bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors contributing to the loss of Ngoni language: A case of Chipata District in Eastern Province, Zambia
Authors: Jere Christopher  , Lufeyo Chitondo  , Chanda Chansa Thelma
Published: April 2024

Overview: This journal article analyzed the factors contributing to the loss of Ngoni language in a case of Chipata district of Eastern province in Zambia. The paper explored how Chingoni, a language of the conquering Ngoni, who controlled political, social and economic power could not maintain their language instead lost out to Chitumbuka and Chichewa, the languages of the conquered Tumbuka and Chewa respectively, as a language of everyday communication to the extent of being moribund. Contribution to the Body of Knowledge: Since language is usually considered to be a marker of identity, the link between the Ngoni identity and Chingoni was also explored and concluded that language is not a sine qua non ingredient of group identity. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, to understand why and how the Ngoni lost language by combining historical analysis, case studies, and interviews with key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, language teachers, civic leaders, scholars, and domains such as hospitals, schools, police stations. Data was obtained by means of interviews and questionnaires. The sample consisted of 148 respondents. frequency, tables and percentages were used to analyze qualitative and quantitative data obtained. Data was then analyzed manually in some cases and also, a combination of software MS Access and MS Excel. Results: The findings revealed that, the Ngoni language loss was due to unwritten records: The Ngoni mother tongue language could not be sustained because there is no single novel, bible, magazine, dictionary, newspaper, or any book, journal article found which is written in Ngoni language. Recommendation: In order to improve and address this challenge in Zambia, the present study recommended establishment of Ngoni Community Radio Station (NCRS) to be publishing Ngoni language lessons to the community.
Factors that influence eating disorder tendencies in adolescents: A literature review
Authors: Sabrina Salsa Anggita Panjaitan  , Lutfi Agus Salim
Published: April 2024

Eating disorders are any form of behavioral or habitual eating disorder that results in altered food consumption and absorption, and significantly impairs physical health and psychosocial functioning. Eating disorders are any disorder characterized primarily by pathological disturbances of food-related attitudes and behaviors, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder (Sinurat, 2018). This study aims to determine the factors that influence eating disorder tendencies in adolescents. The research method utilized is literature review, which involves searching for research articles from Research Gate and Google Scholar using keywords such as eating disorder, influencing factors, anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and body image. From the research findings, it can be concluded that the occurrence of eating disorder tendencies in adolescents is caused by several dominant factors such as body image (3 articles), peer influences (3 articles), knowledge (2 articles), also family roles and BMI (2 articles).
Research on the development prospects and cultivation countermeasures of English majors in cross-border E-commerce backgrounds
Authors: Yirui Yang, Enhui Deng
Published: April 2024

Abstract: In recent years, the development of e-commerce has been very rapid no matter in which country or region. Based on its broad development prospects, a large number of investors have invested in the field, which also makes the competition between e-commerce increasingly fierce. As an emerging mode of e-commerce, live broadcasting, relying on the development of Internet technology, has become an important way of e-commerce with goods. However, China's e-commerce market has become mature, with high competitive pressure and reduced opportunities in the industry. In order to make better use of the English majors' own advantages, so as to broaden their development prospects in this industry, this paper starts from this background, analyzes the current situation and development prospects of cross-border e-commerce, studies the requirements and expectations of this industry for English majors, and puts forward the cultivation and practice programs for English majors in this direction.
Direct and indirect written corrective feedback in learning writing: The students' perception
Authors: Sahmadan Safrudin , Hasan Idhar
Published: April 2024

This study was carried out based on the hottest issue regarding the role of direct and indirect written corrective feedback (WCF). The role and use of direct WCF and indirect WCF have been debated issues among second language acquisition and writing researchers. The controversial issue regarding the necessity of feedback started from Truscott’s comment that direct written corrective feedback does not improve students’ writing skills. This research explored the students’ perception of direct WCF and indirect indirect WCF. Qualitative descriptive was applied in this research involving 30 students as the subject. A questionnaire and interview were carried out as the instruments in collecting data. An interactive model that included data collecting, coding, data display, and conclusion or verification was employed for the data analysis. The findings suggested that direct written corrective feedback had a beneficial impact because 99.91% of students said they preferred it.
Practice and barriers of technology integrated pedagogy in teaching EFL young learners: A critical analysis
Authors: Faudi Faudi , Husain Balqis , Musthafa Bachrudin
Published: April 2024

Young learners' characteristics, which differ from those of young adolescents, adolescents, and adults, encourage EFL instructors to implement technology-based learning strategies with high consideration. If EFL teachers fail to implement the appropriate strategy for teaching English, young students may likely encounter academic difficulties in subsequent years. Teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) have implemented technology-based learning strategies to improve students' literacy, vocabulary, and critical thinking abilities. There are also implementation obstacles. This article aims to identify the types of digital-based learning strategies implemented by Indonesian EFL teachers for teaching English to young learners, as well as to identify the challenges faced by Indonesian EFL teachers when implementing digital-based learning strategies for young learners.The findings indicated that EFL teachers in Indonesia employed a variety of technological approaches to develop their students' language and critical thinking skills. EFL teachers utilized multimodal e-books to improve reading skills; animated e-books were employed to enhance literacy skills; flipped classroom was utilized to augment vocabulary; and digital folklore was used to foster analytical and critical thinking skills among EFL young learners.
Development of an interactive e-module based on a case method to improve higher-order thinking skills
Authors: Firmansyah Firmansyah , Irnandi Irfan , Siregar Nahrun Najib , Simamora Ebeneser Wacner
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study is to create a case-method-based interactive e-module that will enhance the higher-level thinking skills (HOTs) of students. Research and Development (R&D) utilizing the ten-step Borg & Gall model development constitutes this research method. This investigation is restricted to the seventh stage. This study's participants were FKIP UNIPA first-semester students enrolled in instructional mathematics courses. The sample for the study was determined by cluster random sampling. The participants in this research were partitioned into two groups: the experimental group consisted of students majoring in English education, while the control group comprised students majoring in Indonesian language education. In this study, questionnaires, interviews, validator assessment forms, and HOTs tests were utilized to collect data. Three data analysis techniques were utilized in this study: validity, practicability, and effectiveness. The outcomes demonstrate the e-module's validity. The practicality assessment yielded an 81.44% response rate from students in the very practical category. The HOTs of the pupils in the experimental class were superior to those of the control class. The mean HOTs of students in the control group were 67.67, whereas those in the experimental group have an average HOTs of 75.50.
Citizenship education courses are used as a means of implementing multicultural education at the Politeknik Pelayaran Sorong
Authors: Permady Gigieh Cahya , Zulfikar Gilang , Siswanto Siswanto , Nanggala Agil
Published: April 2024

The importance of intercultural education in vocational education motivates this study. This study aims to give a "rationalization" of the relevance of optimizing education, particularly civic education courses, as a kind of intercultural learning. This study employs a qualitative approach combined with descriptive methodologies. Study topic requirements do this and acquire in-depth information that incorporates social reality, and the findings will be conveyed subsequently in the form of reports and narrative descriptions. The study's findings show that the application of multicultural education in citizenship education courses at the Sorong Shipping Polytechnic can be seen in three major parts of the learning process: planning as seen from the lesson plan created independently by the lecturer, implementation of the material presented, and methods. Evaluation criteria for assessing learning outcomes that incorporate the weight of attitude assessment throughout the learning process are utilized. The cadets' concept of multiculturalism may be demonstrated via three multicultural components: their understanding of diversity awareness, openness to differences, and fair and equitable treatment.
Student worksheets based on connected type integration models on simple planes and human movement systems: The practical analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Enda Sri Inda , Yusuf Frida Maryati , Yusuf Muhammad , Buhungo Trisnawaty Junus , Uloli Ritin , Solang Margaretha
Published: April 2024

This study aims to determine how practical the integrated science student worksheets are based on the connected type integration model with simple aircraft material and the human motion system. This type of research was quantitative, which was part of research and development. Research and development is a type of research that aims to make products through practical testing. The test subjects in the research involved 18 class VIII students at SMP Negeri 3 Pulubala. The results of classroom management obtained a score of 96% in the very good category, and the responses of students reached an average score of 63% in the good category. It can be concluded that the development of integrated science student worksheets connected type integration model is practical for use in the learning process.
Social media and communication technology in education: A Literature review
Authors: Manu Gerlan Apriandy
Published: April 2024

This article aims to examine the impact of the use of social media and communication technologies in the context of education in the digital age. Utilizing a literature review as its primary method, the study collects and analyzes data from various prior studies using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. The analysis technique involves comparing research findings and integrating insights from diverse academic sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. The results reveal that social media and communication technology enhance student engagement and motivation in learning. Additionally, the use of social media and communication technology in education demonstrates varied effects on students' learning motivation and poses potential risks to their mental well-being. These findings provide crucial insights for educators and policymakers in effectively and safely integrating digital technology into education.
Pigeon racing in South Africa: Exploring the socio-economic nature and extent of this 'unknown sport'
Authors:   Stellenbosch University, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch Central, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa, MOSTERT Cecilia , DONALDSON Ronnie ,   Stellenbosch University, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch Central, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Published: April 2024

This research addresses the paucity of academic exploration into pigeon racing, a globally recognized sport with limited scholarly attention. While prior studies focused on ornithology and medicine, this paper pioneers a comprehensive examination from a geographical perspective. Employing a quantitative methodology, the study surveyed 712 members of the South African National Pigeon Organization (SANPO), providing a nuanced understanding of demographics, organizational structures, subjective values, and economic impacts within pigeon racing. The study's findings reveal the dominance of males in the sport, its multi-generational nature, and widespread participation across diverse income groups. SANPO, with 3,540 members, emerges as a crucial entity in the sport's landscape. The paper categorizes fanciers into small, medium, and large groups based on bird ownership, presenting insights into their socio-demographic context and motivations. Pigeon-related activities are explored, emphasizing the sport's familial and youth development aspects. The economic analysis highlights the industry's substantial job creation and estimates its total economic worth between R528,968,608 and R1,620,390,112. By shedding light on this understudied sport, the research aims to stimulate further academic exploration and provide a foundation for informed discussions on the cultural, economic, and social aspects of pigeon racing.
ScholarOne - Adapting to the ‘New-Normal’: Reflecting on Productivity in Indian Academia for Education Policy
Authors: Kudale Kaniphnath Kaniphnath , REDDY MADHAVI
Published: April 2024

This research examines the efficacy and productivity disparities between
pre- and post-pandemic educational approaches, navigating the intricate
challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in Indian higher
education. Focused on stakeholders within education institutions, 582
responses were acquired through stratified random sampling using Google
Forms. Meticulous SPSS analysis reveals a significant decline in
productivity, particularly among 367 female respondents. The study
underscores nuanced health challenges faced by learners and educators,
including compromised vision, persistent distractions, and diminished
attention spans. It advocates for integrating online pedagogical methods
into mainstream academic practices, suggesting strategic models like
flipped classrooms and blended learning. Emphasizing the need for a
technologically adept pedagogical landscape, the study implicates an
antiquated educational policy framework for inadequate responses to
technological advancements. Recommendations stress proactive policy
adjustments and the imperative of equipping educators and students with
essential technological proficiencies to adeptly navigate unforeseen
educational challenges.
ScholarOne - Problems and Improvement Strategies of Learning Autonomy of Professional Degree Graduate Students from the Perspective of Integration between Industry and Education
Authors: Qian Hangfei , Chen Keke , Zheng Feizhong
Published: April 2024

The integration between industry and education plays an important role
in the training of professional degree graduate students, it puts
forward higher requirements for the autonomy of post-graduate learning.
Based on the theory of autonomous learning, this paper investigates and
analyzes the learning autonomy of professional degree graduate students
from the perspective of industry-teaching integration in the dimensions
of learning motivation and strategy, the autonomous learning level of
professional degree graduate students is low, the autonomous learning
ability of doctoral candidates is weaker than that of master’s degree,
and the autonomous learning level of universities is different.
Therefore, we should self-drive learning motivation and self-regulate
learning strategies; Improve the self-efficacy of doctoral candidates,
pay attention to career development planning, and optimize the process
of doctoral training; Attach importance to the improvement of
self-learning ability of graduate students, strengthen the construction
of academic culture, and strengthen the construction of basic resources.
The Impact of Autism Affirming and Stigmatizing Situations on Autistic Adults' Camouflage Intent
Authors: Kodama Cottington Ana Carolina , Shoda Yuichi
Published: April 2024

Background: Camouflaging is a strategy widely used by autistic people to mask or conceal their autistic characteristics and behaviors. Given that camouflaging has been associated with a variety of adverse mental health outcomes, reducing the need to camouflage could be effective in improving autistic people’s well-being. In this study, we tested if camouflaging is situation-dependent such that autistic people engage in less camouflaging in situations containing autism-affirming social cues compared to those with autism-stigmatizing cues. Method: Using the Highly-Repeated Within-Person design, we tracked 135 autistic adults’ reports of camouflage intent across 24 hypothetical situations of two types: autism-affirming and autism-stigmatizing. We also measured participants’ strength of identification with the autistic community. Results: Participants reported significantly less camouflage intent in autism-affirming (vs. autism-stigmatizing) situations, and camouflage intent changes were greater for those who more strongly identified with the autistic community. In addition, multilevel modeling indicated that, even after taking participants’ strength of identification with the autistic community into account, there were substantial individual-to-individual differences in the extent to which autism-affirming (vs. stigmatizing) situations reduced camouflage intent. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that autism-affirming situations reduce autistic adults’ intention to camouflage their autistic behaviors, highlighting the importance of designing and implementing inclusionary environments that are neurodiversity-affirming and that promote autistic identity-safe spaces. Just as importantly, we found that the magnitude of the impact of situation type on camouflage intent is substantially different from person to person. Such findings, reflective of the wide diversity that exists within the autistic adult population, warn us against “one-size-fits-all” approaches and invite us to continue to explore the nature of these individual differences across autistic adults.
JOURNALISTS KNOWLEDGE AND UTILISATION OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI) ACT IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA
Authors: Onuegbu Okechukwu Christopher , Anunike Ogonna Wilson
Published: April 2024

The study was conducted to ascertain the level of journalists in South East, Nigeria knowledge of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. It was a survey research with questionnaire as instrument for data collection. A sample size of 300 was selected from the 1, 555 study population, following recommendation of Comrey and Lee’s (1992). The study objectives were to ascertain if journalists in the South East Nigeria are aware of existence of FOI Act; extent the journalists have accessed information from public institutions in line with FOI Act; the level of compliance of public institutions in granting the journalists access to information requested in-line with the FOI Act; and reactions of the journalists when the public institutions denied them access to information. It employed the Knowledge Attitude and Practise (KAP) Model. The findings showed that journalists in the zone are aware of the FOI Act but public institutions are not fully complying to the provisions of the Act in releasing information to them. It was concluded that the usage of the FOI Act in the South East Nigeria was poor due to ignorance of its applications. The study recommended increased sensitisations of the populace on the Act.
CRiTical Race Information Theory as Innovative Pedagogy, Act One: Harder Than You Think, It's a Beautiful Thing
Authors: Dunbar Anthony W. , McFarland Rebekah , Grauel Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

This first act of a two-act counterstory introduces CRiTical Race information Theory (CRiT) as a rapidly developing iteration of Critical Race Theory (CRT) applied within information settings. Act one offers a detailed introduction of CRiT, which includes the articulation of the CRiT framework and tenets, most notably the CRT seminal tenets and tools along with information-specific tenets. CRiT also has a three-dimensional infrastructure consisting of CRiT as Pedagogy, CRiT as Praxis, and CRiT as Theory (including the process and nuances of theory building). Therefore, this first part includes an explanation of the pedagogical, praxis, and theoretical dimensions. Thus, the first act provides the teaching philosophy, learning theories, and delivery method of the pilot CRiT-designed course. What is equally important is that both acts of CRiT as Innovative Pedagogy meet the responsibility of sharing authentic reflections in a manner that respects the critical race counterstory legacy, thus also documenting the journey of lived experiences that go with actively engaging in CRT-based scholarship. Both acts assist those looking to design similar curricular content.
ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION OF THE CAUSES OF THE HEAVILY LOADED GEARS FAILURE
Authors:   Industrial University of Tyumen, Plehanov Vladimir I. , Kolenchin Nikolay F. ,   Industrial University of Tyumen, Kitaev Vladimir V. ,   Industrial University of Tyumen
Published: April 2024

The destruction of gears occurs due to various reasons, first, connected with violation of manufacturing technology at different stages, poor quality assembly of the gear or the whole mechanism, as well as exceeding the specified operating loads. The aim of the study was to establish the causes of failure of the top drive gears in the drilling rig based on the mechanical and structural characteristics obtained by generally accepted methods, collectively used to assess the nature of the resulting damage. In order to analyze the compliance of the gear manufacturing quality with the operational requirements and to identify the cause of their failure, we carried out complex studies, including microstructural analysis of the gear metal, determination of its chemical composition and mechanical properties, as well as the study of the fracture surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy. As a result, we found that the gears failed due to a violation of the manufacturing technology in terms of wrong heat treatment.
ISSUES OF APPLICATION OF MODERN REGULATORY DOCUMENTS FOR THE CALCULATION OF TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURES
Authors:   Industrial University of Tyumen, Ovchinnikov Igor G. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Ovchinnikov Ilya I. ,   Industrial University of Tyumen, Zhanaliev Bekzat B. ,   Industrial University of Tyumen, Kudaibergenov Nurlan B. ,   L. N. Gumilev Eurasian National University
Published: April 2024

About 400 normative documents were developed in the field of transportation construction, but the correctness and relevance of some of them is questionable. The lack of a unified terminology, the presence of contradictions and the increasing volume of documentation significantly complicate its use. In addition to general disadvantages, there are a number of private problems. For example, the authors point out the incorrect use of the limit states methodology for the calculation of structures, since this methodology considers limit (extreme) loads, and the regularities of the real behavior of the structure at lower levels of loads are unknown. In addition, the calculation according to limit states methodology does not take into account durability (it is not defined). When calculating using this methodology for the action of only loads with other unknown operating influences, the limit state is realized by reaching a certain limit value by this load. In reality, the limit state may occur due to changes in the shape of the structure, dimensions of cross-sections of structural elements and, more often, due to degradation of its material properties under the influence of service conditions. For the calculation of structures, it is necessary to apply the deformation approach more widely. According to it, both strength and deformation problems of structural calculation are correctly interrelated, and their hypotheses do not conflict with each other.
NATURE WARS
Authors: Ellen Roy
Published: April 2024

Organized around issues, debates and discussions concerning the various ways in which the concept of nature has been used, this book looks at how the term has been endlessly deconstructed and reclaimed, as reflected in anthropological, scientific, and similar writing over the last several decades. Made up of ten of Roy Ellen’s finest articles, this book looks back at his ideas about nature and includes a new introduction that contextualizes the arguments and takes them forward. Many of the chapters focus on research the author has conducted amongst the Nuaulu people of eastern Indonesia.
DIAGNOSIS OF SARCOIDOSIS FIRST MANIFESTED BY EYE LESIONS (CLINICAL OBSERVATION)
Authors:   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia, Tseimakh Irina Ya. , Bogachev Dmitry E. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia, Shemyakina Irina S. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia, Kornilova Tatyana A. ,   City Hospital No. 5, Barnaul, Russia, Kramar Irina P. ,   City Hospital No. 5, Barnaul, Russia, Vykhodtsev Ivan A. ,   City Hospital No. 5, Barnaul, Russia
Published: April 2024

Purpose of the study: to exchange experience in diagnosing sarcoidosis with involvement of extrathoracic organs. Materials and methods. The clinical observation of the patient for 4 years is presented on the basis of a comprehensive study of the medical history and the archive of medical documents. Results. A clinical observation of a 29-year-old patient is presented, in whom the first symptoms of sarcoidosis were manifested by a decrease in vision and preceded by damage to the lymph nodes and lungs. Conclusions Sarcoidosis remains a difficult disease to diagnose and treat, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and management. In areas with a high burden of tuberculosis, the differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis with infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis plays an important role.
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE (REVIEW)
Authors:   Novosibirsk National Research State University, Novosibirsk, Russia, Aleynikova Anna V. , Lozhkina Natalia G. ,   Novosibirsk National Research State University, Novosibirsk, Russia; Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
Published: April 2024

The article considers data on the epidemiology of cognitive impairment in patients with severe CHF in the Russian Federation and abroad. Information is provided on methods for screening dementia in such patients using Montreal cognitive test and some of its variations, as well as the MMSE test. The review article also describes the fundamental pathogenetic links in the development of cognitive impairment in CHF. Information on the topic was used from publications based on the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and the depth of coverage was 5 years.
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHLY PURIFIED HYALURONATE-ENDO- β-N-ACETYLHEXOSAMINIDASE AS A PHARMACEUTICAL SUBSTANCE FOR A DRUG PRODUCT
Authors:   Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology – Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia, Shvetsova Alexandra M. , Ershov Konstantin I. ,   Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology – Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia; Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia, Korolev Maksim A. ,   Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology – Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia, Madonov Pavel G. ,   Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology – Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia; Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia
Published: April 2024

Enzyme preparations, including hyaluronidase, are widely used in medical practice. Most drugs with this active substance on the pharmaceutical market are produced mainly from testicular hyaluronidase, the raw material for which are bovine testes. The technologies of enzyme preparation production are quite well known and diverse. However, the creation of a different method will allow the highly purified hyaluronate-endo-β-N-acetylhexosaminidase with high specific enzymatic activity. Objective: develop a technology and obtain a laboratory batch of the highly purified pharmaceutical substance hyaluronate-endo-β-N-acetylhexosaminidase. Materials and Methods. In the experimental study, preparations of bovine testes extracts were taken to obtain highly purified hyaluronate-endo-β-N-acetylhexosaminidase. In the first stage the protein spectrum of the testes extracts was studied, proteins were fractionally precipitated, and substances of different chemical nature were fractionated by chromatography methods. At the second stage, the development of a method to obtain the pharmaceutical substance hyaluronate-endo-β-N-acetylhexosaminidase was carried out using the methods described further in the work. Results. Based on the results obtained during the experimental study, P-II, a preparation of bovine testes extract produced by Samson-Med LLC (St. Petersburg), was chosen as the initial substance of crude hyaluronidase for further studies. The most optimal is the purification scheme, which includes as the main method affinity chromatography on heparin-sepharose using affinity elution with heparin solution in buffer with a concentration of 3 mg/ml. Conclusions As a result of the experimental study, the optimal scheme was presented to obtain the pharmaceutical substance HEBNA with high enzymatic total activity of 289 (unit of action) was presented, and a laboratory batch of highly purified hyaluronate-endo-β-N-acetylhexosaminidase was obtained.
VEGETATIVE DYSFUNCTION IN CHRONIC OPISTHORCHIASIS
Authors:   Kemerovo State Medical University, Kemerovo, Russia, Plotnikova Ekaterina Yu. , Karbysheva Nina V. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia, Nikonorova Marina A. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia, Beskhlebova Olga V. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia, Ivanova Maria E. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia, Osipova Irina V. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia, Sinkov Maksim A. ,   Research Institute of Complex Problems of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russia, Kiushkina Irina N. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Altai Krai is one of the most significant natural foci of opisthorchiasis not only in Western Siberia, but also on the territory of the Russian Federation as a whole, where the incidence of opisthorchiasis ranges from 44 to 34 per 100,000 people. The primary habitat of opisthorchiasis is the hepatobiliary system; the polymorphism of long-term invasion polymorphism is characterized by a violation of the functions of many organs and systems: liver, immune and cardiovascular systems, digestive organs, etc. The control center responsible for these vital functions of the body is the autonomic nervous system, which regulates them in the body. Analysis of heart rate variability can give an idea of sympathetic-parasympathetic vegetative balance. The purpose of the study. A comprehensive study of the state of autonomic regulation by analyzing heart rate variability in patients with chronic opisthorchiasis. Materials and methods. During the course of the study, 31 patients with chronic opisthorchiasis (CO) were observed, a comparison was made with 30 healthy individuals of similar age and gender. When studying the function of the autonomic nervous system, the method of mathematical analysis of the heart rate according to R.M. Baevsky was used with the help of the original program "CORVEG". The level of critical significance of the null statistical hypothesis was assumed to be 0.05. Results and Discussion. In the study of the nature of vegetative changes, methods of frequency and spectral analysis of heart rate were used. Changes in heart rate regulation indicators were statistically significantly (p<0.05) indicated an increase in sympathetic regulation at rest and orthostasis in patients with SC, their autonomic homeostasis was shifted toward the sympathetic nervous system both at rest and under load, and in some patients (31%) dysregulation of the central type was detected. Conclusions. Dysregulation of autonomic nervous system in patients with chronic opisthorchiasis was revealed at all levels of its regulation and was characterized by increased sympathetic tone and a decrease in parasympathetic and humoral regulation, as well as vasoreflective and baroreflective mechanisms.
МИТЦІ НА ОКОЛИЦЯХ НЕАПОЛЯ ТА НА «МЕРТВОМУ ОЗЕРІ» В ІТАЛІЇ: ДОСВІД МАНДРІВНИКІВ XIX СТОЛІТТЯ
Authors: Tychko Serhii Vitaliiovych
Published: April 2024

Мета статті: розглянути мандри європейських митців Італією в умовах конкретного простору часу як потужний фактор культуротворення. Дослідження спирається на історико-методологічний підхід. Наукова новизна полягає в тому, що вперше мандри митців на Півдні Італії системно розглядаються як предмет їх світосприйняття та важливий стимул творчості. Висновки. Розглянуто подорожі митців та мандрівників-аматорів, здійснені у XIX – першій половині XX ст. (Г. Доніцетті, Стендаль, Ф. Ліст, М. Глінка, А. Міцкевич, Д. Валарді, Ф. Гандіні, М. Твен, Г. Мортон, М. Деш) передмістями Неаполя та його віддаленими околицями, розташованими на північний захід від міста – Поццуолі, Позілліпо, Байя, Флегрейські поля, озера Аньяно та Аверно, тощо. Досліджені можливі впливи вражень митців-мандрівників, отриманих від природного та культурного ландшафту південної Італії, на музичну та літературну творчість, а також на образотворче мистецтво. Підтверджено, що вибір прогулянок околицями європейського міста для корисного та приємного проведення часу у мандрах є цілком закономірним для митців від глибокої старовини до часів романтизму і до нашої сучасності (12 пісень вокального циклу «Літні ночі в Позиліпо» – «Nuits d'été à Pausillipe» Гаетано Доніцетті, транскрипція на теми з цього твору під заголовком «Італійські вечори. Літні ночі у Позиліпо» Ф.Ліста, творчість художників – майстрів «школи Позілліпо» в Неаполі, «Прогулянки» Ф. Пуленка, тощо). Причому дією, що передувала цим променадам, нерідко міг бути огляд передмістя з висоти, з самого Неаполя – адже тутешній ландшафт надавав для споглядання панорами найсприятливіші можливості. Навіть страхітливі почуття, які виникали під час відвідин славнозвісної та овіяної похмурими легендами Собачої печери поблизу Неаполя, ставали потрясінням, що могло стимулювати творчу активність.
Health assessment of TBM diversion tunnel structure based on AHP and AMV models
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Chen Lei , Hou Ge , Huang Jinlin , Wang Yong
Published: April 2024

Health assessment is one of the important theoretical bases for deciding whether the diversion tunnel can operate safely and stably. A project of the TBM diversion tunnel is taken as the research object to ensure the normal operation of the diversion tunnel. Based on measured data and considering multiple safety aspects such as structural response, durability, and external factors of the diversion tunnel, a TBM diversion tunnel structural health evaluation index system is established. A new method for the TBM diversion tunnel structural health comprehensive evaluation based on Analytic Hierarchy Process-Matter Element Extension-Variable Weight Theory (AMV) is proposed to explore the impact of AMV fluctuation with the measured results of the indicators on the weight, closeness, and health grade of each evaluation index. The high sensitivity and high-risk evaluation indicators for the structural health of the diversion tunnels are identified. It is found that the variable weight varies with the changes in various indicator values, which can accurately evaluate the health status of tunnels in real-time. The characteristic values of the tunnel grade calculated by the AHP and the AMV are 1.589 and 1.695, respectively. The results of the corresponding interval diversion tunnel are the basic safety state of grade B. Except for the two evaluation indicators of concrete strength and slurry properties, the variable weight values and grade characteristic values of other evaluation indicators increase with the increase of indicator values. The four indicators of segment settlement, segment opening, segment misalignment, and segment cracks are more sensitive to the health of the TBM diversion tunnel. This AMV can accurately evaluate the health status of the diversion tunnel structure. The research results can provide references for later maintenance work and similar projects.
Adding value for clients during work disability assessments: A qualitative exploration from the perspective of medical examiners
Authors: Hagendijk Marije E. , Tan Zhouwen , Melles Marijke , Hoving Jan L. , van der Burg-Vermeulen Sylvia J. , Zipfel Nina
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Value-based healthcare delivery focuses on optimizing care provided by measuring the healthcare outcomes which are most important to the clients relative to the total care costs. However, the understanding of what adds value for clients during work disability assessment is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To explore what medical examiners (MEs) perceive as valuable during the work disability assessment process, by exploring possible: 1) facilitators, 2) barriers and 3) opportunities to add value for the client during the work disability assessment. METHODS: For this explorative qualitative study, 7 semi-structured interviews were conducted with MEs in the Netherlands. Thematic coding was performed for all interviews. RESULTS: A large variety of facilitators (n = 22), barriers (n = 17) and opportunities (n = 11) were identified and inductively subdivided into four main themes: 1) coherent process, including all time related aspects, 2) interdisciplinary collaboration, including all aspects related to the collaboration between the ME and other professionals, 3) client-centred interaction, including all aspects related to the supportive interplay from the ME towards the client, and 4) information provision on all aspects during the work disability assessment process towards the client to ensure a valuable work disability assessment process. CONCLUSIONS: The overview of identified possible facilitators, barriers and opportunities to add value for clients from the perspective of the ME may stimulate improvement in the current work disability assessment practice and to better match the client needs.
Predicting patient-specific organ doses from thoracic CT examinations using support vector regression algorithm
Authors: Shao Wencheng , Lin Xin , Huang Ying , Qu Liangyong , Zhuo Weihai , Liu Haikuan
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE:

This study aims to propose and develop a fast, accurate, and robust prediction method of patient-specific organ doses from CT examinations using minimized computational resources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We randomly selected the image data of 723 patients who underwent thoracic CT examinations. We performed auto-segmentation based on the selected data to generate the regions of interest (ROIs) of thoracic organs using the DeepViewer software. For each patient, radiomics features of the thoracic ROIs were extracted via the Pyradiomics package. The support vector regression (SVR) model was trained based on the radiomics features and reference organ dose obtained by Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. The root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and coefficient of determination (R-squared) were evaluated. The robustness was verified by randomly assigning patients to the train and test sets of data and comparing regression metrics of different patient assignments.

RESULTS:

For the right lung, left lung, lungs, esophagus, heart, and trachea, results showed that the trained SVR model achieved the RMSEs of 2 mGy to 2.8 mGy on the test sets, 1.5 mGy to 2.5 mGy on the train sets. The calculated MAPE ranged from 0.1 to 0.18 on the test sets, and 0.08 to 0.15 on the train sets. The calculated R-squared was 0.75 to 0.89 on test sets.

CONCLUSIONS:

By combined utilization of the SVR algorithm and thoracic radiomics features, patient-specific thoracic organ doses could be predicted accurately, fast, and robustly in one second even using one single CPU core.
Forensic Psychiatric Examination: General Theoretical Issues
Authors: Makarova Olena
Published: April 2024

The article outlines the issue of appointing and conducting a forensic examination in Ukraine, specifically focusing on forensic psychiatric examination. It presents the key concepts and terms related to forensic psychiatric examination, along with its tasks, types, procedures, and significance for the judicial process. The conclusion drawn is that expert conclusions constitute a vital form of evidence in court proceedings, enabling the determination of case circumstances that may not be established through any other means.

The current state of appointment and conduct of forensic psychiatric examinations in Ukraine has been analyzed, existing problems have been identified and ways of solving them have been considered.

It has been established that the main problem in appointing and conducting a forensic psychiatric examination is that it is a complex and multifaceted type of forensic examination, which requires highly qualified and experienced forensic experts, but currently, there is a shortage of qualified psychiatric experts. This might result in a forensic examination being conducted improperly or with infringements.

The paper specifies the need for advanced training and acquisition of experience by forensic experts conducting forensic psychiatric examinations to ensure conclusions’ objectivity. The author concludes that forensic psychiatric examination requires the forensic expert to possess high professionalism, objectivity, independence, honesty, responsibility, competence, and tactfulness.

The article highlights the main concepts and terms associated with the appointment and conduct of a forensic psychiatric examination; describes the procedure for conducting a forensic psychiatric examination; reveals the importance of a forensic psychiatric examination for the judicial process; analyzes the current state of appointment and conduct of a forensic psychiatric examination in Ukraine; identifies the main problems associated with the appointment of a forensic psychiatric examination; considers possible recommendations for solving these problems. The author also draws attention to the importance of observing the rights and freedoms of persons who are the subject of forensic psychiatric examination.
State primary standard of the unit of wave resistance in coaxial waveguides GET 75-2023
Authors: Evgrafov V. I. , Konyshev N. V. , Konyshev N. V. , Chervonetsky D. N.
Published: April 2024

The issues of measuring the wave resistance and complex reflection and transmission coefficients of devices operating at ultrahigh frequencies in coaxial waveguides are considered. Measurements of these parameters are important in the development and production of communication and information transmission systems, radar and radio navigation systems. In order to ensure the uniformity of measurements, reproduction and transmission of wave resistance units and complex reflection and transmission coefficients to measuring instruments with coaxial connectors of type 1 mm in the frequency range 0.01–67 GHz, the state primary standard of the unit resistance in coaxial waveguides GET 75-2023 has been approved. It includes means of reproducing the unit of wave resistance, complex reflection coefficients, a comparator and comparison standards in a coaxial path with a cross section of 1.0/0.434 mm with a connector of type 1 mm. The expressions for calculating the parameters of coaxial waveguides with bimetallic conductors are refined. The technical characteristics and results of metrological studies of GET 75-2023 are presented. The results of the research confirmed the high accuracy of GET 75-2023, which has comparable metrological characteristics with the standards of national metrological institutes of other countries.
¿Cuándo ir al especialista?
Authors: Fernández Eduardo , Caviedes Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

Saber cuándo y a qué especialista odontológico visitar, dependiendo de las necesidades que se tengan, es el objetivo central de este libro, que amplía y continúa el contenido entregado en ¿Cuándo debo ir al dentista? Esta publicación, escrita por los doctores Eduardo Fernández y Rodrigo Caviedes, pretende ser una guía, para el público general y también para estudiantes de odontología, sobre cuándo es conveniente acudir a un especialista e informar sobre las distintas especialidades y las condiciones que estas atienden. ¿Cuándo ir al especialista? es una publicación de Ediciones Universidad Autónoma de Chile y se descarga gratuitamente desde ediciones.uautonoma.cl.