bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Triploid Watermelon Cultivars Grown in Georgia for Yield and Quality Parameters
Authors: Kumari Manisha , Deltsidis Angelos , Luo Xuelin , McAvoy Camille , McAvoy Theodore
Published: January 2025

Watermelon is the most important vegetable crop grown during the spring season; therefore, it is imperative that we screen and identify top-performing cultivars for growers. Research experiments were conducted at the University of Georgia, Tifton Vegetable Park Research Farm, during Spring 2022 and Spring 2023. The study compared commercially available large seedless watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) cultivars to assess their performance to determine marketable and unmarketable yields, average fruit weight, fruit size distribution, quality parameters, and hollow heart. The six top-yielding cultivars were Excursion, ACX 6177, Miramonte, El Capitan, Sierra Nevada, and Jetski. These high-performing cultivars had total yields that averaged more than 60,000 lb/acre. Of these cultivars, Excursion, Sierra Nevada, and El Capitan had a high percentage of 30/36 count watermelons, whereas cultivars ACX 6177, Miramonte, and Jetski had a large percentage of 45/60 count watermelons. ‘Powerhouse’ and ‘Captivation’ performed the worst, with lower average fruit weights and total yields. In terms of fruit quality, ‘Jetski’, ‘Warrior’, ‘Captivation’, ‘Sierra Nevada’, ‘Embasy’, and ‘Powerhouse’ had the highest soluble solid content among all the cultivars. However, all cultivars had an average soluble solid content of more than 10%, which represented “very good internal quality” according to the US Department of Agriculture standards. ‘Warrior’ and ‘Captivation’ had significantly higher hollow hearts in the fruits compared to those of all other cultivars. In summary, ‘Excursion’, ‘El Capitan’, ‘Miramonte’, ‘Sierra Nevada’, ‘ACX 6177’, and ‘Jetski’ are recommended for commercial cultivation in southern Georgia based on their high yield, sweetness, and low hollow heart incidence, with options available for growers based on desired fruit size distribution, rind color, and fruit shape, whereas ‘Warrior’, ‘Powerhouse’ and ‘Captivation’ performed poorly in terms of yield and/or hollow heart vulnerability.
Development and Application of Latent Transition Analysis Module in jamovi
Authors:   Human Engagement Institute, Seol Hyun-Soo
Published: January 2025

This study presents the development and implementation of a novel statistical module for latent transition analysis within the jamovi software environment. jamovi is an open-source platform designed to make statistical analysis accessible to users with varying levels of expertise. This module integrates latent transition analysis, a complex method used for examining changes in latent variables over time. This integration significantly enhances the software's analytical capabilities. The primary objective of this development is to democratize access to advanced statistical methods, thereby facilitating their use in educational settings and diverse research fields such as psychology, sociology, and education. This paper discusses the technical aspects of the module's integration, evaluates its usability through user feedback, and highlights its potential impact on both teaching and research. The findings suggest that the module not only simplifies the execution of sophisticated analyses but also encourages broader adoption of latent transition analysis by reducing technical barriers. Consequently, this work contributes to the ongoing efforts to make advanced statistical tools more accessible and user-friendly, promoting their integration into everyday research practices.
COMET LEADERS FIGHTING FOR A VALUE
Authors:   Maithili Department of Explorers University (LNMIVV, Darbhanga)., Kumar Thakur Arun , Bhardag Surander ,   Assistant Professor Maithili-Department, Chandradhari Mithila College, Darbhanga (L.N.M.V.V., Darbhanga).
Published: January 2025

Gandhian in his ideals and principles, Marxist in his thoughts, Bholanath Jha alias Dhumketu, who is a supporter of the real world, is a social person in all his stories, all the neglected class-exploited victims, women, labourers, inhuman beggars, with his full desire, Aspiration is struggling with the poison of life, Agurvaan is a monster of Maithili social madness falling in the brahminical mud. Agurvaan is committing matricide in order to protect this value. Comet-Aguruvan is a satire with a sharp edge, sharp is the society on earth which is called unguruvan, in reality it is not the society itself that is unguruvan.
INTEGRATING AYURVEDIC PANCHAKARMA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: A CLINICAL CASE REPORT
Authors:   Director, Meditation Guru, Jeena Sikho Life Care Limited., Manish Ji Acharya , Chaudhary Gitika ,   Senior Consultant, General Surgeon, BAMS, PGDIP, PGDGS, MS (Ay.), Jeena Sikho Life Care Limited., Richa Richa ,   Research officer, BAMS, PGDIP, Jeena Sikho Life Care Limited, Derabassi., Pratap Singh Suyash ,   Medical Superintendent, BAMS, PGDIP, DNYT, CCMC, Jeena Sikho Life Care Limited, Derabassi., Singh Manjeet ,   Consultant, BAMS, PGDIP, CCDN, Jeena Sikho Lifecare Limited, Derabassi., Priyank Priyank ,   Consultant BAMS, EMS, Jeena Sikho Life Care Limited Hospital Derabassi.
Published: January 2025

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal failure (CRF), is a progressive medical condition resulting from impaired kidney function, often triggered by various systemic illnesses prevalent in todays fast-paced lifestyle. Numerous contributing factors cited in modern medical literature can accelerate the progression from early-stage kidney disease to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where treatment options become costly and offer limited success in advanced stages. Ayurveda, the ancient holistic science, focuses on early intervention and prevention to mitigate such complications. While CKD is not explicitly mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, its principles of addressing the root cause and applying treatments based on the underlying pathophysiology can effectively manage the condition. This case study evaluates the combined effect of Shodhana (purification therapy) and Shamana (pacification therapy) in managing CKD. A 30-year-old male patient, diagnosed with CKD stage V and having undergone dialysis four times, was treated with an Ayurvedic regimen including lifestyle modifications, Panchakarma and Ayurveda medications. Following this treatment, the patient no longer required dialysis and experienced significant relief from symptoms. This case demonstrates the potential efficacy of Ayurvedic therapies in managing chronic kidney disease and reducing dependency on conventional dialysis.
Exploring the Intersectionality of Cisgender Queer Women in Non-WEIRD Contexts
Authors:   Research Department of Counselling and Psychology, St. Joseph’s University (Bangalore), Chawla Aditi , Jochan Grace Maria
Published: January 2025

The specific challenges faced by cisgender queer women navigating discrimination and marginalization, particularly in non-WEIRD contexts, are rarely addressed in academic literature. This study aims to understand the nuanced experiences of cisgender queer women residing in non-WEIRD contexts, with a particular focus on the intersections of identity, cultural influences, self-acceptance, prejudice, and social location. Drawing on theories like intersectionality, the research highlights the complex interplay between various dimensions of identity and how they shape lived realities. Using a sample of young adults aged 18 to 29 who identify as cisgender queer women, it thematically explores the influence of social and cultural backgrounds on participants’ experiences of sexuality. The findings shed light on the persistent prejudice and stereotyping these women face, rooted in both their sexual orientation and cultural context. By centering these intersections, the research emphasizes the importance of multidimensional approaches in social inquiry and advocacy, fostering greater inclusivity and support for cisgender queer women in non-WEIRD contexts.
The Use of Technology in Enhancing Nurses' Pain Management Competencies: A Narrative Review
Authors: Afolalu Olamide O. , Afolalu Adeniran S. , Akpor Oluwaseyi A.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Effective pain management is a critical aspect of nursing care, and technological advancements have the potential to improve nurses' competency in assessing, monitoring, and intervening as a strategy for improved patients' pain experiences and outcomes.

Objective:

This review aimed to explore various technologies employed in pain management, their implications on nurses' competencies, and the challenges and benefits associated with their implementation.

Methods:

Using keywords from relevant studies, we searched the following electronic databases for pertinent literature and freely accessible full text: PubMed, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar.

Results:

Findings from the literature provide valuable insights into the various technologies employed by nurses to assess pain, such as wearable technology, virtual reality, mobile applications, and telehealth platforms, that give nurses a chance to develop their expertise in pain management, put evidence-based interventions into practice, and track patient response to care. Additionally, the benefits of implementing technology applications in pain management, including its ability to broaden nurses’ knowledge, hone their decision-making skills, and customize patient care with the use of simulation platforms and remote monitoring tools, were identified. Furthermore, issues like technological literacy, time restraints, privacy concerns, and ethical considerations need to be addressed for the effective incorporation of technology into pain management procedures.

Conclusion:

To improve patient care and outcomes, nurses can use technology to improve their pain management skills by recognizing the possible benefits and resolving related problems. Conclusively, areas for future research and development and implications to nursing practice, education, and research were outlined.
Effectiveness of a Nurse-led Pain Management Training Program on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Nurses in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpor Oluwaseyi A. , Dere Bashirat N.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by over two-thirds of patients globally. It was estimated that one out of every five adults experiences severe pain, while one out of every 10 adults is diagnosed annually with chronic pain.

Objective:

The study determined the effectiveness of a nurse-led pain intervention strategy among nurses in two selected hospitals in Kwara State, Nigeria.

Methods:

The study utilized a pre-and post-test non-randomized quasi-experimental research design consisting of two groups, with both groups receiving the intervention and a comparison made to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 121 participants. Data was obtained using an adapted questionnaire, while descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

Results:

Generally, the study findings revealed significantly lower knowledge scores among the participants before the intervention compared to those after the intervention. This observation was irrespective of the two hospitals (p= 0.000). Among the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants in Hospital A, only gender was observed to be significantly associated (X2= 6.022, p= 0.014) with knowledge level before intervention. Attitude and pain management practice was good in the two hospitals in both the pre-and post-tests.

Conclusion:

Therefore, all healthcare institutions should observe regular training and seminars on pain assessment and management to improve patient care and ensure optimal pain management outcomes.
Some aspects of modern crime according to official statistics about it
Authors:   Elena V. Kurakina St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation, Kurakina Elena V.
Published: January 2025

В статье на основе анализа основных показателей, характеризующих состояние и динамику преступности в России, дана оценка деятельности правоохранительных органов, направленной на защиту прав и обеспечение безопасности граждан. Установлено, что в 2010 – 2022 гг. произошел резкий рост числа случаев мошенничества, что в основном связано с развитием информационных коммуникационных технологий. Также выявлены: рост организованной преступности; увеличение числа случаев противоправных действий в отношении несовершеннолетних граждан, приведших к тяжелым последствиям; увеличение числа преступных деяний, совершенных в состоянии алкогольного опьянения, а также преступлений, совершенных лицами, имевшими судимость. Выделены группы регионов, в которых
в 2010–2022 гг. произошел значительный прогресс в улучшении криминогенной ситуации, а также группа отстающих субъектов. Предлагается детально изучить опыт правоохранительных органов регионов, лидирующих в стране по показателям состояния преступности, и разработать рекомендации по организации работы по предотвращению противоправных действий в разных сферах. Необходимо также для улучшения ситуации в части противоправных действий в отношении несовершеннолетних граждан разработать и реализовать обучающие курсы, формирующие у детей и подростков модели правильного поведения в опасных ситуациях. Рекомендуется привлечь к этой работе образовательные организации, профессиональные сообщества, социально ориентированные некоммерческие организации
On the question of the concept, essence and content of the legal protection of the Constitution
Authors:   Anastasia E. Rabadanova  Dagestan State University, Rabadanova Anastasia E.
Published: January 2025

В статье представлен обзор мнений относительно понятия правовой охраны Конституции, раскрывается сущность и содержание правовой охраны конституции посредством анализа терминологической базы, относительно которой в доктринальных источниках нет единства мнений. Дается краткая характеристика правового механизма охраны Основного закона. Отмечается, что Конституция, как Основной закон Российского государства, обладает приоритетом в системе законодательства Российской Федерации, верховенством и прямым действием на всей ее территории. Сделан вывод о том, что сущность и содержание правовой охраны Основного закона обусловлены его особыми юридическими свойствами
Problems of determining the criteria for unjustified tax benefits
Authors:   Aminat Z. Arslanbekova Dagestan State University, Arslanbekova Aminat Z. , Ismailov Ibrahim K. ,   Ibrahim K. Ismailov Dagestan State University
Published: January 2025

В статье на основе анализа действующего законодательства о налогах и сборах и судебной практики выявлены критерии определения необоснованной налоговой выгоды, а также проведен сравнительно-правовой анализ российского и зарубежного законодательства, регулирующего способы получения налоговой выгоды. В заключение автор делает вывод о том, что в законодательстве о налогах и сборах нет нормы, устанавливающей понятие и критерии необоснованной налоговой выгоды. При написании статьи были использованы следующие методы исследования: логический, сравнительно-правовой, метод обобщения и анализа.
Avar Nutsalism and the realities of its legal life in the 17th century
Authors:   Magomedzapir N. Abdullaev Dagestan State University, Abdullaev Magomedzapir N. , Aitberov Timur M. ,   Timur M. Aitberov Dagestan Federal Research Center RAS
Published: January 2025

В данной статье с привлечением ранее не известных кавказоведам арабских текстов юридического содержания исследуется правовая жизнь одного из крупных феодальных государств средневекового Дагестана – Аварского нуцальства в разрезе критического анализа памятника права, получившего известность как «Кодекс законов Умму-хана Аварского (Справедливого)». В работе делается акцент на том, что государственное образование, находившееся под властью аварских правителей, документально фиксируется с эпохи Сасанидов. Термин «нуцал» отмечается в документах, начиная с конца XV века.
В XVII веке Аварское нуцальство выступает в качестве влиятельного, преемственно эволюционирующего государства Северо-восточного Кавказа. В статье анализируется давно опубликованный арабский текст письменного источника известного в научном мире как «Кодекс законов Умму-хана Аварского (Справедливого)». Авторы статьи приводят ряд неоспоримых фактов, которые опровергают, убеждение многих кавказоведов о том, что данный арабский текст связан с личностью правителя Нуцальства XVII в., известного им как «Умму-хан Аварский (Справедливый)». Авторы приходят к выводу, что в XVII в. Аварское нуцальство представляло собой феодальную монархию, причем укрепляющуюся. Внешним признаком его усиления явилось распространение влияния аварских ханов на ранее независимые союзы сельских общин. Усиление власти нуцалов, их стремление утвердить феодальные порядки на всей подвластной им территории явилось фактором развития права. Несомненно, на территории Аварского нуцальства должен был бы возникнуть и действовать единый свод законов. В то же время, опубликованный текст «Кодекса …», вызывает много вопросов. Например, является ли он памятником права Нуцальства периода правления Умма-хана Аварского, или же он относится к какой-то другой территории Нагорного Дагестана и какому-то другому времени?
Justification of the need to establish legislative territorial requirements for the activities of credit institutions
Authors:   Tatiana S. Stetskaya AO Raiffeisenbank, Head, Senior Vice President, Retail Branch West Hub, Stetskaya Tatiana S.
Published: January 2025

Значительное сокращение сети кредитных организаций, произошедшее в последние годы, снижает доступность финансовых услуг для значительной части населения – жителей малолюдных и отдаленных сел, людей пожилого возраста, малоимущих граждан. Во многом это связано с нездоровой конкурентной средой в данном секторе экономики, главными факторами которой являются деятельность финансового регулятора, доминирующее присутствие государства в качестве участника рынка, цифровизация финансовых услуг. Для оздоровления конкуренции на рынке банковских услуг требуются меры, направленные на снижение государственного присутствия в этой сфере, поддержку цифровой трансформации всего банковского сектора. Повышению доступности банковских услуг будет способствовать установление законодательных требований по физическому присутствию кредитных организаций на территории субъектов, установленным исходя из численности населения, проживающего на данной территории.
Transformation of modern international rights: factors, challenges, risks
Authors:   Ruslan G. Nepranov Rostov State Economic University (RINH), Nepranov Ruslan G. , Barinov Emil E. ,   Emil E. Barinov Rostov State Economic University (RINH)
Published: January 2025

В статье рассматриваются особенности эволюции международного права в XX – начале XXI века. Анализируются условия, в которых формировалась правовая система международного права и факторы, наиболее повлиявшие на ее становление и развитие. Отмечается тот факт, что коллективный Запад находился в режиме конфронтации как с советской социалистической системой СССР, так и с либерально-демократической системой, к которой перешла Россия в конце XX века. Также отмечается, что Западом были проигнорированы и приглашение к совместному сотрудничеству в 90-х годах прошлого века, и построение справедливой международной системы, к которому призы-вал в своей Мюнхенской речи В.В. Путин. В статье приводятся факты, доказывающие использование двойных стандартов при реализации принципов международного права, и обосновывается необходимость формирования новой системы международных отношений на началах транспарентности, паритета, взаимного сотрудничества и многополярной модели международных отношений.
BURPEES TRAINING IS EFFECTIVE ON IMPROVING AEROBIC CAPACITY IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE STUDENTS
Authors: Ramadina Verawati , Nurhayati Ummy A’isyah
Published: January 2025

AbstractStudents with sedentary lifestyles and hectic schedules are prone to fatigue and may see a decline in physical fitness, exacerbated by overweight and obesity. VO2 max reflects an individual's aerobic capacity. This study aims to examine the impact of burpees training compared to MICT on aerobic capacity in overweight and obese students. Method quasi-experimental approach, using pre- and post-test two-group design treatments. The sampling method employed purposive sampling. 22 people participated in the exercise program three times a week for four weeks. The study equipment utilized the Six Minute Walking Test (6MWT) is a measuring instrument for walking as far as possible in six minute with a path length of 15 meters, then calculated using the VO2 maz formula. Result a paired sample t-test, the results indicated that burpee training and MICT had an impact on the aerobic capacity of students who were overweight or obese (P=0.00 P0.05). The independent sample t-test showed that burpees training and MICT affected the aerobic capacity of students with overweight and obesity conditions (P=0.16 P0.05). Thus, burpees training has a greater impact on aerobic capacity in overweight and obese students compared to MICT, in future research can carry out further analysis regarding other, more varied exercise to increase aerobic capacity.AbstrakMahasiswa kondisi overweight dan obesitas memiliki tingkat VO2 max yang rendah. Pola hidup mahasiswa yang jarang berolahraga dan memiliki aktivitas yang padat mengakibatkan mudah lelah dan dapat menurunkan kebugaran fisik. Aerobic capacity individu dapat dilihat dari VO2 max. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui perbedaan pengaruh burpees training dan MICT terhadap aerobic capacity pada mahasiswa dengan kondisi overweight dan obesitas. Metode quasi experiment melakukan perlakuan pre dan post test two grub design, menggunakan teknik purposive sampling, sample berjumlah 22 orang dengan program latihan 3x seminggu selama 4 minggu. Instrument penelitian menggunakan Six Minute Walking Test (6MWT) adalah alat ukur berjalan sejauh mungkin selama 6 menit dengan lintasan panjang 15 meter, kemudian dihitung menggunakan rumus VO2 max. Hasil uji paired sample t-test menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh burpees training dan MICT terhadap aerobic capacity mahasiswa dengan kondisi overweight dan obesitas (P=0,00 P0,05). Serta uji independent sample t-test menunjukkan bahwa burpees training dan MICT terhadap aerobic capacity mahasiswa dengan kondisi overweight dan obesitas (P=0,16 P0,05). Dengan demikian, burpees training lebih berpengaruh dari MICT terhadap aerobic capacity pada mahasiswa dengan kondisi overweight dan obesitas, penelitian selanjutnya dapat melakukan analisis lebih lanjut mengenai latihan lain yang lebih bervariasi untuk meningkatkan aerobic capacity.
Intersectionality of Gender and Age as an Analytical Framework for Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Against Older Women in Colombia
Authors: Viafara Diana , Jaramillo-Sierra Ana L. , Vega-Plazas Laura Sofía
Published: January 2025

This research article aims to address the critical gap in understanding intimate partner violence (IPV) among older women, particularly those over 60 years of age, in Colombian society. The study explores how IPV manifests during the later stages of life, providing insights specific to this age group. The research used qualitative methodology with 14 urban women who had experienced intimate partner violence in their later life. The study revealed that psychological violence was the most common type of abuse among our sample, followed by economic violence. Conversely, physical and sexual violence was found to decrease in frequency in the day-to-day life of the participants. The research also highlighted deteriorating health, limited emotional and instrumental support, and traditional gender roles as key factors influencing experiences of violence in intimate relationships during this stage of life.
Effectiveness of the User-Centered “Healthcare CEO” App for Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Transitioning From Adolescence to Early Adulthood: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chiang Yueh-Tao , Yu Hsing-Yi , Tsay Pei-Kwei , Chen Chi-Wen , Chang Chi-Wen , Hsu Chien-Lung , Lo Fu-Sung , Moons Philip
Published: January 2025

Background

Young patients aged 16 to 25 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often encounter challenges related to deteriorating disease control and accelerated complications. Mobile apps have shown promise in enhancing self-care among youth with diabetes. However, inconsistent findings suggest that further evidence is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of app-based interventions.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Healthcare CEO app in patients with T1D transitioning from adolescence to early adulthood.

Methods

A 2 arms, double-blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted over a 9-month period, with strategies designed to enhance treatment fidelity. The study expects to enroll 96 patients with T1D, aged 16 to 25 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group through central randomization. The intervention will be implemented using the Healthcare CEO app, which consists of 11 interfaces. The research will compare differences in disease control outcomes, confidence in self-management, self-care behaviors, emotional distress, quality of life, and specific diabetes-related knowledge between the 2 groups at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months after intervention. Additionally, changes within the experimental group will be analyzed before and after the intervention.

Results

The study was funded in August 2020. It was originally scheduled from August 2020 to July 2022 but was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic after enrolling 38 participants, with preliminary results anticipated for publication by November 2024. Recruitment resumed in August 2023, with findings expected to be finalized by July 2025.

Conclusions

The Healthcare CEO app is a comprehensive solution tailored specifically for individuals with T1D transitioning from adolescence to early adulthood. This innovative app has the potential to improve the quality of care for adolescents with T1D during this critical stage and may serve as valuable evidence in support of app-based intervention strategies.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05022875; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05022875

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/59871
Games to improve the clinical skills of nursing students: A systematic review of current evidence (Preprint)
Authors: Ahmady Soleiman , Hashemi Hanie Zehtab , Afra Arghavan , Attarian Niloofar , Tabari Amir , Shabani Fariba , Molla Ayoob , Mehraeen Esmaeil
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

As medical education evolves, incorporating innovative teaching methods is crucial for developing nursing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Game-based learning (GBL) has gained popularity, engaging students through immersive experiences and allowing personalized learning.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to investigate the impact of educational games on nursing education outcomes.

METHODS

In this study, the authors systematically searched the four public databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) to investigate the role of educational games in improving the clinical skills of nursing students. This paper is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist 2020. We also checked the bias risk of selected studies by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) bias assessment tool.

RESULTS

In this study, a total of 801 articles were initially retrieved using a specified search strategy, with 39 articles remaining after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. These articles, published between 2018 and 2023, spanned various countries and focused on diverse learning objectives, including diagnostic reasoning and cognitive skills enhancement, utilizing multiple game platforms. While many games utilized web-based platforms, few were conducted in person and some were developed in smartphone app formats.

CONCLUSIONS

GBL is transforming nursing education by enhancing student engagement and clinical skills through immersive experiences. Despite its advantages, GBL faces challenges such as development costs and the effect of expertise reversal. Future research should focus on multilingual studies and long-term assessments to evaluate its impact on nursing competencies and patient outcomes.
Avatars in Individualized Virtual Reality: The Impact of Avatar Design on Self-Compassion Therapy in VR (Preprint)
Authors: Elliott Thomas , Yang Yanzhuo , Knibbe Jarrod , Henry Julie D. , Baghaei Nilufar
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

The role of avatars within virtual reality is increasingly important. Avatars have been introduced with increasing quality mainly due to historical technological limitations with respect to computer graphics and hardware. The VR community may assume that with the development of higher quality and therefore more 'lifelike avatars', this implies an advance in avatar performance, yielding ever better therapeutic outcomes in clinical applications, such as self-compassion therapy. But is that true? If not then what can be done to optimize human-avatar interactions for therapeutic benefit?

OBJECTIVE

Considering the use of avatars in VR for self-compassion therapy, we conduct a study which focuses on improvements to user experience via avoidance of 'excessive realism' with the introduction of low-fidelity avatars, increased individualization and enhanced embodiment.

METHODS

This study has acquired the original VR environment of Halim et al.’s [1] such that work can be done to continue an investigation into design changes and the effect on user experience and the therapeutic outcomes. This study used the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8) to measure experimental changes.

RESULTS

The results show an improvement to self-compassion outcomes following introduction of greater avatar customisation, SCS p = 0.03. An increase in user experience and therapeutic outcomes for depression was observed after introducing mirror techniques to enhance body ownership over a personalized aesthetically low-fidelity avatar; PHQ-8 p = 0.01 and UEQ all categories p < 0.04 with exception ‘Efficiency’ category. Also, with respect to user experience, significant improvements in areas pertaining to feelings of dependability suggests avoidance of Uncanny Valley phenomenon.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work explores important questions to strengthen the community's knowledge of design decisions surrounding avatars that lead to optimal therapeutic outcomes when engaging VR therapy. This paper has demonstrated the harmlessness of low-fidelity avatars in VR therapy, reinforced the importance of individualizing aspects of virtual reality therapy and demonstrated the importance of virtual mirrors with respect to user experience in such VR therapy applications.

CLINICALTRIAL

This study is not RCT.
Effectiveness and Therapeutic Alliance between face-to-face and online psychological interventions. A longitudinal study. (Preprint)
Authors: Mercadal Josep , Coromina Laia , Cabré Victor
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Since the pandemic, there has been an evident increase in demand for online psychotherapy. There exist studies focusing on the effectiveness of online therapy and identifying the situations in which it may be helpful, but a gap in literature was found on studying the effectiveness and therapeutic alliance of online psychotherapy compared to face-to-face psychotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and the evolution of therapeutic alliance between face-to-face and online psychological interventions, from the perspective of both therapists and patients. This article aims to be a continuation of the study initiated by Mercadal and Cabré (2022) in which, among other conclusions, it was found that the therapeutic alliance in an online intervention was significantly good, although not as good as in a face-to-face intervention.

METHODS

A total of 187 subjects aged between 18 and 29 years old participated anonymously and voluntarily in the study, 81 (43.3%), of whom were men and 106 (56.7%) were women. The instruments used were socio-demographic data, the patient version of SOFTA-o (System for Observing Family Therapeutic Alliances-observational), CORE-OM (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure), and HoNOS (The Health of the Nation Outcome Scales).

RESULTS

The results show that there is more preference for the in-person modality than online. A correlation is also observed between CORE-Om pre and HoNOS pre; and CORE-OM post and HoNOS post, which indicates agreement between patient and therapist regarding the evolution of the treatment. At the same time, patients and therapists report better results in person than online.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapists perceive a greater improvement after the treatment rather than do patients. In addition, post-treatment scores showing an improvement in the symptomatology are related to a greater Therapeutic Alliance after treatment. Concerning the main aim of this article, both patients and therapists reported that face-to-face therapy obtains better results than the online modality, a finding consistent with the authors’ preliminary studies.
Perception and counseling for cardiac health in breast cancer survivors  (Preprint)
Authors: Marrison Sarah Tucker , Shungu Nicholas , Diaz Vanessa
Published: January 2025

UNSTRUCTURED

Breast Cancer (BC) survivors are at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in breast cancer survivors to identify multilevel barriers and facilitators to CV risk reduction among BC survivors. BC survivorship status was found to impact CV risk perception, barriers to risk reduction, and cues to action.
Efek Penambahan Antioksidan Selenium, Kurkumin dan Kombinasinya Terhadap Motilitas, Recovery Rate dan Viabilitas Spermatozoa pada Kriopreservasi Semen Sapi Peranakan Ongole
Authors: Yuniar Resa Miftahatu , Kusumawati Asmarani , Setyawan Erif Maha Nugraha
Published: January 2025

Salah satu kendala dalam pelaksanaan kriopreservasi semen adalah tingginya kadar reactive oxygen species (ROS) yang dapat menyebabkan reduksi pada motilitas sperma dan viabilitas sperma post thawing. Strategi untuk mengatasi tingginya kadar ROS adalah dengan menambahkan antioksidan pada pengencer selama proses kriopreservasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui pengaruh penambahan antioksidan selenium dan kurkumin dalam menurunkan stress oksidatif pada proses kriopreservasi semen sapi peranakan ongole (PO). Penelitian ini menggunakan semen yang dikoleksi dari sapi PO dengan vagina buatan. Sampel semen yang ditampung diperiksa secara mikroskopis dan makroskopis kemudian dibagi menjadi 4 perlakuan yaitu kontrol, penambahan selenium (sodium selenite) dengan konsentrasi 50 µM, kurkumin 10 µM dan kombinasi antara selenium 50 µM dengan kurkumin 10 µM.  Semen yang telah dicampur dengan pengencer dan antioksidan kemudian dibekukan dalam proses kriopreservasi, selanjutnya parameter yang diamati meliputi pemeriksaan motilitas sperma, recovery rate dan viabilitas sperma. Semua parameter dianalisis statistika menggunakan One Way ANNOVA dan uji DMRT. Berdasarkan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan kurkumin 10 µM memiliki nilai motilitas 48.00 ± 4.47%, recovery rate 66.66 ± 5.54% dan viabilitas 67.00 ± 4.30%, sedangkan perlakuan selenium 50 µM memiliki nilai presentase motilitas 46,00 ± 4,18%, recovery rate 63.90 ± 5.59% dan viabilitas 64.00 ± 3.93%. Pemanfaatan kombinasi kurkumin dan selenium tidak memberikan pengaruh yang nyata dibandingkan dengan kontrol. Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah penambahan antioksidan kurkumin dan selenium bermanfaat dalam mempertahankan kualitas sperma sapi PO, namun perlakuan kombinasi kurang baik dalam mempertahankan kualitas sperma.
Las paradojas de la política cultural canadiense en la industria editorial en lengua inglesa. Entre el proteccionismo y el libre comercio
Authors: Díez Antonio
Published: January 2025

El presente artículo analiza las políticas culturales canadienses sobre la inversión extranjera en la industria editorial en lengua inglesa. Se concentra especialmente en el estudio de la Foreign Investment Review Act (FIRA) y la Investment Canada Act (ICA). Argumenta la existencia de una paradoja que enfrenta la protección gubernamental, representada por subsidios y programas de financiamiento a la edición, con la liberalización comercial que ha beneficiado a las editoriales transnacionales. Derivado de la información recopilada por la Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP), datos gubernamentales de Statistics Canada y la opinión de figuras públicas vinculadas a la industria del libro, se observa una ineficiencia en la aplicación de las políticas que ha permitido a editoriales extranjeras adquirir empresas canadienses y controlar la mayoría del mercado del libro en Canadá.
Metaevaluación del modelo de evaluación en alfabetización informacional Evalfin: hacia una nueva propuesta del modelo
Authors: Mears Delgado Berenice , Esquivel Carreón Guadalupe
Published: January 2025

El propósito de este trabajo es presentar la metaevaluación del modelo para evaluar la alfabetización informacional, denominado Evalfin, para determinar su valor y posibilidades de mejora y, a partir de los hallazgos, ofrecer una nueva propuesta gráfica. Se desarrollaron dos etapas de análisis, la primera fue desde la perspectiva de las experiencias de aplicación para analizar los resultados y la segunda desde un enfoque teórico para examinar el diseño del modelo. Los resultados confirman que es un buen modelo por la robustez y solidez de su estructura, pero también revelan la necesidad de mejorarlo para que pueda aplicarse por otros expertos. Se identificó que el principal problema es la interacción de sus componentes porque sus alcances no estaban bien definidos de acuerdo con la estructura del enfoque de sistemas. Esta investigación es importante porque es la primera metaevaluación sobre modelos de evaluación en alfabetización informacional y porque aporta un método de evaluación, un mapa de enfoques de evaluación y una estructura con enfoque de sistemas que puede ser de utilidad para valorar otros modelos similares.
Subinversión y dependencia externa del sector hidrocarburífero argentino (2003-2022)
Authors: Wirth Eszter , Ramírez-Cendrero Juan M.
Published: January 2025

La matriz energética argentina depende en gran medida de los hidrocarburos, pero la producción nacional ha sido incapaz de abastecer el mercado interno, lo que se ha traducido en déficits comerciales y salidas permanentes de divisas. Bajo este contexto, los gobiernos de los Kirchner realizaron varias reformas económicas entre cuyos ejes se situó la recuperación del rol rector del Estado para alcanzar la soberanía energética. Esta corriente de reformas fue modificada ante la llegada a la presidencia del liberal Mauricio Macri, pero fue parcialmente retomada por el Ejecutivo de Alberto Fernández desde 2020. Este trabajo pretende analizar si los sucesivos gobiernos han mitigado la subinversión y la dependencia externa del sector energético argentino, así como las limitaciones de dichas políticas. Se concluye que las diferentes políticas petroleras aplicadas no habían logrado revertir la subinversión y la dependencia exterior del sector hidrocarburífero argentino.
Aspectos teóricos de Ginés de Sepúlveda visibles en La Araucana
Authors: Sandoval Toledo Canek
Published: January 2025

El humanista cordobés Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda fue maestro del infante Felipe II enel mismo periodo en el que Alonso de Ercilla hacía la labor de paje del príncipe; es decir, de 1548a 1555. Haber sido el preceptor de Ercilla en la corte hispánica, supone que Sepúlveda debiótener más de una influencia sobre él. En el poema épico La Araucana, que Ercilla comenzó aescribir como soldado de la campaña de Chile, se evidencia que así fue en, por lo menos, tres ejesde análisis: los modelos clásicos, la teoría de la guerra justa y la ontología del araucano.
Las ediciones de Operación masacre de Rodolfo Walsh a través de sus paratextos (1957-1973)
Authors: Xolocotzi Mendoza Lilia
Published: January 2025

El presente artículo analiza los paratextos de las primeras cuatro ediciones de lanovela argentina Operación masacre de Rodolfo Walsh (1957, 1964, 1969 y 1973). Sostengoque, al inicio de su escritura, en 1956, el texto tuvo una forma de reportaje periodístico. Porconsiguiente, en su aparición como libro impreso fue convirtiéndose en un texto literario conimportantes cambios paratextuales en sus rediciones. Para estudiar esta etapa de formación, propongo conceptualizar a Operación masacre como “novela documental”. Así mismo, caracterizolos “paratextos anteriores” de 1956, aquellos que representan, en palabras de Genette, la “pre-publicación” del libro en diversas revistas locales y en prospectos de la publicación. De maneracronológica, abordo los paratextos de la primera edición, fechada en 1957, escrita como unadenuncia periodística con pruebas y testimonios, que hace uso de recursos literarios, aunque subordinados a una función principalmente periodística. Examino algunos cambios de paratextosen la segunda edición (1964) y luego en la tercera edición de 1969, en la cual el texto comienzasu proceso como novela documental en el marco de la validación del testimonio en el campointelectual latinoamericano hasta llegar a la publicación de1973, siendo la versión definitiva queconocemos actualmente.
The Contribution of the Character of Child-parent Relationships to the Level of Development of Regulatory Functions in Senior Preschool Age
Authors: Veraksa Alexander N. , Almazova Olga V. , Bukhalenkova Daria A.
Published: January 2025

This study aims to examine the distribution of attachment types to the mother in modern Russian children and to identify the relationship between the type of attachment to the mother and the level of development of executive functions (EF) in older preschoolers (N=439). A secure type of attachment to the mother was determined in 52%, anxious-ambivalent – in 18%, anxious-avoidant – in 22%, and disorganized – in 8% of children. Assessments of cognitive flexibility and behavioral inhibition are significantly higher in children with secure than with anxious-ambivalent and anxious-avoidant attachment. Assessments of verbal working memory are significantly higher, and visual working memory are significantly lower in children with anxious-ambivalent than in children with anxious-avoidant attachment to mother. When performing tasks on cognitive inhibition, children with anxious-ambivalent attachment more often resort to the strategy of "avoidance of failures", while with avoidant – to the strategy of "achievements". Children with a disorganized type of attachment to their mother received the lowest scores on all tasks for regulatory functions.
Optimizing Fly Ash Utilization in Construction: A Simulation-Based Approach to Enhance Sustainability
Authors: Tundwal Ambika , . Himani , Dagar Archana , Kundra Hema
Published: January 2025

In light of the ever-increasing environmental footprint of conventional concrete production, particularly its carbon
emissions and energy consumption, a search for alternative, more environmentally friendly options have been initiated. Fly ash
is one such alternative derived from the combustion of coal, which has significant potential to decrease the environmental
impact of concrete. This study aims to explore the compressive strength, carbon emissions, cost, and energy consumption of
concrete when cement is partially replaced by different percentages of fly ash. The performance of fly ash-based concrete with
replacement levels from 0% to 50% was evaluated using a simulation-based approach. In the results, there is linear reduction in
compressive strength with an increase in fly ash content, but also there are immense reductions in carbon emissions by 46% and
energy consumption by 33%. The cost of producing concrete was found to reduce with higher replacement levels of fly ash,
indicating a potential for cost-effectiveness in high-scale construction works. The results thus show that fly ash-based concrete
may present an efficient option for sustainable construction, reconciling environmental gains with economic viability. This work
sets the ground for further studies to optimize fly ash use in concrete to increase its sustainability and performance.
DAMPAK DATA SECURITY TERHADAP ADOPSI PENGGUNAAN FINTECH BAGI GEN Z
Authors: Andini Rindi , Hariyani Happy Febrina
Published: January 2025

This research aims to determine empirically the influence of perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived usefulness (PU), and data security (DAS) on Fintech adoption intentions through Fintech promotion (FP), and customer trust (CT) in FINTECH for Gen Z . Data from 100 people aged between 15 and 25 years who have filled out the questionnaire. This quantitative research uses a cross-sectional research design, and data is analyzed using the Partial Least Square (PLS)-Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. This research will add to the existing literature on Fintech service adoption by providing new understanding of the factors that determine user behavior in adopting Fintech services. Therefore, this research can help regulators regarding data security through proper IT infrastructure can help increase Fintech adoption. Additionally, the findings of this research also demonstrate the importance for Fintech innovators to understand their customers' attitudes regarding data transparency and security.
Resistencia a la eritropoyetina en anemia renal: el papel de los estabilizadores del factor inducible por hipoxia
Authors: Heras Benito Manuel
Published: January 2025

Contexto: el riñón desempeña un papel fundamental en la eritropoyesis, a través de la producción endógena de eritropoyetina, en respuesta a la hipoxia. La suplementación exógena de eritropoyetina, a través del uso de agentes estimuladores de eritropoyesis, junto con corrección de deficiencia de hierro, han sido el tratamiento habitual para el tratamiento de la anemia asociada a la enfermedad renal.
Contenidos:  la necesidad de alta dosis de agentes estimuladores de eritropoyesis, para lograr un nivel de hemoglobina objetivo, se ha relacionado con resistencia a la eritropoyetina, mayor número de efectos adversos y más mortalidad.  En esta revisión se analiza el papel de las nuevas moléculas en el tratamiento de la anemia renal, centrándose en el beneficio que puede tener su uso en caso de resistencia a eritropoyetina.
Conclusiones: el desarrollo de nuevas moléculas para tratar la anemia renal, como son los estabilizadores del factor inducible por hipoxia, permiten estimular endógenamente la eritropoyetina y mejorar la biodisponiblidad del hierro, siendo pacientes con resistencia a eritropoyetina donde podrían tener un papel destacado con una estrecha supervisión.