bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Persepsi Mahasiswa tentang Program PPG dan Profesi Guru Terhadap Minatnya Menjadi Guru
Authors: Pinardi Janu , Azahari Abd Rahman , Basuki Bejo
Published: December 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Persepsi Mahasiswa Tentang Program PPG dan Profesi Guru Terhadap Minat Menjadi Guru Pada Mahasiswa Pendidikan Matematika Universitas Palangka Raya.. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian assosiatif kausal yang dilaksanakan di Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika FKIP UPR sebanyak 103 mahasiswa. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan berupa angket. Uji asumsi klasik yaitu: uji normalitas  dengan Kolmogorov Smirnov, uji multikolinearitas  dengan variance inflation factor (VIF) dan uji heteroskedastisitas dengan metode scatter plot. Analisis data menggunakan regresi linear, yaitu uji t, uji F dan R-Square (koefisien determinasi) dengan aplikasi Minitab 16. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa; (1) ada pengaruh positif dan signifikan antara persepsi mahasiswa matematika tentang program PPG dengan minat menjadi guru, dengan koefisien regresi sebesar 0,05095 dan nilai   >   (6,50 > 1,99) dan p-value = 0,000 < 0,05. (2) tidak ada pengaruh positif yang signifikan antara persepsi mahasiswa tentang profesi guru terhadap minat menjadi guru, dengan koefisien regresi sebesar 0,0495 dan nilai   >   (1,04 > 1,66)  dan p-value = 0,299 > 0,05. (3) ada pengaruh positif yang signifikan persepsi mahasiswa matematika terhadap program PPG dan profesi guru terhadap minat menjadi guru, nilai  >   (35,62 > 3,09) dan p-value = 0,000 < 0,05. (4) Nilai R-Square sebesar 0,404 atau 40,4% artinya bahwa pengaruh yang diberikan oleh kombinasi persepsi mahasiswa matematika tentang program PPG dan profesi guru terhadap minat menjadi guru sebesar 40,4% sedangkan sisanya 59,6% dipengaruhi variabel lain.
SUBSTANTIATION OF THE OPTIMAL FREQUENCY OF SCHEDULED INSPECTIONS OF THE FIRE SAFETY CONDITION OF SOCIALLY IMPORTANT FACILITIES BY THE STATE FIRE SUPERVISION BODIES OF EMERCOM OF RUSSIA
Authors: Матюшин А.В. , Кондашов А.А. , Матюшин Ю.А. , Сибирко В.И.
Published: December 2023

Проведен анализ статистической информации о пожарах и их последствиях в целях установления зависимости количества пожаров от периодичности проведения плановых проверок. Получены математические модели, описывающие зависимость числа пожаров на социально значимых объектах защиты от периодичности плановых проверок их противопожарного состояния. Разработана методика обоснования оптимальной периодичности проведения плановых проверок противопожарного состояния социально значимых объектов защиты органами ГПН. Обоснована оптимальная периодичность проведения таких проверок.

The purpose of the paper was to analyze statistical information on fires in order to establish the dependence of the number of fires at socially important facilities on the frequency of scheduled inspections as well as to develop a methodology for justifying the optimal frequency of scheduled inspections of their fire safety condition by the State Fire Supervision bodies of EMERCOM of Russia. As a result of the conducted research, mathematical models were initially obtained to determine the number of fires at socially important facilities depending on the time that has elapsed since their last inspection, as well as to determine the number of fires at these facilities depending on the frequency of scheduled inspections. The scientific novelty of the paper lies in the fact that the original methodology for substantiating the optimal frequency of scheduled inspections of the fire safety condition of socially important facilities has been clarified and tested for the first time on a scientific basis. The practical significance of the paper lies in the fact that the initially obtained data allow us to substantiate on a scientific basis the following: the optimal frequency of scheduled inspections of the fire-fighting condition of socially important facilities; the necessity to assign these facilities to the appropriate risk category, depending on the optimal frequency of their scheduled inspection; the necessary number of personnel of the State Fire Supervision bodies of EMERCOM of Russia for timely and qualitative inspection of supervised facilities. The results of the paper also make it possible to substantiate the expediency of introducing amendments in accordance with Part 6 of Clause 25 of Federal Law No. 248-FZ dated 31 July 2020 to the “Regulations on Federal State Fire Supervision” approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 290 dated 12 April 2012, in order to establish a new method for justifying the frequency of planned control (supervisory) measures in relation to socially important facilities and their assignment to the appropriate risk category.
Trauma-Competent Approaches for Supporting Rural Students of Color
Authors: Henry Sarah , Jones Debra , Hughes DeQuindre , Dawkins Ang'elita
Published: December 2023

Rurality is a context, often overlooked by research and society, where trauma exposure is a prevalent feature in many young people’s lives. Rural Students of Color experience trauma at higher rates compared to rural White students. In turn, school systems must respond with trauma-competent systems of support to build protective factors for students. The purpose of this article is to discuss the history and modern trauma-informed practices and ways to begin shifting our mindset and language to better support rural Students of Color by understanding the historical and present contexts and trauma that influence their experiences. Furthermore, this article will highlight the needs of Students of Color in rural spaces as well as applications for trauma-competency within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) model. Strategies for building connectedness and implementing anti-racist social-emotional learning will be identified. Additionally, implications for rural school leaders, school counselors, and school-based mental health professionals, and further research will be discussed.
Reflexionar la escuela desde la diversidad: La Atención a La Población con Discapacidad en El Marco de la Educación Inclusiva.
Authors: Villalba Pacheco Saray Sabiana
Published: December 2023

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar la atención educativa a la población con discapacidad en el contexto de la educación inclusiva, entendiendo la necesidad de explicar las prácticas y experiencias de los docentes y cómo vivencian su condición los escolares en la institución educativa "El Sabanal" en una zona rural de Córdoba, Colombia. Utilizando un enfoque cualitativo con diseño fenomenológico interpretativo, se busca comprender los significados esenciales de este fenómeno. La muestra incluye a estudiantes con discapacidad de los grados 6 a 11, docentes de básica secundaria y algunos familiares. Los resultados destacan los desafíos surgidos en torno a la inclusión de estudiantes con discapacidad, evidenciando una discordancia entre las aspiraciones de derechos y la realidad en la institución. A pesar de las intenciones de eliminar barreras, coexisten prácticas inclusivas y excluyentes, reflejando las percepciones de directivos y maestros en relación con la inclusión. Estas percepciones influyen en los procesos educativos, en ocasiones limitando el potencial de los estudiantes con discapacidad y en otras, exigiendo más de lo que pueden ofrecer. Estos hallazgos sustentan la formulación de estrategias adaptadas a las necesidades de esta población. En conclusión, se evidencia la complejidad de la implementación de la educación inclusiva y la importancia de abordar las percepciones y prácticas de los actores educativos para lograr una inclusión genuina y efectiva.
Prototipo para Monitoreo de Concurrencia con Dashboard Aplicado a Pequeños Negocios
Authors: Cruz Grisel Jiménez , Mendoza Castillo Marco Antonio
Published: December 2023

La tecnología IoT es un campo activo con muchas áreas de aplicación, con el  tiempo y su adopción creará la necesidad de crear aplicaciones de propósito general adecuadas para humanos, que satisfagan las  necesidades de los usuarios normalmente. Este trabajo presenta el diseño y desarrollo de un prototipo económico para la detección de entrada y salida de un pequeño negocio y su integración en un tablero Web que permite la visualización gráfica del ingreso de clientes a las instalaciones, mediante el despliegue de dos sensores infrarrojos y su comunicación con una placa de desarrollo, para que el propietario o administrador pueda tomar decisiones relativas al mejoramiento de  la  atención.
Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio de la Inteligencia Colectiva en Estudiantes Universitarios Peruanos
Authors: Álvarez Sierra Gustavo Leonel , Palomino Carhuallanqui Karina Rosario , Toykin Mucha Cesar Roberto , Chaccha Tinoco Elías
Published: December 2023

El objetivo del estudio fue examinar si el modelo propuesto se puede utilizar para medir y controlar la inteligencia colectiva en el contexto de los estudiantes universitarios. Se exploró que los datos reales se plasmen con la estructura de los supuestos teóricos, utilizando el análisis factorial confirmatorio para explicar, aplicando un cuestionario de 14 ítems, y luego realizar un análisis factorial confirmatorio sobre los datos, se realizó un ajuste del modelo, para evaluar el modelo final. La muestra consistió en 100 estudiantes matriculados en el periodo 2023-II de la Facultad de Ingeniería Metalúrgica y de Materiales de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú. Los resultados revelaron que los índices de bondad de ajuste eran apropiados. También se observó el índice de confiabilidad adecuado. Estos resultados se analizaron en el contexto de la investigación existente sobre la inteligencia colectiva en el entorno académico. Se concluyó que los descubrimientos respaldan la validez y confiabilidad del instrumento utilizado para medir la inteligencia colectiva de los estudiantes universitarios mediante el modelo ajustado, lo que sugiere su utilidad en futuros proyectos de investigación y para mejorar aún más este enfoque.
El Aprendizaje Colaborativo para el Desarrollo e Implementación de un Proyecto de Aula Vinculado en la Asignatura de Emprendimiento y Gestión en Estudiantes de Bachillerato
Authors: Cayambe Gordillo Johanna Karolina , Lucero Bolaños Flor Nathaly , Vargas Naranjo Marcia del Rocío
Published: December 2023

El aula ya no es el espacio donde uno habla y muchos escuchan, ahora es el lugar en donde el conocimiento se construye desde los saberes previos, las experiencias y el intercambio de ideas sobre el contenido compartido en el salón de clases. Es por esto que en este proyecto investigativo se pretende diseñar un proyecto de aula basado en el aprendizaje colaborativo para la asignatura de Emprendimiento y Gestión en bachillerato. La incorporación de la asignatura de Emprendimiento y Gestión en el currículo educativo del Bachillerato del Ecuador, responde a los lineamientos nacionales establecidos por la Normativa Jurídica vigente, que busca la preparación del estudiante dispuesto a crear, construir, innovar, asumir riesgos, planificar, ejecutar y evaluar proyectos de toda índole, con el objetivo supremo de preparar ciudadanos comprometidos con su realidad política, económica, social y cultural. La investigación del trabajo por su naturaleza tendrá un enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo, pues se debe medir el impacto en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de bachillerato para la implementación de un proyecto de aula orientado a la creación de un producto y su posterior promoción publicitaria en redes sociales. Se fundamentó en este proyecto investigativo las ventajas que ofrece el proyecto áulico, no solo en la materia de emprendimiento y gestión sino también en toda la malla curricular, siendo esta una herramienta importante. De la misma forma también se hizo énfasis en el aprendizaje colaborativo como un pilar para trabajo en el aula de clases, por lo que se ha logrado ejecutar este primer objetivo específico en el proyecto. La inclusión de la materia de emprendimiento y gestión en la malla curricular ha sido una decisión muy acertada ya que resulta importante conoces acerca de esta temática y dominarla desde las aulas de bachillerato como un instrumento para el desarrollo de capacidades de un adulto capaz de crear, madurar y hacer posibles ideas innovadoras y poder sustentarlas y sostenerlas a largo plazo. De esta manera se logró caracterizar el aprendizaje en esta asignatura en cada una de las demás materias que conforman un bachiller.
Panorama das ouvidorias do judiciário à luz da resolução 432 do Conselho Nacional de Justiça
Authors: Campos Afonso Carolina , Barbosa de Barcelos Marília
Published: December 2023

Resumo Este artigo analisa o panorama das ouvidorias do Judiciário brasileiro, com base em dados obtidos em 90 tribunais do país, entre outubro e novembro de 2022. A pesquisa investiga critérios de escolha do ouvidor, estrutura organizacional, canais de atendimento, garantia de sigilo e cumprimento de prazos de resposta. Além disso, são examinados aspectos relacionados ao atendimento a pessoas com deficiência e à população em situação de rua, uso de ferramentas tecnológicas e publicação de termos de uso, tratamento de dados pessoais, entre outros. O objetivo é fornecer uma visão abrangente do funcionamento das ouvidorias, identificando boas práticas e oportunidades de aprimoramento. Palavras-chave: Resolução 432 do CNJ. Ouvidorias do Judiciário. Boas práticas. Aprimoramento.
Acciones y reacciones de los jóvenes de clase de ERE de grado 11 en torno a la Biblia
Authors: Triana Jorge
Published: December 2023

En el ámbito de la Educación Religiosa Escolar (ERE) se plantea la pregunta sobre qué tipo de formación bíblica se ha de incluir en los programas académicos y cuál es la metodología más adecuada para ofrecerla a los estudiantes.
     El programa de Licenciatura en Educación Religiosa de la Universidad de la Salle, Bogotá, se propuso indagar sobre la percepción de los jóvenes de grado undécimo de colegios católicos de Colombia, a partir de una serie de preguntas relacionadas con la Biblia. Los resultados de la encuesta, que fue aplicada a un número significativo de estudiantes (1697 encuestas), constituyen una herramienta útil como canal de confrontación con los estándares y lineamientos que emplea la Conferencia Episcopal Colombiana (CEC) a partir de los requerimientos legales de la educación nacional, en la que se asume la ERE como un área obligatoria.
     Primero se presentarán los lineamientos (2009) y estándares de la educación religiosa (2022). Posteriormente, se analizarán e interpretarán los resultados de la encuesta aplicada a los estudiantes en lo concerniente al uso y apreciaciones sobre la Biblia. Por último, se realizará una confrontación de la información recabada en los dos momentos anteriores para concluir con algunas perspectivas de la apropiación y papel de la Biblia en los currículos de ERE.
Educación Religiosa Escolar: entre la obligatoriedad, la libertad religiosa y las percepciones de los agentes educativos
Authors: Becerra Duitama Edwin Giovanni
Published: December 2023

El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar los contenidos de los Estándares y de los Planes de Área de ERE con base en las percepciones de los directivos, docentes y estudiantes de las tres mejores instituciones educativas públicas de la ciudad de Duitama, según el ranking ICFES 2022, con una población de 13 directivos, 45 docentes y 513 estudiantes de grado 11, y una muestra de 13 directivos, 45 docentes y 180 estudiantes. El tipo de investigación fue analítico, con un diseño de campo transeccional contemporáneo para el primer objetivo específico, y un diseño documental y transeccional contemporáneo para el segundo y tercer objetivo. Para la recolección de datos se prevé aplicar el instrumento Escala de Percepciones sobre la ERE, el cual tiene una validez de 0,99 y una confiabilidad de 0,90; para el evento Contenido de los Estándares de ERE y para el evento Contenido de los Planes de Área de ERE se utilizará una matriz de análisis, con una validez de 0,90 también. En la construcción del instrumento “Escala de Percepciones sobre la ERE” se tuvo como como base una entrevista abierta para encontrar afirmaciones sobre la ERE, luego se consolidó el listado de ítems a partir de las sinergias del evento de estudio; asimismo, las matrices de análisis se construyeron a partir del piloto realizado para el cálculo de la confiabilidad de la “Escala”, dejando las afirmaciones más recurrentes. Se pretende que esta investigación pueda aportar resultados acerca de lo que los protagonistas del proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje opinan, creen, valoran y esperan acerca de la Educación Religiosa Escolar como asignatura obligatoria dentro del plan de estudios de los colegios públicos en Colombia y los posibles caminos por los cuales transitar desde esta área.
The challenge of poverty in Malawi and Bonhoeffer's soteriology
Authors: Phiri M.
Published: December 2023

The article explores the state, causes and effects of poverty in Malawi. It proceeds to investigate soteriology as a prominent theme in Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theological thought. Then an exploration is made regarding how Bonhoeffer’s notion of salvation could be employed as paradigm to address the challenge of poverty in Malawi. The soteriological perspective is preferred, among many other approaches, on two-fold grounds: the hamartiological origins of poverty require a soteriological exploration and salvation is a prominent theme in Malawi. Approaching the social evils from the perspective of the doctrine of salvation could produce enduring effects. The observation is that such an approach could be more promising and could bear enduring fruits regarding addressing the challenge of poverty in Malawi.
Daar is méér. ’n Outobiografiese reisverhaal deur Amper-Stamperland en Metaversum
Authors: Hoffman L.
Published: December 2023

Die eeue-oue menslike vraag – Wat is die sin van die lewe? Wat is die sin in lyding? Daniël Louw gaan op ’n reis om hierdie vrae vanuit Amper-Stamperland en die “nuwe wêreld”, die Metaversum, te belig. Die boek wil nie kitsantwoorde gee nie – daarvoor is dit te lywig. Op hierdie vrae is daar immers nie vinnige antwoorde nie. ’n Pragtige voorblad wat herinner aan iets uit die (’n) ruimte met die uitdagende woorde in groot rooi letters: “Daar is méér”. Die taalgebruik is kreatief – keurig deur ’n kunstenaar aangewend vanaf ’n palet van Afrikaanse teologiese en filosofiese taal. Konsepte soos “Wat en waar is die middel C van die Christelike geloof?”; “Die misterie van verwondering: ’n Libretto met die titel ‘Daar is méér!’”; “Klopdisselboom met ’n pedonkiekar in Amper-Stamperland”; “Pikkewouters: Amperkaraktertjies in die Wilde Weste van stamper”; “bewolkte rekenarisering” (“computer clouding”); “blokkettings” (“block chains”). Die boek is deurspek met illustrasies en verduidelikings van dit wat in die teks bespreek word. Dit skep die indruk van ’n reis oppad iewers heen, maar langs die pad is allerlei ter saaklike “afdraaipaadjies” wat die reis letterlik en figuurlik inkleur.
Confronting the cataracts of whiteness to see the invisible: reflections on the transmission and reception of the Bible in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Kok J.
Published: December 2023

The goal of this article is to draw on some of the latest insights in biblical studies on the challenges posed to the reflection, transmission, and reception of the Bible with relevance to a post-apartheid South African context. The author engages with prominent figures in the field of Biblical Studies and critical race theory such as David Horrell, in order to address the issue of whiteness and its impact on marginalisation. The aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the ways in which certain voices have been rendered invisible and to continue to question and challenge these dynamics. This paper delves into the interpretation of the Bible in Africa, using the perspectives of scholars such as Thomas Wartenberg in conjunction with the ideas of Charles W. Mills, W. Jennings, R. Ellison, and Steven Biko, as well as other notable figures, to criticallyreflect on the role of biblical scholarship in the process of restoring historically marginalised voices within the contextof past injustices.
Lesbianism: Deconstructing the Christian church and social hierarchies in South Africa
Authors: Joubert L.
Published: December 2023

Christianity places a high value on one’s faith in Jesus Christ, and from this belief, one fosters a perception of LGBTQI people. The general patriarchal idea that the only true, biblical sexual orientation is heterosexuality is one of the elements contributing to the religious obstacle the LGBTQI face. Lesbian[1] spouses and their children are frequently subjected to animosity and rejection from members of the local community, where they choose to participate in religious activities. This is because lesbians and/or lesbian families depart from the so-called heterosexual norm. To analyse how the Christian church refers to homosexuality. I will use Michel Foucault’s philosophy on discourse and power as a theoretical underpinning to examine the preconceived concept of a fixed social hierarchy within the Christian church and society. The paper focuses on the biblical discourses that underlie lesbian identity. By highlighting how colonial impressions resulted in a homophobic reception of the bible, I argue for a positive reimagining between churches and the LGBTQI community and provide evidence that the Christian church and social hierarchies impact lesbian identity negatively through the implementation of the Biblical text and patriarchal ontology.
 
[1] The term lesbian will be used to describe lesbian individuals with or without partners and children.
Christianity’s emphasis on faith in Jesus Christ can shape perceptions of LGBTQI individuals. The notion that heterosexuality is the only biblically sanctioned sexual orientation, rooted in patriarchal ideals, presents a religiouschallenge for the LGBTQI1 community. Lesbian couples and their children often face hostility and exclusion from local religious communities, due to their departure from heterosexual norms. This article employs Michel Foucault’sdiscourse and power theory to examine how the Christian church and society maintain a fixed social hierarchy. Itfocuses on biblical discourses shaping lesbian identity and highlights how colonial influences have fuelled ahomophobic interpretation of the Bible. The argument advocates for a more positive relationship between churches and the LGBTQI community, asserting that the Christian church and social hierarchies negatively impact on lesbian identity through the use of biblical text and patriarchal views.
The revelation of God: How and to whom does God reveals God self to?
Authors: Mdingi H.
Published: December 2023

The African world view is not monolithic or homogeneous. However, that being the case, there is a strong metaphysicaland existential leaning in terms of Spirit and the world. The Spirit is the medium whereby revelation occurs for all ofcreation. African indigenous knowledge as episteme and Black liberation theology as a paradigm have something to teach outside Western dualism about the revelation of God not being linear in form. The methodological aspect of this research is a literature study aimed at discussing transmission and reception of biblical discourse in Africa by viewing differently the subject of God’s revelation from a variety of sources. The article seeks to argue that indigenous knowledge and, from the Black liberation paradigm, conceptions of God reveal a God with a social existence in contrast to a Western God who abdicates creation when the majority of creation and her creatures are oppressed by White supremacy.
What Gets into the Media
Authors: Ly-Le Tuong-Minh
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the coverage of COVID-19 in Vietnam to understand what types of information can be published, how accurate it is, and if media bias exists. The results show that media biases are more clearly presented during the gathering and editing stages of news production. Although COVID-19 received a heightened frequency of reporting, news articles about this topic had limited use of sources, provide mostly general information and statistics, and lack of scientific quality. These results are intended to provide public health authorities and news audience with an understanding of how a health event is presented in the media.
South African Silences, Japanese Erasures: Blackman Ngoro and the Persistence of Apartheid
Authors: Mboti Nyasha
Published: December 2023

This article is a “forensic inductive” reflection on the silences and erasures, in South Africa and Japan, that mark the last years of Zimbabwean journalist, Roderick Blackman Ngoro. Ngoro was ostracised in South Africa after he penned a controversial blog article about “Coloureds”. After the affair, Ngoro relocated to Japan, continuing his journalistic research on racism. He returned quietly to South Africa a few years later to pursue doctoral studies at Wits University. In late January 2010, Ngoro was found dead in his room at the university. Police did not suspect any foul play. I deploy a purposive set of snapshots as part of a reflection on how Ngoro’s last few years in South Africa and Japan illustrate the persistence of apartheid. I consider the problem of undetectable crimes scenes by means of specific inductive forensics of snapshots that allow a demonstration of how, at the crime scenes of apartheid, no foul play is detectable. Forensic induction is a methodology drawn from my emerging work in Apartheid Studies, seeking to explain how the worlds of the oppressed are crime scenes in which people live with harm and live in harm’s way. I conclude that the complex ironies that attended Ngoro’s last few years cannot make sense if not looked at through the lens of apartheid as a paradigm and theoretical framework (by which to detect persistent crime scenes). Such a paradigm has utility in detecting the persistence of harm from South Africa to Japan.
Welcome days: A step forward for the student community
Authors: Saha Subhrajyoti
Published: December 2023

Student community is one of the key contributors towards student satisfaction. In 2022–2023 the Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Liverpool, held re-designed welcome day(s) for the new undergraduate students in order to boost student engagement. In this article we reflect on our academic practice based on this project.

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0
.
Review of the leafhopper tribe Deltocephalini Dallas, 1870 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae) in Pakistan with description of a new species of Paramesodes
Authors: Naveed Hassan , Shah Bismillah , Sohail Kamran , Zhang Yalin , Chen Keping
Published: December 2023

A review of the leafhopper tribe Deltocephalini in Pakistan is provided, including comprehensive illustrated keys to all genera and species, along with their diagnosis and distribution. A new species of Paramesodes is described, P. dirensissp. nov., which was discovered in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A detailed description of this new species is provided together with photographs for visual reference. This tribe now has three genera and 13 species from Pakistan. The genus Deltocephalus Burmeister includes two species, and Maiestas Distant has nine species; Paramesodes Ishihara is now represented with two species.
Soft weakly connected sets and soft weakly connected components
Authors: Al-Ghour Samer , Al-Saadi Hanan
Published: December 2023

Although the concept of connectedness may seem simple, it holds profound implications for topology and its applications. The concept of connectedness serves as a fundamental component in the Intermediate Value Theorem. Connectedness is significant in various applications, including geographic information systems, population modeling and robotics motion planning. Furthermore, connectedness plays a crucial role in distinguishing between different topological spaces. In this paper, we define soft weakly connected sets as a new class of soft sets that strictly contains the class of soft connected sets. We characterize this new class of sets by several methods. We explore various results related to soft subsets, supersets, unions, intersections and subspaces within the context of soft weakly connected sets. Additionally, we provide characterizations for soft weakly connected sets classified as soft pre-open, semi-open or $ \alpha $-open sets. Furthermore, we introduce the concept of a soft weakly connected component as follows: Given a soft point $ a_{x} $ in a soft topological space $ \left(X, \Delta, A\right) $, we define the soft weakly component of $ \left(X, \Delta, A\right) $ determined by $ a_{x} $ as the largest soft weakly connected set, with respect to the soft inclusion ($ \widetilde{\subseteq } $) relation, that contains $ a_{x} $. We demonstrate that the family of soft weakly components within a soft topological space comprises soft closed sets, forming a soft partition of the space. Lastly, we establish that soft weak connectedness is preserved under soft $ \alpha $-continuity.
Calotheca leonardii, a new flea beetle species from southern Africa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini)
Authors: D’Alessandro Paola , Grobbelaar Elizabeth , Iannella Mattia , Biondi Maurizio
Published: December 2023

Calotheca is a widespread sub-Saharan flea beetle genus comprising 36 species already described. In this contribution, we describe a new species, Calotheca leonardii sp. nov., from the Republic of South Africa. It shows the most remarkable similarities with Calotheca thunbergi. In fact, based on external morphology, specimens of the new species were previously considered within the variability of Calotheca thunbergi. We highlight the main diagnostic characters of the two species and provide photographs of the habitus, median lobe of the aedeagus, and spermatheca. We also report information on their geographical distribution and host plants.
Considerations on the genus Syagrus Chapuis 1874 and the taxa ascribed to it (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae)
Authors: Zoia Stefano
Published: December 2023

Up to the 1960s the genus Syagrus Chapuis 1874 was treated differently by different authors, ultimately resulting in a mix of poorly related taxa. In this study, several new combinations are proposed for taxa hitherto erroneously classified in Syagrus, and an updated catalogue of known Syagrus is provided. Based on an examination of the type material, or otherwise of the original description and available specimens, the following taxonomic changes are proposed: Afroeurydemus conradsi (Pic 1939) n. comb. for Syagrus conradsi Pic 1939, A. corrosicollis (Lefèvre 1891) n. comb. for S. corrosicollis Lefèvre 1891, A. femoratus (Lefèvre 1891) n. comb. for S. femoratus Lefèvre 1891, A. luteoapicalis (Pic 1939) n. comb. for S. luteoapicalis Pic 1939, A. sansibaricus (Lefèvre 1891) n. comb. for Pheloticus sansibaricus Lefèvre 1891, A. sexnotatus (Lefèvre 1891) n. comb. for S. sexnotatus Lefèvre 1891, Eryxia cinerascens (Fairmaire 1894) n. comb. for S. cinerascens Fairmaire 1894, Microeurydemus adrarensis (Pic 1942) n. comb. for S. adrarensis Pic 1942, Microsyagrus angolensis (Pic 1939) n. comb. for Syagrus angolensis Pic 1939, M. atriventris (Pic 1939) n. comb. for S. atriventris Pic 1939, M. laurenti (Pic 1949) n. comb. for S. laurenti Pic 1949, M. maculosus (Lefèvre 1891) n. comb. for S. maculosus Lefèvre 1891, Microsyagrus (?) discomaculatus (Pic 1939) n. comb. for S. discomaculatus Pic 1939, Paraivongius (P.) monardi (Pic 1939) n. comb. for S. monardi Pic 1939, Paraivongius (Micromenius) auratus (Weise 1883) n. comb. for S. auratus Weise 1883, Proliniscus minutus (Jacoby 1895) n. comb. for S. minutus Jacoby 1895. Pheloticus femoralis Weise 1910 is a resurrected combination for a species previously ranged in Syagrus.
Taxonomic, nomenclatural and faunistic data for galerucine leaf beetles from Africa, with description of Rohania leonardii n. sp. from Kenya (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)
Authors: Beenen Ron
Published: December 2023

Taxonomic and nomenclatural changes in African Galerucinae are explicated. Rohania leonardii n. sp. is described from Kenya. The new combination Palpoxena nigripennis (Weise 1907) is proposed. Besides, additional information on the distribution of the following other African species is presented: Calomicrus weisei (Jacoby 1897), Exosoma apicale (Weise 1902), E. tibiale (Jacoby 1899), Huillania salisburiensis (Jacoby 1903), Megalognatha suturalis Baly 1878, M. bisulcata Laboissière 1927, and Polexima citernii (Jacoby 1899).
Complications to acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in children - a prospective study; bacterial cultures, virus detection, allergy sensitization and immunoglobulins
Authors: Hultman Dennison S , Granath A , Holmström M , Stjärne P , Hertting O
Published: December 2023

Background: Prospective studies of complications due to acute rhinosinusitis are lacking, bacterial cultures are hard to obtain and the role of airborne allergies, viruses and immunoglobulin levels are unclear. The aim was to investigate the role of bacteria, viruses, allergy and immunoglobulins in children hospitalized due to rhinosinusitis. Methodology: A prospective cohort study in Stockholm, Sweden, of children up to 18 years of age, hospitalized due to acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, from April 1st, 2017 to April 1st, 2020. Results: Of 55 children included, 51% had a positive viral nasopharyngeal PCR and 29% had a positive allergy sensitization test. A higher percentage of middle meatus cultures were positive for bacterial growth compared to nasopharyngeal and displayed a wider array of bacteria. Dominating bacteria were S. milleri in surgical (7/12 cases), S. pyogenes in middle meatus (13/52 cases), and S. pyogenes and H. influenza in nasopharyngeal cultures (8/50 cases respectively). Nasal cultures were negative in 50% of surgical cases. An association was found between S. pyogenes and peak CRP; H. influenzae and peak CRP; S. pneumoniae and peak CRP; and possibly between M. catarrhalis and days of IV antibiotics. Further, an association between influenza A/B and S. pyogenes; a positive viral PCR and lower grade of complication and peak CRP; and a possible association between influenza virus and lower grade of complication. Allergy sensitization was possibly associated with a higher number of days with IV antibiotics. No immunoglobulin deficiencies were found. Conclusions: There seem to be differences in the patterns of bacterial growth in nasopharyngeal, middle meatus and surgical cultures in children with complications to acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Presence of certain viruses and sensitization to airborne allergies seem to play a role in complications to acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in children.
Septoplasty and/or inferior turbinoplasty produce significant improvements of the sense of smell
Authors: Mackers P , Rojas-Lechuga M J , Langdon C , Nogués A , Mullol J , Alobid I
Published: December 2023

Background: Patients with septal deviation and/or turbinal hypertrophy may experience olfactory disfunction (OD). The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of septoplasty and/or turbinoplasty on both lateralized and bilateral olfactory function. Methodology: Prospective study of 47 patients with nasal obstruction secondary to septal deviation and/or turbinal hypertrophy and 20 healthy controls. The Barcelona Olfactory test (BOT-8), a new supraliminal orthonasal subjective olfactometry, was applied 3 times in a row (in each nostril separately and in both simultaneously). The 8 items were applied randomly to minimize the possible risk of learning. The test has not established the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were performed. All participants self-assessed smell loss and nasal obstruction using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and completed questionnaires for nasal obstruction (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, NOSE) and for quality of life (QoL), using disease-specific (SinoNasal Outcome Test-22, SNOT-22) and generic (Short Form-12 Health Survey, SF-12) questionnaires. Nasal measurements and questionnaires were performed preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. Results: Before surgery, patients reported worse VAS on smell loss and on nasal obstruction compared to controls. Patients scored lower BOT-8 than controls. Lateralized preoperative olfactory function showed that all BOT-8 characteristics were lower at the narrow side than the wider one. Smell function and QoL improved significantly one year after surgery. Conclusions: Nasal septal deviation and turbinal hypertrophy lead to an olfactory impairment on the obstructed nostril. Nasal surgery provides a positive outcome on olfactory function, as well as on subjective and objective outcomes.
Identification of genes associated with gall bladder cell carcinogenesis: Implications in targeted therapy of gall bladder cancer
Authors: Ghosh Ishita , Dey Ghosh Ruma , Mukhopadhyay Soma
Published: December 2023

Gall bladder cancer (GBC) is becoming a very devastating form of hepatobiliary cancer in India. Every year new cases of GBC are quite high in India. Despite recent advanced multimodality treatment options, the survival of GBC patients is very low. If the disease is diagnosed at the advanced stage (with local nodal metastasis or distant metastasis) or surgical resection is inoperable, the prognosis of those patients is very poor. So, perspectives of targeted therapy are being taken. Targeted therapy includes hormone therapy, proteasome inhibitors, signal transduction and apoptosis inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors, and immunotherapeutic agents. One such signal transduction inhibitor is the specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) or short hairpin RNA (shRNA). For developing siRNA-mediated therapy shRNA, although several preclinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of these key molecules have been performed using gall bladder cells, many more clinical trials are required. To date, many such genes have been identified. This review will discuss the recently identified genes associated with GBC and those that have implications in its treatment by siRNA or shRNA.
Cohort study to assess geographical variation in cholangiocarcinoma treatment in England
Authors: Jose Sophie , Zalin-Miller Amy , Knott Craig , Paley Lizz , Tataru Daniela , Morement Helen , Toledano Mireille B , Khan Shahid A
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Outcomes for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are extremely poor owing to the complexities in diagnosing and managing a rare disease with heterogenous sub-types. Beyond curative surgery, which is only an option for a minority of patients diagnosed at an early stage, few systemic therapy options are currently recommended to relieve symptoms and prolong life. Stent insertion to manage disease complications requires highly specialised expertise. Evidence is lacking as to how CCA patients are managed in a real-world setting and whether there is any variation in treatments received by CCA patients.

AIM

To assess geographic variation in treatments received amongst CCA patients in England.

METHODS

Data used in this cohort study were drawn from the National Cancer Registration Dataset (NCRD), Hospital Episode Statistics and the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Dataset. A cohort of 8853 CCA patients diagnosed between 2014-2017 in the National Health Service in England was identified from the NCRD. Potentially curative surgery for all patients and systemic therapy and stent insertion for 7751 individuals who did not receive surgery were identified as three end-points of interest. Linear probability models assessed variation in each of the three treatment modalities according to Cancer Alliance of residence at diagnosis, and for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics at diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 8853 CCA patients, 1102 (12.4%) received potentially curative surgery. The mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] percentage-point difference from the population average ranged from -3.96 (-6.34 to -1.59)% to 3.77 (0.54 to 6.99)% across Cancer Alliances in England after adjustment for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, showing statistically significant variation. Amongst 7751 who did not receive surgery, 1542 (19.9%) received systemic therapy, with mean [95%CI] percentage-point difference from the population average between -3.84 (-8.04 to 0.35)% to 9.28 (1.76 to 16.80)% across Cancer Alliances after adjustment, again showing the presence of statistically significant variation for some regions. Stent insertion was received by 2156 (27.8%), with mean [95%CI] percentage-point difference from the population average between -10.54 (-12.88 to -8.20)% to 13.64 (9.22 to 18.06)% across Cancer Alliances after adjustment, showing wide and statistically significant variation from the population average. Half of 8853 patients (n = 4468) received no treatment with either surgery, systemic therapy or stent insertion.

CONCLUSION

Substantial regional variation in treatments received by CCA patients was observed in England. Such variation could be due to differences in case-mix, clinical practice or access to specialist expertise.
Paired-related homeobox 1 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in oesophageal squamous cancer
Authors: Guo Jin-Bao , Du Ming , Wang Bin , Zhong Li , Fu Zhong-Xue , Wei Jin-Lai
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

It is unclear that paired-related homeobox 1 (PRRX1) induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oesophageal cancer and the specific function of PRRX1 in oesophageal cancer metastasis.

AIM

To assess the signiﬁcance of PRRX1 expression and investigate the mechanism of EMT in oesophageal cancer metastasis.

METHODS

Detect the expression of PRRX1 by immunohistochemistry in oesophageal tumour tissues and adjacent normal oesophageal tissues; the PRRX1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or blank vector lentiviral gene delivery system was transfected into cells; cell proliferation assay, soft agar colony formation assays, cell invasion and migration assays and animal studies were used to observe cells biological characteristics In vitro and in vivo ; XAV939 and LiCl were used to alter the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis were used to detect protein expression of EMT markers and Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

RESULTS

PRRX1 is expressed at high levels in oesophageal cancer specimens and is closely related to tumour metastasis in patients with oesophageal cancer. Regulation of PRRX1 expression might exert obvious effects on cell proliferation, especially the migration and invasion of oesophageal cancer cells. Moreover, silencing PRRX1 expression using a shRNA produced the opposite effects. In addition, when PRRX1 was overexpressed, inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway with XAV939 negated the effect of PRRX1 on EMT, whereas when PRRX1 was downregulated, activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway with LiCl impaired the effect on EMT.

CONCLUSION

PRRX1 is upregulated in oesophageal cancer is closely correlated with cancer metastasis. Additionally, PRRX1 induces EMT in oesophageal cancer metastasis through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling.
Prognostic value of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 expression in upper gastrointestinal tract tumors: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Jing-Jing , Liu Bing-Bing , Yang Yan , Liu Meng-Ru , Wang Han , Deng Zhen-Quan , Zhang Zhi-Wei
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of robust prognostic markers for upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers, including esophageal, gastric, and esophagogastric junction cancers. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM3) plays a key immunomodulatory role and is linked to the prognosis of various cancers. However, the significance of TIM3 in upper GI tract tumors is still uncertain.

AIM

To investigate the prognostic value of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published until June 2023. After screening and quality assessment, studies that met the criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical methods were used for the pooled analysis to assess the association of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors with the prognosis and clinicopathological parameters. The results were reported with the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Nine studies involving 2556 patients with upper GI tract cancer were included. High TIM3 expression was associated with a worse prognosis in upper GI tract cancer (HR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.01-1.36). Positive expression of TIM3 in gastric cancer was correlated with the T and N stage, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, TIM3 overexpression was significantly correlated with the TNM stage (odds ratio: 1.21, 95%CI: 0.63-2.33; P < 0.05). TIM3 expression showed no association with the other clinicopathological parameters.

CONCLUSION

High expression of TIM3 in the upper GI tract cancer is associated with a worse prognosis and advanced T or N stages, indicating its potential value as a prognostic biomarker. These findings may provide a basis for the personalized treatment of upper GI tract cancers.
Challenges of Shrinking Civic Space and the Path towards Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria: Lessons from the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration
Authors: Anyim-Ben Francisca , Itumo Anthony , Benjamin Anyim
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the experienced challenges of shrinking civic space and the path towards sustainable democracy in Nigeria during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. It discusses the etymology and problems of shrinking civic space in Nigeria under democratic dispensation. The paper also highlights the potential consequences and some practical instances of shrunk civic spaces during Buhari’s administration. It goes further to link the concept, roles, setbacks and examples of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)and how they attempted to promote and safeguard civil space. The paper identifies the connectivity between Marxism and Liberalism theory in the Nigerian civic space and highlights the efforts made by these theories to address the shrinking of civil space. Furthermore, it presents a comprehensive analysis of the prospects and challenges of the civic space in Nigeria and provides steps for policy reforms as a roadmap towards achieving sustainable democracy. The researchers recommend amongst others that the government should prioritize transparency and accountability in its actions and policies. This could be done by promoting access to information and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions and combating corruption. By promoting transparency and accountability, the government is most likely to build trust with citizens, strengthen democratic institutions, and create an environment conducive to sustainable democracy in Nigeria.