bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROBUST CONTROL OF OXYGEN SATURATION DURING MECHANICAL VENTILATION
Authors: Lohse Arnhold , Von Platen Philip , Steffen Leonhardt  , Walter Marian
Published: July 2024

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a disease that has a high reported mortality rate. The treatment for ARDS typically involves mechanical ventilation that is tailored to each patient's needs. A crucial aspect of this treatment is maintaining adequate oxygen saturation of haemoglobin by setting the fraction of inspired oxygen. This paper proposes a design method of robust proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers using a gas exchange model during ARDS. Several PID controllers were synthesized for different sub-operational ranges defined by measurable quantities of the mechanical ventilator and the patient using a mixed sensitivity H∞ approach. In simulations, the controller demonstrated high robustness to external changes and changes in the patient's condition, with saturation always above 88%. Although further validation of the controller is required, the results indicate that the presented robust control method has the potential to be clinically relevant.
BIOIMPACT OF HYPOMAGNETIC FIELDS
Authors: Bajtos Marek , Radil Roman , Štefaňáková Monika , Janoušek Ladislav , Skurčák Ľuboš
Published: July 2024

Hypomagnetic fields (HMF), or nearly zero magnetic fields, are fields with a value of magnetic flux density lower than the Earth's geomagnetic field. The effects of these so-called weak magnetic fields can manifest in living organisms by influencing biological functions such as the circadian system, calcium balance in cells, DNA methylation, concentration of reactive oxygen species, as well as changes in metabolic and developmental processes. This article describes how HMF affects selected cellular structures through specific exposure parameters, whose selective impact has been verified on the proliferative activity of the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In 25 experiments, the inhibitory effect of a time-varying magnetic field at a level of 0.365 µT was confirmed, which corresponds to the magnitude of magnetic flux density in the vicinity of 100 kV power lines. Global organizations also point out the possible correlation between HMF generated by 50 Hz power lines and various diseases, particularly childhood leukemia.
Syndrome of mutual buffering in patients with rectal fistulas in combination with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mukhabbatov D. K. , Gulov M. K. , Khamroev B. M. , Ali-Zade S. G. , Niyazova N. F.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: The results of surgical treatment of rectal fistulas (RF) directly depend on the accuracy of their diagnosis and the detection of a concomitant disease, such as diabetes mellitus (DM). To improve the results of surgical treatment, it is necessary to take into account the mutual influence of RF and DM, which can aggravate each other’s course.

AIM: The study of the features of the course of RF against the background of DM and the assessment of their mutually aggravating influence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 patients with RF were studied, which were divided into two groups: the main group (MG) included 60 patients with DM, the control group (CG) also included 60 patients without DM.

RESULTS: In both groups, patients with transsphincteric RF dominated: 39 (65.0%) in the MG and 38 (63.3%) in the CG. Recurrent SPC prevailed in patients with DM (30.0% versus 15.0%), which indicates a more complex course of RF against the background of DM. It was found that in 17 (28.3%) patients, the stage of diabetes compensation after the formation of a fistula with a purulent cavity in the pararectal tissue passed into the stage of subcompensation and, due to an unstable decrease in blood sugar levels, it was necessary to replace tableted antidiabetic drugs with injectable insulin, which says about the deterioration of the course of diabetes against the background of chronic purulent inflammation in the pararectal tissue. The results of the study showed the presence of a direct correlation between the course of chronic paraproctitis and the stage of DM (r=0.50552, p<0.001), which indicates the presence of a mutual burden syndrome.

CONCLUSION: DM and chronic paraproctitis have a mutually aggravating effect on each other. Our results indicate the presence of a syndrome of mutual aggravation in patients with RF fistulas against the background of DM, which worsen the course of each other, which must be taken into account at the stages of diagnosis and preoperative preparation of patients to improve the immediate and long-term results of surgical treatment in this category of patients.
Combination of familial partial lipodystrophy (Dunnigan-Cobberling syndrome) with pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Frolkova N. V. , Koksharova E. O. , Vasiluev P. A. , Smirnova O. M. , Shestakova M. V.
Published: July 2024

Lipodystrophy syndromes are a heterogeneous group of extremely rare, inherited or acquired disorders that are characterized by total or partial fat loss or its improper redistribution. The prevalence of lipodystrophies is estimated to be 1:1,000,000 in the population, with approximately 1,000 cases currently described in the literature.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by the formation of non-caseating epithelioid granulomas in the affected tissues. Despite the large number of studies, the etiology and pathogenesis of sarcoidosis still remain unknown. Most researchers allude to the possible autoimmune or immune-mediated genesis of the disease.

This article presents a series of unique clinical cases of a combination of two rare diseases in one patient: sarcoidosis and familial partial lipodystrophy.
Clinical and economic analysis of the use of the medicinal product dapagliflozin in patients with chronic heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhuravleva M. V. , Gagarina J. V. , Marin T. V.
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVE: Clinical and economic evaluation of using the dapagliflozin in addition to standard therapy for patients with CHF (Chronic Heart Failure) and concomitant type 2 DM (Diabetes mellitus).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: All adult Russian patients with confirmed diagnosis of CVD and concomitant type 2 DM were considered as the target population. We evaluated the use of dapagliflozin in addition to standard therapy in comorbid patients with CHF and DM type 2 on the indicators of CC death, death from any cause of hospitalization due to CHF, emergency treatment due to CHF, as well as calculated the cost per life year saved and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) saved both when using standard therapy alone and in combination with dapagliflozin.

RESULTS: The use of dapagliflozin in addition to standard therapy for the treatment of comorbid patients with CHF and DM 2 per cohort of 1,000 people will prevent an additional 1,3 and 10 years:

CHD-related hospitalizations: 40, 99, 195, respectively;

Emergency admissions due to CVD: 15, 38, 73 respectively;

CC deaths: 9, 19, 25 respectively;

Deaths from any cause: 10, 21, 19

At the same time, the costs per one year of quality-adjusted life saved were 1,923,509 rubles during the first year, 1,102,680 rubles during the first 3 years, and 560,841 rubles for 10 years, which did not exceed the calculated value of the willingness-to-pay threshold — 3.14 million rubles, and allowed us to conclude that dapagliflozin is clinico-economically feasible in the studied patient population.

CONCLUSION: The use of dapagliflozin in addition to standard therapy for the treatment of comorbid patients with CHF and type 2 diabetes is clinically and economically feasible, considering the cost per year of life saved, adjusted for quality of life.
Designing transformative learning environments
Authors: Cochrane Thomas , Antonczak Laurent , Guinibert Matthew
Published: July 2024

One way of designing transformative learning environments is to frame teaching and learning around building learning communities. Cormier promotes the idea of creating ecologies where communities can interact, and seeding this interaction via triggering events. Building on these ideas in this paper we evaluate the use of the SAMR framework and the conception of three levels of creativity to trigger transformative curriculum design within two different learning communities in distinct course contexts including: Graphic Design, and Communications Studies. The two case studies provide practical examples of using social media to explore transformative curriculum design.
Tool mediation and learner engagement
Authors: Gedera Dilani
Published: July 2024

Integration of educational technologies in teaching and learning has changed the nature of face-to-face learning. Educational technologies that include LMSs generally offer powerful tools that can be used in enhancing teaching and learning experiences. However, it is not clear to what extent LMSs affect learner engagement in universities. With this focus, this article aims to explore the factors that affected students’ engagement with e-learning activities facilitated by Moodle in a blended learning course in a university in New Zealand. With Activity Theory as its research framework, the research methods of this study include individual interviews, online and face-to-face observation of activities and analysis of other relevant documents. This article includes some of the findings of the research and a discussion on how the university learning management system— Moodle and other tools affected students’ active participation in learning activities in this course. The article also offers some pedagogical strategies that can be of use to teachers and instructional designers when designing online courses.
Adopt or adapt?
Authors: Buchan Janet
Published: July 2024

This article reports on a study undertaken at a regional Australian university during a period of major organisational change that included the implementation of a number of core educational technology systems. The research sought to understand how to improve the implementation and uptake of new technology within a changing institutional learning environment. The findings challenge the existing model of the Diffusion of innovation and the early-to-late adopter paradigm of technology by exploring aspects of individual adaptability and response to change. It is proposed that the model of the adoption of innovation move on from a focus on ‘adopt’, to a focus on ‘adapt’. The adoption and uptake of innovation and technology at an institutional level is related to the adaptability of individuals to change in general while the institution itself can play a significant role in increasing individuals’ adaptability. The metaphor of the Osmosis of innovation is introduced to reconceptualise how agents of change can approach innovation and more specifically the introduction of educational technology.
“What in me is Dark, Illumine”
Authors: Wohlers Shane David , Jamieson John
Published: July 2024

With the growing prevalence of “Big Data,” a significant challenge facing New Zealand’s tertiary sector is the transition to becoming data-driven organisations. Learning Analytics is an emerging trend that provides a means to leverage “Big Data” in an educational context. However, despite the rhetoric surrounding learning analytics, the reality is that for many organisations existing Learning Analytics solutions present a number of challenges that impede adoption. Existing solutions are expensive, overly complex, or require specialist/external skillsets and infrastructure to implement and maintain. This paper sets out the Eastern Institute of Technology’s development of a macro-level learning analytics solution for its Moodle Learning Management System using free, web-based analytical tools. The Institute’s goal is to share its solution and development experience, thus furthering the conversation around learning analytics, data governance, and the application of data to enrich decision-making.
Towards a theoretical mobile heutagogy framework
Authors: Narayan Vickel , Herrington Jan
Published: July 2024

Heutagogy is a relatively new learning and teaching framework. Heutagogy advocates student centred learning and teaching strategies where the learning is directed and determined by the learner. At the time when heutagogy was conceptualised as a teaching framework (in 2000), the web was still in its infancy. More than a decade later, the web has evolved from being transmission focused (Web 1.0) to participatory in nature (Web 2.0). At the same time, mobile technologies such as smartphones and tablets have amplified the capabilities and ways Web 2.0 tools and technologies can be used. In this paper, we look at how mobile devices and social media can support and offer unique opportunities for using heutagogy as a pedagogical framework. A set of design principles is proposed resulting from a review of literature on heutagogy, social media and mLearning. The design principles provide educators with a guide on how to utilise the unique affordances of Web 2.0 tools and mobile devices in implementing learner directed and determined learning or life long learning.
Factors influencing tertiary students’ choice of study mode
Authors: Bailey Matthew , Ifenthaler Dirk , Gosper Maree , Kretzschmar Mandy
Published: July 2024

Managing and understanding student’s motivations and experiences of learning will be increasingly important as demand for higher education continues to grow and online delivery continues to evolve and expand into open access, on-campus and distance modes of study. It is in the interests of institutions offering two or more modes of study to understand the reasons why students make different choices. This research investigates the importance of six factors (personal, logistics, teaching and learning, learning support, environment, and advice and marketing) influencing 744 students choice of three different modes of study. Findings indicate that there are significant differences in the importance of factors amongst students enrolled in different study modes, although when averaged across all cohorts ‘teaching and learning’ and ‘logistics’ factors were the most influential. It is suggested that providing a high level of transparency in the information provided to students is vital for higher education institutions.
An Open2Study MOOC experience from a staff perspective
Authors: Wilson Amy , Hartnett Maggie , Brown Mark , Jamieson Andrew , Symonds Scott
Published: July 2024

This paper reports on the experiences of staff involved in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) initiative by Massey University using a system known as Open2Study developed by Open Universities Australia (OUA). In 2013, three courses (known as subjects) were designed and developed in conjunction with Open2Study as a pilot project. The initial results reported here form part of a larger evaluation of the initial trial with a particular focus on the experiences of the staff involved. Preliminary findings highlight a number of benefits and challenges. Higher visibility, enhanced working relationships and transferability of skills were amongst the benefits identified by staff for both individuals and the wider University. The challenges faced included tight timeframes and differing expectations in terms of format, pedagogy and support from Open2Study experts. The resulting Open2Study courses and the experience gained now provide models for other staff to follow.
Tools of the trade
Authors: McGrath Naomi , Gregory Sue , Farley Helen , Roberts Pauline
Published: July 2024

The reality is that online learning can be a daunting and lonely experience. This is why icebreakers can be a rewarding practice for both students and educators. The use of icebreakers allows students studying online to introduce themselves and become familiar with other members of the group and/or community. Not only are these icebreakers used as a starter within the first weeks of study, but they are also used to help motivate students throughout the course. Highlighted in this paper are particular online (virtual) tools that can be used as icebreakers within an online learning environment and help shift the view of isolation associated with learning online and create a more engaged community of practice with effective learning.
The focus group method
Authors: Hallas Julia
Published: July 2024

This paper discusses the practical implications of planning for and conducting focus groups in order to ensure that the required data can be generated during the interview. The paper centres on three activities researchers new to the method could engage in, to acquire the methodological knowledge and practical skills necessary to generate the data for an empirical study. Within the context of an empirical study in progress, the three activities are discussed in detail: undertake a literature review, develop a comprehensive interview schedule, and conduct a focus group pilot. Researchers who centre their attention on these activities are more likely to succeed in generating the high quality data required, as they will be engaged in the most beneficial aspects of planning and conducting the focus group interview.
Achieving flexibility?
Authors: Jenkins Martin , Walker Richard , Voce Julie
Published: July 2024

To what extent has recent investment in technology-enhanced learning (TEL) in UK universities helped to change academic practice? The Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association (UCISA) TEL surveys have tracked developments in learning technology provision across the higher education (HE) sector since 2001. Using the frame of Barnett’s recent ‘Conditions of Flexibility’ report this paper considers the extent to which this investment has prioritised institutional or pedagogic flexibility in learning and teaching delivery, in contrast to the traditional interpretation of flexible provision as part of learner control and choice. The paper highlights findings from the latest 2014 UCISA TEL survey presenting an overview TEL use in UK universities.
Does technology matter?
Authors: San Jose David L.
Published: July 2024

Electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) systems have the potential to change learning outcomes where student learning is achieved through the process and the final product. However, previous research has identified problems with the technical features of some e-portfolio platforms (Deneen & Brown, 2013), and with the rigidness and complexity of user interface (Shroff, Deneen, & Ng, 2011) that may subvert intended learning goals. These e-portfolios were evaluated since they serve to document the achievement of the Graduating Teacher Standards and to assist in job hunting. A combination of interviews and self-reports on the User Information Satisfaction (UIS) instrument were utilised, along with the Usability Evaluation Method (UEM) to evaluate the usability and learning design of the various technology platforms. An exploration of technology and user characteristics will be factored in to discern the quality of student portfolios and eportfolio systems maturation.
Badge trouble
Authors: Mewburn Inger , Freund Katharina , Rutherford Emily
Published: July 2024

Despite calls for innovation in learning technologies, setting up new tools for learning at large institutions is an often difficult road. This paper will address the challenges involved in setting up a small pilot of open badges at the Australian National University (ANU). It will investigate the options available for trialing badges when system administrators are unable to support the endeavor, and discuss the university policies and government legislation which have impacted the use of badges at ANU. Drawing on actor-network theory, it examines the complex techno-social environment and power structures surrounding the piloting of new technologies. This paper will also provide suggestions for other institutions struggling with concerns relating to privacy, branding, and reliability of open badges and invite discussion on ways to move forward.
Socio-economic status and students’ experiences of technologies
Authors: McKenzie Jo , Pizzica Jenny , Gosper Maree , Malfroy Janne , Ashford-Rowe Kevin
Published: July 2024

With the widening participation agenda in Australia, more students from low socio-economic backgrounds are being encouraged to undertake university degrees, and will be expected to use digital technologies and demonstrate digital literacies. This paper used data from a 2013 survey of students across three universities, to examine whether there were socio-economic differences in students’ access to and use of technologies. There were few differences in access to equipment. There were also no differences in the most common uses of technologies, such as accessing course materials from the LMS, and few differences between students from low, medium and high socioeconomic status suburbs. However students who received government support benefits less frequently used technologies that related to disciplinary skills or to creating rather than receiving content. There may be a subtle digital divide, where financially disadvantaged students are engaging less with technologies that will most benefit their future employment.
Exploring the use of micro-credentialing and digital badges in learning environments to encourage motivation to learn and achieve
Authors: Elliott Richard , Clayton John , Iwata Jun
Published: July 2024

For the last 20 years the benefits of networked communities, interactive media, online tutorials, and e-learning applications have been investigated for the provision of education in New Zealand. In monitoring individual performance, a range of measures can be used, such as allocated grades, credits earned, and activities completed. These specific measures are institutionally controlled, have limited reach beyond the institution and, in isolation, do not truly represent a learner’s progress, proficiency or acknowledge a learner’s achievements. This paper argues that digital micro-credentials, often called badges, can be used as valid indicators of accomplishment, skill, knowledge or interest. In formal educational environments endorsed credentials, with defined learning outcomes, can be used for certification purposes. This paper will contend that microcredentialing ecosystems create a broader picture of a learner’s educational achievement by providing the infrastructure for individual learners to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and achievements through the display of endorsed digital micro-credential collections.
Zachowanie zdrowia psychicznego uchodźców w warunkach ucieczki przed wojną do Polski z Ukrainy
Authors: Ovcharenko Olha
Published: July 2024

Celem artykułu jest analiza stanu psychicznego migrantów wojennych, którzy przyjechali do Polski od rozpoczęcia wojny rosyjsko-ukraińskiej w 2022 roku z perspektywy psycholożki kryzysowej, realizującej wsparcie psychologiczne kierowane do uchodźców w Polsce. Dominującą grupę uciekających przed wojną stanowią kobiety z dziećmi, niemniej wśród osób, których wojna zmusiła do emigracji są także mężczyźni. Ukrainki znalazły się w zupełnie nowym środowisku, w nieznanym kraju, ale nie traciły sił, by radzić sobie z codziennymi wyzwaniami i utrzymywać standard życia odpowiadający ich bieżącym potrzebom. W grupie migrantek wojennych są jednak i te, które nie poradziły sobie z kryzysem i nadal odczuwają destrukcyjny wpływ traumatycznych doświadczeń na własne zdrowie psychiczne i fizyczne, a tym samym na zdrowie swoich dzieci. Artykuł skupia się na analizie czynników hamujących i sprzyjających zachowaniu zdrowia psychicznego przez uchodźców wojennych w nowym miejscu pobytu.
Top-Down Corruption of Consciousness
Authors: Studt S.J. Eric
Published: July 2024

Collingwood argues that art is a remedy for what he calls a “corrupt consciousness.” Consciousness becomes corrupted when agents do not admit that they are starting to experience an emotion. Instead of becoming conscious of the emerging emotion, which is usually a difficult one, agents become conscious of an emotion that is easier to handle. Collingwood sees the corruption of consciousness as epistemically and morally problematic mainly because it is a form of dishonesty that infects the activity of the imagination and the intellect. While highlighting the importance of Collingwood’s notion of the corruption of consciousness, this paper argues that this notion would benefit from being situated in an explicitly top-down model of attention and emotion as opposed to the bottom-up model that Collingwood proposes. This shift preserves the central insights of Collingwood’s aesthetics – most especially his emphasis on the specificity involved in the expression of emotion – while ironing out some of the implausibility in his underlying analysis.
Effects of Zr additions and process annealing on mechanical and corrosion properties of AA5383 Al–Mg alloys
Authors: Hsu Chin-Wei , Lee Sheng-Long , Kuo Ping-Chih , Wu Chih-Ting
Published: July 2024

The study investigates how Zr additions and process annealing affect mechanical and corrosion properties of AA5083 Al–Mg alloys by microstructural examination, tensile strength, hardness testing and ASTM G67 nitric acid mass loss test. In the present work, process annealing temperatures were set to 220 °C and 250 °C. The results show that the hardness and tensile properties of Zr-containing cold rolled alloy were superior to that of Zr-free cold rolled alloy before and after process annealing treatment and sensitization heat treatment. Unfortunately, adding Zr to AA5383 alloy significantly degraded the corrosion resistance of the Zr-containing cold rolled alloy annealed at 220 °C. For improving corrosion resistance of Zr-containing alloy, annealing temperature could be increased to 250 °C to avoid a marked drop in the corrosion resistance.
Boanmycin induces apoptosis and overcomes venetoclax resistance in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wang Jin-Xing , Zhang Peng-Wei , Yuan Luo-Wei , Jiang Jian , Cheng Xiao-Hui , Li Ju-Heng , Tang Mei-Qin , Fan Jiao-Yang , Zhu Wei , Lei Yong , Tian Fa-Qing
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of boanmycin, a clinical drug used for head and neck cancers, in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in venetoclax-resistant AML cells.

Methods

The cell viability assay was conducted to measure the inhibitory effects of boanmycin on the AML cell lines and patient primary cells using the CCK8 reagent. The colony formation assay was performed to evaluate the colony formation ability of HL60 and venetoclax-resistant HL60 (HL60-res) cells with or without boanmycin treatment. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell apoptosis level, and Western blot was used to assess changes in apoptosis-related proteins.

Results

Our findings reveal that boanmycin significantly inhibits AML cell proliferation and colony formation, and induces apoptosis. Importantly, boanmycin exhibits substantial inhibitory effects on venetoclax-resistant cells, and suppresses the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) derived from newly diagnosed and relapsed AML patients.

Conclusions

Boanmycin may overcome venetoclax resistance and offer therapeutic benefits for patients with venetoclax-resistant AML.
Axiological and philosophical perspectives of distinguishing private law (against the back-ground of public law)
Authors:   University of Białystok, Poland, Doliwa Adam , Doliwa Katarzyna ,   University of Białystok, Poland
Published: July 2024

The article presents the philosophical concepts and axiological foundations that affect the understanding of the concept of private law and also justify the orderly distinction in the legal system between private and public law. In particular, the considerations contained in the following work answer the question of how universal philosophical and humanistic concepts, as well as principles and values such as human dignity and freedom, for example - influence the modern legislator and the understanding of private and public law. The authors also establish how philosophical and axiological criteria affect the relationship between private and public law, in particular, how such criteria, in the processes of interpretation and application of law, allow the construction of a coherent and complementary "legal order."
Developing Circular Economy in Belarus: Barriers and Challenges
Authors:   Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw, Poland, Adamchyk Pavel , Dessoulavy-Śliwiński Bartłomiej ,   Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw, Poland, Umair Ashraf Rana ,   Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw, Poland, Bronowska Marcjanna ,   Business School, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this research is to better understand the obstacles and limits that Belarus faces in moving to a circular economy (CE). Three separate studies were used to achieve these goals. In the first study, a research-based questionnaire was created to collect data on the business operations of Belarusian enterprises and their use of circular business models. In the second study, we used an interview-based assessment of the Belarusian economy's circularity. In the final section, we used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to analyze the impediments to the circular economy in the Republic of Belarus. The overall findings of this three-part study indicate that businesses are interested in and working to adopt various CE activities like waste management, resource efficiency, cost savings, and carbon emissions. However, Belarus lacks planning possibilities and CE-related initiatives due to a lack of consistent legal standards or frameworks. This is one of the earliest CE-focused studies on Belarus, focusing on the country and giving policy recommendations for the country's transition to a CE.
Publishing Trends of Informal Lithuanian Youth Publications –Fanzines – at the End of the 20th Century and the Beginning of the 21st Century
Authors: Kairaitytė-Užupė Aušra
Published: July 2024

This article analyzes Lithuanian youth subcultural group publications – fanzines (zines) – which have not yet received broader attention from researchers. Paper fanzines started to be created at the end of the 20th century and became popular in the 1990s, spreading Western culture ideas and changing the political, and socio-cultural environment in Lithuania along with technological copying and reproduction possibilities.
Using resources from Lithuania’s Youth Culture Digital Archive “Lithuanian Zine Collection” and additionally collected sources, the article analyzes the trends in the creation and publishing of fanzines. By comparing the publishing similarities and differences of fanzines attributed to different subcultural groups, the aim is to understand the cultural context of these publications, their relationship with readers, and the publishing possibilities of fanzine creators.
The study applies descriptive metadata analysis and systematization of fanzines, as well as ethnographic research methods (targeted interview, questionnaire, and qualitative interviews with fanzine authors, publishers, and collectors).
The research results showed that in Lithuania, mainly in the 1990s, metal music fanzine authors, unlike punks and science fiction fans, created more publications written in English. Metal music fanzines were characterized by greater volume. Science fiction fans’ publications differed from those of metalheads and punks by a greater number of continuous issues and fewer one-time publications. Authors of fanzines associated with punk ideology mostly chose to independently reproduce publications using a copying machine, while creators of metal music and science fiction fanzines more often used professional printing services.
The language used in fanzines and its style helped to form a close relationship with readers, revealed the identity traits of subcultural groups, and helped metal music fanzine authors to integrate into the international fanzine culture context. Seeking independence and individuality, fanzine creators disregarded professional publishing standards. Fanzine publishing depended on individual choice, motivation, creativity, reader interest, and technological possibilities (publication reproduction, layout). Fanzines created in Lithuania became one of the main forms of idea dissemination, creative freedom, and self-expression for alternative youth communication.
Lifestyle-associated health literacy in subjects with systemic arterial hypertension in a first-level unit
Authors: la Cruz Olalde Diana Joselyn De , Vargas Hernandez Francisco , Carro Eric Salgado , García Cortés Luis Rey , Saucedo Martínez María Guadalupe , Monroy Ramírez Eugenia Adela , Granados Franco Eva Lilia , Tamayo Calderón Jehú Arturo
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Various factors can influence the control of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), one of the most widely demonstrated is lifestyle. The impact that various behavioral and psychological conditions can have on lifestyle has not been fully established, as is the case of Health Literacy, whose study is limited. Objective: To associate the degree of health and lifestyle literacy in subjects with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). Material and methods: Observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. During the period from November 2022 to November 2023 in a first-level care unit. The following questionnaires were applied: European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) and the Fantastic Lifestyle Test. Single and multiple Prevalence Odds Ratios (PMRs) were calculated using a Multiple Logistic Regression (RLM) model. The multivariate model included: health literacy, male gender and basic schooling. Results: Of 424 subjects, 79.2% were women, with a median age of 48 years, with interquartile ranges (IQR) of 40 to 52 years. In the multivariate model, inadequate health literacy presented a PMR of 17.86 with a 95% CI (9.50-33.58), the male gender a WMR of 1.99 with a 95% CI (1.07-3.71) and basic schooling a WMR of 2.61 with a 95% CI (1.28-5.30). Conclusion: Inadequate literacy is a risk factor for an unhealthy lifestyle in subjects with SAH, in simple and adjusted analysis. Prospective cohort studies are required that can verify the findings shown here.
Protein kinase PknB as a promising target for the development of antibacterial drugs toward Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Moskovets Anastasiia O. , Pletnova Larysa V. , Maiula Taras G. , Tverdyy Dmytro O. , Volynets Galyna P.
Published: July 2024

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine. Uncontrolled use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug and extensively drug-resistant bacterial strains which are non-susceptible to almost all currently known antimicrobial drugs. Unfortunately, only a few novel antibacterial drugs have been developed in recent decades. Approximately 30% of the human population is colonized by Staphylococcus aureus. Unfortunately, the treatment of staphylococcal infections is complicated due to the ability of S. aureus to produce antibiotic-neutralizing enzymes. Today, methicillin-(MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant (VRSA) S. aureus strains are very widespread in the world and become serious medical and public problem. For example, in 2019, more than 1 million people died from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant S. aureus. Therefore, the search of novel antistaphylococcal agents with unexploited mechanisms of action is of urgent need. The serine/threonine protein kinase PknB is involved in a number of important signaling pathways of S. aureus, such as cell wall metabolism, antibiotic susceptibility, and virulence regulation. Taking into account that protein kinase PknB is a key component of the bacterial cell signaling network involved in a number of important biological processes, this enzyme can be considered as a promising molecular target for the search of novel inhibitors as antibacterial agents [7]. In this review we analyzed the current data on the structure, mechanisms of PknB activity regulation and functions, and also summarized the results of inhibitors search
Constructo de um instrumento de avaliação fisioterapêutica para pessoas idosas em ambiente domiciliar
Authors: Von Eckhardt Brunow Barbosa Sofia , Caroline Boumer Tatiane , Henrique Coltro Paulo
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: validar o constructo de um instrumento que protocola uma avaliação, feita de testes previamente validados e de acordo com os critérios propostos por Fried (2001).Métodos: o estudo contou com três etapas: I – Elaboração do questionário para aplicação com os profissionais; II – Aplicação do questionário com os profissionais da área; e III – Elaboração e validação do consctructo. A amostra foi composta por nove fisioterapeutas e, para o formulário, foi usada a escala Likert. As respostas foram compiladas para a análise de concordância entre os juízes. Os cálculos bioestatísticos utilizaram o IVC-I e o IVC-T.Resultados: os itens “Cognição - WHO Quality of Life-BREF” e “Comunicação – Teste de Performance Física” não foram validados pelo IVC-I, pois não atingiram o valor mínimo estipulado de ≥ 0.78. Porém, o instrumento foi validado, visto que o IVC-T atingiu valor ≥ 0.80.Conclusão: o constructo do instrumento, que protocola uma avaliação fisioterapêutica domiciliar, feito de testes previamente validados e de acordo com os critérios propostos por Fried, (2001), foi validado.
Desplazamientos precarios: Los viajes a Buenos Aires de Flávia Péret y Fernanda Trías
Authors: Torres Reca María Guillermina
Published: July 2024

El siguiente artículo aborda los relatos de viaje de las escritoras contemporáneas Flávia Péret (Brasil), Introções para montar mapas, ciudades e quebra-cabeças (2021) y Fernanda Trías (Uruguay), La ciudad invencible (2014), en tanto en ambos se figura una estadía en la ciudad de Buenos Aires como desplazamiento precario. En sus textos, las escritoras construyen una temporalidad heterogénea tramada en los recorridos de sus protagonistas para las que habitar un territorio extraño implica poner a prueba sus condiciones viajeras de extranjeras latinoamericanas. La escritura avanza registrando los efectos políticos de ese cruce en las continuidades de una violencia que enlaza pasado y presente en el Cono Sur en la medida en que ese espacio-tiempo está marcado por la pobreza y el abandono junto a formas de hacer política que amplían los marcos de legibilidad cultural para el reconocimiento de la pérdida. Sus escrituras del desplazamiento consiguen captar, en la ciudad porteña, una zona de contacto entre las consecuencias de la crisis económica del 2001 que signa vidas por la desposesión, en particular, las de trabajadores inmigrantes, al tiempo en que señalan la emergencia de instancias que posibilitan un duelo público de las vidas eliminadas por el terrorismo de Estado de los años 70.
Two-Sided Convexity Testing with Certificates
Authors: Dumitrescu Adrian
Published: July 2024

We revisit the problem of property testing for convex position for point sets in ℝ𝑑. Our results draw from previous ideas of Czumaj, Sohler, and Ziegler (2000). First, their testing algorithm is redesigned and its analysis is revised for correctness. Second, its functionality is expanded by (i) exhibiting both negative and positive certificates along with the convexity determination, and (ii) significantly extending the input range for moderate and higher dimensions.

The behavior of the randomized tester on input set 𝑃 ⊂ ℝ𝑑 is as follows: (i) if 𝑃 is in convex position, it accepts; (ii) if 𝑃 is far from convex position, with probability at least 2/3, it rejects and outputs a (𝑑 +2)-point witness of non-convexity as a negative certificate; (iii) if 𝑃 is close to convex position, with probability at least 2/3, it accepts and outputs a subset in convex position that is a suitable approximation of the largest subset in convex position. The algorithm examines a sublinear number of points and runs in subquadratic time for every fixed dimension 𝑑.
The Ornamental Plant Sector and Ornamental Plant Producers During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Cultural Responses to a Pandemic Situation in a Production Setting in East Central Europe)
Authors: Nagy Zsolt
Published: July 2024

On March 24, 2020, the international flower trade association Union Fleurs issued a statement on the situation of the ornamental plants sector hit by the Covid-19 crisis. In a study published in April 2020, Copa-Cogeca (European Farmers and European Agri-Cooperatives) echoed the findings of the above-mentioned international flower trade association, stating that the flower and ornamental plants sector was the agricultural sector most impacted by the coronavirus in the EU, as in most Member States, including Hungary and Romania, there was a historical drop in demand and consumption of almost 80%, and unfortunately the virus hit at the worst possible time, as the spring season would have been the peak period for ornamental horticulturalists. In my case study, I examine the flower growers of Curteni, a settlement in the Mureș region of Transylvania (Romania). How has this global phenomenon caused by the coronavirus manifested itself locally in a settlement where nearly 60 families make their living from growing and selling ornamental plants? Has this community been able to maintain its territorial/regional competitiveness? Have the people of Curteni joined the group of producers known in economic anthropology as farmers who chose to halt and wait, or did they find a quick and resilient response to the obstacles they encountered? How did this crisis become an identity-shaping factor in their lives? The pandemic has also exacerbated the situation in Curteni, made it more difficult to act and make decisions, and has brought new perspectives and values into play. The example of the florist community of Curteni shows that a new situation, and indeed any crisis, can bring about positive changes in the lives of communities. In any crisis, emergency, or exigency, members of a community may almost instinctively, but mostly also consciously, seek innovative responses to their problems. One way is to discover and exploit the opportunities inherent in a crisis, communally re-assessing and utilizing the available values, opportunities, and resources, and finding truly resilient responses.
Carolin C. Young: Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver: Stories of Dinner as a Work of Art
Authors: Jaine Tom
Published: July 2024

Carolin C. Young: Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver: Stories of Dinner as a Work of Art: Simon & Schuster, New York, 2002: ISBN 0743222024: 360 pp., many illus., h/b; $35.
Colin Spencer: British Food. An extraordinary thousand years of history
Authors: Jaine Tom
Published: July 2024

Colin Spencer: British Food. An extraordinary thousand years of history: Grub Street, 2002: ISBN 1904010164: 400pp, h/b, £25.00.
Clarissa Dickson Wright and Johnny Scott: Sunday Roast
Authors: Jaine Tom
Published: July 2024

Clarissa Dickson Wright and Johnny Scott: Sunday Roast: Headline, 2002: ISBN 0755310128: 224 pp., colour photos, h/b,  £20.00.
Nadah Saleh: Seductive Flavours of the Levant
Authors: Jaine Tom
Published: July 2024

Nadah Saleh: Seductive Flavours of the Levant: Robson, 2002: colour photos, p/b,  £18.95.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 and associated factors in the mexican population
Authors: Ramírez-Díaz María del Pilar ,   Unidad de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud. Universidad del Istmo. Campus Juchitán, Oaxaca, México., Núñez-Rasgado Xunaxhi Guadalupe , Hernández-Ramírez Gabriel , Rodríguez-López Edna Isabel , Luna-Hernández Jorge Fernando ,   Unidad de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud. Universidad del Istmo. Campus Juchitán, Oaxaca, México.,   Unidad de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud. Universidad del Istmo. Campus Juchitán, Oaxaca, México.,   Unidad de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud. Universidad del Istmo. Campus Juchitán, Oaxaca, México.,   Unidad de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud. Universidad del Istmo. Campus Juchitán, Oaxaca, México.
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 disease has been one of the most harmful pandemics for humanity; therefore, ensuring adherence to preventive and control measures is essential. This adherence largely depends on the population's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. Objective: To identify the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 prevention and its associated factors in Oaxaca, Mexico. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study surveyed adults online regarding KAP. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical comparisons. Factors associated with higher KAP levels were analyzed by calculating odd ratios (ORs) through logistic regression. Results: A total of 176 people participated, of whom 82.42% were women, and 81.83% were <30 years old. Among the participants, 90.88% identified direct contact with infected individuals as the main mode of transmission, 73.86% correctly identified the incubation period, and 93.22% referred to handwashing as the main preventive measure. The KAP scores were 65.34%, 32.95%, and 40.91%, respectively, with no differences by sex or age. Discussion: Participants with higher COVID-19 knowledge and more positive attitudes towards the pandemic were associated with more frequent preventive practices [OR:1.89 (CI:1.17-3.73)] and [OR:3.21 (CI:1 .62-6.35)], respectively, compared to those with lower scores. Conclusions: The study population has a low level of KAP; greater knowledge about COVID-19 and more positive attitudes towards the pandemic increase preventive practices.
Comparative analytical characteristics of multicapillary chromatography columns with different capillary diameters
Authors: Naumenko I.I. ,   Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Efimenko A.P. , Soboleva V.K. ,   Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences,   Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2024

Straight gas chromatography multicapillary columns (MCC) with 40 µm diameter capillaries (hereafter – 40 µm MCC) have been known for quite a long time and are well studied; they are used in portable gas analyzers. Some chromatographic characteristics of 25 µm MCCs, which appeared relatively recently, were also studied, while commercially available 60 and 80 µm MCCs are poorly studied. In this work the main analytical characteristics of 60 and 80 µm MCCs were determined and compared with the characteristics of 25 and 40 µm MCCs. It was shown that the maximum specific efficiency of the columns decreased with increasing column capillary diameter and is approximately 24.8, 18.2, 13.7 and 9.5 thousand theoretical plates (t.p.) per meter for 25, 40, 60 and 80 µm MCCs, respectively. It was established that the height equivalent to a theoretical plate of 60 and 80 μm MCCs was not varied significantly over a wide range of carrier gas velocities (nitrogen and helium), which allowed operating MCCs at high carrier gas flows essentially without loss of their efficiency. Moreover, for all MCCs the separation rate for peaks with a retention factor over 10 exceeded 600 t.p./s, and for peaks with a lower retention factor could be several thousand t.p./s, which is significantly higher than for conventional capillary and packed columns. It was established that it was possible to create very high carrier gas flows (up to 1000 cm3/min or more) for 60 µm MCCs and especially 80 µm MCCs at a relatively low pressure drop across the column. Therefore they can work as a part of chromatographic systems that require high carrier gas flow.