planned to assess the preparedness of dental undergraduates to deal with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective:

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of biosafety practices during COVID-19 pandemic among the dental undergraduates.

Methods:

The knowledge, attitude, and practices of 262 dental undergraduates (third year, final year) including interns were evaluated using a self-designed, prevalidated questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to compare the responses among the undergraduates with P < 0.05 set as statistically significant.

Results:

The study revealed that 90.8% of undergraduates were aware about the term biosafety and 81.3% were aware about the practices to be followed when handling COVID-19 patients. In total, 85.9% considered that biosafety guidelines were applicable for doctors, assistants, and patients.

Conclusion:

The majority of undergraduates were highly knowledgeable and aware of biosafety regulations and signs/symptoms of COVID-19. Among the three categories, final-year undergraduates had maximum knowledge of the guidelines, followed by interns and third-year undergraduates.
Accuracy of Bone Height and Thickness Measurements in Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the Presence of Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns
Authors: Gholampour Atefeh , Mollaei Melika , Alimohammadi Mona , Yaghoubi Sara , Hosseinnataj Abolfazl , Mollazadeh Zahra
Published: January 2025

Background:

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a valuable imaging modality in dentistry and has a remarkable role in the analysis of the hard tissue of the maxillofacial region. However, the artifact caused by crowns and some other dental interventions reduces its quality and creates problems in the interpretation of the images. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the accuracy of CBCT linear measurement in the presence of porcelain fused to metal (PFM) restorations.

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, 12 sheep mandibles were used. Radiopaque markers (gutta-percha) were located on the buccal and lingual ridges, and the height and thickness of the bone were measured using a digital caliper (direct measurement). Subsequently, the samples were scanned in three steps with the CBCT device: The first scan was performed without placing the crown (the base image), the second scan was performed with one PFM crown, and the third scan was performed in the presence of three side-by-side crowns. The data were analyzed using SPSS software V.22. The significance level was considered 0.05.

Findings:

There was no significant difference between the direct measurement and the baseline image in the measurement of bone height and thickness. Moreover, increasing the number of crowns did not affect the accuracy of CBCT scans.

Conclusion:

According to the findings of this study, the presence of metal-ceramic crowns did not reduce the accuracy in the linear measurement of alveolar bone height and thickness.