bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do the ACODE benchmarks still cut the mustard or is eLearning maturity just a dream?
Authors: Sankey Michael , Brown Mark , Uys Philip
Published: December 2024

The symposium will first review a series of benchmarking activities that have been undertaken over recent years using the ADODE Benchmarks. It will provide a number of options for participants as to the different ways in which these benchmarks can be used and it will seek to work with participants to help them establish a plan of action for their own institution. As these benchmarks can be used at different levels and in different ways, in their entirety or in part, this activity will provide participant, with keys for using these benchmarks at whatever level they might find most appropriate in their institution. Different perspectives on the usefulness of these benchmarks will be canvassed with a view to establishing the best way forward for participant. But more importantly, this session will seek to empower individuals to provide contextualized leadership in this area eLearning quality once returning to their institutions.
Participants in this symposium would be those who are interested in conducting future benchmarking activities in the area of e-learning, potentially using these benchmarks to conduct either an internal audit of what their institution has in place, or for those looking to plan for an inter-institutional activity, for more broad-ranging quality purposes. Each panel members has considerable experience using the ACODE benchmarks and other quality instruments to help their institutions navigate their future in eLearning. Each also have responsibility, in varying degrees, for their own institutions response to current trends and can provide participant with an inter- institutional perspective of the importance of benchmarking to help establish strategic direction in the area of e- learning.
The impact of learning technologies on workload
Authors: Ryan Yoni , Hinton Leone , Mills Andrea Lamont
Published: December 2024

Over the past decade, most Australian universities have moved increasingly towards online course delivery for both undergraduate and graduate programs. In many cases, online teaching is becoming part of routine teaching loads. Yet detailed and accurate workload data are not readily available. This symposium is timely as it addresses an issue of immediate National and International concern relevant to all education sectors as many struggle with how to allocate workload associated with the use of learning technologies. This symposium intends to explore workload based on data collected from across four institutions and seek input from the audience as to whether it 'rings true'. This Symposium will present some of the findings and conclusions of an Australian Learning and Teaching Council project which has undertaken a robust investigation of workload in relation to the use of learning technologies. The project used a Grounded theory approach and appropriate supporting methods. Drawing on the 88 interviews undertaken across the partner institutions and consequent analysis the four team members will discuss four case studies in regards to issues, barriers and concerns; the grounded methodology, findings from the NVivo analysis and focus on the various teaching demands of online programs, and whether workload demands are lighter, heavier or the same for online teaching compared with face-to-face teaching. The group will highlight recommendations for future practice for key stakeholders from the various perspectives of the presenters. Several questions from the interview schedule and the proposed survey tool will be drawn upon to engage the audience. In particular the survey tool, newly developed, will be tested using a 'cognitive' interview technique whereby audience members will be asked for their 'understanding' of the questions. This feedback will then be incorporated into the survey.
Ascilite community mentoring program and collaborative community mentoring program
Authors: Reushle Shirley
Published: December 2024

This symposium is an opportunity to hear from a group of mentees and mentors about their 2011 projects. It is also a great opportunity to find out about the programs and how you can be involved in 2012 as either a mentor or mentee. The Community Mentoring Program (CMP) involves a collaboration between two ascilite members for the purpose of achieving an agreed goal through dialogue, action and reflection. Mentoring can play a beneficial role in enabling participants to increase their knowledge and experience, enhance career prospects and improve job satisfaction. There are few experiences as powerful as connecting with other people who are united by the need to work collegially and to resolve mutually shared problems. ascilite initiated the Community Mentoring Program in 2003 and approximately 40 members have taken part over the 8 years. The Program has proved to be a valuable addition to the ascilite suite of activities to support its members. The CMP provides wonderful opportunities for a participant to expand a career portfolio and establish support networks that are so important for creating a better working environment and realise aspirations for the future.
From funded project to sustainable product
Authors: Gunn Cathy , Uys Philip
Published: December 2024

The transition from funded project to sustainable elearning innovation has been problematic for many years. Most elearning innovations rely on seed funding for a research and development phase that is risky and resource intensive. Once proof of concept is achieved, different skills are needed for dissemination, integration and professional development, and a number of other factors are critical to long-term success, i.e. strong leadership, supportive institutional culture, senior management support, effective professional development and integration with existing technology systems.
In the current tertiary context, there is unresolved tension between the need to experiment with new educational concepts and tools, and the provision of standard, centralized and secure elearning environments. Valuable knowledge is lost when project experiences are not analyzed to inform parallel or future developments. This applies equally to small-scale, developments and broad concepts such as learning objects and open educational resources.
The discussion in this interactive symposium will begin with a working definition of 'sustainable' and a brief presentation of the strategies and success ratings from 22 Australasian case studies of funded projects that have achieved varying degrees of sustainability. Delegates will be invited to share their opinions and experience, and to debate the findings from an ACODE sponsored study.
Myth busting education in a virtual world
Authors: Gregory Sue , Diener Scott , Wood Denise , Gregory Brent , Sinnappan Suku , Jacka Lisa
Published: December 2024

There has been much media reporting on the efficacy of virtual worlds for education over the last few years. Some of the claims made are unfounded and not based on empirical evidence. All panel members have been teaching and conducting research in virtual worlds for several years. They will address many of the myths about teaching and learning in a virtual world. The format will follow Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage's television series, "Myth Busters" ("MythBusters," 2011) to find out whether the myths are "founded", "busted" or "plausible". To date there has been limited research and publications reporting on myths surrounding the teaching and learning in virtual worlds. However, Calani (2010) attempted to resolve the myths around immersion, James (2007) set about resolving the myths surrounding business in Second Life and, Hendrich & Mesch (2009), discussed 10,000 reasons why a virtual world will or won't work. This interactive session will seek audience participation in resolving these myths through evidence-based practice.
What's the big idea? Changing demands and effective use of technology
Authors: Greener Elizabeth , Mitchell Geoff , Giardina Natasha , Johnston Shannon , Cook Roger , Evans Richard
Published: December 2024

The rate of new ideas and the multitude of pressures on time poor academics means we have to develop new ways of recognizing innovative ideas worth implementing and supporting, and to consider effective ways of building capacity which have real impact on student learning. This symposium will highlight and consider some approaches to determining the ideas that make a difference in a time of changing demands and changing directions, as well as offering ways of building academic capacity. Ideas and comments will be sought from the audience, and the group will determine the developing "big ideas" from the symposium and the conference more broadly.
This session aims to be interactive and audience led. In the style of ABC's Q and A, the panel members will provide comments and provocations, and then lead discussion facilitated by a chair. Audience members will be able to engage via their mobile devices; using OWL (Open Web Lecture), a new web-based student response system developed by QUT, which blends the physical space with a virtual learning environment to create a live collaborative experience. The format will be lively, provocative and responsive to emerging topics from the conference. The Chair and Panel will strive to create a blended learning environment by demonstrating an effective format and use of technology that engages the audience and stimulates thinking and discussion.
Teaching Teachers for the Future
Authors: Galstaun Vilma , Kennedy-Clark Shannon , Markauskaite Lina , Goodyear Peter , Bibi Shaista
Published: December 2024

As part of the national Digital Education Revolution (DER) all pre-service teachers need to develop both understanding and competency in embedding information and communication technologies (ICTs) into the content areas through a TPACK framework (Department of Education, 2008). A Government scoping study indicates that the most common forms of ICT currently used in classrooms are PowerPoint and basic Internet searches (Education Services Australia, 2010). These forms of ICT do not make best use of the potential learning possibilities of ICT. This project is aimed at developing the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) of pre-service teachers via sustainable integration of ICT in pre-service teacher education programs for both primary and secondary teachers.
Unresolved issues about 'authentic' online learning
Authors: Dalgarno Barney , Kennedy Gregor E. , Farley Helen , Lee Mark J.W.
Published: December 2024

The focus of the symposium will be a critical exploration and examination of the notion of 'authentic' learning, leading to a discussion of implications and consequences for the design of online learning resources and environments. The symposium will begin with a 5-10 minute overview presented by Barney Dalgarno, in which he will outline a framework containing three specific interpretations of 'authentic' learning, as a precursor to a 5-10 minute presentation by each of the other panel members.
iPad-eology in Higher Education
Authors: Borbasi Sally , Brand Jeff , Mathew Trisha , Kordyban Ron , Wong Wai-Leng , Williams Paula , Green Ian , Smith Simon , Carrington Allan
Published: December 2024

This interactive symposium will examine the iPad as a pedagogical tool and will explore its potential to transform higher education. 'Padagogy', and 'Podagogy' are swiftly becoming mainstream terms. Whilst this symposium will focus primarily on the role of the iPad in the classroom it will also make reference to other personal computing and mobile devices available to learners.
 
The symposium will be conducted face to face and via webinar, with input from remote presenters and involvement from (selected) remote participants. ASCILITE delegates and outside participants will be able to comment via a twitter stream, which will be displayed at the venue, and will be able to collaborate more extensively via an ASCILITE wiki.
The symposium will be run as a panel session. Each of the representatives from the three institutions will provide an initial five-minute overview of their experiences in using iPads as teaching & learning devices, exploring the pedagogical opportunities, challenges and risks that iPads and mobile devices present. Immediately following each presentation there will be opportunity for the audience to ask questions and/or make comment. At the end of the panel presentations, delegates, virtual participants and the panel members will have further opportunity to engage in broad ranging exchanges about the value and uses of mobile learning devices and where their future might lead. This dialogue will be transcribed live onto a collaborative site which will remain available for ongoing deliberation at the end of the session. The symposium will be podcast for future online dialogue through the ASCILITE 2011 website.
Introduktion: ”Moderskap och modrande”
Authors: Nauwerck Malin , Haglund Tuva
Published: December 2024

Theme: Motherhood and Mothering. Ill. ©Stina Wirsén
Introduktion: "Moderskap och modrande"
Multilingualism in Contemporary Sephardic Children’s Literature
Authors: August-Zarębska Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

This article explores the resurgence of contemporary Sephardic children’s literature, with a particular focus on its multilingual nature as a central feature. The study aims to demonstrate how the use of multiple languages within a book serves as a tool to keep young Sephardic readers connected to Ladino – their heritage language – which, nowadays, is considered severely endangered. The methodological approach is based on Jeffrey Shandler’s concept of post-vernacularity, positioning contemporary Judeo-Spanish children’s literature as a post-vernacular phenomenon. The selected books were published in Israel and the United States between 2010 and 2023. This research categorises these works based on the various configurations of multilingualism, which may manifest as direct translations or the use of different languages (and alphabets) in distinct sections of the text and in the pictures. The study concludes that multilingual children’s literature offers a meaningful way for young Sephardim to connect with their cultural roots and engage with Ladino culture.
Kristina Hermansson och Anna Nordenstam (red.), Rum för läsning: Att arbeta med litteratur i förskolan
Authors: Olsson Jakob
Published: December 2024

Review/Recension
Super-Charlies mamma
Authors: Rüegg Jana , Grahn Lisa
Published: December 2024

Theme: Motherhood and Mothering. Ill. ©Stina Wirsén
Super-Charlie’s Mum: Public Mothers, Adult Address, and Parasocial Relationships in Contemporary Swedish Picturebooks
This article examines contemporary Swedish celebrity picturebooks in which the central characters share names with the children of the authors. The focus is on the relationship between the authors’ public personas and the maternal figures depicted in the books, as well as the ways in which such publications can be understood from a book market perspective. The analysis includes Margaux Dietz’ books about Arnold (2020–2021), Marie Serneholt’s books about Nico and Phille (2020–2021), and Camilla Läckberg’s first instalment in the Super-Charlie series (2011–). The rise of celebrity-authored children’s books has been a notable trend in the Anglo-American publishing industry, with parallel developments emerging in Sweden. The symbiotic relationship between celebrities eager to publish children’s literature and publishers seeking to capitalize on public figures is key to understanding the mechanisms that drive the production of such books. By integrating theoretical frameworks from children’s literature research, motherhood studies, and sociology of literature, this article demonstrates the value of a multifaceted disciplinary approach when analyzing the contemporary Swedish children’s book market. The article explores the adult address created by references to the authors’ actual lives — visible through texts, paratexts, and illustrations — which are primarily accessible to the adult reader. This phenomenon reflects the parasocial relationships that these books utilize to engage readers. As a result, different approaches to motherhood can be discerned: as a carer, a role-model, or a playfully distant star author. These variations of the literary mother figure comment on the authors’ public personas for the benefit of the adult readers, which in turn showcase the commercial possibilities surrounding motherhood, online and on the book market.
The Sounds of the Woods and Mountains
Authors: Kielland Samoilow Tatjana
Published: December 2024

The article takes the form of a comparative analysis of the soundscapes in two classic Nordic novels: Astrid Lindgren’s Ronja Rövardotter (1981; Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter) and Maria Parr’s Tonje Glimmerdal (2009; Astrid the Unstoppable). The aim of the analysis is to explore the role sound plays in the novels’ place-making, and how place is conceptualized. Drawing on theory of place and topoi (Bakhtin; Cresswell; Curtius) and inspired by Henri Lefebvre’s rhythmanalysis, I analyze cyclical and linear sounds. As the study shows, we find spatial rhythms in both novels, and in both there is an interplay between the human voice, nature sounds, and music, but the sounds are orchestrated in very different ways. Overall, the soundscape in Lindgren’s novel is more cacophonic, while it comes across as harmonious in Parr’s. Furthermore, based on the analysis and academic discussions on the novels as pastorals, I argue that Lindgren constructs a more literary and static place or topos while the place-making in Parr’s novel is more dynamic and in line with current concepts of place (e.g. Cresswell).
Astrid Lindgren and the Nightingale’s Song
Authors: Schottenius Cullhed Sigrid
Published: December 2024

Theme: Motherhood and Mothering. Ill. ©Stina Wirsén
This article analyzes the nightingale motif in Swedish author Astrid Lindgren’s short story “Spelar min lind, sjunger min näktergal” (“My Nightingale is Singing”), first published in her collection Sunnanäng (The Red Bird, 1959). The lineage of the motif is traced back to ancient Greek folklore, where the nightingale’s lament symbolizes maternal grief over the loss of a child. It is argued that Lindgren’s story can be interpreted as a modern reimagining of a specific strand in the mythological tradition surrounding the rape of Philomela and the infanticide committed by Procne to avenge her sister. Lindgren alludes to a version of the story found in fable collections, which centers on the reunion of the two sisters after their metamorphosis into birds. In the Greek myth, especially as it was interpreted by Romantic writers, a bereaved mother is transformed into the nightingale, eternally lamenting her loss and thereby transfiguring human suffering into beauty. In Lindgren’s story, Malin longs to bring beauty to the bleak world of the orphanage, first miraculously causing a linden tree to grow in its yard, but ultimately giving her spirit to the tree, where it is heard in the song of a nightingale among its branches. “Spelar min lind, sjunger min näktergal” thus represents Lindgren’s innovative culmination of a long fable tradition with pre-classical origins, where the child becomes the agent of transformation.
“A Precocious Little Mother with a Child’s Face”
Authors: Pankenier Weld Sara
Published: December 2024

Theme: Motherhood and Mothering. Ill. ©Stina Wirsén
Although Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking captured international attention, Martha Sandwall-Bergström’s contemporaneous Kulla-Gulla books (1945–1951) were beloved by generations of readers, despite being discounted as girls’ books or considered insufficiently feminist by critics. A retrospective view, however, reveals that the Kulla-Gulla series offers something more radical than it may seem: it not only reflects twentieth-century Swedish social democratic values of the time and a utopian feminist social model (Toijer-Nilsson; Heggestad, Värld; Nilson) grounded in early Swedish feminist thought, but also, despite the heroine’s own orphaned and motherless state, espouses a maternal ethics of care, which positions the books as pathbreaking still today in a wider global context. The orphan heroine’s assumption of responsibility for effectively motherless children and her rejection of her own elevation from poverty to privilege – until the children she mothers are taken care of also – embody collective responsibility for the vulnerable. Continually emblematized by the heroine, this ethics of care gradually expands to encompass care for other vulnerable figures in the community and finds embodiment in other exemplary characters as well. Key plot points, major characters, and the overall narrative arc demonstrate the books’ radically inclusive and feminist social model and deliver its message of social reform to a young audience.
Analysis of Smooth Cepstral Peak Prominence in Hypokinetic Dysarthria Associated With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Li Qiang , Wallace Abigail , Davis Wesley , Roth Beau , Langhofer Laura , Narayana Shalini , Cannito Michael
Published: December 2024

Smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPs) is a measurement of the distance from the prominent cepstral peak to the linear regression line directly beneath it. Variations of CPPs data acquisition and analysis lead to the complexity of the clinical cut-off values, and there are no agreeable values for a specific voice disorder, such as hypokinetic dysarthria associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study examined the CPPs in people with hypokinetic dysarthria associated with PD compared with healthy participants. Results demonstrated significant differences in speech tasks of sustained vowel and connected speech, with CPPs of connected speech more sensitive to dysphonia and gender difference in PD participants. Males in PD participants presented higher CPPs for sustained vowels and lower CPPs for connected speech than females. It is implied that a consistent clinical application protocol is necessary, and multiple acoustic measures are needed to ensure the accuracy of clinical decisions.
Mapping the Research Landscape of Language Development in Autistic Children: A Preliminary Scientometric Analysis
Authors: Wu Zhonghua , Cheng Le
Published: December 2024

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter difficulties in language learning and utilization, a concern that has gained significant academic attention, particularly given the widespread occurrence of ASD globally. Previous reviews, however, have relied on empirical observations rather than a more rigorous selection criterion. This preliminary study seeks to systematize the scientific knowledge base regarding language development in autistic children by utilizing the analysis tool Citespace 6.2.R5. We visualized and analyzed research patterns and trends regarding autism by drawing data from the Web of Science. Through document citation and emerging trend analyses, seven key research clusters and their chronological associations are identified, along with research hotspots such as language disorder diagnosis and intervention, social communication, language acquisition, and multilingual and multicultural influences. Research findings show that there exist some issues with the current research, including small sample sizes, the need for further investigation into receptive language development, and a lack of cross-cultural comparative studies. Meanwhile, the scope and depth of interdisciplinary research on language development in autistic children also need to be further enhanced. The research contributes to the extant literature by providing valuable references for autism researchers and practitioners.
Middle voice in Cháoyáng Mǐn
Authors: Xiao Yang , Gerner Matthias
Published: December 2024

Cháoyáng Mǐn, a dialect originating from Southeast China, exemplifies a unique instance of an isolating language featuring a middle voice. Historically, the middle voice in Cháoyáng Mǐn emerged as the culmination of a sequential transformation involving causative, passive, and anticausative constructions as intermediate stages. This unexpected alternation between valency-increasing and valency-decreasing constructions can be attributed to the grammaticalization of pro-drop (zero-anaphora) within serial verb constructions. The formal marker of all these constructions is the coverb khiɁ ‘give’ which is further merged with the expletive human pronoun i ‘s/he’ into khiɁi as a marker of the last two constructions: anticausative and middle voice. We claim that khiɁi serves as a genuine synthetical middle voice marker, whereas khiɁ fails one crucial set of data to qualify for an analytical middle voice marker.
Kinetic and thermodynamic study of maize stalk biomass using thermogravimetric analysis
Authors: Khalid Rida , Din Muhammad Imran , Hussain Zaib , Rehman Sania , Hussain Tajamal , Ata Sadia , Yousaf Samia , Parveen Aneeqa , Zahra Zirwa Tuz , Ahmad Shahbaz
Published: December 2024

Investigating thermodynamic and kinetic aspects is crucial for assessing efficiency of converting biomass into energy. This study presents kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of maize stalk using thermogravimetric analysis. The novelty of this research stems from the combination of kinetic and thermodynamic analysis, the application of multiple kinetic models and understanding of pyrolysis-based bioenergy production process from maize stalk. Analysis was performed using a temperature range of 25–650 °C employing 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C/min heating rate. The temperature range of 250–650 °C was selected to analyze the complete decomposition of the three main components of maize stalk i.e. hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin and to prevent the decomposition of inorganic substances such as CaCO3 which decompose at high temperature. The apparent activation energy values were evaluated using Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Friedman and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW) models. The resulting mean apparent Ea values calculated for KAS, Friedman and OFW were 167.86, 177.34 and 162.96 kJ/mol, accordingly. Additionally, Gibbs free energy (ΔG) values were 164.17 kJ/mol, enthalpy (ΔH) −178.31 J/molK and entropy (ΔS) 285.59 kJ/mol, respectively. These findings suggest that maize stalk holds promise as a potential bioenergy source, aligning with sustainable goals and waste-to-energy strategies.
Dekadens költészet A Hét hasábjain és a „dekadens” jelző visszautasítása
Authors: Márton-Simon Anna
Published: December 2024

A 19. század végi magyar nyelvű kritikai és sajtódiskurzusban vagy pejoratív értelemben kerül elő a „dekadens” jelző, vagy kerülik, illetve más fogalmakkal helyettesítik azt. A tanulmány a jelző használatára, működésére és mellőzésének okaira kérdez rá, a Kiss József által szerkesztett A Hét (1890–1921) című lap költészetfelfogására fókuszálva. Egyrészt azt vizsgálja, hogyan határolódott el A Hét szerkesztősége a dekadens költészettől, illetve ez a távolságtartás milyen nyelvhasználatot eredményezett: vagyis hogyan beszéltek a századvégi sajtóban dekadenciáról anélkül, hogy megnevezték volna azt. A tanulmány a dekadenciához mint modern szemléletmódhoz kötődő irányzatok századvégi elutasítására is kitér, valamint a távolságtartás lehetséges okaival és az ennek eredményeként létrejött új kritikai szókincs működésével is foglalkozik.
„Külömbb-külömbbféle dolgoknak szemét-rakása ez”?
Authors: Béla Bálint
Published: December 2024

Hermányi Dienes József (1699–1763) nagyenyedi református prédikátor irodalmi munkásságával többen foglalkoztak, szövegeinek reflexiókra érzékeny vizsgálata azonban ezidáig csak részben történt meg. Dolgozatomban szövegtipológiai szempontból különítem el Hermányi különféle alkotásait, majd az irodalmi értékkel bíró szövegek (Püspökök élete, Emlékirat, Nagyenyedi Demokritus) műfaji és kompozíciós kérdéseit vizsgálom. Mindhárom szöveg tartalmaz olyan reflexiókat, amelyek alapján arra következtethetünk, hogy Hermányi tudatosan megkomponálta műveit annak ellenére, hogy ezekre a töredezettség, mozaikszerűség jellemző. Dolgozatomban figyelemmel kísérem Hermányi fogalomhasználatát is, keresve a műfaji tudatosság esetleges jeleit.
Strategic Visions, Volume 24, Number 1 (Fall 2024)
Authors: Parker Grace Anne
Published: December 2024

This issue of Strategic Visions, Volume 24, Issue 1 (Fall 2024), features the usual "News from the Director" and "Note from the Davis Fellow" sections, in which we reflect on this past semester’s colloquium series. Additionally, we are excited to share interviews with Aaron Gell, a journalist for The New Republic, who discusses campus protests related to Gaza, and Dr. Nikolas Gvosdev, Professor of Naval Security Affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, who provides insights into foreign policy in President-Elect Trump’s second term.
Two of our graduate students, Andrew Santora and Jake Wolff, have contributed pieces detailing their archival research, which has been supported in part by CENFAD. Additionally, PhD candidate Audrey Rankin offers a review of Kathleen Murphy's Captivity's Collections: Science, Natural History, and the British Transatlantic Slave Trade (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2023).
Table of Contents
Authors: Parker Grace Anne
Published: December 2024

This is the table of contents for Strategic Visions, Volume 24 Number 1, Fall 2024.
News from the Director
Authors: McPherson Alan
Published: December 2024

This includes CENFAD updates by the Director, Dr. Alan McPherson.
Winner of the Edwin H. Sherman Prize
Authors: Valdes Sophía
Published: December 2024

A piece from Sofía Valdes about her research which won her the 2024 Edwin H. Sherman Prize
Role of high-resolution anal manometry in evaluation of chronic constipation. A Review
Authors: Sharma MD DNB Dr. Zubin , Sareen MBBS Dr. Astha , Sisodia MBBS MD Dr. Shubham , Madan MBBD DNB Dr. Khusboo , Madan MBBD DNB Dr. Khusboo , Choudhuri MBBS MD DM Dr. Gourdas
Published: December 2024

Chronic constipation is a common and heterogeneous disorder in gastroenterology which requires detailed history and multiple investigations to reach an appropriate diagnosis. Patients are often referred to gastroenterologists when conventional treatment modalities fail. In a country like India, where there are multiple, parallel systems of medicine including the traditional system of medicines, patients are usually on a cocktail of medications by the time they are referred for advanced testing. With this review, we aim to bring in a scientific and a structured format for understanding primary constipation and associated testing for the same.
Mesenteric Panniculitis: A comprehensive review of imaging, clinical associations, and treatment approaches
Authors: C. Semelka MD Richard , Ramalho MD Miguel
Published: December 2024

Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is an uncommon inflammatory condition centered on the root of the mesentery. Modern MRI is the optimal imaging technique for MP, and the sequence that most consistently demonstrates it is 3-D out-of-phase T1 gradient echo imaging. MP is invariably seen in the setting of inflammation of the upper digestive tract, most notably the jejunum. At least 10% of individuals with the (Splanchnic) Metabolic Syndrome possess MP, and it is also observed with less advanced inflammatory conditions of the upper digestive tract, including irritable bowel syndrome.

In this report, we describe the state of the knowledge on mesenteric panniculitis, including imaging findings on MRI. We also report the clinical picture, focused on patient aspects. MP is much more common than previously thought, reflecting the higher imaging resolution available on modern MRI.
Exploring non-formal educational spaces: a practical approach from the perspective of Célestin Freinet and Paulo Freire
Authors: da Silva Marcelo Moreira , Lima de Castro Mirella Guedes , Dias Rita Cassia
Published: December 2024

This article was created within the scope of the Rio Doce Escolar Project of the Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, entitled “Exploring non-formal educational spaces: a practical approach from the perspective of Célestin Freinet and Paulo Freire”, which aims to convert the Santa Fé Municipal Garden into a space where critical Environmental Education (EE) can be thought about and practiced. By proposing the transformation of the garden, the aim is to give this space the conditions to exercise its educational potential, which has not yet been explored by educational institutions and/or by the people of Colatina. By seeking to combine theory and practice, through field trip classes, the aim is to apply what Freinet postulates, when he advocates an association between everyday life and the experience at school. To this end, the following steps were followed: planning and preparation, transformation and revitalization, reflection and learning, communication and community engagement. After the first field trips, it was already clear that it would be necessary to make the space at least a little welcoming, to attract the attention of the Colatina community, to establish partnerships so that the space could be adequately prepared to conduct research and to involve other areas of knowledge in the implementation of the Applied Pedagogical Proposal (PPA) presented here. In the future, it is proposed to promote urban circuits to the garden, a bicycle circuit and a joint effort to clean the spaces that can already be used. Such actions, in the eyes of those involved, can bring the visibility we want and, thus, attract more partners.
Strengthening Anoa (Bubalus spp.) Conservation Based on Social and Cultural Community Values in Wallacea Bioregion, Indonesia
Authors: Arini Diah Irawati Dwi , Kuswanda Wanda , Kinho Julianus , Fajar Irawan Albertus
Published: December 2024

This study explored the local wisdom of the Pinogu community in the Wallacea bioregion concerning the conservation of the endangered anoa species, with a focus on social and cultural values. In-depth interviews were conducted with 150 households, and the data were categorized into social and cultural themes. Regarding social values, the findings revealed that the community predominantly had a moderate level of knowledge about the anoa (52.0%), while 35% had high knowledge, and 13% had low knowledge. Results from the binary logistic analysis showed that participation in anoa conservation was influenced by three key factors. Those were knowledge of the species, involvement in forestry extension programs, and past participation in conservation initiatives. In the terms of cultural values, although no traditional rules were directly associated with anoa conservation, there were existing regulations that focused on forest protection around Pinogu area and core zone of the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park. Based on these findings, it is recommended that extension and conservation education programs be intensified for the younger generation in Pinogu community, with active involvement of the community. This approach could ensure long-term sustainability by aligning with forest conservation efforts, benefiting both the local community and broader conservation goals.
The impact of changes in consumption patterns in the post-pandemic period in Hungary
Authors: Pólya Éva , Máté Zoltán , Oravecz Titanilla
Published: December 2024

The study investigates the impact of negative economic changes on Hungarian consumption habits on a representative sample of 1,000 people during the post-COVID period, which we interpreted as the period after December 2021. The quantitative research shows that a significant part of the population was affected by the unexpected effects of the economic environment. The change in purchasing habits was driven by the search for promotions and value for money products. Regarding the place of purchase, the research showed that the share of online shoppers did not increase for the 12 product categories surveyed, while the role of discounters in offline purchases increased. The survey highlighted that a third of the population cannot afford to make large purchases, while at the same time avoiding loans. Two-thirds of the population's view of the future is quite pessimistic. In consumption attitudes, the first priority is the aforementioned “discounting”, while the second priority is saving money on packaging. Hungarians tend to save more on electricity and heating. Finally, the result of our cluster analysis is that we have been able to distinguish five consumer groups that are able to describe the main consumer attitudes in the post-Covid crisis period. The defined clusters are the following: Resistant, Bargain hunter, Conscious, Rationing and What you can afford is what you can get.
Zastosowanie sztucznej inteligencji w uczeniu się programowania
Authors: Szabłowski Stanisław
Published: December 2024

W opracowaniu dokonano przeglądu wybranych narzędzi sztucznej inteligencji wspomagających programowanie. Wyjaśniono podstawowe pojęcia niezbędne do zastosowania AI w edukacji informatycznej. Przeprowadzono analizę możliwości uczenia się programowania na przykładzie narzędzi Copilot i ChatGPT. Wskazano, że nauczanie programowania powinno odbywać się za pomocą narzędzi AI zintegrowanych ze środowiskiem programistycznym Visual Studio Code. W podsumowaniu stwierdzono, że wspomaganie uczenia się programowania za pomocą AI ma zarówno walory edukacyjne, jak i ograniczenia.
Editorial
Authors: Pallett Ken
Published: December 2024

This issue of Outlooks on Pest Management covers topical areas important for the future of pest control in crop production, namely the biological control of insect pests, the impact of climate change on future crop protection needs and the future regulation of biocontrol agents. There
is also a review of one of the very first crop protection chemicals which is still in use today.
A five-day-old victim of chemical terrorism was exposed to sulfur mustard
Authors: Sezigen Sermet , Topuzoğlu Sadık
Published: December 2024

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a blistering chemical warfare agent and it has cytotoxic effects on ocular, respiratory, cutaneous, and hematological systems. We presented acute hematological effects of high-dose SM exposure on a five-day-old victim who was exposed to SM in Syria in 2015, during a chemical attack. Following onset of typical ocular, respiratory, and cutaneous symptoms of SM, the patient was evacuated to Türkiye on 18th hour after the exposure with an initial diagnosis of second-degree chemical burn. The patient died on 14th day after the exposure. Severe thrombocytopenia, reactive leucocytosis followed by mild leukopenia, isolated lymphopenia, and anaemia were observed after SM exposure. Besides symptomatic treatment, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), packed red blood cells transfusions, and platelet transfusions were administered for the treatment of hematological complications. Monitoring hematological indices daily, advanced medical interventions including G-GSF treatment for SM-induced neutropenia, and aggressive resuscitation with multiple blood transfusions could reduce the impact of myelosuppression in victims of SM.
FORWARD
Authors: Muntean Leon Sorin
Published: December 2024

The actual number of the magazine intitled „Hop and medicinal Plants” (XVI, no. 31-32/2008) contains workpapers regarding the cultivation and valorification domain at hop and medicinal plants, presented in 27-28.06.2007, at the fith scientific manifestation organized (once in three years) by The Centre of Hop Culture and Medicinal Plants Research from The University of Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca.
THE DYNAMIC OF THE EXPLANTS FORMATION IN THE CONDITION IN VITRO AT HOPS CULTIVARS BITERRER AND BREWERS GOLD
Authors: Oros Simona , Muntean Leon Sorin , Duda Marcel , Gadea Stefania
Published: December 2024

Biotechnology as application allows a total change of the plants assortment and cultivars from 1 year to two years, this application responding that way to several new economical imperatives, because it allows obtaining a large number of vegetal plants at a chip price, free of viruses and also this technique is important through the fact which wants the possibility of vegetative breeding of several species which traditionally breed through seeds (Boxux, P., 1985).
NUTRACEUTICALS WITH TARGETED FUNCTIONALITY, VALORIZING DIFFERENT MEDICINAL PLANTS
Authors: Socaciu Carmen , Baciu Anca , Ranga Florica , Fetea Florinela , Nicula Alina , Nicula T. , Duda Marcel
Published: December 2024

Six different medicinal plants have constituted the object of research of a research project that has been financed by the Ministry of Education and Research, coordinated by USAMV Cluj-Napoca together with some parteners including SC Proplanta SA Cluj-Napoca. In this paper there will be presented some results and realizations of this project.
GENETICS AND BREEDING OF SALVIA SCLAREA L. SPECIES
Authors: Gonceariuc Maria
Published: December 2024

Four male sterility types have been described for Salvia sclarea. Three types of inbred lines have been characterized: those affected by inbreeding depression, not affected by depression and lines with new characters. Inbred lines with a high combining capacity have been selected. Different types of the hybrids developed manifest heterosis in F1 but their employment is not effective. Same of the hybrids produced manifest heterosis not only in F1 but in the F2-Fn generations. The hybrids that manifest heterosis for plant height, inflorescence length, inflorescence ramification number, essential oil content have been used to develop productive varieties of hybrid origin that ensure an increased inflorescence and essential oil production. The essential oil quality is guaranteed by an increased concentration of linalile acetate and sclareol. The sclareol concentration in the concrete produced from this cultivars makes 68-70%.
RESEARCH REGARDING THE INFLUENCE OF THE NUTRITION SPACE AND THE SUB LAYER AT ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS L. SPECIE
Authors: Varban Dan , Duda Marcel , Varban Rodica , Muntean Sorin , Chicinas Camelia
Published: December 2024

Rosemary was used since ancient times as medicinal plant, ritual and seasoning. Rosemary volatile oil is obtained from branches with leaves and flowers, harvested all year round. The greatest production were obtained at the planted variant 70 cm x 70 cm. The duration of rooting is low with six days in the case of water usage and with 10 days in the case of perlit usage. The highest content in volatile oil was obtained at the planting variant 70x70 cm and 100x100 cm and with the smallest density.
EXPLOITATION POSSIBILITIES OF CHAMOMILE IN THE CONDITIONS OF WEST ROMANIAN PLAIN
Authors: Maior Iuliana , Tabara Valeriu
Published: December 2024

Spontaneous flora of medicinal plants from the Rumanian territory is in a continuous reduction. Chamomile is one of the spontaneous plants that still have great possibilities of exploitation and it is important to know the potential of this plant. In the west Rumanian plain, the most important chamomile areas are around Carani, G?vojdia, Ghiroda and Remetea. Compared to the Margaritar cultivar, the highest volatile oil content is found at the chamomile populations from Remetea and Ghiroda regions. The climatic conditions of 2006-2007 have been against volatile oil content, registered values were lower then in 2005-2006. As a conclusion we can tell that the studied chamomile populations from the west Rumanian plain can be exploited and we can obtain significant results.
SITUATION OF HOP CULTURE IN ROMANIA
Authors: Muntean Leon Sorin
Published: December 2024

Hop cones from spontaneous flora were used for preparing some drinks with 3-5 thousands years b.c. by ancient peoples, Indo-European, among them, probably, by Romanian ancestors too. In Romania, it is mentioned in writings the utilization of hop, starting with the XIV-th Century in Transilvania, after that in Moldavia (the XV-th Century) and Muntenia (the XVI-th Century). Written documents regarding the hop culture in our country are dated from the XVI-th Century (1570), even if, probably, the first hop cultures in garden system were set up in the XIV-XV-th Century, in the three Romanian Countries. After 1972, based on the beer industry development program, elaborated by Ministry of Agriculture, the hop culture in our country was extended and modernized (more than 2500 hectare), the researches on this plant in a national program, were developed, fact that lead to a significant increase of production (form 4-6 q/ha to 10-15 q/ha). Unfortunately, after 1995, the surfaces were critically reduced We express our hope that the authoritiesâ€™ decision in the filed of agriculture will promote necessary measures for Romania to become one of the greatest hop cultivators, having in mind the ecological conditions that are extremely favorable for hop in our country.
RESEARCH REGARDING THE CAPACITY OF ROOTING AT HOPS IN CONDITION OF IN VITRO
Authors: Oros Simona , Muntean Leon Sorin , Duda Marcel , Gâdea Ștefania
Published: December 2024

To study the ability of hop root formation in vitro were taken in the study two varieties of hops HÃ¼ller Biterer, created in Germany by sexual hybridization. It is a kind semitardiv, with a growing season of 135 days. Strings are 10-12 cm long and the side shoots to form cones usually bloom only in the upper half of the main strings, which leads to a decrease in production. (Duda M, Muntean LS, 2006) are of medium size cones, elongated oval, sharp peak. Bracts are long, mucronate, bifida, weak through the rachides, mechanized harvesting losses are quite high. Brewers Gold, originally from England. It is a late variety with a growing season about 148 days (145-155). The main chords are green and a length of 7-9 m and long lateral shoots, leaves and garnish with good cones. Plant layout is cylindrical. It is a very productive variety. The cones are of medium size, oval shape, sharp, coarse rachides and bracts are firmly attached to it, having a good suitability to mechanical harvesting. Alpha and beta acids content is around 8-9%. Blight is a sensitive variety (Gadea Stefania, 2003)
FROM EMPIRICAL TO MODERN PHYTOTHERAPY
Authors: Muntean Leon Sorin
Published: December 2024

The interest in therapies based on phytotherapeutical products has been growing ever since the second half of the last century, mostly due to the fact that natural medicines, made of plants, are more compatible with the human body, metabolically being more alike and more easily tolerated than the synthetic medicines. The general trend in modern medicine is more and more related to the use of phytotherapy (the treatment based on pharmaceutical products made of plants), trying to limit the use of synthetic medicines as much as possible. Phytotherapy is a real choice in modern therapies, together with chemotherapy, physiotherapy and balneology, electrotherapy, food hygiene etc.
PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF MARIGOLD CULTIVATION UNDER THE CONDITIONS FROM CLUJ-NAPOCA, RO
Authors: Muntean Leon Sorin , Vaida Simona , Duda Marcel Matei , Vârban Dan Ioan , Muntean Leon , Muntean Sorin
Published: December 2024

The marigold inflorescences are much appreciated for their medicinal purposes and they are used as healers, analgesics, bactericides, bile secretors and many others (Muntean L.S. et al., 2007). In our study we have analyzed nine cultivars of marigold, as well as local populations and local selections from different geographic areas in Romania.
The chemical analyses were focused on determining the poliphenolyc carboxyl acids, the flavonoids and carotenoids.
Flavonoid analyses were made using the following identification reactions: cyanides, oxalic-boric complex, hydroxide, ferric clorure and alkali acetate lead. The quantification was made using a spectrophotometer method based on color modification of flavonoids with AlCl3 solution.