bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Komape litigation - ensuring effective remedies
Authors: Veriava Faranaaz
Published: February 2024

The three Komape cases were spurred by the death of Michael Komape in 2014, when he drowned in a dilapidated pit toilet at his school in Limpopo. In the first judgment, the High Court recognised that the government had violated a host of rights - including the right to basic education and the rights of the children to have their best interests considered as paramount in any matter concerning them. However, the court refused to grant common law damages. This refusal was successfully appealed in the Supreme Court of Appeal. In the first judgment, the High Court also granted a structural order requiring the government to eradicate all pit toilets in the province. The plaintiffs did not appeal this part of the order. Subsequently, the plaintiffs needed to return to court after the government did not adequately comply with the structural order. The High Court once again ruled that the government was violating the rights of children by not urgently eradicating pit toilets in schools. A more detailed structural order was granted, requiring the government to formulate a new plan on urgent timelines. However, the court refused to extend its supervisory role. This article argues that structural orders have proved to be valuable tools in litigation for the right to basic education in the Komape case in particular. Further, the article argues that the High Court may have not fully understood the role of court-appointed agents in not granting a task team to monitor the government, as requested by the plaintiffs. The granting of a task team would have been appropriate in the case - given the gravity of the sanitation crisis, learners' right to basic education, and children's right to have their best interests be considered paramount in all matters concerning them.
Remedies for child rights violations in African human rights systems
Authors: Sloth-Nielsen Julia
Published: February 2024

This article provides an overview of remedies for child rights violations in the African Human rights system. Principally the focus is on the communications procedure under the Africa Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). However, the process under the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights is referred to, as are possibilities at the level of regional courts. The impact of the decisions on communications handed down to date is discussed, as are the remedies that the Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child has fashioned. Implementation of recommendations is a theme throughout the article.1 Challenges and areas for improvement are reflected upon, and a conclusion of the current state of play is provided.
Transforming a child's claim for loss of earning capacity
Authors: Zitzke Emile
Published: February 2024

This article explores the possible constitutional transformation of a child's delictual claim for loss of earning capacity. As such, it is located at the intersection of the law of delict and child law. The current law on a child's claim for loss of earning capacity is explained first. It is shown that such a claim involves a concurrent violation of the constitutional rights to bodily integrity and property which common-law thinkers call a person's "personal immaterial property". A claim for loss of future earning capacity may be brought by or on behalf of a child in terms of the common law's rules for Aquilian liability. In this regard, it is noted that the assessment of future losses is a controversial legal issue because it necessarily involves speculation about future hypotheticals. While controversial, claims of this nature may be reasonably determined with reference to available evidence. In terms of the law, as it stands, factors that courts consider in quantifying a child's damages for loss of earning capacity include the average probable income, the child's schooling and familial context, wage statistics, and broad judicial discretion. It will be shown that these factors could be applied (and sometimes have been applied) in ways that perpetuate past patterns of exclusion and poverty that are often racially determined - ultimately resulting in some children's claims for loss of earning capacity being pitched below a liveable wage. Relying on the constitutional right to equality and the constitutional best interests of the child standard, it is argued that the common law ought to be developed in this regard to move our law of delict in the direction of distributive justice. In this regard, reference to "liveable wages" and "fairness" (as a consideration in exercising judicial discretion) may be appropriate guidelines used to quantify children's claims for loss of earning capacity in future.
The role and effect of the Constitution in customary law of succession
Authors: Mtsweni Lindiwe , Maimela Charles
Published: February 2024

Customary law is the original law of the inhabitants of South Africa; however, it has always been treated as the stepchild of the legal system. The new constitutional dispensation requires that all laws be measured against the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. This means that any law that is inconsistent with the Constitution is regarded as being invalid. Over the last few years, courts have had several cases, which have required them to test the constitutionality of some customary law principles and develop customary law in a manner that aligns it with the Constitution. However, we have witnessed a reluctance to develop customary law from the courts, instead, the laws which could have been developed were declared invalid. The focus of this paper will be to interrogate the role and effect of the Constitution in the administration and application of customary law of succession. Furthermore, to justify why we hold the view that customary law is a stepchild of the South African legal system post the democratic dispensation, this is attributed to the fact that most cases that involve the customary law of succession still leave many women in dire social and financial situations where the head of the family dies due to the distorted prevailing principle of male primogeniture.
Cem Esen’in “Op. 34 Keman-Piyano İçin Sonatin” Eserinin Keman Tekniği Açısından İncelenmesi ve Düzeyinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: COSKUNER Sonat
Published: February 2024

Kemanın tarihsel gelişimi içerisinde virtüoz besteciler keman tekniğinin gelişimine katkı sağlamışlardır. Keman tekniğini oluşturan temel ve gelişmiş sağ ve sol el tekniklerini yazdıkları keman metotları, etütler ve eserler üzerinde göstermişler ve bu şekilde keman icrasına önemli ölçüde etki etmişlerdir. Yüksek icra tekniklerinin aksine kimi besteciler de eğitim için, yalnızca belirli hedefler doğrultusunda eserler yazmışlardır. O. Rieding, F. Seitz, F. Küchler bu bestecilerden bazılarıdır. Bu ve bu düşünce yapısına sahip olan besteciler detache, leagto, pozisyon değiştirme ve çift ses gibi tekniklerinin yanı sıra yayın eşit şekilde 2, 4 ve 8’e bölünmesini amaçlayan eserler yazmışlardır. I. Khandoshkin gibi kimi besteciler ise aynı hedefler doğrultusunda eserler yazmanın yanı sıra yerel unsurları da kullanarak öğrencilerin bilinen ezgilerle çalgıya başlamalarını sağlamışlardır. Türk keman edebiyatı için bu incelemeyi yaptığımızda orta ve ileri seviye eserlerin var olduğunu, ancak başlangıç seviyesi için yazılan eserlerin yok denecek kadar az olduğunu görülmektedir. Bu eksikliğin yarattığı ihtiyaç sebebiyle Akdeniz Üniversitesi Bilimsel Araştırma Projesi kapsamında araştırmacı tarafından başlangıç seviyesi eserler sipariş edilmiştir. Bu araştırmada keman eğitiminin ilk yıllarında hedeflenen sağ ve sol el davranışları için yazılmış olan Cem Esen’in “Op. 34 Keman-Piyano İçin Sonatin” adlı eserinin teknik açıdan incelenmesi ve seviyesinin tespiti yapılması amaçlanmıştır. Betimsel bir çalışma olan bu araştırmada keman eğitimcilerine açık uçlu sorular sorulmuş ve verilen cevaplar içerik analizi yoluyla çözümlenmeye çalışılmıştır.
Informationstechnische Standardisierung prozessnaher TGA
Authors: Krüttgen Michael , Penndorf Sebastian , Schauß Jörg , Müller Jochen
Published: February 2024

Für die informationstechnische Abbildung der prozessnahen TGA und GA fehlen in der Praxis grundlegende Festlegungen und Standards. Mangelnde Zugänglichkeit und Verfügbarkeit standardisierter Informationen erschweren das Engineering und den Betrieb. In 2024 wird die NE196 mit einem Geräteprofil von Digitalen Zwillingen, bezogen auf die Aspekte Prozessführung, Simulation und Plant Asset Management, auf Basis des  lebenszyklusübergreifenden Informationsmodells der I4.0-Verwaltungsschale veröffentlicht. Der Aufwand für das Datenhandling wird reduziert und regelbasierte Anwendungen werden möglich.
Evaluation of human mononuclear umbilical cord blood cells systemic administration efficiency in the acute period of experimental severe spinal cord injury
Authors: Smirnov V. A. , Ryabov S. I. , Zvyagintseva M. A. , Bazanovich S. A. , Morozova Ya. V. , Radaev S. M. , Talypov A. E. , Grin A. A.
Published: February 2024

Aim. To evaluate the efficiency of systemic (intravenous) application of cryopreserved human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HUCBCs) in animal models of acute contusion spinal cord injury for the restoration of hind limb motor function and formation of posttraumatic cysts using clinically significant examination methods.

Materials and methods. Adult female Sprague–Dowley rats were used for the study. Severe acute contusion spinal cord injury model was performed using standard “weight‑drop” method. All samples of cryopreserved HUCBCs concentrate were prestored prior to infusion for 3 to 4 years at –196 °C. Hind limbs motor function was evaluated using open‑field technique and standard BBB testing system. Magnetic resonance scanning was performed using high‑field magnetic resonance CleanScan 7.0 T tomography (Bruker BioSpin, Germany).

Results. Intravenous infusions of HUCBCs were performed on Day 1 following acute severe spinal cord injury. Motor function assessment demonstrated significant (p <0.05) improvement of hind limbs motor function (up to 40–50 %) comparing to self‑healing outcomes. Moreover, by the Days 4 and 5 after severe spinal cord injury, the volume of posttraumatic cystic cavity decreases significantly (up to 40 %) (p <0.05).

Conclusion. The obtained results demonstrated that cryopreserved HUCBCs can be used as an effective source for cell therapy of acute contusion spinal cord injury.
A Coupled SFM-ASCRIBE Model To Investigate the Influence of Emotions and Collective Behavior in Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Crowds
Authors: Lamrhary Yassine , Jebrane Aissam , Argoul Pierre , Boukamel Adnane , Hamdaoui Abdellah
Published: February 2024

The understanding of crowd behavior dynamics holds immense significance in ensuring public safety across a range of situations, including emergency evacuations and large-scale events. Our research focuses on two primary objectives: investigating the impact of emotions on crowd movement and gaining valuable insights into collective behavior within crowds. To achieve this, we present a coupled model, incorporating an enhanced ASCRIBE model with an agent displacement model. We introduce heterogeneity into our model by incorporating specific mobility laws for different categories of panicked crowds, considering the influence of emotions on both speed and direction. Through numerical simulations, we analyze the model's parameters, observe the behavior of uniform crowds, and explore the collective dynamics within diverse crowds. By conducting comprehensive simulations and analyses, the findings from this study can contribute to the development of more effective crowd management strategies and emergency evacuation protocols.
O problema da galeguización do ensino superior na Galicia da preguerra
Authors: Fernández Fernández Xosé
Published: February 2024

Neste traballo trátase a galeguización do ensino superior no período correspondente ao primeiro terzo do século XX. Un problema polo que loitaron intensamente os galeguistas preocupados por axeitar o ensino, especialmente o universitario, á realidade peculiar do seu país. Baixo unha perspectiva innovadora e renovadora para a época abórdanse posturas en demanda non só do uso do idioma galego, senón tamén da introdución de diversos contidos curriculares, ben como disciplinas novas a considerar nos planos de estudos, ben como temas a tratar dentro das materias cursadas, así como a solicitude de novas titulacións para a Universidade compostelá que evitarían, entre outros males, o desprazamento de estudantes cara a outras provincias foráneas. Estamos, pois, ante un conxunto de actuacións educativas necesarias para o desenvolvemento dunha ciencia e dunha cultura co principal obxectivo de coñecer para poder transformar de forma integral a realidade galega nun contexto social escasamente desenvolvido, disperso en pequenos núcleos de poboación e sangrado pola emigración.
Historia de la Enseñanza de la Historia de la Educación en Brasil: hermenéutica y heurística de una investigación (1930-2000)1*
Authors: Gatti Júnior Décio
Published: February 2024

El estudio presenta reflexiones teórico-metodológicas relativas a los procesos de investigación de la historia de la enseñanza de la Historia de la Educación. En lo que se refiere a la cuestión teórica, se evidencia la fertilidad de categorías investigativas, tales como: presencia, identidad de normas y finalidades, perfil docente y discente, perfil programático y materiales pedagógicos. Respecto a las fuentes, la reflexión abarca desde las más comunes fuentes impresas, tales como libros científicos, manuales pedagógicos, capítulos de libros, artículos científicos, legislaciones sobre la enseñanza, estructuras curriculares, programas docentes, etc.; pasa también por los manuscritos, como actas, diarios de clase, cuadernos de los alumnos, y otros, y termina con las fuentes orales, entre las que se hallan declaraciones de autores de manuales pedagógicos, de ex-profesores, de exalumnos, etc. Se hace referencia también a las fuentes iconográficas.
O espazo histórico-educativo lusobrasileiro (Subsección para Brasil)
Authors: Gonçalves Vidal Diana
Published: February 2024

O espazo histórico-educativo lusobrasileiro (Subsección para Brasil). Novas  e livros publicados
Domínguez García, J. M. (2010), Cátedras de Gramática y Educación en Galicia, Siglos XVI y XVII
Authors: Costa Rico Antón
Published: February 2024

DOMÍNGUEZ GARCÍA, J. M. (2010), Cátedras de Gramática y Educación en Galicia, Siglos XVI y XVII
Ruiz Berrio, J. [Ed.]: El patrimonio histórico-educativo. Su conservación y estudio
Authors: Otero Urtaza Eugenio
Published: February 2024

RUIZ BERRIO, J. [Ed.]: El patrimonio histórico-educativo. Su conservación y estudio
MAINER BAQUÉ, J. (2009), La forja de un campo profesional. Pedagogía...en España (1900-1970) / Inventores de sueños. Diccionario bioprofresional de pedagogos y didáctas de Geografía e Historia hacia 1936
Authors: Costa Rico Antón
Published: February 2024

MAINER BAQUÉ, J. (2009), La forja de un campo profesional. Pedagogía y didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales en España (1900-1970)/ MAINER BAQUÉ, J. (2009), Inventores de sueños. Diccionario bioprofresional de pedagogos y didáctas de Geografía e Historia hacia 1936,
Thermal Product Sensor: A potentially new diagnostic tool in the detection of skin malignancy.
Authors: Chana Kam
Published: February 2024

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Skin cancer is currently a global public health problem that is escalating. In the UK, the incidence of malignant melanoma has increased from 837 per year to 6963 per year in males and 1609 per year to 6952 per year in females between 1981 and 2018. Early diagnosis and treatment, as with any other disease will have a positive outcome in terms of survival and costs of management. Advances in technology have allowed the development of tools that provide rapid and sensitive diagnosis of many diseases. This paper describes the development and use of a thermal based technique which directly measures the thermal properties of skin. The Thermal Product Sensor (TPS), a new biosensor, has been demonstrated in the diagnosis of skin malignancies. The technique is quantitative and is shown to distinguish between normal and malignant skin.
A Tier 2 Support for Online Learners
Authors: Mallory Patrick J.
Published: February 2024

Online education is an increasingly popular format of schooling used around the world (Digital Learning Collaborative, 2019). For students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), challenges with executive functioning skills like self-management can have a significant impact on their ability to successfully participate in online learning. With a growing number of students with disabilities like ASD participating in online education, there is a need to explore support strategies that promote self-management in virtual environments that take into consideration the unique barriers of these students and their families. However, there is very limited research on providing behavioral support for students with ASD in online learning environments.

This study used a mixed-method research design to determine the effectiveness of a technology-aided, modified Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) intervention package to improve the on-task behavior of three high school students with ASD enrolled in full-time online school. Additionally, this study sought to determine if there were changes in the self-efficacy of students and their parents throughout the duration of the study. The intervention package included a technology-aided CICO intervention, initial parent training of the intervention, and ongoing parent coaching.

A multiple baseline across participants design was used to measure the percentage of on-task behavior for each student. Visual analysis was used to determine changes in trend and level across baseline and intervention phases of the intervention. Qualitative data was collected in two ways: students completed a self-efficacy questionnaire at the end of each observation, and parents described changes in their self-efficacy to support their students by participating in multiple semi-structured interviews throughout the study. The interviews were coded to identify common themes. A mixed-methods analysis was used to determine how the qualitative data informed the quantitative data.

Results suggest the implementation of the CICO intervention increased on-task behavior of all three students. However, the intervention did not appear to have any influence on student self-efficacy. The parent interviews centered around four main themes: student learning challenges, parent engagement with the students, parent self-confidence, and support for the parent. Each parent viewed the intervention favorably and felt more capable of supporting their students after using the intervention.

This study highlights areas that must be considered when developing and implementing individualized interventions in an online learning environment. For students to gain the skills necessary to self-manage in these settings, steps need to be made to ensure students and parents are active participants in intervention development and decision-making processes. Limitations of the study are addressed and suggestions for future research are provided.
Analyzing the Effects of Rejuvenators in Balanced Mix Design with High Percentages of Recycled Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Mullins Amanda Jo
Published: February 2024

Interest in sustainable practices have increased in several industries, including civil engineering pavement materials. The incorporation of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) into new pavement mix design is a popular method of application for sustainable practice and is accompanied by numerous economic and environmental benefits. There is significant interest in using large amounts of this RAP material in pavement design to maximize the benefits, but several problems arise when utilizing “high” amounts of this material (more than 25% RAP replacement) due to aged and oxidized binder that negatively impacts the properties. The use of rejuvenators (RAs) and Balanced Mix Design (BMD) are some solutions that are used to minimize negative impact on overall mix properties. RAs are added to high RAP-inclusive mixes to revitalize the RAP binder properties to allow for the best mix characteristics. BMD has quickly gained traction and popularity over the Superpave mix design method, as BMD considers the interaction effects of recycled materials and additives while also balancing performance testing results and designing pavement to a specific area condition. The application of sustainable practices such as high RAP mix design must result in a pavement that fulfills its purpose, and service life, and does not suffer from premature failure in the field for it to be worthwhile. Continuous research in this area of interest is crucial for the future of pavement materials.

This research project aims to provide a methodical approach to high RAP mix design that can be applied to pavement design for future works. It also works to evaluate the performance of two RAs in RAP mixes at 25%, 50%, and 70% RAP replacement. The performance tests assess the rutting and cracking resistance with the goal of balancing these two so both perform adequately well. Additionally, two different RA doses are compared for RA1 (bio-based). A simple cost savings analysis is reviewed for the mix options per ton. Finally, a brief exploration of the chemical analysis comparison for different binder blends provides some insight into the different performance test results. The results of this research indicate a successful process of high RAP mix design and promising savings for the use of RAP in HMA mix design. The bio-based RA (RA1) performed the best overall of the two RAs, and the dose selection contrast of results reinforces that the initial method of RA dose selection is promising.
The Influence of K9 Partners on Law Enforcement Officers
Authors: Schultz Sydney
Published: February 2024

This study aims to examine if and how the personal and professional lives of K9-handling officers and their police department are impacted by having access to and working alongside K9s. It also considers the possible variation in degrees of attachment to one’s dog between K9-handling officers and members of the general public. Through an online survey, questions from the Perceived Stress Scale and the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale were asked to better understand how working alongside dogs can change levels of stress. It was found that K9-handling officers experience significantly lower levels of stress compared to non-K9-handling officers. Further, it was also found that K9-handling officers experience significantly higher levels of attachment and general connection to their K9 partner compared to members of the public with their companion dogs. Overall, this study suggests that dogs can have a major positive impact on their human partners in typically high-stress work environments, and not just in companionship situations. However, since research in this area is highly limited, more work should be done looking at the positive impacts of dogs on people working in high-stress, niche work environments, such as law enforcement and military. Additionally, more work should be done to examine how working dogs are able to help the well-being of their human partner when both on and off work.
Aggressive salivary duct carcinoma with widespread dissemination: a case report
Authors: Saha Anindita , Biswas Sailendranath , Das Asish K. , Ganguly Shreya
Published: February 2024

Salivary duct carcinoma is a rare and aggressive salivary gland malignancy with a poor prognosis. Due to the paucity of literature, very little is known about this neoplasm. We have described such a case in this case report and highlighted the clinical and histopathological features associated with this disease. A sixty-year old male patient reported in the outpatient department of a regional dental college and hospital with a circular firm growth in the mandibular anterior region and mobility of adjacent mandibular teeth. An array of investigations including radiographic, tomographic, ultrasonographic as well as histopathological were performed. It was diagnosed as invasive salivary duct carcinoma with distant metastases in the shoulder joint, ribs as well as pelvic bones. Currently, no National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the specific treatment of salivary duct carcinomas exist. National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend complete surgical excision of tumors for major salivary gland tumors without nodal involvement (N0) with or without neck dissection for high-grade and T3/T4 salivary gland tumors.
Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery with origin in the right coronary artery from a single coronary ostium associated with multivessel coronary artery disease: case report and literature review
Authors: Castro-Lara Jovany , Herrera-Lemus Sara S. , Sánchez-Cassio Sandra , Vera-Fuentes Manuel A. , Vivas-Baizabal Marco G. , Andrade-Torres Erick G.
Published: February 2024

The anomalous origin of the coronary arteries is a group of rare congenital heart conditions in which there has been an increase in its diagnosis thanks to more accessible and less invasive imaging techniques such as coronary angiotomography, which allows visualization of the arteries in its entire path in a short exploration interval, with adequate spatial and temporal resolution. The clinical presentation is variable, up to 80% are asymptomatic and the remaining 20% may present arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, heart failure and sudden death. We present the case of a patient with unstable angina in whom an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (LCA) with origin in the right coronary artery (RCA) from a single coronary ostium associated with multivessel coronary artery disease was diagnosed.
Panamá: generando impacto para mejorar vidas: resultados recientes en proyectos de turismo y proteccion social financiados por el grupo BID
Authors:   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo,   BID Invest,   BID Lab
Published: February 2024

Este documento resume algunas de las intervenciones y resultados del Grupo BID en Panamá, tras respaldar proyectos dirigidos a dos asuntos puntuales: uno, mejorar la eficiencia de las transferencias monetarias para poblaciones vulnerables, lo que se ha conseguido con la creación de un Registro Nacional de Beneficiarios; y dos, promover el turismo y el desarrollo urbano, a través de la conservación y el mejor aprovechamiento del patrimonio natural, cultural e histórico del país. Esto último ha sido posible, entre otras medidas, gracias al mejoramiento de infraestructura en destinos prioritarios y a la rehabilitación de bienes emblemáticos de gran atractivo turístico.
Honduras: generando impacto para mejorar vidas: resultados recientes en proyectos de seguridad ciudadana y equidad de genero financiados por el grupo BID
Authors:   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo,   BID Invest,   BID Lab
Published: February 2024

En los años recientes, Honduras ha dado pasos clave en términos de seguridad ciudadana y de ampliación de oportunidades para las mujeres, tanto en asuntos de participación laboral como en temas de salud sexual y reproductiva, embarazo adolescente y prevención y atención de casos de violencia de género. Este documento resalta algunos datos de contexto en ambos frentes, con acciones respaldadas desde el Grupo BID para la consecución de distintos objetivos. Entre otros resultados, se destaca una significativa reducción en la tasa de homicidios y feminicidios, además de una oferta mejorada de servicios integrales de atención para las mujeres.
Synchronization analysis of time series obtained from anesthetized rats during painful action
Authors:   Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the RAS, Dick Olga
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this work is to determine the possibility of detecting changes in the relationships between such physiological rhythms as the activity of neurons in the reticular formation of the medulla oblongata, fluctuations in the blood pressure and respiration in anesthetized rats before and during the development of a pathological state associated with painful colorectal distension. This stretch mimics the pain localized in the lower abdomen in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and it is accompanied by responses of the brain neurons, fluctuations in the blood pressure and respiration. The analysis of changes in the relationships of these rhythms consisted in identifying phase synchronization between the time series of the variability of neuronal activity intervals and the variability of blood pressure intervals at the respiratory rate before and during pain exposure. Methods. To solve this problem, the synchrosqueezed wavelet transform method was applied, which makes it possible to effectively calculate the instantaneous frequencies and phases of non-stationary signals. As indicators of synchronization, we used the values of the index and the duration of phase synchronization as a time interval during which the value of the synchronization index is close to 1. Results. It has been established that the pain effect provides an adjustment of the frequency of the neuronal activity variability and the occurrence of synchronization between this activity and the blood pressure variability at the respiratory rate or causes an adjustment of the frequency of the blood pressure variability and the occurrence of synchronization between the blood pressure variability and the respiratory rhythm. It was found that the pain effect increases the duration of phase synchronization between the variability of the blood pressure and the respiratory rhythm or reduces the duration of phase synchronization between the variability of neuronal activity and the respiratory rhythm. Conclusion. The effect of painful colorectal distension on changes in the parameters of phase synchronization between physiological rhythms in anesthetized rats was studied in detail.
Avaliação da extração sólido-líquido de levodopa a partir de sementes de mucuna utilizando diferentes solventes
Authors: Sousa Rita de Cássia Superbi de , Quieli Giovani da Silva , Monteiro Thais Pinto Coelho , Costa Angélica Ribeiro da , Benfica Jordana
Published: February 2024

A levodopa é a principal droga utilizada atualmente no tratamento da doença de Parkinson. Esse aminoácido, encontrado na semente de mucuna, é um precursor direto da dopamina, que atua na redução e controle dos sintomas da doença. A levodopa comercializada é produzida de forma sintética, no entanto, devido a relevância do tema, estudos têm sido feitos para encontrar alternativas de extração desse composto a partir de fontes naturais, tornando o processo mais econômico e sustentável com o uso de solventes alternativos. Neste estudo, o objetivo foi caracterizar as sementes de mucuna cinza (Mucuna cinerea) e avaliar o rendimento da extração sólido-líquido de levodopa, utilizando diferentes solventes (ácido benzoico, ácido succínico, cloreto de colina, etanol, PEG 4000  e água). Para avaliar quais solventes e fatores que mais influenciavam no rendimento de extração, um delineamento fatorial (23) foi realizado. Os fatores foram a temperatura, tempo de extração e a razão entre sólido e solvente. A análise da composição mostrou que a mucuna é rica em proteínas com 26,49% e carboidratos com 50,63%, tem 10,16% de minerais, 4,08% de lipídeos e 8,64% de umidade. A quantificação da levodopa foi feita por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, sendo mistura aquosa de água e etanol 50% m/m o solvente mais indicado para a extração, alcançando o rendimento de 14,14%.
SOCIAL NETWORK STRUCTURE AND FIRMS’ INTERNATIONALIZATION: NEW INSIGHTS FROM A WHOLE-NETWORK PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Oliveira Renan , Jindra Björn , Figueira Ariane Roder
Published: February 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the social network structure of the oil and gas (O&G) cluster in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We explore whether internationalized firms concentrate in specific sections of the social network, and scrutinize whether internationalization is associated with a firm’s attributes and its direct and indirect network ties. Method: This research applies social network analysis, which allows us to identify dense sections, popular nodes, and strategic position. We apply partitioning techniques to determine the extent to which a firm’s internationalization is affected by those to whom it is connected. Main results: Our findings show that internationalized firms concentrate in dense sections of the network, which are characterized by high interconnectedness. Furthermore, there is indicative evidence that interaction among firms and their attributes embedded in the social network structure is associated, at least in part, with the diffusion of internationalization. Relevance / Originality: Most studies targeting the network focus on the so-called ego network. This study applies a whole-network perspective to consider popular communities and central nodes and, ultimately, show how social behavior is diffused within the social network structure. Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: Drawing upon the network theory, we emphasize interdisciplinarity to advance international business (IB) scholarship. In particular, we qualify the Uppsala model’s assumption of network/relational capability, that is, the ability to build, sustain, and coordinate relationships by demonstrating the relevance of the social network structure to the internationalization process.
The Concept and Attributes of Territorial Preferential Regimes: Constitutional Law Aspects of Institutionalization and Financial Regulation
Authors:   Teaching Assistant of the Department of Civil and Legal Disciplines of the Higher School of Law of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Onischenko Kirill V.
Published: February 2024

The article reveals the features of territorial preferential regimes in the legal mechanism of the interconnected implementation of the socio-economic and territorial policies of the government. It also substantiates the need for a constitutional understanding of their legal regulation, including the financial one, through achieving not a narrow fiscal, but a general social effect, balancing private and public interests, increasing both the efficiency of implementing publicly significant tasks in the relevant territory and the living standards of the population. Analysis is made of the problems and drawbacks of current regulation in this sphere which have systematical character and indicate the lack of strategical and conceptual goal setting. Based on current methodological approaches, and constitutional legal cases, the article proposes the authorial definition of the concept and features of territorial preferential zones.
History of Adoption of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors:   Expert of the Muslim Branch of the Center for Studies of Religious and Legal Systems of the Law Faculty of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, PhD (Law), Vyltsan Sergey E.
Published: February 2024

The article contains an analysis of the process of adoption of the Iranian constitution after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, as well as the influence of its features on the content of the adopted constitution. The author considers the legal basis and activities of state bodies and officials within the framework of this process. The article concludes that the original draft of the constitution did not stipulate that the head of state should be the most trained and authoritative theologian, thus, it lacked the most important principle for the modern Iranian state of ‘Velayat-e Faqih’. The author gives an analysis of this project, showing that according to it, it was assumed that the form of government of Iran would be a semi-presidential republic. As a religious specificity, it was proposed to establish religious qualifications for individual officials and create a body of theological control over adopted laws. The article also concludes that the Iranian constitution was formed on the basis of the constitution of the 5th republic in France, and as a result, it contains a significant number of elements similar to it at the present time.
Braving the elements: Loss of metals from Mardi Gras beads due to handling and weathering
Authors: Carmichael Thomas , Carmichael Ruth
Published: February 2024

The largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the U.S. are found along the Gulf of Mexico coast. With increasing awareness of and concern for environmental and human health risks due to pollution from Mardi Gras celebrations, there is a need for studies to quantify potential harms. We conducted a 2—part study to determine whether use—related handling and weathering of common Mardi Gras beaded necklaces results in loss of potentially harmful metals to the environment at levels of ecological or human health concern. Our data indicate that weathering and use—related handling can cause metals to be shed from the metallic coating of beads to the environment. The quantity of metals released depended on the color of beads and type or intensity of handling. Even light handling, however, resulted in measurable release of metallic coating and comprising metals. In addition to indicating the need for personal caution, our data suggest metal forms that are most soluble in water may pose the greatest potential environmental and human health risks. Metals contamination from Mardi Gras beads and other accessories is worthy of additional study and consideration in monitoring efforts.
Is the rate of force development scaling factor associated with the rate of agonist muscle activation scaling factor and the level of agonist-antagonist coactivation?
Authors: Saavedra-Barbosa Hebberty M. , Uygur Mehmet , De Freitas Paulo B.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND: Rate of force development scaling factor (RFD-SF) is used to assess neuromuscular quickness across submaximal levels. It has been suggested that such metric would be associated with the magnitude of the agonist muscle activation and with the level of simultaneous antagonist muscle group activation, i.e., agonist-antagonist coactivation.
AIM: To examine the associations between 1) the RFD-SF and the rate of agonist muscle activation scaling factor (RAgMA-SF) and 2) the RFD-SF and the agonist-antagonist coactivation.
METHOD: Eleven healthy and physically active subjects (7 men and 4 women, aged between 18 and 22 years) performed maximal strength tests of the knee extensors and flexors and a test that involved the production of brief submaximal force pulses of the knee extensors. The force exerted was recorded by a load cell and the electromyographic activities of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles were obtained during the tests. In the brief force pulses test, individuals were asked to produce around 120 submaximal force pulses that ranged between 20 to 80% of their maximum force value, while trying to produce each force pulse as fast as possible. The values of RFD-SF, RAgMA-SF of the vastus lateralis muscle, and a coactivation index (ICOA) were computed.
RESULTS: The RFD-SF is strongly associated with the RAgMA-SF (r=0.74; p=0.009) but not with the ICOA (r=0.29; p=0.38).
CONCLUSION: The RFD-SF is directly associated with the rate of agonist muscle activation and is not affected by the degree of coactivation between agonist and antagonist muscles.
Sex differences in delayed onset muscle soreness induced by fatigue and measured by different methods
Authors: Lemos Andressa L. , Santos Milena A. , Carpes Felipe P.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND: Controversial outcomes from different methods for assessment of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in male and female may influence clinical decisions.
AIM: In this study, we determine sex differences in pain perception and pain thresholds in a DOMS condition resultant of a fatigue protocol.
METHOD: 11 male and 15 female healthy adults were submitted to an exercise fatigue protocol to induce DOMS in the quadriceps muscles. Pain perception was determined using a numeric pain rate scale (NRS) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were determined by mechanical pressure in the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) regions. Data were compared between methods and sexes at baseline, immediately after (0h), and 48 h after DOMS induction.
RESULTS: Results showed normalized lower PPT and higher NRS outcomes after fatigue, without sex differences. Absolute values of PPT showed lower values in females comparing both time and sex (VL and RF, baseline p =0.002 and p =0.009; 0h p= 0.002 and p = 0.001; 48h p<0.001 and p<0.001) with a mean difference for females and males on 0h and 48h of from baseline VL 16,52% and 19.7%; -15.64% and -10.89%; RF 12.18% and 20.7%; -9.18% and -1.97%. No correlations were found between the number of repetitions of exercise nor the rate of perceived effort and DOMS outcomes.
CONCLUSION: Men and women show similar DOMS when NRS and normalized PPT outcomes are considered. Absolute PPT values may lead to a confusing analysis of fatigue exercise-induced DOMS if merging both sexes in the sample.
Factoría Merz Mail
Authors: Pianowski Fabiane
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo é um estudo do arquivo do artista, ativista, pesquisador e editor Pere Sousa e está dedicado a descrever e pontuar especificamente a produção editorial do próprio artista, material que compõe parte significativa do seu arquivo pessoal na atualidade. Os arquivos pessoais de artistas apresentam-se como documentos fundamentais para o entendimento da história da arte, de forma que a produção editorial de Sousa contribui ao mesmo tempo com a escrita e o registro a história da mail art e da poesia experimental, no âmbito internacional, mas sobretudo da Espanha. O material estudado são as publicações autoeditadas sob o selo Factoría Merz Mail: publicações seriadas e periódicas, como os zines P.O.BOX, 598 e MM! e outras publicações como zines de edição única, monográficos, livros de artistas e discos. A pesquisa foi baseada em entrevistas realizadas pela autora com Pere Sousa em 2023 e no estudo e manipulação do seu arquivo pessoal mantido em sua residência em Barcelona.
“She was not an outsider artist”
Authors: Reily Lucia , Röske Thomas
Published: February 2024

This interview was conducted with Dr. Thomas Röske, director of the Prinzhorn Collection Museum on May 30th, 2023, focusing on three main issues: introducing the artist Elfriede Lohse-Wächtler and her oeuvre in relation to her history as a visual artist in the nineteen-twenties and thirties; discussing her status as an artist affected by psychiatric experience [psychiatrisch Erfahrung], and reporting on the acquisition process of this significant estate for the museum.
Dinâmica tempo-espacial da linha de costa associada a delta de maré vazante, Cacha Pregos e Ponta dos Garcez, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Nascimento Eduardo Afonso Nunes , Andrade Ana Cláudia da Silva
Published: February 2024

O trabalho investigou o comportamento da linha de costa em duas praias contíguas a um delta de maré vazante, na Bahia, Brasil. A dinâmica tempo-espacial foi avaliada por meio de dados históricos (imagens de satélite) e sazonais (geoindicadores de campo). A análise qualitativa de médio prazo (1984 a 2020) mostrou que a linha de costa recuou ou progradou em função das mudanças na configuração das barras de embocadura e do canal principal de vazante. A análise quantitativa de médio prazo (2003-2019) ressaltou a importância das células de transporte litorâneo na dispersão de sedimentos ao longo da costa. Na análise de curto prazo (sazonal), em anos sob influência de La Niña (2021-2022), não foi verificada uma tendência no comportamento das linhas de costa estuarinas e oceânica de alta variabilidade.  Adicionalmente, foi identificada a presença de um reservatório de sedimentos, de médio e curto prazos, que faz com que os sedimentos recirculem, principalmente nas partes de alta variabilidade. Por fim, a praia estuarina de Cacha Pregos, protegida por estruturas de contenção, apresentou erosão crônica (irreversível). Os demais trechos, em erosão aguda, compreendem áreas sem ocupação, que podem se recuperar naturalmente. O trabalho serve de subsídios ao planejamento ambiental de zonas costeiras.
Geodiversidade e Patrimônio Geomorfológico do Plúton Bravo no semiárido paraibano
Authors: Souza Nádson Ricardo Leite de , Xavier Rafael Albuquerque , Neto Inocencio de Oliveira Borges
Published: February 2024

O Cariri paraibano apresenta expressiva geodiversidade, sendo reconhecida pelo Serviço Geológico do Brasil (CPRM) ao incluir a área na lista de territórios aptos a integrar a lista de Geoparques no Brasil. O Plúton Bravo, corpo rochoso plutônico, é a core area do Cariri paraibano, apresentando um grande número de macro e micro-formas de relevos graníticos, sendo algumas de destaque internacional, como o Lajedo de Pai Mateus. Entretanto, a área ainda carece de estudos mais verticalizados acerca de inventariação e valoração do seu patrimônio geomorfológico. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo teve como objetivo central analisar o patrimônio geomorfológico e a geodiversidade da área do Plúton Bravo. Foram inventariados, caracterizados e valorados seis locais considerados geomorfossítios, utilizando-se, para tal, duas metodologias distintas, que avaliam os valores estético, intrínseco, adicional e de uso e gestão, e posteriormente comparadas entre si. Os resultados obtidos confirmam que o valor patrimonial da geomorfologia do Plúton Bravo possui um grau de relevância de média a alta, e os aspectos menos valorizados coincidem exatamente com as condições de uso e gestão e conservação, justificando a necessidade de aperfeiçoamento das estratégias ativas de geoconservação.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Predictors of Health Insurance Coverage among Patients Seeking Viral Hepatitis B and C Services in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Facility-Based Study
Authors: Adepoju Abiola Victor , Udah Donald C , Alioha Chinonye Ezenwa , Ganiyu Jamiyu , Lawal Sumaiya Muhammad , Haruna James Ambo , Alhassan Ibrahim Adamu
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Background: Viral hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) pose significant public health challenges globally, particularly in Nigeria, where access to healthcare and treatment affordability are major concerns. This study aims to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of health insurance coverage among patients with HBV and HCV in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted at two secondary hospitals in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Par-ticipants included patients diagnosed with HBV, HCV, or both and are > 18 years old. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic and clinical information, health insurance details, and economic impact. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic/clinical variables and health insurance status. Results: Out of 295 participants included in the final analysis, 67.1% had health insur-ance, primarily covering hepatitis screening and vaccination. Being aged 31-45 years (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 5.72, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.4 - 23.28, p = 0.02), having post-secondary education (aOR: 11.73, CI: 4.09 - 33.66, p < 0.001), and being HIV-positive (aOR: 2.86, CI: 1.02 - 8.02, p = 0.046) were significant predictors of health insurance coverage. Being unemployed significantly reduced the likelihood of having health insurance (aOR: 0.04, CI: 0.01 - 0.11, p < 0.001).Conclusions: This study reveals high insurance coverage among patients seeking viral hepatitis services in Nasarawa state, Nigeria and provides critical insights into the sociodemo-graphic predictors of health insurance coverage. It also highlights the need for the expansion health insurance benefit package that covers for viral hepatitis diagnosis and treatment, espe-cially for the younger adults, unemployed and less educated populations. This should be followed with adequate budgeting and policy implementation monitoring efforts, which are crucial for Nigeria's journey towards universal health coverage and elimination of viral hepatitis.