bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of infection due to airborne virus in classroom environments lacking mechanical ventilation
Authors: Goldblatt Alexandra , Loccisano Michael J. , Mahe Mazharul I. , Dennehy John J. , Spagnolo Fabrizio
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the role of indoor environments on disease transmission. However, our understanding of how transmission occurred evolved as the pandemic progressed. Enclosed spaces where pathogen-laden aerosols accumulate were strongly linked to increased transmission events. Most classrooms, particulalry in the U.S., do not have any mechanical ventilation systems but do have many people congregating indoors for long periods of time. Here we employ a safe, non-pathogenic surrogate virus, the bacteriophage phi6, to interrogate aerosol transmission in classroom environments that do not have any natural or mechanical ventilation in order to provide baseline understanding of how effectively aerosols facilitate new infections. We measure exposure risk using a modified passive monitoring technique compliant with applicable standards, including ISO 14698–1:2003. We find that virus-laden aerosols establish new infections over all distances tested within minutes and that the time of exposure did not change transmission rate. We further find that relative humidity, but not temperature nor a UV-based disinfection device, significantly lowered transmission rates. Our data suggest that, even without mechanical ventilation, relative humidity remains an inexpensive and highly effective mitigation strategy while UV air treatment may not.
Current evidence and future direction on evaluating the anticancer effects of curcumin, gingerols, and shogaols in cervical cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Abdull Rahim Unwaniah , Mustapa Marami , Mohamed Shakrin Nik Noorul Shakira , Nurdin Armania , Mohamad Taridi Nursiati , Yusof Yasmin Anum Mohd , Mad Nordin Mariam Firdhaus , Che Roos Nur Aishah
Published: November 2024

Cervical cancer ranked fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide despite the establishment of vaccination programmes. This systematic review evaluates the anti-cancer properties of turmeric and ginger bioactive compounds, specifically curcumin, 6/10-gingerol, and 6/10-shogaol, and their combination in cervical cancer through in-vitro and in-vivo models. A comprehensive electronic search was performed using Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus from inception until the second week of June 2024 for studies published in English. Only studies investigating the effects of curcumin, gingerol, shogaol, and/or their combination in human cervical cancer cell lines and/or rodent animal models implanted with cervical cancer xenografts were included. Altogether, 27 studies were included in this review. The evidence gathered indicated that curcumin, 6/10-gingerol and 6-shogaol exert their anticancer action through modulation of cell signalling pathways, including AMPK, WNT, PI3K/AKT, and NF‐κB pathway, and mediators including Bax/Bcl2, TNF‐α, EGFR, COX‐2, caspases‐3, ‐9, p53, and pRb. However, the synergistic effect of these bioactive compounds is not known due to lack of evidence. In conclusion, curcumin, 6/10-gingerols, and 6-shogaols hold promise as therapeutic agents for cervical cancer. Yet, further research is essential to understand their combined efficacy, emphasising the need for additional studies exploring the synergistic anticancer effects of these bioactive compounds. Additional factors to explore include long-term effects and susceptibility of chemoresistant cervical cancer cells towards curcumin, shogaols, and gingerols.
Prevalence of endoepicardial asynchrony and breakthrough patterns in a bilayer computational model of heterogeneous endoepicardial dissociation in the left atrium
Authors: Zakeri Zafarghandi Elham , Jacquemet Vincent
Published: November 2024

Background

Transmural propagation and endoepicardial delays in activation observed in patients with atrial fibrillation are hypothesized to be associated with structural remodeling and endoepicardial dissociation. We aim to explore in a computational model how the distribution of delays and the rate of endo- and epicardial breakthrough activation patterns are affected by fibrosis and heterogeneous layer dissociation.

Methods

A bilayer interconnected cable model of the left atrium was used to simulate a total of 4,800 episodes of atrial fibrillation on 960 different arrhythmogenic substrates with up to 30% epicardium-only diffuse fibrosis. Endoepicardial connections were heterogeneously distributed following random spatial patterns (characteristic length scale from 1.6 to 11.4 mm). Intermediate nodes were introduced in the transmural connections to enable the simulation of weaker coupling. This heterogeneous interlayer dissociation divided the atrial bilayer into connected and disconnected regions (from 27 to 48,000 connected regions). Activation time series were extracted in both layers to compute endoepicardial delays and detect breakthrough patterns.

Results

Because of epicardial fibrosis, fibrillatory waves were driven by the endocardium, which generated endoepicardial delays. The delays in the connected regions (up to 10 ms, but generally < 5 ms) were prolonged by higher fibrosis density and weaker coupling. Disconnected regions allowed longer delays (> 15 ms) and promoted the occurrence of breakthroughs. These breakthroughs had short lifespan (< 10–20 ms) and were more prevalent with higher fibrosis density and heterogeneous dissociation (larger disconnected regions). Severe remodeling (< 500 connected regions) was needed to produce clinically reported rates (> 0.1 breakthrough/cycle/cm2).

Conclusion

Heterogeneous endoepicardial dissociation aggravates activation delays and increases the prevalence of epicardial breakthroughs.
Comparison of safety profiles for dapagliflozin based on EMA and FDA safety issues: Challenges and future of post-marketing surveillance in Korea
Authors: Park Suvin , Kim Hee-Jin , Won Heehyun , Lee Hui-Eon , Cho Haerin , Choi Nam-Kyong
Published: November 2024

Europe, the United States (U.S), and Korea each maintain post-marketing surveillance (PMS) systems to monitor rare or unexpected adverse events. Korea’s PMS mainly involves a re-examination system to identify new adverse events not seen in pre-market trials during the early stages of post-marketing drug use, along with the risk management plan (RMP), a comprehensive strategy using methods like signal detection to regularly assess safety and benefit-risk throughout the drug’s lifecycle. This study compares the post-marketing safety issues associated with dapagliflozin as identified by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and in Korea. To identify these safety issues, we reviewed the safety concerns listed in the European Union RMP (EU-RMP), adverse events noted in the Warnings and Precautions section of the U.S FDA drug label, and use-result surveillance results detailed in the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety drug label. Additionally, we used Korean Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) data to detect safety signals. We manually matched and compared safety issues identified by the EMA and FDA with those recognized in Korea. For safety issues unique to Korea, we compared KAERS signals with the results from use-result surveillance. We compared 17 EMA/FDA safety issues with 38 KAERS signals and 231 results from use-result surveillance. While there was a significant concordance (71%) between the safety issues identified by the EMA/FDA and those in Korea, Korean safety issues had limitations in capturing long-term outcomes and laboratory results. Some safety issues that were initially recognized in the EU-RMP and FDA drug labels were no longer found in the latest documents. To enhance PMS in Korea, it is necessary to establish more specific laws and regulations and develop detailed guidelines that utilize a variety of real-world data and research methodologies to continuously assess causality throughout the product lifecycle.
Spatial distributions of CD8 and Ki67 cells in the tumor microenvironment independently predict breast cancer-specific survival in patients with ER+HER2– and triple-negative breast carcinoma
Authors: Zilenaite-Petrulaitiene Dovile , Rasmusson Allan , Valkiuniene Ruta Barbora , Laurinaviciene Aida , Petkevicius Linas , Laurinavicius Arvydas
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) presents diverse malignancies with varying biological and clinical behaviors, driven by an interplay between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment. Deciphering these interactions is crucial for personalized diagnostics and treatment. This study explores the prognostic impact of tumor proliferation and immune response patterns, assessed by computational pathology indicators, on breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) models in estrogen receptor-positive HER2-negative (ER+HER2–) and triple-negative BC (TNBC) patients.

Materials and methods

Whole-slide images of tumor surgical excision samples from 252 ER+HER2– patients and 63 TNBC patients stained for estrogen and progesterone receptors, Ki67, HER2, and CD8 were analyzed. Digital image analysis (DIA) was performed for tumor tissue segmentation and quantification of immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers; the DIA outputs were subsampled by hexagonal grids to assess the spatial distributions of Ki67-positive tumor cells and CD8-positive (CD8+) cell infiltrates, expressed as Ki67-entropy and CD8-immunogradient indicators, respectively. Prognostic models for BCSS were generated using multivariable Cox regression analysis, integrating clinicopathological and computational IHC indicators.

Results

In the ER+HER2– BC, multivariable Cox regression revealed that high CD8+ density within the tumor interface zone (IZ) (HR: 0.26, p = 0.0056), low immunodrop indicator of CD8+ density (HR: 2.93, p = 0.0051), and low Ki67-entropy (HR: 5.95, p = 0.0.0061) were independent predictors of better BCSS, while lymph node involvement predicted worse BCSS (HR: 3.30, p = 0.0013). In TNBC, increased CD8+ density in the IZ stroma (HR: 0.19, p = 0.0119) and Ki67-entropy (HR: 3.31, p = 0.0250) were independent predictors of worse BCSS. Combining these independent indicators enhanced prognostic stratification in both BC subtypes.

Conclusions

Computational biomarkers, representing spatial properties of the tumor proliferation and immune cell infiltrates, provided independent prognostic information beyond conventional IHC markers in BC. Integrating Ki67-entropy and CD8-immunogradient indicators into prognostic models can improve patient stratification with regard to BCSS.
Microbiology and management of Staphylococcus aureus lacrimal system infections: A 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Bineshfar Niloufar , Clauss Kevin D. , Lee Wendy W. , Miller Darlene
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To assess the in vitro efficacy of common antimicrobial agents used empirically for methicillin- resistant and sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA) infections of the lacrimal system.

Methods

A retrospective review of culture-proven S. aureus isolates retrieved from lacrimal system samples collected between January 2013–December 2022 was performed. Microbiologic characteristics such as in vitro susceptibility as well as clinical characteristics including history of recent ocular surgery, presence of lacrimal biomaterial implant, anti-microbial regimen, and treatments outcome were collected.

Results

One hundred and sixteen S. aureus isolates (patients = 116) were identified. Thirty-one (27.4%) and 22 (19.5%) patients had recent ocular procedure and lacrimal intubation, respectively. Fifty (44.2%) patients received a combination of oral and topical antibiotics as first line of treatment. The most common empirically utilized antibiotics were β-lactams (38.9%) and polymyxin B/ trimethoprim (31.0%). The antibiotic regimen was changed at least once in 20.5% of patients due to ineffectiveness. Of the patients with positive cultures from the lacrimal excretory apparatus, 37.3% underwent surgery as part of the treatment approach. Of all isolates identified 44.8% were MRSA. Among the fluoroquinolones, the resistance rate was 38.8% for ciprofloxacin and 30.4% for moxifloxacin, with significantly higher resistance rates in MRSA (P-value <0.0001). The resistance rates for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SXT) and gentamicin were 8.6% and 3.4%, retrospectively.

Conclusions

There is low in vitro efficacy of commonly used antimicrobials such as β-lactams and fluoroquinolones in our study population; thus, we recommend opting for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin for systemic and topical single-agent treatments.
Los movimientos estudiantiles y del profesorado en España y América Latina (s. XIX-XX). Análisis de contenido sobre la evolución y producción historiográfica
Authors: Fontoba Jordá Eric Jorge , Payà Rico Andrés
Published: November 2024

En este artículo presentamos un estudio centrado en el análisis de contenido sobre la evolución y producción historiográfica de los movimientos sociales estudiantiles y del profesorado publicados en revistas de Historia de la Educación de impacto. Para ello, se utilizan como muestra una revisión sistemática de los artículos de las revistas que se integran en la base de datos especializada en Historia de la Educación, hecumen. En la actualidad, hecumen alberga unos 6000 artículos de 11 revistas especializadas de Historia de la Educación de relevancia internacional indexadas en Scopus. A través de la misma, atendiendo a los artículos sobre los movimientos sociales estudiantiles y docentes, cuyo objeto de estudio está comprendido entre los siglos xix y xx, tanto en España como en una muestra de países de América Latina, se realiza un análisis, en diferentes niveles de profundidad, de la producción científica, destacando aquellos temas y áreas que han despertado un mayor interés en la investigación histórico-educativa, así como también en otros menos explorados, tratando de indagar en posibles explicaciones, motivaciones y causas. Entre otras conclusiones, hemos podido observar, por un lado, un gran interés entre los investigadores por el análisis de estos movimientos en períodos dictatoriales, así como en los estudios sobre los movimientos estudiantiles universitarios o el análisis de la prensa como fuente histórico-educativa. De otro lado, sorprenden por su ausencia o escasa relevancia las investigaciones relativas al asociacionismo del profesorado de educación infantil o el papel de los sindicatos docentes, entre otras cuestiones.
O povo Munduruku (TI-MP, Pará, Brasil) e a luta por direitos territoriais
Authors: Guedes Eneias Barbosa , Cazula Leandro Pansonato
Published: November 2024

Por este texto apresento reflexões sobre estudo de caso junto ao Povo Munduruku do Planalto Santareno. O objetivo da pesquisa foi compreender a luta pelo reconhecimento do direito territorial e a necessária demarcação da Terra Indígena Munduruku do Planalto (TI-MP). Ante iminentes ameaças de devastação do ambiente de trabalho e de reprodução de vida, decorrentes das práticas atinentes à expansão de ampliadas formas de subordinação do uso dos recursos naturais aos interesses capitalistas, tal como a formação da propriedade privada da terra e o monocultivo de grãos, todavia em áreas em que predominava o uso costumeiro pela posse, o povo indígena em foco emergiu na cena política mediante reafirmação de territorialidade específica. O movimento étnico, ancorado nos princípios de definição do território e nos direitos garantidos na Constituição Federal de 1988, instituiu, junto ao Estado, o diálogo mediante luta expressa em atos políticos pelos quais exigiam o reconhecimento dos direitos territoriais aferidos na e pela terra ocupada segundo bases ancestrais reafirmativas do uso comunitário dos ambientes de terra-água-floresta.
Huixtán, Chiapas, México: un modelo de transición agroecológica desde la perspectiva campesina
Authors: Juárez Aura Patricia Juárez , Gómez-Martínez Emanuel
Published: November 2024

El propósito es analizar los progresos y obstáculos de la política pública de transición agroecológica en Huixtán, Chiapas. Metodología: consiste en un estudio de casos fundamentado en la revisión documental, encuestas, talleres participativos y entrevistas a actores clave de las comunidades Adolfo López Mateos y Carmen Yalchuch. Se aborda la discusión teórica sobre la transición social agroecológica, enfocándose en las dimensiones técnico-productivas y políticas para examinar las implicaciones de la Estrategia de Acompañamiento Técnico del programa Producción por el Bienestar con los campesinos de Huixtán. Resultados: las tierras marginales de escasa productividad, los factores climáticos, la incidencia de plagas y enfermedades, y el acceso al agua son determinantes en la actividad agrícola. Los campesinos emplean diversas técnicas y prácticas agrícolas para garantizar la cosecha de maíz (Zea mayz) y frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris). La disponibilidad de agua en las comunidades es limitada, lo que afecta la producción de bioinsumos promovidos en las Escuelas de Campo. El estudio registra la experiencia de agricultores de maíz de temporal en un municipio de Los Altos de Chiapas. Conclusión: la transición hacia sistemas agroecológicos está influenciada por aspectos técnicos productivos, así como por factores sociales que la condicionan y desafían.
¿Muerte de Dios o derrumbamiento de los ídolos? Aproximación al pensamiento teológico de Jean-Luc Marion
Authors: Porcel Moreno Manuel
Published: November 2024

Apoyándose en Nietzsche, Jean-Luc Marion afirma junto con él la «muerte de Dios». Sin embargo, el filósofo francés va a proponer una nueva reinterpretación de la «muerte de Dios» proclamada por Nietzsche. Para él, quien se proclama muerto no es el Dios vivo de las religiones históricaspositivas, sino un ídolo conceptual que se ha ido gestando a lo largo de la historia de la metafísica. La pretensión de este artículo no consiste sino en mostrar cómo Marion propone un pensamiento más original de lo divino, un pensamiento que no torne lo divino en visible, ni se paralice en un primer visible o concepto, sino que dé a ver su invisibilidad desde la distancia que abre al hombre.
El método del conocimiento personal en la antropología de V. E. Frankl
Authors: Sellés Dauder Juan Fernando , Millán Ghisleri Elda
Published: November 2024

En este trabajo se revisan los diversos métodos noéticos ensayados por V. E. Frankl para alcanzar a conocer la intimidad personal: a través de la corporeidad, por la acción, la biografía, el análisis fenomenológico, por medio de la conciencia, a través de la apertura sobrenatural, por «autocomprensión ontológica prerreflexiva», el «análisis de la existencia» y la «sabiduría del corazón».
Fideismo y escepticismo en Montaigne. Sobre la defensa a Ramón Sibiuda en la Apología (Ensayos, II, 12)
Authors: Llinàs Begon Joan Lluís
Published: November 2024

Mediante el comentario de los últimos párrafos de la respuesta de Montaigne a la primera objeción que se le hace a Ramón Sibiuda (Ensayos, II, 12), se pretende lo siguiente: a) Precisar la naturaleza de la defensa de Montaigne, basada en la utilidad más que en la verdad de los argumentos de Sibiuda; b) Precisar la relación entre fideísmo y escepticismo en Montaigne, relación que pasa por una ambigüedad de posiciones (del fideista, del libre pensador, y del buen católico), pero en la que parece dominar finalmente el juicio; c) Y precisar la concepción de Dios que aparece en la respuesta a esa objeción, y el papel que parece jugar en el proyecto de los Ensayos, esto es, un Dios oculto el acceso al cual no depende de nosotros, por lo que no podemos construir nuestra vida ejerciendo nuestro juicio a partir de Él.
Una nueva interpretación del «qigong» desde el concepto filosófico de armonía integral
Authors: Ruiz Morillas Núria
Published: November 2024

El qigong es un ejercicio físico y de concentración que ha experimentado una gran expansión a nivel mundial. Esta rápida difusión ha propiciado que se transmita desligado de su base filosófica y que se proyecte una mezcla confusa de conceptos relacionados básicamente con la salud física y mental. En este trabajo se interpreta el qigong desde una perspectiva filosófica. Para ello se ha tomado como referencia el concepto de armonía integral de Fang Dongmei y se ha elaborado un marco teorético que aporta una nueva lectura del qigong adaptada al momento actual. El ensayo resultante da consistencia a la praxis actual del qigong.
CRH receptor antagonist crinecerfont – a promising new treatment option for patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Kamrath Clemens , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi L.
Published: November 2024

21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), leads to impaired cortisol synthesis and androgen excess. Current treatments of patients with classic 21OHD with supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoids pose risks such as impaired growth and metabolic complications. We discuss the CRH receptor antagonist as a therapeutic option for children with classic 21OHD. A phase three trial of crinecerfont, a CRH receptor antagonist, offers a promising new treatment option. Crinecerfont helped to reduce glucocorticoid doses and to lower androgen levels. However, the study population may not be fully representative of the general 21OHD population. Successful implementation depends on patient adherence and monitoring to avoid possible complications such as adrenal crises. Overall, crinecerfont represents a valuable development, but further research and careful clinical management are needed to optimize its use in CAH treatment.
External validation of a non-invasive vaginal tool to assess the risk of intra-amniotic inflammation in pregnant women with preterm labor and intact membranes
Authors: Cobo Teresa , Burgos-Artizzu Xavier P. , Ferrero Silvia , Balcells Judith , Bosch Jordi , Gené Amadeu , Murillo Clara , Rueda Claudia , Boada David , Sánchez-Antón Maria Teresa , Kacerovsky Marian , Jacobsson Bo , Palacio Montse
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To prospectively validate the diagnostic performance of a non-invasive point-of-care tool (Rapid IAI System), including vaginal alpha-fetoprotein and interleukin-6, to predict the occurrence of intra-amniotic inflammation in a Spanish cohort of patients admitted with a diagnosis of preterm labor and intact membranes.

Methods

From 2017 to 2022, we prospectively evaluated a cohort of pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor and intact membranes admitted below 34+0 weeks who underwent amniocentesis to rule-in/out intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation. Vaginal sampling was performed at the time of amniocentesis or within 24–48 h. Amniotic fluid IL-6, vaginal alpha-fetoprotein and vaginal IL-6 concentrations were measured using a point-of-care tool provided by Hologic Inc., “Rapid IAI System”. We defined intra-amniotic inflammation when amniotic fluid IL-6 values were greater than 11.3 ng/mL. During recruitment, clinicians were blinded to the results of the point-of-care tool. The original prediction model proposed by Hologic Inc. to predict intra-amniotic inflammation was validated in this cohort of patients.

Results

We included 151 patients diagnosed with preterm labor and intact membranes. Among these, 29 (19.2 %) had intra-amniotic inflammation. The algorithm including vaginal IL-6 and alpha-fetoprotein showed an area under curve to predict intra-amniotic inflammation of 80.3 % (±5.3 %) with a sensitivity of 72.4 %, specificity of 84.6 %, positive predictive valuve (PPV) of 52.5 %, negative predictive value (NPV) of 92.9 %, and a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 4.6 and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.33.

Conclusions

External validation of a non-invasive rapid point-of-care tool, including vaginal alpha-fetoprotein and IL-6, showed very good diagnostic performance for predicting the absence of intra-amniotic inflammation in women with preterm labor and intact membranes.
Sign recognition: the effect of parameters and features in sign mispronunciations
Authors: Geraci Carlo , Pasalskaya Lena , Peperkamp Sharon
Published: November 2024

We investigate the degree to which mispronounced signs can be accommodated by signers of French Sign Language (LSF). Using an offline judgment task, we examine both the individual contributions of three parameters – handshape, movement, and location – to sign recognition, and the impact of the individual features that were manipulated to obtain the mispronounced signs. Results indicate that signers judge mispronounced handshapes to be less damaging for well-formedness than mispronounced locations or movements. In addition to this macro-effect of parameter, individual features are found to carry different weights during sign recognition, mirroring what has been reported for phonological features in spoken languages. Together, these results thus further support an underlying a-modal phonological architecture for human language, including feature-based phonological representations.
To Be Oriented and to Orient: Considerations on Principles, Requirements, and Objectives of an Inductive Systematic Theology
Authors: Zeller Kinga
Published: November 2024

It is usually assumed that protestant systematic theology has a contemporary relevance and engages with the present in its work. However, it is unclear what significance the present in the form of findings and observations of social developments – including faith expressions embedded in practices and the belief(s) of the laities – have to the research of protestant systematic theologians, especially in north-west Europe. This article introduces inductive systematic theology as a form of systematic theology that incorporates theological statements from laypeople and non-believers, often obtained through empirical methods, into its work. It aims to initiate a discussion on principles, requirements, and objectives of inductive systematic theology. Therefore, a particular focus is set on arguing for the necessity of a respectful and open stance toward subjects of inquiry. It is furthermore discussed, why and to what extent this stance entails self-reflection and transparent articulation of one’s positionality. Using public theological statements on self-love as an example, it is illustrated how such assertions can orient systematic theologians in their research by showing certain connections and indicating possible inquiries.
Der CO
2
-Preis in Deutschland: Verteilungswirkungen und Möglichkeiten der Rückverteilung
Authors: Kaestner Kathrin , Kruse Lisa , Schwarz Antonia , Sommer Stephan
Published: November 2024

In diesem Artikel untersuchen Kathrin Kaestner, Lisa Kruse, Antonia Schwarz und Stephan Sommer die vertikalen und horizontalen Verteilungswirkungen der CO2-Bepreisung auf Emissionen in den Sektoren Wärme und Verkehr für Deutschland. Obgleich oft als Leitinstrument einer erfolgreichen und effizienten Klimapolitik betrachtet, wird dieses Preisinstrument nur vorsichtig vorangetrieben, weil es Bedenken gibt, dass damit hohe und ungleiche Kostenbelastungen verbunden sind. Anhand von Haushaltsdaten sowie einem Mikrosimulationsmodell untersuchen die die Autor/-innen die Kostenbelastung privater Haushalte für verschiedene Preishöhen und Entlastungsmaßnahmen. Dabei zeigt sich, dass eine Strompreissenkung weniger progressiv als eine Pro-Kopf-Pauschale wirkt und eine einkommensgestaffelte Rückverteilung am progressivsten. Eine Pro-Haushalt-Pauschale könnte Einpersonenhaushalte im Vergleich zu einer Pro-Kopf-Pauschale stärker entlasten. Die Ergebnisse deuten an, dass vulnerable Gruppen existieren, die über eine entlastende Rückverteilung hinaus gezielt in ihrem Anpassungsprozess unterstützt werden sollten.
Decreased plasma gelsolin in the COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Gunturk Inayet , Seydel Gonul Seyda , Yazici Cevat , Topaloglu Ulas Serkan , Eren Esma , Yuksel Recep Civan
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential roles of plasma gelsolin (pGSN), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) as profibrotic and immune modulatory markers in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and patients with mild to moderate disease.

Methods

The study included 60 COVID-19 RT-PCR (+) patients who were divided into two groups as those who developed ARDS and those who did not and 18 non-COVID-19 volunteers. The pGSN, LPA and TGF-β1 levels were measured in the obtained plasma samples and evaluated together with routine laboratory parameters. Prognostic factors were assessed by multivariate analysis, and the predictive values of pGSN, TGF-β1 and LPA for developing ARDS were compared.

Results

While increased pGSN levels in COVID-19 patients were found to be decreased with the onset of ARDS; TGF-β1 and LPA levels were lower in patients than in control group, and the lowest levels were observed in patients who developed ARDS. In multivariate analyses, CRP and pGSN were identified as independent risk factors for developing ARDS. The cut-off value of the pGSN was 4,573 ng/mL (90 % sensitivity, 99 % specificity), (area under the curve: 0.977). The predictive values ​​of pGSN is higher than TGF-β1 and LPA.

Conclusions

It can be said that the low concentrations of pGSN, TGF-β1 and LPA contribute to the development of ARDS due to the associated immunosuppressive role in COVID-19 patients.
Tempos de fome: a colonialidade confrontada pela Educação Popular Feminista
Authors: Carvalho Íris de , Eggert Edla
Published: November 2024

Neste artigo, propomo-nos a trazer reflexões sobre as marcas da colonialidade do poder que nos habitam. Suspeitamos que essas marcas nos mantêm reféns da subserviência e que, na pandemia de COVID-19, ficaram ainda mais evidentes. Para tanto, confrontamos aspectos de leituras sobre colonialidade, articulada com o pensamento feminista latino-americano junto com a Educação Popular. A partir de uma reflexão sobre as situações-limite e o exercício do pensamento crítico, problematizamos a ordem colonial moderna e as transformações nas relações de gênero.
Magda Soares em entrevista para Cadernos de Educação (UFPel)
Authors: Miranda Ana Ruth Moresco
Published: November 2024

Na edição alusiva aos 30 anos da Cadernos de Educação, a revista publica entrevista com a professora Magda Soares, uma das mais pródigas pensadoras da Alfabetização e da Educação brasileiras.
A MANIFESTAÇÃO DAS ETAPAS DO PACTO SOCIAL DE JOHN RAWLS NO BRASIL COMO FATOR LEGITIMADOR DA POLÍTICA DE AÇÕES AFIRMATIVAS
Authors: Silva Paulo Henrique Araujo da , Martins Ricardo Evandro Santos
Published: November 2024

O presente ensaio se propõe a analisar Uma Teoria da Justiça, de John Rawls, dividindo-o em três etapas, estas propostas na crítica de Chandran Kukathas e Philip Pettit, além de relacionar as mesmas com o desenvolvimento histórico e jurídico do Brasil. A introdução trará as premissas básicas de justiça defendidas por Rawls: os princípios da igualdade e da diferença. Em seguida, aborda-se a etapa referente ao início da construção social e, relacionando com o contexto brasileiro, mostra como o Brasil relativizou esses princípios para legitimar a discriminação racial. Outrossim, é abordada a etapa marcada pelo debate dos pactuantes que determinam as diretrizes da sociedade por meio do texto constitucional, revelando como a Constituição Federal Brasileira de 1988 é uma norma superior em que a deliberação social para a sua composição foi de fato presente, um texto que defende princípios que justificam e legitimam a política de Ações Afirmativas. Por fim, analisa-se a etapa referente à necessidade de se efetivar os anseios constitucionais previamente definidos, trazendo as políticas de bem-estar social como meios adequados para atingir esse objetivo e mostrar as Ações Afirmativas como a política mais adequada de se promover essa justiça social no acesso à educação.
Sustainability Spectacle in the Gulf
Authors: Koch Natalie
Published: November 2024

The Gulf states have become home to many spectacular environmental sustainability projects, ranging from new infrastructure like solar parks and green cities to global events like the COP28 climate talks in Dubai. These projects are designed to be visually impressive and to illustrate the Gulf commitment to building a post-oil “green” future. Increasingly used to promote nationalist pride among Gulf citizens, symbols of green modernity are also used to recruit valuable knowledge workers to the region. Yet sustainability spectacle ultimately obscures Gulf state leaders’ refusal to shift their economies and political systems away from fossil fuels, while simultaneously justifying yet more unsustainable development—just with a new green label.
Surviving Under the Shadow of the Islamic State
Authors: Knuppe Austin J.
Published: November 2024

This essay outlines how Islamic State repressed local communities after conquering much of Iraq’s territory in 2014, and how civilians, in turn, responded to insurgent governance. While there are as many ways to survive violence as there are people affected by it, most survival strategies fall into four general categories: flight, cooperation, neutrality, and resistance. Iraqis’ experience under the harsh rule of the self-declared caliphate takes center stage, but the analysis includes generalizable lessons about how ordinary civilians survive terrorism, insurgency, and civil war. The essay concludes with an analysis of the core challenges confronting postwar governance in Iraq.
Militarized Governance and Counterrevolutionary Infrastructure in Egypt
Authors: Wahba Dina
Published: November 2024

Since seizing power in a 2013 military coup, the regime of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has imposed a form of militarized governance in Egypt. The military controls much of the economy, while tightening domestic security to suppress dissent and prevent a recurrence of street protests. In an effort to stamp out lingering public support for (and emotional attachment to) the 2011 revolution, the state has pursued urban restructuring in Cairo, razing working-class districts and relocating their inhabitants—as it builds a new capital outside the city, at a safe remove from the population.
A Cinematic Salvo from Interwar Austria
Authors: Isenberg Noah
Published: November 2024

Occasioned by the centenary of Die Stadt ohne Juden (The City Without Jews, 1924), Hans-Karl Breslauer’s long-forgotten film, this article revisits Hugo Bettauer’s eponymous, best-selling novel on which it was based, exploring its remarkably wide and impassioned reception, and recognizing the ways in which Breslauer and his crew went about translating it to the screen. The article applies renewed attention to the extended cast and crew involved in this storied production. Lastly, it situates Breslauer’s film in relation to interwar German and Austrian cinema, recognizing affinities with and departures from the canonical works of the era and how the film continues to speak to us today.
Influence of Debris Size on the Tribological Performance of Flame-Sprayed Coatings
Authors: Al-Samarai Riyadh A. , Obaid Abdulsalam Y. , Al-Douri Y.
Published: November 2024

Due to the increased contact pressure and abrasive action on the coated surface, larger debris particles can result in higher wear rates. When designing and applying flame spray coatings in various industrial environments, it is important to consider how debris size affects the frictional performance of the coatings. This work aims to assess debris particle size's effect on Ni-based alloy coating's tribological properties. This is a key manufacturing issue that can help prolong the life of devices and provide proper maintenance. Debris is rated as Al2O3 solid particles, where their size ranges from 1.5 ± 0.03 µm to 42 ± 0.03 μm, dispersed in an oil lubricant. The coatings are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), while the cross-sectional evaluation is analyzed utilizing X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The coating is sprayed with NiCrBSi and melted in a flame. Hardened F-5220 metal forms a counter disk (according to ASTM A681). Our findings demonstrate that the alumina particles cause wear to increase significantly, particularly for bigger particles. When it comes to micrometer-sized particles, an increase in volume loss is seen as a result of increased surface roughness, plenteous microgrooves, and plastic flow of the NiCrBSi coating vertically to the sliding orientation. In addition, it has been proven that the nanosized particles play a secondary role in a tribological system in contrast to microparticles. Debris measurement is quantitatively related to friction and lubrication adjustments. Surface roughness can be assessed as a characteristic of the particle size. Large particles cause excessive induce high coefficient of friction at NiCrBSi coatings.
Relaciones de la pedagógica y la pedagogía de la liberación latinoamericana. Estudio epistemológico basado en Dussel y Freire
Authors: Mujica Johnson Felipe
Published: November 2024

In the last decades, new epistemological discussions have been developed to support Latin American pedagogies that distance themselves from the hegemonic discourses of modernity and their colonial accent. In this context, this essay aims to contribute to the understanding of some of the relationships between Enrique Dussel’s pedagogy and Paulo Freire’s pedagogy of liberation. In the first section that contributes to this objective, the three chapters of Dussel’s book La pedagógica latinoamericana and the first two chapters of Freire’s book Pedagogy of the Opressed are presented. From Dussel’s book, the concepts father-State, mother-popular culture, and son-child-people are highlighted as symbols that explain the cultural relations of domination. From Freire’s book, the concepts of oppressors, oppressed, banking education, and liberating education are highlighted. In the second section of the development, a distinction is made on the levels of analysis of each philosopher and some coincidences on the banking dimension, totality, exteriority, otherness, and the hope of a liberated world. To conclude the paper, it is considered that there is a correlation between both philosophers that favor the dialectic of the collective human and the cultural human in Latin American pedagogies.
Valoración de la enseñanza del inglés de secundaria en Costa Rica: una visión desde la perspectiva docente
Authors: Alfaro Salas Hazel Viviana
Published: November 2024

The study focused on the vision of secondary school English teachers regarding the evaluation process of this language in Costa Rica. A qualitative approach was developed by applying a questionnaire to 72 English teachers from public educational institutions in Costa Rica using Google Forms and an in-depth interview to four teachers from different secondary education institutions in person and virtually through video calls. It was found that, in general, teachers have a negative view of the evaluation of English teaching with percentages between 60% and 100%. There is evidence of concern on the part of teachers about relevant aspects that affect the quality of teaching and its evaluation, such as the lack of continuity in English learning between primary and secondary school, the evaluation methodology, the number of students per group, and the lack of motivation of students to learn English. It is concluded that it is necessary to reflect on the need to implement significant changes, both in the way English is taught and in the way students’ knowledge and skills are evaluated.
La formación docente en la era digital: práctica reflexiva, aprendizaje situado e inteligencia artificial
Authors: Sereño Ahumada Francisco
Published: November 2024

Teacher training must adapt to prepare new generations in a constantly changing society. This essay proposes a humanistic approach, exploring how reflective practice, situated learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into teacher training, promoting a modern, effective, and human-centered education. Reflective practice is key to the professional development of teachers, enriching them through dialogue and collaboration. Artificial intelligence, despite its challenges, offers great potential for personalizing learning. Teachers must develop digital skills and a reflective attitude to integrate AI in a critical and responsible manner. Education must strive to build a more inclusive world with equity and social justice, providing opportunities for all students to develop their potential. In this sense, critical reflection and technology, at the service of humans, can contribute to this ideal. This essay invites us to reimagine teacher training, where technology and critical reflection intertwine to enhance the integral development of educators and students, building an education that responds to the challenges of the 21st century and trains conscious and responsible citizens.
Diagnosis of Brain Death in a Multidisciplinary Hospital
Authors: Gritsan A. I. , Dovbysh N. Y. , Korchagin E. E.
Published: November 2024

Brain death diagnosis (BDD) remains a challenge for anesthesiologists and intensive care physicians despite existing regulatory frameworks.

   Objective. To evaluate the frequency of BDD procedure and identify factors limiting its implementation in a multidisciplinary hospital setting.

   Materials and Methods. A single-center retrospective study was conducted including 698 patients by total sampling. Of these, 98 (14 %) had brain injury and were selected for further analysis. From this cohort, patients who died within 15 days of hospital admission (N = 61) were identified. A subgroup of patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3–5 was then selected (N = 38). For comparison, a literature search was performed in PubMed using the query «brain death criteria» and in eLibrary.ru using the keywords «brain death diagnosis».

   Results. BDD was initiated in 12 (31.6 %) cases within the GCS 3–5 subgroup, with brain death confirmed in 8 (21.1 %) patients, including 5 (63 %) women and 3 (37 %) men. Complete BDD procedures were performedin 6 (75 %) patients with non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), 1 with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhageь (SAH), and 1 with traumatic brain injury (TBI) (12.5 % each). The median patient age was 59 [43; 65] years, the median GCS score was 3 [3; 3], and the median FOUR score was 0 [0; 0]. Median hospital length of stay was 1.5 [1; 2.5] days, and median intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 1 [1; 2] day.

   Conclusion. Insufficient pupil diameter (5 mm) is a limiting factor for the performance of BDD procedures in grade III coma patients.
The impact of corporate social responsibility on the financial performance of Georgian banks
Authors: Kasradze Tea , Machkhashvili Sopio
Published: November 2024

This research investigates the perceptions of ethical and unethical leadership within Kazakhstani business organizations, aiming to discern how individuals in Kazakhstan conceptualize and enact ethical and unethical leadership. Employing a qualitative research paradigm with a constructivist perspective, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 23 participants Kazakhstan. Inductive, grounded theory methods of analysis were utilized to analyze the interview data. The study identified nine characteristics of ethical leadership perceived by participants, along with five characteristics of unethical leadership. While the sample size and geographic focus of the study limit the generalizability of findings, the findings provide valuable contributions to understanding ethical leadership in non-Western contexts, offering implications for leadership development and organizational practices within Kazakhstan. This study fills a gap in the literature regarding the perception and practice of ethical leadership in Kazakhstan, shedding light on cultural nuances and ethical values that shape leadership behaviors in the region.
Estimation of total factor productivity by growth accounting: Evidence from the Central Asian region
Authors: Ataev Farrukh
Published: November 2024

The Central Asian (CA) countries have been transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a market economy since they gained independence at the beginning of the 1990s. As per the official data for 2022, Uzbekistan, which is located in the center of the CA region, has the Russian Federation (18.6%), China (17.8%), Kazakhstan (9.2%), and Turkiye (6.4%) as its top trading partners. This study evaluates the technological progress by estimating the total factor productivity (TFP) of the CA countries. The study uses data from Penn World Table 10.0 (PWT10.0), covering the period from 1991 to 2019. The main findings are as follows: 1) CA countries have shown steady development and noteworthy TFP growth rates; 2) TFP growth was negative in all countries from 1992 to 1997, except in China and Turkiye. But in terms of TFP growth, they outpaced even China and Turkiye between 1998 and 2007, maintaining high rates from 2008 to 2016, demonstrating the catch-up effect; 3) our estimates of TFP growth rates are consistent with figures reported by several other studies. 4) the most suitable econometric model is found to be generalized least squares (GLS) compared with pooled OLS (pOLS), fixed effects (FE), or random effects (RE).
‘Lived’ Environmentalism
Authors: Hancock Rosemary
Published: November 2024

In this article, I synthesise three literatures that—whilst having significant overlap, are largely not in conversation with one another: social movement theory on the ‘religion-like’ characteristics of social movements (particularly environmentalism); work by scholars in religious studies tracing the religious roots and contemporary spiritual aspects of environmental movements; and the emerging literature on the contours of nonreligious belief and practice in contemporary societies—especially as they relate to nature. Using these literatures, I show how environmentalisms articulate a ‘cosmology’ or worldview that gives meaning to the world, imbues ethical meaning to material objects like single-use plastics and their reusable alternatives, and is translated into everyday practices that attempt to remoralise activists’ relationship with the natural world. The article responds to a call by scholars of nonreligion to pay greater attention to ‘lived’ nonreligion, and in particular, how nonreligious worldviews translate into ‘world-repairing’ forms of social and political action. I argue that social movements are rich sites for the study of lived nonreligion, as they offer their participants space for the cultivation, expression, and embodiment of ‘moral visions’.
Encountering Forests with Purpose
Authors: Banham Rebecca
Published: November 2024

As scholars grapple with terminology around nonreligion, ‘ontological security’ offers a useful way of articulating nonreligious ways of feeling safe, comfortable, and ethical in the world. This article explores the role of forests in the pursuit and maintenance of ontological security, drawing on the experiences of twenty-four Tasmanians. Participants engaged in acts of routine and ritual (meaningful, consistent practices) informing a sense of relationship between people and forests. As such, this article explores experiences with/in forests as a form of ‘nonreligious practice’: meaningful and significant experiences that tell humans about their place in the world, outside of a religious context. Many participants encountered forests in purposeful ways, engaging in rituals and routines which brought them ‘closer’ to nonhuman landscapes and species. To this end, this article asks to what extent we can understand ontological security, and routine/ritual, as nonreligious ways of navigating ethical, temporal, and ontological questions about one’s place in the world.