bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opéra populaire et esthétique savante
Authors: Olivier Alain Patrick
Published: December 2023

« L’idée même d’opéra populaire est paradoxale tant l’opéra relève, en France, aujourd’hui, de la musique classique, de la musique savante, et paraît éloigné des genres de la “musique populaire” comme des publics populaires, des masses ou tout simplement du plus grand nombre. Cela l’est encore plus si l’on considère les choses du point de vue de la philosophie et de l’esthétique. Theodor W. Adorno déclare déjà, dans les années soixante, que l’opéra, en Allemagne, est un genre essentiellement “bourgeois”, produit par la bourgeoisie et destiné à la bourgeoisie. La question se pose alors d’une forme d’alternative, au-delà de la critique, soit la possibilité d’une affirmation. Car l’opéra populaire existe sous diverses formes. Il faut plutôt mettre en évidence, dans ces conditions, quels obstacles épistémologiques font que l’esthétique ou que la philosophie se heurtent à un tel objet. Cet article revient ainsi sur la conception de la musique populaire et sur la thèse de la bourgeoisité formulée par Adorno en donnant trois contre-exemples d’œuvres musicales (I), avant de considérer la définition de l’opéra populaire proposée par Jean Vilar, qui est à l’origine du projet et de la construction de l’Opéra Bastille (II). »
Présentation
Authors: Bourdeau Michel
Published: December 2023

Après avoir rappelé que l'intuitionnisme tire sa justification ultime d'une certaine idée de la vérité, on montre les répercussions de celle-ci sur les mathématiques puis sur la logique. On oublie souvent que Brouwer ne reconnaissait à peu près aucune valeur à la logique et que ses efforts visaient avant tout à donner une bonne théorie du continu À cette fin. il a développé une mathématique originale qui introduit le devenir dans l'univers jusqu'alors statique des mathématiques. Toutefois, c'est en logique que l'intuitionnisme est aujourd'hui le plus présent. Dans l'interprétation intuitionniste des constantes logiques, la conditionnelle est une fonction. Le lien qui en résulte entre calcul lambda typé et logique intuitionniste a conduit au principe de la proposition comme type, dont les conséquences philosophiques ne sont pas moins considérables que les applications informatiques. Elles concernent non seulement notre idée de la preuve, mais aussi les concepts fondamentaux de la logique : le formalisme aujourd'hui dominant doit être rejeté et certaines distinctions traditionnelles un temps oubliées demandent à être réactivées.
Linear Logic and Intuitionistic Logic
Authors: Okada Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2023

Dans cet article je presente les fondements de la logique intuitioniste basee sur la logique lineair. Traditionnellement, la logique intuitioniste est concideree comme etant en disaccord avec les lois fondamentales de la logique classique sur la dualite, comme le tiers-exclu, les lois de Morgan, l'elimination de la double negation, etc. Je propose l'idee suivante, la logique lineaire (classique) est essentiellement la logique intuitioniste, et en raison de 1'utilisation de la dualite classique dans la logique lineaire, la logique intuitioniste est en fait compatible avec la dualite classique, au niveau le plus fondamental. La notion essentielle dans cette analyse est la notion de modalite, "necessairement toujours constructible", presente en logique lineaire. Cette notion joue un role d'objectivisation dans le cadre de la semantique, qui relie logique lineaire et logique intuitioniste.
Idées suicidaires : un lien porteur pour qui n’en peut plus de soi
Authors: Gennart Michèle , Vannotti Marco
Published: December 2023

Le suicide est souvent appréhendé comme un droit individuel, comme une décision à laquelle le sujet aboutirait par une délibération de soi à soi. La clinique nous donne tout autre chose à voir et à penser. D’une part, le suicide apparaît comme l’une des plus douloureuses blessures affectant les liens et la fiabilité dans les familles. D’autre part, il survient très souvent là où l’appartenance du sujet à son contexte interhumain est « mortellement » touchée. Plutôt que d’en appeler à l’autre auquel il ne croit plus, le sujet blessé se retourne contre lui-même, mais meurtrit indirectement les siens. L’un des enjeux de l’intervention thérapeutique vise alors à retrouver le champ interhumain originaire du mouvement suicidaire, et à y travailler les vécus d’injustice sans créer de nouvelles victimes. Il s’agit encore de mobiliser concrètement les proches – dont la présence s’estompe dans l’horizon suicidaire – en sorte de ré-affirmer les liens d’attachement, la solidarité et le soutien mutuel. Les auteurs s’interrogent enfin sur la manière de tenir bon, en tant qu’intervenants, face à ces confrontations éprouvantes à la proximité – ou à l’effraction – de la mort.
Les liens entre le patient, son corps, le thérapeute et la thérapie
Authors: Sánchez López Miguel Ángel , Suárez Rodríguez Teresa , Armijo Núñez Blanca
Published: December 2023

Notre travail décrit l’élaboration d’hypothèses complexes concernant des vécus traumatiques précoces et chroniques chez des patients qui ont entretenu des échanges dysfonctionnels avec leur entourage et des relations nocives à leur propre corps. Ces hypothèses se sont révélées utiles pour choisir l’approche la plus adéquate à chaque phase du traitement. La parole, la relation et les approches corporelles développent tout leur potentiel thérapeutique si l’on prend soin d’évaluer comme un tout, la globalité de la personnalité du patient, ses particularités et sa situation existentielle.
La place du concept d’objets flottants dans la littérature scientifique francophone et anglophone : analyse en réseaux des auteurs et analyse lexicale
Authors: Meillerais Sandie , Sorel Olivier , Derobertmasure Antoine , Denis Jennifer
Published: December 2023

L’objectif de notre étude est de clarifier le flou linguistique et conceptuel qui s’étend autour de l’utilisation des objets flottants, afin de répondre à la question suivante : « Comment se détermine sémantiquement l’utilisation des objets médiateurs dans le cadre d’interventions thérapeutiques systémiques ? ». Pour ce faire, une analyse de réseaux des auteurs et une analyse sémantique ont été élaborées. L’analyse de réseaux (VOSviewer) a modélisé l’étendue des publications relatives à notre thème tandis que l’analyse lexicale, conçue avec Tropes © a déterminé des profils terminologiques selon des appartenances épistémologiques. Ces analyses ont été opérationnalisées pour la littérature francophone et anglophone. Les résultats présentent des ponts linguistiques et des modes d’usages terminologiques variés en fonction des courants d’appartenance théoriques des auteurs.
The impact of organizational compliance culture and green culture on environmental behavior: The moderating effect of environmental commitment
Authors: Hair Joseph F. , García-Machado Juan José , Martínez-Avila Minerva
Published: December 2023

In this research, we aim to examine the moderating effect of environmental commitment on the relationships between organizational compliance culture and green culture on environmental behavior, under the theoretical stream of the Resource Based Theory (RBT) of the firm, and the Value-Belief-Norm theory (VBN). The research used a quantitative research approach, with a non-experimental transactional design. The sample consisted of 148 Mexican companies with a corporate value system that has implemented environmental sustainability practices, most of them incorporating the GRI guidelines, the SDGs and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into their strategies, policies, procedures, and initiatives. This study contributes to the literature in the field of environmental sustainability, with a first theoretical PLS-SEM model that studies moderating and control variables, through organizational compliance on environmental behavior. Our proposed PLS model is a complex hierarchical component model that brings together and simultaneously maps a higher-order construct combined with three lower-order constructs, with moderation effects, multi-group analysis and predictive performance assessment. The major research findings are both the positive impacts between the proposed higher-order construct, organizational compliance culture, and green culture, on environmental behavior, and the moderating effect of environmental commitment on the relationship between green culture and environmental behavior. The insights obtained enhance the understanding of the factors that determine the environmental behavior through organizational compliance culture and green culture, with the moderating effect of environmental commitment, and help senior management in making strategic decisions to align their environmental objectives in compliance with the 2030 agenda in the area of environmental sustainability. This study highlights the need for companies to strengthen the role of environmental commitment to improve the environmental sustainability and it mentions practical implications both for managers of organizations that are responsible for meeting the objectives of sustainable development, specifically in the environmental field, and for policymakers and authorities that guide environmental policies.
A matrix analysis of BLMBPs under a general linear model and its transformation
Authors: Gong Li , Jiang Bo
Published: December 2023

This paper is concerned with the relationships between best linear minimum biased predictors (BLMBPs) in the context of a general linear model (GLM) and its transformed general linear models (TGLMs). We shall establish a mathematical procedure by means of some exact and analytical tools in matrix theory that were developed in recent years. The coverage includes constructing a general vector composed of all unknown parameters in the context of a GLM and its TGLMs, deriving the exact expressions of the BLMBPs through the technical use of analytical solutions of a constrained quadratic matrix-valued function optimization problem in the Löwner partial ordering, and discussing a variety of theoretical performances and properties of the BLMBPs. We also give a series of characterizations of relationships between BLMBPs under a given GLM and its TGLMs.
Novel closed-loop controllers for fractional nonlinear quadratic systems
Authors: Malmir Iman
Published: December 2023

A novel closed-loop optimal controller for fractional nonlinear quadratic optimal control problems is introduced. By using a new idea, the optimality conditions for the fractional nonlinear problems are derived. The linearized Riccati fractional order differential equation is derived and a new solution method is given for the first time, which can be applied to integer order nonlinear optimal control problems. The proposed closed-loop controller is applied to illustrative examples. Novel unprecedented processes of designing a variable linear controller and of finding the optimal performance index for integer order nonlinear systems are presented.
Integration of Time-Frequency Analysis and Regularization Technique for Improved Identification of Fetal Electrocardiogram
Authors: Ziani Said , El Ghmary Mohamed , Achmad Rizal
Published: December 2023

This research article presents a novel methodology for effectively extracting the fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) from a single-channel signal acquired on the maternal abdomen. The signal comprises a mixture of the FECG, maternal electrocardiogram (MECG), and ambient noise. The central concept involves projecting the signal into higher-dimensional spaces and leveraging the assumption of statistical independence among the constituent components to achieve their separation from the mixture. To accomplish this, singular value decomposition (SVD) is initially applied to the spectrogram, followed by an iterative application of independent component analysis (ICA) on the principal components. The SVD technique contributes to the enhanced separability of each individual component, while ICA facilitates the promotion of statistical independence between the fetal and maternal ECGs. Furthermore, we refine and customize the aforementioned approach specifically for ECG signals by incorporating knowledge of the frequency distribution of the MECG and other inherent ECG characteristics. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is validated through comprehensive experimental studies, demonstrating its superior accuracy and performance compared to existing techniques.
Did Ernst Herzfeld Find the Qaṣʿat Firʿawn (Pharaoh’s Bowl) in the Caliphal Palace at Samarra?
Authors: Dahmani Fatma
Published: December 2023

Ernst Herzfeld’s (1879–1948) papers on his excavation of the Abbasid city of Samarra, held at the National Museum of Asian Art Archives, include two maps indicating the existence of a large circular basin at the center of the square domed chamber south of the Caliphal Palace’s throne room. The details of this basin are provided in an orthographic drawing, and the captions of two photographs tersely attribute it to the palace. Now in the Madrasa al-Sharābiya in Baghdad, this basin has sometimes been identified as Qaṣʿat Firʿawn (Pharaoh’s Bowl), a large basin cited in medieval sources as having been part of the fountain of the Great Mosque of al-Mutawakkil. Strangely enough, not the slightest mention of this basin has been found in the written records of the excavations or in the published reports. A careful examination of other documents in Herzfeld’s archives and publications, as well as a number of reports of the Iraqi Directorate General of Antiquities, has established that the basin must have been discovered under unknown circumstances at an unspecified location in the palace several years after Herzfeld’s excavation. Furthermore, the study of medieval textual sources and other data related to the basin has shown that the latter is not Qaṣʿat Firʿawn but might well have been a similar basin. Originally a Roman labrum, the basin in question was repurposed during the Abbasid period as part of a low fountain with a unique water-circulation system that bears some similarities to the fountains of Islamic Spain.
A Freer Couplet by Gui Fu: Memory, Style, and Virtue in Qing Calligraphy
Authors: Yan Weitian
Published: December 2023

Couplet in Clerical Script by Gui Fu at the National Museum of Asian Art’s Freer Gallery of Art, dated to 1793, involves important references to early textual artifacts. This article focuses on how such references engendered historical experience for scholars in the social circle of Gui. A gift to Huang Yi, the calligraphy first evokes the sensorial experience of an inscription at Huishan Temple in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. In addition, its uniform and vigorous brushstrokes point to the origin story of clerical script. Weng Fanggang, a colleague of Gui, further took up the eleventh-century concept of “substantial and thick” to code the style into an expression of sincerity. The calligraphic work details how Qing intellectuals appropriated ancient texts to commemorate social relationships, pursue stylistic innovation, and justify aesthetic preference.
降元後的仇外與認命：龔開《中山出遊圖》對時事的影射
Authors: 劉晞儀 None
Published: December 2023

本文以傳説中的驅鬼神祗鍾馗為基礎，解讀華盛頓史密森學會弗利爾美術館收藏的龔開《中山出遊圖》為一件隱性的自傳性作品，結合繪畫與題跋，抒發他在易代之際不能為國除凶的感觸。作爲元初的宋遺民，龔開要驅除的鬼魅是仗勢欺壓漢人的異族，并不限於主政的蒙古人。他在繪畫和題跋中自我指涉，賦予鍾馗嶄新的形象和生平，呼應自己在宋末元初的特殊經歷。畫中影射的兩件時事透露他對穆斯林和藏僧的反感：1276年冬穆斯林蒲壽庚在泉州給復興宋室大業致命的一擊，1285年藏傳佛教領袖楊璉真加在紹興發掘南宋帝后陵寢。畫中的鍾馗一反傳統神勇形象，神態戒慎收斂，反映龔開委屈認命於異族統治下嚴酷的新現實。
Rethinking time in preparing for and reflecting on teaching: Pedagogical partnership with student consultants as empowering educational development
Authors: Cook-Sather Alison
Published: December 2023

How faculty choose—or feel compelled—to spend time on preparing for and reflecting on their teaching is influenced both by capitalist notions of efficiency and productivity and by human, relationship-focused conceptions of growth. The educational development opportunities that faculty are offered at the intersection of these influences can foster self-directed, meaningful, and empowering ways to conceptualize and use time. This article reports on a study that aimed to deepen understanding of how faculty think about, experience, and make choices about time during and after participating in a particular form of educational development: one-on-one pedagogical partnership with liminally positioned student consultants. Anonymous survey responses revealed that, while participating in this form of educational development, faculty experienced pedagogical partnership as a useful/practical way to spend time, as a source of insights into the student perspective on and experience of time, as inspiration to use time to center student learning, and as a worthwhile investment of time to grow as reflective practitioners. Survey responses showed that, after participating in this form of educational development, faculty carried forward new understandings of the importance of spending time outside of class reflecting on teaching, of feeling more confident and capable in planning for teaching, of using time differently in class, and of continuing to invest time in revising their sense of self as a teacher in meaningful learning relationships with students. The article concludes with recommendations for educational developers who wish to support faculty in rethinking time through creating or expanding opportunities to participate in student-faculty pedagogical partnerships.
A Re-enchanted Sea?
Authors: Faget Daniel
Published: December 2023

In Western societies, three phases have structured the long history linking humans and marine fauna. First, fear and fright, emotions experienced when confronted to a world interpreted only through the prism of religion, marked the centuries between the end of the Middle Ages and the Enlightenment. Next, the triumph of industrial rationality, in the late eighteenth century, radically changed coastal societies’ attitude towards the marine world. Scientific knowledge of species was accompanied by a strict separation of the animal world into what was edible and what was useful. Finally, the Trente Glorieuses (1945-1975), through the alienation of coastal fishing communities and the development of a society of leisure and consumption, saw the triumph of a new vision of marine fauna. Certain members of the marine world were to become friendly images for post-industrial societies. Nevertheless, this change in perspective, for which we must analyse the sources, remains full of ambiguity and irrationality.
From Commercialised Species to Smuggled Object
Authors: Dahou Tarik
Published: December 2023

From an Algerian example, this chapter recounts the successive historical values attributed to red coral, both a natural species and a commodity through the Modern and Contemporary periods. This perspective provides evidence of how multi-local powers shape the symbolic and material dimensions of coral and how they direct fishing concessions alternatively towards legal and illegal distribution networks.
Species “good for thinking”: Species “good to preserve”?
Authors: Artaud Hélène
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, many marine species reintroduction or protection programmes endeavour to include local values, aiming to improve the efficiency of conservation policies. If at first glance these “hybrid or shared strategies” appear as an auspicious solution to marine species protection, in many cases, they tend to fragilise them further rather than reinforce the impact of conservation measures. This chapter addresses this paradox through a dialogue between two ethnographic studies in marine protected areas in Mauritania and Guadeloupe. It hypothesizes that models of hybrid or shared conservation, though encouraging, underestimate the complexity of the ties, both dynamic and reactive, linking local societies to marine species.
Une bibliothèque phénoménale : la bibliothèque de Husserl
Authors: Rokoee Reza
Published: December 2023

La « Bibliothèque de Husserl » possède deux aspects, celui d’un parcours studieux dans le passé et celui d’un corpus en devenir. En instaurant la problématique d’une nouvelle science, Husserl a constitué une bibliothèque matérielle, rescapée, et donné naissance à une « bibliothèque husserlienne » composée d’études, de publications périodiques, de monographies, de traductions. La bibliothèque de Husserl s’est introduite dans l’imaginaire de l’humanité moderne pour former une connaissance universelle. Cette bibliothèque s’est transformée en « Archives », devenue un édifice, une institution, ainsi qu’un musée exposant l’architectonique du savoir.
L’écologie en plus. Des justifications environnementales de la non-procréation
Authors: Veaux Clarisse , Roux Sébastien
Published: December 2023

La « crise écologique » bouleverserait nos comportements reproductifs. Alertés par l’insoutenabilité d’un excès démographique supposé ou inquiets d’un futur qu’on annonce apocalyptique, de plus en plus d’individus choisiraient de renoncer à la procréation et s’interdiraient, par souci éthique, d’avoir des enfants. À partir d’une enquête récente auprès d’une jeune génération de « childfree », nous montrons que la question environnementale traverse effectivement certains choix d’agencement familial. Mais les entretiens indiquent aussi que l’écologie apparaît comme un argument éthique secondaire, légitimant – voire anoblissant – le souhait préalable d’une vie sans enfants. En donnant à entendre les arguments de ceux, et surtout celles, qui choisissent de ne pas avoir d’enfants pour préserver l’environnement, l’article montre que leur souci, moins qu’une tendance partagée, s’inscrit en réalité dans un contexte singulier où la volonté de ne pas procréer reste entachée d’un stigmate puissant, appelant à des stratégies de justification et d’évitement.
Un sous-sol "sous-estimé" par les collectivités territoriales ? État des lieux et perspectives à partir de l’exemple de la géothermie
Authors: Boutaud Benoit , Jeandel Élodie
Published: December 2023

La question du rôle des collectivités territoriales en matière de mise en valeur du sous-sol se pose ces dernières années alors que l’État en a longtemps été le principal acteur. Si leurs prérogatives en matière d’énergie et d’environnement se sont accrues, le sous-sol souffre cependant d’un manque d’intérêt et d’une certaine invisibilité de leur part qui conduisent à une sous-estimation de sa contribution potentielle à la transition énergétique. L’objectif de cet article est d’apporter des éclairages sur le rapport qu’entretiennent ces acteurs avec cette partie non visible de notre environnement, en se fondant pour cela sur une série d’entretiens et en s’intéressant principalement au cas de la géothermie. Les conclusions font apparaître que leur niveau de connaissance est globalement très faible, bien que des sources d’information variées existent. Il résulte d’un ensemble de facteurs défavorables, jusqu’ici largement dominants (confusions techniques, temporalité des projets, concurrence avec les autres énergies, volume des investissements, faible prise en compte dans les réflexions et les documents d’urbanisme, ambivalence de la médiatisation), et d’autres qui sont plus favorables (solution bas carbone, source renouvelable d’énergie non intermittente, emprise spatiale limitée, potentiel important). Une situation qui pourrait cependant changer compte tenu de la crise énergétique, du souci d’accroître l’indépendance énergétique, et de la recherche de solutions capables de contribuer massivement à l’effort de transition.
Einstein’s special relativity applies a not recognized physical mistake leading to an absurd interpretation of the Michelson‐Morley experiment and absurd physics
Authors: Ziefle Reiner Georg
Published: December 2023

Special relativity (SR) needs different speeds of light in the horizontal arm of the Michelson‐Morley interferometer to “explain” a constant speed of light in all inertial frames. To obtain equal speeds from the two different speeds of light (c−v) = [(1 ‐ v/c) × c] and (c + v) = [(1 + v/c) × c], Einstein mathematically accelerates the speed of the photons in the direction of Earth’s motion around the Sun from [(1 ‐ v/c) × c] to [(1 − v2/c2) × c], and in the opposite direction, Einstein decelerates the speed of the photons from [(1 + v/c) × c] to [(1 − v2/c2) × c]. Besides the fact that light cannot be accelerated or decelerated, a change of the speed of the photons in the inertial frame of the Sun would also change the speed c of photons on Earth, because in both inertial frames, the photons always move in horizontal light path of the Michelson‐Morley interferometer in the same direction. SR contradicts its own postulates: 1. SR contradicts the constant speed c of light on Earth; 2. SR contradicts the constant speed c of light in all inertial frames, respectively, in all frames of reference; 3. SR contradicts the principle of relativity. Einstein transformed photons into particles that are allowed to violate logical and physical laws but are not allowed to interact with gravity, so that they have to follow curved world lines. However, giving up logical and physical laws because of precise predictions of a physical theory means arguing pseudo-scientifically. Instead, a simple quantum physical explanation of gravity is presented.
An original idea on the “generation of mass” from light
Authors: Ognean Teodor
Published: December 2023

This article presents an original idea on the “generation of mass” resulting from the light. In principle, it is considered that, in the Universe, the mass is the result of a “condensation” process of light. The condensation of light is in a direct relationship
with a rotational movement that appears in a linear motion. As an effect of the rotary motion, certain elementary mass entities are “generated” from light. In this process, gravity plays a key role. The number of mass entities generated from light is in a direct relationship with
Avogadro number. On the base of the relationships established in the article is shown how the mass can be generated into an atom starting from light.
Adaptational Response of Individual Trabeculae Morphology to Loading at Different Directions
Authors: Smotrova Ekaterina , Li Si Min , Silberschmidt Vadim V.
Published: December 2023

Trabecular bone undergoes changes in its morphology when subjected to external loading. This paper analyses changes in morphological parameters of individual trabeculae (trabecular thickness and bone volume fraction) in response to loadings at different directions: 0°, 20°, 45°, 70° and 90°. It was found that increase in the load incline caused increase in trabecular thickness and bone volume fraction. In addition, the equilibrium-state trabeculae obtained from adaptation to load at 90° (shear loading) had the highest axial and lateral stiffnesses, as compared to trabecular geometries obtained from other loading scenarios.
Continuum Mechanics Models for Describing the Creep and Physical Aging Behaviors of Laminated Composites
Authors: Yang Jiang Yan , Shang Fu Lin
Published: December 2023

Two types of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composite laminates are chosen for long-term tensile creep tests under different temperatures and load levels. Their time-dependent and non-monotonic deformations indicate clearly both temperature effect and physical aging effect. To characterize these viscoelastic behavior, two phenomenological constitutive models and one physical model are developed. The linear viscoelastic model based on the Boltzmann superposition principle is able to describe reasonably the deformations at relatively lower stress levels and temperatures. The nonlinear viscoelastic model of Schapery’s single-integral form, together with a usage of effective time theory, could describe nicely all the effects of temperature, stress, and physical aging. The physical model based on Ngai’s coupling mechanism concept is further combined with the framework of Schapery’s nonlinear viscoelastic theory, which may provide certain physical understanding about the effect of aging behavior on long-term creep deformation of the laminated composites. Numerical modelling by finite element method are implemented, and comparisons between the experimental and simulation results are demonstrated.
Basic Study on Applicability to Artificial Barriers for Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility for Various Zeolites
Authors: Imaizumi Yuto , Niwase Kazuhito , Yamamoto Takeshi , Sato Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

Artificial barriers are being considered for the burial disposal of low-level radioactive waste in Japan. The artificial barrier consists of i) a low permeable layer made of bentonite materials that suppresses migration of nuclides due to advection, and ii) a low diffusion layer that uses cementitious materials that suppresses migration of nuclides due to diffusion. In addition, as methods of disposing of radioactive waste generated by the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, controlled disposal and isolation-type disposal are being considered. We thought that it would be effective to add adsorption performance to the performance of suppressing migration of such radioactive substances. In this study, we designed and experimented on the adsorption performance of mortar mixed with various zeolites, which had never been examined. As evaluation methods, i) fluidity, ii) strength, iii) low diffusivity, and iv) distribution coefficient of cesium and iodine were obtained. Based on the results, we reexamined the composition and conducted experiments to examine the applicability to high-adsorption artificial barriers. As a result, it was confirmed that the mass transfer resistance tends to be low due to the zeolite being porous. It was also shown that the strength of mortar mixed with zeolite depends on the cement matrix. As a result of this research, the distribution coefficient of cesium in cementitious materials using zeolite with a high cation exchange capacity designed in this research is higher than that of cementitious materials for low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities currently in operation 1,500 times was obtained. On the other hand, we were able to discover the possibility of examining construction on a full-scale regarding fluidity and compressive strength. As a future task, it was found that it is necessary to investigate a more practical artificial barrier by increasing the strength and densification of the cement paste.
Research on the Proportion and Strength of Joint Filler Materials for External Wall Tiles
Authors: Liao Chu Tsen , Lin Chih Chieh , Lu Min Ju , Chang Meng Hsiu
Published: December 2023

Tile is the main exterior material of reinforced concrete building in Taiwan. However, the tiles are peeled off due to the deterioration of the building or the force of the earthquake recently. The construction sequence of exterior wall tiles includes cement mortar, waterproof layer, adhesive layer, paste tile and caulk. Most of tiles peel off from the adhesive layer so there are many studies focusing on the construction of adhesive layers. If the adhesive is not applied during construction or deteriorates over the years, it will lose its adhesion, and the caulk plays an important role in fixing the tile to the wall. Therefore, it is necessary to study the joint filling of exterior wall tiles. In this study, the exterior wall construction problems are sorted out, workers often ignore the proper water-cement ratio due to rush work in the construction site. The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of the water-cement ratio of the tile joint filler on the strength by pull-off and shear experiments. Set the water-cement ratio of joint filler to 1:4, 1:2, 1:1.3, 1:1, and quantitatively use in the same area. The results showed that the caulk with a water-cement ratio of 1:4 showed the best pull-off strength, which is 4.5 times that of 1:2. The increase in water volume at the construction site due to rush would lead to a significant decrease in strength. We look forward to providing a reference for on-site construction in this study.
Damage Localization in Plate Structures Based on Baseline-Free Method of Lamb Wave Using Mobile Transducer Set
Authors: Huang Hsin Haou , Chiang Chun Kun
Published: December 2023

Ultrasonic Lamb waves have gained popularity in non-destructive testing of plate-like structures due to their advantages such as low attenuation, high sensitivity, and wide detection range. This paper presents a novel baseline-free method for inspecting curved plate-like structures based on reciprocity loss. The method combines a modified damage imaging algorithm, a baseline-free detection method based on time reciprocity, and a calculation method for damage index values using the analysis of the focus position of time reciprocity signals. Experimental results demonstrate favorable effectiveness of the baseline-free method in detecting and locating multiple defects in the curved plate made of composite laminate.
Development of Ultra-High Performance Geopolymer Concrete Containing Recycled Fine Aggregate Replacement
Authors: Abadel Aref A.
Published: December 2023

The construction industry continually strives to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact. Developing innovative concrete materials that utilize recycled aggregates and alternative cementitious binders has gained significant attention in this context. This abstract presents a study on developing ultra-high-performance geopolymer concrete (UHPGC) by replacing fine aggregates with recycled materials. This research aims to develop UHPGC by incorporating recycled fine aggregate waste (RFAW) as a partial replacement for fine aggregate. Four different concrete mixes were prepared and tested to evaluate RFAW's influence on the performance of UHPGC, considering replacements of up to 30% of fine aggregate. The study examined the fresh properties and mechanical characteristics of the resulting material. The experimental outcomes demonstrated that adding RFAW enhanced the workability of fresh concrete, making it more easily manageable. However, the mechanical properties of the hardened concrete were slightly affected to some extent. Specifically, the compressive strength decreased from 119 MPa to 103 MPa when 30% RAW was added. Conversely, with lower replacement percentages of 10% and 20%, the concrete exhibited no reduction in strength compared to the 30% replacement levels. This reduction in strength could be attributed to a weaker bond between the geopolymer gel and the recycled fine aggregate particles. Additionally, it was observed that as the proportion of RFAW increased, the water absorption of the UHPGC also increased. This indicates that the concrete had a higher tendency to absorb moisture. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that RFAW waste could be a viable resource for producing environmentally friendly UHPGC with improved physical, mechanical, and durability properties with appropriate optimization. The outcomes of this study can promote sustainable construction practices by reducing the reliance on virgin materials and promoting the circular economy within the civil engineering industry.
Evaluation of the Thermomechanical Response of Geopolymeric Mortars Manufactured from Peruvian Mining Residues and its Comparison with Portland Cement Mortars
Authors: Palomino-Ñaupa Cris Katherin , Bringas-Rodríguez V.C. , Huamán-Mamani Fredy Alberto
Published: December 2023

Geopolymeric mortars made from a mixture of waste from the Peruvian informal mining industry, sodium hydroxide activating solution, and fine sand were studied, comparing them physically and mechanically with conventional Portland cement mortars. Both conventional and geopolymeric mortars were prepared in parallel and then subjected to uniaxial compression tests at various temperatures (ambient, 200 °C and 500 °C). The mechanical results found revealed maximum average resistance values of 63, 84 and 79 MPa for conventional mortars, and 12, 32 and 36 MPa for geopolymeric mortars, when they were tested at room temperature, 200 °C and 500 °C, respectively. The best mechanical results in geopolymeric mortars were found when considering a binder: fine sand ratio of 1:2, molarity of the hardening solution of 12 M and a hardening solution: binder ratio of 0.6. It was possible to demonstrate a good agreement between the distribution of particle sizes observed microstructurally and those found by granulometry studies by laser light diffraction.
Authors’ Response
Authors: Alonzo Alessandro , Di Fusco Stefania Angela , Colivicchi Furio
Published: December 2023

Dear Editor,We thank Dr. Finsterer and Dr. Stollberger for their interest in our published manuscript which is focused on the collected data from patients hospitalized in our multidisciplinary COVID-19 department who experienced a Tako-Tsubo syndrome (TTS) during the second and third wave of the pandemic...
Estimation of Patient Knowledge and Medication Preference on Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disorders in the United Arab Emirates: A Single-Center Study at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Authors: Namas Rajaie , Al Qassimi Sarah , Yu Ha-Neul , Alameri Jawahir , Memisoglu Lara N. , Hegazin Safa , Ailabouni Dona , Lantajo Bianca , Joy Annie , Anbochi Arvin , Ballan Manal , Ghani Noor Abdul , Al Darmaki Amal , Alnaqbi Khalid A , Shatnawi Hani , Elarabi Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders (RMDs) are chronic diseases that often require lifelong management to achieve quiescence. In view of this, the patient’s education regarding their treatment decisions plays a large role in ensuring therapeutic effectiveness. Although this has been studied in European and American literature, there remains a paucity of patient education in RMD in the middle eastern region. This study aims to learn the RMD knowledge and drug preferences of the patients of a rheumatology outpatient department at a large tertiary center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods:

Between May 2018 and July 2022, a questionnaire was distributed to 455 patients at the rheumatology outpatient department to gather information about RMD understanding and drug preferences.

Results:

The questionnaire was filled out by 455 patients. At the outset, the majority of patients (76.6%) were females of Emirati nationality (78.5%) with a mean age of 43 years. The most common disease (37.3%) was rheumatoid arthritis. The most commonly used medications (61.7%) were conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. More than half of the respondents (60%) believed that RMDs could be cured and that they could interfere with pregnancy. Nearly half of those polled (49.9%) thought RMD treatment was indefinite. The majority of patients (74.9%) preferred the oral route over others, with monthly dosing (42.9%) being the preferred frequency.

Conclusion:

For the first time, this study demonstrates the level of RMD knowledge and medication preferences in the UAE. It should serve as a springboard for further research into how education can improve patient outcomes.
Membrane-free stem cell components ameliorate atopic dermatitis in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced NC/Nga mice
Authors: Stalin Nattan , Lee Dongyup , Sharma Amitesh , Devi Shivani , Choi Jiwon , Hwang Yunbhin , Kim Young Sil , Park Tae-Sik
Published: December 2023

Background:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) production and an imbalance in the Th1/Th2 immune response. While numerous studies have examined the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) in repairing and regenerating damaged skin tissues caused by AD, the effects of membrane-free stem cell components derived from ADSC extract (ADSCE) on AD have not been investigated.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to investigate the alleviating effects of ADSCE on AD in mice and validate the therapeutic application of ADSCE on AD.

Methods:

An AD-like lesion was induced by the administration of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on the dorsal skin of NC/Nga mice. Then, ADSCE was administered subcutaneously for 3 weeks. Dermatitis score, epidermal thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured. Expression of the skin barrier proteins and inflammatory cytokines were measured by western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The administration of ADSCE demonstrated a significant amelioration in several skin diseases, as indicated by improvements in dermatitis score, epidermal thickness, TEWL, and total blood levels of IgE. ADSCE treatment led to an upregulation in the expression of various skin barrier proteins, including involucrin, loricrin, occludin, and zonula occludens-1. In addition, ADSCE inhibited the infiltration of mast cells and the expression of TSLP. Expression of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-4, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, was also lowered by ADSCE.

Conclusions:

The use of ADSCE resulted in enhanced skin features and exerted anti-inflammatory properties on AD-like lesions in mice.
Hand eczema and its severity in nonmedical personnel: A study of the use of hand sanitizer on transepidermal water loss and skin capacitance
Authors: Oktarina Caroline , Astriningrum Rinadewi , Hoemardani Aida S. D. , Budianti Windy K. , Widaty Sandra , Friska Dewi
Published: December 2023

Background:

An increased frequency of hand sanitizer use and washing hands with soap seems to increase the incidence of hand eczema (HE).

Objectives:

The aim was to analyze HE in nonmedical personnel, its severity, and the effect of hand sanitizer use on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance.

Methods:

This observational cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. Subjects were recruited based on the study criteria with cluster random sampling method. Each subject’s identity, data related to hand sanitizer use and handwashing, atopic stigmata, and duration of HE were documented. The severity of HE was assessed with the HE Severity Index (HECSI). TEWL and skin capacitance were measured with the Tewameter® TM 300 and Corneometer® CM 825 instruments.

Results:

Out of 240 subjects who were selected randomly, 24 normal subjects and 24 subjects with HE were recruited. The incidence of HE in nonmedical personnel using hand sanitizer was 10%, with a median disease duration of 22 weeks and a mean HECSI score of 9.25 ± 6.33. There was no significant difference in TEWL and skin capacitance between the groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between TEWL and skin capacitance with the HECSI score (P > 0.05). Subjects with HE washed their hands more frequently than subjects without HE (6 vs. 4.5 times per day; P 0.005).

Conclusion:

Most nonmedical personnel with HE had a mild form of the condition. There were no significant barrier function and skin hydration differences between the groups.
Efficacy of serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) on post-operative pain and total analgesic consumption in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): A double-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Avci Onur , Gundogdu Oğuz , Balci Fatih , Tekcan Muhammed N. , Ozbey Mahmut
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims:

Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) is a novel technique that can provide analgesia in the hemithorax, shoulder, and back of the neck. This study aimed to evaluate the post-operative analgesic effect of SPSIPB in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods:

It is a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Twenty-four adult patients who underwent VATS via the uniportal technique were randomised into two groups: the SPSIPB group (n = 12) received SPSIPB along with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with tramadol, whereas the control group (n = 12) received only PCA with tramadol. At the end of the surgery, patients in the SPSIPB group received a unilateral SPSIPB under ultrasound guidance with the use of 30-mL bupivacaine 0.25%. The primary outcome was the numerical rating scale (NRS) scores of the patients. Secondary outcomes included the amount of tramadol and rescue analgesic (paracetamol) consumed by the patients, followed up for post-operative 24 hours. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-Square Test. Mann–Whitney U Test was used to compare groups of variables that were not normally distributed.

Results:

The SPSIPB group had lower NRS values during post-operative 24 hours (P < 0.001). Mean (standard deviation) total tramadol consumption was 58.33 (26.23) mg in the SPSIPB group and 144.17 (13.11) mg in the control group (P < 0.001). Rescue analgesic need was lower in the SPSIP group in the first 18 post-operative hours (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block provides good analgesia in the thoracic region after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
Effect of timing of intraoperative administration of paracetamol on postoperative shivering: A randomised double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Mohta Medha , Mounika T. Bindu , Tyagi Asha
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims:

Paracetamol (PCM) has an anti-shivering effect and may also exacerbate intraoperative hypothermia. This study compares the incidence of shivering as the primary outcome and the incidence of perioperative hypothermia (<36°C) and the time to the analgesic requirement as secondary outcomes when PCM was administered after induction of anaesthesia or towards the end of surgery.

Methods:

In this randomised study, 225 adult patients of either gender undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia with an expected duration of surgery of 1–4 h were studied. They received intravenous (IV) PCM 15 mg/kg (maximum 1 g) immediately after anaesthesia induction (Early PCM group), 30 min before completion of surgery (Late PCM group) or no PCM (Control group). IV morphine 0.1 mg/kg was administered for analgesia in all three groups. The Chi-square test and repeated measures analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

The incidence of shivering was lower in Late PCM (12%) than in Early PCM (29.3%) (P = 0.009) and Control groups (30.6%) (P = 0.005). The incidence of postoperative hypothermia was also significantly lower in the Late PCM group than in the Early PCM (P = 0.002) and Control groups (P = 0.016). Early PCM and Control groups did not significantly differ. The number of patients requiring postoperative analgesia was smaller, and the time to the analgesic requirement was longer in Late PCM compared to other groups.

Conclusion:

Administration of IV PCM 30 min before completion of surgery results in a lower incidence of postoperative shivering and hypothermia when compared to PCM administered after induction of anaesthesia or no PCM.