bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of subjective tinnitus with conductive hearing loss through Ayurveda: An experience
Authors: Kundal Pankaj , Goswami Anupam , Mehar Kapil , Aggarwal Nancy , Rajagopala Manjusha
Published: September 2024

Tinnitus (~Karnanada) is a type of perception of sound that people occasionally experience in the absence of an accompanying external sound. The noise can be intermittent or continuous and can vary in loudness. Tinnitus is frequently linked to hearing loss and impaired speech understanding in noisy settings. A 31-year-old female patient came to the outpatient department with complaints of annoying sounds in both ears, hearing impairment in the right ear, headache, and disturbed sleep for the past 3 years. The patient was examined using tuning fork test, pure-tone audiometry, and impedance audiometry, which led to a diagnosis of subjective tinnitus with conductive hearing loss in both ears. The difficulties faced by the patient in daily life due to tinnitus were assessed using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire and the THI score. The patient was treated with Nirgundyadi taila karnapurana (~instillation of medicated oil in the ear) along with Ashwagandhadi ghrita orally for 21 days. The patient showed relief in tinnitus along with an improvement in hearing loss. There was no recurrence during a follow-up period of 30 days. The treatment reveals that Ayurvedic interventions are effective in the management of tinnitus quite efficiently.
Evaluation and Surveillance of Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy in Manual Workers: Identifying Elbows at Risk
Authors: Hung Chih-Chien , Chen Hsin-Shui , Chang Chih-Hao , Wang Ming-Wei , Hung Kun-Lin , Wang Hsing-Kuo
Published: September 2024

Background:

Manual workers are at risk of developing lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). We aimed to validate the hypothesis that asymptomatic elbows of manual workers with LET are more likely to have positive physical examination results and morpho-mechanical changes on elbow ultrasonography compared to healthy individuals.

Methods:

This cross-sectional case–control study included 30 manual workers with unilateral LET (LET group) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (control group). Demographic data collection and functional evaluation were performed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation; and European Quality of Life Five-Dimensions questionnaires. Physical examination of the elbows and evaluation of the common extensor tendon (CET) with B-mode morphology ultrasonography and Young’s modulus elastography were performed. The LET-unaffected and LET-affected elbows in the LET group were compared with the elbows in the control group.

Results:

The LET-unaffected elbows in the LET group had a higher prevalence of positive chair test results and focal hypoechoic change and microcalcification on ultrasonography than those in the control group (P < 0.05, 0.005, and 0.05, respectively). In addition, LET-affected elbows showed higher focal hypoechoic change, microcalcification, erosive cortex, and neovascularity than elbows in the control group (P < 0.001, 0.001, 0.005, and 0.001, respectively). The unaffected and affected elbows showed greater CET thickness than those in the control group (P < 0.05 and 0.005).

Conclusion:

The unaffected elbows of manual workers with unilateral LET should be considered at risk of LET. We proposed a risk assessment and surveillance protocol based on chair test results and abnormal ultrasonographic findings.
Abdominal Parasitic Fibroids after Laparoscopic Surgery Using a Power Morcellation: A Novel Insight from Vietnam and a Narrative Revew of the Literature
Authors: Pham Thanh Hai , Nguyen Van Hung , Nguyen Phuc Nhon
Published: September 2024

Parasitic fibroid is a rare benign pathology that can be negotiated because of its rarity. The etiology remains unknown following prior intervention related to uterine fibroids. The assessment of this rare disease is usually based on clinical features and imaging modalities. In addition, appropriate management should be individualized where appropriate. Herein, we report an uncommon case at our center and raise proper recognition for all gynecologists. Particularly, in low-and middle-income countries such as Vietnam, where the health-care system is insufficient to follow-up the long-term postoperation. A 40-year-old woman (gravida 3, para 2) presented to the gynecologic examination room due the abdominal pain and increased size of abdominal circumference. The patient had undergone laparoscopy involving the power morcellator without a contained-bag system for myomectomy at our hospital 6 years prior. The imaging diagnostic tools showed multiple hypoechoic disseminated masses in the abdominal cavity. The laparotomy intervention and histopathological endpoints confirmed completely the diagnosis of parasitic fibroid. Although an extremely rare occurrence, parasitic fibroids should be informed to all patients after laparoscopic intervention for uterine fibroids. In addition, the diagnosis of parasitic fibroid should be warranted among the patients presenting with abdominal pain after a history of fibroid resection. The power morcellation in the contained bag, uterine extraction in hysterectomy, as well as relieving the surgical specimen of uterine fibroids should be gently performed to minimize fibroid tissue disruption.
Positive impact of indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit on high-fat diet–induced neuronal damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis
Authors: Terzo Simona , Amato Antonella , Calvi Pasquale , Giardina Marta , Nuzzo Domenico , Picone Pasquale , Palumbo-Piccionello Antonio , Amata Sara , Giardina Ilenia Concetta , Massaro Alessandro , Restivo Ignazio , Attanzio Alessandro , Tesoriere Luisa , Allegra Mario , Flavia Mulè
Published: September 2024

Indicaxanthin is a betalain that is abundant in Opuntia ficus-indica orange fruit and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, very little is known about the neuroprotective potential of indicaxanthin. This study investigated the impact of indicaxanthin on neuronal damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by a high-fat diet in mice. The mice were divided into three groups according to different diets: the negative control group was fed a standard diet; the high-fat diet group was fed a high-fat diet; and the high-fat diet + indicaxanthin group was fed a high-fat diet and received indicaxanthin orally (0.86 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. Brain apoptosis, redox status, inflammation, and the gut microbiota composition were compared among the different animal groups. The results demonstrated that indicaxanthin treatment reduced neuronal apoptosis by downregulating the expression of proapoptotic genes and increasing the expression of antiapoptotic genes. Indicaxanthin also markedly decreased the expression of neuroinflammatory proteins and genes and inhibited high-fat diet–induced neuronal oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels. In addition, indicaxanthin treatment improved the microflora composition by increasing the abundance of healthy bacterial genera, known as producers of short-chain fatty acids (Lachnospiraceae, Alloprovetella, and Lactobacillus), and by reducing bacteria related to unhealthy profiles (Blautia, Faecalibaculum, Romboutsia and Bilophila). In conclusion, indicaxanthin has a positive effect on high-fat diet–induced neuronal damage and on the gut microbiota composition in obese mice.
Progress of research in the application of ultrasound technology for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cai Qiuquan , Meng Lianghui , Quan Meina , Wang Ling , Ren Jing , Zheng Chenguang , Yang Jiajia , Ming Dong
Published: September 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder defined by decreased reasoning abilities, memory loss, and cognitive deterioration. The presence of the blood–brain barrier presents a major obstacle to the development of effective drug therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. The use of ultrasound as a novel physical modulation approach has garnered widespread attention in recent years. As a safe and feasible therapeutic and drug-delivery method, ultrasound has shown promise in improving cognitive deficits. This article provides a summary of the application of ultrasound technology for treating Alzheimer’s disease over the past 5 years, including standalone ultrasound treatment, ultrasound combined with microbubbles or drug therapy, and magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound therapy. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of introducing these treatment methods and their potential mechanisms. We found that several ultrasound methods can open the blood–brain barrier and effectively alleviate amyloid-β plaque deposition. We believe that ultrasound is an effective therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, and this review provides a theoretical basis for future ultrasound treatment methods.
Inflammatory Myocardial Disease Case Report Following COVID-19 Infection: Giant Cell Myocarditis versus Cardiac Sarcoidosis: To Be or Not to Be
Authors: Jahromi Zeinab Alsadat Fattah , Behnemoon Mahsa , Kamali Monireh , Naderi Nasim
Published: September 2024

COVID-19 can induce cardiac involvement, which can include myocardial infarction, various types of arrhythmia, atrioventricular block, myocarditis, acute heart failure, and sudden cardiac death, in approximately 30% of infected patients. There are some reports on the triggering of sarcoid-like reactions and inflammatory myocardial processes by various types of infections. However, little is known about the relationship between COVID-19 and inflammatory cardiomyopathies such as cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and giant cell myocarditis (GCM). Herein, we describe the clinical course, management, and follow-up of an unmasked inflammatory cardiomyopathy in a 57-year-old Iranian woman, who presented with ventricular arrhythmia 4 months after mild COVID-19 infection. The onset of symptomatic inflammatory myocardial disorders such as CS or GCM may be triggered by COVID-19 infection. The best approach to the management of myocardial inflammatory COVID-19 should probably be individualized based on the patient’s clinical presentation and severity of cardiac involvement.
Clinical and demographic profile of children with cerebral palsy in Tanta University Hospital
Authors: Eltoukhy Abeer A. , Ismael Sally M. , Darwish Amira Hamed
Published: September 2024

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a motor disorder characterized by delayed infants and children’s motor development, and abnormal muscle tone, movement, posture, gait, and/or coordination.

Aim

This study aimed to describe clinical types, risk factors, comorbidities, and brain imaging findings in children with CP attending Tanta University Children Hospital.

Patients and methods

The present study included 200 patients with CP aged 1–18 years who attended the pediatric neurology unit at Tanta University Hospital.

Results

Spastic CP was the most common type of CP (66.5%). Perinatal hypoxia was the most common risk factor for CP (30.5%). Intellectual disability and epilepsy were the most common comorbidities reported in 85% and 60%, respectively.

Conclusion

Spastic CP due to perinatal hypoxia is still the most common type of CP. Intellectual disability and epilepsy were the most common comorbidities in children with CP.
The development of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia after unilateral inguinal hernia repair in infants and children
Authors: Yahia Ahmed M. , Arafa Mohamed A. , Khirallah Mohammad G. , Turki Ali M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Pediatric Inguinal hernia is the most common surgical procedure in infants and children with a rate of 1–5% in full-term infants. The male-to-female ratio is 5: 1. In Some children with unilateral inguinal hernia, a contralateral one may appear later known as a Metachronous Contralateral Inguinal Hernia (MCIH).

Aims

To determine the incidence and risk factors of MCIH development in infants and children and the necessity of routine contralateral side exploration.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective study that was carried out on 217 infants and children presented with a unilateral inguinal hernia. All children were subjected to ultrasonography of the inguino-scrotal region at the first presentation and a second ultrasonography was done with the appearance of a metachronous hernia.

Results

Increase the risk of developing a MCIH in patients with unilateral inguinal hernia with an age below 6 months, low birth weight (≤2000 gm), immaturity, patients with contralateral internal ring diameter at the primary presentation above or equal 4 mm, and the presence of an umbilical hernia. The side of the ipsilateral hernia and the sex of the patients have less effect on the development of a MCIH. Therefore, a score was built depending on these risk Factors.

Conclusions

The incidence of MCIH development after unilateral hernia repair in this study was 12%. A debate is still present regarding exploring the contralateral side after unilateral inguinal hernia repair.
Trans-catheter procedures in the management of renal artery aneurysm
Authors: Aboraya Mahmoud R. A. , Nasar Ibrahim A. , El-Ghar Mohamed I. A. , Mahmoud Alshaimaa Z.
Published: September 2024

Background

The endovascular approach has emerged as the preferred method for managing renal artery aneurysms (RAAs), particularly in cases with intricate anatomical features, as a viable alternative to surgical intervention.

Aim

The objective of this research was to assess the significance of trans-catheter operations in the treatment of RAAs, with a particular focus on the management of symptoms.

Patients and methods

This prospective minimally invasive was carried out on 30 patients with RAA aged from 6 to 67 years old, diagnosed by various radiological modalities (ultrasonography, computed tomography, or MRI) and underwent 30 arteriographies for RAA who were managed by Trans-catheter procedures (especially selective embolization with coils). All patients undergo follow-up by clinical assessment, medical imaging, and laboratory investigations.

Results

Out of the total 28 RAAs that were treated, a significant majority of 93.3% were effectively embolized and showed no symptoms of recurrence during the subsequent follow-up period. One case (3.3%) of RAA did not achieve effective embolization, resulting in failed embolization. Additionally, another case (3.3%) of RAA had recurrence during follow-up despite initial successful closure. Minor issues occurred in seven instances, accounting for 23.3% of the total occurrences, while significant complications were observed in only one instance, representing 3.3% of the total occurrences.

Conclusions

The endovascular approach is a very safe and successful method for managing RAAs, whether in planned or emergent medical scenarios. This approach preserves renal function and minimizes invasiveness, while also demonstrating low rates of both severe and minor complications.
On rationality problems
Authors: Debarre Olivier
Published: September 2024

In this introductory survey intended for nonspecialists, we discuss new and old techniques used for, and recent progress obtained on, the problem of detecting rationality, stable rationality, or unirationality of smooth projective complex varieties.
The relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system: Local smooth solvability for a weak topology
Authors: Cheverry Christophe , Ibrahim Slim
Published: September 2024

This article is devoted to the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system in space dimension three. We prove the local well-posedness (existence and uniqueness) for initial data

(\mathrm{f}_{0}, \mathrm{E}_{0},\mathrm{B}_{0}) \in L^{\infty} \times H^{1} \times H^{1}

, with

\mathrm{f}_{0}

compactly supported in momentum. As a byproduct, we obtain the uniqueness of weak solutions to the 3D relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system. This result is at the interface of the classical solutions in the sense of Glassey–Strauss, and the weak solutions in the sense of DiPerna–Lions. It is the consequence of the local smooth solvability for the weak topology associated with

L^{\infty} \times H^{1} \times H^{1}

. We derive our result from a representation formula decoding how the momentum spreads and revealing that the domain of influence in momentum is controlled by mild information. We do so by developing a Radon Fourier analysis on the RVM system, leading to the study of a class of singular weighted integrals. In parallel, we implement our method to construct smooth solutions to the RVM system in the regime of dense, hot and strongly magnetized plasmas.
Hardy–Littlewood maximal operator in a new vanishing Orlicz–Morrey space
Authors: Deringoz Fatih
Published: September 2024

We study mapping properties of maximal operator in a new vanishing subspace of Orlicz–Morrey spaces. We show that the vanishing property defining that subspace is preserved under the action of maximal operator. As an application, we also investigate the behavior of fractional operators.
Resurgence of Noma (Cancrum Oris) in Nigeria
Authors: Otorkpa Oche Joseph , Otorkpa Chinenye Oche , Adebola Onifade Adefunmilola , Anuniru Chinazom
Published: September 2024

Recent data from Médecins Sans Frontières and local health authorities highlight a concerning rise in noma cases across previously unaffected Nigerian states. Noma is a severe gangrenous disease affecting impoverished populations, causing severe facial disfigurement and high mortality rates, especially among children. Despite its eradication in developed regions, sub-Saharan Africa faces an escalating noma incidence. This communication highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, awareness, regional treatment centers, and international support to mitigate its impact in Nigeria and avoid exacerbation of the condition across sub-Saharan Africa.
Considerations on inflation, economic growth, and the 2 per cent inflation target
Authors: Pollin Robert , Bouazza Hanae
Published: September 2024

This paper considers two basic questions with respect to inflation control, inflation targeting, and overall macroeconomic performance. The initial question is: what has been the justification in research for establishing an inflation target, and specifically a low inflation rate target of 2–3 per cent, as the organizing principle and overarching goal of macroeconomic policy? The second question is: do we actually observe stronger macroeconomic performances – as measured in standard terms of gross domestic product (GDP) growth – when macro policy operates within the framework of such low inflation targets? Our answers to these questions are straightforward. First, no serious body of research has been produced that provides a clear justification for a 2–3 per cent inflation target as the central goal of macroeconomic policy. Further, there is no body of evidence showing that economies at any level of development consistently experience stronger economic growth outcomes when inflation is maintained at less than 3 per cent as opposed to higher inflation rates, certainly within a 4–5 per cent inflation range and, in some circumstances, somewhat higher rates still. These findings are significant insofar as they open space for considering the set of measures other than contractionary monetary policies as viable inflation control tools. It is possible that these other measures do not operate as forcefully as contractionary monetary policy in bringing inflation down to a 2–3 per cent target range. However, our findings suggest that it is not typically necessary to force down inflation to such low levels, especially given that contractionary monetary policies succeed in controlling inflation primarily through the channel of raising mass unemployment and weakening workers’ bargaining power.
Use of deep learning to improve seismic data quality analysis
Authors: Casale Paolo , Pignatelli Alessandro
Published: September 2024

Seismic data are influenced by various types of noise, which are typically categorized into two primary classes: anthropogenic and environmental. However, the detection of instrumental noise or malfunctioning stations also plays a crucial role in ensuring the data quality and the efficiency of a seismic network. The visual inspection of seismic spectral diagrams (e.g. power spectral density) enables us to identify issues that could potentially compromise data quality, thereby affecting subsequent calculations such as Magnitude or Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA). However, this process is time-consuming and demands significant human expertise due to the complexity of the diagrams, compounded by the sheer number of stations requiring examination. Therefore, in this paper, we explore the feasibility of transferring human expertise into an artificial intelligence system to create an automated system capable of rapidly performing such detection. More specifically, in the first part of this paper, we use Probability Density Function (PDF) diagrams, enabling an initial assessment of station performance via visual inspection. We describe this plot type and provide examples that reveal whether a station is functioning correctly or if technical issues exist. A table containing the main evaluation criteria is provided. In the second part of this paper, we demonstrate that these plots can serve as input for a neural network, allowing the development of the aforementioned automated system. Through extensive testing under various conditions, we have observed that the trained network consistently achieves an accuracy rate exceeding 85% across all four conductedtests. In the latest and most significant test, the achieved accuracy is approximately 87%.
The correlation between the active/buried faults and aeromagnetic data in inner and inner-east Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Erbek-Kiran Ezgi , Ateş Abdullah , Dolmaz Mustafa Nuri
Published: September 2024

The paper focuses on investigating the active/buried faults in inner and inner-east Anatolia, Turkey based on aeromagnetic data and comparison with the active fault map. This region includes the major tectonic units of Turkey and the largest basins of Turkey (Tuzg.lü Basin (TB) and Sivas Basin (SB)). Thus, the region deserves a detail investigation to delineate the lineaments of the active/buried fault system or the causative sources located in the upper crust. To this end, the region has been divided into two parts as region-1 and 2 including TB and SB, respectively. In this context, the geophysical data processing techniques including power spectrum analysis, high‑pass filter, and second vertical derivative method (SVD) have been applied to the aeromagnetic data of the both regions. Firstly, by utilizing power spectrum analysis, the average depths of the deep and shallow causative sources in the region-1 have been calculated as 11.37 km and 5.01 km whereas those depths are 8.5 km and 3.24 km for region-2. Afterwards, to enhance the responses of the residual anomalies, the high‑pass filter and the SVD method have been applied to the data. Hereby, these potential lineaments produced from the SVD map have been compared with the active fault map to delineate the uncovering buried faults and their lineaments in the region. Contrary to the discussion in the literature, this study revealed for the first time that the Tuzgölü fault zone located in the eastern part of lake does not merge with the Ecemis fault (EF) zone. Furthermore, the study has shown that this fault zone extended from Kayseri city to Sivas city does not junction with North Anatolian Fault Zone in the north, as well.
Quantitative detection of Pythium porphyrae and Pythium chondricola (Oomycota), the causative agents of red rot disease in Pyropia farms in China
Authors: Liu Jie , Xia Sudong , Yang Huichao , Mo Zhaolan , Li Jie , Yan Yongwei
Published: September 2024

Red rot disease is one of the notorious algal diseases that threaten the cultivation of Pyropia in China, and two Pythium pathogens, i.e., Pythium porphyrae and P. chondricola, have been reported as causative agents. To monitor the pathogens, a fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed to quantitatively detect their abundance. Using overlapping PCR and pathogen-specific primer pairs, two pathogen-specific fragments were concatenated to construct an internal standard plasmid, which was used for quantification. For zoospores of known numbers, the results showed that this method can detect as less as 100 and 10 zoospores mL-1 in a 200 mL solution for P. porphyrae and P. chondricola, respectively. Using monthly collected seawater at 10 sites in Haizhou Bay, a typical aquaculture farm in China, a significantly higher temperature and a significantly lower salinity were determined in December 2021. P. porphyrae was determined to be more abundant than P. chondricola, though with similar temporal distribution patterns from December 2021 to February 2022. When a red rot disease occurred in December 2021, the two pathogens were significantly more abundant at two infected sub-sites than the uninfected sub-site within both seawater and sediment, though they were all significantly more enriched in sediment than in seawater. The present method provides the capability to quantify and compare the abundance of two pathogens and also has the potential to forecast the occurrence of red rot disease, which is of much significance in managing and controlling the disease.
EFEKTIVITAS APLIKASI KAI ACCESS TERHADAP KUALITAS PELAYANAN PUBLIK DALAM PEMESANAN TIKET SECARA ONLINE DI PT. KERETA API INDONESIA DIVRE I SUMATERA UTARA
Authors: Ahmad Safriadi , Simon Jhon , Jaffisa Tomi
Published: September 2024

Aplikasi KAI Access merupakan inovasi yang dihadirkan dengan tujuan memberikan pelayanan yang dapat diakses hanya dengan satu genggaman saja. Meskipun aplikasi KAI Access tersebut diklaim dapat memberi kemudahan dan mempercepat proses pemesanan tiket secara online oleh para calon penumpang, akan tetapi masih menjadi sebuah pertanyaan mengapa aplikasi ini memperoleh rating (penilaian) yang sangat kecil. Adapun yang merupakan tujuan dilakukannya penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektivitas aplikasi KAI Access terhadap kualitas pelayanan publik dalam pemesanan tiket secara online di PT. Kereta Api Indonesia Divre 1 Sumatera Utara. Penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode kuantitatif. Dimana data dalam penelitian akan dianalisis menggunakan analisis tabel tunggal, uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, dan uji hipotesis. Hasil analisis yang telah dilakukan terhadap setiap item pernyataan yang ada dalam kuisioner yang berjumlah 40 (empat puluh) pernyataan, masing-masing 20 (dua puluh) pernyataan untuk setiap variabel, menunjukkan bahwasanya semua item pernyataan tersebut telah valid dan reliabel sehingga dapat digunakan sebagai bahan pengukuran dalam menentukan hasil penelitian. Pembuktian hipotesis yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan uji rank spearman menunjukkan hasil bahwa H0 diterima dan Ha ditolak. Artinya, tidak terdapat efektivitas aplikasi KAI Access terhadap kualitas pelayanan publik dalam pemesanan tiket secara online. Penyebabnya adalah masih banyak masyarakat yang merasa aplikasi tersebut kurang efektif dan banyak mengalami trouble sehingga membuat masyarakat enggan menggunakannya.
Cover Desember 2023
Authors: Desember 2023 Cover
Published: September 2024

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Revolutionizing Roads: The Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Future Travel
Authors: Lubal Y. S. , Pramod Purekar Ajinkya , Sanjay Pattanshetti Shriya , Ashok Waghmode Ankita
Published: September 2024

This project focuses on developing an autonomous self-driving car by integrating advanced algorithms with cutting-edge hardware. The vehicle is designed to perceive its environment, make informed decisions, and navigate complex traffic scenarios autonomously by leveraging machine learning and computer vision technologies. Essential methods include using deep learning algorithms for object detection and classification, sensor fusion techniques to combine data from cameras, LiDAR, and radar, and reinforcement learning for decision-making in dynamic environments. The project emphasizes the critical role of AI in enabling the car to interpret and respond to dynamic road conditions while ensuring reliable performance through rigorous testing and validation in simulated and real-world scenarios. Initial results from testing indicate that the car can successfully navigate complex traffic situations, such as merging onto highways and responding to pedestrians, with a high degree of accuracy. By pushing the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology, this research aspires to contribute to the ongoing evolution of self-driving cars and their potential to revolutionize mobility. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and innovation, this endeavor represents a significant step forward in developing autonomous vehicles, offering new possibilities for the future of transportation. The project promises to improve travel convenience and significantly reduce traffic accidents, ultimately contributing to a safer and more efficient road system.
Presentación La sostenibilidad ambiental como nueva dimensión del estándar de trabajo decente: nuevos imperativos jurídicos de una transición verde socialmente justa
Authors: Miñarro Yanini Margarita , Molina Navarrete Cristóbal
Published: September 2024

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Participation of the 1st Motorized Rifle Dzerzhinsky Division of the NKVD of the USSR in ensuring state and public security in the Caucasus in 1943–1944.
Authors: Беркутов А.С. , Дементьев Д.А.
Published: September 2024

В статье анализируется участие 1-й мотострелковой дивизии им. Ф.Э. Дзержинского в деятельности по обеспечению государственной и об- щественной безопасности на Кавказе в 1943–1944 гг. Целью исследования яв- ляется доказательство гипотезы о том, что деятельность дивизии им. Ф.Э. Дзержинского и других органов и войск НКВД СССР была необходимым этапом перехода от состояния войны к мирной жизни.Теоретическая основа исследова- ния – принцип системности и сравнительно-исторический метод.

The article analyzes the participation of the 1st Motorized Rifle Division named after F.E. Dzerzhinsky in activities to ensure state and public security in the Caucasus in 1943-1944. The purpose of the study is to prove the hypothesis that the activities of the F.E. Dzerzhinsky division and other bodies and troops of the NKVD of the USSR were a necessary stage in the transition from a state of war to peaceful life. The theoretical basis of the research is the principle of consistency and the comparative historical method.
Thunderstorm electricity and lightning discharges in the North Caucasus
Authors: Аджиев А.Х. , Керефова З.М. , Кузьмин В.А.
Published: September 2024

В работе рассмотрены грозовые процессы, происходившие на Север- ном Кавказе за 2009-2019 гг. Рассматриваемый регион характеризуется резко вы- раженной неоднородностью рельефа. В ходе работы было подсчитано количество зарегистрированных в течение суток наземных положительных и отрицательных молний за период 2009–2019 гг. по всем субъектам РФ на Северном Кавказе. На рас- сматриваемой территории наибольшее количество наземных молний приходится на время с 12 по 18 ч., когда она составляет 60 %, и несколько меньше – 26–30 % – на время с 18 по 24 ч.

The work examines the thunderstorm processes that occurred in the North Caucasus in 2009-2019. The region under consideration is characterized by pronounced relief heterogeneity. During the work, the number of ground-based positive and negative lightning registered during the day for the period 2009-2019 was calculated. for all subjects of the Russian Federation in the North Caucasus. In the territory under consideration, the largest number of ground lightning occurs from 12 to 18 hours, when it is 60% and slightly less – 26-30%, from 18 to 24 hours.
SRPSKA SINTAKSA REČENICE OD KONSTRUKTIVNE KA KOMUNIKATIVNOJ
Authors:   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philology, Serbia, Jovanović Simić Jelena P.
Published: September 2024

The author starts from the belief that the Serbian literary language is best and most successfully described in the sphere of syntactic structures. From this, numerous and exten- sive analytical and synthetic studies, empirical and theoretical, have arisen, which at the same time serve as a base for further syntactic research, and as a starting point for a theoretical and practical approach to the entire syntactic structure of the Serbian language. Regarding the choice of a certain theoretical-methodological approach to syntactic structure – the author concludes that the most productive research studies on the syntax of the sentence are those that are focused on the linguistic corpus of the Serbian literary language, and not those that were performed on specially constructed examples in the role of sentence models. The author concludes that the most significant synthetic papers are those that referred first to national science, and then connected it with Slavic, European and world linguistic theory and practice.
REFLEKSI JATA U PISMIMA PORTINE SRPSKE KANCELARIJE DUBROVNIKU
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Philology and Arts, Serbia, Lutovac Kaznovac Tamara N.
Published: September 2024

In the paper, the reflexes of the Old Serbian vowel yat are investigated in the letters by Porta’s Serbian office to Dubrovnik. The letters were written from 1430 to 1566 in the scribal offices of sultans Murat II, Mehmed II, Bayezid II, Selim I, and Suleiman I. The performed analysis showed that in the largest number of letters, the Ekavian reflection of yat was recorded, while in the documents of the sultans Selim I and Suleiman I both (i)Jekavian and Ikavian continuants were recorded, mostly used in intitulations, inscriptions, and fossilized date formulas, clearly indicating that in these offices the Old Serbian standard from the time of sultans Mehmed II and Bayezid II is becoming weaker.
Ambiguitas Identitas Visual pada Warisan Budaya Seblak
Authors: Satriojati Aryoseto , Zahar Iwan
Published: September 2024

Seblak is a traditional Indonesia food that has been widely known, but its visual identity still does not reflect its cultural richness and innovative potential. Using a graphic design approach that involves a qualitative method in the form of a questionnaire for a target audience of more than 30 people, including visual analysis and in-depth interviews with stakeholders, this research aims to redesign a more modern and attractive visual identity using Alina Wheeler's design process. This visual identity focuses on the ambiguous aspect of seblak graphic design which is still said to have no icon or emblem elements that can emit deep cultural values, where these values are able to create relevant and sustainable innovations. The results of the study show that the new visual identity can increase the recognition and attractiveness of seblak restaurants, as well as make a real contribution to social change by strengthening local cultural heritage. Through a strategic design approach, Seblak is expected to reach a wider audience, including the younger generation, and strengthen its position in the global market.
STRATEGIC WATCH AND ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE: KEYS TO REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS IN MOROCCO
Authors: Elmezdeghi Otman , Achibane Mustapha
Published: September 2024

This study examines the impact of territorial dynamics on regional economic development in Morocco, focusing on the roles of demographic, geographic, administrative, and industrial factors in shaping territorial management and competitiveness. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data from 454 respondents, the findings reveal significant influences of demographic characteristics, territorial attributes, innovation, administrative systems, and stakeholder engagement on territorial management practices. Specifically, the results indicate that demographic factors and territorial characteristics positively impact management practices, while innovation and industrialization enhance efficiency. However, current administrative systems present challenges to effective management. Strategic monitoring and economic intelligence, alongside stakeholder engagement, significantly contribute to effective management, which in turn boosts territorial competitiveness. These results underscore the need for policy measures promoting decentralization, technological innovation, and inclusive governance to foster balanced and sustainable regional development in Morocco.

Cette étude examine l'impact des dynamiques territoriales sur le développement économique régional au Maroc, en se concentrant sur les rôles des facteurs démographiques, géographiques, administratifs et industriels dans la gestion territoriale et la compétitivité. En utilisant la modélisation par équations structurelles des moindres carrés partiels (PLS-SEM) pour analyser les données de 454 répondants, les résultats révèlent des influences significatives des caractéristiques démographiques, des attributs territoriaux, de l'innovation, des systèmes administratifs et de l'engagement des parties prenantes sur les pratiques de gestion territoriale. Les résultats indiquent que les facteurs démographiques et les caractéristiques territoriales ont un impact positif sur les pratiques de gestion, tandis que l'innovation et l'industrialisation améliorent l'efficacité. Toutefois, les systèmes administratifs actuels posent des problèmes pour une gestion efficace. L'intelligence économique et l'engagement des parties prenantes contribuent de manière significative à une gestion efficace qui, à son tour, renforce la compétitivité territoriale. Ces résultats soulignent la nécessité de mesures politiques favorisant la décentralisation, l'innovation technologique et la gouvernance inclusive pour promouvoir un développement régional équilibré et durable au Maroc.

JEL: O18, R11, R58, M21, D83

 

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AN EVALUATION ON THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICE IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: A CASE OF THE SIERRA LEONE AIRPORT AUTHORITY, PORT LOKO DISTRICT NORTH-WEST REGION OF SIERRA LEONE
Authors: Kamara Osman G. , Turay Foday Bassie
Published: September 2024

This study assesses and evaluates the impact of sustainability practices in public procurement in the Sierra Leone Airport Authority Portloko district, North-West region of Sierra Leone. Evaluating sustainable procurement practices in public procurement is essential as sustainability is a discrete business activity that links the value chains for public procurement. The public procurement value chain environment has been subjected to various challenges, from purchasing decisions that are averse to humans to issues of climate change that impact procurement decisions. Furthermore, the principle of balancing the triple constraints (economic, social, and environmental) directly influences procurement decisions, especially within public procurement and value-for-money principles. The study employed a survey design because of its broad capability to solicit information from the respondents. Both primary and secondary data were used to collect data from the respondents. The primary data was collected using a questionnaire, which was captured using the Census and Survey Processing (CSPro) system and later exported to SPSS for more descriptive statistics. The finding reveals that in the case of repair and maintenance work, issues like rigorous quality and product life cycle need assessment, sustainability consideration in the procurement process, and sustainable reuse of garbage and debris are almost equally important (45%, 30%, 25%) according to respondents’ perceptions. So, respondents agreed upon the importance of sustainability in procurement. Nevertheless, on the other hand, 80% of respondents say that they are practicing the lowest quoted price criteria as a contract which may not cover sustainability issues effectively. Monitoring and Evaluation help improve performance and achieve results. More precisely, the overall purpose of procurement monitoring and evaluation is the measurement and assessment of compliance and performance in order to effectively manage the outcome and outputs known as development results. Performance is progress towards the achievement of desired results. Compliance is progress towards the achievement of procedures and processes that have been laid down. The need to demonstrate compliance and performance is placing higher demands on monitoring and evaluation in public procurements. Traditionally, monitoring and evaluation focused on assessing inputs and implementation processes. Today, the focus is on assessing the contributions of various factors to sustainability practice in public procurement.

 

JEL: Q56, H57, M14, D61, L23, O22

 

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TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING: A STUDY OF ENGLISH TUTORS IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, GHANA
Authors: Kpeglo Samuel Bruce
Published: September 2024

Understanding and addressing teachers' perceptions are essential steps in promoting effective implementation of modern language teaching methodologies. While research on CLT practices and its associated challenges and perceptions is widespread among EFL communities, such studies are missing among ESL language teacher educators preparing the practising teachers to propel the pedagogy effectively. It is unclear in the ESL context whether the English language teacher educators can effectively employ the pedagogy to train their student-teachers to drive home new language teaching approaches such as CLT. In this study, I examined the perception that teacher educators hold about CLT in six thematic areas, using Eagly and Chaiken’s (1998) ABC Model of Attitude as analytical framework to measure teacher beliefs of CLT principles. A convergent parallel-mixed methods design was employed with questionnaire and focus group interview as research tools. The study found out, on a 7-point rater scale, that CELTs’ perception of communicative language teaching in the colleges of education is positive in five thematic areas: CLT as student-centered learning (6.372); teachers’ knowledge on CLT principles (6.068); CLT as integrated skills pedagogy (5.314); CLT as collaborative learning (5.307) and CLT being authentic and functional language use (4.498). In spite of this positive perception, the teachers hold the belief that assessment strategies in the college classroom are not aligned with CLT principles (2.407). The teachers also believe that CLT applicability in CoE classroom to achieve the literacy standard-based curriculum goals is threatened by tutors’ loyalty to product-based approach to language teaching. The study made some recommendations to enhance CLT applicability in the teacher training institutions.

 

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EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHING AIDS OF COMMUNICATIVE ARABIC LANGUAGE AT THE SULTAN SHARIF ALI ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY: FACULTY OF SHARIAH AS A MODEL
Authors: Subari Achmad Yani Bin Imam , Ahmad Siti Sara Binti Haji , Abdullah Rafidah Binti , Jaili Hambali Bin Haji , Abdullah Rafizah Binti , Rosmin Nur Basirah Binti Haji
Published: September 2024

The objective of this research is to assess the effectiveness of teaching aids in teaching Arabic and communicative skills at the Faculty of Sharia at the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University in Brunei Darussalam. The researchers distributed the questionnaire to the first-year students of the Faculty of Sharia at the Sultan Al-Sharif Ali Islamic University who studied the communicative Arab material in 2024; 22 of them (the number of all first-year students of the Faculty of Sharia at the Islamic University who studied the communicative Arab material in 2024 is 35, and this sample is 63% of the total number of them). This research found that the positive aspects of teaching methods of the Arabic-communicative language at the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University are reflected in its diverse availability (78.2%), its availability (77.3%), its availability (72.7%), its availability to teaching the Arabic-communicative language at the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, its availability (77.3%), its availability (77.3%), its availability to teach the Arabic-communicative language at the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, its availability (72.7%), its availability to teach the Arabic-communicative language at the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, and its use (17%) of the Arabic-language Projector, 19% of the Islamic University of the Sultan of Al-Salafi Sultan The recorder is available for recording student voices when they are trained in the oral dialogue to teach the communicative Arabic at Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (71.8%). The downside is that the various educational means for teaching communicative Arabic at Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (21.8%) are not available, that there is no audio-visual educational means (22.7%), that there is no audio-visual educational means (22.7%), that there is no electronic educational means (27.3%), that the projector (20.9%) is not available, and that there is no use of the recorder to record students' voices on the oral dialog (28%).
 

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EXAMINING PASSIVE EMPLOYEES: PANACEA TO TECHNOLOGY, BRAINTEASER FOR EMPLOYERS AND ORGANISED LABOUR AND A MENACE TO THE ECONOMY
Authors: Matebese Hlalele , Mutongerwa Normah, F. , Juqu Zimkhitha, F.
Published: September 2024

The study’s purpose is to explore the actions of passive employees on technology, the challenges faced by employers and organised labour in managing them, and their widespread behaviour in the economy. It used an in-depth literature review analysis to collect data to achieve its objective. Key findings encompass: passive employees contribute to being replaced by technology; an inactive workforce is a conundrum for organised labour and employers; and stagnant workers threaten the economy. The study provides a practical strategic tool to guide human resources (HR) change management specialists, policymakers, academic researchers, and all other interested parties in the field in dealing with passive employees.

 

JEL: J24, J30, J38, J54

 

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DECIPHERING THE UNCANNY VALLEY IN JAPANESE 3D ANIMATION: A CASE STUDY OF RESIDENT EVIL: DEATH ISLAND
Authors: Islam Asadul
Published: September 2024

The Uncanny Valley (UV) phenomenon refers to an eerie feeling when the viewers are confronted with artificial human-like figures with high realism that resemble very closely to humans but lack specific natural attributes, causing a sense of unease and discomfort. This study presents an in-depth analysis of the Japanese 3D animation film Resident Evil: Death Island directed by Eiichiro Hasumi in 2023, exploring its depiction of characters and the potential manifestation of the UV phenomenon achieved through skillful anthropomorphism. The research uses a case study method to examine the film’s character design, visual aesthetics, and narrative complexity with the objective of accessing the extent to which the UV elements shaped by anthropomorphic traits are present. Data for the case study was collected through qualitative observations of the selected scenes from the film, capturing crucial moments highlighting the environmental settings, character appearances, and interactions. Furthermore, this paper explores the existing literature on the UV phenomenon and its implication in animation and establishes a theoretical framework to comprehend the emotional responses elicited by characters from the animation film. Findings suggest that while the film successfully achieves realism in its animation and character portrayal, it also treads a fine line between lifelike representation and the unsettling sensations associated with the UV phenomenon. The implications of this analysis shed light on the challenges faced in creating compelling characters without triggering discomfort in the viewers. Understanding the nuances of the UV effect can facilitate the development of more emotionally resonant and engaging content in the future.
 

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