bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring stigma experiences of scattered-site public housing residents and its characteristics based on social contact theory
Authors: Kang Sungik , Koo Ja-Hoon
Published: November 2024

Governments worldwide have been striving to efficiently manage public rental housing. However, the stigma associated with public rental housing persists as a significant challenge. In response, the scattered-site public housing strategy has been introduced as an alternative to traditional large-scale rental housing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy in reducing the stigma within Seoul metropolitan city. The empirical analysis utilized 2019 Seoul Public Housing Occupant data and a binary logistic regression model. The main findings indicate that residents of scattered-site public housing experience significantly lower levels of stigmatization compared to residents of other public housing types. Notably, the stigmatization experienced by scattered-site public housing residents is lower not only compared to independent public housing residents but also to those in socially mixed public housing, which is typically advantageous for reducing stigmatization. This suggests that residents of scattered-site public housing are statistically more free from both external and internal stigmatization. In addition, a unique characteristic found only in scattered-site public housing is that as residents form closer relationships with their neighbors, they experience more stigmatization. This implies that as scattered-site public housing residents form closer relationships with their neighbors, their identity as public housing residents can become exposed, potentially leading to increased stigmatization.
Dose delivery uncertainties assessment in the field junction region of craniospinal irradiation with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy using a robustness index and experimental dose verification
Authors: Peppa Vasiliki , Zoros Emmanouil , Alexiou Antigoni , Pissakas George , Karaiskos Pantelis
Published: November 2024

Due to its inherent technical challenges, craniospinal irradiation (CSI) entails crucial considerations regarding plan complexity and robustness. The scope of this work was to establish and validate methods suitable for the evaluation of robustness, as well as for dose verification in CSI with VMAT. Five patients previously treated with CSI were retrospectively selected. For each patient, two technically different treatment plans were generated, based on the conventional (static overlap) and staggered (dynamic overlap) configuration. These techniques served as a benchmark to evaluate the potential of a metric proposed in this work, aimed at quantifying robustness, the Overlap Robustness Index (ORI). Furthermore, they were utilized to assess the suitability of two experimental methods relying on film dosimetry, as well as on Delta4 phantom for identifying sources of uncertainties in CSI applications. In accordance with the positional error simulation performed, the staggered approach yielded a statistically significant superior ORI value compared to the conventional one. Additionally, the strong correlation observed between the positional shift induced dose distribution changes and ORI results (Spearman’s r = -0.941, p-value < 0.001) demonstrated the sensitivity of ORI in detecting areas of steep dose gradients within the overlapping regions that could potentially compromise the quality of treatment. Concerning dose verification, analysis in terms of dose profiles revealed a superior dosimetric accuracy for the staggered technique relative to conventional for both film and Delta4 measurements. Film-based gamma index results showed that staggered technique outperformed the conventional for the majority of passing criteria considered, with differences in passing rates up to 8.1%. The two treatment techniques however, exhibited equivalent dose delivery accuracy for the clinically relevant passing criteria when Delta4 was employed, with passing rate differences less than 0.6%. Findings of this study revealed that ORI is suitable for quantifying robustness in CSI with VMAT, while radiochromic films appeared to be the best candidate for CSI dose verification in this work.
Assessment of patient safety culture and associated factors among healthcare professionals in public hospitals of Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Atinafu Daniel , Getaneh Gebremariam , Setotaw Getachew
Published: November 2024

Background

Patient safety is an essential component of healthcare quality. Despite enormous advances in medical knowledge, many adverse events continue to endanger patient safety. Although mixed-method studies are necessary to gain a deeper understanding of safety culture, few studies provide practical evidence of patient safety culture and associated factors in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess patient safety culture and associated factors among healthcare professionals in public hospitals in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was employed, in triangulation with qualitative methodologies, from March 10 to April 10, 2022. A stratified sampling technique was used to select 420 study participants from three public hospitals. A standardized tool measuring 12 patient safety culture composites was used for data collection. Purposive sampling was employed in the qualitative study. Bi-variable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 23, with significance set at a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of <0.05. Content analysis was utilized in the qualitative study.

Results

The overall patient safety culture score was 47.6% (95% CI: 42.7, 52.5). Age (β = 1.196, 95% CI: (0.968, 1.322), patient safety training (β = 0.168, 95% CI: 0.040, 0.297), working in pediatric wards (β = 0.236, 95% CI: 0.099, 0.370), and resource availability (β = 0.346, 95% CI: 0.220, 0.473) were significantly associated with patient safety culture. The in-depth interviews identified infrastructure, communication barriers, lack of management support, poor governance, healthcare professionals’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and patient involvement during treatment as factors affecting patient safety.

Conclusions

This study concludes that the patient safety culture in the studied hospitals is suboptimal, falling below the acceptable threshold. Enhancing resource availability, providing continuous patient safety training, improving communication systems, and fostering a supportive management environment are essential steps towards building a safer healthcare system.
Establishing the measurement and psychometrics of medical student feedback literacy (IMPROVE-FL): A research protocol
Authors: Mohd Noor Mohamad Nabil , Cockburn Jessica Grace , Foong Chan Choong , Thiam Chiann Ni , Abdul Aziz Yang Faridah , Hong Wei-Han , Pallath Vinod , Vadivelu Jamuna
Published: November 2024

Current feedback models advocate learner autonomy in seeking, processing, and responding to feedback so that medical students can become feedback-literate. Feedback literacy improves learners’ motivation, engagement, and satisfaction, which in turn enhance their competencies. However, there is a lack of an objective method of measuring medical student feedback literacy in the empirical literature. Such an instrument is required to determine the level of feedback literacy amongst medical students and whether they would benefit from an intervention. Therefore, this research protocol addresses the methodology aimed at the development of a comprehensive instrument for medical student feedback literacy, which is divided into three phases, beginning with a systematic review. Available instruments in health profession education will be examined to create an interview protocol to define medical students’ feedback literacy from the perspectives of medical students, educators, and patients. A thematic analysis will form the basis for item generation, which will subsequently undergo expert validation and cognitive interviews to establish content validity. Next, we will conduct a national survey to gather evidence of construct validity, internal consistency, hypothesis testing, and test-retest reliability. In the final phase, we will distribute the instrument to other countries in an international survey to assess its cross-cultural validity. This protocol will help develop an instrument that can assist educators in assessing student feedback literacy and evaluating their behavior in terms of managing feedback. Ultimately, educators can identify strengths, and improve communication with students, as well as feedback literacy and the feedback process. In conclusion, this study protocol outlined a systematic, evidence-based methodology to develop a medical student feedback literacy instrument. This study protocol will not only apply to medical and local cultural contexts, but it has the potential for application in other educational disciplines and cross-cultural studies.
The shared biomarkers and immune landscape in psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: Findings based on bioinformatics, machine learning and single-cell analysis
Authors: Zhou Kaiyi , Luo Siyu , Wang Qinxiao , Fang Sheng
Published: November 2024

Objective

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common types of inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders that share overlapping clinical features and complications. The aim of this study was to identify shared marker genes and mechanistic similarities between PsA and RA.

Methods

We utilized datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and perform functional enrichment analyses. To identify the marker genes, we applied two machine learning algorithms: the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and the support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). Subsequently, we assessed the diagnostic capacity of the identified marker genes using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). A transcription factor (TF) network was constructed using data from JASPAR, HumanTFDB, and GTRD. We then employed CIBERSORT to analyze the abundance of immune infiltrates in PsA and RA, assessing the relationship between marker genes and immune cells. Additionally, cellular subpopulations were identified by analyzing single-cell sequencing data from RA, with T cells examined for trajectory and cellular communication using Monocle and CellChat, thereby exploring their linkage to marker genes.

Results

A total of seven overlapping DEGs were identified between PsA and RA. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were associated with mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV, Toll-like receptors, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Both machine learning algorithms identified Ribosomal Protein L22-like 1 (RPL22L1) and Lymphocyte Antigen 96 (LY96) as potential diagnostic markers for PsA and RA. These markers were validated using test sets and experimental approaches. Furthermore, GSEA analysis indicated that gap junctions may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of both conditions. The TF network suggested a potential association between marker genes and core enrichment genes related to gap junctions. The application of CIBERSORT and single-cell RNA sequencing provided a comprehensive understanding of the role of marker genes in immune cell function. Our results indicated that RPL22L1 and LY96 are involved in T cell development and are associated with T cell communication with NK cells and monocytes. Notably, high expression of both RPL22L1 and LY96 was linked to enhanced VEGF signaling in T cells.

Conclusion

Our study identified RPL22L1 and LY96 as key biomarkers for PsA and RA. Further investigations demonstrated that these two marker genes are closely associated with gap junction function, T cell infiltration, differentiation, and VEGF signaling. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of PsA and RA.
Deep learning-based rice pest detection research
Authors: Xiong Peng , Zhang Cong , He Linfeng , Zhan Xiaoyun , Han Yuantao
Published: November 2024

With the increasing pressure on global food security, the effective detection and management of rice pests have become crucial. Traditional pest detection methods are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also often fail to achieve real-time monitoring and rapid response. This study aims to address the issue of rice pest detection through deep learning techniques to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The research utilizes the IP102 large-scale rice pest benchmark dataset, publicly released by CVPR in 2019, which includes 9,663 images of eight types of pests, with a training-to-testing ratio of 8:2. By optimizing the YOLOv8 model, incorporating the CBAM (Convolutional Block Attention Module) attention mechanism, and the BiFPN (Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network) for feature fusion, the detection accuracy in complex agricultural environments was significantly improved. Experimental results show that the improved YOLOv8 model achieved mAP@0.5 and mAP@0.5:0.95 scores of 98.8% and 78.6%, respectively, representing increases of 2.8% and 2.35% over the original model. This study confirms the potential of deep learning technology in the field of pest detection, providing a new technological approach for future agricultural pest management.
Ca2+-PP2B-PSD-95 axis: A novel regulatory mechanism of the phosphorylation state of Serine 295 of PSD-95
Authors: Chimura Takahiko , Manabe Toshiya
Published: November 2024

The phosphorylation state of PSD-95 at Serine 295 (Ser295) is important for the regulation of synaptic plasticity. Although the activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), which initiates an intracellular calcium signaling cascade, decreases phosphorylated Ser295 (pS295) of PSD-95, the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. We found that the calcium-activated protein phosphatase PP2B dephosphorylated pS295 not only in basal conditions but also in NMDAR-activated conditions in cultured neurons. The biochemical assay also revealed the dephosphorylation of pS295 by PP2B, consistently supporting the results obtained using neurons. The newly identified calcium signaling cascade “Ca2+-PP2B-PSD-95 axis” would play an important role in the molecular mechanism for NMDA receptor-dependent plasticity.
Disrobing peace: A naked exploration of the semiosis of UN peacekeepers’ uniforms
Authors: Strungaru Simona
Published: November 2024

United Nations (UN) peacekeepers have the responsibility of aiding nations that are affected by conflicts or disasters in their efforts to achieve peace. They are often referred to as ‘blue berets’ or ‘blue helmets’ due to the distinctly recognized light-blue coloured headwear during their deployments. While peacekeepers themselves represent international bodies of ‘peace’, ‘stability’ and ‘protection’, their uniforms, on the other hand, represent more complex symbols of culture and identity. The unique combination of this blue headwear worn by the peacekeepers in combination with clothing from their national institutions, such as military battledress, are more than mere items of clothing. Rather, the colour, material and style of the UN peacekeeper uniform represent juxtaposing economic, social and ideological symbols, that influence both micro (individual and group) and macro (organizational) behaviours, interactions and culture. Using data collected from semi-structured interviews with international human rights and gender experts from various fields and institutions, including media and journalism, legal, military and non-governmental organizations, this article examines the semiosis of UN peacekeepers’ uniforms. By focusing specifically on military personnel, the article discusses how traditional notions of the militarized solider have been appropriated and reimagined into the figure of the peacekeeper. I discuss that while uniforms continue to be used as symbols of ‘peace’ by the UN to sustain its institutional power and legitimacy in world politics, the ‘blue beret’ is often seen as a token of ‘fear’ or ‘distrust’ among host-peacekeeping nationals, thereby revealing the contradictory, and oft-times problematic, nature of UN peacekeeping.
Superhero uniforms: Challenging and redefining heroic identity
Authors: Schiffner Hannah Sophie
Published: November 2024

It is through superhero costumes that heroic identity is established. Superhero clothing, such as masks, capes and bright colours, not only establishes the superhero narrative but also plays a vital role in the superhero’s identity as distinct from other superheroes, but also from the general public. It is through costume that superheroes are distinguished with many immediately recognized across and on multi-platforms. However, in recent years, western societies have been described as transitioning into a post-heroic era. This article will analyse how superhero costumes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have adapted and mutated in recent years to discuss our changing understanding of heroism. This article will explore how the shift from ‘costume’ to ‘uniform’ reflects superheroes becoming part of a formalized and organized governmental unit, considering the role of heroic agency and the superhero’s moral responsibility for their actions. By focusing on costumes and uniforms, this article will discuss how heroic identity is becoming more fluid, and good and evil are no longer presented as binaries or absolutes. The nuanced and flawed superhero characters facilitate to create distinction, and this is reflected in their dress. The article will consider the ways in which such ‘human’ flaws facilitate an identity through dress that gives the character agency.
Harnessing the power of performing arts: Fostering pedagogical change in the education of special cultural groups
Authors: Livne Angelica Edna Calo , Malkinson Noam , Sasson Irit
Published: November 2024

In education, performing arts offer crucial pedagogical tools, fostering verbal and non-verbal communication skills and essential ‘soft’ workplace skills. Particularly vital for minority communities due to cultural traditions, this qualitative action research centres on a Druze village elementary school in northern Israel. The study investigated a performing arts programme, designed to catalyse systemic pedagogical change, and prepare students for seamless integration into Israeli society. Data were collected through eleven interviews with the educational team. The study analyses the change process from initiation through implementation to institutionalization. Findings highlight how the successful integration of the performing arts programme enhanced pedagogical efficacy. This research emphasizes the performing arts’ pivotal role in education, showcasing its potential to drive transformative changes in minority settings.
Archives, youth and firing up imaginations
Authors: Doyon Natasha
Published: November 2024

This essay offers educator insights from a video project entitled ‘Performing the Jewish Archive’. I use videos, still images and text to suggest pedagogical methods for developing historical empathy among 12–17-year-olds through cross-curricular trans mediation. In what ways can instructors engage students’ imaginations to consider historical artists, art educators and community figures who have impacted our cultural landscape? I suggest a morphing with the archive in artmaking, treating artefacts as living objects with stories to share.
Slow Wonder: Letters on Imagination and Education, Peter O’Connor and Claudia Rozas Gomez (2022), Series: Cambridge Elements in Creativity and Imagination (ed. A. Abraham)
Authors: Grushka Kathryn
Published: November 2024

Review of: Slow Wonder: Letters on Imagination and Education, Peter O’Connor and Claudia Rozas Gomez (2022), Series: Cambridge Elements in Creativity and Imagination (ed. A. Abraham)

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 155 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-00912-439-3, p/bk, £17.00
Adnexal Torsion - Diagnosis Features and the Case Showing Perils of Delay in Diagnosis
Authors: Amit Shrivastava  , Sneha P. Barhate  , Gunjan Jindal  , Arun Kalpdev  , Sopan Ganeshrao Dod  , Preeti Garg
Published: November 2024

Adnexal torsion, characterized by the twisting of an ovary or fallopian tube, poses a critical gynaecological emergency with high morbidity. A young woman presented with sudden sharp pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention, revealing significant hemoperitoneum and a low haemoglobin level. Initial ultrasound was inconclusive in most of the cases like in this case; however, MRI demonstrated an enlarged right ovary, twisted fallopian tube, and hemoperitoneum with a ‘whirlpool sign.’ Emergency laparoscopic surgery confirmed right tubo-ovarian torsion, leading to right salpingo-oophorectomy. This case highlights the MRI findings of the adnexal torsion with critical importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention to prevent irreversible tissue damage and preserve ovarian function.
Adnexal torsion is a critical gynaecological emergency characterized by the twisting of an ovary or fallopian tube around its supporting ligaments, which can lead to compromised blood flow and potential tissue necrosis.[1] Adnexal torsion is often misdiagnosed due to clinical and radiological inconsistency. Adnexal torsion typically affects women of reproductive age and can occur in the absence of underlying pathology or in conjunction with ovarian cysts or masses. It is confused with numerous gynaecological and surgical emergencies. This condition often presents with sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial to restore blood flow and preserve ovarian function avoid the high morbidity associated with this condition. Delaying surgery can result in complications such as infections, adhesions, peritonitis, sepsis and even death.[2] We are presenting a case of diagnosis of adnexal torsion with delayed presentation and highlighting the consequences of missing the early diagnosis of adnexal torsion in the emergency setting.
Emphysematous Pancreatitis - Clinical and Radiological Insights
Authors: Pintu Biswas  , Pipavath Saritha
Published: November 2024

Acute pancreatitis is a prevalent emergency encountered in clinical practice, presenting with varying degrees of severity.[1,2] Emphysematous pancreatitis (EP), a rare complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis, is characterized by the presence of gas within or surrounding the pancreas.[1,2] This condition is associated with a significantly poor prognosis, making early radiological assessment critical for influencing patient outcomes. Computed tomography (CT) is the primary modality for diagnosing emphysematous pancreatitis, revealing pancreatic parenchymal necrosis as areas of non-enhancement, along with intra- or peripancreatic fluid collections. CT findings typically include single or multiple foci of gas in the pancreatic bed, as well as an assessment of the degree of inflammatory changes and potential complications associated with this severe form of necrotizing pancreatitis.[2]
The objective of this case report is to present a classic case of emphysematous pancreatitis, an uncommon manifestation of acute pancreatitis. Early diagnosis of emphysematous pancreatitis is crucial, as it represents a potentially fatal subtype of severe necrotizing pancreatitis. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for this condition to ensure timely intervention and improve patient outcomes.[2]
Rickets Secondary to Renal Tubular Acidosis - A Case Report
Authors: Pronami Borah  , Sagar Gorlosa  , Venkatesh Dharavath
Published: November 2024

This case study presents a 2-year-old female patient admitted to the paediatric High Dependency Unit (HDU) with symptoms including fever, cough, breathing difficulty, and recent loose stool. Clinical examination revealed severe dehydration and signs of metabolic acidosis characterized by hyperglycaemia and acidotic breathing. Initial management involved fluid resuscitation, mechanical ventilation in Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) mode, and insulin therapy. Arterial blood gas analysis indicated hyperchloremic normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, while urine ketone testing was negative. Laboratory investigations revealed severe hypokalaemia, alkaline urine pH, and hypercalciuria. Imaging studies, including X-ray and ultrasonography (USG KUB), showed bilateral nephrocalcinosis and features suggestive of rickets in the long bones. Treatment included conservative measures such as oral potassium chloride syrup, oral sodium bicarbonate, and intravenous amikacin. Continuous monitoring of renal function tests, electrolytes, and arterial blood gases was conducted, leading to clinical improvement and eventual discharge.
The Relationship Between Emotional Behavioral Characteristics and Language Abilities of Multicultural Children with and without Language Delay
Authors: Yang Yoonhee
Published: November 2024

This study examined the effects of emotional behavioral strengths (pro-social behavior), which are positive factors that can influence the effective communication of multicultural children, and difficulties (emotional symptoms, hyperactivity, conduct problems, peer problems) on language ability. Correlation analysis, regression analysis were conducted based on the data collected for multicultural children aged 4 to 7. As a result, there was a positive correlation between receptive language and pro-social behavior in the typically developing children, but the relationship between emotional behavioral factors and language was not significant in the children with language delayed group. It was confirmed that the pro-social behavior had a significant effect on the language ability of the group experiencing normal language development in multicultural children.
Effectiveness and Influencing Factors of a Bilingual Education Program for Children of Married Migrant Women in Gyeonggi Province
Authors: Lee Jong Kook , Ju Mi Kyung
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the operation status of bilingual education programs for children of married migrant women and examined the factors that promote their participation and the effectiveness in order to seek for implications for future operation. For this purpose, interviews were conducted with 8 married migrant women and 8 children who participated in the Vietnamese and Chinese bilingual education programs operated by a multicultural center in Gyeonggi province. Based on the analysis of interview data, 95 keywords were derived related to the factors that promote their participation in the bilingual education programs and the effect of the program.These keywords were classified into 14 subcategories by classifying them based on similarity of meaning. The analysis shows that the motivation for participating in bilingual education was found to be ‘improvement of family relationship’, ‘career development’, and ‘communication between mother and child’. In the case of children, it was found that their mothers’ recommendations motivated their participation. The effects of the program was found to be ‘improvement of family relationship’, ‘improvement of confidence’, ‘career development’, ‘improvement of foreign language ability’, and ‘improvement of mother-child relationship’. The analysis shows that the effect of the program was promoted by activity-based teaching methods, ‘systematic curriculum’, and ‘supportive learning network’. Based on the analysis results of this study, specific implications for future bilingual education were presented.
Identifying Factors and Proposing Solutions for Career Education Challenges Faced by Migrant-background Students: A Focus on Foreign-born, Non-Korean Nationals in Specialized Vocational High Schools
Authors: Kwon Ohyoung , Yang Kyemin
Published: November 2024

This study examines the current challenges and solutions in career education for migrant-background students in specialized vocational high schools in Korea. Based on in-depth interviews with five teachers and five experts, two key categories of limitations were identified: migrant-background characteristics and educational environment factors. The former includes difficulties arising from language barriers, residency restrictions, and cultural differences, while the latter encompasses inadequate teacher understanding, lack of parental support, and limitations in school programs. To address these, two improvement categories were proposed: support tailored to migrant-background characteristics-including customized Korean language education, easing residency requirements, and enhancing practical career preparation-and enhancements to the educational environment, such as strengthening teacher training, expanding dedicated personnel, and developing monitoring systems for post-employment management. These insights offer comprehensive strategies to improve career education for migrant-background students in vocational schools.
Analysis of Multicultural Education Elements of 2022 Revised Elementary School Curriculum Achievement Standards
Authors: Lee Ji eun
Published: November 2024

This study analyzed how multicultural education elements are presented in the achievement standards of each elementary school curriculum revised in 2022. Focusing on ‘identity’, ‘diversity’, ‘cultural understanding’, ‘anti-bias’, ‘equality’, and ‘cooperation’, which are the elements of multicultural education presented in this study, achievement standards that are considered to contain or be related to multicultural education elements for the entire elementary school curriculum were analyzed by each element. As a result, the subjects that are content-related to the elements of multicultural education were Morality departments, Social studies departments, Practical subject, Music, Art, and Physical education, and the subjects with instrumental utility were Integrated subjects, Korean, Math, Science, and English. We also extracted the elements of multicultural education presented in the achievement standards for each subject and examined how the contents of the elements of multicultural education presented according to the characteristics of each subject could be reflected in the class situation. In addition, the achievement standards of the elementary school curriculum were dealt with in terms of knowledge, value judgment, and practical attitudes, step by step, from "identity" to "cooperation." This study is meaningful in that it attempted to find elements of multicultural education in all elementary school subject achievement standards, and for practical application in the field, it is necessary to continue researching specific multicultural education teaching and learning methods based on the analysis of achievement standards represented by multicultural education elements. Through this, multicultural education can develop at the stage of cultural experience and understanding of diversity in other countries and become basic education for cultivating basic competencies to live in a multicultural society.
Consumer-Benefiting Transport Costs: The Role of Product Innovation in a Vertical Structure
Authors: Takauchi Kazuhiro , Mizuno Tomomichi
Published: November 2024

We examine the effects of reduced transport costs on a firm’s horizontal product innovation activity and consumer welfare. It is well established that trade liberalization, including reducing transport costs, could enable innovative practices and make consumers better off. Trade theory, in particular, commonly asserts that zero transport costs maximize consumer surplus. In contrast, we demonstrate that (i) reduced transport costs can enhance a firm’s incentives for investment; however, (ii) positive transport costs (trade barrier) can maximize consumer surplus.
TiB-based coating formation on Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Efe Gozde Celebi , Yener Tuba , Ozcelik Gamze , Ozkan Hidayet
Published: November 2024

In the present study, it is aimed to produce titanium boride layer on Ti6Al4V substrate by a simple, cheap and efficient method of pack boriding process. Pack boriding process was conducted out at 1,000, 1,100, and 1,200 °C in argon atmosphere for 6, 8, and 10 h to see the effect of both temperature and the time on boride layer. The presence of both TiB2 and TiB borides was confirmed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and the XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis). SEM studies indicated that the morphology of boride layers has dense and layered nature and having a maximum layer thickness of approximately 16 µm. The hardness of boride layer, measured by Vickers indentation method, was over 2000 HV. It was found that formation of borides has parabolic nature for process temperatures and times. Kinetic studies showed that boride layer abide the parabolic growth law. Diffusion activation energy for boron in total boride layer (TiB2 and TiB) during the pack boriding process was calculated as 77.402 kJ mol−1.
Exploring the association between the consumption of beverages, fast foods, sweets, fats, and oils and the risk of gastric and pancreatic cancers: Findings from case–control study
Authors: Almahri Reem , Al-Sada Sharifa , Al-Jabiry Salma , Attieh Grace , Allehdan Sabika S. , Al-Jaberi Tareq , Hushki Ahmad , Rayyan Yaser , Tayyem Reema
Published: November 2024

The consumption of beverages, fast foods, fats, and oils has been recognized as key risk factors for the development of gastric cancer (GC) and pancreatic cancer (PC). The aim of this study is to examine the potential association between the risk of developing GC and PC and the consumption of beverages, fast foods, sweets, fats, and oils. Dietary information was collected from 588 participants, including 173 cases of GC, 101 cases of PC, and 314 controls, matched based on age, gender, employment, and marital status. Structured questionnaires were employed to collect data on dietary intake, physical activity, and socio-demographic factors. The case–control study spanned from March 2015 to August 2017. Multinomial logistic regression was utilized to calculate odds ratios (ORs) along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Significance was determined at a level of P < 0.05. The findings revealed that high sugar consumption, particularly the intake of sweets such as candies and biscuits, was significantly associated with an increased risk of GC (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.01–3.45, P-value of trend = 0.035) and (OR = 8.52, 95% CI = 3.38–21.43, P-value of trend < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, the intake of candies and Arabic sweets was associated with a higher risk of PC (OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.22–5.17, P-value of trend = 0.019) and (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.07–4.15, P-value of trend = 0.002), respectively. Notably, weekly consumption of chicken sandwiches exhibited a positive association with an increased risk of GC (OR = 3.98, 95% CI = 2.20–7.19, P-value of trend < 0.001) and PC (OR = 4.21, 95% CI = 2.19–8.09, P-value of trend < 0.001). Furthermore, the consumption of specific dietary fats, including margarine, processed nuts, pickled olives, and mayonnaise, was higher among PC and GC cases as compared to control. Weekly consumption of processed nuts was associated with a higher likelihood of developing GC (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.29–5.17, P-value of trend = 0.011) and PC (OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.20–6.28, P-value of trend = 0.044). We found significant associations between consumptions of candies, biscuits, Arabic sweets, chicken sandwiches, and specific fats and oils with increased risk of PC and GC in Jordanian adults.
Investigation of heavy metals accumulation in Shikaripara stone mines
Authors: Gorai Gopinath , Mandal Niranjan Kumar
Published: November 2024

The study aimed to evaluate harmful compound levels in Shikaripara stone mines’ cultivated land, which is renowned for stone quarrying in Jharkhand, India. Sixteen samples were collected from the mines in Dumka district, each at varying distances from the others. The soil samples contain Pb, As, Zn, Mn, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Fe. An Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer was used to determine the total concentrations of the metals (ICPMS). Calculations of the Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (I
geo), Contamination Factors (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Nemerow Index, and ecological Risk Index (RI) PLI, RI, and Nemerow Index values, considering various toxic substances’ effects on soils overall, revealed significant metal contamination in 50 % of the sampled areas. Agricultural soils exhibited significant contamination with Cu, As, and Zn as a result of nearby copper mining activities. Results advocate regular soil examination and efficient management to reduce metal pollution. Compared to other areas, contamination levels in the study region are relatively lower, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and management. The report delves into ecological services, assessing the impacts of plastic particles and heavy metals. It sets the stage for further research on the combined effects of these substances and plastic debris on biodiversity.
Facile hydrothermal synthesis of 2D tin sulphide (SnS2) nanoflakes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Govindaraj Baby Sri Pratha , Tripathi Alok M. , Kushvaha Sunil Singh , Swaminathan Sindhu , Venkatesan Ragavendran , Jamespandi Annaraj , Mayandi Jeyanthinath
Published: November 2024

Two dimensional nanomaterials (2D) are considered to be one of the most important electrode materials in energy applications because of their unique structure with enhanced physical and chemical properties. To fabricate a high capacitance electrode material is a tedious process due to their low energy density and high self-discharge rate. In recent years, various transition metal sulphides and their composites have been widely used in electrochemical devices and electrocatalysis. Among them two dimensional tin sulphide nanoflakes (SnS2 Nfs) have attracted increasing attention owing to their large surface area and interlayer crystal structure. Here, we investigated 2D SnS2 Nfs is one of the promising materials for energy storage applications which was prepared through a simple hydrothermal process and the effect of structural, morphological and electrochemical properties were studied. As-synthesized SnS2 Nfs were found to poses hexagonal phase structure with an average crystallite size of 28 nm were estimated from X-ray diffraction (XRD). FE-SEM image attributes the formation of hexagonal nanoflakes. The XPS spectrum revealed the Sn 3d and S 2p of the proposed material and the respective peaks are observed for SnS2 Nfs. The as synthesized 2D SnS2 Nfs exhibits high specific capacitance of 380 F/g at current density of 1 A/g and an excellent cyclic stability. The electrode retains 89 % of the initial capacitance after 3,000 cycle at high current density of 10 A/g.
How can Research on Teaching and Teaching Religious Education Come Together? Experiences from England
Authors: Baumfield Vivienne
Published: November 2024

Taking the situation in England as its context, this paper addresses the question of what is already known about making connections between research and teaching from debates as to the feasibility of promoting teachers as researchers. This paper builds on the work of the Teachers as Researchers (TasR) project, which found that RE teachers did not differ significantly from what was reported in the research literature about other teachers. However, for the RE teachers, orientative knowledge played an important role in the process of translating generic research into their practice in RE in the absence of opportunities to engage directly with subject specific research. One of the priorities for future research identified by the TasR participants was finding examples of ‘best processes’ for developing sustainable partnerships. To this end, a Delphi Seminar was organised and the implications of the outcomes, in particular a focus on subject didactics, for identifying viable models for bridging the gap between teaching and research are explored here. Although more work needs to be done on the specifics of aligning the focus of inquiry in curriculum development and subject didactics with research methods, there were strong indications of how the examples given of existing experience could be built upon.
Breaking seed dormancy in Searsia pentaphylla(Anacardiaceae)
Authors: Kheloufi Abdenour
Published: November 2024

Seeds (true seed plus endocarp) of Searsia pentaphylla, a species with significant medicinal, ecological and horticultural importance, have an extremely hard and water impermeable endocarp. Hence, effective dormancy- breaking techniques are crucial for enhancing its cultivation
and ensuring successful establishment in both natural and managed environments. This study evaluated the effects of mechanical scarification, chemical scarification (sulphuric acid soaking for 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes, hydrogen peroxide soaking for 10 minutes), hot water soaking for 10 minutes,
and heat treatment for three minutes at 200°C on final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), time to 50% germination (T50), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) and mean daily germination (MDG). Compared to the control group (untreated seeds), the most effective
treatment was 120 minutes of sulphuric acid soaking, achieving a FGP of 92%, a MGT of 7.28 days, a CVG of 13.7%, a T50 of 6.67 days and a MDG of 6.57%. Mechanical scarification yielded a FGP of 36.5%, with poorer MGT, CVG, T50 and MDG values. Other methods, including hydrogen peroxide and
heat, were less effective. These results highlight the importance of aggressive scarification techniques to enhance germination in S. pentaphylla.
Acceptance and Use of Technology: The Influence on Consumption in the Colombian Banking Sector
Authors: López-Rodríguez Campo Elías , Rodríguez-Calderón Luisa Fernanda
Published: November 2024

This body of research aims to identify the relationship between elements of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the behavioral intention to use technology and the actual consumption of it among users in the Colombian banking sector. A factorial analysis and a structural equation model were used to analyze the impact of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions on behavioral intention and the actual consumption of technology in a sample of 556 consumers from the Colombian banking sector. The results suggest that effort expectancy and facilitating conditions predict behavioral intention and actual use of technology in the studied population, whereas social influence and performance expectancy do not. In conclusion, financial entities are advised to understand consumer behavior to maintain relevant, competitive, and profitable relationships with their clients in a dynamic financial environment.
Understanding of the contract in the civil law of Ukraine and the EU
Authors: Hryshko Uliana
Published: November 2024

The article is devoted to research a contract in the civil law of Ukraine and the European Union. The author examines the main scientific approaches of meaning a «contract» which covers such legal phenomena as a legal fact which is the basis for the emergence of civil rights and obligations; contractual obligation arising from a contract; and a document which establishes the fact of establishment of legal relationship between the parties. In the civil law of Ukraine, the qualifying feature of a contract as a transaction is its focus on achieving certain civil law consequences, i.e., the establishment, modification or termination of civil rights and obligations. It is on this basis that a civil law contract differs from the contractual forms used in other branches of law (labor, environmental, etc.), acquiring certain specific features there.In private law of the European Union, there are also different approaches of meaning a «contract» depending on legal system of state- members. In particular, there are «subjective» and «objective» theories of meaning «contract». The «subjective» theory defines a contract as an agreement between two or more parties aimed to establish rights and obligations. The «objective» theory of contract is associated with the restriction of the freedom, formal equality and the state’s influence on the process of concluding and executing contracts. European legislation is generally characterized by a restrictive approach to understanding the concept of contract in the sense of mutual will of the parties aimed at legal consequences. The most common approach in EU law is the «integrative approach to the concept of a contract» as an agreement between two or more parties or a promise by one party relied upon by the other party aimed at creating, changing or terminating civil rights and obligations.
Modern problems of maintaining the balance between private and public interests: exercising the copyright in the conditions of digital transformation
Authors: Shtanko Viacheslav
Published: November 2024

The article examines the influence of the digital transformation of society on the maintenance of the balance between public and private interests in the field of legal regulation of intellectual property, in particular copyright. It is shown that the role of exclusive copyrights has changed – the author claims that in the conditions of digital transformation exclusive copyrights become not only a competitive advantage on the market, but also a real tool for controlling the behaviour of consumers (users). It is shown that this leads to a violation of the balance of interests in favour of technological monopolies. It is shown that the future legal regulation of intellectual property, in particular copyright, should take into account the specificities of the digital age and be aimed at protecting the rights not only of authors, but also of society as a whole. It is shown that the development of artificial intelligence may lead to an even greater imbalance in favour of technological monopolies, as the protection of their exclusive proprietary rights and private interests is replaced by the actual emergence of quasi-state regulatory capabilities.
Conceptual regulation of relations in the field of providing medical services
Authors: Stefanyshyn Nataliia
Published: November 2024

The article analyzes the legislative regulation of contractual relations in the field of providing medical services. It is emphasized that the most successful legal structure outlining relations in the field of medical services is the construction of a civil law contract, namely, a contract on the provision of medical services. By analyzing a number of general and special regulatory legal acts, the legal nature of the contract on the provision of medical services was determined, and it was concluded that the legal nature of this contract is not only theoretical, but also practical and has a significant impact on the proper execution of the latter. It is justified that the essential condition of the contract on the provision of medical services is the subject of the contract. The subject of the contract on the provision of medical services is the actual provision of such medical services, the list of which is currently not established by legislation. The price of the contract, the term of the contract and the quality of the medical service will be determined as essential terms of such a contract in the event that they are indicated by the parties to the relevant contract. According to the results of the research, the author’s concept of «a contract for the provision of medical services» is proposed - a contract under which one party - the executor (a medical institution of health care or a doctor in private practice) undertakes to provide medical services to the customer (patient), and the customer must accept the appropriate medical services in accordance with the terms of the contract, the law and medical standards. The results of the research can be used in further scientific articles, in the educational process, as well as by the subjects of the legislative initiative.