bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparación entre Métodos Tradicional es y el Uso de Geogebra en la Enseñanza del Pensamiento Variacional
Authors: Solís Lemus Claudia Patricia , Montealegre Lynett Gustavo
Published: February 2025

El pensamiento variacional es fundamental para las matemáticas, ya que permite a los estudiantes crear modelos que les ayudan a resolver problemas cotidianos. Su comprensión desde los primeros grados escolares es crucial, pues establece las bases para acceder a conceptos matemáticos más complejos en niveles educativos superiores. Esta investigación tuvo como propósito analizar la comprensión del pensamiento variacional en estudiantes de quinto, considerando los niveles de comprensión según la teoría de Pirie y Kieren y la génesis instrumental de Rabardel. Para ello, se implementó un diseño metodológico mixto: un enfoque cuantitativo mediante un estudio cuasiexperimental y un enfoque cualitativo a través de estudios de casos. En el estudio cuasiexperimental, se utilizó el software GeoGebra como mediador del aprendizaje en el grupo experimental, mientras que el grupo de control resolvió los problemas utilizando herramientas tradicionales. Como hallazgos generales, se evidenció que los estudiantes del grupo experimental avanzaron hasta el nivel 5 del modelo, demostrando un mejor desempeño en los descriptores de comprensión en comparación con el grupo de control. Asimismo, el análisis cualitativo reveló que la actividad instrumentada facilitó una comprensión más profunda de la variación y el cambio en el grupo experimental.
Elaboración deLosas Jícoco a Base de la Cáscara de Jícara y Fibra De Coco
Authors: Cuxim Suaste Maria Elena , Tun Alvarez Julio Cesar
Published: February 2025

Las tendencias actuales en el mundo han provocado que se busquen opciones más económicas y ecológicas, así se reducirá la contaminación y se utilizará los residuos. El siguiente proyecto social consiste elaborar losas a base de la cáscara de jícara, fibra de coco y resina de chicozapote como sellador que ayude a mejorar la calidad de vida de familias de escasos recursos económicos que carecen de una piso firme en el Estado de Quintana Roo evitando daños a la salud causados por la falta de pisos firmes que propician ambientes húmedos, circulación de polvo y contaminación de utensilios de cocina. Al contar con pisos firmes se cuidará la salud de niños y adultos mayores para evitar que sean afectados principalmente por enfermedades respiratorias, gastrointestinales, reúmas entre otros. Por consiguiente, las familias productoras que proveen las principales materias primas obtendrán un ingreso económico, así como también transportistas, personales que trabajarán en la transformación de las materias primas, entre otros.
DO PERÍODO HISTÓRICO, DA HIGIENE E DA SAÚDE PÚBLICA NO BRASIL COLÔNIA
Authors: Gomes Réia Sílvia
Published: February 2025

Objetivo: Neste trabalho buscou-se levantar as ações de políticas públicas dos reinos de Portugal e Espanha na época do Brasil Colonial, de 1500 a 1822. Método: Pesquisa em arquivos nacionais da história luso-brasileira e literatura associada, científica e histórica. Desenvolvimento: Os períodos históricos indicam uma evolução no cuidado com a higiene e saúde da população da colônia ultramarina da América Portuguesa. Inicialmente a assistência vinha do conhecimento dos padres jesuítas que vieram com donatários e governadores gerais. Com os médicos iniciaram os cuidados com a saúde pública, desde o ambiente, usando o fogo, a limpeza das casas e das cloacas para espantar os miasmas da febre amarela; isolamento social e inoculação vacínica com pus de pústulas nas doenças bexigosas; isolamento social e sangrias e outras doenças infecciosas; isolamento social na lepra; fiscalização de bebidas e alimentos impróprios para consumo para evitar intoxicações alimentares; fiscalização e quarentena de embarcações com cargas suspeitas e pessoas doentes; fiscalização das boticas. Considerações finais: O atendimento à população, de modo geral, era feito em casas de misericórdia, orfanatos e lazaretos; e, de colonos, em hospitais militares e de irmandades por eles criadas.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA DEMANDA COGNITIVA DE TAREFAS MATEMÁTICAS DE UM LIVRO DE CÁLCULO DIFERENCIAL E INTEGRAL
Authors: FONSECA M.O.S. , WIELEWSKI Gladys Denise
Published: February 2025

No presente trabalho, apresentamos uma caracterização das demandas cognitivas de tarefas matemáticas trabalhadas em uma disciplina de Cálculo Diferencial e Integral (CDI), que levem em consideração um ambiente de trabalho em que a matemática é vista como uma atividade natural e social do indivíduo. Para tanto, apresentamos uma literatura que caracteriza as tarefas matemáticas sob o olhar de suas demandas cognitivas sendo classificadas em dois aspectos: de alta e baixa demanda cognitiva. Posteriormente, indicamos transpor essa caracterização para tarefas de um livro didático utilizado na disciplina de CDI, na qual discutimos possibilidades de encaminhamentos dessas tarefas.
Characteristic Performance Comparison of Schottky Diodes for RF Energy Harvesting
Authors: Adam Ismahayati , Ahmed Ghaleb Abdulrahman Amin , M. Yasin M. Najib , Raja Yunus Raja Nor Azrin , Zambak Muhammad Fitra
Published: February 2025

Radio frequency energy harvesting is the process of capturing and converting ambient radio frequency (RF) waves into usable electrical energy. The basic principle behind RF energy harvesting involves the use of antenna for capturing the wave while the rectifier used to convert AC to DC. The diode is an important component of the rectifier circuit that influence the conversion efficiency of the rectifier circuit. HSMS2860 Schottky diode is chosen in analysing the diode performance based on power conversion efficiency (PCE). To verify diode performance, the diode I-V curve has been modelled using Advanced Design Systems (ADS) with a simple impedance matching network for the sub- 6GHz frequency band for 5G communication. The diode characterization is done in a mathematical model and a simulation model for a single series diode to test the PCE based on the output voltage. HSMS2860 showed the highest results of all diodes tested for both simulation and mathematical model except for low input power. The performance was tested further by a single-stage voltage doubler which shows a full-wave rectification and a PCE of 87%.
Evaluating User Experience of Mobile Game-Based Learning (Kenali Semai)
Authors: Wan Mohd Isa Wan Abdul Rahim , Suhaimi Ahmad Iqbal Hakim , Noordin Nurulhuda , Mohamad Sabri Mohamad Arif , Kurniawan Yohannes
Published: February 2025

Kenali Semai is a mobile game-based learning about the cultural heritage of the indigenous Semai in Malaysia. This research aimed to measure the significant User Experience (UX) elements of the Kenali Semai application and to propose design recommendations for improving the UX. A quantitative research approach was adopted by using the UEQ framework. The UEQ had six (6) UX scales: novelty, stimulation, dependability, efficiency, perspicuity, and attractiveness. This research is conducted by using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) framework, tool, and analysis. The research methodology begins with designing the survey questionnaire, which can be broken down into two parts: the respondent demographic profile and the adoption of the standard questions provided by the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) framework. Then, the questionnaire was provided through Google Forms. The questionnaire is designed in English and is distributed to students at a public university in Malaysia by using e-mails. The sample collected is 200 sample. The data is then extracted and analysed using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) Analysis Tool. The UX elements of the application were proposed for future improvement.
Factors Influencing Indoor Air Pollution in Kindergarten: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Zakaria Intan Bayani , Mahyuddin Norhayati , Mohd Sahabuddin Mohd Firrdaus
Published: February 2025

Numerous studies have discovered that elevated indoor air pollutant levels in kindergarten possess a negative impact with respect to learning performance which raises respiratory risk complications. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive information on indoor air in kindergarten worldwide. This study systematically reviews influencing factors of indoor air pollution (IAP) in kindergartens. This paper reviewed articles from Web of Science and Scopus, between year 2000 and 2022 and chose 41 articles. This study adapted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method to perform a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The factors influencing IAP are grouped into three categories such as outdoor source factors, built environment factors, and occupant related factors. The carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were greater than 1,000 ppm in classrooms and mainly influenced by ventilation mode, occupant density, and physical activity. Particles (PM10, PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) had the highest concentration levels when there was activity involving cooking besides introduction from outdoors through natural ventilation. In order to optimise the well-being of children, future kindergarten buildings should be designed or retrofitted with a holistic approach. Therefore, the potential of architectural design for children’s spaces in mitigating IAP is a promising initial step.
An Improved Packet Switching Technique for Mitigating Gateway Failures in Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Abiodun Akande Sheriff , Zakaria Aznida Hayati , Jamal Azrul Amri , Mohamad Zarina , Jaradat Ayman
Published: February 2025

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) have gained attention as a promising technology for healthcare applications. However, one of the key challenges in WBANs is the reliability of the gateway device which serves as a bridge between the WBAN and the external network. This research has proposed a technique for the gateway failure problem which occurs when a default gateway fails to transmit packets to the medical server due to unforeseen circumstances such as loss of network, and power interruption during continuous packet transmission. This research has proposed a method called redundant gateway architecture (RGA) in which a backup gateway is introduced as an aide for the default gateway and automatically continues the task of packet transmission whenever the default gateway is out of service until it’s back to function. RGA uses a failover mechanism to detect gateway failures. We evaluate the RGA in real-time with ECG, temperature sensor, pulse sensor, ESP8266, and ESP37 microcontrollers and the results show that the proposed architecture can effectively handle gateway failures in WBANs with a high delivery ratio and low latency. The RGA architecture demonstrated superior performance compared to other methods, particularly in terms of packet delivery ratio, attributed to its ability to minimize packet loss throughout the routing process. This has enhanced the reliability of WBAN data and enabled the seamless delivery of healthcare services.
Prevalence Of Breast Cancer And its Association with Local Beliefs of Women For Mammography In Rawalpindi Pakistan
Authors: Mehmood Beenish , Riaz Rabbiya , Kabir Halima , Malik Sammar Abbas
Published: February 2025

Objective: To observe the prevalence of breast cancer and age at which women undergo/report for mammography. The other objective was to find out the relation between breast cancer and beliefs of women.
Study design: It was a cross-sectional study design.
Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at Ibn’e Sena Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre from May to June 2022.
Material and Methods: By adopting cross-sectional study design opinions of 170 women who were coming for mammography were interpreted through a questionnaire.
Results: About 62% of the participants had mammography because they were fearful of developing cancer.95% of them had mammography on physicians prescription while only 9.4% had mammography due to personal belief and 5.9% had mammography on advice of male partner.48.8% agreed that it is burdensome to have mammography one or two times a year.28.8% didn’t realize how to perform BSE. Breast cancer was found positive in 48.8% of the participants. Positive relation between beliefs and breast cancer was found through chi-square test.
Conclusion: We concluded that women have negative beliefs about mammography which lead to the increased prevalence of breast cancer. Finance is a barrier in breast cancer detection. So more facilities are required which canovercome the financial barriers in detection. Also more awareness programs should be launched.
The Role of Product Quality and Consumer Satisfaction in Increasing Consumer Loyalty (Marketing Management Literature Review)
Authors: Aprelyani Siska
Published: February 2025

Literature Review The Role of Product Qualityand Consumer Satisfaction in Increasing Consumer Loyalty is a scientific article with the aim of analyzing whether product quality and consumer satisfaction play a role in consumer loyalty. The method of writing a literature review article is the library research method, which is sourced from online media such as Google Scholar, Mendeley and other online media. The results of this article are: 1) Product Quality plays a role in Consumer Loyalty; 2) Consumer Satisfaction plays a role in Consumer Loyalty; Apart from these 3 exogenous variables that influence the endogenous variable of Purchasing Decisions, there are still many other factors including brand image, promotion, price.
Análises situacionais e retrospectivas : empreendedorismo
Authors:   Brasil. Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (Ipea)
Published: February 2025

O texto aborda o conceito de empreendedorismo no Brasil, destacando como ele tem sido interpretado tanto como um motor de desenvolvimento econômico quanto como um mecanismo para gerar ocupação e renda para os trabalhadores que não têm acesso ao emprego formal. As leis complementares nos 123/2006 e 128/2008 impulsionaram o empreendedorismo, facilitando a criação e o crescimento de micro e pequenas empresas (MPEs) e trabalhadores por conta própria – microempreendedores individuais (MEIs) –, simplificando a tributação, diminuindo a burocracia e promovendo melhores condições de crédito e participação em compras públicas. Apesar dos avanços, as MPEs no Brasil ainda têm produtividade significativamente inferior em comparação com médias e grandes empresas, o que limita seu crescimento e integração no mercado formal. A informalidade é destacada como um dos entraves para a produtividade do setor. Além disso, o MEI enfrenta desafios de “focalização”, pois atende tanto empreendedores por opção quanto aqueles que buscam o autoemprego por necessidade, além de atividades que não são de natureza “empresarial”. Isso dilui a eficácia do programa. O texto sugere que a baixa produtividade das MPEs resulta de deficiências em tecnologias de processo e de gestão, mas destaca que pequenos investimentos podem resultar em grandes ganhos de produtividade. O incentivo ao empreendedorismo através de políticas eficazes e coordenadas, que priorizem as MPEs, simplifiquem o compliance, ofereçam crédito acessível e capacitação, pode promover desenvolvimento econômico, reduzir desigualdades e aumentar a produtividade nacional.
Stability and Convergence of Nuclear Detonations in White Dwarf Collisions
Authors: Anninos Peter , Cruz-Lopez David , Jiang Brighten , Gordis Emanuel
Published: February 2025

We investigate the numerical stability of thermonuclear detonations in 1D accelerated reactive shocks and 2D binary collisions of equal-mass magnetized and unmagnetized white dwarf stars. To achieve high resolution at initiation sites, we devised geometric gridding and mesh velocity strategies specially adapted to the unique requirements of head-on collisional geometries, scenarios in which one expects maximum production of iron-group products. We study the effects of grid resolution and the limiting of temperature, energy generation, and reactants for different stellar masses, separations, magnetic fields, initial compositions, detonation mechanisms, and limiter parameters across a range of cell sizes from 1 to 100 km. Our results set bounds on the parameter space of limiter amplitudes for which both temperature- and energy-limiting procedures yield consistent and monotonically convergent solutions. Within these bounds, we find that grid resolutions of 5 km or better are necessary for uncertainties in total released energy and iron-group products to drop below 10%. Intermediate-mass products (e.g., calcium) exhibit similar convergence trends but with somewhat greater uncertainty. These conclusions apply equally to pure C/O white dwarfs, multispecies compositions (including helium shells), magnetized and unmagnetized cores, and either single or multiple detonation scenarios.
An Overview of Solar Orbiter Observations of Interplanetary Shocks in Solar Cycle 25
Authors: Trotta Domenico , Dimmock Andrew , Hietala Heli , Blanco-Cano Xochitl , Horbury Timothy S. , Vainio Rami , Dresing Nina , Jebaraj Immanuel Christopher , Espinosa Lara Francisco , Gómez-Herrero Raúl , Rodriguez-Pacheco Javier , Kartavykh Yulia , Lario David , Gieseler Jan , Janvier Miho , Maksimovic Milan , Talebpour Sheshvan Nasrin , Owen Christopher J. , Kilpua Emilia K. J. , Wimmer-Schweingruber Robert F.
Published: February 2025

Interplanetary (IP) shocks are fundamental constituents of the heliosphere, where they form as a result of solar activity. We use previously unavailable measurements of IP shocks in the inner heliosphere provided by Solar Orbiter, and present a survey of the first 100 shocks observed in situ at different heliocentric distances during the rising phase of solar cycle 25. The fundamental shock parameters (shock normals, shock normal angles, shock speeds, compression ratios, Mach numbers) have been estimated and studied as a function of heliocentric distance, revealing a rich scenario of configurations. Comparison with large surveys of shocks at 1 au shows that shocks in the quasi-parallel regime and with high speed are more commonly observed in the inner heliosphere. The wave environment of the shocks has also been addressed, with about 50% of the events exhibiting clear shock-induced upstream fluctuations. We characterize energetic particle responses to the passage of IP shocks at different energies, often revealing complex features arising from the interaction between IP shocks and preexisting fluctuations, including solar wind structures being processed upon shock crossing. Finally, we give details and guidance on the access use of the present survey, available on the EU-project “Solar Energetic Particle Analysis Platform for the Inner Heliosphere” website. The algorithm used to identify shocks in large data sets, now publicly available, is also described.
Passivation of substrates with hydrogen to reduce the number of electron traps in the buffer layer at the contact of silicon with Ba1-xSrxTiO3
Authors: Belorusov Dmitry A. , Goldman Evgeniy I. , Chucheva Galina V. , Afanasyev Mikhail S. , Pilipenko Vladimir A. , Semchenko Alina V.
Published: February 2025

The performance of FeRAM non-volatile cells including those on ferroelectric insulating layers requires full-scale development of the field effect at the semiconductor–dielectric interface. The recharging of electron traps concentrated in the buffer layer between the insulator and the wafer impedes the development of the field effect at the interface. A Si wafer has been hydrogen-saturated for suppressing the activity of electron traps in the buffer layer at the ferroelectric–silicon contact. The reference specimen has been another similar wafer not exposed to H2. High-frequency C–V curves of the metal–dielectric–semiconductor structures with Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 insulating layers deposited on both wafers have been measured. The capacities of the test specimens have proven to be low sensitive to hydrogen saturation of the wafers. This is accounted for by long-term heating of the silicon wafers at 500–600 °C during ferroelectric deposition. It has been proposed to implant large organic cations into the wafers in order to reduce the concentration of electron traps in the Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3–Si buffer layers. Those organic cations can be 2–phenylethyl ammonium iodide, 4-chlorophenylethyl ammonium iodide and 4-fluorophenylethyl ammonium iodide which showed good results at passivation of high-performance metal–halogenide perovskite solar cells.
Soft Totalities: Conjunctural Analysis and/as Assemblage Analysis
Authors: Cord Florian
Published: February 2025

This paper returns to the vexed question of the social totality and the apparent tension regarding this issue, between Cultural Studies (and other ‘critical’ formations) on the one hand and intellectual formations such as actor network theory on the other. The main concern
of the article is to argue for a more nuanced relationship between the concepts of totality, conjuncture and assemblage. It maintains that a cross-fertilisation or ‘diffraction’ of conjunctural analysis and assemblage theory, of Cultural Studies and currents associated with the
‘nonhuman turn’, such as actor network theory, new materialism or speculative realism, holds significant analytical potential with regard to the complex messiness of the present, promising to update conjunctural analysis vis‐à‐vis the analytical demands and
challenges of the Capitalocene. What thus emerges are the contours of a posthumanist conjunctural analysis, which, the paper argues, could be an exceedingly useful tool for contemporary Cultural Studies.
The stability and decay of 2D incompressible Boussinesq equation with partial vertical dissipation
Authors: Lin Hongxia , Sabana  , Sun Qing , You Ruiqi , Guo Xiaochuan
Published: February 2025

This paper studies a special 2D anisotropic incompressible Boussinesq equation in $ {\mathbb{T}}^2 $ with $ \mathbb{T} = [-\frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{2}] $ being a 1D periodic box. The system concerned here possesses vertical dissipation only in the vertical component of the velocity and vertical heat diffusion. When the buoyancy forcing is not present, the 2D Boussinesq equation is a 2D Navier-Stokes equation with vertical dissipation only in the vertical component. The stability and large-time behavior problem on the solutions to the 2D Navier-Stokes equation with only vertical or horizontal dissipation remains unknown. When coupled with the temperature, the global regularity to the system with vertical dissipation and vertical diffusion in $ {\mathbb{R}}^2 $ has been solved by Cao and Wu (Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal., 208(2013), 985-1004). The stability with horizontal dissipation and horizontal diffusion in the periodic domain $ \mathbb{T} \times \mathbb{R} $ has also been established by Dong, Wu, Xu, and Zhu (Calc. Var. Partial Differential Equations, 60(2021)) recently. Now whether the solution of the 2D system remains stable has yet to be solved when the velocity has vertical dissipation only in the $ u_2 $ equation. This paper aims to solve the problem and investigates the stability and large-time behavior of the solution to the special 2D Boussinesq equations on perturbations near the hydrostatic equilibrium. The basic idea here is to decompose the physical quantity $ f $ into its horizontal average, vertical average, and their corresponding oscillations. By establishing the strong Poincaré-type inequalities and several anisotropic inequalities related to the oscillations, we are able to obtain $ H^2 $-stability of the solution under the assumptions that the initial data is sufficiently small and obeys some symmetries. Furthermore, the exponential decay rates for the oscillation parts in $ H^1 $ are also established.
L’exposition itinérante « Picasso. Le voyage de Guernica » ou la pédagogie de l’œuvre absente
Authors: Legardien Julie
Published: February 2025

Through the travelling exhibition “Picasso. The travel of Guernica”, this article reports on the educational possibilities to overcome the absence of the work Guernica, which has not travelled since 1992. From an innovative exhibition space, a didactic journey relayed by many supports and an educational guide for the school public, this exhibition outside the walls manages to transmit the work to the public in many Spanish cities.
Les expositions temporaires ou la possibilité de faire voir d’autres œuvres, autrement
Authors: Hendgen Aude
Published: February 2025

In conjunction with the colloquium “Le Musée : voir et faire voir autrement” this author was invited to think about her experience as a guest curator in various museums. This document begins by presenting the Archives Antoni Clavé. Next, it outlines three ways of thinking about the museum--as a place of adhesion, reflexion and discovery--, through three concrete examples. First, it examines the dialogue between works displayed in permanent collections (Antoni Clavé Assemblages, musée de l’Hospice Saint-Roch à Issoudun). Next, it considers works taken out of storage (Antoni Clavé - Estampes, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris). Finally, it studies remodeling permanent galleries after a successful temporary exhibition. The document concludes by reflecting on the experience of a guest curator, or how showing other artwork allows one to see other work in other ways.
Les lieux de tenue des assises dans la châtellenie de Bressuire (xive-xve siècle)
Authors: Bonnaud Muriel
Published: February 2025

À la fin du Moyen Âge, et encore jusqu’à l’époque moderne, les justices seigneuriales de la châtellenie de Bressuire ont été à certains moments itinérantes. La raison n’en est pas l’absence de bâtiments dévolus à la justice puisque ceux-ci existaient déjà, même dans de petites localités. Nous pouvons avancer plusieurs hypothèses, au nombre desquelles la nécessité de « marquer » un territoire, y compris de manière temporaire et immatérielle. Ces déplacements interviennent en effet à la fin du xive et au début du xve siècle, au moment où l’autorité du châtelain est la plus contestée. Ces assises itinérantes ne se tiennent pas au hasard : on s’aperçoit qu’elles affectionnent les confins, que ce soit à l’échelle de la châtellenie elle-même ou de la paroisse. À l’intérieur de cet espace, la cour de justice choisit de préférence un lieu-marqueur du paysage, incarnant notamment le pouvoir seigneurial, à l’exemple du moulin banal. Les justiciables sont également sollicités lorsque le tribunal se réunit dans un champ leur appartenant ou devant leur propre maison, sans que l’on sache précisément à quel titre. Dans tous les cas, en se positionnant sur les marges, ces assises itinérantes semblent vouloir rappeler la vocation de la justice à restaurer et maintenir la paix sur un territoire connu, dûment contrôlé et approprié, face à un au-delà des confins, où règne par définition l’injustice.
Les mots et le territoire. Enquête lexicologique dans la littérature savante et les textes vernaculaires en arabe du xie au xiiie siècle
Authors: Clément François
Published: February 2025

L’étude des différents termes désignant le territoire dans les sources arabes de l’Occident musulman médiéval ne peut livrer des enseignements utiles à l’historien que si l’on parvient à croiser les analyses lexicale, contextuelle et statistique. C’est ce que nous tentons de montrer à partir des sources géographiques et littéraires, mais aussi de documents bilingues (arabe-grec et arabe-latin pour la Sicile, arabe-latin pour la péninsule Ibérique). Sont ainsi mis en évidence la grande souplesse du lexique territorial arabe, et par conséquent le danger de toute généralisation qui n’en tiendrait pas compte, ainsi que le décalage entre la terminologie savante, quasiment absente du terrain, et la toponymie vernaculaire, ignorée par les géographes mais transmise par l’usage jusqu’à nos jours.
Saints, images et lieux dans une vallée alpine de la Lombardie. Le langage de l’art comme lexique du territoire (xve-xvie siècles)
Authors: Della Misericordia Massimo
Published: February 2025

À partir de l'étude de cas d'une vallée alpine de Lombardie, l'essai propose une lecture socialement contextualisée de l'art sacré en tant que représentation des identités et des conflits locaux. Le territoire est structuré sur plusieurs niveaux de peuplement et d'organisation politique et ecclésiastique : centres et périphéries au sein de vastes communes polycentriques, hameaux dépendants souhaitant devenir des communes et des paroisses autonomes, paroisses réparties sur plusieurs villages et plusieurs chapelles. D'une part, l'architecture, les peintures et les retables, commandés par les communautés, veulent exprimer l'appartenance et rivaliser en beauté avec les œuvres réalisées dans les centres voisins. D'autre part, des compositions iconographiques articulées, reproduisant les saints patrons des différentes églises du territoire et des lieux où s'élevaient ces édifices, organiquement disposés sur un autel, dans des fresques ou dans une croix processionnelle, se présentent comme de véritables cartes symboliques, idéalisant les relations institutionnelles dans un ordre sacré.
Proximate composition, functional and In Vitro antioxidant properties of breakfast cereal made from oat flour enriched with cocoa powder
Authors: Arise A. K. , Malomo S. A. , Acho M. A. , Moshood M. O. , Arise R. O.
Published: February 2025

This study aimed at determining the proximate composition, functional, sensory and in vitro antioxidant properties of the breakfast cereal prepared from oat flour enriched with cocoa powder. Breakfast cereal is a traditional food made from processed grains, commonly eaten at breakfast or as a snack, often with added health benefits. The formulated blends were obtained from the combination of oat flour and cocoa powder viz: OCP1, OCP2, OCP3, OCP4 and OCP5 (100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 oat flour:cocoa powder percentages respectively). The proximate composition result revealed higher protein (11.10-16.45%), moisture (2.15-2.22%), fat (5.17-6.13%) and ash (2.04-3.13%) but lower carbohydrate (76.87-70.93%) and fibre (2.63-2.05%) for samples enriched with cocoa powder. The water absorption capacity and bulk densities of the enriched breakfast cereal (~80%) increased with increase in the amount (5-20%) of cocoa powder added to the blend while the oil absorption capacity (~70%) and swelling capacity decreased with increase in level of enrichment (5-20%).  The increase in the quantity of cocoa powder added to breakfast cereal resulted in an increased diphenyl-1-picryhydradzyl (DPPH): IC50; ~90mg/ml). Moreso, the addition of cocoa caused increase in the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical cation (ABTS•+): (IC50; 1.34-4.33 mg/ml) scavenging activities and enhanced ferric reducing power (10-55%). Therefore, the addition of cocoa powder to breakfast cereal especially in the ratio 90:10 improved the nutritional and antioxidant properties of the breakfast cereal that could be explored in the management of oxidative stress-related metabolic disorders.
Invertebrate macrofossils in the early to middle Miocene sedimentary sequence of Aruwakkalu, Northwestern Sri Lanka: Biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental implications
Authors: Rathnayake R. M. I. M. , Dharmapriya P. L. , Edirisooriya G.
Published: February 2025

This study presents a detailed analysis of late Miocene invertebrate fossil assemblages from the Aruwakkalu area of the North western coastal region in Sri Lanka, focusing on biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. This investigation reveals diverse fossil taxa, such as bryozoans, corals, bivalves, and gastropods, providing insights into marine ecosystems.  Bryozoans belonging to the class Gymnolaemata were identified in impure limestone layers, displaying sustained features such as sorus and autozooid structures. Coral fossils from the order Scleractinia were abundant in sandstone layers, highlighting the presence of colonial organisms indicative of coral   reef environments. Bivalve fossils, predominantly from the families of Veneridae, Ostreidae, and Pectinidae, were found in various limestone layers, indicating a diverse marine habitat. Gastropod fossils, representing families such as Strombidae, Drilliidae, and Conidae, provided further evidence of a thriving marine environment. The paleoenvironmental reconstruction suggests clear and warm and shallow waters with nutrient-rich conditions, supporting diverse ecosystems and intricate ecological interactions. The biostratigraphic classification reveals three distinct layers at upper middle and lower horizons characterized by coral, oyster, and gastropod dominance, respectively, offering a timeline of environmental changes during the late Miocene. Preservation modes, including casts, molds, and mineral recrystallization, indicate favorable conditions for fossil retention. These findings enhance our understanding of the paleoenvironmental history of the Aruwakkalu region in Sri Lanka and provide a basis for future research in paleontology and evolutionary biology.
North American hymenopteran parasitoids of emerald ash borer larvae: seasonal abundance and interaction with introduced Asian parasitoids
Authors: Petrice Toby R. , Poland Therese M. , Bauer Leah S. , Strazanac John S. , Duan Jian J. , Schmude Jonathan M. , Ravlin F. William
Published: February 2025

In Michigan, United States of America, where Asian parasitoids were released to manage emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), we monitored four native parasitoids that also attack the invasive beetle – Atanycolus cappaerti Marsh and Strazanac, A. simplex (Cresson), and Spathius laflammei Provancher (all Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and Phasgonophora sulcata Westwood (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) – using yellow pan traps and tree dissections. Adult A. cappaerti, followed by A. simplex, had the broadest seasonal activity, S. laflammei was captured primarily in the first half of the growing season, and P. sulcata was restricted to mid-summer. Adult abundances of native species varied among years but, except for P. sulcata, were never significantly lower than the established Asian emerald ash borer larval parasitoids, Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Spathius galinae Belokobylskij and Strazanac (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Densities of emerald ash borer larvae parasitised by A. cappaerti or P. sulcata did not differ significantly from those of the two Asian species. Although adult A. simplex and S. laflammei were frequently captured, we did not confirm parasitisation of any emerald ash borer larvae by these two species, suggesting that they rarely attack emerald ash borer. We did not find any negative correlations between adult or immature parasitoid abundance of any parasitoid species, suggesting that any interspecific competition that may be occurring is negligible.
Azadirachtin in combination with emamectin benzoate and abamectin increases efficacy against brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee
Authors: Mollah Md. Mahi Imam
Published: February 2025

Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB) is a serious insect pest of brinjal, causing significant damage and yield loss in Bangladesh. Chemical insecticides having toxic effects are frequently applied to control this pest. The present study was conducted with two insecticides, emamectin benzoate and abamectin individually or in combination with plant-origin azadirachtin to combat BSFB. The insecticides were applied at 7-day intervals using a knapsack sprayer. Though all the insecticides control BSFB, emamectin benzoate 1% + azadirachtin and abamectin 1.8% + azadirachtin were found to be most effective, providing 89.34% and 81.55% shoot infestation reduction, 93.34% and 85.11% fruit infestation reduction (number basis), and 94.91% and 85.27% fruit infestation reduction (weight basis), respectively. The highest marketable yield was obtained from abamectin 1.2% + azadirachtin (2.32-ton ha-1 harvest-1). The same treatment confirmed the highest gross yield (2.72-ton ha-1 harvest-1). However, the highest individual weight of marketable fruit was obtained from abamectin 1.2% + azadirachtin (47.30 g). Therefore, emamectin benzoate 1% + azadirachtin and abamectin 1.8% + azadirachtin can be recommended for BSFB control, while abamectin 1.2% + azadirachtin is recommended for increasing fruit yield. However, further investigation is required.
A survey of bdelloid rotifers from coastal ponds in Southern Norway
Authors: Lin Giulia , Plewka Michael , Brekke Erling , Kielland Øystein N. , Dunshea Glenn , Fontaneto Diego
Published: February 2025

We report the results of the first survey of bdelloid rotifers, microscopic aquatic animals, in continental Norway, collected from coastal ponds in the Southern part of the country in Autumn 2021, using a morphological approach in species identification. Out of 25 ponds, 19 bdelloid species were found, ten in water samples and another nine in limno-terrestrial habitats just above the waterline of the ponds. Seven of the species are new records for mainland Norway. Three species could be identified to genus level only and may be novel taxa, not only for Norway but for science: further studies are needed on these animals to clarify their taxonomic identity. We also obtained COI sequences from 194 animals of eight of the species to compare them with what is known in GenBank in a phylogenetic context and confirm the reliability of morphological identification. This data contributes to our understanding of the taxonomic and biogeographic diversity of bdelloid rotifers in Norway. In addition, the newly available sequences increase the coverage of the reference library of bdelloid rotifers for future studies employing DNA metabarcoding.
Clinical Outcomes of Infrapopliteal Angioplasty in Chronic Lower Limb Ischemia
Authors: Gogineni Jyotsna Choudary , Meda Narendranadh , Bulla Vishal , Bharathi K Priya , Ragaveena P , Mounika M S , Gupta Karan , Sthithi W G
Published: February 2025

Background:

Chronic lower limb ischemia is a debilitating condition that hinders the patient’s quality of life while increasing the risk of limb loss, associated morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a widely recommended and practiced procedure to re-establish vascularity in such cases. This study was conducted to evaluate the results of below the knee or infrapopliteal angioplasty in patients presenting with Rutherford Category 5, 6 chronic lower limb ischemia.

Objective:

The objective is to analyze the results of infrapopliteal angioplasty as a primary treatment modality in patients with chronic lower limb ischemia – Rutherford categories 5, 6.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively studied 42 infrapopliteal angioplasties, performed as the first line of treatment to salvage patients who presented to us with chronic lower limb ischemia – Rutherford Category 5, 6. The patients were followed up over 6 months and the results were assessed.

Results:

Forty-two patients were included in this study of which 39 (92.85%) were male and 3 (7.14%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 67.02 ± 8.39 years. Thirty-one (73.8%) patients presented with chronic limb ischemia Rutherford Category 5 and the remaining 11 (26.19%) presented with chronic limb ischemia Rutherford Category 6. Limb salvage was achieved in 35 (83.33%) of 42 patients following infrapopliteal angioplasty whereas 2 (4.76%) patients underwent above knee amputation and 5 (11.9%) patients underwent below knee amputation within the follow-up period of 6 months. Death was noted in 3 (7.14%) out of 42 patients at the end of 6 months’ follow-up period.

Conclusions:

In our analysis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for infrapopliteal lesions in patients with advanced chronic lower limb ischemia (Rutherford categories 5, 6) reduces the need for major amputations and improves limb salvage rate with considerable reduction in morbidity and mortality.
Outcomes of SUPERA™ Stent Used for the Treatment of De novo or Restenotic Superficial Femoral Artery or Complex Femoropopliteal Artery Lesions in Indian Patients
Authors: Parakh Rajiv , Vivekananda  , Reddy Venkatesh , Kumar R Ravi , Gupta Prem Chand , Bedi Varinder Singh , Kumar B L Ravi , Someshwar Vimal , Jain Vikash , Narasimhan Sunder , Sheth Rahul , Mehta Pankaj , Yadav Manish Kumar , George Robbie , Thakore Vijay , Kamerkar Dhanesh , Muralikrishna N , Warawdekar Gireesh M , Raju Radhakrishnan , Yadav Rajnikant R , Sharma Digvijay , Narang Manish , Sheorain Virender K , Grover Tarun
Published: February 2025

Objective:

The study was conducted to evaluate the treatment outcomes of SUPERA™ stents in patients with de novo or restenotic lesions in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) or femoropopliteal artery (FPA).

Materials and Methods:

A real-world data collection registry across 20 centers in India enrolled patients (≥18 years) with SFA or FPA lesions treated with SUPERA™ stents. The registry was approved by the ethics committees of the respective sites and 284 subjects were enrolled prospectively after informed consent was obtained; data were collected specifically for this particular analysis. It evaluated baseline characteristics, procedural details, and quality of life, with primary outcome as 12-month freedom from target lesion revascularisation (TLR). Secondary outcomes included patency rate, stent fractures, all-cause death, clinical improvement on Rutherford–Becker classification, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using a 36-item Short Form Survey questionnaire. Comparisons were made between baseline and 12 months using Kaplan–Meier analysis, t-tests, and proportional comparisons.

Results:

At 12 months, 90.3% of patients were free from TLR, and 89.2% maintained primary patency with SUPERA™ stents; the all-cause death rate was 90.58%. Patients’ HRQoL showed significant improvement and 92% of the patients showed clinical improvement as per the Rutherford–Becker classification. No stent fractures were reported. A total of 12.7%, 75%, and 12.3% of patients were prescribed mono antiplatelet therapy, dual antiplatelet therapy, or triple antiplatelet therapy.

Conclusion:

SUPERA™ stents show promise in the management of peripheral artery disease with appreciable freedom from TLR, good primary patency, and notable improvements in HRQoL at 12 months.
A Stranger in the Knee with Unforeseen Challenges after Total Knee Replacement – An Anomalous Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Singh Devender , Praveena Madavan , Prasad Bhavani , Aryala Shalini
Published: February 2025

Knee arthroplasty procedures are common and with the advancement in the technique involved, arterial complications are rare; however, the sequelae can be disastrous. An anomalous high origin of tibial arteries in the knee joint remains a potential risk for complications. We report a case of popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm following total knee arthroplasty, presented clinically as large painful pulsatile swelling. She was found to have an anomalous high origin of the anterior tibial artery. She underwent complete excision of the pseudoaneurysm with arterial repair using a vein graft.
Popliteal Vein Aneurysm
Authors: Yadukrishna S , Kirumakki S Ajith , Chandrasekharan S
Published: February 2025

Venous aneurysms, particularly popliteal venous aneurysms, are a less common type of aneurysm. Due to their strong association with the development of deep venous thrombosis and recurrent pulmonary embolism, a comprehensive evaluation and intervention are necessary. The widespread use of venous duplex scanning has increased the identification of venous aneurysms, particularly in individuals with deep or superficial venous insufficiency. Optimal management involves surgical repair as a preventive measure, emphasizing the significance of early detection and intervention. The most commonly performed procedure is tangential aneurysmectomy with lateral venography. For patients with fusiform aneurysms or situations where tangential aneurysmectomy is impractical, aneurysm resection with preservation of venous continuity is recommended. Despite ongoing advancements, endovascular techniques lack a clearly defined role in their management, and open repair remains the established standard of care when necessary. The purpose of this article is to present a rare case of popliteal venous aneurysm that was observed in our outpatient department and to delineate the approach, we utilized in managing this condition.
Femoral Vein Access for Central Venous Catheterization as a Rescue for Failed Peripheral Access for Blood Sampling, Intravenous Nutrition, and Drug Delivery
Authors: Aslam Mohd , Tabish Iram , Alam Mahfooz , Husain Amir , Ashraf Sheikh , Fatima Razeen , Irfan Mohd
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

A central line is crucial to the management of critically ill patients. The decision regarding the insertion of a central line would be to deliver multiple medications for continuous infusion of chemotherapy, for parenteral nutrition, and to deliver vesicant drugs.

Materials and Methods:

Our study comprised 45 patients, 26 males and 19 female patients, who were catheterized via femoral vein after a failed peripheral access, either due to refusal of consent for subclavian or internal jugular catheterization, unsuccessful access to the internal jugular vein and subclavian veins, or extreme patient sickness. Nineteen patients were administered prolonged antibiotics and antifungals for pyelonephritis, 11 patients were cannulated for the management of severe shock in which peripheral access was difficult, and 15 critically ill patients were administered long-term medication and parenteral nutrition via the femoral route.

Results:

In our study, we found that seven patients developed blood ooze from the puncture site, four had difficulty accessing it because of pre-existing partial thrombus in the vein, and three developed hematoma at the puncture site. Later, six patients developed an infection at the catheter site, which was managed by intravenous antibiotics; six patients developed delayed onset bleeding from the puncture site; four patients developed a device dysfunction due to poor blood flow, and two patients developed deep vein thrombus. The rest of the patients did not develop any catheter-related complications.

Conclusion:

Central venous access plays a crucial role in the management of critically ill patients as well as in those requiring long-term drug therapy. The internal jugular, subclavian, and femoral veins are three common sites for this access.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Top Indian Medical Colleges across Key Domains: Analysis of National Institutional Ranking Framework 2024 Rankings
Authors: Mondal Himel , Dash Akhyaya Kumar , Mondal Shaikat , Behera Joshil Kumar
Published: February 2025

Background and Aim:

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a key tool for assessing the performance of Indian higher education institutions. Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of top-ranked medical colleges is crucial for strategic planning and resource allocation. This study analyzed the NIRF 2024 rankings to pinpoint areas of excellence and deficiency in these institutions.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the NIRF 2024 rankings of medical colleges. Data from the top 50 medical colleges are available in the public domain. Their overall score of teaching, learning, and resource (TLR), research and professional practice (RP), graduation outcome (GO), outreach and inclusivity, and perception (PR) were calculated. Correlation coefficients were calculated to explore the relationship between overall rankings and individual domain scores.

Results:

From 182 registered institutions, the NIRF ranking provides the top 50 institutions. The highest score was for TLR (80.21 ± 6.04) and a similar score for GO (79.37 ± 8.02). The lowest score was for PR (33.41 ± 19.73) and RP also had an identical score (36.46 ± 17.9), F (4, 245) =150.2, P < 0.0001, r
2 = 0.71. There was a positive correlation between the rank and all domain scores. The highest level of correlation was the RP score (r = 0.809, P < 0.0001) followed by PR (r = 0.644, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The NIRF analysis shows that top medical institutions excel in teaching and outcomes but lag in research, a critical determinant of their overall score. Institutions should prioritize enhancing research output, securing grants, and collaborating with top research bodies, while also improving visibility through media, alumni engagement, and academic partnerships.