bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Productive Germinal Center Responses Depend on the Nature of Stimuli Received by Anti-Insulin B Cells in Type 1 Diabetes–Prone Mice
Authors: McNitt Dudley H , Joosse Bryan A , Thomas James W , Bonami Rachel H
Published: June 2023

Islet autoantibodies, including those directed at insulin, predict type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mice and humans and signal immune tolerance breach by B lymphocytes. High-affinity insulin autoantibodies and T follicular helper cell involvement implicate germinal centers (GCs) in T1D. The VH125SD BCR transgenic model, in which 1–2% of peripheral B lymphocytes recognize insulin, enables direct study of insulin-binding B cells. Our prior studies showed that anti-insulin B cell receptor transgene site-directed to H chain locus mice fail to generate insulin Ab following T-dependent immunization, but it was unclear whether anti-insulin B cells were blocked for GC initiation, survival, or differentiation into Ab-secreting cells. Here, we show that insulin-binding B cells in T1D-prone anti-insulin B cell receptor transgene site-directed to H chain locus mice can spontaneously adopt a GC phenotype and undergo class switching to the IgG1 isotype, with little if any switching to IgG2b. T-dependent immunizations with insulin SRBC or insulin CFA drove anti-insulin B lymphocytes to adopt a GC phenotype, despite blunted insulin Ab production. Dual immunization against self (insulin) and foreign (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetyl hapten conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin) Ags showed an anti-insulin (but not anti-4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetyl) Ab block that tracked with increased expression of the apoptosis marker, activated caspase 3, in self-reactive GC B cells. Finally, T-independent immunization with insulin conjugated to Brucella abortus ring test Ag released immune tolerance to allow robust expansion of anti-insulin GC B cells and IgG-switched insulin Ab production. Overall, these data pinpoint GC survival and Ab-secreting cell differentiation as immune tolerance blocks that limit T-dependent, but not T-independent, stimulation of anti-insulin B cell responses.
Lexical similarities between Khelobedu dialect and Tshivenḓa and Sepedi languages
Authors: Rakgogo Tebogo J. , Mandende Itani P.
Published: June 2023

This article endeavours to argue from a linguistic point of view for the ‘independence’ of Khelobedu, to be recognised as an additional official language in the Republic of South Africa. The speakers of Khelobedu speak neither Sepedi or Tshivenḓa as some linguists claim. From the wide range of literature on this phenomenon, some Sepedi and Tshivenḓa linguists claim that this language (Khelobedu) is their dialect. This indecisiveness leaves Khelobedu speakers in limbo. As a result, Balobedu learners end up performing poorly academically because they learn the Sepedi language as their second language instead. The purpose of this article is to argue on linguistic grounds against such a classification by the earlier linguists and missionaries as the findings succinctly provide evidence in support of this position. In attempting to dispute this classification, the content analysis method was employed for data gathering purposes. A comparative lexicostatistic approach was used to undergird the study. In terms of data, Khelobedu, Tshivenḓa and Sepedi lexical items were collected and compared to corroborate the claim. Nevertheless, Khelobedu strongly shows its ‘independence’ as do Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana and isiZulu, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and Siswati. Furthermore, Khelobedu and Sepedi differ greatly in terms of their pronunciation. The issue around mutual intelligibility, we argue, should not be put into this equation. The article recommends that Khelobedu be regarded as an official language that Balobedu learners and students could use as a medium of teaching and learning; furthermore, Balobedu’s identity should also not be compromised.Contribution: The significance and contribution of this article to scientific knowledge resides in its contention that the classification of Khelobedu as one of the dialects of the Sepedi or Northern Sotho language lacks linguistic justification. The article further argues that this misclassification was due to the partnership that existed between the missionaries and the colonial government in consultation with their informants who only recognised varieties where the missionaries settled and operated. Therefore, it is postulated that Khelobedu should be considered a fully fledged language since it shows its own linguistic repertoire.
Accuracy of C-reactive protein and a differentiated white cell count in diagnosing tuberculosis
Authors: Ruder Gideon , Carter Richard M.N. , Joubert Gina
Published: June 2023

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is treatable with a high cure rate. In South Africa, 70% of pulmonary TB is microbiologically confirmed. Autopsy studies of HIV-positive people found 45.7% undiagnosed TB cases.Objectives: The primary objective investigated whether CRP and a differentiated white cell count (WCC) and ratios thereof are useful screening tools for TB.Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study included adult patients admitted to two tertiary hospitals in Bloemfontein with TB workups between April 2016 and September 2019. National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) provided laboratory data. Tuberculosis Xpert® MTB/RIF, Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra and TB culture were used as reference standard for TB diagnosis.Results: The study population comprised 1294 patients; 15.1% had TB, 56.0% were male and 63.1% HIV-positive. Patients with TB were younger (p  0.0001; 95% CI: –8;–3 years). In the total population, WCC had the highest area under the curve (0.59). White cell count (p  0.0001), neutrophils (p = 0.0003) and lymphocytes (p = 0.0394) were lower in TB patients, and CRP-WCC ratio (CWR) (p = 0.0009) and CRP-lymphocyte ratio (CLR) (p = 0.0386) higher. In HIV-positive patients, WCC (p = 0.0003), neutrophils (p = 0.002) and lymphocytes (p = 0.0491) were lower in TB patients and CWR (p = 0.0043) higher. No parameter reached the World Health Organization screening targets of 70% specificity with 90% sensitivity.Conclusion: Differentiated WCC and CRP are not useful in screening hospitalised patients for TB in our setting.Contribution: Our study guides future research to augment current screening and diagnostic algorithms for TB, specifically in advanced HIV disease.
Corrigendum: Effects of breathing re-education on endurance, strength of deep neck flexors and pulmonary function in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Anwar Sahreen , Arsalan Syed A. , Zafar Hamayun , Ahmed Ashfaq , Gillani Syed A. , Hanif Asif
Published: June 2023

No abstract available.
BMPRII+ neural precursor cells isolated and characterized from organotypic neurospheres: an in vitro model of human fetal spinal cord development
Authors: Weible Michael W. , Lovelace Michael D. , Mundell Hamish D. , Pang Tsz Wai Rosita , Chan-Ling Tailoi
Published: June 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202402000-00040/inline-graphic1/v/2023-07-19T141749Z/r/image-tiff

Roof plate secretion of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) directs the cellular fate of sensory neurons during spinal cord development, including the formation of the ascending sensory columns, though their biology is not well understood. Type-II BMP receptor (BMPRII), the cognate receptor, is expressed by neural precursor cells during embryogenesis; however, an in vitro method of enriching BMPRII+ human neural precursor cells (hNPCs) from the fetal spinal cord is absent. Immunofluorescence was undertaken on intact second-trimester human fetal spinal cord using antibodies to BMPRII and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Regions of highest BMPRII+ immunofluorescence localized to sensory columns. Parenchymal and meningeal-associated BMPRII+ vascular cells were identified in both intact fetal spinal cord and cortex by co-positivity with vascular lineage markers, CD34/CD39. LIF immunostaining identified a population of somas concentrated in dorsal and ventral horn interneurons, mirroring the expression of LIF receptor/CD118. A combination of LIF supplementation and high-density culture maintained culture growth beyond 10 passages, while synergistically increasing the proportion of neurospheres with a stratified, cytoarchitecture. These neurospheres were characterized by BMPRII+/MAP2ab+/–/βIII-tubulin+/nestin–/vimentin–/GFAP–/NeuN– surface hNPCs surrounding a heterogeneous core of βIII-tubulin+/nestin+/vimentin+/GFAP+/MAP2ab–/NeuN– multipotent precursors. Dissociated cultures from tripotential neurospheres contained neuronal (βIII-tubulin+), astrocytic (GFAP+), and oligodendrocytic (O4+) lineage cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting-sorted BMPRII+ hNPCs were MAP2ab+/–/βIII-tubulin+/GFAP–/O4– in culture. This is the first isolation of BMPRII+ hNPCs identified and characterized in human fetal spinal cords. Our data show that LIF combines synergistically with high-density reaggregate cultures to support the organotypic reorganization of neurospheres, characterized by surface BMPRII+ hNPCs. Our study has provided a new methodology for an in vitro model capable of amplifying human fetal spinal cord cell numbers for > 10 passages. Investigations of the role BMPRII plays in spinal cord development have primarily relied upon mouse and rat models, with interpolations to human development being derived through inference. Because of significant species differences between murine biology and human, including anatomical dissimilarities in central nervous system (CNS) structure, the findings made in murine models cannot be presumed to apply to human spinal cord development. For these reasons, our human in vitro model offers a novel tool to better understand neurodevelopmental pathways, including BMP signaling, as well as spinal cord injury research and testing drug therapies.
Comparative evaluation of “Tell-Tell-Tell,” “Ask-Tell-Ask,” and “Teach back” communication techniques on oral health education among 12–13-year-old children – An educational intervention trial
Authors: Saikiran Kanamarlapudi Venkata , Kamatham Rekhalakshmi , Elicherla Sainath Reddy , Anchala Karthik , Sahiti Putta Sai , Nuvvula Sivakumar
Published: June 2023

Background:

Effective communication with children can improve their understanding and aid in complying with oral hygiene instructions.

Aim:

The aim is to compare the retentiveness of oral hygiene instructions in children educated using three communication techniques.

Methodology:

One hundred and twenty children in the age range of 12–13 years were included in the study. Baseline awareness of oral hygiene maintenance was assessed using a questionnaire. Twenty children were randomly assigned to each group: Tell-Tell-Tell, Ask-Tell-Ask, Teach-back, and information provided. Knowledge was reassessed after a week; data were tabulated and assessed statistically.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data among the groups (P > 0.05). Regardless of the group, there was an improvement in knowledge regarding the frequency and timing of brushing as well as the cause of dental caries after the intervention. However, children in Ask-Tell-Ask and Teach back showed significant improvement over Tell-Tell-Tell (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion:

Communication strategies, such as Ask-Tell-Ask and Teach back, which have a strategy to involve children, have been shown to be superior over Tell-Tell-Tell.
The prevalence and clinical characteristics of Clostridium difficile infection in Saudi patients admitted with inflammatory bowel disease: A case–control study
Authors: AlKhormi Abdulrahman , Altheyabi Abdullah M. , AlGhamdi Saud A. , Alshahrani Osama , Alotay Abdulwahed A. , Deeb Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), causing significant morbidity and mortality. This study examined CDI’s prevalence, predisposing factors, and clinical outcomes in Saudi hospitalized IBD patients.

Methods:

A retrospective case–control study was conducted at a tertiary medical city in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All Saudi adult patients with IBD, admitted over the preceding four years were identified from the hospital’s database. Eligible patients were divided into those with CDI and those without CDI. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predisposing factors for CDI among admitted IBD patients.

Results:

During the study period, 95 patients were admitted with IBD. Crohn’s disease (CD) was the predominant type (71.6%), whereas 28.4% of the patients were with ulcerative colitis (UC). Only 16 (16.8%) patients had positive CDI. CDI-positive patients tend to have hypertension and previous use of steroids. Patients with UC tend to have a higher risk of CDI than those with CD. Most patients recovered from the CDI (81.3%) with a median time to CDI clearance of 14 days. Three patients (18.8%) had recurrent CDI; among them, one died.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of CDI in Saudi IBD patients is similar to that reported elsewhere. UC, steroid treatment, and hypertension are risk factors for CDI in IBD patients. Recurrence of CDI in IBD patients is common and associated with a poor prognosis.
Optimal concentration and efficiency of the photo fenton system for the treatment of a synthetic textile effluent
Authors: Fernández Ana Paula Barrenechea , Brandon Paola Vela , Azañero Armando Jesus Vélez
Published: June 2023

The Photo Fenton process is an alternative process for the treatment of effluents from the textile industry, being a reagent-based chemical on Fe2+ and H2O2 + UV light, whose mechanism consists of oxidizing the pollutants until they are suitable for discharge into bodies of water. This research seeks to determine the optimum concentration of Fe2+ - H2O2 in the treatment of a synthetic textile effluent and, subsequently, to evaluate the efficiency of the system. The synthetic textile effluent was prepared under laboratory conditions, FeSO4 and H2O2 were added at different concentrations, with exposure to UV-A light throughout the process, and it was determined that the optimum concentration of the Photo Fenton reagent was 400 mg L-1 of FeSO4 and 12 ml L-1 of H2O2, a dosage that reduced initial turbidity, color, and COD by 100%, 99% and 83%, respectively, and increased the DO by 11%. Turbidity removal was obtained by carrying out the treatment in an acid medium (pH 3). The presence of Fe2+ promoted the significant removal of COD. The increase in DO was obtained by the presence of H2O2 and UV-A light, and this in turn, had a considerable influence on the removal of effluent color. Regarding the efficiency of the system, it was determined that the Photo Fenton reagent is an excellent alternative for the treatment of textile effluents with high and low organic loads, reducing contaminants derived from industry processes.

Keywords: clean technology, Fe2+-H2O2, organic, oxidation, pollution, water.
الذكاء الروحي وعلاقته بالشغف الاكاديمي لدى طلبة جامعة الخليل
Authors: د. إبراهيم سليمان مصري د. إبراهيم سليمان مصري
Published: June 2023

هدفت هذه الدراسة التعرف الى مستوى الذكاء الروحي والشغف الاكاديمي والتحقق من العلاقة الارتباطية بينهما والكشف عن الفروق في الذكاء الروحي والشغف الاكاديمي وفقا لمتغير الجنس
CAL2OWL: Direct Translation from CAL to OWL for
Authors: Hanan Hassan Al Mutawa Hanan Hassan Al Mutawa
Published: June 2023

Due to the difficulty of authoring the Web Ontology Language (OWL) by ontology engineers and domain experts with little or no engineering experience, the first Controlled Arabic Language (CAL) was proposed to ease ontology authoring by Arab experts. However, the CAL tool is based on Rabbit to OWL Ontology Language (ROO), meaning that CAL ontologies must be translated to Rabbit before being ultimately translated to OWL, which is a slow and inflexible process.
The Role of the Third Mission in Sustainable Development
Authors: Hamid Alalwany and Sahl Waheeb Hamid Alalwany and Sahl Waheeb
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Universities are intended to play an important and major role in sustainable development. To fulfill this role, they must take the lead in the development processes of knowledge economy and society, particularly in two main areas: the first is innovation and entrepreneurship, and the second is the production
The World Economy and Islamic Economics in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Abdelhafid Benamraoui Abdelhafid Benamraoui
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to the world economy that have never been experienced before, including a sharp decline in economic output and substantial increase in the level of unemployment. The aim of this paper is to critically discuss the effects caused by COVID-19 on the world economy and financial markets, the actions taken by the governments and corporations to withstand these effects, and what Islamic economics and finance can offer to improve the resilience of the economy while the pandemic is still ongoing.
Analysis of Gen Z Muslims' Interpersonal Behavior in Halal Food Purchasing in Indonesia
Authors: Anton Bawono, Yudi Saputra and Fauzi Annur Anton Bawono, Yudi Saputra and Fauzi Annur
Published: June 2023

This study provides a new perspective for halal food suppliers to consider consumers' interpersonal influences to increase purchase intensity. The study, as far as the authors are aware of, will be one of the first to examine halal food purchase intention among Gen Z Muslims using the theory of interpersonal behavior, and it could serve as a reference for the authorities to encourage the provision and campaigning for halal-certified food. Previous research indicates that planned behavior has an influence, particularly on the intention to purchase halal food products among Muslim millennials.
Trends and Contributions in Islamic Economics Research
Authors: Mohamed Aslam Haneef Mohamed Aslam Haneef
Published: June 2023

Research strengthens a discipline, and it has an enormous impact, locally and globally. Moreover, it provides solutions to human problems for the wellbeing of all.
مراجعة كتاب: "سُبل حماية الأصول الوقفية (الأمانة العامة للأوقاف بدولة الكويت أنموذجًا)" تأليف : عيسى صوفان القدومي، 2021م
Authors: حزام مهدي بشير
Published: June 2023

تقدم هذه الورقة مراجعة علمية لكتاب "سُبل حماية الأصول الوقفية (الأمانة العامة للأوقاف بدولة الكويت أنموذجًا)"، الصادر عام 2021م، عن دار الأمانة العامة للأوقاف بدولة الكويت، في طبعته الأولى، لمؤلفه: عيسى صوفان القدومي. يهدف الكتاب إلى جمع طرق حماية الأصول الوقفية من الضياع والتفريط التي سُلكت في الماضي والحاضر مع دراسة نماذج من تجربة الأمانة العامة للأوقاف. وقد انتظمت هذه الورقة في عدد من المحاور، تمثل أهمها في: لمحة عن الكتاب والمؤلف، وعرض تفصيلي لموضوعات الكتاب، واستعراض لبعض مزايا الكتاب والانتقادات عليه، بالإضافة إلى محور مسائل للمناقشة، تضمنت عددًا من الملاحظات والمقترحات التي قد يكون من شأنها إثراء بعض القضايا التي تناولها المؤلف، وأخيرًا الخاتمة.
قاعدة اقتصادية لتمييز التمويل بالمُداينات الشرعية التجارية عن التمويل الربوي
Authors: الزرقا محمد أنس
Published: June 2023

يُعد تحريم الربا من أبرز سمات النظام الاقتصادي الإسلامي الذي وفر بدائل حلالًا للتمويل، من أهمها التمويل المندمج بالبيع بثمنٍ مؤجلٍ، حيث يقدم فيها البائع للمشتري تمويلًا تجاريًا، أي تمويلًا فيه ربحٌ للبائع ضمن الثمن المؤجل الذي هو دين على المشتري. ويثور التساؤل من قديمٍ وفي هذا العصر حول الفرق بين مُداينات فيها ربح للمموِل أباحته الشريعة، ومُداينات فيها ربح ربوي محرم. ويجيب هذا البحث بتقديم قاعدة مستمدة من استقراء الأحكام الفقهية التفصيلية، تُميز بدقةٍ الخصائص الاقتصادية للتمويل بالمُداينات الشرعية التجارية عن التمويل الربوي. والبحث موجه في آن واحد للاقتصاديين والفقهاء وسواهم من ذوي العلاقة بالتمويل الإسلامي والمثقفين عمومًا، لذلك يشرح كل ما ورد فيه من مفاهيم فنية. والقاعدة المقترحة هي إعادة صياغة وتطوير لما سبق أن وصل إليه وكتب فيه سامي السويلم منذ عام 1423هــ/ 2002م. والربا محل هذا البحث هو المسمى فقهًا ربا الديون، والآية الكريمة تتعلق به.
المدخل إلى القواعد الاقتصادية من خلال القواعد الفقهية
Authors: تاج الدين سيف الدين إبراهيم
Published: June 2023

يهدف هذا المقال لمناقشة القاعدة الاقتصادية التي بادر باقتراحها أستاذنا الجليل محمد أنس الزرقاء لتمييز المُداينات الشرعية عن التمويل الربوي، ومن ثم المساهمة في ضبط المسار الاقتصادي العام للتمويل الإسلامي الذي يستربح غالبًا من المُداينات الشرعية. وتتركز هذه المناقشة على محورين أساسيين: (1) مدى كفاية قاعدة الزرقاء للهدف الذي وضعت من أجله (2) مدى الحاجة إلى وضع قواعد اقتصادية أخرى قد تحتاجها المسيرة المالية الإسلامية لضبط أدائها شرعًا واقتصادًا، ورفع مستوى الجودة فيها. وعليه، تم تسليط الضوء على بعض الجوانب التي تحتاج لمزيد من التدقيق في قاعدة الزرقاء المقترحة، ثم خلصت المناقشة إلى اقتراح مدخل بديل لتطوير القواعد الاقتصادية من خلال قواعد فقهية معبأة اقتصاديًا، خصوصًا قاعدة "الخراج بالضمان" التي فتحت آفاقًا واسعة من العلم حتى بلغ مداها علماء الكنيسة (المدرسيين) خلال عهد النهضة الأوربية الأولى. ولتقديم هذا المدخل البديل كان لا بد من مناقشة السؤال المبدئي عن طبيعة الإضاءة التي يمكن أن تعطيها القاعدة الاقتصادية وليست متيسرة في المعايير الشرعية المتداولة أو القواعد الفقهية الموروثة، وما يتفرع عن ذلك من أسئلة.
The Impacts of the Pacific Southern Oscillation and the Indian Ocean Dipole on
Authors: Atyaf M. Abdul Muttalib Atyaf M. Abdul Muttalib
Published: June 2023

This study uncover the linear impact of both the Pacific El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) on the mean sea level (MSL) in the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea in recent decades and identify the areas
Чебышевские множества с кусочно-непрерывной метрической проекцией
Authors: Tsar'kov Igor' Germanovich
Published: June 2023

Изучаются свойства чебышевских множеств, составленных из не более чем счетного
числа множеств с непрерывной метрической проекцией. Устанавливается локальная
солнечность на окрестностях, на которых метрическая проекция однозначна и непрерывна,
в равномерно выпуклых пространствах. В качестве примеров приложений полученных
результатов рассматриваются обобщенные дроби и произведения, а также ридж-функции.
Библиография: 15 названий.
Factors Affecting Sustainability of Cocoa Life Project Interventions in Ghana: Views of Beneficiaries in Wassa East District
Authors: Odoom Daniel , Annor-Frempong Festus , Akaba Selorm , Mensah Albert Obeng
Published: June 2023

This study interrogated the factors affecting the sustainability of project interventions implemented in the Wassa East District by World Vision Ghana  (WVG) under the Cocoa Life Project in the country. Based on a mixed method research approach, a total of 406 respondents who were farmers, members  of village savings and loans associations, gari processors, and soap makers were involved in the study using stratified, simple random, and convenience  sampling methods. Structured interviews and focus group discussion guides were the instruments used for data collection. For the quantitative data  analysis, frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation and chi-square were used whereas qualitative data obtained was analyzed thematically.  The study observed that project interventions implemented in the District by WVG were generally sustainable. Factors such as local ownership,  commitment of community members, teamwork, and supportive relationship between WVG team and community members aided the sustainability of  the interventions. Despite the flexibility in the delivery of the project interventions, community members who benefited from the interventions had some  concerns about the Project. Concerns were particularly raised with respect to the level of participation, the nature of communication, and the level of  accountability and transparency which characterized the Project. We recommend that World Vision Ghana, Mondelez International, and Cocoa Life  Division team up with local authorities and community members to come out with clear measures to: increase local participation, improve  communication, and enhance transparency and accountability throughout the delivery of Cocoa Life Project interventions in the country.
Performance and Prospects of the Wa Municipal Assembly in Revenue Generation
Authors: Abdul-Wahab Shamsia , Domanban Paul Bata , Nkegbe Paul Kwame
Published: June 2023

The Wa Municipality has several developmental challenges such as rapid population growth, high rates of illiteracy, poor environmental sanitation, and  poverty. Besidesthe developmental challenges, the Municipality’s average contribution of IGF to its total annual revenue basket is minimal. This has  created room for more dependence on external sources for development funds which often fluctuate and are generally on a decline. The study was  conducted with the aim of evaluating the prospects of the Wa Municipal Assembly in relation to levels of revenue generation. Primary and secondary data  were used for the study. Questionnaires and structured interview schedules were used to collect primary data from 467 respondents within the  Municipality. The study shows that the Assembly’s potentials in relation to revenue generation are tourism promotion, investment in agriculture,  improving on the database, expanding the revenue base, and taking advantage of the presence of NGOs and CBOs. It is concluded that the Wa Municipal  Assembly should properly identify and valuate properties in a timely manner, adopt good resource mobilisation strategies, properly train Revenue Collectors and finally take keen interest in tapping into the prospects identified by the study so as to improve on levels of revenue generation.
Premium exemptions and active health insurance membership among teenage migrant head porters in Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alatinga Kennedy A. , Abiiro Gilbert Abotisem , Kanmiki Edmund Wedam
Published: June 2023

Ghana’s national health insurance scheme (NHIS) aims to provide financial risk protection to vulnerable populations by making provisions for premium  exemptions for all people below 18 years. This study assessed the factors associated with active insurance membership and access to premium  exemptions among teenage migrant head porters in Ghana. Data collected from 257 migrant female head porters (10-17 years old) in Accra and Kumasi  in a cross-sectional survey were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression models. Only 25% of participants had active membership cards  although about 54% had ever registered with the NHIS. Among registered members, only 40% benefited from NHIS premium exemptions as per the insurance policy. Respondents who benefited from premium exemptions were more likely to maintain active membership (OR=3.58, p-value<0.01).  Relatively higher income earners (OR=2.72, p-value<0.05) and those who migrated to Kumasi (OR=5.17, p-value<0.01) were more likely to maintain active  membership. Although benefiting from premium exemptions improves active enrolment, many migrant teenage head porters were unable to benefit  from exemptions. We recommend that the National Health Insurance Authority takes pragmatic steps to identify and enrol all female head porters below  18 years to improve their access to healthcare.
Kayseri İlinde Coğrafi Unsurlara Göre Verilen Yerleşme Adlarının Kültürel Coğrafya Bağlamında İncelenmesi
Authors: KÖKSAL Serkan
Published: June 2023

Yer adları, yapısı itibariyle dilsel bir unsur olup içerisinde bulunduğu topluma ait kültürel değerleri barındırmaktadır. Yer adına anlam katan kültürel değerler ise belli bir tarihi sürecin sonunda ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bu açıdan yer adlarının incelenmesiyle bir milletin dil yapısı, tarihi gelişimi ve kültürel değerlerinin oluşum süreci hakkında da bilgiler elde edilmektedir. Çalışmanın amacı Kayseri ilinde yer adları değiştirilirken coğrafi unsurların ne derece etkili olduğunu, bu coğrafi unsurların kaç farklı yerleşim yerinde ön plana çıktığını ve yerleşmelerin isimlendirilmesinde alandaki coğrafi unsurların ne yönde etkilerde bulunduğunu tespit etmektir. Araştırmada ikincil veriler kapsamında değerlendirilen bilimsel yayınlardan yararlanılmıştır. Ayrıca nitel araştırma yöntemine dayalı olarak sahada yöre insanlarına görüşme tekniği uygulanmıştır. İkincil veriler ve görüşme tekniğine dayalı elde edilen bilgiler, betimsel olarak analiz edilerek coğrafi bir bakış açısıyla incelenmiş ve yorumlanmıştır. Elde edilen bulgulara göre yer adları coğrafi unsurlara göre kendi içinde sınıflandırılmıştır. Buna göre çalışma kapsamında Kayseri ilinde yer adları komisyonu tarafından değiştirilen isimler üzerinde yapılan değerlendirmede alanda kullanılan yeni isimlerin bölgenin coğrafi değerleri göz önüne alınıp yerleşim yeri adı olarak belirlendiği ve benzer coğrafi özellikleri içeren alanlarda hemen hemen birbirine yakın isimlerin kullanıldığı belirlenmiştir.
Filosofia ed esegesi in San Girolamo
Authors: Di Santo Emanuele
Published: June 2023

Lo studio inquadra l’ambivalente rapporto di S. Girolamo con la filosofia antica nel contesto romano di fine IV secolo: come Ambrosiaster, anche Girolamo considera la filosofia un esercizio di dialettica e utilizza l’opposizione fra filosofi e apostoli pescatori per teorizzare uno stile umile nell’esegesi. Tuttavia, non rinunzia all’eredità della cultura classica, proponendo un uso cauto e selettivo della filosofia, attraverso la metafora della “bella prigioniera”. La filosofia è recuperata come anticipazione della vita ascetica, concepita come “vera filosofia”, e dà il suo apporto all’esegesi biblica a livello metodologico e contenutistico sulla base della tripartizione in etica, fisica e logica e di uno studio fondato sulle auctoritates. Il commentatore delle Scritture è per Girolamo il vero philosophus Christi, in quanto la Scrittura è la vera sapienza da ricercare.
Popolo di Dio nella forma del corpo di Cristo: Una proposta ecclesiologica
Authors: Repole Roberto
Published: June 2023

Il presente saggio presenta una proposta ecclesiologica che raccoglie in modo creativo e sintetico l’eredità del Concilio Vaticano II: la Chiesa è il popolo di Dio nella forma attuale del corpo di Cristo, reso tale dalla forza dello Spirito Santo. Da qui viene offerta una lettura di alcuni capitoli di una ecclesiologia sistematica: il fecondo intreccio tra Chiesa locale e Chiesa universale; l’identità dei diversi soggetti ecclesiali (ministri ordinati, laici e religiosi); l’essenza e il dinamismo missionario della Chiesa, sulla base di un dialogo creativo con il filosofo Jean-Luc Marion.
Modeling Contamination Transport (Nitrate) in Central Basin Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq with Support of MODFLOW Software
Authors: Yashooa Noor , Mawlood Dana
Published: June 2023

Groundwater is one of the essential water resources in the Kurdistan Region and Erbil City. The development leads to depletion in the quality and quantity of groundwater. This study aimed to model groundwater flow in the study area within the central basin and simulate the nitrate transport from the Erbil landfill site for 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years using the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) version 10.6.2. The study area covers 579.72 km2; data about the groundwater observation head was obtained from the general direction of groundwater. A sample of wastewater was taken from landfill leachate to check the its properties. Landfill leachate is considered a point source of contamination. The GMS is a powerful software for modeling groundwater flow and contamination transport. The results show a good correlation between the observed and predicted heads, and the R2 of the model equals 0.9917. The plume of nitrate contamination spread horizontally and vertically to about 1.5 km downstream landfill and approximately 1.5km upstream landfill. The nitrate reaches the third layer to a depth of more than 325 m after 50 years.
Engineering and Minerological Characteristics of Sand Dunes of Babylon Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Al-Turaihi Ahmed , Al-Zubaydi Jaffar , Manii Jwad
Published: June 2023

The engineering and mierological of sand dunes has been investigated in this paper. The engineering characteristics study involved studying the dimensions of the dunes, their slope angles, analyzing the curvature of their surfaces and sieve analysis. The mierological characteristics included XRD, XRF, and Thin section for specimens. The investigated area involved three differnts zones lie in the Babylon Governorate in the cnter of Iraq. The zones are called Ramlet Rashid, Ramlet Albu Faris and Birmana area. It has a desert environment, which is characterized by little rainfall, ranging from 50 to 200 mm annually, and high summer temperatures that can exceed 50°C, with northwest winds dominating. The grain size distribution of the sand was found to be 99% in an engineering study of sand dune soils. According to USCS, the sand is of the type (Sp), which is sandy badly graded. The bulk density of sand dune soils for the study area locations ranged from 1.287 to 1.376 g /cm3, The lowest concentration was 1.287 g/cm3 in the Bermana area (third site), while the highest concentration was 1.376 g/cm3 at the Ramlet Rashid site (first site), with an average of 1.3315 g/cm3. The internal friction angle (Ø) for sand dune soils for the research area sites ranged from 33 to 34 in the direct shear test, with the minimum being 33 in Ramlet Rashid and the maximum being 34 in Albu Faris. Having a 33.5 percent rate The convergence of the internal friction angle (Ø) values for sand dunes reflects the deposition environment as well as the geometric characteristics of the sand dunes, Because the soil is SP without cohesion and clays, the cohesion (C) values for all sites are (0). The petrographic investigation of sand rise soils uncovered that quartz is the most light mineral tracked down in all areas, trailed by rock pieces, which include: sedimentary rocks (calcareous rocks, carbonates, chert, evaporites, and earth rock sections), trailed by feldspar (antacid and plagioclase feldspar), and volcanic stone parts, transformative shakes and mud-covered grains. Concerning its weighty minerals parts, for the most part hazy minerals, the chlorite bunch, the mica bunch, the amphibole bunch, the pyroxene bunch, zircon, termolite, garnet, rhyolite, staurolite, kainite, rutile, and different minerals by 1%. X-Ray diffraction test uncovered the presence of quartz, albite and calcite, and X-Ray fluorescence tests showed the presence of silica (SiO2) and lime (CaO).
Application of 2D Electrical Resistivity Method for Detections of Subsurface Karst Hazards Within the State Company for Glass and Refractories in Ar-Ramadi City, Iraq
Authors: Salman Amina , Al-Rahim Ali
Published: June 2023

The electrical resistivity method has been applied to detect the subsurface karst hazards using Dipole-dipole and Wenner – Schlumberger arrays with a-spacing equal to 1m and n-factor 6 at three selected stations within the State Company for Glass and Refractories in Al-Ramadi City, Iraq. The results indicate that the area formed a weakness zone as two separated zones, the first at a depth in the range of 2.5-5 m within the quaternary deposits and the second weakness zone within the Injana Formation deposits at an approximate depth range of 7 – >12 m. The investigation advises conducting physical, chemical, and engineering site investigations to decide the suitable treatment techniques to solve these problems.
The Diagenesis Processes of the Hartha Formation in Majnoon Oil Field, Southern Iraq
Authors: Abed Sawsan , Al-Jaberi Mohanad
Published: June 2023

The Hartha Formation is the shallowest of the major Majnoon oil field reservoirs. It is a 120 m thick carbonate platform deposit with an age of the Upper Campanian - Maastrichtian. It overlies the regional top of the Sa'di Formation unconformity and is in turn overlain by the Shiranish Formation. This research concentrated on diagenetic processes and petrophysical properties in the Hartha Formation in the Majnoon Oilfield, located in southern Iraq. The Hartha Formation was deposited on a carbonate ramp setting. It is subdivided into four main zones (A1, A2, B1, and B2), where A2 is the majority reservoir. Sixity of thin sections were made from several wells (MJ-29, MJ-47, MJ-88, MJ-91, MJ-92, and MJ-93). This formation was influenced by a number of digenetic processes, such as neomorphism, cementation, dolomitization, dissolution, and compaction. Dolomitization, dissolution, and cementation are the three main diagenetic processes in the current study. Detailed petrographic analysis of the dolomitization indicates that the dolomite formed is of two types (pervasive and selective) in the formation. The formation is affected by tectonic subsidence which is main controlling factor that achieved the paleogeography of the study area. This is produced different thicknesses of the formation along the structure, and the facies that formed the formation varied as a result of the variation of the relative sea level.This study aims to determine the extent of the impact of diagenetic processes on the porosity of the formation and thus impacts on the quality of the formation.
Comparative Analysis Of On-Page And Off-Page White Hat Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Techniques On Website Popularity
Authors: Aryani Diah , Shine Pintor Siolemba Patiro  , Setiawan Aji , Tjahjono Budi
Published: June 2023

Currently, the use of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a necessity to achieve better ranking results from Search Engines known as Search Engine Optimization, which is a collection of techniques for positioning a site so that it can be indexed by search engines and get a position in search engine results—result Pages (SERPs). Based on Globalstatistics data, there has been an increase in internet users in Indonesia who search for products through the search engine market, which has reached 97.38%. This study aims to increase the visibility of a website or multi-umah web page in search results to get a higher ranking on the SERPs in the search results. search results using white hat SEO by comparing on-page techniques and off-page techniques through descriptive qualitative methods, then analyzed using Google Search Console and Google Analytics tools to understand keyword performance, behavior, and customer interests on the umahmulti.biz.id website
The Influence Of Transformational Leadership, Knowledge Sharing, And Academic Integrity On Lecturer Innovativeness
Authors: Irma Salamah  , Moeins Anoesyirwan , Yulizain Yulizain
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study, is to test and analyze the factors that influence both partially and simultaneously on the innovativeness of lecturers at 6 First State Polytechnic Colleges in the Ministry of Research and Technology, using a questionnaire that has been tested for validity and reliability against 200 respondents, in a verification way carried out through the method and analysis of structural equation models (Structural Equation Modeling) using Lisrel V.8.80 software. The results of research and hypothesis testing show that transformational leadership, knowledge sharing, and academic integrity affect both partially and simultaneously on the innovativeness of lecturers with a contribution of 73%. Of the three variables, academic integrity has a more dominant influence compared to other variables.
RACISMO, EUGENIA E DESIGUALDADES: uma leitura crítica da obra de Gobineau
Authors: Cordeiro Anderson dos Santos
Published: June 2023

Este trabalho se propõe a fazer uma resenha do livro de Arthur de Gobineau, intelectual francês que escreveu o  Ensaio sobre a desigualdade das raças humanas, originalmente publicado em 1853, mas que só teve sua primeira publicação em português em 2021. Gobineau lança uma série de argumentos que serviram de base para o racismo científico, o darwinismo social e o conceito de ariano a partir da eugenia. Portanto, a leitura crítica desta obra possibilita compreender contemporaneamente como o autor observa a temática racial, e como seus argumentos influenciaram alguns intelectuais brasileiros que discutiram a questão racial nos finais do século XIX e início do XX no Brasil.
DA ESTRUTURA À (RE)PRODUÇÃO BUROCRÁTICA: a produção social da indiferença no processo de remoção dos moradores da comunidade Jardim Edith e Água Espraiada em São Paulo nos anos de 1990
Authors: Ferreira Rodrigo
Published: June 2023

Este artigo objetiva discutir elementos teóricos e hipotéticos até aqui refletidas em uma pesquisa em andamento (dissertação de mestrado), partindo de recursos da teoria crítica, sobre a produção social da indiferença, inserida nos discursos de projetos políticos de expansão ou manutenção do capital. Imbuídos de uma racionalidade, reproduzem e centralizam a preocupação com o crescimento econômico sob a tutela de um bem coletivo, mas face a interesses individuais. Para traçar o contexto e a operacionalização do processo de expulsão dos moradores das comunidades Jardim Edith e Água Espraiada no município de São Paulo, partiremos dos dados etnográficos e das entrevistas coletadas e apresentadas na obra Parceiros da exclusão, de Mariana Fix (2001). Visualizamos que a produção social da indiferença, promovida em três etapas, é alicerçada em um conflito de interesses e operada no discurso dos trabalhadores incumbidos, através de uma moral, a provocar a saída dos moradores das favelas para que a expansão do capital possa ocorrer.
TEORIA CRÍTICA E RELAÇÕES ÉTNICO-RACIAIS: reflexões e possibilidades no campo teórico
Authors: Abreu Roberto E. Alexandre de
Published: June 2023

Este artigo discute a possibilidade de articulação entre a teoria crítica e as relações étnico-raciais, destacando as categorias de reconhecimento e decolonialidade nas contribuições teóricas de Axel Honneth e Amy Allen, respectivamente. Embora a teoria crítica seja uma macro teoria baseada na lógica de indivíduo universal, os recentes avanços na pesquisa social exigem uma transposição desses conceitos para áreas particulares, como a raça e o feminismo. Estudos contemporâneos em teoria crítica têm se orientado para o estudo de áreas particulares que permitem uma compreensão de fenômenos sociais localizados. Nesse sentido, a conexão entre a teoria crítica e as relações étnico-raciais é uma oportunidade para desenvolver uma teoria crítica mais adequada e relevante para o mundo atual. Axel Honneth destaca a importância do reconhecimento social na teoria crítica, enquanto Amy Allen aborda a decolonialidade, que busca desconstruir as relações coloniais de poder ainda presentes em nossas sociedades. Ambas as categorias podem ser úteis para conectar a teoria crítica com as relações étnico-raciais, a fim de compreender as complexidades das relações sociais e poder estabelecidas em nossa sociedade. Este trabalho utiliza uma metodologia bibliográfica para apresentar uma discussão preliminar dessas contribuições teóricas. A conexão entre a teoria crítica e as relações étnico-raciais é importante para refletir fenômenos sociais específicos e atender às novas demandas explicativas para antigos problemas sociais e sociológicos, logo, percebe-se que é necessário atualizar e revisar a teoria crítica para refletir as complexidades das relações sociais e poder em nossa sociedade.
“Inventario de emisiones de fuentes móviles, metodología propuesta”
Authors: Alejandro Rojas Tapia , Rogelio González Oropeza , Eduardo Cedillo Cornejo Edgar , Francisco González Pineda
Published: June 2023

Los inventarios de las emisiones contaminantes en una ciudad o región, son herramientas fundamentales para adoptar una política  bien direccionada para el control de los gases emitidos en los diferentes sectores como el industrial, el de transporte, doméstico,etc. En este contexto, las diversas fuentes que se pueden consultar mencionan a los vehículos como responsables de un porcentaje significativo de emisiones contaminantes y de gases de efecto invernadero. La medología propuesta en este trabajo, para la elaboración de un inventario de las emisiones que arrojan los vehículos, ha sido desarrollada por el grupo de trabajo denominado UNICE (Unidad de Investigación y Control de Emisiones) y es una combinación de pruebas en banco dinamométrico con algunos motores, simulación de vehículos recorriendo un ciclo de manejo representativo de la ciudad donde se requiere el inventario y algoritmos termodinámicos que nos permiten estimar los factores de emisión de los vehículos de la muestra. Se debe calcular una muestra representativa de los vehículos, ya sean ligeros, pesados o motocicletas. Una vez que se tienen los factores de emisión de dichos vehículos, se podrá hacer una extrapolación a todos los vehículos  representados por la muestra estadística.
IMPACTO DE LAS HABILIDADES DIRECTIVAS DEL GERENTE EN LA VENTAJA COMPETITIVA DE LAS MYPES DE TONALÁ, JALISCO
Authors: Gutiérrez Moreno Patricia , Preciado Ortíz Claudia Leticia , Diana Lizette Diana Lizette , Rosales Soto Alejandra
Published: June 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar si las habilidades directivas de los gerentes de las micro y pequeñas empresas (mypes) en el municipio Tonalá, Jalisco, México tienen un impacto en la creación de la ventaja competitiva. Para lo anterior se aplicó una encuesta a los directores de mypes de Tonalá, donde se obtuvieron 411 cuestionarios válidos. La investigación tiene un diseño transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo, es de tipo exploratorio, descriptivo y correlacional. Se utiliza la técnica de Análisis Factorial Exploratorio y la regresión lineal múltiple a través de la especificación de dos modelos. La evidencia empírica confirma que las habilidades directivas de manejo de conflictos, comunicación, motivación y liderazgo impactan positiva y significativamente en la creación de ventaja competitiva.
Psychopolitical Foresensing for Social Transformation (PFST):
Authors: Cimini Salles Fernanda , Homem Maria Lucia
Published: June 2023

Our goal is to develop a theory of change (ToC) that takes into account processes of psychopolitical wellbeing in order to raise the effectiveness of social transformation. Based on awareness-based system change (ABSC) theories, our model proposes the interconnection between individual and collective wellbeing starting with a cascading effect that occurs when high leaders from profit, nonprofit and government organizations are willing to apply their financial, political and social resources to commit to real change in the direction of SDG and ESG goals. The essay is structured as follows: first, we advance existing approaches of theories of change by introducing ASBC. Second, we propose psychopolitical wellbeing as an approach for bringing social and cultural transformation at scale. Finally, we present the initial parameters of our action research with Brazilian leaders.
Awareness-Based Systems Change
Authors: Koenig Oliver , Pomeroy Eva , Seneque Megan , Scharmer Otto
Published: June 2023

This issues Editorial explores the intersection of awareness-based systems change and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our lives. The theme that surfaced most strongly in preparing this issue has been embeddedness, which we position as an integrative principle and onto-epistemological counterpart to AI. The Editorial goes on to highlight two defining characteristics of embeddedness, crucial also for our understanding of awareness-based systems change: its spatial/place-based and relational/relationship-based properties. In so doing we discuss the need for regenerative leadership, rooted in place-based and local solutions to global challenges, to navigate the complex realities of our time and create sustainable futures.