bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No Country for God: The Brutality of Western Territorial Appropriation in Blood Meridian
Authors: García Jiménez Sergio
Published: July 2024

In 1985 American author Cormac McCarthy published Blood Meridian, a novel that is set against the backdrop of the conquest of the West, a momentous and still relevant process that has acquired quasi-mythical dimensions throughout history and that is undoubtedly embedded in the United States’ national consciousness. In this article I will show the different mechanisms employed by Cormac McCarthy to deconstruct conventional Western narratives that glorify and sanction the Westward expansion as a courageous endeavour that shaped the American nation, hence underplaying the more devastating and pernicious side of this chapter of America’s imperialistic undertakings. To that end, I will argue that McCarthy contests the main tenets of the crucial 1893 Frontier Thesis proposed by Frederick Jackson Turner, in particular the depiction of American colonial expansion as a source of progress and democratic development; likewise I will contend that, in Blood Meridian, McCarthy aligns himself with the ideas of New Western Historians that offer a revisionist perspective of the country’s past, revealing such brutality and wickedness exerted in the appropriation of the western territories that seemed to deprive the process of any hope of God’s mercy.
Advancements in chemical modifications using NaOH to explore the chemical, mechanical and thermal properties of natural fiber polymer composites (NFPC)
Authors: Mani Sasi Kumar , Selvaraj Sathish , Sivanantham Gokulkumar , Arockiasamy Felix Sahayaraj , Iyyadurai Jenish , Mani Makeshkumar
Published: July 2024

Increasing environmental awareness and concerns about global warming have resulted in a significant demand for sustainable and eco-friendly resources, such as naturally available fibers, that can be suitable alternatives to petroleum/synthetic materials such as glass, carbon and Kevlar in reinforced composites. The exploration of natural fibers as reinforcements in composites is increasing in popularity, particularly in the development of transport and household components. However, natural fibers also have a few limitations that should be addressed appropriately, including lack of compatibility between fiber-matrix, fiber swelling, excess absorption of moisture, resistance to chemicals and fire. Consequently, various processes have been used to improve the fiber surface, to obtain a better fiber–matrix interface. The primary objective of this work is to review the impact that a 5 % NaOH (sodium hydroxide) treatment has on the chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRC).
A topological duality for tense modal pseudocomplemented De Morgan algebras
Authors: Pelaitay Gustavo , Starobinsky Maia
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we define and study the variety of tense modal pseudocomplemented De Morgan algebras. This variety is a proper subvariety of the variety of tense tetravalent modal algebras. A tense modal pseudocomplemented De Morgan algebra is a modal pseudocomplemented De Morgan algebra endowed with two tense operators G and H satisfying additional conditions. Also, the variety of tense modal pseudocomplemented De Morgan algebras is intimately connected with some well-known varieties of De Morgan algebras with tense operators.
Less is sometimes more – some examples of the reduction of hazardous substances in metallographic etching
Authors: Schnarr H.
Published: July 2024

In metallography, the choice of the right etchant is crucial for visualizing the microstructure. As conventional etching agents generally contain a more or less high proportion of hazardous substances that need to be reduced in the future, examples are given of how this reduction is possible in principle. This reduction in hazardous substances is mainly achieved through microscopy contrasts, dilution of etching solutions and electrolytic etching.
La infraestructura portuaria en el surgimiento y cambio urbano de Progreso, Yucatán, 1856-1920
Authors: Reyes Pavón Leonor Eugenia
Published: July 2024

Este trabajo destaca el papel de las infraestructuras como detonantes del surgimiento del puerto de Progreso y analiza algunas de las transformaciones que se generaron en dicho puerto, provocadas por la instalación de infraestructura, para agilizar el movimiento de productos, que ocupó una parte importante del suelo urbano. La hipótesis que guía el trabajo es que este proceso que generó un espacio de especialización en actividades logísticas al insertarse en la de abasto de bienes del mercado internacional. El análisis se realizó bajo en enfoque de la historia urbana, con énfasis en la relación infraestructuras-ciudad, en la que las primeras contribuyeron a crear y modificar el espacio urbano.
Humanismo Crítico como investigación social crítica. A propósito del centenario del Insituto de Investigaciones Sociales en Frankfurt
Authors: Kozlarek Oliver
Published: July 2024

El artículo pretende actualizar el “Humanismo Crítico” desde el legado de la Escuela de Frankfurt. En una primera parte argumenta que la “abolición del ser humano” es una tendencia real de nuestras sociedades acutales (1) y que esta tendencia se hace visible a través de una crítica comprometida de la “modernidad neoliberal” (2). En la segunda explica lo que se entiende aquí por “Humanismo Crítico”, tratando de una de las propuestas de definir este concepto más actuales (3) para después indicar que el concepto tal como es usado aquí se orienta en las obras de la Escuela de Frankfurt de las cuales se discuten por razones de espacio solamente las de Max Horkheimer (4) y de Theodor W. Adorno (5). El argumento central del artículo es que desde la perspectiva de la Escuela de Frankfurt el compromiso con el Humanismo Crítico obliga a la práctica de la investigación social crítica.
¿Un giro audiovisual? Notas sobre videoensayismo y filoso´fía
Authors: Staroselsky Tatiana
Published: July 2024

Este trabajo se propone analizar el fenómeno del videoensayismo filosófico y pensarlo como un giro audiovisual que tiene la potencialidad de motorizar una transformación del campo. Para hacerlo, ofrece un mapa de producciones audiovisuales que pueden inscribirse en el campo de la filosofía, agrupándolas según tres regiones de origen, a saber, las instituciones académicas, que comienzan a permitir la experimentación con el soporte audiovisual, el circuito artístico, que aloja formas de reflexión híbridas, y el ensayismo audiovisual de circulación masiva en YouTube, que desafía la cerrazón de las academias e inserta los desarrollos de la disciplina en el debate público.
Farmers’ perception of area closure and its associated factors of participation in degraded grazing land restoration in Sedie-Muja Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mebratu Mulugeta Asmamaw , Getu Kenu , Worku Habtu
Published: July 2024

In many parts of the world, degradation of grazing lands is one of the most important environmental issues. This study analyzed farmers’ perception of area closure and its associated factors of participation in degraded grazing land restoration in Sede-Muja Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional research design and a mixed research approach were applied in this study. The 384 sample respondents were randomly selected. Household surveys, interviews, focus groups, and field study techniques were used to acquire the data. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify the determinant elements that affect farmers' participation in the area closure of degraded grazing land restoration.  All of the total respondent farmers (100%) have a positive attitude towards multi-functionality benefits of area closures for local farmers. The model results show that the grazing experience (AOR = 2.981,95% CI = (1.143-7.775), access to safety net program (AOR = 2.787,95% CI = (1.146-6.77), access to livestock forage (AOR = 4.493,95% CI = (1.149-14.028), access to extension service (AOR = 2.522,95% CI = (1.917-6.6397), livestock ownership (AOR = 0.026,95% CI = (0.008-0.087), improved cattle breeds (AOR = 4.955,95% CI = (1.944-12.630), access to training (AOR = 3.169,95% CI = (1.409-7.131), farmers’ perception (AOR = 0.085,95%CL = (0.023-0.310), and communities’ consensus (AOR = 4.230, 95% CI = (1.377-12.996) were determinant factors that affect farmers' participation in the area closure of degraded grazing land restoration. To address the current grazing land degradation issues, every one of the relevant authorities as well as communities needs to work together to create modern grazing land management mechanisms such as grazing land enclosures, reduce animal size through improved cattle breeds, implement zero-grazing systems, and ensure the sustainability of existing enclosures.
Land use/land cover (LULC) changes modeling and susceptibility mapping using the binary logistic regression at the territorial level in eastern DR Congo
Authors: Nteranya Jean Nacishali , Kiplagat Andrew , Ucakuwun Elias K. , Nzabandora Chantal Kabonyi
Published: July 2024

The Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes are commonly used to determine the landscape conditions and have significant impacts on the earth's surface processes. During the last three decades, there has been an acceleration of LULC changes in Eastern DR Congo. However, there is no comprehensive overview of the drivers of these changes at the territorial level in this region, even though the knowledge of these drivers is important for land use planning and spatial modeling of environmental changes. Using the Kalehe Territory as a case study, this work sought to fill this gap by analyzing the drivers of LULC changes during the 1987-2020 period. A mixed approach combining remote sensing, Geographic Information System, and logistic regression modeling was used. The results indicated that the prominent LULC changes in the study area are deforestation, built-up area expansion, cropland expansion, and shrubland expansion. These changes are significantly influenced by biophysical factors (slope, altitude, and soil type), conservation zoning, population dynamics, and accessibility factors at different levels. The occurrence of conservation zones decreases the susceptibility to deforestation, built-up land, and cropland expansions. In contrast, the proximity factors (distance to road, artisanal mining, and locality) increase the susceptibility to LULC changes. These factors can be integrated into spatial models to forecast LULC changes susceptibility in this region. Furthermore, the establishment of future land use management policy at the territorial level in eastern DR Congo should be space-specific as the susceptibility of LULC changes shows a spatial trend.
Effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on growth and yield of shallots on saline soils
Authors: Rahmandhias Deris Trian , Karyawati Anna Satyana , Hariyono Didik , Maghfoer Mochammad Dawam
Published: July 2024

Soil salinity is a limiting factor in agricultural productivity. One of the biological approaches to mitigate the impact of salt stress on plants is inoculating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to the plant roots. This study aimed to investigate the eff of PGPR dosage on the growth and yield of shallots at various salinity levels. This study was carried out in the experimental field of Poncokusumo, Malang. The treatments tested consisted of two factors. The first factor was soil salinity level, consisting of four levels: no salinity, NaCl 50 mM, NaCl 100 mM, and NaCl 150 mM. The second factor was PGPR concentration, consisting of four levels: no PGPR, PGPR 10 mL/L, PGPR 20 mL/L, and PGPR 30 mL/L. The sixteen treatment combinations were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The data obtained were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level limit of 5%, followed by the Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 5% significance level for any significant differences. The results showed that the application of 30 mL/L of PGPR reduced EC of the soil and improved plant height, plant dry weight, leaf area, bulb diameter, bulb weight, and the number of bulbs per plant by 33%, 47.3%, 81%, 13%, 34.2%, 98.5%, and 31%, respectively, compared to the treatment without PGPR application under NaCl 150 mM salinity. The application of PGPR at 20 and 30 mL/L dosages significantly increased chlorophyll, flavonoid, and proline indices at NaCl at 100 mM and 150 mM salinity levels compared to the treatment without PGPR.
Banana Ketchup
Authors: Paredes Alyssa
Published: July 2024

Banana ketchup is an iconic marker of Filipino cultural identity. Across the homeland/diaspora divide, the Filipino public celebrates the memory of Maria Y. Orosa, the food scientist, early immigrant to the American West Coast, and anti-Japanese guerrilla fighter, for her creation of the country’s favorite sauce or sawsawan. The history of this beloved food item is often recounted as a narrative of scientific innovation, anticolonial resistance, and sovereignty. This essay explores the work that such narratives do, noting not only how they are invoked as frames for Filipinos and Filipino Americans’ critiques of gustatory coloniality but also how they can themselves veil other political realities deserving of attention. At banana ketchup manufacturing plants in the Philippines, laborers and allies reimagine the condiment not as a proud symbol of identity but rather as a vessel of labor exploitation, union busting, and police brutality. This alternative narrative is often eclipsed by modes of storytelling that elevate Orosa’s ingenious substitution of a native fruit like bananas for an imported product like tomatoes as an emblem of gustatory independence. Documenting an essential piece of Filipino food history yet to receive much scholarly attention, this essay ultimately asks how ways of remembering food history can themselves become ways of forgetting. Its aim is to offer an intervention toward bringing cultural memory and contemporary labor struggles between the Filipino homeland and diaspora into political relation.
Ewolucja prawa konstytucyjnego na Białorusi od 1991 roku: kontekst historyczny
Authors: Slavina Hanna ,   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku
Published: July 2024

The publication introduces the reader to issues related to the process of changes in the structure of the Belarusian Fundamental Law – the Constitution. According to the general principle, it was to be the most important legal act, shaping and influencing to the greatest extent practically all legislative areas related to the functioning of the state. In addition to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus with the amendments and supplements adopted by the republican referendum of 24 November 1996, of 17 October 2004 and of 27 February 2022, the general legal shape is also influenced by normative acts of a constitutional nature and those resulting from the practice of the Constitutional Court. The purpose of the article is to present the transformation of the Belarusian Constitution after 1991, its relation to the period of Soviet constitutionalism and its place in the constitutional system of the Union State. The article focuses on the evolution of the norms of the Belarusian Constitution, shaped after the declaration of the sovereignty of the Belarusian state and after the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, from the point of view of legal history as an academic discipline.
Towards Ageing Societies. Exemplifications and Challenges
Authors: Czykier Krzysztof ,   University of Bialystok
Published: July 2024

Goal – the text presents selected areas of functioning of people 65+ against the background of demographic changes in Europe (taking into account the statistical data of Poland and Lithuania), with particular attention to the life situation of the elderly, quality of life, experiencing widowhood. The study is not strictly comparative. Its aim is to point out the consequences of ageing societies and the resulting challenges. Research methodology – the author of the article used the analysis of the literature on the subject, the analysis of existing statistical data and the method of document research. Score/results – the data of the European Statistical Agencies (also taking into account the findings of Poland and Lithuania) clearly indicate the process of ageing of societies, emphasizing their current and future (projected) dynamics. The demographic ageing of societies, taking into account the so-called double ageing mechanism (i.e. the emergence of an increasing number of the oldest people in the elderly population), is becoming a real context for our coexistence. On the basis of European, Polish and Lithuanian statistical agencies, I present selected areas of seniors’ functioning. In the case of existing quantitative statistical data, I have attempted to compare them in selected areas. I have supplemented the picture of the functioning of seniors with qualitative data, which should be interpreted as specific signals and tendencies. Demographic changes have an impact on the living situation of people aged 65+ and on the quality of their life. The changes bring both: opportunities and threats. Such a situation requires special intervention and preventive measures, which I refer to in the conclusion. Originality/value – the article expands knowledge about the aging of societies and its impact on the functioning and quality of the life of seniors. Particular attention was paid to the experience of widowhood and its consequences for the life situation of widowed people.
University–Business Cooperation (UBC) – Forms of Cooperation and Barriers. A Comparative Analysis of Poland and Selected European Countries
Authors: Karpińska Kinga ,   University of Bialystok
Published: July 2024

Goal – the purpose of this article is to show the specifics of the cooperation between science and business in Poland and the selected European countries. The literature review conducted for this purpose will allow to answer questions about, among other things, the nature of links between universities and businesses, the motives for joint action and the most important barriers to cooperation in the analyzed cases of countries. Research methodology – the article includes an analysis of the available literature and reports in the area under study. Score/results – the analysis showed that cooperation between universities and business in Poland is still at a lower level compared to the selected European countries, and enumerated other factors which affect the level of this cooperation. Originality/value – comparison of Poland against selected European countries (UK, Germany, Austria) and identification of differences in the factors determining the cooperation of universities and business and barriers that hinder it.
Jürgen Habermas’ Analysis of Legitimisation Crisis in the States of Late Capitalism as a Prelude to the Re-validation of Normative System of Law
Authors: Kuryłowicz Konstanty ,   University of Bialystok
Published: July 2024

Goal – an analysis of the essential elements – from the perspective of legitimisation of normative systems – of Jürgen Habermas’ philosophical thought and his views on the problems that modern capitalist societies face with relationship to the expiration of the pre-modern sources of legitimisation. Research methodology – analysis of literature, critical method of comparison of secondary views in the literature on Habermas’ original theses. Descriptive method. Score/results – views presented by the author of the Legitimation Crisis are based on the works of the representatives of The Frankfurt School. Critical Theory presented in their many works has its development and explication in the works of Habermas, with his innovative solutions to the unsolved problems of the fatalistic diagnosis of the early generation of the Frankfurt School. Habermas attributed a significant importance to the changes in the relationship of work, capital and intersubjective assignment of meaning in various society organisational forms, from traditional to late-capitalist one. His diagnosis of the legitimisation crisis in late-capitalism further points towards his roots in the Frankfurt School. His solution to this problem, related to the communicative actions and a possibility for a rational discourse ending in a consensus and the detailed elements of his analysis of the crisis of legitimisation, shall become a point of analysis in further papers. Originality/value – Jürgen Habermas works maintain their importance in the XXI century, especially in the face of further turbulences that await the democratic systems in the European civilization sphere. This work compiles some of the basic elements of the origin of Habermas’ thought, including the references to the Polish works on Habermas that have not been translated into English; and it is a development of the master’s thesis on Habermas’ concept of legitimisation. The paper’s thesis can be further developed as a related analysis in the future papers.
Smart Cities of the Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Prystrom Joanna ,   University of Bialystok, Wierzbicka Katarzyna ,   University of Bialystok
Published: July 2024

Goal – the aim of this article is to discuss the essence of smart cities as one of the effects of public sector innovation. More specifically, the attention will be focused on the Central and Eastern European area, analyzing smart cities and their achievements in this region. Research methodology – the article contains review of the literature, an analysis of innovation and smart cities measures and indicators, on the basis of international rankings and good practices. Score/results – the presented statistical data and good practises indicate that the innovativeness of the public sector and a scale of smart cities is growing. Innovations play a key role in creating development and the ability to adapt to constantly changing operating conditions. The implementation of the smart cities concept can be boldly described as an effect of the innovation of the private sector. It is thanks to this type of activities that cities are able to meet the constantly changing expectations of residents, but also of potential investors. It is important to point that smart cities mean both economic and technological development, care for residents, but also sustainable development, i.e., despite striving for continuous technological development, care for the natural environment. Historical facts and belonging to the Eastern Bloc prevented countries from Central and Eastern Europe from achieving such a state of affairs. However, it is comforting to note that despite this developmental backwardness, these economies are actively trying to follow the path of innovation leaders, climbing up the innovation and smart city rankings. Originality/value – the review of the literature on the subject and the conducted analysis have highlighted serious problems with measuring innovation in the public sector and in smart cities. Moreover, the focus was on the somewhat forgotten part of the Central and Eastern Europe, which, despite its developmental backwardness, turned out to be aware of the power of innovation and the implementation of the smart city concept, which it continues to do in small or large steps.
Trade Unionism v. Neoliberalism: Different Paths to Impact Investing in the U.S.
Authors: Szymanski Charles ,   University of Bialystok
Published: July 2024

Goal – privatization and outsourcing help public and private employers, respectively, to reduce their costs and even to increase productivity and output. The state has retained its role in developing and implementing policies in reducing unemployment, providing related social benefits and maintaining core public services. However, the increased use of novel financial instruments such as social impact bonds (SIBs) may result in the privatization of these core state functions as well. With SIBs, private investors are given a goal or target – for example, to reduce unemployment by a certain percentage in a specific community or region-and are rewarded with a return on their investment if these targets are met. This article analyzes and criticizes the use of SIBs in the U.S., and contends that labor unions would do a better job in implementing elements of state employment policy than private investors. Research methodology – the author used the qualitative empirical, doctrinal and analytical research methodologies. Originality – it is an original work evaluating different ways in which private actors (financial investors or labor unions) may assist governments in solving social problems such as unemployment.
Determinants of European Economic Development: From Pandemic to War and Sanctions
Authors: Ziółkowski Artur ,   Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management in Gdansk, Gański Włodzimierz ,   Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management in Gdansk
Published: July 2024

Goal – to analyze the influence of the main determinants in the development of the European economy at the beginning of the 3rd decade of the 21st century. Research methodology – the article includes both an analysis of the ideas and views on economic processes of the world’s leading theorists and practitioners of economic science, and confirmation of the conclusions made on the basis of data from international organizations and institutions (Eurostat, ECB, IMF, FRS, etc.). Score/results – the coronavirus lockdowns are highlighted as the first determinant. The second determinant was specially created by the authorities of the EU countries and provided a unique financial stimulus for the economy in order to prevent a chain reaction of demand contraction. The third determinant was expressed in the acceleration of inflation. Its consequence was, to a large extent, the turmoil in the banking sector. Russia-Ukraine war and the sanctions that followed have added to the uncertainty. These four determinants have accelerated the change in business cycle phases and changed some of their typical characteristics. As a result, the authorities are forced to find a balance between curbing inflation and preventing recessions with the help of very fine regulation. Originality/value – the article represents one of the attempts to look at the ongoing processes through the prism of economic theory in order to form the basis for further actions.
Virtual reality-based therapy for chronic low back and neck pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Henríquez-Jurado Juan Manuel , Osuna-Pérez María Catalina , García-López Héctor , Lomas-Vega Rafael , López-Ruiz María del Carmen , Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Cortés-Pérez Irene
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To compile all the scientific evidence available to date to evaluate the effect of virtual reality based therapy (VRBT) on reducing pain intensity, kinesiophobia, and associated disability, and on increasing the hr-QoL in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP) or chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods

Studies published in PubMed Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) up to June 2023 were searched. All searches followed the PICOS Framework. Two authors independently screened the studies found in the searches. Any differences of opinion regarding the selection of studies were settled by a third author.

Results

Twenty-five RCTs, published between 2013 and 2022, providing data from 1261 patients (20 RCTs) with CLBP and 261 patients (five RCTs) with CNP, were included. In reducing pain intensity for patients with CLBP, meta-analyses showed that VRBT is effective in reducing pain just to the end of the intervention, and this effect could be maintained 1 and 6 months after the therapy.

Conclusion

VRBT was found to be better than therapeutic exercise (TE), sham, and no intervention (NI), showing a major effect when VRBT was used as a complementary therapy to conventional physiotherapy (CPT). Further, VRBT showed an immediate effect and immersive VRBT was the most adequate VRBT modality in reducing pain in CNP patients. No differences were found between non-immersive VRBT and immersive VRBT in reducing pain, kinesiophobia, disability, and hr-QoL in patients with CLBP.
Sulfidation of Zinc oxide by interaction with Antimony sulfide
Authors: Zinchenko V.F. , Magunov I.R. , Volchak G.V. , Mazur O.S. , Ieriomin O.H. , Kuleshov S.V. , Doha P.G. , Babenko A.V.
Published: July 2024

The mechanism of interaction between ZnO and Sb2S3 in the temperature range of 500-700°С was studied. The methods of differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and IR transmission spectroscopy, as well as thermodynamic calculations established the exchangeable acid-base reaction mechanism with the removal of the most volatile of the products – Sb2O3. The final and only product of interaction in the system is ZnS of cubic modification (sphalerite) without phase impurities. Condensate mainly contains Antimony oxides of various compositions. In the same way, it is possible to remove oxygen-containing impurities (mainly ZnO) from zinc sulfide obtained by the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis.
Learning Commons y bibliotecas universitarias: espacios para el aprendizaje en el Sistema de Bibliotecas del Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Authors: Gómez-Valverde Lidia Yiseth , Calderón Jiménez Andrea
Published: July 2024

Currently, there is a tendency in university libraries to provide services in physical and virtual spaces where the user has infrastructure and guidance to meet their information needs through library and technological services, spaces for collaborative work required for the fulfillment of their academic and research activities. This concept is known as Learning Commons, which is a set of information services using communication technologies in a mixture of physical, electronic, socio-humanistic, and cultural resources in order to strength the teaching learning and research processes, seeking an effective organization and management of resources, as well as optimization of space. The purpose of this article is to develop the didactic and administrative characteristics for the implementation of a learning commons, considered as a new space to “do and learn”, active for social gathering, a space where you can find and access technology, where you can explore and collaborate, with access to digital resources such as books, journals, standards, protocols, among others. Finally, a brief description of the SIBITEC will be made since many of the characteristics of this scheme allow it to be a model to other information centers.
Antibacterial Effect of Nitric Oxide on the Causative Agents of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (Experimental Study)
Authors: Kalashnikova T. P. , Arsenyeva Iu. A. , Kamenshchikov N. O. , Podoksenov Yu. K. , Kravchenko I. V. , Chubik M. V. , Karpova M. R. , Myshova A. E. , Bykonia S. A. , Rakitin S. S. , Kozulin M. S. , Kozlov B. N. , Boshchenko A. A.
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of single and repeated nitric oxide (NO) exposure on the major pathogens of nosocomial pneumonia isolated from the sputum of cardiac surgery patients.

Materials and Methods. A 24-hour culture of microorganisms from pan-resistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae from the sputum of inpatient cardiac surgery patients with nosocomial pneumonia, as well as strains of P. aeruginosa and E. coli from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), were exposed to 200 ppm NO (experimental sample) or medical air (control sample) in a sealed chamber for 30 minutes. After a single or 4 repeated gas exposure at 4 h intervals, Petri dishes were placed in a thermostat at 37°C and the results were evaluated at 24 and 48 h or at 12, 24, 36 and 48 h, respectively. Grown colonies were counted using an automated colony counter and recorded as CFU/mL.

Results. No growth of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and E. coli was observed 24 and 48 h after a single exposure to NO. Growth of A. baumannii was lower compared to controls at 24 h but continued at 48 h. No effect of a single exposure to 200 ppm NO on other microorganisms was observed. After 4 exposures to NO, the growth of ATCC E. coli was not detected, the growth of other experimental strains was significantly lower compared to the control (P<0.05).

Conclusion. Our results provide a rationale for the use of multiple intermittent inhalation of 220 ppm NO for the treatment of patients with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia.
Bulb growth parameters of wild geophyte, giant snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii Hook. f.) in different media and nutrient solution recipes
Authors: Zeybekoğlu Emrah
Published: July 2024

Giant snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii Hook. f.) is reported on CITES lists as the most important wild-collected export flower bulb of Turkey. After the destruction caused by extensive collecting for many years, collection and trade have been controlled by the government since the late 1980’s. Export quotas are annually set by a technical committee, following field inspections by scientific teams. Small bulbs (under-sized) are also unintentionally collected from nature together with marketable sized bulbs (> 4 cm). Low success rate at cultivation of field grown snowdrop and loss of these small bulbs reveals the necessity of the studies on soilless culture. This study aimed to select the suitable growing media and mineral nutrition for snowdrop bulb production. Under-sized (unmarketable) bulbs of Galanthus elwesii Hook. f. were cultivated in four different growing media (perlite, coco-peat, soil, or spent mushroom compost + perlite) with four different nutrient solutions. The growing media affected most of the investigated parameters (sprouting time, sprouting ratio, total weight and increase ratio, number of harvested bulbs, and bulb grades). No significant effect of nutrient solutions was determined on the parameters. Spent mushroom compost + perlite appeared to be the most effective growing media.
Facile fabrication of lignin crosslinked hydrogel for cationic dye adsorption and antioxidant
Authors: Kim Min Soo , Heo Ji Won , Xia Qian , Oh Do Hun , Kim Ji Woo , Kim Yong Sik
Published: July 2024

Lignin, renowned for its abundance of hydroxyl groups, was utilized in three dimensions to fabricate a hydrogel matrix. In this study, the optimal conditions for the preparation of a lignin-crosslinked hydrogel and its potential for dye and antioxidant removal were investigated. The hydrogel was synthesized through a cross-linking reaction, with varying amounts of cross-linking agent (poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether) added to adjust for the lignin content. Chemical structure analysis of the lignin-crosslinked hydrogel was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming successful hydrogel formation. Additionally, thermal analysis revealed an increase in the maximum thermal decomposition temperature with increasing cross-linker content. The lignin cross-linked hydrogel demonstrated a significantly higher swelling ability at pH 7 compared to pH 3. The dye adsorption capacity of the lignin-crosslinked hydrogel, which was evaluated using crystal violet (CV), showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 106 mg∙g-1. The CV adsorption behavior followed Freundlich isotherms and pseudo-first-order kinetics. Moreover, the lignin-crosslinked hydrogel exhibited notable antioxidant activity, which was attributed to the phenolic hydroxyl groups of lignin macromolecules. Therefore, lignin-crosslinked hydrogels prepared using cross-linking agents have promising application potential in various fields.
The Effect of Direct and Indirect Taxes on Economic Growth in Developed Countries
Authors: Shaqiri Valentina , Elshani Alban , Ahmeti Skender
Published: July 2024

This paper examines how the economic growth in advanced countries is affected by various types of tax revenue. Ten developed countries were chosen based on the Human Development Index, and data from 1995 to 2020 were examined using the feasible generalized least squares method. A total of 260 observations spanning 26 years were available for analysis. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of direct and indirect taxes on economic growth in selected developed countries. According to our results, the growth of these countries was positively influenced by corporate income taxes and taxation on specific goods and services. However, there are adverse impacts from taxes on personal income, contributions to social security, and a tax on value-added. For a beneficial impact on these nations’ growth, we suggest policymakers concentrate on taxes on corporations and specific services and goods. Furthermore, it is important to consider the adverse impacts of personal taxation and value-added taxation on growth.
Tamarix laxa (Tamaricaceae), a new species in the flora of Ukraine
Authors:   Meotyda National Nature Park, Mariupol District, Donetsk Region, Ukraine, Bronskov O.I. , Bronskova O.M. ,   Meotyda National Nature Park, Mariupol District, Donetsk Region, Ukraine
Published: July 2024

Tamarix laxa, a new species for the flora of Ukraine, is first reported for the Bilosaraiska Spit on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov in the Meotyda National Nature Park, Donetsk Region, Ukraine. Its main range extends from the eastern coast of the Sea of Azov to China. Thus, the new location is the extreme northwestern point of the species' natural distribution range. The presence of representatives of the genus Tamarix at the Bilosaraiska Spit has been known for more than 100 years, but T. laxa probably appeared here only in the early 1990s. In ecological and phytosociological terms, the species is confined mainly to the shores of shallow brackish and periodically drying water bodies (bakai) and occupies the same eco­logical niche as T. gracilis; the latter has long been known in the Bilosaraiska Spit and is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. Represen­tatives of the genus Tamarix are reliably identified only during the flowering period, so the growth of related species together makes it difficult to identify them during other periods. The diagnostic characters used for identification of the species of the genus growing in the Bilosaraiska Spit are discussed. It is suggested that the range of T. laxa has been gradually expanding westward during recent decades.
ANALYSIS OF THE USE ACTIVITY BASED COSTING IN DETERMINING TUITION FEES
Authors: Fasa Azmi
Published: July 2024

Numerous educational institutions in Indonesia suffer financial deficits, negatively impacting educational quality. This study aims to ascertain the Tuition Fees at Nurul Fajri Islamic Boarding School Majalengka utilizing the Activity-Based Costing (ABC) method. It investigates the application of the ABC method in determining Tuition Fees within educational foundation institutions, a novel approach, particularly for pesantren foundations. The research adopts a qualitative methodology with a problem-focused approach. Data collection involved interviews and an analysis of pertinent financial and operational documents. Cost activity data was processed using ABC costing, resulting in tuition fees calculations based on the ABC method. These calculations were then juxtaposed with the Tuition Fees  established by the school administration. The analysis identified a cost discrepancy (undercharging), where the cost per student exceeded the total Tuition Fees income and School Operational Funds (SOF) or Government Subsidy. For junior high school grades 1, 2, and 3, the differences were Rp 68,092, Rp 65,877, and Rp 85,668, respectively. For high school levels 1, 2, and 3, the discrepancies were Rp 6,674, Rp 49,014, and Rp 51,354, respectively. The study recommends that the school increase the monthly tuition fees to adequately cover the actual costs of education.
Integrating Problem-Based and Flipped Learning in Islamic Religious Education: A Pathway to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Nugraha Tubagus Chaeru , Abdel Rahim El-Sawy El-Sawy Ahmed , Lukman Fahmy
Published: July 2024

Islamic religious education at universities has not yet become a foundational aspect of scientific discipline thinking. This study aims to explore the role of Islamic religious education in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A descriptive analysis method was employed, incorporating data collection through selected questionnaires and interviews, content analysis of the gathered data, and presentation of the results in tables with descriptive and explanatory explanations. The findings indicate that Islamic religious education, when implemented through a well-designed Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method, effectively trains students to provide paradigmatic solutions to issues related to population, the planet, and the economy. This approach fosters an academic atmosphere that encourages learning and enthusiasm among students. The PBL design equips students with the skills to apply Islamic concepts and methods as comprehensive solutions to various environmentally friendly challenges concerning population, planet, and economic issues. In conclusion, integrating PBL in Islamic religious education at universities enhances students' ability to address SDGs, promoting sustainable development through the application of Islamic principles.
PENGEMBANGAN E-MODUL STRUKTUR ATOM MENGGUNAKAN KVISOFT FLIPBOOK MAKER UNTUK KELAS X SMA/MA
Authors: Fatma Eltarizky , Susilawati Susilawati , Linda Roza
Published: July 2024

Based on the results of interviews with several chemistry teachers, it was found that technology-based teaching materials still needed to be improved, especially regarding atomic structure material. Therefore, it is necessary to create technology-based learning materials. This study aims to develop an e-module of atomic structure material using Kvisoft Flipbook Maker software and determine the level of validity, practicality, and students' responses. This article was a type of Research and Development (R&D) using the Borg & Gall model. The research subjects were material, media, and educational practitioner experts as validators and students as the subjects of the feasibility tests. Data collection techniques included validity test questionnaires, practicality tests, students' responses to the test, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis used qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. The research results show that the e-module validity level is 88.88% with a valid category for material and 93.16% with a valid category for media. The level of practicality obtained was 89.33% in the practical category. Apart from that, student responses obtained a score of 86.55% in the good category. Thus, the atomic structure e-module developed is valid, practical, and has received a good response.
Una aportación al estudio del léxico textil dieciochesco en inventarios de bienes gaditanos
Authors: Bastardín Teresa
Published: July 2024

Este trabajo pretende ser una aportación a los estudios sobre el léxico del tejido desde una perspectiva histórica. Se analizan para ello algunas voces del ámbito textil registradas en inventarios de bienes gaditanos de finales del XVIII. Se trata de términos o de variantes gráficas poco documentadas o con registros lexicográficos tardíos, que reflejan, en su mayoría, los procesos de creación léxica o la adopción extranjera que determinaron la configuración de este vocabulario en el setecientos. Nuestro interés se centra en su registro documental y en su seguimiento léxico y lexicográfico. La importancia de la investigación reside en el valor comparativo de los datos, que pueden aportar pistas sobre el grado de fijación de los términos, su extensión geográfica y su vitalidad.
Álvarez de Miranda, Pedro. Medir las palabras. Barcelona: Espasa, 2024. 370 pp. (ISBN: 978-84-670-7200-6)
Authors: Casado-Velarde Manuel
Published: July 2024

Book Review
London, John, y Gabriel Sansano, eds. Acting Funny on the Catalan Stage. El teatre còmic en català (1900-2016). Oxford: Peter Lang, 2022. 303 pp. (ISBN: 978-1787073227)
Authors: Soria-Tomás Guadalupe
Published: July 2024

Book Review
Lorente Medina, Antonio, ed. Fernán González de Eslava. Coloquios espirituales y sacramentales. Clásicos Hispanoamericanos. Madrid: UNED, 2023. 853 pp. (ISBN: 978-84-362-7867-5)
Authors: Arellano Ignacio
Published: July 2024

Book Review
Teacher Use of Diverse Literature in Secondary English Language Arts Classrooms
Authors: Nam Rosa
Published: July 2024

This study examines teacher use of diverse literature in secondary classrooms across three districts in a metropolitan city in Texas. The survey data provides insight to teacher barriers to integrating diverse literature such as district mandates and ways teachers have been working to combat these issues.
Fahrenheit 450
Authors: Urquhart Zach , Urquhart Pearson
Published: July 2024

In this article, we use what we are dubbing “Conversation through Poem” to explore the lived experiences of a father and his daughter, a young adult who has read many of the books that are frequently labeled controversial and banned in schools and libraries. We wrote a series of poems to reflect on how and to what degree reading controversial books has had positive or negative effects. With Parsons’ Reproduction Theory (1959) as a framework, our discussion and reflection through poetry suggests that rather than indoctrinating young people, reading “controversial” books leads to an understanding an openness, as well as showing the need for the voice of young adults in the very conversations surrounding banned books.
Indigenous Knowledge, Young Adult Literature, and Teacher Education
Authors: Muñoz Joaquin
Published: July 2024

This paper explores how Indigenous Young Adult Literature (IYAL), offers teacher candidates (TCs) spaces for examining crucial ideas regarding Indigenous knowledge and worldviews. Using IYAL as a pedagogical approach with TCs in education programs is one step toward developing anti-oppressive education practices that work to understand marginalized peoples while also enacting pedagogies “that work against the privileging of certain groups, the normalizing of certain identities, and that make visible these processes” (Kumashiro, 2000, p. 35). By incorporating Indigenous knowledge as story (Rice, 2020), IYAL can be a tool for developing nuanced understandings of Indigenous youth, Indigenous Peoples and communities. Supporting TCs to better attend to the needs of Indigenous youth through IYAL allows for exploring the complexity of youth, identity, and culture of Indigenous Peoples. IYAL can feed the spirits of Indigenous youth in schools, a place that has historically been hostile, violent, and deadly to them. This paper explores how IYAL can further support non-Indigenous teacher candidates to develop better understandings of Indigeneity at large.
Queerly Rural, Rurally Queer
Authors: Thompson Josh , Whitten Clint
Published: July 2024

Recently, the number of books featuring both queer and rural youth experiences has increased (Kedley et al., 2022), including Jamison’s (2021) Hillbilly Queer: A Memoir. The present study examined how this book functions as a memoir about young adult experiences and analyzed the possibilities it offers rural queer students as well as rural and/or queer educators. Through a queer autoethnographic literary analysis, the authors draw upon their experiences as once closeted rural queer youth and former openly queer secondary English language arts educators teaching in rural and rural-serving public schools. This study found important benefits for rural queer adolescents and significant implications for the English language arts classroom.