bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPARQL Optimization Using Re-ordering Joining Patterns with Surrogate Key Concept and Subset Patterns
Authors: Gupta Rupal , Malik Sanjay Kumar
Published: May 2024

Semantic web data resides on the web in the form of knowledge graphs known as RDF graphs and searching around the web has been always a crucial task. For the data retrieval of RDF data of the semantic web, SPARQL query language has been used which in turn is based on triple patterns and joins. Optimization of SPARQL query has been a problematic concern for decades due to the large amount of triple patterns associated with RDF data. Although several researchers have put a lot of effort into the optimization of SPARQL query, it is difficult to understand the concept from scratch due to its diversified nature. This paper analyses various optimization techniques for the SPARQL query used with the semantic web to process knowledge graphs. These techniques include join-based, heuristic-based, rule-based, and indexing-based approaches for optimization. This paper will help researchers in this domain to easily get into the core concept of SPARQL execution along with various optimization approaches used for query processing, which can help in various other domains like linked open data and information retrieval. In this paper, an optimization algorithm HSOA (hybrid SPARQL optimization algorithm) has been proposed, which comprises the features of index-based, cost-based, and triple reordering-based optimization approaches. The proposed hybrid algorithm has been designed specifically for n-triple RDF data, which comprises subset patterns, and surrogate key concepts. The results produced by the proposed algorithm are encouraging and have also been tested and compared with the benchmark dataset and SPARQL queries like LUBM, BSBM, and SP2Bench.
Enhancing Suggestion Detection in Online User Reviews through Integrated Information Retrieval and Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Hadizadeh Zahra , Nazari Amin , Mansoorizadeh Muharram
Published: May 2024

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, using web platforms as a communication medium and decision-making tool in online commerce has become widely acknowledged. User-generated comments, reflecting positive and negative sentiments towards specific items, serve as invaluable indicators, offering recommendations for product and organizational improvements. Consequently, the extraction of suggestions from mined opinions can enhance the efficacy of companies and organizations in this domain. Prevailing research in suggestion mining predominantly employs rule-based methodologies and statistical classifiers, relying on manually identified features. However, a recent trend has emerged wherein researchers explore solutions grounded in deep learning tools and techniques. This study aims to employ information retrieval techniques for the automated identification of suggestions. To this end, various methodologies, including distance measurement approaches, multilayer perceptron neural networks, support vector machines, regression logistics, convolutional neural networks utilizing TF-IDF, Bag of Words (BOW), and Word2Vec vectors, along with keyword extraction, have been integrated. The proposed approach is assessed using the SemEval2019 dataset to extract suggestions from the textual content of online user reviews. The obtained results demonstrate a notable enhancement in the F1 score, reaching 0.76 compared to prior research. The experiments further suggest that information retrieval-based approaches exhibit promising potential for this specific task.
Breaking frames to create empathy: interaction between care practitioners and clients in homecare visits
Authors: Saari Eveliina , Koskela Inka , Känsälä Marja
Published: May 2024

Eldercare practitioners face pressures to make care work more efficient as the population ages and public resources become diminished in many countries. This study focuses on how empathic care is constructed during care practitioner–client interactions. The data are derived from observing seven care practitioners’ full work shifts in public homecare. With the help of positioning theory, our analysis identifies four positive deviations where breaking out of the medical and basic care frames opens up opportunities to form an empathic relationship and treat the client not only as a patient but also as a person on their life continuum.
Spectropolarimetric properties of vortex retarders
Authors: James Ella , Anderson Isaac , Gregory Don
Published: May 2024

Vortex retarders are optical retarders with a uniform retardance, but with a fast axis that varies azimuthally over the area of the optic. This affects the radial and azimuthal polarization components of the incoming beam. The vortex retarders discussed here generate TEM-10 and TEM-20 Laguerre-Gaussian beams. While several varieties of these vortex retarders exist, designed to function at specific wavelengths, and a few studies have reported their use at those wavelengths, almost no data exists detailing their polarimetric properties outside those wavelengths. Using a Mueller matrix spectropolarimeter with dual-rotating retarders, the polarization properties of four zero-order half-wave vortex retarders have been measured across a broad wavelength range of 300-1100nm. This data contributes to a more complete description of the spectral properties
of these popular retarders.
Solitary median maxillary central incisor syndrome: cone beam computed tomography illustrated review
Authors: Maillet Alix , Manzo Bruno , Issa Julien , Olszewski Raphael
Published: May 2024

The solitary median maxillary central incisor syndrome (SMMCI) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic syndrome characterized by the presence of a single central incisor positioned along the midline in both primary and permanent dentition. It is often associated with the holoprosencephaly spectrum, a group of brain and facial malformations. The etiopathogenesis of SMMCI is believed to involve embryonic developmental defects occurring between the 35th and 38th day of gestation, primarily affecting midline facial structures. Several genetic factors, including mutations in the Sonic Hedgehog gene on chromosome 7 and other genetic variants, have been implicated in SMMCI development. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination, prenatal ultrasound, and postnatal dental evaluation. Management of SMMCI requires a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatricians, otolaryngologists, neuro-pediatricians, and genetic counselors. Dental interventions may include extraction and space maintenance, orthodontic treatment, prosthodontic options, or esthetic considerations. Further research is needed to understand better the underlying mechanisms and genetic factors associated with SMCI, which will contribute to improved diagnosis and management of this syndrome.
Ethnobotanical knowledge of the Kaibarta community of the Upper Brahmaputra Valley zone of Assam
Authors: Das Kalyan , Duarah Pallwabee
Published: May 2024

An ethnobotanical study was carried out among the peoples of the Kaibarta Community of Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam to assess their rich indigenous knowledge system, regarding the application of the ethnomedicinal plants as phyto remedies against certain common ailments. The information on the application of medicinal plants was obtained by interviewing the selected respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire and group conversation. A total of 33 medicinal plants belonging to 24 families were recorded which are used by the target groups for curing 14 common and frequently occurring ailments. 16 of the recorded plants were herbs, 11 were shrubs, 5 were trees, and 1 climber. The data collected during the fieldwork were analyzed for various parameters, i.e., Informant’s Consensus Factor (ICF) Fidelity value (FL%), Use-value (UV) index, and Plant part value (PPV). The highest ICF was calculated against Tonsilitis and Piles followed by Helminthiasis, Gastric, and Diabetes. The majority of reported plant species were used against a single specific ailment. Therefore, they have a high FL% i.e., 100 percent. The highest use value (> .5) was recorded for Ocimun sanctum, Houttuynia cordata, Oxalis corniculata, Azadirachta indica, Musa balbisiana, and Citrus medica, while the leaf has the highest PPV (0.5). The biological activities of the recorded plants were reported from available phytochemical and pharmacological literature and found a positive correlation between the traditional knowledge of the community and the biological activities of the recorded plants. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for extensive ethnobotanical study of the community to fully explore their indigenous knowledge.
Enhanced agency and the visual thinking of design
Authors: Mendoza-Collazos Juan
Published: May 2024

Visual thinking is a systematic way to produce knowledge in design by means of mental imagery, spatial reasoning, and the use of an array of visual representations. Pictorial representations such as sketches are crucial for the activity of designing at the early stage of the creative process. Designers see more information in sketches than was actually drawn. The ability to see more information than is sketched out can be seen as an enhanced visual capacity of human agency. Enhanced agency is the prosthetic incorporation of artifacts to improve the original agentive capacities. The incorporation of artifacts to draw raises some fundamental questions: Is the pencil an extension of the mind? Can we think with our hands? What agentive capacities are increased with the use of the pencil? What is the representational status of sketching? The chapter is structured around these key questions to suggest some answers inspired by the work of Göran Sonesson. Using the notion of enhanced agency and the layered model of agency, I explore the way in which the pencil improves the visual thinking of design. In doing so I found that it is important to maintain the principle of asymmetry in cognitive systems to reconsider relational ontology in favor of ecological relationships.
Divisia Monetary Aggregates for India
Authors: Sengupta Anirban , Serletis Apostolos , Xu Libo
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we are motivated by the fast growing literature that investigates the performance of Divisia monetary aggregates. We construct Divisia monetary aggregates for India using monthly data form January 2001 to March 2020 and present a comprehensive comparison across the Indian Divisia monetary aggregates at four levels of monetary aggregation, M1, M2, M3, and M4. We do so in the context of three classes of empirical models. In particular, we compute correlations between the cyclical components of the Divisia monetary aggregates and the cyclical component of the industrial production index. We test for Granger causality running from the Divisia monetary aggregates to industrial production. We also test for time-varying Granger causality. We find that the levels of the Divisia monetary aggregates Granger cause economic activity in India during normal times, but the causal link broke during and in the aftermath of the extremely unusual circumstances of the Covid-19 crisis.
A Review of Inclusive Education Development in China
Authors: Du Jingru
Published: May 2024

In recent decades, the special educational needs of children with disabilities have garnered widespread attention across the globe. There has been a growing trend towards inclusive education. China, among many other nations, has endeavored to promote inclusive education through legislation, policy, and financial support. This article is a review of inclusive education development in China, with a view to summarizing Chinese experiences in this regard to contribute to the construction of a more inclusive, equitable, and higher-quality education system.
Shear strength of cross laminated timber based on larch lamina combination
Authors: Baek Seung-Youp , Song Yo-Jin , Hong Soon-Il
Published: May 2024

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) fails in the outermost tensile lamina under bending loads, or rolling shear failure occurs in the Minoir direction lamina. This study investigated the effect of lamina width (90 mm, 120 mm), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and placement of major direction lamina on the shear strength of Larix kaempferi Carr CLT. The shear test was conducted using the short span bending test. Results showed that the specimen with 90 mm width of lamina underwent rolling shear failure at the minor direction lamina. The specimen with 120 mm width of lamina had suppressed rolling shear failure and failed at the outermost tensile lamina, which resulted in 52% higher shear strength compared to the 90 mm width specimen. CLT with high MOE placed in the outermost tensile lamina had increased shear strength. The specimen with four laminas in the major direction had both the highest strength and the lowest reliability due to the high standard deviation. This suggested that the width of the larch lamina and the MOE affect the strength of CLT. The CLT strength obtained using the FEA and the theoretical analysis were compared with the measured strength values.
Sida hermaphrodita Rusby as a papermaking raw material – Chemical and morphological characteristics
Authors: Kmiotek Magdalena , Dybka-Stepien Katarzyna , Molas Roman , Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz Anna , Gapinska Magdalena , Glinska Sława , Sicinski Mariusz , Imiela Mateusz
Published: May 2024

A continually increasing demand for papermaking materials and simultaneously growing disproportion between the request for fiber and the limited resources of wood have forced scientists and the papermaking industry to search for the new sources of fibrous raw materials. A new promising set of raw materials for papermaking comes from energy crops. This paper presents Sida hermaphrodita Rusby L., as a non-woody raw material for papermaking. From the studies of chemical composition, it follows that cellulose content of more than 40% characterizes phloem of stems and branches, whereas in xylem exhibits more than 32%. The lowest is the concentration of cellulose in leaves and flowers of Sida. The content of lignin is lower than 24% and 16% in stem xylem and phloem, respectively. In Sida, hemicelluloses and mineral substances stand for being not more than 30% and 2%, respectively. The morphology of Sida cells is similar to hardwood, with fiber length of 0.383, 0.470 and 1.025 mm for parenchyma, xylem, and phloem, respectively. The chemical composition of Sida hermaphrodita together with its morphological characteristics make this raw material suitable for a production of papers intended for printing, writing and tissue.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Calluna vulgaris: Characterizations, properties, and photocatalytic activities
Authors: Akalin Gulen Oytun
Published: May 2024

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out using leaf extract from Calluna vulgaris. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed through the emergence of a surface plasmon resonance band in ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The characterization conducted using various microscopic techniques revealed that the nanoparticles mostly ranged in size from approximately 20 to 70 nm. Analysis, including Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirmed the chemical, crystalline structure, and presence of silver, respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited notable stability with an average zeta potential of -23.1 ± 0.6 mV. Evaluation of their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli demonstrated significant efficacy with diameters of inhibition zones measuring 10.23 ± 0.54 mm and 15.38 ± 0.32 mm, respectively. Additionally, the nanoparticles displayed a remarkable inhibition of approximately 88% against E. coli biofilm formation at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. They also exhibited unique photocatalytic performances. This research contributes to the literature in this field by producing new silver nanoparticles with cost-effectiveness, stability, antibacterial, antioxidant, antibiofilm, and photocatalytic properties, while using a previously untapped plant extract for this purpose.
Modeling of mechanical properties of wood-polymer composites with Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Eroğlu Mustafa Altay , Altun Suat , Ciritcioğlu Hasan Hüseyin
Published: May 2024

Mechanical properties (tensile strength (TS), modulus of elasticity in tensile (MET), flexural strength (FS), modulus of elasticity (MOE)) of the material to be obtained depending on the production parameters in the production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) wood-polymer composites with Scots pine wood flour additive were predicted using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) model and without destructive testing. In the first stage of the study, an ANN model was developed using data from 56 different studies in the literature on the mechanical properties of wood polymer composites. In the second stage, in order to determine the reliability of the model, output values were estimated using input parameters that had not been used in training and testing of the model. Based on the same input parameters, test specimens were produced and mechanical tests were performed. The results obtained from the experiments and ANN model were compared by considering the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value. The coefficient of determination (R2) values obtained in the training and testing phase of the ANN models were all higher than 0.90. In this way, the mechanical properties of the wood polymer composite were successfully predicted by the ANN model. Because most of the MAPE values obtained from the mechanical tests were below 10%, the model was considered a reliable model.
Move-Medburnout: emotional regulation program for medical students, using dance as a therapeutic tool
Authors: Maria Fontes Pereira Chagas Lisandra , Nascimento Barros Monalisa
Published: May 2024

This article is experience report, about a intervention developed during research with medical students in the southwest region of Bahia. The main objective of creating and implementing an emotional regulation program for medical students, using dance as a therapeutic resource with a focus on preventing and coping with Burnout Syndrome. The “Movimente-se medburnout” Program was offered in group mode, with weekly meetings, for 8 weeks, permeated by music, dance and creative body movements. 13 students of both sexes participated in the meetings, with a good response and positive evaluation of the activities developed. The result of this work was constituted as a technical technological product that will be presented to the managers of the participating universities.
Prevalence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction in low-risk women attending gynecology clinic at Kasr Alainy hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ogila Asmaa Ibrahim , Tarek Nesma , Almohamady Maged , Samy Ali Ahmed , El Mahy Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Background: In Egypt, research on female sexual dysfunction, a prevalent health issue, is insufficient. Sexual dysfunction can develop later in life following a period of normal sexual functioning, or it can be an issue from the beginning of sexual activity. Objective: The purpose of this research is to determine the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction and to look into potential risk factors that could lead to it in Egyptian women. Methodology: This cross-sectional clinic-based survey trial was carried out at the Kasr Alainy gynecology outpatient clinic. 400 women were enrolled in the research after giving their consent, and data was gathered using a structured questionnaire, in which each participant was asked the same questions in the same sequence and manner throughout the interview. The validated Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief, which was provided by female investigators, was given to the participants to complete. Results: Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 63% (252 females). Sexual dysfunction was statistically significantly higher among women aged between 35-45 years, with low educational level, no occupation, cases with low family income, residents of rural areas and duration of marriage >10 years. We noted highly statistically significant association between sexual dysfunction and nullipara, previous episiotomy, repeated CS, circumcision and no contraception and vaginitis or cervicitis. Conclusion: Two thirds of women who visited the Kasr Alainy Hospital's gynecological outpatient clinic had female sexual dysfunction, a serious health issue that affected their quality of life.
Development of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in a child with CAKUT
Authors: Zaikova Natalia M , Mikhalkova Daria Yu , Dlin Vladimir V , Smirnova Anna V , Martynov Alexandr A , Gordeichiuk Eliza Ig
Published: May 2024

Introduction: One of the congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tracts (CAKUT) is renal hypodysplasia/aplasia type 3 (PHDA3), caused by pathogenic variants in the GREB1L gene not associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). PGDA3 leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Variants in the UMOD gene associated with autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ATKD-UMOD) also lead to CKD. The association of the GREB1L/UMOD genes with SRNS has not been previously described. Purpose of the article: To demonstrate a rare clinical case of SRNS in a child with CAKUT. Patients and methods: A patient with CAKUT in the form of PGDA3 and ADTBP-UMOD is observed in the department of nephrology for 2 years. Post-infectious development of SRNS required a revision of the genetic screening. Results: On the whole-genome sequencing were found a variability in the genes that cause CAKUT, with no candidate genes for SRNS. Conclusion: The described case stands out with clinical polymorphism of CAKUT and the variability of UMOD and GREB1L gene variants not associated with the development of SRNS. Infectious etiology of the development of SRNS is assumed. The patient has an intensive development of CKD stage 4, requiring a long-term follow-up in dynamics.
A Simple Stuck-at-faults Detection Method in Digital Combinational Circuits. II
Authors:   L’viv Polytechnic National University, Rytsar Bohdan Ye.
Published: May 2024

This article proposes the improved method for detecting (diagnosing) stuck-at-faults (0/1) in PIPO-type digital combinational circuits described by a system of logical functions. Compared to already known methods and algorithms, the presented approach is characterized by a simpler implementation of the search for vectors of the test codes for detection of such malfunctions at arbitrary points of a logic circuit with many outputs due to the usage of several simple numerical set-theoretic operations and procedures. The given examples prove the advantages of the proposed method.
Efficiency of adaptive Multiple Access Protocols of Packet Radio Networks Under Self-Similar Traffic Conditions
Authors:   Institute of Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Voiter Anatolii P.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Self-similar traffic in modern telecommunication radio networks requires new methods for calculating parameters of adaptive Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) protocols, different from those adopted in classical teletraffic theory based on Poisson distribution models. Purpose. Construction of a mathematical model of the operation of adaptive synchronous CSMA protocols in conditions of self-generating traffic for three strategies for changing the length of data packets, and obtaining equations for the average transmission rate and comparing the effectiveness of adaptive control with the results of studies of the same protocols for traffic with a Poisson distribution. Methods. This goal is achieved by creating and analyzing a mathematical model of the operation of the flexible and rigid synchronous adaptive CSMA protocol for three strategies for changing the length of data packets under traffic conditions with a Pareto distribution. The model is described by the average protocol transmission rate equations, which are a function of traffic intensity, Pareto distribution parameters, and strategies for changing the length of data packets. Results. It has been proven that self-similar traffic significantly reduces the stability limit of adaptive CSMA protocols, which must be taken into account when using these protocols in radio networks with long-term dependence in traffic distribution. At the same time, the throughput of adaptive CSMA protocols remains virtually unchanged compared to the traffic model with a Poisson distribution. Conclusions. The proposed mathematical model of adaptive CSMA protocols allows to calculate the real values of the average speed, stability limit and throughput of these protocols under conditions of self-similar traffic for the proposed strategies for changing the length of data packets. The considered strategies (except for the second) are effective for adaptive control in conditions of self-generating traffic, but at a significantly lower value of traffic intensity compared to the Poisson distribution.
Technology of an Unmanned Aircraft Control in Conflict Situations
Authors:   International Research and Training Center for Information Technologies and Systems of the NAS and MES of Ukraine, Volkov Olexandr Ye. , Simakhin Volodymyr M. ,   International Research and Training Center for Information Technologies and Systems of the NAS and MES of Ukraine
Published: May 2024

Introduction. The motion control of traditional manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has many distinctions that directly affect the process of conflict resolution. The problem of resolving conflict situations involving different types of aircraft is relevant due to the rapid development of unmanned aircraft and the expansion of its application areas. Purpose. The aim of the paper is to develop a technology for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle in conflict situations, which will allow optimizing the maneuver trajectory based on a number of criteria and ensure safe separation of aircraft in airspace. Results. The paper proposes a technology for UAV control in the conditions of a conflict: a number of approaches to resolving conflict situations between different types of aircraft are identified; the concept of conflict situations for UAVs and traditional manned aircrafts is presented, on the basis of which a technology is developed that combines different approaches to detecting a conflict, classifying the occurrence of a conflict, classifying an evasive maneuver, and ensuring the safe separation of the controlled UAV from different types of aircraft in airspace. Conclusions. Based on the analysis results of the current state of UAV control in the conditions of a conflict problem, it is determined that such tasks are already being solved, but it is advisable to analyze the possibility of further providing additional protection for the controlled UAV and optimizing its trajectory to ensure the least spatial and time losses during the flight. Conflict situations are a violation of the norms of maintaining a safe distance in space and lead to a collision of aircraft in the absence of appropriate actions to resolve such violations. Therefore, for the effective resolution of the conflict situations, the classifications of the degree of threat, classification of evasive maneuvers and ensuring minimal spatial and time losses by using the criterion of minimum area of the required maneuver are proposed.
Recognition of Handwritten Texts on Images Using Deep Machine Learning
Authors:   National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Snitko Marianna D. , Khitsko Iana V. ,   National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Rybachok Nataliia A. ,   National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the aspects of using deep machine learning to recognize handwritten text containing letters of the Latin alphabet and numbers. Software has been developed that recognizes handwritten text. A convolutional neural network consisting of 13 layers was trained for 50 epochs on images of 814255 characters taken from the EMNIST dataset. The prediction accuracy was 0.9468, the response rate was 0,9673, the F1-index reached 0,9429, and the average processing time of one image was 1,15 seconds.
Using Game Theory to Improve Drone Operations
Authors:   National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Alpert Maksym I.
Published: May 2024

The integration of game theory into optimizing the selection of drone charging stations and scheduling their operations is a revolutionary advance in unmanned vehicle logistics. Our research explores this frontier by emphasizing methodological innovation through the use of payoff matrices and Nash equilibrium to address the complex and changing requirements of drone operations. This research not only provides a strategic framework for resource optimization, but also highlights new ways to apply game theory to critical areas such as adaptive routing and swarm intelligence in drone management. By combining theoretical game models with practical applications of drones, we present a perspective that is poised to redefine drone operational strategies, paving the way for future research in this area.
Negros/as argentinos/as: desbordes del mestizaje blanqueador en los Diarios del odio, de Roberto Jacoby y Syd Krochmalny
Authors: Kabalin Campos Julieta Karol
Published: May 2024

En el presente artículo propongo una lectura crítica de la instalación Diarios del odio y su homónima secuela literaria, a partir del reconocimiento de la raza (Quijano, 2000; Mbembe, 2016) como uno de sus articuladores principales de sentido. En este orden, busco entender la relación que existe entre el concepto “negro/a” —noción recurrente y problemática de estas producciones— y el discurso del mestizaje blanqueador, en su carácter de dispositivo colonial (Catelli, 2020). Esta indagación es movilizada por la voluntad de entender en qué medida estas escrituras, que integran el campo de la cultura nacional contemporánea, participan del engranaje discursivo racial argentino.
De la zona de no-ser al Sol de la conciencia: experiencia y antirracismo en Frantz Fanon y Édouard Glissant
Authors: Aguirre Aguirre Carlos
Published: May 2024

Partiendo de los trabajos de Frantz Fanon y Édouard Glissant, en este artículo se analiza la presencia de una autopoética vinculada con las modulaciones filosóficas y narrativas que asume la experiencia caribeña. En primer lugar, se revisa la autopoiesis como posibilidad de un cuestionamiento a la noción moderna de la “raza”. En segundo, se problematiza que la propuesta psico-fenomenológica de Fanon —desde su concepto de zona de no-ser— cuestiona el binarismo “blanco/negro”. Finalmente, se visita la poética temprana de Glissant para indagar los pliegues de la Relación en clave antirracista. El presente artículo no solo ensaya un vínculo Fanon-Glissant, también puntualiza lo poscolonial de la experiencia fanoniana y glissanteana.
La identidad etno-ecológica en el Caribe colonial hispano y el dualismo civilización/barbarie como su fundamento ideológico
Authors: Ferrer-Medina Patricia
Published: May 2024

Este artículo utiliza el concepto de identidad etno-ecológica adscrita para estudiar las figuras del caníbal (Colón), el cholo (Hostos) y el hombre natural (Martí) en textos coloniales del Caribe de los siglos XVI al XIX. Se identifica el dualismo civilización/barbarie como base ideológica subyacente de las figuras y se traza su resemantización en un discurso de diferencia proto-racial que enfatiza grados de civilización, distancia del mundo natural y soluciones que reproducen o critican la colonialidad.
Para que hablemos de lo nuestro (Héctor Rojas Herazo)
Authors: Ordóñez Muñoz Jorge Eliécer
Published: May 2024

Y lo nuestro es la calle, sus seres cotidianos, esos que según Jorge Luis Borges salvan el mundo, porque no dirimen las grandes batallas, ni las cruentas conquistas para escribir la historia. Son la abuela Estela, canto, guitarra y fruta de patio, el vigilante del puente, triste y lastimero, el negro Juan, empujando su triciclo bajo los pregones del viento marinero. Y Vicenta, la del bollo limpio, de coco y de mazorca, escapada de alguna postal del trópico. Y Paulino, el jardinero con tabaco y tijeras para podar los temores. Y Carlos, el Caballero que lleva su enfermedad como una ofrenda y abre las puertas de la poesía con su mirada de vecino cómplice.
Editorial. Literaturas y Culturas Caribeñas, Iberoamericanas y Africanas: encuentros, intercambios y desviaciones en la diferencia.
Authors: Rodrigues da Luz Hilarino Carlos
Published: May 2024

O presente dossier temático reúne sete artigos que resultaram da III Conferência Internacional sobre Literaturas e Culturas Caribenhas, Iberoamericanas e Africanas: encontros, trocas e desvios na diferença, realizada na Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Colômbia (UA), de 23 a 25 de novembro de 2022, no formato online, em homenagem ao Renato Cardoso (poeta, compositor e diplomata cabo-verdiano assassinado no dia 29 de setembro de 1989) e Roberto Burgos (cantor e narrador do Caribe colombiano, Prémio de Narrativa José Maira Arguedas da Casa da Américas e Prémio Nacional de Novela, falecido em 2018).
La estética del Güije en la poesía de la autora cubana Nancy Morejón: voz y subjetividad negras
Authors: Santos de Araujo Giselle Maria
Published: May 2024

Este ensayo trae un pequeño recorte de mi tesis doctoral que tuvo como objectivo investigar cómo la voz y la subjetividad del sujeto negro se expresan, singularizan y radicalizan en la poesía de la poeta cubana Nancy Morejón. En el presente ensayo, analizo la obra Madrigal para un príncipe negro (2020), observando cómo la voz negra y la subjetividad se configuraron en esta la obra de Nancy Morejón, partiendo del concepto de culturas del Atlántico Negro a partir de los estudios de Gilroy (2001) y Hall (2003) y afirmo que en la literatura de la autora la voz del sujeto negro tomó el lugar del sujeto lírico para expresar una subjetividad y una experiencia negra como componente esencial de la formación cultural cubana, consciente de que este proceso social fue y sigue siendo de profundas tensiones, que se expresan dentro del sistema literario. A través de la Estética do Güije que anima la obra de Morejón, defiendo que su poesía constituye una categoría de análisis de la literatura cubana contemporánea.
Gandoca: una naturaleza producida para el mercado
Authors: Páez Lotero Claudia Marcela
Published: May 2024

El tema central de este ensayo es el tratamiento de la naturaleza como capital en la novela La loca de Gandoca de Anacristina Rossi. Se analiza aquí cómo los ecosistemas del Refugio Gandoca (protagonista y espacio donde tiene lugar la novela) son transformados para convertirlos en mercancía. Esta es una naturaleza artificial para el consumo, la cual es ofrecida en el mercado bajo los rótulos de “ecológica” o “sustentable” sin que esto sea necesariamente cierto. Lo que se busca con ello es, por un lado, vender la naturaleza legalmente dentro de un Estado que ha creado una legislación para protegerla y, por otro, ofrecerla a un tipo de turista interesado en consumir esa naturaleza. Se concluye que la novela de Rossi, así como hace una defensa del Refugio Gandoca, advierte a sus lectores del peligro de convertirse en consumidores de naturaleza con el fin de protegerla.
Shape analysis of the nasal complex among South African groups from CBCT scans
Authors: Ridel Alison F. , Demeter Fabrice , L’Abbé Ericka N. , Vandermeulen Dirk , Oettlé Anna C.
Published: May 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) anatomical extraction techniques could help the forensic anthropologist in a precise and inclusive assessment of biological phenotypes for the development of facial reconstruction methods. In this research, the nose morphology and the underlying hard tissue of two South African populations were studied. To this end, a 3D computer-assisted approach based on an automated landmarking workflow was used to generate relevant 3D anatomical components, and shape discrepancies were investigated using a data set of 200 cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) scans. The anatomical landmarks were placed on the external nose and the mid-facial skeleton (the nasal bones, the anterior nasal aperture, the zygoma, and the maxilla). Shape differences related to population affinity, sex, age, and size were statistically evaluated and visualised using geometric morphometric methods. Population affinity, sexual dimorphism, age, and size affect the nasal complex morphology. Shape variation in the mid-facial region was significantly influenced by population affinity, emphasising that shape variability was specific to the two population groups, along with the expression of sexual dimorphism and the effect of ageing. In addition, nasal complex shape and correlations vary greatly between white and black South Africans, highlighting a need for reliable population-specific 3D statistical nose prediction algorithms.
Multi-stakeholder value creation and appropriation from food-related health claims
Authors: Todd Melvi , Volschenk Jako , Joubert Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Health claims are considered a means to add value to food and beverages; however, it is not always evident which stakeholders benefit and to what extent they benefit. In this paper, we extend the investigation of value creation and appropriation into the domain of food, specifically food labels. Using a qualitative approach, we aimed to elucidate which forms of value can be created by legislating health claims (including those for bioactive compounds found in South African indigenous plants) on food labels. The findings reveal that health claims have the potential to advance the sustainable development agenda in South Africa, but only if structures can be put in place to appropriate human and intellectual (HI) value, as well as environmental value. Currently, there is strong evidence for economic value creation and appropriation potential, but little clear evidence that HI or environmental value will be appropriated from health claims, especially if these health claims exclude benefits from bioactive compounds found in indigenous South African plants. If we could find a means to measure the HI and environmental value creation potential of health claims, using metrics that people understand, we may be able to develop strategies to ensure that such products can benefit stakeholders beyond economic value alone (i.e. more sustainable value creation). The findings could directly impact food labelling policy formulation, considering current draft regulations to implement health claims in South Africa.
Use of biochar to improve sewage sludge quality in Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Dlamini Nomasonto P. , Otomo Patricks V.
Published: May 2024

Research on wastewater treatment processes in Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality (South Africa) has revealed that substandard wastewater management in this region contributes to terrestrial and aquatic pollution. Because this pollution poses a threat to the environment, there is a pressing need to reduce the environmental impact of poorly managed sewage sludge in the region. Biochar has been regarded as a cost-effective way of reducing chemical toxicity in terrestrial environments. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of biochar in the remediation of the toxicity of sewage sludge using the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Sewage sludge was collected from a local wastewater treatment plant and E. fetida were exposed to 0, 25, 50, and 100% non-amended and 10% biochar-amended sludge. After 28 days, survival, biomass and reproduction were assessed. Separately, in clean artificial soil, E. fetida was exposed to 5, 10 and 15% biochar amendment for 96 hours to determine if biochar amendment alone could be harmful to E. fetida. The results showed no significant differences in all parameters between the worms exposed to non-amended sludge and 10% biochar-amended sludge. Assessment of acetylcholinesterase and catalase activities in the earthworms that were exposed to biochar via clean soil revealed that 10% and 15% biochar amendment rates caused the worms to experience significant levels of neurotoxic and oxidative stress (p < 0.05). These findings reveal that biochar alone is likely to have adverse effects on soil organisms, and amendment rates higher or equal to 10% are not suitable to alleviate the toxic effects of sewage sludge.
The end of the beginning: Establishing isiZulu names for all bird species recorded in South Africa
Authors: Buchmann Eckhart , Gabela Junior , Koopman Adrian , Mhlongo Sakhamuzi , Mthembu Themba , Porter Roger , Thobela Nandi , Turner Noleen S.
Published: May 2024

Terminology development is needed for effective science communication, planning, teaching, and learning in indigenous African languages. This need includes species-specific names in indigenous languages for wild birds, which are key indicators of biodiversity and the state of the environment. We report here the successful allocation of isiZulu names to all South African bird species, focusing on the final phase of naming species that are unknown or rare in KwaZulu-Natal Province (traditional home of the Zulu people) and thus have no indigenous naming history. We applied principles and procedures used previously for naming species known in KwaZulu-Natal: (1) reference to early bird books, dictionaries and other literature; (2) in-person workshops that included isiZulu language academics, professional Zulu bird guides, and birders; and (3) linguistic strategies to apply Zulu folk taxonomy to scientific ordering of species. At a three-day in-person workshop, we named 327 species unknown or vagrant in KwaZulu-Natal. Much time was spent on allocating cluster names to locally unfamiliar bird groupings such as tropicbirds, gadfly petrels, sandgrouse, and wheatears. The most frequent linguistic strategy was coinage by extension, where previously established isiZulu cluster names, for example ujolwane for ‘sparrow’, were extended by species qualifiers, as in ujolwanomkhulu (sparrow that is great) for Great Sparrow (Passer motitensis). True coinage was also used, as in unothingo (‘rainbow’) for African Pitta (Pitta angolensis). The resulting catalogue of isiZulu names for all 876 South African species completes the terminology development phase to facilitate engagement of isiZulu in science and conservation involving birds.
Unveiling South African insect diversity: DNA barcoding’s contribution to biodiversity data
Authors: Stewart Ross D. , van der Bank Michelle , Davies T. Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Insects are one of the most species-rich groups on Earth. They comprise much of animal diversity and play vital roles in ecosystems, including pollination, pest control, and decomposition. However, only a fraction of this diversity has been formally described. South Africa is recognised as one of the most biologically diverse countries globally, with an estimated 44 000 insect species. Many crops rely on insect pollinators, including canola, apples, oranges, and sunflowers. A shortage of wild pollinators currently threatens crop yields, yet our knowledge of insect diversity within South Africa is sparse. There are few taxonomic specialists relative to South Africa’s biodiversity, and the methods used for insect identification can be time-consuming and expensive. DNA barcoding provides an important research tool to accelerate insect biodiversity research. In this review, we queried the public DNA barcoding BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) database for records of “Insecta” within South Africa, and 416 211 published records assigned to 28 239 unique BINs (Barcode Index Numbers) were returned. We identified five taxonomic orders with more BINs than known species in southern Africa (Hymenoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera, Plecoptera, and Strepsiptera). Most of the barcoded records were derived from Malaise trap sampling in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, while the rest of South Africa remains poorly sampled. We suggest that there is a need for a comprehensive national sampling effort alongside increased investment in taxonomic expertise to generate critical baseline data on insect biodiversity before species are lost to extinction.
A review of the environments, biota, and methods used in microplastics research in South Africa
Authors: Dahms Heinrich T.J. , Greenfield Richard
Published: May 2024

Microplastics are small plastic materials often defined as those between 5 mm and 0.05 mm in size. Microplastics can have toxicological impacts on various biota, from gut blockages to the transport or leaching of toxicants used in their production or absorbed from the surrounding environment. Although microplastic research has increased significantly, microplastic research in Africa lags behind that of developed countries. South Africa is the African nation with the highest number of microplastic publications. We aimed to determine the current state of microplastic research in South Africa. A total of 46 publications on microplastics in South Africa have been produced. However, many of these publications use methods that might not be accurate in determining holistic descriptions of microplastics in the aquatic environment. Similarly, many ecologically relevant environments and species have not been investigated for microplastics in the country, including any atmospheric or terrestrial environment. We conclude that, although the research being produced in South Africa can be considered adequate, a singular standard method for sampling and assessing microplastics in South African environments is required. The production of such a standard method would be critical to use as a monitoring tool to determine and compare microplastic abundances across the country and globally.
Cross-cultural encounters in Polish and Russian travelogues about colonial Indonesia, 1870s-1910s
Authors:   Shanghai International Studies University, China, Ewertowski Tomasz
Published: May 2024

This article explores cross-cultural encounters and identities discourses in selected Polish and Russian travelogues about the Netherlands East Indies. Poles and Russians could travel to the Netherlands East Indies thanks to advantages afforded Europeans by the colonial system. Their occupations (for example, a privileged tourist, colonial scientist, diplomat) often made them suitable imperial agents. They defined themselves as Europeans but, as Eastern Europeans, they occupied an ambiguous position: Russians came from a land-based, economically backward “empire of the periphery“ (Boris Kagarlitsky 2008); Poles came from a semi-peripheral European nation subjected to foreign rule and, from their common experience of subjugation, some Polish authors were able to sympathize with the colonized peoples. Hence, a comparative approach leads to various insights into representations of colonial Indonesia.
Wandering through the exotic battle zone; American journalists’ travel accounts of Indonesia during the Dutch-Indonesian war
Authors:   Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia, Zara Muhammad Yuanda
Published: May 2024

This study analyses rarely examined English-language reportage and travel accounts on Indonesia created by two American journalists, Johnny Florea (Life) and Robert Sherrod (Time), after their visits to Indonesia between late-1945 and early-1946. The study finds that the travel accounts deliver a commentary on the course of the Dutch-Indonesian war and reveal the journalists’ fascination with Indonesian society and nature as well as their sympathy with Indonesians’ struggle for independence. However, the accounts also show that, as Westerners, they are guilty of various inaccuracies, a lack of knowledge, and cultural judgements rooted in the colonial past. It contributes to a new perspective on travel writing on Indonesia: war-zone travel writing, by explaining how foreign journalists’ travel accounts to war-torn Indonesia played a role as channels for foreigners, especially Americans, to understand Indonesia as a recently born alien “Other” in the midst of the raging war and binary division of West and East.