bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ο ρόλος του συνδυασμού αξονικής και μαγνητικής τομογραφίας στη βελτίωση της προεγχειρητικής σταδιοποίησης στον καρκίνο του παχέος εντέρου
Authors: Μπόμπου Ευφροσύνη
Published: February 2025

Σκοπός αυτής της μελέτης είναι να συγκρίνει τη διαγνωστική απόδοση της μαγνητικής τομογραφίας (MRI) έναντι της αξονικής τομογραφίας (CT) σε διάφορες πτυχές της τοπικής σταδιοποίησης σε ασθενείς με καρκίνο του παχέος εντέρου.Αυτή η μελέτη ήταν μια προοπτική μελέτη διαγνωστικής ακρίβειας .Όλοι οι ενήλικες ασθενείς με επιβεβαιωμένο καρκίνο του παχέος εντέρου που πληρούσαν τα τρέχοντα κριτήρια για χειρουργική εκτομή θεωρήθηκαν επιλέξιμοι. Η διαγνωστική αξιολόγηση της απόδοσης περιελάμβανε την Τ (T1/T2 vs T3/T4 και T3cd) και την Ν (Ν θετική) σταδιοποίηση, την διήθηση του ορογόνου, το οπισθοπεριτοναϊκό χειρουργικό όριο (RSM) και την εξωτοιχωματική αγγειακή διήθηση (EMVI). Η απεικόνιση βασίστηκε σε ένα σύστημα μαγνητικής τομογραφίας 3 Tesla και στην αξιολόγηση όλων των αλληλουχιών (T1, T2 και ακολουθία διάχυσης - DWI) από δύο ανεξάρτητους παρατηρητές Ιατρούς - Ακτινολόγους. Η αξονική τομογραφία πραγματοποιήθηκε σε αξονικό τομογράφο 128 σειρών (πάχος τομής: 1 mm) με ενδοφλέβια χορήγηση σκιαγραφικού. Η ιστοπαθολογική έκθεση αποτέλεσε τον χρυσό κανόνα για την τοπική σταδιοποίηση. Η ευαισθησία (SE), η ειδικότητα (SP) και η περιοχή κάτω από την καμπύλη (AUC) υπολογίστηκαν και για τους δύο παρατηρητές.Η μαγνητική τομογραφία έδειξε υψηλότερη διαγνωστική απόδοση σε σχέση με την αξονική τομογραφία σε σχέση με T1/T2 έναντι T3/T4 (SE: 100% έναντι 83,9%, SP: 96,6% έναντι 81%, AUC: 0,825 έναντι 0,983, p<0,001), N θετικό (p <0,001) και εκτίμηση EMVI (p=0,023). Εξαιρετική απόδοση της μαγνητικής τομογραφίας σημειώθηκε στη διάγνωση αναγνώρισης T3ab έναντι T3cd (CT AUC Παρατηρητής 1: 0,636, AUC Παρατηρητής2: 0,55 έναντι MRI AUC Παρατηρητής 1: 0,829 AUC Παρατηρητής2 0,846, p=0,01) και διήθησης του RSM. Σε αντίθεση με αυτές, η μαγνητική τομογραφία δεν είχε καλή απόδοση στον εντοπισμό της διήθησης του ορογόνου.Η μαγνητική τομογραφία είχε υψηλότερη διαγνωστική απόδοση από την αξονική τομογραφία σε αρκετές παραμέτρους τοπικής σταδιοποίησης.
The Relationship between Average Savings Deposit Rates and Average Commercial Bank Lending Rates in Ghana
Authors: ACKUAKU EDWIN
Published: February 2025

Background This study explores the relationship between average savings deposit rates and average commercial banks’ lending rates in Ghana from 2000 to 2020. Appreciating the connection is essential for developing successful policies that promote financial intermediation and economic growth. Methods A quantitative research approach was adopted by utilising the ARIMA model to forecast trends in average savings deposit rates and analyse their future behaviour. The study controlled for macroeconomic factors such as inflation (INF) and inter-bank weighted average (IWA) to assess their impact on both savings and lending rates. Results The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between average savings deposit rates and average lending rates with a correlation coefficient of 0.75 (p < 0.01). Inflation negatively impacts lending rates as evidenced by a coefficient of -0.40 (p < 0.05). Additionally, IWA exerts a minimal but favourable influence on average savings deposit rates. Conclusions The results underscore the need for effective policies aimed at stabilising savings deposit rates and fostering competition within the banking sector. Such measures are essential to enhance financial intermediation and promote sustainable economic growth in Ghana.
Developing a Family Medicine Program in Jordan: appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes
Authors: Schoenmakers Birgitte , Virji Safiya , Colton Benjamin , Alhalaseh Lana , van Ewijk, Marleen Jiskoot , Spitaels David , Al Shdaifat Amjad
Published: February 2025

Introduction Curriculum development in medical education, particularly in family medicine, is essential for preparing healthcare professionals to meet evolving patient needs. This article examines the development of a Family Medicine program in Jordan, focusing on challenges, methodologies, and outcomes. Methods The curriculum was developed through collaboration between Jordanian and European universities, emphasizing core family medicine principles, evidence-based practice, and local context. Two cohorts of trainees participated in the one-year program, which used a 'whole task learning model' covering communication, clinical knowledge, and community health. Feedback was gathered through focus group interviews with trainers and trainees, and pre- and post-test data were analyzed to assess effectiveness. Results Feedback indicated positive perceptions among trainers and trainees. Trainees valued the transition to Arabic-led lectures, improved primary care understanding, and trainer engagement. Strengths included evidence-based guidelines and patient interaction emphasis. Areas for improvement included more face-to-face training and practical opportunities. Trainers suggested enhancing practical skills training and increasing Arabic materials. Despite pretest score variations, both cohorts showed significant improvement. Challenges such as non-participation and cheating highlighted the need for regular attendance and academic integrity. Conclusion The research underscores the importance of feedback from trainees and trainers in curriculum development. Continuous improvement, comprehensive assessment, and prioritizing linguistic and cultural relevance are crucial for enhancing primary care delivery in Jordan.
The genome sequence of the Rock-rose Pot Beetle, Cryptocephalus primarius Harold, 1872
Authors: Mitchell Ryan , Geiser Michael F. , Turner Toby ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of Cryptocephalus primarius (Rock-rose Pot Beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 370.99 megabases. Most of the assembly (87.88%) is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.97 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 10,661 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of a soldier beetle, Malthinus seriepunctatus Kiesenwetter, 1851
Authors: Mitchell Ryan , Geiser Michael F. , Barclay Maxwell V. L. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Malthinus seriepunctatus (a soldier beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Cantharidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 338.81 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.73%) is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 20.41 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of a rove beetle, Tachinus rufipes (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: McCulloch James ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from a male Tachinus rufipes (rove beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Staphylinidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 1,151.98 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.65%) is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.48 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 32,706 protein-coding genes.
System support of creative activity: tasks, tools, methodology
Authors: Sosnin Eduard , Poizner Boris
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this textbook is to teach the reader how to use the tools of system analysis in his research, design, forecasting and innovation activities. To do this, the textbook introduces the basics of system analysis and its tools using examples of specific tasks from physics, chemistry, history, economics, management, medicine, sociology, philosophy, agronomy, politics and everyday life. Practical recommendations are given on taking into account the psychological characteristics of a personality when mastering it by system analysis. The place of system analysis in the world of human cognitive strategies is shown and the elements of the cognitive strategy in the future are predicted.
Meets the requirements of the latest generation of federal state educational standards for higher education.
It is addressed to teachers, graduate students and students of natural sciences and humanities, scientists and developers, analysts and experts, anyone who wants to improve the quality of their intellectual work, ensure novelty and strengthen its creative content.
A rare case of right-sided chylothorax induced by vertebral osteophytosis in a nonagenarian patient
Authors: Galasso Umberto Giuseppe , Del Giudice Elena , Ialongo Pasquale , Fimognari Filippo Luca , Desideri Giovambattista , Ettorre Evaristo , Palleschi Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

Background: Chylothorax is an abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity, and it develops because of chyle leaking from the thoracic duct. The clinical presentation can be varied, while symptoms depend on its size and the rate of accumulation in the pleural space. Diagnosis is based on pleural fluid analysis, supported by various imaging studies to help determine the underlying pathology and locate the site of chyle leak. Case report: We report an extremely rare case of non-iatrogenic right-sided chylothorax in the absence of radiographically demonstrated bony damage which was related to vertebral osteophytosis in a 90-year-old man, who presented with worsening shortness of breath after a blunt trauma. On physical examination, the patient was found to be suffering from substantial right-sided pleural effusion with no radiographic evidence of traumatic injury. Conclusion: Imaging demonstrated diffused osteophytosis at the level of the lower thoracic vertebrae, which were puncturing the thoracic duct. We adopted conservative treatment, including thoracentesis and total parenteral nutrition, which resulted in the improvement and resolution of symptoms.
Assessment of the diabetic foot in inpatients
Authors: Alsararatee Hasan H , Langley Judy Clare Scott , Thorburn Mark , Burton-Gow Helen , Whitby Samuel , Powell Sarah
Published: February 2025

Diabetic foot disease is a severe complication of diabetes, leading to significant morbidity and lower limb amputations. This review explores the pathophysiology of diabetic foot disease, highlighting the roles of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and immunosuppression in the development of foot ulcers and infections. Key intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, including long-standing diabetes, poor glycaemic control, inappropriate footwear and trauma are discussed. The importance of comprehensive diabetic foot assessments using diagnostic tools such as the Ipswich Touch Test and Doppler studies is emphasised for early detection and management. Challenges such as delays in referral to specialist care, limited access to multidisciplinary foot teams, and staffing shortages are identified as critical barriers to effective care. The review builds upon extant literature by integrating the most recent evidence, including the 2023 guidelines from the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. It emphasises practical application, detailed referral pathways and multidisciplinary care strategies, offering updated tools and insights to improve clinical outcomes and address the often overlooked aspects within inpatient services. Future directions encompass advances in imaging, telemedicine and patient education, which may further optimise preventive and therapeutic strategies for diabetic foot disease.
Decisions in end-of-life care: perspectives from family caregivers
Authors: Othman Elham H , Alosta Mohammad , Atiyeh Huda , Khalaf Inaam Abdallah , Zeilani Ruqayya
Published: February 2025

Background:

Making healthcare decisions on behalf of loved ones can be highly stressful for family members to act as surrogate decision makers, especially when decisions are relevant to terminal care.

Aim:

To understand the challenges that caregivers face when making decisions for family members at the end of life.

Methods:

A descriptive phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews with seven family caregivers recruited from two palliative care institutions in Amman.

Results:

Family caregivers mentioned several reasons to avoid participating in decisions near their relative's end-of-life, such as holding on to hope that their family member would recover and fearing loss. Others expressed that they felt their relationship to the patient impaired their ability to make reliable judgments and they found it hard to know what the right decisions were. They were worried about being held responsible for the result of decisions and were concerned about felling guilty.

Conclusion:

To conclude, caregivers do not feel prepared to make decisions about their relative's care and feel that they are too emotional and attached to the patient, or are afraid of the consequences of their decisions.
Impact of Air Temperature and Root-Zone Cooling on Heat-Tolerant Lettuce Production in Indoor Farming Under Low-Speed Air Flow Conditions
Authors: Pompeo Jean Paul , Zhang Ying , Yu Ziwen , Gomez Celina , Correll Melanie , Bliznyuk Nikolay
Published: February 2025

Highlights

Root-zone cooling did not benefit lettuce yields in warmer air temperatures up to 30°C.

Lettuce genotype was a significant factor affecting overall plant performance.

Growing heat-tolerant lettuce in indoor farming has potential for enhancing energy and light use efficiencies.

Abstract. Indoor farms are increasingly being used for lettuce production worldwide, but the high operating costs associated with temperature control via air cooling limit their profitability. In this study, we investigated the effect of adapting higher air temperature setpoints, heat-tolerant crops, and root-zone cooling (RZC) for improving the resource use efficiency of indoor farming systems in terms of biomass production, energy, and water use efficiency. Three lettuce cultivars with known heat tolerance were selected for this study: Skyphos, Muir, and Rex (control). Trials were conducted where all lettuce was grown under warm air temperature settings of 24°C, 26°C, 28°C, and 30°C with root zones either cooled to 22°C or left without cooling. Results indicate that cultivar significantly influences lettuce quality regardless of air temperatures. RZC lowered biomass production and light and energy use efficiencies but improved the water use efficiency at all air temperatures. Heat-tolerant lettuce had better fresh biomass production, with Muir yielding the highest shoot fresh weight in the higher temperatures, including the 28°C and 30°C control groups compared to both root-zone conditions for 24°C and 26°C and the 30°C RZC group. There was no significant difference in fresh biomass yields between the Rex and Skyphos control groups at different air temperatures. However, Skyphos in the 28°C control group yielded significantly higher fresh biomass than the RZC groups of Rex and Muir at 24°C and 26°C and both root-zone conditions for Muir at 28°C. Findings suggest that while RZC to 22°C did not enhance biomass production or tipburn prevalence, selecting heat-tolerant cultivars may optimize yield under higher temperature conditions. Keywords: Heat tolerance, Indoor farm, Lettuce, Resource use efficiency, Root-zone cooling, Tipburn.
Enseñanza de la fonética y la fonología del español con juegos
Authors: Martín Echarri Miguel , Pontes Velasco Rafael , Alonso Revuelta Isabel , Sainz Esteban Alicia , Sainz Esteban Aurora
Published: February 2025

Con el objetivo de validar la hipótesis de que algunos juegos pueden resultar más eficaces que las prácticas individuales corregidas en grupo, en los cursos 2021–22 y 2022–23 dividimos una clase de la asignatura Fonética y fonología españolas (del Grado en español: Lengua y Literatura por la Universidad de Burgos, España) en dos grupos homogéneos pero aleatorios (5 a 7 miembros cada uno): el experimental practicó con actividades lúdicas; el de control analizó perfiles articulatorios con el docente. Se evaluaron los conocimientos previos, comparados con los posteriores y con los resultados de una prueba parcial y la nota final de la asignatura. La satisfacción fue siempre muy alta. Los resultados de las evaluaciones apoyan el uso de los juegos, pero no de manera sistemática.
The Monastic Community of the Island of Cabrera (Balearic Islands, 5th-8th Centuries). An Archaeological Perspective
Authors: Riera Rullan Mateu
Published: February 2025

The main goal of project “Recuperació, consolidació i museïtzació del monestir bizantí de l’illa de Cabrera” is to gain a better understanding of the all-male monastery that, according to Pope Gregory I’s Letter XIII, 47, written in 603, existed in island of Cabrera, in the Balearics. Following archaeological survey and the excavation of twelve trenches, the activity of a coenoby and several hermitages in the archipelago of Cabrera between the 5th and the 8th centuries was confirmed. This article presents the architectural features and archaeological materials found in relation to this monastic community, notably marble, ceramics, and glass, as well as an assemblage of inscriptions and seal impressions, often bearing Christian symbols.
LENGUAJE JURÍDICO EUROPEO: LA PRESENCIA DE TERMINOLOGÍA COMUNITARIA EN LOS TEXTOS DEL DERECHO DE EXTRANJERÍA
Authors: Suñé Arilla Elia
Published: February 2025

El derecho migratorio es un objeto de estudio complejo debida a su alta dimensionalidad, especialmente en casos como el de España, en el que el derecho internacional y el nacional conviven con el derecho supranacional de la Unión Europea en un entramado de instrumentos normativos, mecanismos, conceptos y términos con diferentes procedencias. Desde el punto de vista de la traducción esto conlleva una complejidad en la aproximación conceptual al ámbito de especialidad.
El estudio tiene como principal objetivo identificar términos vinculados al derecho de extranjería procedentes del derecho europeo para estudiar, por una parte, su transferencia al lenguaje jurídico nacional desde el punto de vista de la traducción y, por otra parte, su dimensión extralingüística, con elementos que revelen aspectos de la cultura o la ideología jurídica europea. Con estos objetivos, se ha procedido mediante un análisis lingüístico y conceptual de terminología procedente del derecho europeo, basado en el análisis de un corpus de legislación española y comunitaria del ámbito de la extranjería. Se obtuvieron una serie de términos relacionados con el régimen de entrada y salida de la UE, el código de visados europeo, la migración económica y la migración por motivos familiares cuyo análisis lingüístico revela tendencias identificadas en la literatura existente sobre lenguaje jurídico europeo, como el uso de términos propios (Modiano 2017:322), el uso de términos genéricos con matices aportados por el derecho europeo (Samaniego Fernández, s.f.:99), o la presencia de términos procedentes del derecho internacional pero matizados por el derecho europeo. El análisis conceptual, por su parte, nos permite situar el derecho supranacional de la UE en un entramado de sistemas de derecho nacionales e internacionales en constante intercambio de conceptos y terminología. Por otra parte, la extracción de información extralingüística nos permite construir conocimiento especializado en ámbitos concretos e identificar aspectos de la cultura jurídica europea, que incluso permiten vincularla con tendencia de las políticas migratorias a nivel mundial. Este tipo de estudios pueden orientarse a la investigación de aspectos como la influencia del lenguaje jurídico o la cultura jurídica de la UE sobre los lenguajes jurídicos o las culturas jurídicas nacionales, o para confirmar o refutar características del lenguaje jurídico europeo identificadas en la literatura previa pero pendientes de confirmación. El estudio demuestra además la utilidad de incluir un enfoque conceptual en el análisis de la terminología para comprender el funcionamiento de los sistemas conceptuales y la interacción entre lenguaje y cultura (Bajčić, 2018).
Reinforcement Learning for Dynamic Resource Allocation in Optical Networks: Hype or Hope?
Authors: Doherty Michael , Matzner Robin , Beghelli Alejandra , Bayvel Polina , Yamchi Rasoul Sadeghi
Published: February 2025

The application of reinforcement learning (RL) to dynamic resource allocation in optical networks has been the focus of intense research activity in recent years, with almost 100 peer-reviewed papers. We present a review of progress in the field, and identify significant gaps in benchmarking practices and reproducibility. To determine the strongest benchmark algorithms, we systematically evaluate several heuristics across diverse network topologies. We find that path count and sort criteria for path selection significantly affect the benchmark performance. We meticulously recreate the problems from five landmark papers and apply the improved benchmarks. Our comparisons demonstrate that simple heuristics consistently match or outperform the published RL solutions, often with an order of magnitude lower blocking probability. Furthermore, we present empirical lower bounds on network blocking using a novel defragmentation-based method, revealing that potential improvements over the benchmark heuristics are limited to 19-36% increased traffic load for the same blocking performance in our examples. We make our simulation framework and results publicly available to promote reproducible research and standardized evaluation https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12594495.
A novel 3D bilateral filtering algorithm with noise level estimation assisted by multi-temporal SAR
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Liu Yang , Cai Guoyin
Published: February 2025

The bilateral filter is widely employed in the field of image denoising due to its flexibility and efficiency. It calculates the weights of neighboring pixels based on both spatial and grayscale distances from the pixel to be denoised. By incorporating the information of neighboring pixels through a weighted average, it reduces the disparity between the target pixel and its neighbors, achieving the goal of denoising. However, the extensive imaging range of SAR, coupled with low spatial resolution and the complexity of surface features, results in significant variations in the information expressed by each pixel within the kernel. Consequently, relying solely on neighboring pixel information for denoising can introduce a considerable amount of extraneous data into the target pixel, reducing image contrast and blurring edge contours. Additionally, because the noise levels in pixels of SAR images vary, the uniform filtering approach of the bilateral filter may lead to a degree of information loss in the filtered pixels. Ultimately, while the bilateral filter performs well in addressing additive noise, it is less effective against the multiplicative noise common in SAR images, further diminishing its filtering efficacy. To address these issues, we have developed the 3D bilateral filtering algorithm with noise level estimation assisted by multi-temporal SAR(3D-NLE-BF). This algorithm begins by evaluating the noise content of pixels to be denoised based on their temporal and spatial stability, classifying them into strong noise, weak noise, and noise-free pixels. Given the higher similarity of pixels along the temporal axis in multitemporal SAR data, the algorithm capitalizes on this feature to ensure that denoised pixels contain more useful information. Taking into account the characteristics of multitemporal SAR, the algorithm incorporates range-weight, spatial-weight, confidence-weight, and time-weight, designing corresponding filtering kernels for both strong and weak noise pixels. To verify the superiority of the algorithm, we selected Bilateral, NLM, Kuan, Lee, Lee-Enhanced, and Lee-Sigma as comparison algorithms. Real and simulated SAR denoising experiments were designed, and the denoising results were evaluated using ENL, SSI, PSNR, and QIUI, achieving favorable evaluation results. This demonstrated the effectiveness and general applicability of the algorithm proposed in this paper.
Making art at the end of the world: (Un)learning in the Schoolhouse of Modernity
Authors: Karsgaard Carrie , Coats Cala , Basu Marina , Nielsen Ann , Jenik Adriene , Silova Iveta
Published: February 2025

‘Making art at the end of the world’ introduces a research-creation project with participants from across the world as one step towards collectively reimagining mainstream education’s role in responding to the planetary climate crisis. The article starts with the assumption that the dominant form of education is deeply implicated in the climate crisis and needs to be unlearned and re-learned for the planet and people to survive and thrive. Drawing on the concept of ‘The House of Modernity’ to identify the historic values, beliefs and practices that have propelled our global climate crisis, we focus specifically on what we conceptualize as the ‘Schoolhouse of Modernity’, the place where colonial-modernity is transmitted and reproduced through educational content, pedagogy and structure, including through the arts. Working with artistic responses, crowd-sourced through the ‘Turn It Around!’ (TiA) project, we explore the power of arts as a methodology for critically interrogating education in the Schoolhouse of Modernity, tracing how TiA’s project design and process offer possibilities for education otherwise.
«Marxismo indio»: raza y clase en el pensamiento indianista de Fausto Reinaga (1962-1974)
Authors: Montañez Pico Daniel
Published: February 2025

Una mayoría de analistas coinciden en que el intelectual y político aymara Fausto Reinaga abandonó la perspectiva marxista en su etapa indianista (1962-1974) porque priorizó la cuestión racial sobre la cuestión de clase. El presente trabajo problematiza su producción intelectual en esta época, planteando que, por el contrario, articuló las nociones de raza y clase desarrollando una perspectiva marxista heterodoxa, que criticaba las versiones eurocéntricas del marxismo en su contexto y que el mismo Reynaga llegó a bautizar como «marxismo indio».
Hungarian EFL Learners’ Language Attitudes
Authors: Püski Gyöngyi
Published: February 2025

This paper focuses on Hungarian EFL learners’ attitudes toward Hungarian-accented and native varieties of English, with a special focus on the impact of American English on Hungarian EFL learners’ accent preferences. The paper reports on the results of two pilot studies (prepared for the author’s dissertation-in-progress): one carried out with the participation of 10 English major and 10 non-English major students, and a subsequent one based on the previous study, with 25 English majors, all from the University of Szeged. The results of the first study show that the majority describe their accent as being closer to American English than to British English, while the verbal guise experiment indicates that the British guise is preferred in all ratings (on both solidarity and status), with the exception of non-English majors’ indicating that the American guise sounds ‘warmer’. The majority of non-English majors believe that Hungarian EFL learners want to emulate American English, while most English majors think that it is British English or both British and American English that can be regarded as accent models for Hungarian learners of English. The results of the second study highlight that some of the participants consider their accents to be a mixture of British and American features, which they see as a flaw. Those respondents who wish to ‘sound American’ attach positive connotations to being able to speak English with an American accent, such as having a higher level of English knowledge and having an easily intelligible accent. The results suggest that American English seems to enjoy covert prestige even among those respondents who prefer British English in all respects, and positive values seem to be attached to Hungarian EFL speakers’ having an American accent.
English Nursery Rhymes in the U. S.
Authors: Rausch-Molnár Luca
Published: February 2025

Nursery rhymes have long been perceived as fundamental in young children’s education, not only in a first-language environment, but also in foreign language teaching. While most research focuses on the benefits of rhymes, rhythm, as well as the playful features of nursery rhymes, the aim of this article is to emphasize the importance of their function as transmitters of cultural values. The role of oral tradition was, originally, rather to preserve, process and reflect on cultural and historical events and crises than to educate children. Still, most American nursery rhymes have origins rooted in British tradition and culture, which means that culturally specific content in British nursery rhymes should be interpreted in an American cultural context. It is by analyzing and retracing the origins of four British nursery rhymes widely known in the Unites States that the paper intends to show how these rhymes remain social models and serve cultural educational purposes today.
Statin Use Is Associated With Protection Against Acute Cholangitis in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kulkarni Chiraag , Cholankeril George , Fardeen Touran , Rathkey Joseph , Khan Samir , Murag Soumya , Lerrigo Robert , Kamal Ahmad , Mannalithara Ajitha , Jalal Prasun , Ahmed Aijaz , Vierling John , Goel Aparna , Sinha Sidhartha R.
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION:

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are at increased risk of acute cholangitis. The epidemiological risks of cholangitis are poorly studied despite the high morbidity associated with this infection. The aim of this study was to understand the impact of statins on acute cholangitis in PSC.

METHODS:

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study assessed data from 294 patients with PSC at Stanford Medical Center, Baylor Medical Center, and Valley Medical Center. Clinical factors associated with the development of cholangitis were identified using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS:

The patients were predominantly male (68.7%) with a median age at enrollment of 48 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 31.0–60.8). Fifty patients (17.0%) were prescribed statins. The median follow-up time was 6 years (IQR: 2.0–12.0), in which 29.6% (n = 87) developed cholangitis. In multivariable analysis, statins were associated with an 81% reduction in cholangitis (HR 0.19, 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.64). Statins were associated with a lower adjusted incidence of cholangitis at 36 months compared with patients not on statin therapy (incidence of 2.8% vs 12.2%, P < 0.001). Statins were also associated with increased time-to-stricture (P = 0.004), an outcome known to be associated with PSC complications.

DISCUSSION:

Statin therapy is associated with reduced risk of cholangitis in PSC, possibly by delaying the time to develop dominant or high-grade strictures. In patients with PSC, use of statin therapy may be a beneficial modality to prevent the development of cholangitis and warrants further investigation.
Análise do perfil facial: proposta de classificação lábio-face
Authors: Lopes Filho Hibernon , Gauw Johnny , Lopes Neto Dario
Published: February 2025

﻿INTRODUÇÃO: Para cada tipo de padrão facial existem várias combinações de posições labiais e, com isso, vários planos de tratamentos diferentes para se chegar à harmonia no perfil. Por isso, para um correto planejamento e sucesso no tratamento, é importante identificar e classificar as diferentes combinações entre face e lábios. OBJETIVO: Propor uma classificação Lip-Face (lábio-face), relacionando o padrão do perfil facial (Padrão I, II e III) com a posição dos lábios (reto, retruso e protruso). CONCLUSÃO: A classificação Lip-Face auxilia a percepção estética...
Análise comparativa entre a carga mental dos operadores de class centar e os indicadores da operação
Authors: Lopes Maria José Ferreira , Rocha Miriam Karla , Maia Macilene Maria Monteiro , Oliveira Rayssa Cleide de , Yamashita Gabrielli Harumi
Published: February 2025

Os call centers desempenham um papel importante na prestação de serviços de atendimento ao cliente, telemarketing e suporte. Um desafio desse setor está relacionado a saúde mental dos operadores que enfrentam muitos obstáculos, incluindo a carga de trabalho, que pode resultar em transtornos mentais, como o burnout. Este trabalho consiste em uma investigação acerca da carga de trabalho e a síndrome de burnout entre os operadores de call center, utilizando o método NASA-TLX e o instrumento de Maslach Burnout Inventory como ferramentas de avaliação. Além disso, busca compreender os fatores que afetam a sobrecarga mental e propor medidas para reduzir esse impacto e melhorar o bem-estar dos profissionais nesse ambiente. Os resultados revelam altos níveis de sobrecarga mental entre os operadores, afetando dimensões como demanda mental, demanda temporal e frustração. Os impactos desses desafios se refletem no aumento do absenteísmo e no desvio de indicadores de desempenho durante o mês da pesquisa. Portanto, os resultados sinalizam a necessidade de medidas para reduzir a sobrecarga mental e prevenir síndrome de burnout entre os operadores de call center. Dessa forma, ressalta-se a importância de ações direcionadas à melhoria do ambiente de trabalho, ao apoio emocional dos operadores e à gestão adequada das demandas de desempenho.
Матрица Римана для некоторых систем уравнений гиперболического типа высокого порядка
Authors: Yakovleva Juliya Olegovna
Published: February 2025

Решение некоторых краевых задач для систем дифференциальных уравнений гиперболического типа может быть построено в явном виде в терминах матрицы Римана. В связи с этим актуален вопрос о построении матрицы Римана в явном виде для систем гиперболических уравнений высокого порядка.
Рассматривается система дифференциальных
уравнений гиперболического типа третьего порядка от трех независимых переменных. Для
указанной системы построена матрица Римана как решение специальной задачи Гурса. Кроме того, матрица Римана удовлетворяет интегральному уравнению Вольтерра. Матрица Римана выражена в явном виде через гипергеометрическую функцию матричного аргумента. Аналогично рассматривается система дифференциальных уравнений гиперболического типа четвертого порядка от четырех независимых переменных. Данные результаты обобщены для системы дифференциальных уравнений гиперболического типа порядка $n$, не содержащей производные порядка меньше $n$.
Wątki feministyczne i ekologistyczne we Władcy Pierścieni, jako przykłady ponadczasowości twórczości J. R. R. Tolkiena
Authors: Konieczna Aleksandra , Sokolski Mikołaj
Published: February 2025

Pomimo upływu wielu lat od śmierci Tolkiena, problemy, które poruszał w swoich książkach, przede wszystkim w sadze Władca Pierścieni, pozostają aktualne. Celem artykułu jest zbadanie wybranych wątków ideowych poruszanych przez Tolkiena i współcześnie obecnych. Autorzy prezentują przedstawione przez Tolkiena wątki feministyczne oraz ekologistyczno-naturalistyczne wobec problemu niepowstrzymanej industrializacji. Problemy te są nadal aktualne w dzisiejszym świecie. Dla omówienia wskazanych treści autorzy obierają ramy medioznawcze (teorię kultywacji, relacji paraspołecznych oraz sposobów kodowania i dekodowania treści w ujęciu Stuarta Halla) oraz etyczne (wymiar etyki troski).
Causes of Polarisation in the United States
Authors: Muzychuk Dmytro
Published: February 2025

The article explores the causes of polarisation in the USA. The author delves into various factors, such as elite-level policy disagreements, national economic conditions, electoral institutions, media fragmentation, party realignment, social sorting, and racial diversity, in order to comprehensively understand how those factors contribute to the existing high, though not alarming, if to be compared with other developed countries, level of polarisation in the United States. To limit the scope of the research, only the causes of polarisation are examined, omitting the negative consequences that are apparent during high levels of polarisation. The article particularly explores the role of social media and the rise of populism, especially of right-wing populism, apparent with Donald Trump being elected as the 47th president of the USA. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to polarisation. The research is exploratory in nature, as it tries to gain familiarity with the phenomenon of polarisation, particularly in the United States, as well as gain new insights into it. The research question posed and explored by the author is: what are the primary causes of political polarisation in the United States? By exploring the topic as well as the research questions posed, the research, in addition to the above-mentioned purpose, seeks to contribute to the discourse on preserving and strengthening democratic institutions, as well as the strengthening of deliberate democracy in the face of increasing division.
Multiwektoryzm w kazachskim wydaniu – analiza polityki zagranicznej Republiki Kazachstanu
Authors: Woźniak Mikołaj
Published: February 2025

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza polityki zagranicznej Kazachstanu, zakładając jej multiwektorowy charakter. Zdaniem Autora, wielowektorowość stanowi fundament kazachstańskiej aktywności międzynarodowej, jak i państwowości. W artykule przedstawiono problematykę zagadnienia wielowektorowej polityki zagranicznej z perspektywy teoretycznej oraz próbę przedstawienia definicji omawianego zjawiska. W dalszej części pracy Autor skupia się na przekrojowej charakterystyce polityki zagranicznej Kazachstanu od czasu uzyskania niepodległości w 1991 roku, w tym jej priorytetów, które uwypuklają wielowektorowy charakter kazachskiej dyplomacji. Dalej Autor podkreśla fakt, że od 2022 roku, tj. od momentu wybuchu wojny na Ukrainie, multiwektoryzm Astany przybrał na sile, tym samym napędzając „nową wielką grę” mocarstw o wpływy zarówno w Kazachstanie, jak i całym regionie Azji Centralnej. W finalnej konkluzji Autor prezentuje czytelnikowi pytanie, które ma niejako sprowokować do myślenia o przyszłości wielowektorowej polityki w wydaniu Kazachstanu. Autor w celu zbadania omawianego tematu wykorzystuje różne metody badawcze, takie jak analiza treści i dokumentów, analiza instytucjonalno-prawna oraz metoda decyzyjna.
Exploring the interplay of trait-like L2 willingness to communicate, international posture, language anxiety and fluency in monologue L2 speech
Authors: Szyszka Magdalena , Lintunen Pekka
Published: February 2025

Willingness to communicate in a second language (L2 WTC) refers to the readiness to initiate speech and is influenced by psychological, linguistic, and contextual factors contributing to both stable and dynamic states in L2 WTC. The present study investigates the relationship between L2 utterance fluency and trait-like L2 WTC with its selected antecedents: international posture (IP) and language anxiety (LA). L2 speech samples (n = 102) were examined for speech rate (SR), articulation rate (AR), frequency of silent and filled pauses and repetitions. Trait-like L2 WTC and IP were determined using the Willingness to Communicate Inventory (Mystkowska-Wiertelak, Anna & Mirosław Pawlak. 2017. Willingness to communicate in instructed second language acquisition: Combining a macro- and micro-perspective. Bristol: Multilingual Matters), whereas LA was measured with the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (Horwitz, Elaine K., Michael B. Horwitz & Joann Cope. 1986. Foreign language classroom anxiety. The Modern Language Journal 70(2). 125–132). Correlational analyses were conducted between the fluency measures, unplanned in-class L2 WTC, planned in-class L2 WTC, L2 WTC outside the classroom and practice-seeking L2 WTC, as well as IP-openness to experience, IP-interest in international affairs and LA. The study revealed positive correlations between SR, AR and practice-seeking L2 WTC, as well as AR and L2 WTC outside the classroom. Negative relationships were found between SR, AR and LA. Higher levels of LA were linked to an increased use of filled pauses.
Comparing intubation techniques of Klippel–Feil syndrome patients in the last 10 years: a systematic review
Authors: Fisher Mitchell , Simonsen Andrew , Stewart Christopher , Alkhatib Salma , Niewchas Abbigail , Otto Alex , Hansen Randall , McIntire Kent , Sukpraprut-Braaten Suporn
Published: February 2025

Context

Klippel–Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by cervical vertebral fusion. Patients typically present with a triad of short neck, low posterior hairline, and limited cervical range of motion. The location and quantity of vertebral fusions in KFS makes airway management challenging in the field of anesthesia. Anesthesiologists select intubation methods based on perceived difficulty, making this paper essential to the field.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to analyze first-attempt intubation success rates of KFS patients by intubation technique and stratified by location and quantity of cervical fusions and a Mallampati score if reported.

Methods

This is a systematic review of all case reports on PubMed in the last 10 years utilizing the keywords “KFS,” and subsequently screened searching “anesthesia” and “intubation.” Examiners reviewed the remaining 27 articles for fusion abnormalities and intubation techniques utilized. The articles detail fiberoptic, direct, laryngeal mask airway (LMA), and video-guided intubation techniques, and the success rates were analyzed.

Results

Of the 1234 KFS articles found, 657 were case reports with 157 being in the last 10 years. After review, 27 case reports presenting 30 cases were included. The average age reported was 25.4 ± 21.6 and 73.3 % were female. Direct (n=10), fiberoptic (n=12), video-guided (n=6), and LMA (n=2) were the chosen first-attempt intubation maneuvers. Fiberoptic and video-guided intubations reported 83 % success, while direct and LMA reported 50 % success. Higher success rates were found in patients with two cervical segment fusions (70 %) when compared to three or more fusions (33 %). Inferior vertebral fusions (C5-T1) reported higher success than midcervical fusions (C3-C5), 100 % and 33 %, respectively. Mallampati class 4 had the highest success (100 %), although further analysis showed fiberoptic intubation was utilized in each of these cases, skewing the data.

Conclusions

Fiberoptic and video-guided intubation in KFS patients offers the highest success rates of intubation. There were limitations in this study due to the number of case reports available. Although there may be confounding variables to consider based on the case presentation and surgery performed, fiberoptic endotracheal intubation should be considered the gold standard when intubating KFS patients.
Must Exploiters Objectively Benefit from Exploitation?
Authors: Ehring Douglas
Published: February 2025

Various philosophers have claimed that a necessary condition for A to wrongfully exploit B is for A to benefit from interacting with B. On a subjective understanding of benefits, A benefits from an interaction only if that interaction contributes to the satisfaction of one of A’s actual and current goals or desires. On the other hand, interests may be read as objective or real interests. Proposals for characterizing real interests range from those that restrict real interests to psychological states to those that involve states that are not psychological. On the objective understanding, A benefits from an interaction with B only if that interaction promotes one of A’s real interests. I dispute the claim that a requirement of wrongful exploitation is an objective benefit to the exploiter.
High-efficiency generation of bi-functional holography with metasurfaces
Authors: Dai Changhong , Liu Tong , Wang Dongyi , Zhou Lei
Published: February 2025

Holography is a highly desired technology in modern photonics, yet setups for traditional generating methods suffer from complexity and bulky sizes. While metasurface-based holography exhibits advantages of compactness and easy-fabrication, most meta-holograms realized so far exhibit only single functionality, with a few multifunctional ones suffering from imbalances of efficiency and device-thickness. Here, we propose a generic approach to design ultra-thin metasurfaces for realization of multiple holographic images with high efficiencies, and experimentally verify the concept in the telecom regime. We first design a series of high-efficiency reflective meta-atoms exhibiting incident-spin-delinked reflection phases governed by geometric and resonant mechanisms, and experimentally characterize their optical properties at wavelengths around 1,064 nm. We next experimentally demonstrate a single-functional meta-hologram as a benchmark test. Finally, we employ the designed meta-atoms to construct a metasurface with the thickness ∼1/4λ, and experimentally demonstrate its capability of generating two distinct holographic images under illuminations of circularly polarized light beams with different helicities, possessing generation efficiencies ∼48.08 %. Our work provides a highly-efficient and ultra-compact platform to generate multifunctional holographic images, which may inspire numerous applications in integration optics.
Morphological impact on energy storage properties of 2D-MoS2 and its nanocomposites: a comprehensive review
Authors: Yadav Atul , Sharma Anil K. , Yadav Jitendra , Bhasker Savita , Mishra Giridhar , Bhasker Hari P. , Patel Shiv P. , Dhawan Punit K. , Chaudhary Dhirendra K.
Published: February 2025

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) stand as pivotal materials with extraordinary physical and chemical properties, showcasing immense potential across various fields including sensors, catalysts, medicine, energy storage, and conversion. Among these, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a prominent TMDCs member, has captured considerable attention due to its graphene-like layered structure, small band gap (∼1.8 eV), and superior theoretical capacity relative to graphene. This review paper has meticulously presented an analysis of MoS2 structural properties encompassing various phases 2H (hexagonal), 1T (trigonal), and 3R (rhombohedral) alongside their respective lattice constants. Additionally, diverse synthesis approach like hydrothermal, sol–gel, and solvothermal methods have been discussed. The primary emphasis of this review has been MoS2 applications in energy storage, specifically its role in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. This review underscores the significant impact of MoS2 in advancing energy-related technologies and hints at its potential in catalysts and sensors for medical and energy conversion applications.