bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden Companions to Nearby Intermediate-mass Stars. II. Discovery of a 0.80 M
⊙, 10.5 au Companion to the λ Boötis Star HIP 83650
Authors: Waisberg Idel , Klein Ygal , Katz Boaz
Published: April 2023

HIP 83650 is a nearby intermediate mass star that shows the rare λ Boötis phenomenon of still uncertain origin. Here we report the discovery of a companion to this star with a K band flux ratio of 5.9% based on an archival VLTI/GRAVITY observation. This 0.80M
⊙ companion at a projected separation 149.8 mas ↔ 10.5au confirms that the system is rather old as there is no detected X-ray emission from it. We therefore argue that the λ Boötis character of this star is not caused by a circumstellar debris disk (for which there is also no evidence in the near-infrared interferometry) but potentially by accretion from the ablated wind of a hot Jupiter. This can be tested with AO-assisted spectroscopy of the newly discovered companion.
The Behavior of Bp He-weak Stars in the Far-UV—Paper 5: HD 142301
Authors: Monier Richard
Published: April 2023

The analysis of eigthteen spectra of the B8 He-weak Si star HD 142301 recorded by the SWP camera on board the International Ultraviolet Explorer reveals large variations of the far-ultraviolet spectral energy distribution over a time interval of 14 yr and 5 months. Variations are present shortwards of 1700 Å which can be partly attributed to variations of lines and continuum of Si ii. Other lines due to C ii and Si iii also contribute to the opacity in this range too. The variations suggest that silicon is not distributed in a uniform manner over the surface and that the horizontal gradients of the silicon abundance are probably large.
Notes on Carex (Cyperaceae) from China (IX): three new species of section Mitratae s.l.
Authors: Lu Yi-Fei , Lu Zhao-Cen , Duan Yu-Hao , Zhang Kun , Jin Xiao-Feng
Published: April 2023

Carex sect. Mitratae s.l. was established by Kükenthal in 1909 and can be distinguished from the closely related sections in having nutlets frequently discoid-annulate at the apex and a persistent style base. Based on field surveys and specimen examination, three new species of sect. Mitratae are described and illustrated here. Carex fatsuaniana was collected from Yunnan and differs from C. truncatigluma in having the utricles nearly glabrous, the nutlets with a ca. 0.5 mm long beak at the apex, the staminate spikes cylindrical, 5–7.5 cm long, 4–5 mm wide, and the pistillate glumes acuminate at the apex. Carex damingshanica was collected from Guangxi and differs from C. breviscapa and C. rhynchachaenium in having 3 or 4 spikes, the lateral spikes cylindrical, the pistillate glumes, utricles and nutlets all shorter than in the other two species. Carex radicalispicula was collected from Sichuan and differs from C. truncatirostris in having the staminate spikes clavate, 1.5–2 mm wide, the pistillate glumes pale yellow-white, 3–3.2 mm long, acuminate or short-awned at the apex, and the nutlets with 3 angles shallowly constricted at the middle.
Nécrophanies angéliques. Lorsque l’objet perdu est investi comme un « ange gardien »
Authors: Dollander Marianne
Published: April 2023

Nous étudions dans cet article les expériences subjectives de rencontre avec un ange gardien. Parmi ces dernières, nous explorons celles qui consistent à « rencontrer » un être cher décédé investi de ce rôle protecteur. Nous les envisageons comme concourant à la fois à la continuité du lien et au processus de détachement dans le deuil, et verrons qu’elles peuvent favoriser l’élaboration de la perte, ou plus simplement pallier des difficultés de symbolisation. Nous argumenterons nos propos à travers les vignettes cliniques de Charles et d’Amandine. Plusieurs hypothèses sont avancées concernant la nature et la fonction de ces expériences nécrophaniques dans l’économie psychique du sujet.
Le contenant troué : représentations de la relation avec leur enfant de mères ayant vécu des abus sexuels intrafamiliaux pendant l’enfance
Authors: Boneva Ani , Terradas Miguel M. , Puentes-Neuman Guadalupe , Jeffrey Lorie-Anne
Published: April 2023

L’abus sexuel intrafamilial peut affecter la matrice relationnelle d’un individu et ses relations subséquentes tout au long de sa vie. La portée de ces conséquences négatives se fait également sentir dans l’exercice du rôle maternel chez les femmes ayant vécu des abus sexuels intrafamiliaux durant leur enfance. La présente étude vise à explorer les représentations qu’ont ces femmes de leur enfant et de la relation qu’elles ont avec lui. Pour ce faire, huit mères ayant vécu des abus sexuels dans l’enfance ont participé à un entretien semi-structuré les invitant à réfléchir à leur enfant et à leur relation avec ce dernier. Une analyse thématique du discours a permis de relever quatre catégories : l’indifférenciation mère-enfant, la transmission intergénérationnelle du trauma, le besoin de la mère d’être sauvée par l’enfant et le contenant troué. Une analyse de la forme du discours a permis d’avoir accès aux processus inconscients qui sous-tendent le fonctionnement relationnel de ces mères.
Le militantisme des femmes en faveur de la médicalisation de la santé au Mali entre 1969 et 1979
Authors: Golaszewski Devon , Chardavoine Julia
Published: April 2023

Résumé Tout au long des années 1970, les membres de l'Union nationale des femmes du Mali (UNFM) ont réclamé que l'État accroisse ses investissements dans les services de santé afin d'œuvrer, de façon plus ou moins explicite, à la médicalisation de la santé des femmes et des accouchements. C'étaient pour la plupart des femmes très qualifiées et employées par l'État, notamment dans le secteur de la santé. Leur intérêt pour la médicalisation de la santé reproductive s'expliquait alors par leur vision spécifique des droits des femmes maliennes qui incluait le droit au divorce et l'égalité économique entre hommes et femmes. J'analyse ici, d'une part, comment et pourquoi ces femmes ont poussé à la médicalisation, d'autre part, comment leurs demandes ont refaçonné le sens même de la médicalisation. Afin d'étendre le système biomédical de l'État, ces militantes et leurs homologues dans le secteur de la santé ont en effet mis en avant des techniques de santé peu coûteuses et un travail communautaire, qui ont déplacé les marqueurs de la médicalisation. Le gouvernement a par exemple développé un programme national d'intégration des tinminemusow (sages-femmes de village) dans le système de santé sous le nom d'accoucheuses traditionnelles recyclées et élargi ainsi le sens du terme « biomédical ».
Le rêve comme expérience
Authors: Bolognini Stefano
Published: April 2023

Cet article explore la fonction du rêve, qui rend le sujet capable de nouvelles expériences, avec des passages mutatifs favorisés par des accords internes inconscients occasionnels entre le Moi, le Surmoi et le Ça. De tels passages permettent une expérience subjective différente du Moi : non pas dans le sens du domaine de la seule représentation de soi, mais comme une manière inattendue, nouvelle et efficace de ressentir le rêve comme « vrai », même s’il n’est pas « réel ». Ce sentiment de « vérité » expérientielle est souvent transmis ensuite à l’analyste, à qui le rêve est raconté, et lui permet à son tour de partager in vivo l’expérience du patient. Les deux extraits cliniques présentés concernent deux situations thérapeutiques différentes (le premier patient est en psychothérapie analytique, le second est en analyse depuis de nombreuses années). L’élément de continuité entre les deux cas est constitué précisément par la valeur expérientielle assez similaire de certains de leurs événements oniriques, avec des conséquences inattendues, dans les deux cas, d’efficacité intégrative supplémentaire, transmissible ensuite à l’analyste si celui-ci a la capacité de rêver avec le patient dans une rêverie analytique.
L’hommage de Fermel’huis à Élisabeth-Sophie Chéron (1712)
Authors: Khelissa Anne Perrin
Published: April 2023

L’ Éloge funèbre de M me Le Hay, connue sous le nom de M lle Chéron, de l’Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture, par M. Fermel’huis, Docteur en médecine de l’Université de Paris et Conseiller honoraire de l’Académie de peinture et de sculpture (The Funerary Elegy for M me Le Hay, known under the name of M lle Chéron, of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, by M. Fermel’huis, Medical doctor of the University of Paris and Honorary Counselor of the Academy of Painting and Sculpture) is the first academic elegy in France dedicated to a female artist. Originally intended as an official homage pronounced before the assembly of members of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, its lecture was refused by the company using an argument of precedent. Nevertheless, Elisabeth-Sophie Chéron was a woman painter, draughtsman, engraver, poet, translator and a renowned salonnière , introduced into the circles of Parisian collectors and intellectuals. While the discourse was made public the following year in 1712, in the form of a forty page brochure, it remains unknown today. By analyzing the articulation and the concerns of the text, the present article seeks to demonstrate that it reveals the multiple rapports of power. This latter touches on the questions of the place and the image of women in the society of the Ancient Regime as well as that of the competitive context of artistic creation between the 17 th and 18 th centuries. The objective is therefore also to invite epistemological approaches.
Stress et santé
Authors: Trousselard Marion
Published: April 2023

Le stress est une réaction multidimensionnelle normale au service de la survie pour répondre aux changements de l’environnement. Elle se caractérise par une réaction biologique qui s’exprime dans les champs des pensées, des émotions et des comportements. Cette phénoménologie du stress rend compte de la qualité de la réponse de stress. Elle souligne l’importance de la perception que l’individu a de ses ressources pour répondre à ce qu’il perçoit de la demande de son environnement. Cette transaction individu-environnement participe à mieux appréhender la variabilité interindividuelle de la réponse de stress. Le manque d’efficacité des stratégies mises en œuvre dans cette transaction est associé à une réponse de stress biologiquement coûteuse. L’accumulation de ces réponses coûteuses conduit à une usure biologique qui est susceptible de faire le lit de nombreuses pathologies.
La formation en amont des opérations : e -formation et simulation
Authors: Ferrer Marie-Hélène
Published: April 2023

Les opérationnels sont amenés à intervenir en tout temps, en tous lieux et en toutes circonstances. Acquérir des ressources et s’entraîner à les mobiliser pour optimiser leur adaptabilité et leurs performances sous contraintes en préservant au mieux leur santé est un enjeu majeur. Les technologies de l’information et de la communication constituent des outils pour le management de leurs connaissances et de leurs compétences. Ajouter une scénographie pédagogique impliquant des stimuli multi-sensoriels permet de contextualiser une simulation et d’immerger les professionnels dans une situation opérationnelle. Il faut cependant adapter les tâches à réaliser à leurs niveaux d’expertise pour en optimiser l’immersion.
Dilemmes éthiques des médecins militaires en Opex : quels garde-fous ?
Authors: Lamblin Antoine
Published: April 2023

L’exercice de la médecine militaire en opérations extérieures rend la survenue de dilemmes éthiques inéluctable, en raison de la nature des missions, du contexte d’intervention et du double-statut des médecins militaires qui sont à la fois soignants et membres à part entière de l’armée française. Éthique et stress sont intimement liés, la confrontation à des dilemmes éthiques qui ne sont ni abordés ni résolus étant à l’origine de « stress moral » pouvant faire le lit de pathologies psychiques ultérieures ou conduire à une désadaptation au métier. La prévention repose sur une préparation à la gestion de ces situations, et implique une prise de conscience individuelle et institutionnelle sur sa nécessité.
De l’asile de nuit à l’urgence sociale. Professionnalisation et rationalisation en tension du caritatif dans l’action publique : La Mie de Pain (décennies 1980-2010)
Authors: Aranda Mauricio
Published: April 2023

La politique d’urgence sociale visant les personnes sans abri prend appui sur des initiatives caritatives qui, en partie, lui préexistent. Ainsi, jusqu’aux années 1980, les gestionnaires associatifs d’asiles de nuit organisent leur secours ponctuel de manière autonome, voire en se distinguant des pouvoirs publics. Comment ces associations caritatives ont-elles pu alors intégrer le volet de « solidarité nationale » de l’État social ? Pour y répondre, cet article propose de s’intéresser au cas de La Mie de Pain, œuvre confessionnelle, séculaire et centrale dans ce type d’assistance. En s’appuyant sur une enquête d’archives et de terrain, cette contribution montre comment son incorporation à la politique d’urgence sociale est rendue possible – non sans tensions – par une professionnalisation de ses membres, ainsi que par une rationalisation de ses pratiques. Ces processus sont amenés par des relations d’interdépendance qui vont crescendo avec les pouvoirs publics. Ils se traduisent dans l’association par des mécanismes de renouvellement, mais aussi de conservation, de son personnel et de ses manières d’héberger. Plus largement, l’article donne à réfléchir sur ce que la participation aux affaires sociales fait aux œuvres caritatives dans un contexte de métamorphoses du monde associatif.
Les chroniques « que a faittes nostre amé et feal chancellier ». Pierre d’Orgemont et la Chronique des règnes de Jean II et de Charles V : essai de restitution
Authors: Guyot-Bachy Isabelle
Published: April 2023

La Chronique des règnes de Jean II et de Charles V est considérée depuis le milieu du xix e  siècle comme une histoire officielle des deux règnes, dont le roi Charles V aurait eu l’initiative et dont il aurait confié la rédaction, non plus comme ses prédécesseurs aux moines de Saint-Denis, mais à l’un de ses plus proches officiers, le chancelier Pierre d’Orgemont. Au début du xx e  siècle, son éditeur, Roland Delachenal, a imposé l’idée de l’influence du roi sur le texte, voire de sa collaboration à sa conception et sa composition. La présente contribution voudrait rendre à Pierre d’Orgemont sa part auctoriale. Pour ce faire, elle s’efforce en premier lieu de scruter au fil de la lecture les indices que l’auteur a pu laisser transparaître de sa propre existence, de l’espace qui lui était familier et dans lequel il se déplaçait, et de son rapport personnel et professionnel au temps et à la chronologie. L’article pose ensuite la question de la genèse de l’œuvre : en dépit de fortes dissemblances entre le récit du règne de Jean II et celui de Charles V, on a généralement considéré que la chronique avait été composée d’un seul jet dans les années 1370. Or, l’examen de la tradition manuscrite, mais plus encore une lecture en parallèle de la Chronique française (dite de Guillaume de Nangis, amplifiée à plusieurs reprises au cours du xiv e siècle) permettent de distinguer deux moments de rédaction, le premier relevant sans doute de la seule initiative de Pierre d’Orgemont, alors conseiller du roi au Parlement de Paris, et achevé avant la mort de Jean II. Enfin, la prise en compte de l’intégralité de la chronique, avec ses deux continuations allant jusqu’en 1381 puis jusqu’en 1384, invite à reconsidérer les perspectives même d’un projet historiographique, initié plusieurs années en amont du règne de Charles V et poursuivi au-delà de sa mort, forgé au gré de la longue carrière de Pierre d’Orgemont, tout autant au service du duché de Bourgogne et de son prince apanagiste, Philippe le Hardi, que du roi de France.
Récits de vie et de mort : l’éléphantomanie au XIX e siècle à travers la presse
Authors: Lajoinie Domínguez María Teresa
Published: April 2023

Jusqu’à sa disparition durant la décennie de 1860, le boulevard du Temple s’érige en centre névralgique de la vie théâtrale parisienne et française. Il participe alors activement au succès du genre mélodramatique, mais il accueille aussi d’autres genres populaires, comme les hippodromes et pantomimes zoologiques du Cirque Olympique. La présence animale est leur dénominateur commun. Érigés en protagonistes, les éléphants parviennent à se constituer en figures célèbres de plein droit, devenant de véritables vedettes. L’objectif du présent article est d’étudier le rôle de la presse dans la popularisation de ces vedettes animales et le surgissement du phénomène qualifié d’éléphantomanie. L’article étudie les registres émotionnels véhiculés par les journaux, porte-parole d’une opinion publique majoritairement fascinée par ces « colosses de la nature ». Il s’agit également de sonder les portraits, récits et discours de presse sur ces éléphants, autant de leur vivant, qu’après leur mise à mort. Enfin, l’article questionne l’identité hybride de ces animaux humanisés.
Sus à l’animal exotique ! La bête sauvage dans les récits d’aventures du Journal des Voyages
Authors: Bros Sophie
Published: April 2023

Les romans d’aventures géographiques constituent une part primordiale de la littérature populaire du xix e  siècle, et doivent leur succès à l’exotisme qu’ils proposent. Via une étude de cas, nous montrons comment l’animal exotique devient un véritable topos du genre, à la fois incarnation endémique de l’ailleurs et synonyme d’aventures. Cette omniprésence est cependant paradoxale : l’animal est une réalité essentiellement médiatique, et les apparences scientifiques du discours de fiction cachent une méconnaissance des auteurs et des illustrateurs, tout en participant de la mise en place d’un imaginaire social et d’une idéologie coloniale. Les animaux privilégiés dans les textes et les images le sont en fonction de deux critères : leur degré de violence supposé et leur étrangeté au regard des références zoologiques européo-centrées.
Sale cochon ! Dégoût de l’animalité dans les albums éducatifs pour enfants
Authors: Chantseva Victoria
Published: April 2023

Prenant le contre-pied des analyses qui se focalisent sur la dimension positive de la présence animale dans les livres pour enfants, cet article s’intéresse à l’animal en tant que personnage repoussoir. À travers l’analyse d’un corpus d’albums jeunesse, consacrés à l’apprentissage de la « politesse » et de la « propreté », il étudie des logiques qui sont à l’œuvre dans la mise en scène graphique et narrative de l’animal exécrable. L’examen de ce matériel montre que la représentation de la bestiole dégoûtante s’appuie sur l’héritage traditionnel de la littérature édifiante et réaffirme la différence entre l’humain et l’animal. Que ce soit dans le registre moralisant ou celui de l’humour scatologique, il y ressort une ambition au contrôle de l’animalité sauvage.
« Lé bo ton chat ». Économie de la sympathie féline en ligne
Authors: Goudet Laura
Published: April 2023

Le chat est apte à créer un sentiment d’appartenance à un groupe bienveillant, où s’invente un lieu de pratiques communautaires en ligne. Cette sympathie s’exprime par le rapport avec l’animal, et surtout la délimitation inter/transespèces dans les communautés anglophones et francophones du xxi e  siècle. Cette étude de discours s’attache à étudier les énoncés prétendument félins, notamment dans leurs éléments connivents, en interaction en ligne (partages félins au sein des mèmes comme le Nyan Cat, ou des lolcats anonymes, par exemple dans les pages Facebook d’amateurs de chats qui les réunissent autour de codes co-construits). Les chats connus, ou de célébrités, rassemblant des communautés de consommateurs, sont ensuite abordés, alors que le « Twitwi Chat » utilise les chats célèbres comme Scat pour modèle linguistique à suivre. Enfin, TikTok renégocie les limites du partenariat humain-félin.
Conversations de pandas sur Twitter : un instrument « adorable » des médias chinois
Authors: Huang Zhao Alexandre , Hardy Mylène , Wang Rui
Published: April 2023

Cet article entend explorer la diplomatie chinoise du panda, son histoire, ses stratégies d’influence et ses pratiques numériques. Il vise à mettre en lumière comment le panda est devenu un animal politique, diplomatique et médiatique pour le gouvernement chinois. Notre étude expose comment, à l’ère numérique, les grands médias chinois mobilisent l’image du panda pour contribuer à la médiatisation de la politique étrangère nationale, de ses initiatives géopolitiques et de ses plaidoyers diplomatiques, afin d’interagir et de dialoguer avec les internautes et de construire une image « adorable » et une réputation favorable à la présence chinoise sur la scène internationale.
Distributed adaptive event-triggered control for general linear singular multi-agent systems
Authors: Chen Yuming , Gao Jie , Teng Luan
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the leader-following consensus of general linear singular multi-agent systems. A fully distributed adaptive event-triggered control protocol is first proposed by using the relative state estimate information between neighboring agents. Moreover, the proposed protocol does not require continuous communication between neighbors, which greatly alleviate the negative impact of communication. In addition, a novel adaptive gain is proposed, which will avoid using the Laplace of communication graph. Zeno behavior is excluded by proving that the inter-event times are lower bounded by a positive constant. Finally, a numerical simulation is proposed to verify the effectiveness and reliability of the protocol.
Exponential inequalities and a strong law of large numbers for END random variables under sub-linear expectations
Authors: Liang Haiye , Sun Feng
Published: April 2023

The focus of our work is to investigate exponential inequalities for extended negatively dependent (END) random variables in sub-linear expectations. Through these exponential inequalities, we were able to establish the strong law of large numbers with convergence rate $ O\left(n^{-1/2}\ln^{1/2}n\right) $. Our findings in sub-linear expectation spaces have extended the corresponding results previously established in probability space.
Evaluation of Psychosocial Risks Among High School Teachers in Morocco
Authors: Douelfiqar Ikram , El Madhi Youssef , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , El Wahbi Bouazza , El Faylali Hanan
Published: April 2023

Professional hazards, particularly psychosocial risks that are likely to affect teachers' physical and mental health, are a particular concern in the education sector. It is in this context that this research work lies to evaluate the psychosocial risks encountered by secondary school mathematics teachers in Safi city (Morocco). Indeed, it is a cross-sectional descriptive study based on a questionnaire that compiled socio-demographic and professional data as well as the psychometric variables of the French version of the KARASEK questionnaire. The latter has three components, namely psychological demand (PD), decision latitude (DL), and social support (SS).
The sample consisted of 218 teachers, ranging from 22 to 61 years old, and the participation rate was 72.66%. The sex ratio was 1.5, out of which 61% were males surpassing that of women, 39%. The prevalence of stress risk variables was 98%, 79%, and 4% for high PD, low DL, and low SS, respectively. While Isostrain prevalence was detected only in 2% of instances, job strain was present in 77% of them.
It is trusty to mention that men are proven to be more exposed to the lack of social support, “Job-strain” and isostrain than women. Indeed, they experience stress at work, thus demonstrating that psychosocial risks are significant occupational exposure for teachers. These results promote the development of prevention means to improve working conditions and protect the teachers’ well-being.
Trifluoromethane Destruction Mechanism in Methane-Oxygen Flame
Authors: Kopylov S.N. , Kopylov P.S. , Eltyshev I.P. , Begishev I.R.
Published: April 2023

Based on the known data on the concentrations of intermediate substances and taking into account only those elementary reactions whose kinetic parameters are known, the mechanism of CF3H destruction in a flame of methane-oxygen mixtures of various compositions is developed. It is shown that CF3H destructs in the flame in reactions with O and OH without regeneration. In rich mixture further conversion of CF3H mainly occurs due to the reactions of CF3, CF2, COF2 with atomic hydrogen, which provide inhibition of methane combustion in oxygen by trifluoromethane. In stoichiometric and especially in lean mixture a role of oxidative processes involving O and OH increases and the inhibition effect weakens. The obtained scheme qualitatively describes the entire known experimental pattern observed during the combustion of CH4/O2/CF3H mixtures.
Effect of Line Width and Wall Count on the Compressive Strength of Single and Functionally Graded Additively Manufactured ABS Gyroid Structure
Authors: Aranez Shaun Angelo C. , Basilia Blessie A. , Collera Alvin Kim , Margarito Marianito T.
Published: April 2023

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has been in the manufacturing industry for more than a decade. It has aided in producing several intricate objects for several purposes. One of the most used techniques in AM is fused deposition modeling (FDM) wherein a plastic filament is heated to its melting point and deposited layer by layer in a build plate to form a 3D model. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is one of the commonly used filaments because of its relatively good impact resistance and toughness, and workability in 3D printing various structures. The gyroid structure is a self-supporting structure that has a good strength-to-weight ratio. The compressive strength of single and multiple-layered structures of ABS gyroid lattice structure with different line widths, infill densities, and wall counts was observed. A 0.35 line width with an infill density of 25% and wall count of 3 has a compressive strength of 11.94 MPa, material consumption of 1.87 grams, and printing time of 14 min which makes it the most efficient design for single-layered structures. Among three-layered structures, the combination of infill densities of 25% and 35% is the most efficient with 0.45 line width and 3 walls. It has a compressive strength of 15.87 MPa, printing time of 13 min, and material consumption of 2.3 grams. Nowadays, there are limited research articles on AM of a single structure with gradual varying densities as well as the effect of lesser-known printing parameters on the mechanical properties of AM parts. This study aims to aid future research by providing data on single and functionally graded structures with different line widths and wall counts. With the information from this study, future researchers and designers can further optimize printing parameters to make an efficient design that is light and has sufficient mechanical strength to serve a specific function.
Method for Converting the Energy Characteristics of Alternative Fuels
Authors: Fomin V.M. , Apelinskiy D.V.
Published: April 2023

The article analyzes the reasons hindering the mass use of alternative fuels in the field of energy consumption of domestic transport, which for the most part have lower energy and kinetic indicators of combustion in comparison with traditional fuels. A new approach to solving the problem of improving the environmental and energy-saving indicators of combustion of alternative fuels based on their preliminary thermochemical processing - conversion on board a vehicle is presented. The results of a preliminary analytical study of the parameters of the on-board conversion process for a number of potentially acceptable types of alternative fuels are presented in order to assess the efficiency of this process. The possibility of practical implementation of the proposed process for improving the combustion indicators of alternative fuel with an assessment of its efficiency was tested based on the results of experimental approbation in the conditions of full-scale engine tests. According on the results of the study, the expediency of using this process in transport technologies is justified due to the technical simplicity of its implementation and efficiency. Thermocatalytic reactor is the simplest design of a heat exchanger, the mass and dimensional characteristics of which (in the volume of a conventional muffler) ensure the convenience of its installation in the engine exhaust system. The component composition of these products contains reactive compounds that contribute to the improvement of environmental and energy-saving indicators of the fuel combustion process, and an increase in the efficiency of the engine's operating cycle.
Estimating Quality (Density) of Hydrotreated Straight-Run Winter Diesel Fuel
Authors: Nikonorov V.M.
Published: April 2023

The research objective is to simplify the method for estimating the density of straight-run hydrotreated winter diesel fuel (HTDFWs). The density of straight-run hydrotreated winter diesel fuel is one of the quality indicators ultimately determining the density of winter diesel fuel and therefore, the quality of winter diesel fuel in terms of density. Problems: to describe the current methodology for estimating the HTDFWs’ density, isolate the cycles, and express the cycles by formulas. Research methods – analysis, synthesis, comparison, mathematical analysis. As a result, simplified density calculation with expressing cycles by formulas has been proposed. A mathematical model has been obtained to estimate the density of straight-run hydrotreated winter diesel fuel.
Shift in the ESL Classroom: Effectiveness of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in English as a Second Language (ESL) Settings
Authors: Amaraweera S.
Published: April 2023

The advancement of the mobile devices has created several benefits to the humankind, extending them in the field of education as well. Since these devices are generally used by the young generation, it becomes hard to be neglected using in the language learning process. The use of mobile applications for various purposes is commonly experienced in the Sri Lankan context as well. Although frequently used in written and oral discourses, phrasal verbs (PVs) are subject to be excluded if the correct use of them is challenging for the English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Therefore, this research intends to inspect the efficacy of teaching PVs via one of the commonly used mobile applications, since it is prevalent in the society and is a novel method which is different from the traditional teaching done in the ESL classrooms. Thirty undergraduates were selected and divided into two groups of 15 each. Pre-test was given for both groups first and they were not given prior instructions in the subject. They had to use their prevailing knowledge on PVs to complete the test. For the post-tests, traditional classroom instructions were given to the controlled group within one hour and the experimental group was guided via a selected mobile application. Forty popular PVs were used here. The 1-way ANOVA found that the mean marks of the students of the post-test in the experimental group is significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the students in the controlled group. A significant correlation (p< 0.05) was found between the pre-test marks and the post-test marks irrespective of the two methods. Thus, 1-way ANCOVA was also carried out taking pre-test marks as a covariate and found that the adjusted mean marks of the students in the experimental group is significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the students in the controlled group., Thus, it is recommended that the use of mobile assisted language learning (MALL) in the English Language Teaching (ELT) for ESL setting is an effective, innovative and a novel resource to use as a method of instruction.
A preliminary study on the UL97 gene of cytomegalovirus isolated from patients suspected of ganciclovir resistance in Sri Lanka
Authors: Thambyrajah J. C. , Fernando N. , Rathnayake V. , Handunnetti S. , Jayamaha J.
Published: April 2023

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an opportunistic virus causing infections in immunocompromised patients. The widespread use of ganciclovir to treat CMV infections has led to the development of ganciclovir resistance. To date, no studies have been reported in Sri Lanka on mutations in viral genes detected from CMV identified by PCR. No Sri Lankan studies have been reported to date of ganciclovir resistance associated CMV gene mutations.
Objective: To screen the CMV UL97 gene identified in a cohort of patients who did not respond to ganciclovir for resistance conferring mutations.
Methodology: A retrospective study was carried out on suspected ganciclovir resistant patients who had static or increased levels of CMV viraemia treated with ganciclovir for 2-3 weeks to determine mutations of UL97 gene. DNA of CMV was extracted; Codons 439 – 645 of the UL97 gene was amplified by PCR only from patients who did not respond to ganciclovir and two fragments of 354bp (1317-1671) and 285bp (1650-1935) were sequenced.
Results: Twelve of the 340 patients with CMV infection had static or increased levels of CMV viraemia despite being treated with ganciclovir for 2-3 weeks. No mutation was found in the UL97 gene detected from the 12 patients which could confer ganciclovir resistance. However, there was an incidental finding of a single nucleotide change from thymine to cytosine at the 1368 nucleotide position of the UL97 gene which was detected in all 12 patients.
Conclusion: No mutation was found in the UL97 gene from CMV patients in this preliminary study which could confer ganciclovir resistance. UL54 gene of CMV should be considered in addition to UL97 gene in future studies as mutations reported in both genes are known to contribute to ganciclovir resistance.
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Authors: Thevanesam Vasanthi
Published: April 2023

No abstract available
Mobile phone-enabled internet services and the technology readiness of the users
Authors: Bandara A. M. A. S. M. , Jayawardena L. N. A. C.
Published: April 2023

At a time the ecosystem of mobile phones continues to evolve, this study investigates the impact of the users’ technology readiness (TR) and perceived value (PV) of mobile phone-enabled internet usage (MPEIU). The primary aim of this study is to examine the potential roles of TR and the dimensions of PV as antecedents of mobile data usage and to contribute to the debate on the determinants of technology acceptance and usage by individuals. The perceived value of mobile phone-enabled internet is conceptualised under five dimensions, viz: (1) utilitarian value, (2) hedonic value, (3) uniqueness value, (4) epistemic value, and (5) economic value, in a survey conducted by using a validated questionnaire, with a sample of 550 adult mobile phone users in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The data analysis employs covariance based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) analytical process and the findings reveal that their adoption intention (AI) has a direct positive influence on the MPEIU. It is discovered that the utilitarian, epistemic, and hedonic value dimensions of MPEIU indicate a direct influence on their AI while TR indicates an indirect influence on it. The findings imply that the generic strategic approaches (i.e., cost and differentiation) to mobile internet services may be an ineffective solution and suggest that the focus should shift towards improving the utilitarian, epistemic, and hedonic components of mobile internet services. Accordingly, the users with a higher level of TR indicated an affinity to have a higher AI and higher usage. Therefore, the user’s TR is recommended here as the basis for market segmentation.
Job stress amongst female faculty members in higher education: an Indian experience from a feminist perspective
Authors: Venkat Purnima , Mayya Shreemathi S. , Ashok Lena , Kamath Veena
Published: April 2023

Women academicians in higher education in India have a more rigorous path to follow than their male counterparts in achieving their due professional status. There are several factors that hinder their progress, including patriarchal concepts in certain role expectations from women; stereotyping of women in certain roles; and non-acceptance of women in certain others. The notions about women that have thus got embedded in the higher education sector in India have a negative impact on their career progress. There is also the need to understand the phenomenon of the glass ceiling that women are faced with in their career promotion efforts in higher education and the inequalities they often encounter under male chauvinism. Against this backdrop, the present paper strives to study the factors that contribute to the job stress and dissatisfaction of women in higher education in India, using the constructs of feminism. The paper concludes that understanding these constructs enables the members of the academia to rationally navigate the experiences of women in higher education and to create supportive policies that ensure a sustainable future for academic women with job security, satisfaction, and dignity.
International migration and development: survival or building up strategy by Sarathchandra Gamlath
Authors: Udayanga Samitha
Published: April 2023

“International migration and development: survival or building up strategy” by Sarathchandra Gamlath explores the community-level and family-level consequences of international migration in Sri Lanka while arguing that international migration cannot be positive in terms of the country’s overall development. Migration can bring about different results at micro level compared to its positive impact on the well-off social segments of the Sri Lankan community, but it does not adequately benefit the low income segments. Gamlath claims that it is noteworthy to understand whether the migrants who come from badly-off segments are benefited from their migration because of their belief that migration would help them alleviate poverty. He has observed that many people below the poverty line suffer from several socio-economic problems because of the inappropriate pattern of development influenced by different biases or prejudices, such as favouring urban areas over rural areas. Consequently, the remittances sent by labour migrants who are predominantly from the badly-off segments of the community do not help their dependents at home when the national level resource distribution is discriminatory while the well-off segments continue to receive thereby more and more funds for their opulence.
Understanding social upheavals: beyond conspiracy theories
Authors: Silva Kalinga Tudor
Published: April 2023

Sociological explanations frequently serve as a counter point to popular conspiracy theories. Historically, sociology evolved as a subject that tried to prove that social reality cannot be reduced to the separate actions of the individuals who make up that society, such individual motivations or what was understood as the standard way persons think and behave in given situations being the dominant analytical frameworks in other social sciences like economics, psychology, and political science. A key founder of sociology, Frenchman Emile Durkheim tried to  identify the social as external to and in some ways imposed from outside upon the individuals who are included in the social reality. In his unique way, he demonstrated the validity of the social by explaining how even a deeply personal and emotional matter such as suicide must be seen as a socially determined phenomenon. Of course,these views have been interrogated by many critics over the years for his single-minded preoccupation with the social by deemphasizing its natural linkages with the psychological and for his denial of the agency of human beings.
When knowledge is not enough: barriers to recommended cassava processing in resource-constrained Kwango, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Bokundabi Gisele , Haskins Lyn , Horwood Christiane , Kuwa Césarine , Mutombo Paulin B. , John Vaughn M. , Mapatano Mala A. , Banea Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2023

Background: Despite interventions to provide knowledge and improve bitter cassava processing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), cassava processing is sub-optimal. Consumption of insufficiently processed bitter cassava is associated with konzo, a neurological paralytic disease. Objective: This study aimed to explore barriers to appropriate cassava processing carried out by women in one deep rural, economically deprived area of DRC. Methods: A qualitative design used focus group discussions (FGDs) and participant observation to collect data among purposively selected women aged 15-61 years in Kwango, DRC. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: 15 FGDs with 131 women and 12 observations of cassava processing were undertaken. Observations indicated women did not follow recommended cassava processing methods. Although women were knowledgeable about cassava processing, two main barriers emerged: access to water and lack of money. Accessing water from the river to process cassava was burdensome, and the cassava was at risk of being stolen by soaking it in the river; therefore, women shortened the processing time. Cassava was not only used as a staple food but also as a cash crop, which led to households shortening the processing time to reach the market quickly. Conclusion: Knowledge about the risks of insufficient cassava processing and about safe processing methods alone is insufficient to change practices in a context of severe resource constraints. When planning nutrition interventions, it is critical to view the intervention in light of the socio-economic context in which the intervention will take place to improve its outcomes.
HIV self-testing: a cross-sectional survey conducted among students at a tertiary institution in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2020
Authors: Mthiyane Hloniphile R. , Makatini Zinhle , Tsukulu Refilwe , Jeena Rumaanah , Mutloane Motheo , Giddings David , Mahlangu Sifiso , Likotsi Paballo , Majavie Liezl , Druker Tali , Treurnicht Florette
Published: April 2023

Background: Despite the growing evidence for reasonable acceptance and the willingness to use HIV self-testing (HIVST), South Africa has not yet fully explored HIVST.Objective: This study’s objective was to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices for HIVST among students aged 18 to 29 years from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Methods: An online cross-sectional self-administered survey was used to collect data from 01 January 2020 to 31 June 2020. Chi-squared test was used to determine the contribution between categorical variables and HIVST outcomes at a P-value of ≤0.05. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the association between categorical variables with HIVST at a 95% confidence interval.Results: A total of 227 students were included and more than half were females and 68% were between 20 and 24 years of age. Only 15% reported prior access to HIVST. Almost all students (99%) indicated that they would confirm self-test results if positive. Age group 25-29 (aOR 3.43; 95% CI 1.7-77) was associated with HIVST access compared to ≤19 and 24-29 age groups. Conclusions: HIVST awareness was generally high among this study population. Of concern is the extremely low number of students who had previously used HIVST, as well as those who were unaware of HIVST’s existence. Our findings highlight a necessity for HIVST advocacy in South Africa that provides information on where and how HIVST kits can be accessed to potentially upscale HIV testing – essential for achieving UNAIDS targets towards the elimination of HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat.
Transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy versus laparoscopic appendectomy in children: a single center experience
Authors: Bindi Edoardo , Nino Fabiano , Pierangeli Francesco , Ilari Michele , Bollettini Taisia , Chiarella Elisa , Mariscoli Francesca , Gentilucci Gianluca , Cruccetti Alba , Cobellis Giovanni
Published: April 2023

Laparoscopic Appendectomy (LPSA) is the first choice for appendectomy in pediatric surgery. Trans-Umbilical Laparoscopic Assisted Appendicectomy (TULAA) is another used technique. We compared both these procedures used for the treatment of acute appendicitis. The study was conducted between January 2019 to December 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: LPSA and TULAA groups. The collected data were: operative time, number of conversions, time of canalization and hospital stay. A total of 181 patients were included: 73 were kept in the LPSA and 108 in the TULAA group. Mean operative time was 70.9 minutes (range 45-130 min) for LPS and 56.4 (30-145 min) for TULAA group (p <0.0001). Complications rate showed no statistically significant difference between both the two groups. However, conversions showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.04). Both techniques showed similar results. TULAA technique takes a significantly shorter operating time. The selection between LPSA and TULAA techniques depends on the experience of the surgeon’s work and the personal laparoscopic learning curve. In our experience LPSA was a useful technique to improve the laparoscopic skill of the pediatric surgery residents.
Molluscicidal activities of green-synthesized Alstonia congensis silver nanoparticles
Authors: Oyeyemi Oyetunde T. , Babalola Blessing M. , Akinmulero Taiwo C. , Adesida Precious A. , Oyeyemi Ifeoluwa T.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of Alstonia congensis green-synthesized nanoparticles as a molluscicide against snail hosts of trematodes.

Methods:

The ethanolic leaf extract of Alstonia congensis was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles. The formulation was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersed X-ray. The ovicidal and molluscicidal activities of the Alstonia congensis extract and its nanoparticles were tested against Physa acuta and Bulinus forskalii at different concentrations.

Results:

The green-synthesized nanoparticles inhibited embryonic development within the egg masses of the two snails in all the tested concentrations. Alstonia congensis extract did not show molluscicidal properties against adult Physa acuta but showed a very weak activity against Bulinus forskalii. Moreover, the synthesized nanoparticles showed significantly high molluscicidal activity against adult snails within 5-40 min of exposure in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

The Alstonia congensis-based nanoparticles show molluscicidal activities against adults and embryos of Physa acuta and Bulinus forskalii, and can be further explored as a potent molluscicide for the control of intermediate host of trematode parasites.