bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Relational Empathy in Virtual Ethnographic Intercultural Teaching
Authors: Zhou Yingli , Calloway-Thomas Carolyn , Li Gaowei , Zhang Xueyao
Published: February 2025

Conceptualizations of empathy have been most fully developed in a variety of fields in recent years. Many approaches to empathy dwell on the cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects, the intra-psychic processes that cause one to feel emotions more like those of another, rather than the interpersonal functions of empathy, which may be influenced by the variables during the communication process. Therefore, this study designed and implemented a virtual ethnographic intercultural project between Chinese and American university students with WeChat as the main social medium. The whole process included three phases: exploring the unique cultural experiences of Chinese and American students, seeking an empathy based on commonality and seeking a relational empathy, a form of harmonization and integration through interactive and continuous intercultural dialogues. During the process, the method of discourse-centered online ethnography (DCOE) was employed, which involved systematic observation and interaction with WeChat users. We used the collective data to analyze how relational empathy was developed through understanding cultural differences, seeking similarities, and creating a third culture by engaging students in a substantial and dynamic natural and interactive setting. The study shows that the most challenging process to nurture relational empathy is to move from Phases One and Two to Phase Three, during which, some strategies to build relational empathy need to be taught and practiced in a specific cultural setting. In conclusion, virtual ethnographic intercultural teaching is an effective approach to offer students a long-term intercultural dialogue and insight into developing shared meaning, or dynamic relational empathy with culturally different others.
Development and assessment of autoverification system for routine coagulation assays in inpatient and outpatient settings of tertiary care hospital: algorithm performance and impact on laboratory efficiency
Authors: Limpornpugdee Orakan , Tanticharoenkarn Surapat , Thepnarin Tapakorn , Yeekaday Manissara , Riyagoon Pitchayaporn , Laiklang Waroonkarn , Limprapassorn Piyapat , Prompetchara Eakachai
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to develop and implement autoverification (AV) system for routine coagulation assays, specifically prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), in tertiary care hospital. The efficiency, accuracy, and impact on turnaround time (TAT) were evaluated.

Methods

AV rules were developed using historical data from 70,865 coagulation test results. The rules included pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical checks. The system underwent validation through data simulations, pilot phase, go-live implementation. Performance metrics included sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, passing rates, error rates, TAT.

Results

The AV system achieved 63.3 % overall passing rate (analyzed from 159,183 data), with outpatient settings showing higher rate (69.2 %) than inpatient settings (56.3 %). Final performance evaluation showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 93.0 , 65.0, 59.7, and 94.4 %, respectively. Manual verification was required for 36 % of cases, mainly due to defective sample volumes (21.5 %). False negatives, primarily from partial clots, occurred in 0.1 % of cases. Integrating CBC clot alerts into AV rules halved the errors. The system increased tests completed within guaranteed TAT of 90 min by 2.4 %, from 89.7 to 92.1 % and reduced median TAT by 5 min. Outpatient TAT improved significantly, with a reduction over 19 min.

Conclusions

The AV system for APTT and PT tests was successfully implemented, reducing manual verification, improving TAT, particularly in outpatient settings. This study highlights AV systems’ potential to enhance laboratory performance for routine coagulation panels, which rely only on APTT and PT assays. Ongoing rule refinement and monitoring remain crucial for enhancing system accuracy and effectiveness.
Spherical characters in families: The unitary Gan–Gross–Prasad case
Authors: Cai Li , Fan Yangyu
Published: February 2025

We consider the variation of spherical characters in families. We formulate conjectures for the rationality and meromorphic property of spherical characters. As an example, we establish these conjectures in the unitary Gan–Gross–Prasad case.
Expanding Legendre polynomials
Authors: Ferraro Rafael
Published: February 2025

The expansion of Legendre polynomials

P
ℓ

⁢

(

cos
⁡
θ

)

{P_{\ell}(\cos\theta)}

in cosines of multiples of θ is
obtained by comparing the

2
ℓ

{2^{\ell}}

-pole solution of Laplace
equation in complex coordinates with its usual form in spherical
coordinates.
Evaluation of mobile mapping point clouds in the context of height difference estimation
Authors: Wagner Markus , Jost Berit , Klingbeil Lasse , Kuhlmann Heiner
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the usage of point cloud data for various mapping and other civil engineering tasks has become increasingly popular. The detailed acquisition of the environment forms a great advantage compared to point-wise methods using e.g. total station measurements. The major drawback is, that the uncertainty analysis of the measured points and accordingly the derived parameters is not straightforward. A variance propagation of the observations would not lead to plausible results, since the stochastic model is unknown in most of the cases. In this work, we present an empirical way to determine uncertainty information of the point cloud data captured by a mobile mapping system (MMS) related to height differences by using mainly the road surface, where the system drives on. Height differences between objects are often considered in the context of monitoring of land subsidence and engineering structures or mapping tasks. For the evaluation, height differences between points are analyzed, which differ in three major aspects from each other: the distances between the height observations, the environmental conditions, and the locations in the measurement volume of the system. Repeated measurements of the road surface and artificial targets are used to evaluate the precision of the height differences. Using reference values enables an analysis of the full uncertainty information. The results from two data sets show, that the environmental conditions severely influence the GNSS quality and consequently the precision of height differences decreases. Due to positive correlations between neighboring points, which are caused by the trajectory information, the height difference uncertainty increases concerning the traveled distance between the points. Because of remaining calibration errors, the location of the objects within the measurement volume of the profile laser scanner also influences the uncertainty of the height values and thereby also of height differences.
How to Design Keywords in Search Engine Advertising: A Multi-group Comparison Based on the Search Volume of the Product Type
Authors: Ampler Nadine , Lehmann-Zschunke Nina , Olbrich Rainer
Published: February 2025

Extant studies addressing keyword design in search engine advertising do not account for the popularity of the product type being promoted. We close this research gap with an empirical study using quantitative data from a German online retailer over three years. We find the search volume of the advertised product type should be considered when designing keywords. To simultaneously increase the click-through rate and save click costs, advertisers should only increase the number of product details and the keyword quality for product types with a high search volume. This research demonstrates how keywords can be designed according to product type in order to utilize the available advertising budget in a targeted manner.
How aerospace clusters respond to the challenge of sustainability: a comparison of the Toulouse and Montreal clusters
Authors: Pishdadian Hassan , Aubertin Alain , Turkina Ekaterina , Cohendet Patrick , Simon Laurent
Published: February 2025

This paper examines how aerospace clusters help shape the innovation dynamics of aerospace manufacturers in the environmental transition to develop sustainable commercial aircraft. It intersects the economic geography, innovation, and sustainability literatures to develop a theoretical framework about the conditions that facilitate such a transition, and uses the case of two major aerospace clusters, Montreal and Toulouse, as a testing ground. Using a mixed-methods approach combining social network analysis and a series of interviews with some of the key actors in each cluster, the main findings of the study highlight a major difference between the two clusters: while in Toulouse the transition towards sustainability is a top-down approach orchestrated by the crucial role of public authorities, in Montreal the transition is a bottom-up one initiated by an active group of actors from aerospace firms and university research centers. The study also suggests some paradoxical outcomes of collaboration and competition between the two aerospace clusters during this process of environmental transition. Our study aims to contribute new insights to the literature on sustainability transitions in clusters and to develop implications for cluster research and policy-making.
Risks of Artificial Intelligence-Based Decision Support and Decision-Making Systems in Executive-Level Decision-Making in Companies - A literature Review
Authors: Kappel Gergely
Published: February 2025

The study examines the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) based decision-making and decision-support systems in the decision-making processes of company executives, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Due to global trends and digital advancements, company management increasingly faces complex decisions, which AI-based decision-making and decision-support systems may well be suited to support. However, this carries several risks, and the study aims to identify the legal, ethical, and business risks associated with the use of such AI systems, with a particular focus on the decisions made by company executives. The analysis is based on a literature review, which will ultimately be compared with survey responses found in the AI Index Reports published annually by Stanford University.
TÜRKİYE’DE PARTİ İÇİ DEMOKRASİNİN ZORLUKLARI
Authors: Angın Cem
Published: February 2025

Demokrasilerin en temel gerekliliklerinden olan siyasi partiler, iktidar ya da en az iktidar ortağı olma hedefi bulunan, belirli bir siyasi program dahilinde ülke genelinde örgütlenen ve yine belirli sayıda üyeye sahip olan yapılardır. Demokratik işleyiş ve kültüre katkı sunan ve onun kurumsallaşmasını sağlayan siyasi partiler bu fonksiyonlarını yerine getirebilmeleri öncelikle parti içi demokrasiyi özümsemiş olmalarına bağlıdır. Parti içi demokrasi siyasi partilerde demokratik anlayış ve yönetim kültürünün oluşması ve kurumsallaşması için son derece önemlidir. Parti içi demokrasi, katılım mekanizmalarının her kademede tüm partililere açık olmasını, açık, adil ve serbest seçimleri, ifade özgürlüğünü, eleştiriyi, hukuk kuralları içerisinde hareket etmeyi ifade etmektedir. Bir siyasi partinin örgütsel yapısı, aday belirleme yöntemleri, delege seçimleri, kongre süreçleri, parti içi katılım, parti liderinin konumu gibi kriterler o partinin demokrasi anlayışı hakkında önemli ipuçları vermektedir.
Çalışma bu kriterler ışığında Türkiye’de siyasi partilerde parti içi demokrasi konusuna odaklanmakta ve karşılaştırmalı olarak çok yönlü analizini ortaya koymaktadır. Çalışmanın iddiası Türkiye’de parti içi demokrasiye yönelik normatif düzenlemeler ve ilkeler olsa da bunları işlevsiz kılan yöntem ve uygulamaların olduğu şeklindedir. Çalışmanın bu savı Türkiye siyasetine yön veren etkin siyasi partilerin tüzükleri, kongre süreçleri, delege seçimleri, aday belirleme yöntemleri ve hegemonik lider anlayışı üzerinden karşılaştırtmalı olarak ortaya koyulacaktır.
Portugal’s Legacies of Colonialism and Decolonization
Authors: Cardina Miguel
Published: February 2025

Despite the decolonization of the African territories during the second half of the 1970s, the colonial legacy continues to resonate in Portugal, shaping “organized forgetting” of colonial violence. Official ways of remembering the past glorify maritime expansion and redefine Portuguese colonialism based on its purportedly convivial character. Even with a growing number of voices advocating for a revision of the dominant narrative, it remains a strongly operative imaginary. Finding ways to dismantle the real effects of that historical legacy requires confronting such benign representations of the colonial past and its consequences.
Ireland Is Post-Catholic, But Religion Still Matters
Authors: Ganiel Gladys
Published: February 2025

While the Irish religious landscape is “post-Catholic,” religion still matters on both sides of the border. Declining religious influence is explained through the lens of the church abuse crisis, while also considering factors like economic growth, increased religious pluralism, societal liberalization, and the end of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The latter remains less secularized than the Republic of Ireland, as confirmed by higher levels of religiosity and closer church–government relations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though relations within Northern Ireland and between the Irish and British governments have been strained since the Brexit referendum, religion is no longer a barrier to Irish unification.
How Spain Became a Global LGBTQ Rights Leader
Authors: Encarnación Omar G.
Published: February 2025

After the persecution of sexual minorities under the Franco dictatorship, Spain became one of the last Western countries to decriminalize homosexuality. Democracy led to declining influence for the Catholic Church in Spanish society, as did revelations about the Church’s collaborations with the dictatorship. But the Church and allied conservatives still mustered strong opposition to a campaign for same-sex marriage rights. Support from a Socialist prime minister helped the marriage equality campaign triumph with the passage of legislation in 2005, as did framing the campaign in moral terms. The measure put Spain in the global vanguard of LGBTQ rights, setting an example for other countries, especially in Latin America.
Differentiation and dysfunction: thyroid hormone, deiodinases and retinal photoreceptors
Authors: Ng Lily , Liu Ye , Cho Young-wook , Liu Hong , Forrest Douglas
Published: February 2025

A growing body of evidence has established that thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine, T3) is a key factor in the differentiation and survival of the light-sensing photoreceptors in the retina. These functions include a critical role in generating the cone photoreceptor diversity that is required for colour vision. Here, we review some of these functions of T3 and the critical mechanisms that regulate the T3 signal in the mammalian retina. The provision of T3, the active form of thyroid hormone, is determined by developmentally rising levels of T3 and its precursor T4 (thyroxine) in the circulation and by intrinsic control within the retina itself by deiodinase enzymes that deplete or amplify the available level of T3. Dynamic profiles of inactivating (DIO3) and activating (DIO2) deiodinases suggest that the T3 signal is progressively calibrated throughout early development, maturation and later functional maintenance of the retina. However, the benefits of T3 come at a cost: photoreceptors are susceptible to impairment and cell death when T3 signaling becomes imbalanced. These findings have implications regarding the influence of T3 in retinal diseases.
Active Surveillance for low-risk Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Web-Survey on Clinician Readiness for Change
Authors: Effraimidis Grigoris , Sazakli Eleni , Karapanou Olga , Saltiki Katerina , Michalaki Marina
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Current guidelines emphasize active surveillance (AS) over immediate surgery for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs). Alternative minimally invasive treatments, such as thermal ablation, are being explored. If thyroidectomy is performed, lobectomy is preferred, and radioactive iodine (RAI) remnant ablation is not routinely recommended for low-risk PTMC patients.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the approach of Greek endocrinologists toward AS and the management of low-risk PTMCs.

Methods

A web-based survey was conducted among members of the Hellenic Endocrine Society (HES). Two clinical scenarios involving a 60-year-old woman with low-risk PTMC were analyzed. Surveyed endocrinologists were asked whether they would recommend AS, thermal ablation, lobectomy, or total thyroidectomy as primary treatment; and if total thyroidectomy was performed in this case, whether they would recommend RAI ablation.

Results

A total of 201 endocrinologists (25% of HES members) participated. As primary treatment for low-risk PTMC, 46.8% recommended total thyroidectomy, 31.3% chose AS, and 20.9% opted for lobectomy and 1.0% selected thermal ablation. If total thyroidectomy was performed, 95% considered RAI ablation unlikely, and only 5% would use RAI. Demographic characteristics, including age, sex, experience, and geographic location, did not significantly influence these choices. The primary reason cited by endocrinologists for non-compliance is skepticism about implementing the guidelines, likely stemming from resource limitations and educational gaps.

Conclusion

One-third of Greek endocrinologists prefer AS for managing low-risk PTMCs. More time and efforts may be needed to further shift their clinical approach. Insights from our web survey aim to reduce overtreatment in low-risk PTMC management.
Using Artificial Intelligence and Graph Theory Algorithms to Regulate Vehicle Traffic
Authors:   Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University, Vinnytsia, Nikolyuk P.K. , Zelinska O.V. ,   Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University, Vinnytsia
Published: February 2025

The fundamental issue of urban traffic is the time of vehicle travel along the chosen route. It is clear that this time should be minimized for each driver. In a large city, there may be more than a million such drivers. The basic element and at the same time the basic problem of traffic control in a metropolis is a single intersection. It is this object where city roads intersect that is both the main cause and source of traffic jams. Therefore, the first priority is to implement intelligent regulation of vehicle traffic through a single intersection. By organizing efficient traffic through such an object, we will achieve high traffic efficiency throughout the city. There is a whole range of approaches to solving the problem of traffic control through in-ter¬sections. An important direction is the use of computer modeling based on artificial intel-ligence (AI) methods. An intersection model and an AI-based algorithm for implementing the passage of cars through such an object are proposed, which allows optimizing traffic. The se-cond important aspect of optimizing the traffic process is proposed, which is based on mode-ling the urban transport network using an oriented nonplanar weighted multigraph. Graph theo-ry algorithms are used to optimize the passage of each vehicle along the selected route.
The Survival of Herdsman Traditions of the Great Plain in the Hungarian National Self-Image
Authors: Bali János
Published: February 2025

In this paper I explore the kind of role that herdsman traditions associated with the Great Plain of Hungary (the puszta), a feature also over-represented in Hungarian ethnographic studies, play in the contemporary national consciousness by analyzing the results of a large sample questionnaire survey. I present my topic in its geographic and historical context, primary as reflected in the processes of symbolization and stereotyping during the 19th and 20th centuries. I have concluded that herdsman traditions and, within that, particularly the puszta and its most prominent representative, the region known as the Hortobágy, played an important part in capturing a sense of “Hungarienness” as far back as the 19th century, in the field of auto-stereotypes, hetero-stereotypes and exo-stereotypes alike. This was the result of such a profound process that even 20th century modernization, which in fact swept away the actual traditional lifestyle of the puszta, failed to shake the role that the peasant tradition of the Great Plain played in the field of national symbolization. Tourism, followed by the Hungarian heritage movement, successfully conserved the related cultural elements and shifted the center of tradition to such new areas as the revival movement and experience-consumption (festivals). At any rate, Hungarian society continues to look on the herdsman traditions of the Great Plain as the most authentic source of their national heritage.
„Ars longa – vita brevis” – szlakiem dzieł Teodora Talowskiego po województwie podkarpackim
Authors: Skulimowska Małgorzata
Published: February 2025

Artykuł przybliża postać oraz dzieła architekta i malarza Teodora Talowskiego. Artysta ten rozpoznawany jest w kręgach architektów oraz znawców architektury i sztuki przede wszystkim jako autor obiektów – głównie kamienic ‒ wzniesionych w Krakowie. Mniej znana jest jego spuścizna zlokalizowana na terenie obecnego województwa podkarpackiego. Talowski poprzez swoje oryginalne i ponadczasowe ujęcie bryły budynków i detali architektonicznych określany jest często „galicyjskim Gaudim”. Porównanie to zasadza się na podobnym projektowaniu (detale roślinne i zwierzęce itp.), ale również na tym, że twórczość Teodora Talowskiego i Antonio Gaudiego przypadła na drugą połowę XIX wieku i dlatego też obaj artyści określani są jako prekursorzy architektury organicznej. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie propozycji tytułowego szlaku kulturowego po województwie podkarpackim wyznaczonego dziełami Teodora Talowskiego.
Wpływ pandemii COVID-19 na cybernetyzację aktywności społeczno-gospodarczej
Authors: Gulewicz Michał
Published: February 2025

Celem artykułu jest zbadanie, czy pandemia COVID-19 wywarła istotny i trwały wpływ na postępującą cybernetyzację takich obszarów ludzkiej aktywności, jak praca, edukacja, handel, a także rekreacja, czy też zmiany te miały jedynie charakter przejściowy, podyktowany sytuacją pandemiczną. W badaniu posłużono się głównie metodą analizy i krytyki piśmiennictwa, co pozwoliło na wyróżnienie obszarów będących przedmiotem analizy, a także metodą statystyczną analizy danych. Zmiany w nastawieniu do telepracy i e-learningu są ewidentne, gdyż kwerenda zapytań w wyszukiwarce Google pokazuje, iż zainteresowanie telepracą i nauką zdalną jest większe niż przed pandemią, pomimo znacznego złagodzenia obostrzeń pandemicznych. Jednocześnie można zaobserwować, że czas poświęcany na rekreację online wydłużył się, a branża e-commerce odnotowała ponadnormatywny wzrost w okresie pandemii.
Anxiety, depression, and quality of life of caregivers of palliative care patients with cancer
Authors:   Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín Colombia, Alvarado García Alejandra María , Vargas-Escobar Lina María , Arias-Rojas Mauricio , Avendaño-Vásquez Carlos Javier , Consuegra-Pareja Cesar Antonio
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Palliative care has recently gained importance in the context of life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, that affect the mental health of patients and their caregivers. Psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, are the most prevalent in this population. Objective: To determine the association between anxiety, depression, and quality of life of caregivers of palliative care patients with cancer. Materials and Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational design was used. A total of 190 primary caregivers recruited from Colombian hospitals and home care programs participated. The Quality of Life in Life-Threatening Illness-Family Carer (QOLLTI-FT) questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used. The analysis was performed with SPSS Statistics 26.0, using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The predominant sex was female, and the level of education was high school. The mean age of the caregivers was 44.15 years, and the mean age of the patients was 64.51 years. The average time as a caregiver was 33.79 ± 64.77 months. The results show correlations between anxiety and caregiver status (p≤0.000), anxiety and ICT use (p≤0.006). There were also correlations between anxiety, quality of life, and caregiver status (p≤0.000) and between depression and total quality of life (p≤0.001). Discussion: Correlations were also found between depression and quality of life and between hours of daily care and the level of dependency of the cancer patient. This entails the need to manage the psychological symptoms as soon as the family member is diagnosed to prevent alterations in their quality of life that could affect their well-being. Conclusion: Caregivers with moderate or severe depression were more likely to report symptoms of sadness, punishment feelings, self-dislike, suicidal thoughts or wishes, indecisiveness, irritability, changes in appetite, concentration difficulty, and tiredness or fatigue. Among caregivers with mild depression, loss of interest in sex, agitation, and past failure were identified. Strategies for psycho-emotional counseling, education, and support for caregivers are needed.
MONITORING OF RESEARCH ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WHITE ROOT CROPS
Authors: Lehnert S. , Zaytseva V. , Dubinina A. , Mardar M. , Kuklina T. , Cherevko O. , Letuta T. , Tatar L.
Published: February 2025

Recently, there has been an increase in demand for white root crops due to their dietary properties. The problem that is being solved in this work is to determine the possibility of overcoming the deficiency of essential substances in nutrition through the use of white root vegetables, namely parsley, celery and parsnips. The methodology adopted for this study is based on the analysis and synthesis of data from literary sources (articles in scientific publications, monographs, etc.). The research results into the chemical composition of white root crops by many scientists of the universe are given. It is shown that they are a source not only of easily digestible carbohydrates, ballast and mineral substances, but also of functional ingredients – phytosterols, phenolic compounds, phytoalexins, phthalides, bioactive aliphatic polyacetylenes. Thanks to this, white root crops have very good medicinal properties – from a positive effect in obesity, neuroses to the treatment of atherosclerosis, prostate adenoma. They have antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant effects. The problem of accumulation of contaminants by white root crops, which have a toxic effect on the human body, is considered. The species, variety, and morphological specificity of the accumulation of contaminants by white root crops, as well as the influence of the area of their cultivation, the type of crop and its variety, as well as the tissue specificity of the accumulation of all chemical elements on this process are shown. Data on the high content of oxalic acid and its salts, nitrates and salts of heavy metals in white root crops are presented. The necessity of conducting scientific research on the search for new, more effective methods of processing raw materials has been proven. The prospect of using white root crops for the production of special purpose products after their detoxification has been proven.
PREDICTING THE SHELF LIFE OF SUNFLOWER MEAL USING KINETIC MODELS
Authors: Matveeva T. , Papchenko V. , Petik P. , Staroselska N. , Khareba V. , Khareba O.
Published: February 2025

The issue of determining the shelf life of sunflower meal using a kinetic approach has been considered. Sunflower meal is a byproduct of sunflower oil production and is actively used in agriculture as a high-calorie component of compound feeds for poultry, pigs, and cattle. The main value of meal lies in its high protein content (up to 44%), fiber, vitamins B and E, potassium, phosphorus, and other important minerals and organic substances. However, it contains up to 2% oil, which over time is prone to oxidation, potentially negatively impacting the product's quality and safety. The study proposes a method for predicting the oxidative stability of sunflower meal during long-term storage using the Arrhenius model, which describes the dependence of the reaction rate on temperature. The peroxide value was used to describe the kinetics of lipid oxidation in the meal. It was found that the oxidation reaction demonstrates clear zero-order kinetics, and the activation energy for the formation of primary oxidation products is 71.875 kJ/mol. A kinetic equation for the oil oxidation reaction in meal was developed, allowing for the calculation of the reaction rate constant at different temperatures. Calculations of the reaction rate constants at temperatures of 293, 298, and 303 K showed that oil oxidation in meal depends on temperature, with a temperature acceleration coefficient of the reaction equal to 2.65. The predicted shelf life of the meal at a temperature of 298 K was 13.1 months. The accuracy of the prediction was confirmed by measuring the peroxide value of the meal stored for 12 months at temperature of 293–303 K and a relative humidity of 35–45%. The proposed method allows, in a short period, to provide recommendations regarding storage periods to ensure high quality and safety of the product, considering different temperature conditions.
Pomodoro Me
Authors: McGuire Mary
Published: February 2025

Poem
Queerstory of Recovery
Authors: Bacibianco Danielle
Published: February 2025

In this article, I use autoethnography to explore how A.A.'s deeply hidden Queer history has and continues to impact the way Queer members learn how to tell their stories of recovery through the qualification narrative device. As Gender Non-Conforming Lesbian, I share my own experiences as a Queer member of A.A., about having learned that the telling of my recovery literacy narrative within the confines of A.A.’s qualification paradigm, within its institutional social system, has hindered my literacy practices and identity-formation as a Queer person who relies on both community and storytelling for survival. Through autoethnography as research praxis, I draw on these experiences to show that while the institutionalization of A.A.’s literacy and literary praxis saved my life, I had to leave my Queer identity at the door in order to participate in A.A.’s redemption story. I articulate critical observations of A.A.’s cis-heteropatriarchal culture, in the arena in which I seek membership, which I have been actively participating in for most of my recovery. While A.A. program tries offer its best version of inclusivity, the program's narrativity still expects Queer members to conform to A.A.’s cishegemony and narrative history. I describe "Queerstory of Recovery", a research methodology embraces Queer literacies, intersectionality, and inclusivity while inviting Queer storytellers to share Queerstories of recovery within and beyond the institution's walls. Through the versions of my A.A. qualification, I show how inclusive storytelling happens when Queer members move beyond A.A.’s hegemonic literacy and literary borders, and engage in public rhetoric through Queerstories of recovery, bringing visibility to the both the Queer and recovery communities, reclaiming intersectionally silenced stories.
Book Review*
Authors: Eodice Michele
Published: February 2025

Book Review*
Microbiological and antimicrobial evaluation of drinking water in floating houses of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: CHAMY Michel Nasser Corrêa Lima , SECOLI Silvia Regina , SOARES Fernando Mauro Pereira , POVEDA Vanessa de Brito
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT Limited access to safe water and basic sanitation contributes to morbidity and mortality caused by waterborne diseases, and reinforces social inequalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of water consumed by residents of floating houses and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates in the low and increasing flow regime in the Amazon River basin. The samples consisted of drinking water from floating domestic units located on the edges of cities in the Amazon region, Amazonas state, Brazil. Sampling occurred during the low (LWL) and raising river-water level (RWL) periods. Water samples were analyzed using the filtering membrane method. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the disk-diffusion method. The source of water for consumption was predominantly tubular/artesian wells (75.0% LWL; 72.7% RWL); the main storage form was in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles or buckets (90.9%) and the majority of the residents (63.6%) did not treat the water before consumption. Most water samples were contaminated with Escherichia coli during both the LWL (86.3%) and RWL periods (82.5%). Enterococcus spp., Vibrio spp. and Salmonella spp. were identified in association with water contamination by E. coli. Salmonella spp. exhibited the highest resistance rate among the bacteria subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, especially during the LWL period; 100% showed resistance to ampicillin and cefazolin, 68% were resistant to tobramycin and 64% to gentamicin. Therefore, raising public awareness about the consumption of safe water, through dissemination of proper water storage and disinfection procedures could help minimize contamination and reduce waterborne diseases.
Microsternarchus javieri, a new species of weakly electric fish (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae, Microsternarchini) from the Negro River basin, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: ESCAMILLA PINILLA Carolina , COX FERNANDES Cristina , ALVES-GOMES José Antônio
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT Here we describe a new hypopomid species, Microsternarchus javieri n. sp., encountered in flooded savanna streams of the Branco River and in terra-firme streams in the mid- and lower portions of the Negro River basin. We compared this new species with M. bilineatus from the San Bartolo River, Venezuela, and M. brevis from the upper portion of the Negro River. We also compared this new species with two recently described species in the genus Microsternarchus, M. longicaudatus and M. schonmanni. We examined morphometrics, anatomical characters, DNA barcode distances for the COI (cytochrome C oxidase subunit I) gene, and electric organ discharge (EOD) parameters. We diagnosed M. javieri n.sp. based on variation in maximum body depth, eye diameter, caudal vertebral counts, number of anal fin rays, and the shape of the maxillae. The average intra-specific genetic distance (K2P) in M. javieri n.sp. was 0.83%, whereas the average inter-specific genetic distance to M. brevis was 12.45%, and to other hypopomids ranged from 17.21 to 21.54%. When comparing EOD waveforms of the new species with M. brevis, we found differences in repetition rate, the ratio between the first and second phase areas, and the polarity balance. The description of M. javieri n. sp. increases to five the number of species in the genus.
MODELO DE ECUACIONES ESTRUCTURALES PARA LA EVALUACIÓN DE COMPETENCIAS TRANSVERSALES EN TECNÓLOGOS DEL SENA EN BOGOTÁ
Authors: Lozano Bolívar José Giovanni
Published: February 2025

El presente estudio evalúa las competencias transversales en los programas de formación profesional del Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA) en Bogotá, esenciales para el desarrollo de las industrias creativas y culturales. Se aplicó el Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales (SEM) para identificar factores determinantes, como el diseño curricular, la calidad docente y los recursos educativos, que influyen en el desarrollo de competencias en los aprendices. Se adoptó un enfoque descriptivo transversal, utilizando un cuestionario estructurado dirigido a 220 aprendices seleccionados mediante muestreo probabilístico estratificado. El instrumento evaluó competencias sistémicas, instrumentales e interpersonales, abarcando dimensiones como liderazgo, trabajo en equipo y resolución de problemas. A través del Análisis de Componentes Principales (ACP) y el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC), se identificaron cuatro dimensiones clave: motivación y desempeño, gestión y organización, trabajo en equipo y liderazgo. Los resultados indican que un currículo dinámico, adaptado a las exigencias del mercado laboral, es fundamental para mejorar la calidad educativa. Concluye que es necesario integrar estas competencias en los programas formativos, promoviendo actividades prácticas y el uso de tecnologías educativas. Asimismo, se resalta la importancia de la capacitación continua del personal docente para garantizar que los instructores implementen estrategias pedagógicas que fomenten el desarrollo de competencias transversales. Fortalecer estas competencias mejora la calidad educativa del SENA, e incrementa la empleabilidad de los egresados, preparándolos para un mercado laboral competitivo y en constante evolución.
The choice of radiotherapy dose fractionation regimen for grade 4 gliomas depending on the status of MGMT
Authors: Chuguev A.S. , Gerasimov V.A. , Belikova A.A. , Kaprin A.D. , Datsenko P.V.
Published: February 2025

Objective. To investigate the effect of two fractionation regimes on subsequent survival in patients with grade 4 gliomas, depending on the status of MGMT. Material and methods. MGMT status was evaluated in 134 patients: IDH1 mutation was found in 18 patients (13.4%; G4 astrocytoma), while the rest were diagnosed as G4 glioblastoma (GBM) without IDH1 mutation (86.6%). A total of 66 patients were treated with the prescribed dose of 2 Gy, and 68 patients were treated with 3 Gy. Results. Fatal outcome was recorded in 105 (78.4%) patients. Median overall survival in patients with MGMT promoter methylation was 32.5 months (95% Cl: 23.9—41.1), in the absence of methylation — 18.8 months (95% Cl: 16.9—20.7; p=0.007). In gliomas of grade 4 malignancy with MGMT (+), the median overall survival was 59.24 months (95% Cl: 34.6—83.9) with 3 Gy fractionation regimen and 23.75 months (95% Cl: 13.2—34.3; p=0.006) with 2 Gy regimen. For GBM, the reliability between fractionation regimens was maintained (p=0.037). In the absence of MGMT(-) promoter methylation, no differences were noted between the two radiotherapy programs; median overall survival was 20.01 (95% Cl: 17.4—22.6) and 17.22 (95% Cl: 13.2—21.2) months, respectively, for the 3/2 Gy regimens (p=0.731). Conclusion. When the MGMT promoter is methylated, fractionation with a prescribed dose of 3 Gy has a significant advantage over the standard radiation therapy program for both grade 4 gliomas and GBM. In patients without MGMT promoter methylation, more stringent approaches with increasing single dose do not improve treatment outcomes.
The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the combined treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer and the prerequisites for a personalized approach to it
Authors: Podolko D.V. , Rodionov E.O. , Miller S.V. , Markovich V.A. , Popova N.O. , Tsyganov M.M. , Litvyakov N.V. , Polishchuk T.V. , Cheremisina O.V. , Pankova O.V. , Loos D.M. , Dobner S.Yu.
Published: February 2025

Lung cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world each year. Despite radical surgical treatment, 5-year survival rate at stages I-II remains unsatisfactory. Objective. To assess whether an overall personalized approach to chemotherapy selection in the preoperative regimen has an impact on overall and relapse-free survival outcomes. Material and Methods. The results of the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) both in Russia and around the world were studied and analyzed. The experience of prescribing personalized NACT is shown in a study conducted in the conditions of the Oncology Research Institute of Tomsk National Research Medical Center, where patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) of the study group (n=32) underwent combined treatment in the amount of personalized NACT followed by radical surgery and, if necessary, with the additional use of adjuvant chemotherapy. In the control group (n=31), NACT was performed as part of the combined treatment using empirical regimens. Results. The relevance of neoadjuvant drug therapy in the combined treatment of operable NSCLC is reflected and promising directions of treatment using modern antitumor drugs and personalized approaches to it based on the assessment of the level of expression of monoresistance genes are shown. In the main group of patients with advanced NSCLC, the overall 2-year survival rate was 71.9%, which is higher than in the control group (54.8%) and in studies presented in the world literature. Conclusion. The developed method of treating advanced NSCLC using a personalized approach to NACT based on the assessment of monoresistance genes allows improving the long-term results of combined treatment by increasing overall survival and progression-free survival due to greater sensitivity of the tumor to specific chemotherapy drugs.
Portal homograft in pancreatic head cancer surgery: first experience
Authors: Komarov R.N. , Novikov S.S. , Osminin S.V. , Shchekoturov I.O. , Zavaruev A.V. , Shao M.
Published: February 2025

A clinical case of extended combined pancreatectomy with vein reconstruction using a portal homograft in a 54-year-old patient with locally advanced ductal adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas is presented. Following the patient’s surgery, no data were obtained to confirm vascular thrombosis, circulatory disturbances in the portal and superior mesenteric veins, or impaired blood supply to the liver. Mesenteric-portal venous reconstruction with a portal homograft did not result in any vascular reconstruction-related complications and allowed a R0 resection to be achieved. On the example of the given clinical case we demonstrated the possibility of performing extended combined resection in locally advanced pancreatic cancer with involvement of portal and superior mesenteric veins. The use of a portal vein homograft may be a promising alternative to current angioplasty methods (autoprostheses, synthetic prostheses, xenografts).
Community Service Occupational Therapists: thriving or just surviving?
Authors: Van Stormbroek Kirsty , Buchanan Helen
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Community Service was introduced to improve access to health care for all South Africans, yet little is known about the experiences of Community Service occupational therapists. This article describes the characteristics and general experiences of Community Service occupational therapists.Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was undertaken. Data were collected with an online questionnaire to all occupational therapists completing Community Service in 2013 (n=240). Data were analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics, version 21.0, and responses to open ended questions were post-coded.Results: A 44.3% (n=104) response rate was achieved. Almost half the participants (44.7%) were located rurally with 51.5% working at primary level at least some of the time. Referrals were frequently received for wheelchair related services (61.2%), interventions related to child development (49.5%), disability grant assessments (36.9%) and treatment of adults with neurological conditions (39.8%). While some therapists felt challenged (54.2%) and frustrated (58.3%), many (75.0%) reported satisfaction from interacting with clients. Although the majority perceived the profession to be poorly recognised (63.5%), most were proud to be occupational therapists (66.7%).Conclusion: Community Service occupational therapists are playing an important role in improving access to services but Community Service needs to be situated within a broader plan to extend and strengthen services in-line with government policy.
Keywords: Community service, occupational therapy, novice occupational therapist, professional identity
Family caregivers' perceptions and experiences regarding caring for older adults with chronic diseases
Authors: Mthembu Thuli Godfrey , Brown Zubair , Cupido Alicia , Razack Gulzari , Wassung Danielle Lauren
Published: February 2025

Family caregivers of older adults with chronic diseases are faced with challenges and health risks regarding their occupational role whichinfluences their health, well-being and quality of life. However, there is limited research about family caregivers regarding their caregivingoccupation. This study, thus aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of family caregivers regarding caring for older adults withchronic diseases in the Western Cape, South Africa. A qualitative exploratory-descriptive research design within an interpretive approachwas used for the study. Family caregivers aged 21 - 79 years were purposively recruited for the study. Semi-structured interviews wereconducted with six participants to gain understanding about caregiving and analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged:"God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers", "Keeping ones head above water", and "It's not what it seems". These findingshighlighted the importance of occupational balance among family caregivers as they experienced difficulties while caring for older adultswith chronic diseases. Therefore, this study contributes to the knowledge for occupational therapists who provide interventions to olderadults and family to consider their health needs. Thus, occupational therapists may need to develop programmes that focus on familycaregivers' strategies to enhance their occupational balance.Keywords: family caregivers, perceptions, experiences, caring, older adults, chronic diseases
Using 3D numerical simulations to model active in-mine seismic surveys at South Deep Gold Mine, South Africa
Authors: Plaatjie S. , Manzi M.S.D. , Linzer L. , Sihoyiya M.
Published: February 2025

Fiber-Optic Sensing and UAV-Platform Techniques for Innovative Mineral Exploration (FUTURE) is a joint European Union and South African consortium project funded under ERA-NET Cofund ERA-MIN3. The project aims to develop cost-effective and novel seismic methods to image geological structures ahead of the mine face, ultimately leading to improved decision-making and safer mining practices. In this study we present results from numerical simulations conducted at South Deep Gold Mine for active in-mine seismic surveys. The study uses a finite differencing code known as WAVE3D, which models models the propagation of a seismic wave generated by stress pertubations that are applied to a defined grid. The numerical simulation model included two major ore bodies (Black Reef and Ventersdorp Contact Reef) and mine tunnels. The model was constrained using laboratory physical property measurements from underground borehole samples such as seismic velocities (e.g., compressional and shear waves) and bulk densities. Two case studies were created, one modelled the active shots and receivers on surface, and the other modelled the shots at depth (in a mine tunnel at ~4000 m depth) with receivers on surface. In both cases, the objective was to investigate the wavefield propagation through the rockmass between the mine tunnel and surface. The simulated wavefield produced by the source located along the mine tunnel was successfully recorded on surface. The surface-recorded wavefield exhibits clear one-way P-wave arrival times at approximately 450 ms to 500 ms, which can be used to calculate the surface-tunnel P-wave refraction tomogram. The numerical simulation results from the study were used to optimise the acquisition parameters of the in-mine seismic surveys conducted under the FUTURE project.