bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol for COVID-19 breakthrough infections and vaccine-induced immune response among a cohort of healthcare workers, Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Md. Zakiul , Basher Ahamed Khairul , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Bhuiyan Taufiqur Rahman , Chowdhury Fahmida , Hossain Md. Kamal , Rahman Aninda , Islam Md. Nazmul , M. Duca Lindsey , Kaydos-Daniels Susan Cornelia , A. Dahl Benjamin , Qadri Firdausi , Ortiz Nancy
Published: December 2024

Background

To optimize vaccination strategies, it is useful to detect breakthrough infections and assess vaccine effectiveness in programmatic use. Monitoring emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine effectiveness against them is also essential to determine the most effective vaccine options. This study aims to monitor SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, and host immune response during the peri-infection period of COVID-19. The study will also assess the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, and associated barriers or motivations among healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods

Leveraging an existing HCW cohort in Bangladesh, HCWs will be enrolled from purposively selected health facilities from four different administrative divisions across Bangladesh. We captured cohort data on HCW’s demographic information, clinical information, COVID-19 illness, and exposure, and vaccination histories for COVID-19. However, no biological specimens were collected for testing during the first phase of the cohort. In the current study, we plan to follow enrolled HCWs biweekly for suspected COVID-19 illness and capture relevant data including illness outcomes. Respiratory swab samples from symptomatic and a subset of asymptomatic HCWs will be tested for SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR and positive samples will undergo Sanger sequencing to identify the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). We will also perform Whole Genome Sequencing on a subset of SARS-CoV-2 positive samples with low CT values (Ct ≤ 30) to identify emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. To examine the antibody response, we will collect blood samples from the participants at 12-week intervals for one year. We will use the EUROIMMUN kit and will also perform in-house ELISA to assess host immune factors with Luminex platform.

Discussion

This proposed study will generate useful data on COVID-19 breakthrough infection and the durability of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs following vaccination. The findings on booster vaccination intention and uptake will inform government COVID-19 vaccination strategies. Information on circulating and emerging strains of SARS-CoV-2 and vaccine performance against those strains will help understand population-level risks of COVID-19 infection. The study will generate data on facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 booster uptake among HCWs which can inform health communication messaging to improve booster acceptance in this population.
Impact of varying accelerometer epoch length on physical activity patterns in adults: Considerations for public health
Authors: Haddadj Rayane , Verdot Charlotte , Salanave Benoît , Deschamps Valérie , Vanhelst Jérémy
Published: December 2024

Background

To process wearables sensors data, end-users face a wide variety of choices influencing physical activity (PA) patterns estimation. This study investigated the impact of varying epoch length on PA patterns in adults and World Health Organization (WHO) PA guidelines prevalence, assessed by accelerometer.

Methods

The study included 181 adults (18–74 years) from the Esteban Study (2014–2016). Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Data were processed with ActiLife® software using epoch lengths from 1 to 60 seconds to assess PA patterns. Difference of PA patterns between epoch length was assessed using repeated measures ANOVA. Difference in meeting WHO PA guidelines was assesses using Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Significant changes were observed in sedentary behaviour and PA intensities with epoch length variation (p<0.001). Longer epochs led to reduced moderate and vigorous PA, increased light PA, and less sedentary time, affecting adherence to WHO PA guidelines.

Conclusion

Result underline the importance of careful epoch length selection when processing accelerometer data to accurately assess sedentary behaviour and PA in adults. Shorter epochs seem preferable to capture short and spontaneous PA bouts and preventing underestimation of MVPA along with prolonged PA bouts. Further investigation including a PA reference measure is needed to confirm these findings and their implications for adult health.
Evaluating antibacterial and antioxidant properties of sericin recovered from cocoons of Bombyx mori, Gonometa postica and Samia ricini in Kenya
Authors: Kanyora Mwangi G. , Kegode Timothy M. , Kurgat Justus , Kibogo Harrison , Asudi George , Tanga Chrysantus M. , Ayalew Workneh , Sevgan Subramanian , Ndungu Nelly
Published: December 2024

Microbial infections and excessive reactive oxygen species are the primary contributors to delays in wound healing with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as the common wound infection causing bacteria. In fact, wound management has become more challenging since most of these microbes have developed resistance against commonly used conventional antibiotics thus making it necessary to develop natural products with both antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Increasing attention has been paid to silk sericin in the last decade, with limited research focus in Africa. Therefore, this work focus on evaluating antibacterial and antioxidant capacity of sericin recovered from cocoons of domesticated (Bombyx mori, Samia ricini) and wild (Gonometa postica) silkworms in Kenya. Sericin recovery was achieved using high temperature-high pressure method. Results revealed significance interspecies variation in all the parameters. Total flavonoid content ranged between 270±60.1 and 603.3±44.1 mg GAE/100g with S. ricini demonstrating the highest whereas G. postica exhibited the least content. Moreover, S. ricini showed the highest total phenolic content at 780.0±67.6 mg QE/100g while G. postica had the least phenolic content at 330.6±14.6 mg QE/100g. Samia ricini revealed the highest radical scavenging capacity at 40.47 ± 3.76% whereas B. mori sericin extract showed the least radical scavenging ability at 24.6± 2.96%. Furthermore, S. ricini silk sericin extract demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia which translated to 70.79 ± 11.28%, 93.86 ± 1.92%, 94.77 ± 7.07% when compared to streptomycin, chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline respectively. Bombyx mori and Gonometa postica showed the highest inhibitory activity against S. pyogene and E. coli respectively. These findings uncovered sufficient antibacterial efficacy of all three silk sericin extracts against both Gram-positive and negative bacteria, however, in depth research is still required to guarantee the aforementioned bioactivities to boost the therapeutic potential of silk sericin-based biomaterials.
Experimental study on the bearing capacity and effective anchorage lengths of inclined steel grouting pipes in loess embankment slope
Authors: Fan Jiawei , Zhang Yufang , Yuan Kun , Zhou Wenjiao
Published: December 2024

Splitting grouting is widely used to reinforce unfavorable soil stratum. Inclined steel grouting pipe is a type of structure which can achieve splitting grouting in soil stratum. It has been successfully utilized in argillaceous sandstone stratum, but its application in loess stratum has rarely been studied directly. This research aims to compare and analyze the bearing capacity and effective anchorage lengths of inclined steel grouting pipes with anchorage lengths of 6 m, 9 m, and 12 m. Firstly, bearing capacity of inclined steel grouting pipe was compared with that of ordinary grouting pipe. Secondly, bearing capacity of inclined steel grouting pipe with anchorage lengths of 6 m, 9 m, and 12 m were compared and analyzed. Thirdly, effective anchorage lengths of inclined steel grouting pipe with anchorage lengths of 6 m, 9 m, and 12 m were compared and analyzed. Finally, inclined steel grouting pipe average cohesive strength along effective anchorage length section at the interface between cement grouting and soil stratum was compared with that of rock bolt. The field experimental results illustrated that: (1) The bearing capacity of inclined steel grouting pipe with anchorage length of 9 m increases 22.6% compared with that of ordinary grouting pipe. (2) Anchorage length is not a significant influence factor for bearing capacity of inclined steel grouting pipes in loess embankment slope, while anchorage length is a significant influence factor for modulus of load-displacement curves of inclined steel grouting pipes in loess embankment slope. (3) Effective anchorage length of inclined steel grouting pipe in loess embankment slope will be slightly increased when increasing anchorage length, while the ratio of effective anchorage length to total anchorage length will be decreased when increasing anchorage length. (4) Inclined steel grouting pipe average cohesive strength along effective anchorage length section at the interface between cement grouting and soil stratum is at least three times compared with that of rock bolt.
Rei Kawakubo: For and Against Fashion, Rex Butler (ed.) (2023)
Authors: Žarić Stefan
Published: December 2024

Review of: Rei Kawakubo: For and Against Fashion, Rex Butler (ed.) (2023)

London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 256 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35011-822-5, h/bk, $115.00
Image, sound, water: Ursula Biemann’s Acoustic Ocean (2018)
Authors: Curtis Francesca
Published: December 2024

Acoustic Ocean (2018) by Swiss filmmaker Ursula Biemann presents a significant contribution to an emerging movement among moving image artists who are depicting underwater spaces with eco-political motivation. Set within the vast coastal landscapes of the Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway, Acoustic Ocean explores cetacean communication through sonar technology by tracing the actions of Sofia Jannok, a musician and climate activist from the Sámi community of Northern Scandinavia who performs the role of a ‘biologist-diver’. In this article, the interplay of image and sound in the work is framed within emerging literature and artistic practices at the intersection of technology, the blue humanities and environmental justice. Close analysis of the work highlights the importance of recognizing the limitations of sensory access in ocean spaces. These sensory limitations have political and epistemological implications concerning the dissemination of Indigenous knowledge systems to, and beyond, artistic audiences. At a time in which deep-sea mining and noise pollution are increasingly having a detrimental impact on submarine environments, Acoustic Ocean provides a lens for conceiving more non-intrusive connections with underwater worlds.
Staying ‘eco-local’: An exploration of Fibershed as a sustainable supply chain alternative
Authors: Swamy Uma , Hodges Nancy , Su Jin
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Given the harmful impact of fast fashion and the global apparel supply chain, this study aims to explore the role of Fibershed as a local sustainable supply chain alternative, investigating its impact on environment, labour and economy from the perspective of Fibershed members. Design/Methodology/Approach: As an exploratory study, in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen members from different regional Fibershed organizations across the United States. The study combined the theoretical perspectives of the natural resource-based view of the firm (NRBV) and eco-localism to interpret the role of Fibershed as a sustainable the supply chain alternative. Findings: The findings of this exploratory study provide a framework for understanding Fibershed as an alternative approach to globalized supply chain operations. It emphasizes the localized impact on the environment, labour and economy, highlighting the potential for sustainable practices within specific geographical boundaries. Originality: This study contributes to the discourse by presenting a comprehensive understanding of Fibershed’s role as a sustainable supply chain alternative, integrating theoretical perspectives to offer insights into its operational impact. Research Limitations/Implications: While the study investigates the role of Fibershed within a local context, it acknowledges the need for further exploration of perspectives from local government, policy-makers and consumers to ensure the success and broader implications of the Fibershed alternative. Practical Implications: The study underscores the necessity for concentrated efforts from various stakeholders, including local government, policy-makers and consumers, to support and enhance the effectiveness of the Fibershed alternative.
‘The challenge of the next decade’: Q&A with Anna Bryher, policy lead, Labour Behind the Label
Authors: Radclyffe-Thomas Natascha
Published: December 2024

The state of workers’ rights in the global fashion industry is of concern to many. Behind the headlines reporting on low wages, poor conditions and worker exploitation, organizations such as Labour Behind the Label (LBL), a UK-based organization, are working to support garment workers’ efforts to improve their working conditions in order to effect change across the fashion industry. In this interview, Professor Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas talks with LBL’s policy lead, Anna Bryher, to explore the main issues garment workers face and how legislation and activism are attempting to effect positive change.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of New Azole Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Activity
Authors: Thippani Maneshwar , Battineni Jainendra Kumar
Published: December 2024

In this work, the synthesis and characterization of novel azole derivatives by microwave assisted method were carried out. The azole nuclei condensed with imidazole, indole-2-one and sulphonyl moieties in the novel azole hybrids-MNSR (3a-d, 4a-h) to produce effective anticancer agents. All structures were confirmed by spectral analysis and yield was found to be in the range from 75-90%. Their anticancer activity was determined by MTT based assay with MCF-7 cell lines. Anthelmintic activity was performed by Indian earthworms and molecular docking studies were performed with EGFR enzyme by Schrödinger suite. Compound MNSR-3b at 12.36 ± 0.32 µg/mL, MNSR-4d at 19.12 ± 0.23 µg/mL showed to be more potent anticancer activity, whereas compound MNSR-3c, MNSR-4a, 4d, 4h showed excellent anthelmintic activity when comparing with the standard albendazole. Compounds MNSR-3b, MNSR-4d showed good binding affinity to EGFR with respective binding energies -8.833 and -8.483 kcal/mol.
Novel MgFe2O4/TiO2/ZnO Nanocomposites Synthesized by Sol-Gel Method for Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Eosin Y Dye
Authors: Kumari Ch. Ramya , Priya K. Jyothi , Suneetha M. , Chandrakala N. Sridevi , Babu T. Bulli , Padma M. , Douglas S. Paul
Published: December 2024

The synthesized magnesium ferrite-titania-zinc oxide nanocomposites are extremely successful in the photocatalytic degradation of eosin Y dye because of their size, stability, structure, eco-friendliness and high efficiency. The UV-visible, XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR and VSM techniques were used to analyze the structure of the nanocomposites. The value of band gap energy for nanocomposite is 2.3 eV. The synthesized nanocomposites were investigated for their efficiency in degrading eosin Y dye under visible light, with studies conducted at different time intervals and evaluation of catalyst reusability. The obtained nanocomposites exhibit an extensive surface area, which facilitates numerous active sites for interactions between the dye molecules and the metal oxide nanoparticles when exposed to visible light. The antibacterial activity of the prepared nanocomposites were also conducted against Gram-negative Aeromonas and Gram-positive Firmicutes and the results have shown very efficient antibacterial activity.
Enhancing Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and Malachite Green under Solar Light Irradiation: Mechanistic Insights and Efficiency of BiVO4 and Sr-Doped BiVO4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Panda Prafulla Kumar , Kamal Rishabh , Pattanaik Rasmirekha , Pradhan Debapriya , Dash Suresh Kumar
Published: December 2024

Water pollution from untreated dye discharge has become a significant concern for all living organisms and the treatment of polluted water has become a priority. In this study, a monoclinic–tetragonal hetero-structured BiVO4 and strontium doped (15, 20 and 25 wt.%) BiVO4 NPs were synthesized using a simple co-precipitation method. The structural, optical and morphological properties of the catalysts were characterized using XRD, FTIR, UV-DRS, FESEM, TEM, PL and BET analysis. The XRD pattern exhibited the retentions of crystalline structure of BiVO4 after Sr doping. The Sr-BiVO4 exhibited a reduced band gap energy of 2.3 eV, significantly lower than that of the pristine BiVO4. Additionally, Sr-BiVO4 had an increased surface area of 16.2 m2/g nearly twice that of the pristine material. Photocatalytic activities of the prepared samples were evaluated with changing parameters such as pH, initial concentration, catalyst dose and agitation time towards the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) dyes under solar light irradiation. The results showed that Sr-BiVO4 achieved a degradation efficiency of 91% for methylene blue and 94% for malachite green at pH ~ 9 with a 20 mg catalyst dose in 120 min. The dye degradation followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the catalyst demonstrated an excellent stability even after five consecutive runs. The active species test carried out using p-benzoquinone, isopropyl alcohol and Na-EDTA revealed that superoxide radicals played a key role in the degradation mechanism.
Structural, Morphological and Electrochemical Studies of Synthesized BaCuTiO3 Doped NiTiO3 Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Application
Authors: Thulasi A. , Sreedhar N.Y. , Kumar S. Himagirish , Susmitha Karumanchi , Manjunath V. , Srihari N.V. , Vinathi D. Sai , Thangaraj V.
Published: December 2024

This research explores the development of Ba0.8Cu0.2TiO3 and NiTiO3 nanocomposites for use in high-performance flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters (FPEHs). This study aims to address the brittleness of traditional piezoceramics by developing flexible nanocomposites that are compatible with wearable electronics. The nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized using various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (C-V) measurements were employed to evaluate the electrical properties, while piezoelectric modeling and various circuit designs were explored to optimize energy efficiency. The results demonstrate that the addition of NiTiO3 to Ba0.8Cu0.2TiO3 alters the electrical and magnetic properties of the composite, enhancing its suitability for energy storage applications. The energy storage applications of the nanocomposites were evaluated by measuring output voltage, stored energy, open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current. These findings indicated that Ba0.8Cu0.2TiO3-NiTiO3 nanocomposites are the promising materials for flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters, offering improved mechanical flexibility, energy conversion efficiency and environmental stability. This work contributes to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions for powering low-power electronics and portable devices.
Las sphragídes en Metamorfosis 15 y en Amores 1.15: el anuncio de la inmortalidad y la vida eterna
Authors: Giorgieff Iván Manuel
Published: December 2024

El presente trabajo se propone analizar el motivo de la inmortalidad del poeta en lassphragídes de Metamorfosis 15 (Ov. Met. 15. 861-879) y de Amores 1.15 (Ov. Am.1.15. 1-42) y el modo en que Ovidio se sirve de su producción literaria parainsertarse conscientemente en el canon grecolatino. El complejo entramado de lasobras y la mención a autores que ya han sido canonizados, así como los correlatoscon otras fuentes, le sirven para anunciar su inmortalidad gracias a la escritura, queserá plasmada en su apoteosis metafórica mediante la lectura por parte delpopulus.
«retorno» en el horizonte. Imaginarios y planes de acción de la militancia peronista (1955–1958)
Authors: Pulfer Darío , Lichtmajer Leandro Ary
Published: December 2024

El artículo analiza los imaginarios y planes de acción en torno al regreso de Perón durante el período 1955-1958. Con ese fin, el texto explora el surgimiento de la consigna «Perón Vuelve», ponderando cómo a través de prácticas disímiles —escritos, inscripciones anónimas, pegatina de obleas, circulación de rumores y signos, construcción de mitos—el «retorno» modeló las expectativas del peronismo proscripto. Asimismo, examina los intentos (fallidos) de repatriarlo o aproximarlo al territorio argentino a través de su instalación en los países limítrofes. El texto parte de la premisa de que las prácticas e imaginarios alrededor del «retorno» se fueron gestando desde los inicios del exilio y cobró variadas formas entre las dirigencias radicadas en la Argentina y el extranjero.
Enfoques normativos sobre salud mental y familia
Authors: Scaglia Agustín José
Published: December 2024

El presente trabajo aborda una sistematización acerca de la importancia del concepto de salud mental y su tratamiento en el ordenamiento legal argentino. Se analizan definiciones preliminares y su marco legal, destacando el papel que juega la familia. Se examina la relación entre la normativa del Código Civil y Comercial con la regulación de la restricción de la capacidad de las personas y los derechos de los individuos con padecimientos de salud mental, teniendo en cuenta los conceptos de autonomía y familia. Además, se mencionan las cuestiones esenciales que hacen a la internación involuntaria con respecto al grupo familiar y se identifican implicancias del concepto de “salud mental” en instituciones del Derecho de Familia; en el matrimonio, el parentesco y la responsabilidad parental.
Protección social de los trabajadores en Argentina
Authors: Cóceres María Celeste
Published: December 2024

La cobertura de las contingencias sociales ha tenido su mayor desarrollo entorno a un presupuesto: el trabajo en relación de dependencia registrado. Esto conlleva un esquema contributivo de cobertura, basado principalmente en el financiamiento a través de aportes de los trabajadores y contribuciones de los empleadores. 
En este trabajo, sintetizamos los diversos sistemas de cobertura de contingencias sociales -vejez, invalidez, muerte, enfermedad, accidente de trabajo, cargas de familia, maternidad, desempleo- para los trabajadores registrados, y que constituyen la estructura central de la política pública de protección.
Sin embargo, no dejamos de señalar que, en un contexto con altas tasas de informalidad laboral, gran parte de la población queda fuera de ese paraguas contributivo de la Seguridad Social. Para este grupo de personas, los esquemas no contributivos o asistenciales establecen subsidiariamente protección ante las contingencias sociales.
Esto conlleva a la necesidad de diseñar políticas públicas acordes con la realidad actual, que contemplen diversas situaciones y modalidades: trabajo informal, trabajo independiente,  teletrabajo/trabajo 4.0, trabajo de cuidados, trabajo migrante/nómades digitales.
No voy más porque me tratan de asesino: los foros de agroecología en Entre Ríos. La trama y disputa en la construcción de políticas públicas.
Authors: Perez Daiana
Published: December 2024

En este artículo nos proponemos problematizar la construcción de políticas públicas en agroecología a partir de una reflexión situada en torno a los foros de agroecología que acontecieron durante 2019 en la provincia de Entre Ríos, Argentina. Asimismo, reflexionamos sobre los procesos de institucionalización de la misma y nos focalizamos en comprender las transiciones agroecológicas a partir de analizar la voluntad de cambio y la categoría de transiciones forzadas. Para ello, llevamos a cabo un análisis histórico y ponemos en juego una estrategia metodológica cualitativa que se apoya en entrevistas abiertas, semiestructuradas y notas de campo a partir de mi participación activa en los foros de interlocución. Buscamos con ello aportar al campo de construcción de políticas e intervenciones en agroecología, como modo de comprender el desarrollo de los territorios rurales y la producción de alimentos.
El desarrollo de un subdesarrollo desigual e insustentable. Visibilizando el intercambio ecológicamente desigual que enfrentó Argentina entre 1961-2013
Authors: Peinado Guillermo
Published: December 2024

En la teoría neoclásica el comercio internacional es presentado como una situación que siempre es beneficiosa para ambas partes y como un motor del desarrollo. A partir de la teoría del intercambio ecológicamente desigual se construye un puente entre la Economía Política y la Economía Ecológica que permite derribar dicho dogma. El presente trabajo a partir del estudio de la huella ecológica verifica que Argentina ha enfrentado un intercambio ecológicamente desigual a lo largo de todo el período 1961-2013. Sin embargo, también se muestra que esta situación no es lineal, sino que existieron procesos de profundización como procesos de alivio. Por último, se consigue evidenciar que esas tendencias contrapuestas mucho tuvieron que ver con procesos histórico-políticos internos. En particular se encuentran cambios profundos en los niveles del intercambio ecológicamente desigual para los tres grandes patrones de acumulación que operaron en el período.
Literature Review of Making VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) Using the Enzymatic and Acidification method
Authors: Harun Rizqi Fadhilah , Ichwan Muhammad Maulana , Ardani Raka , Kusumayanti Heny
Published: December 2024

Making Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) was an important process in the coconut oil industry, which had potential for medical and beauty applications. This article discussed the method of making VCO using fermentation and enzymatic approaches. Making VCO involved several stages, including making coconut milk, adding ingredients such as pieces of young papaya, pineapple tubers, and yeast tape, and settling and separating the oil liquid. Adding papain and bromelain enzymes in the enzymatic process had been proven to increase the yield of coconut oil compared to fermentation methods without adding enzymes. Enzyme concentration and incubation time influenced the yield of VCO, with increasing enzyme concentration and optimal incubation time increasing oil production. This literature review provided insight into the potential of fermentation and enzymatic methods in VCO production, as well as provided a systematic framework for testing the effectiveness and quality of VCO produced through innovative approaches. The VCO manufacturing method using an enzymatic approach had the potential to increase coconut oil production yields and meet established quality standards.
The Role of Acid Catalysts in Optimizing Iron Adsorption: Mechanistic Insights and Applications
Authors: Resi Nadyn Amalia , Ichwan Muhammad Maulana , Hapsari Fatimah
Published: December 2024

This research aims to evaluate the influence of acid catalysts HCl and H2SO4, on the adsorption efficiency of Fe (Iron) using silica extracted from rice husk ash. The synthesis process employs the sol-gel method, including the initial treatment of rice husk ash, sodium silicate extraction, and the formation of silica gel with acid catalysts. The research results show that acid catalysts affect the structure and adsorption efficiency, with the highest efficiency obtained using 0.5M HCl catalyst with an adsorption efficiency of 62.3% and 0.5M H2SO4 catalyst with an adsorption efficiency of 24.85%. FTIR analysis to identify functional groups revealed siloxane (Si-O-Si) and silanol (Si-OH) contain on silica, which support the metal adsorption capability. The results of the morphological observation using SEM show that the amorphous silica structure has diverse pores based on the type of catalyst.
Characteristics of Biodegradable Plastic From Cassava Starch With α-Cyclodextrin Based On Chitosan And Glycerol Composition
Authors: Purwanti Oktavia Tri , Shabrina Alifa Nur , Dermawan Bagas , Insani Reza Kautsar
Published: December 2024

Plastic waste is one of the big problems in Indonesia. Plastic cannot be decomposed and is degraded by microorganisms. Therefore, research is needed on plastic materials that can be broken down, which is biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastic can be made from tuber materials such as cassava starch and chitosan composites which are easily degraded by microorganisms. The addition of α -cyclodextrin and glycerol is expected to add flexibility and elasticity to biodegradable plastic. At the stage of making biodegradable plastic, biodegradable plastic material is made by using a blending method and dried at an oven temperature of 50°C for 20 hours. The main ingredients of biodegradable plastic are cassava starch 0,65 gram and α -cyclodextrin 3,25 gram. Additional ingredients are glycerol (1; 1,5; and 2) mL and chitosan (1,3; 1,35; and 1,4) grams. The characteristics of biodegradable plastic were carried out by FTIR analysis, tensile strength test, elongation test, and biodegradable test. Biodegradable plastic test results for optimal tensile strength values for 1 mL glycerol and 1,4 gram chitosan were found to be 5,26 Mpa. The optimal percent elongation test results were 131, 7% for 1,5 mL glycerol and 1,3 gram chitosan. In the biodegradation test, biodegradable plastic was degraded on the 7 days.
Reconfiguring Rhythms
Authors: Panchal Ria
Published: December 2024

As a queer student, my decision to create a graphic work exploring the intersections of jazz and queer theory was inspired by Salim Washington’s assertion that jazz is an inherently avant-garde and perpetually evolving medium, as well as class discussions on the genre’s origins in challenging dominant ideologies. These ideas align closely with my understanding of queer theory, particularly the ways in which certain cultural elements, due to their inherent resistance to normative structures, can be strongly associated with queer symbolism without explicit connections to the LGBTQ+ community. Recognizing that jazz has been historically male- dominated, I sought to explore how other communities might have employed the genre and the social practice of jazz as a tool of subversion. I felt that using a combination of original artwork and text would most effectively convey the intricacies of queer artistic expression, given that artists like Sun Ra utilized visuals, theatricality, and camp alongside their music to convey their message, and that queer culture often emphasizes aesthetics that defy convention.
Bioefficacy of plant based insecticides against thrips, Pseudodendrothrips mori (Niwa) and leaf webber, Diaphania pulverulentalis (Hampson) in mulberry ecosystem and their bio safety to natural enemies
Authors: Narzary P R , Manimegalai S , Vinothkumar B , Suganthi A , Radha P , Shanmugam R
Published: December 2024

Morus spp. is the sole food for mulberry silkworms, Bombyx mori L. However, this crop is infested by two major pests, the leaf webber, Diaphania pulverulentalis (Hampson) and thrips, Pseudodendrothrips mori (Niwa). To address this, two field trials were conducted in two different locations to assess the efficacy of botanicals against thrips and leaf webber in mulberry ecosystem. Results indicated that TNAU Bio 3G extract @ 5% showed the highest per cent population reduction of thrips (56.24 and 47.24 % in first and second trial, respectively) over untreated control after neem oil @ 3% and neem seed kernel extract @ 5% used as standard check, whereas for leaf webber Eupatorium adenophorum extract @ 3 % showed the highest effectiveness with 61.22 and 61.86 % reduction over control in first and second trial, respectively. The different botanicals applied against mulberry thrips and leaf webber were tested for their effect on mortality of silkworm. It was found that when treated leaves were fed one day after treatment highest larval mortality (25.00%) was recorded in Neem oil @ 3% but it was very low in case of TNAU Bio 3G extract @ 5% (4.99%). Larval death steadily decreased in all the treatments except Neem oil @3 %, when fed two days      later, whereas, no mortality was noticed in case of TNAU Bio 3G extract @ 5% and E.adenophorum at 2 DAT. To conclude, TNAU Bio 3G extract @ 5% and E. adenophorum extract @ 3% can be recommended for an eco-friendly and sustainable management of thrips and leaf webber in mulberry ecosystem.
The use of virtual patient simulations in psychology: A scoping review
Authors: Imam Hossain Syeada , Kelson Joshua , Morrison Ben
Published: December 2024

Virtual patient (VP) simulations can offer educational benefits in healthcare disciplines by supplementing traditional training approaches and enabling the acquisition of clinically relevant skills and knowledge. Although the existing body of literature covers VP usage in healthcare professions such as medicine and nursing, there are no current reviews highlighting the use of VP simulations in the field of psychology. The aim of this scoping review was to examine the educational impact of VP simulations on learning and user experience outcomes among psychology students and clinicians. Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, IEEE Xplore and SAGE journals databases were searched up to June 2023. Studies of all designs and comparator groups were included if they appraised the effectiveness and user experience of any VP simulation aimed at addressing learning outcomes among psychology students and clinicians. A total of nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, VP simulations hold promise in facilitating improvements in skill acquisition, clinical competence and knowledge. Although user impressions were largely positive, there were notable technical challenges that hampered their usability and learning effectiveness. Further research and standardisation of VP simulations are needed to draw definite conclusions about the effectiveness of these simulations in psychology education.
 
Implications for practice or policy:

Educators could incorporate VP simulations into psychology curricula to enhance the learning experience of students and impact skill and knowledge acquisition and clinical competence.
Higher education policymakers could advocate for further research and standardisation of VP simulations in psychology education to establish evidence-based guidelines, fostering a more comprehensive and consistent educational environment for psychology students and clinicians.
Course developers or coordinators could establish a standardised approach to assess core professional competencies required for practice.
Making and Breaking Borders
Authors: Bal Mieke
Published: December 2024

The concept of border or boundary has two ambiguities to deal with, if it is to serve a useful intellectual purpose in art and art history. One is to decide whether a border is a line, one that divides, separates, and thus can lead to competition, even to animosity; or whether it constitutes a space within which negotiating can happen. The other ambiguity concerns the differences, in style, period, national background, religious or sexual orientation, between artworks we contemplate in exhibitions, for example. That also raises the question if and how such differences can bridge the gaps and connect the artworks. I propose to take one case, a scene from my installation Don Quijote: Sad Countenances (from 2019), in which the knight errant and his squire have a conversation, seated at a café terrace, and probe their differences in social status, educational level, a probing that threatens their friendship and thereby establishes a new boundary. The scene is ambiguous in that the two sit next to each other in seeming equality, whereas their conversation itself establishes hierarchical relationships, thus making a border. Yet after that tense moment, they revert to their previous, friendly being-together. The border as a dividing line they were building up breaks down when the differences fade away, as the actress playing Sancho reverts to the French of her “boss”. With this making and breaking of borders, the two figures manage to share insights they would not have had before. The conversation scene is only eight minutes long, and establishes differences subsequently fading. There is very little acting, and there is nothing like a beautiful landscape. The differences between the languages they speak (French and Spanish) and the disagreements between them vanish in the face of the impossibility to maintain borders as lines, and instead produce that space of negotiation within which relationships can be restored. This enables the dynamic of empathy between the figures but also, and more importantly, between the fictional conversation and the real visitors.
Kto się boi Krajewskich? Narodziny dyskursu antykomunistycznego w polskim polu sztuki lat 80.
Authors: Rohozińska Zofia
Published: December 2024

Helena and Juliusz Krajewski were iconic figures of Polish socialist realism who, unlike the entire generation of their contemporary artists, never renounced this trend. The purpose of the article is to show that the art field’s changing approach toward those artists (and with them to socialist realism in general) over the subsequent decades became a symptom of the transformation of the hegemonic discourse. The analysis was conducted based on the decade of the 1980s and selected texts of art criticism of that time. The article is divided into three parts, corresponding to three narratives functioning at that time: (1) Party discourse still immersed in the socialist ideological universe; (2) Party discourse as an outcome of the transformational processes already beginning at that time and reflected the liberalization processes of cultural policy; (3) the discourse of full discreditation of the previous system with a deep critique of the symbol of its functioning, which was socialist realism. The article shows how the transformation of the art field took place between 1980 and 1988 – the socialist system was completely discredited, and the capitalist system, in turn, was naturalized.
Saints and City Models: Contested Borders and the Representation of Subject Towns Between Florence and Siena
Authors: Strauss Scarlett H.
Published: December 2024

The Black Death in 1348 was followed by a period of ongoing skirmishes between the city-states of Florence and Siena, marked by active territorial expansion, mercenary raids, and larger wars. Subject towns were profoundly affected by this turmoil and came under the alternating influence and control of the two dominant cities. In the face of this unrest, one way for inhabitants of subject towns – including Lucignano, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Cortona – to manifest both local identity and political allegiance was to commission artworks. Of the paintings made for these contested sites from the late fourteenth to the early sixteenth centuries, a number include depictions of the town for which the image was made, held by a patron saint. These city models offer a valuable lens on a marginalized area, providing insight into how subject towns were conceptualized and understood by patrons, artists, and viewers. Saintly advocacy and protection are frequently invoked in relation to recent or ongoing political upheaval, emphasizing civic and sacred loyalties or affiliations. The depiction of towns as models held by saints also echoes the actual transactional changes of ownership that frequently occurred, reflecting the multifaceted power dynamics between artist and patron, or between dominant city and subject town. Furthermore, the prevalence of such city models in paintings commissioned from Sienese artists suggests a particular Sienese “border mentality,” or an awareness of the intersections of identity that result from existing on shifting cultural and political borders.
Reflections on educating prospective ELT teachers: Silence and health in Polish and Japanese school settings
Authors: Bąk-Średnicka Anna
Published: December 2024

In this paper we reflect on patterns of silence related to health within both Polish and Japanese school settings. This study goes beyond the typical perception of silence as a positive or negative phenomenon. While it refers to the utilization of agential silence as a pedagogical and learning tool, expertly employed by teachers, it also draws educators’ attention to the need to raise teacher-candidates’ empathic concern about students’ various reasons for keeping silent. In this sense, the study transcends the understanding of student silence as merely highlighting their low communicative skills, as it may, in fact, indicate they have physical and mental health problems. The present study took a grounded theory approach. The corpora consisted of 320 utterances expressing primary, secondary, and tertiary subjects’ opinions about silence, accessible in studies by Olearczyk (2016) and King (2013). Manual and software-based data analysis identified eight major categories of the meaning of silence. These categories enabled the selection of the core category of silence in relation to health, providing a fuller picture of the silences presented in the two abovementioned studies.
Blind spots in language textbooks. The issue of colonialism
Authors: Pogorzelska Marzanna
Published: December 2024

The article presents the results of the analysis of over 80 English language textbooks published between 2000 and 2024. The aim of the study was to answer the question whether English textbooks contain elements of the discursive reproduction of colonialism as a practice of creating superior and subordinate identities, and what potential role textual absences and silence may play in this process. The study used the content analysis method with coding in the programme Atlas.ti and Critical Discourse Analysis to allow for qualitative examination of texts. As a result of the analysis, four main categories were distinguished which at the same time were dominant trends in textual references to colonialism(Colonization without the colonized, The colonized in a folklore trap, Invisibility of colonization, A different approach).The conclusions of the study show the textual absence of topics related to colonialism and the use of various types of silencing strategies to obfuscate the issue, whether in the form of backgrounding or exclusion of the colonized people, or by naturalizing the process of colonization itself. While critical research on textbooks, also in the context of blind spots, has had a long history, it has rarely focused on language textbooks, so the study aims to fill the gap in this area and contribute to further research.
Exploring Silence as an Element of Fluency in L2 English Academic Presentations
Authors: Klimczak-Pawlak Agata
Published: December 2024

Viewed from the perspective of a monologue, silence may be interpreted as a means of organizing speech for the purpose of leading the listeners and attracting their attention or, alternatively, as a sign of dysfluency and consequently, an obstacle to easy comprehension. The effect depends on the placement of silent pauses and their function, a criterion that becomes particularly relevant in the case of non-native speech. This paper explores the development in the use of silent pauses by EFL students enrolled in a coursein academic presentation. The three participants selected for the study represent different general EFL proficiency levels. They participated in an academic presentation course during which their presentations at the beginning of the course (an impromptu speech) and after four weeks of specific language-focus training (a prepared short presentation) were recorded. The analysis of the silent intervals in the collected samples reveals differences in the use of silent pauses as an element of dysfluency vs. increased fluency in presenting. The results are discussed from the perspective of fluency measures on the one hand, and successful presentation skills on the other.
Chrystologia modlitw św. Jana Apostoła zawartych w „Dziejach Jana spisanych przez Prochora” a nauczanie Soboru Nicejskiego z 325 roku
Authors: Sikora Adam
Published: December 2024

Celem artykułu jest ukazanie recepcji nauczania Pierwszego Soboru Nicejskiego z 325 roku w jednym z dzieł literatury starożytnej, które odgrywa kluczową rolę w tradycji religijnej na wyspie Patmos - miejscu przebywania skazanego na zesłanie przez władze rzymskie św. Jana Apostoła. Dziełem tym jest pismo zaliczone do literatury apokryficznej znane zasadniczo pod tytułem Wędrówki św. Jana Teologa spisane przez Prochora, którego powstanie datuje się najczęściej na bliski czas po wspomnianym Soborze. Przedmiot badań ograniczono do tekstów modlitw św. Jana zawartych w tym dziele, zarówno w jego edycji krytycznej (Th. Zahn), jak i w manuskrypcie przechowywanym w Bibliotece Monastyru św. Jana Teologa w Chorze na Patmos. Przeprowadzone analizy pozwoliły stwierdzić, że w modlitwach tych jednoznacznie została wyznana wiara w bóstwo Chrystusa, Jego równość w naturze z Bogiem Ojcem i Duchem Świętym, co oznacza pełną zgodność z nauczaniem Soboru, choć niekoniecznie bezpośrednią od niego zależność. Teksty modlitw wskazują na powstanie dzieła w środowisku, w którym chrystologia określona na Soborze została przyjęta bez zastrzeżeń.
„Nie przyszedłem znieść, ale wypełnić” (Mt 5,17). Liturgia chrześcijańska jako wypełnienie synagogalnej rytualności żydowskiej
Authors: Kaleciak Szczepan
Published: December 2024

Jednym ze źródeł chrześcijańskiej liturgii jest obrzędowość żydowska. Przeżywana i celebrowana była w trzech zasadniczych momentach, które stanowiły: kult świątynny w Jerozolimie, domowy rytuał posiłku, a szczególnie uczta paschalna, jak również ryty synagogalne. Pytanie o to, który z nich stanowił pierwowzór chrześcijańskich celebracji, nie jest łatwe. Rola Paschy i Świątyni jest niewątpliwie dominująca. Pozostaje pytanie o rolę synagogi. Czy jest ona źródłem równorzędnym pozostałym dwóm, czy raczej źródłem marginalnym? Artykuł próbuje pokazać, że panuje między nimi relacja wzajemnego dopełniania się, a żadnego ze źródeł nie można uznać za dominujące. Aby to uczynić, w pierwszej części pracy, posługując się metodą historyczno-ewolucyjną oraz analizą tekstów źródłowych, ukazano historyczne kształtowanie się liturgii synagogalnej pod kątem jej relacji do liturgii świątynnej w Jerozolimie. Druga część, wykorzystując metodę opisowo-analityczną z elementami metody komparatystycznej, bada, jakimi drogami liturgia synagogalna przeniknęła do liturgii chrześcijańskiej. Dzięki temu w ostatniej części, przy zastosowaniu metody syntetycznej, możliwe było odniesienie się do zasadniczego problemu badawczego pracy, jakim jest ukazanie, w jaki sposób to, czego zapowiedzią była synagoga, dokonuje się w sposób doskonały w Chrystusie i w założonym przez niego Kościele. Zrozumienie historycznego procesu adaptacji synagogalnych form kultu pozwala lepiej zrozumieć formy liturgiczne, z którymi w celebracji spotykamy się w czasach współczesnych. Zadanie to ma znaczenie przede wszystkim pastoralne. Lepsze zrozumienie źródeł liturgii pozwala owocniej przeżywać Misteria.
In Defense of the Rationality of Faith: The Relevance of the Encyclical Letter 'Fides et Ratio'
Authors: Anderwald Andrzej
Published: December 2024

The 25th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s (1978–2005) proclamation of the encyclical Fides et Ratio (1998) prompts reflection on the rationality of faith. The defense of the Christian faith today occurs within the context of scientific thinking, where scientific methods of understanding the world and the natural image of the world itself play significant roles. This article aims to identify potential areas for defending the rationality of the Christian faith. The discussion will present the following inspirations in sequence: interdisciplinary dialogue (1), the Church’s openness to science (2), and the integration of natural knowledge in theological reflection (3).