bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuro-Behçet’s Disease Onset in the Context of Tuberculous Meningoencephalitis: A Case Report
Authors: Antonescu Florian , Butnariu Ioana , Antonescu-Ghelmez Dana , Tuta Sorin , Voinescu Bianca Adriana , Manea Mihnea Costin , Bucur Amanda Ioana , Chelmambet Altay Sercan , Moraru Adriana
Published: December 2023

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis that frequently presents with a relapsing–remitting pattern. CNS involvement (Neuro-Behçet) is rare, affecting approximately 10% of patients. Its etiological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The most commonly accepted hypothesis is that of a systemic inflammatory reaction triggered by an infectious agent or by an autoantigen, such as heat shock protein, in genetically predisposed individuals. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is known to be closely interconnected with BD, both affecting cell-mediated immunity to a certain extent and probably sharing a common genetic background. We present the case of a 34-year-old Caucasian woman who had been diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis 15 months prior, with significant neurological deficits and lesional burden on MRI with repeated relapses whenever treatment withdrawal was attempted. These relapses were initially considered as reactivation of tuberculous meningoencephalitis, and symptoms improved after a combination of antituberculous treatment and corticosteroid therapy. After the second relapse, the diagnosis was reconsidered, as new information emerged about oral and genital aphthous lesions, making us suspect a BD diagnosis. HLA B51 testing was positive, antituberculous treatment was stopped, and the patient was started on high doses of oral Cortisone and Azathioprine. Consequently, the evolution was favorable, with no further relapses and slow improvements in neurological deficits. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Neuro-Behçet’s disease onset precipitated by tuberculous meningitis. We include a review of the available literature on this subject. Our case reinforces the fact that Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection can precipitate BD in genetically predisposed patients, and we recommend HLA B51 screening in patients with prolonged or relapsing meningoencephalitis, even if an infectious agent is apparently involved.
Mathematical Modeling of the Lethal Synergism of Coinfecting Pathogens in Respiratory Viral Infections: A Review
Authors: Mochan Ericka , Sego T. J.
Published: December 2023

Influenza A virus (IAV) infections represent a substantial global health challenge and are often accompanied by coinfections involving secondary viruses or bacteria, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. The clinical impact of coinfections remains poorly understood, with conflicting findings regarding fatality. Isolating the impact of each pathogen and mechanisms of pathogen synergy during coinfections is challenging and further complicated by host and pathogen variability and experimental conditions. Factors such as cytokine dysregulation, immune cell function alterations, mucociliary dysfunction, and changes to the respiratory tract epithelium have been identified as contributors to increased lethality. The relative significance of these factors depends on variables such as pathogen types, infection timing, sequence, and inoculum size. Mathematical biological modeling can play a pivotal role in shedding light on the mechanisms of coinfections. Mathematical modeling enables the quantification of aspects of the intra-host immune response that are difficult to assess experimentally. In this narrative review, we highlight important mechanisms of IAV coinfection with bacterial and viral pathogens and survey mathematical models of coinfection and the insights gained from them. We discuss current challenges and limitations facing coinfection modeling, as well as current trends and future directions toward a complete understanding of coinfection using mathematical modeling and computer simulation.
Domain Growth in Polycrystalline Graphene
Authors: Liu Zihua , Panja Debabrata , Barkema Gerard T.
Published: December 2023

Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon allotrope which exhibits exceptional properties, making it highly suitable for a wide range of applications. Practical graphene fabrication often yields a polycrystalline structure with many inherent defects, which significantly influence its performance. In this study, we utilize a Monte Carlo approach based on the optimized Wooten, Winer and Weaire (WWW) algorithm to simulate the crystalline domain coarsening process of polycrystalline graphene. Our sample configurations show excellent agreement with experimental data. We conduct statistical analyses of the bond and angle distribution, temporal evolution of the defect distribution, and spatial correlation of the lattice orientation that follows a stretched exponential distribution. Furthermore, we thoroughly investigate the diffusion behavior of defects and find that the changes in domain size follow a power-law distribution. We briefly discuss the possible connections of these results to (and differences from) domain growth processes in other statistical models, such as the Ising dynamics. We also examine the impact of buckling of polycrystalline graphene on the crystallization rate under substrate effects. Our findings may offer valuable guidance and insights for both theoretical investigations and experimental advancements.
Processing and Characterization of UV Irradiated HDPE/POSS Fibers
Authors: Biçer Ezgi , Kodal Mehmet , Özkoç Güralp
Published: December 2023

High-performance polyethylene fibers, renowned for their superior attributes encompassing a high strength, modulus, and lightness, are conventionally manufactured through the gel spinning method. However, this method is encumbered by several drawbacks, including the requisite application of a separate process to eliminate solvents from the fibers and the utilization of chemicals deleterious to both the environment and human health. Alternatively, the adoption of the melt spinning method presents a cleaner and environmentally friendly approach to attain high-performance fibers. In the present investigation, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fibers were produced employing the melt spinning method. After the spinning process, strategic orientation procedures were implemented to enhance the crystallinity of the spun fibers. As a concluding step, seeking to elevate the overall performance of the oriented spun HDPE fibers, a cross-linking treatment was applied via UV irradiation. Notably, this study pioneers the incorporation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) hybrid nanoparticles into HDPE during melt spinning, presenting a novel advancement aimed at further enhancing the mechanical properties of oriented HDPE fibers during UV irradiation. For this purpose, two distinct types of POSS, namely octavinyl POSS (OVPOSS) and methacryl POSS (MACPOSS), both having unsaturated double bonds capable of participating in the network structure of oriented HDPE spun during UV cross-linking, were used. The thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties, as well as the crystal structure of samples with and without POSS molecules, were investigated. The mechanical properties of the fibers exhibited higher values in the presence of OVPOSS. The incorporation of OVPOSS and MACPOSS resulted in a noteworthy improvement in the material’s tensile strength, exhibiting a marked increase of 12.5 and 70.8%, respectively. This improvement can be attributed to the more homogeneous dispersion of OVPOSS in HDPE, actively participating in the three-dimensional network structure. After orientation and UV irradiation, the tensile strength of HDPE fibers incorporating OVPOSS increased to 293 MPa, accompanied by a concurrent increase in the modulus to 2.8 GPa. The addition of POSS nanoparticles thus yielded a substantial improvement in the overall performance of HDPE fibers.
Time-Course of Recovery for Biomarkers and Physical Performance after Strenuous Military Training: A Systematic Review
Authors: Granlund Julius , Kyröläinen Heikki , Santtila Matti , Nindl Bradley C. , Pihlainen Kai , Ojanen Tommi
Published: December 2023

The objective of the present review was to evaluate the time-course of recovery of biochemical marker levels and physical performance after strenuous military training, and identify which biomarkers are affected. A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases MedLine (Ovid) and Web of Science (WoS) to identify studies until January 2023. Varying relevant search terms were used, related to military training, Special Forces, physical performance, and biomarkers. Records were based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. A variety of physiological and psychological markers were measured, and military training lasted from 4 to 62 days, with recovery periods varying from 24 h to 6 weeks. Among these studies, full recovery was observed in two studies, while seven studies showed almost full (79–90%) recovery, and in three studies, 44–63% of markers recovered after the measured recovery period. However, in some studies, additional markers could be defined as recovered, depending on the criterion for recovery. In the majority of the studies, most of the measured variables recovered during the follow-up, but often, some variables remained unrecovered, and at times, only modest recovery was seen. It is important to point out that recovery duration depends on the duration and intensity of the military training stressor. Overall, resolution varies between the markers, and sometimes, recovery might not occur, even after prolonged recovery. Therefore, it is important to measure the recovery status of soldiers with both biomarkers and physical performance markers, especially after strenuous training, to maximize operational capability during prolonged missions.
Divergent Retention of Sucrose Metabolism Genes after Whole Genome Triplication in the Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Xu Yang , Yao Zhuping , Cheng Yuan , Ruan Meiying , Ye Qingjing , Wang Rongqing , Zhou Guozhi , Liu Jia , Liu Chaochao , Wan Hongjian
Published: December 2023

Sucrose, the primary carbon transport mode and vital carbohydrate for higher plants, significantly impacts plant growth, development, yield, and quality formation. Its metabolism involves three key steps: synthesis, transport, and degradation. Two genome triplication events have occurred in Solanaceae, which have resulted in massive gene loss. In this study, a total of 48 and 65 genes from seven sucrose metabolism gene families in Vitis vinifera and Solanum lycopersicum were identified, respectively. The number of members comprising the different gene families varied widely. And there were significant variations in the pattern of gene duplication and loss in the tomato following two WGD events. Tandem duplication is a major factor in the expansion of the SWEET and Acid INV gene families. All the genes are irregularly distributed on the chromosomes, with the majority of the genes showing collinearity with the grape, particularly the CIN family. And the seven gene families were subjected to a purifying selection. The expression patterns of the different gene families exhibited notable variations. This study presents basic information about the sucrose metabolism genes in the tomato and grape, and paves the way for further investigations into the impact of SCT events on the phylogeny, gene retention duplication, and function of sucrose metabolism gene families in the tomato or Solanaceae, and the adaptive evolution of the tomato.
Photosynthesis under Environmental Fluctuations: A Challenge for Plants, a Challenge for Researchers
Authors: Ferroni Lorenzo , Živčak Marek
Published: December 2023

The ability of plants to cope successfully with environmental fluctuations is a result of their evolution in subaerial environments, where fluctuations in parameters such as temperature, light, and water availability, are the norm and stable states are the exception [...]
Five-Year Follow-Up of 8 and 6 mm Locking-Taper Implants Treated with a Reconstructive Surgical Protocol for Peri-Implantitis: A Retrospective Evaluation
Authors: Lombardo Giorgio , Signoriello Annarita , Marincola Mauro , Bonfante Estevam Augusto , Díaz-Caballero Antonio , Tomizioli Nicolò , Pardo Alessia , Zangani Alessandro
Published: December 2023

Peri-implant infections, in the absence of adequate treatment, can finally lead to premature loss of the implant. Among targeted protocols recently proposed for the treatment of peri-implant bone defects, and in the case of short implants, reconstructive surgery represents a recommended option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes, in terms of maintenance, of a reconstructive treatment for peri-implantitis in locking-taper plateau-design single-crown implants, followed for 5 years after surgery. A retrospective evaluation was conducted in 20 patients treated with access flap surgery, concomitant chemical and mechanical surface decontamination, and bone grafting (using a self-hardening mixture of bone substitutes and biphasic calcium sulfate without the use of membranes). Of the 21 implants assessed, 9 were 8 mm-length, and 12 were 6 mm-length. Implant loss and treatment success were, respectively, 0% and 80.95% after 5 years from surgery. All parameters related to bone levels and soft tissue conditions significantly improved after 3 years and remained stable at the 5-year follow-up. The proposed protocol, followed by an effective supporting periodontal therapy, demonstrated the maintenance of the function of all implants, providing adequate stability during the healing process after surgery and limiting the onset of disease recurrence.
Farm-Scale Effectiveness of Feed Additives Supplied through a Mineral Mix for Beef Cattle Grazing Tropical Pastures
Authors: Goulart Ricardo Cazerta Duarte , Costa Diogo Fleury Azevedo , Silva Tiago Alves Corrêa Carvalho da , Congio Guilhermo Francklin de Souza , Marques Rodrigo da Silva , Corsi Moacyr
Published: December 2023

The effectiveness of feed additives delivered through free-choice mineral mixtures (MMs) to grazing cattle remains unclear. Two farm-scale and one in vitro experiment (Exp.) were conducted to investigate the effects of salinomycin and virginiamycin, delivered through an MM, on growing bulls grazing tropical pastures. In Exp. 1, 316 zebu (Bos indicus) Nellore bulls (225 ± 26.7 kg liveweight (LW)) were randomly allocated to four treatments: (1) MM no additives (CON), (2) MM with salinomycin at 1950 mg/kg (SLI), (3) MM with salinomycin at 780 mg/kg (SHI), and (4) MM with virginiamycin at 1950 mg/kg (VGN). Over 123 days, these bulls grazed tropical grasses on pastures of guinea grass, palisade grass, or Bermuda grass. No significant treatment effects were observed for oocyst eggs or ruminal parameters. Bulls fed VGN had higher average daily gain (ADG) compared to CON (p = 0.02) and SLI (p = 0.03) but similar compared to SHI (p = 0.07). In Exp. 2, 308 zebu cross bulls (237 ± 23.0 kg LW) grazed Bermuda grass paddocks and were allocated into two treatments: (1) MM with no additives (CON) and (2) MM containing virginiamycin at 2522 mg/kg (VGN). Cattle fed VGN had a significantly higher ADG (p = 0.007). Exp. 3 tested salinomycin’s effectiveness in vitro at different exposure times to MM, revealing no impact of exposure time on short-chain fatty acid production. In conclusion, virginiamycin delivered through free-choice MM can increase grazing beef bulls’ ADG by 12% compared with CON, with no clear link to rumen fermentation or coccidiostat effects.
Analysis of Stress Predictors in Vaquejada Horses Running with Different Interval Rest Periods
Authors: Coelho Clarisse S. , Sodré Ticiane R. P. , Sousa Lara N. , Silva Thadeu M. , Simões Joana , Souza Vinicius R. C. , Siqueira Renata F. , Manso Filho Helio C.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the stress responses associated with vaquejada simulating tests (VSTs). Ten clinically healthy 8.9 ± 4.3-year-old Quarter horses, weighing 441.3 ± 25.0 kg, performed two VSTs five days apart. In the first VST (M1), animals ran three times with a 5-min rest between races; and in the second (M2), they ran with a 15-min rest between races. Horses were examined before (T0) and immediately after the third run (T1) and at 4 h (T2) of recovery. Stress biomarkers included heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), cortisol, and white blood cell count. All variables were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests, considering p < 0.05. A significant reduction in cortisol was observed for pull (p = 0.0463) and helper (p = 0.0349) horses when they had a 15-min rest between races. The rMSSD and mean R-R values for helper horses were also significantly lower in M2. In conclusion, the 15-min rest interval proved to be better than the 5-min period for both categories of equine athletes used in vaquejada mainly for helper horses. A longer rest time between races allowed the organic recovery necessary for these animals to impose a greater applied physical effort load, which is a fact that guarantees good performance and well-being.
Generalized Equations in Quantum Mechanics and Brownian Theory
Authors: Chavanis Pierre-Henri
Published: December 2023

We discuss formal analogies between a nonlinear Schrödinger equation derived by the author from the theory of scale relativity and the equations of Brownian theory. By using the Madelung transformation, the nonlinear Schrödinger equation takes the form of hydrodynamic equations involving a friction force, an effective thermal pressure, a pressure due to the self-interaction, and a quantum potential. These hydrodynamic equations have a form similar to the damped Euler equations obtained for self-interacting Brownian particles in the theory of simple liquids. In that case, the temperature is due to thermal motion and the pressure arises from spatial correlations between the particles. More generally, the correlations can be accounted for by using the dynamical density functional theory. We determine the excess free energy of Brownian particles that reproduces the standard quantum potential. We then consider a more general form of excess free energy functionals and propose a new class of generalized Schrödinger equations. For a certain form of excess free energy, we recover the generalized Schrödinger equation associated with the Tsallis entropy considered in a previous paper.
Checkpoint Immunotherapy in Pediatric Oncology: Will We Say Checkmate Soon?
Authors: Ciurej Alexander , Lewis Elizabeth , Gupte Avanti , Al-Antary Eman
Published: December 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a relatively new class of immunotherapy which bolsters the host immune system by “turning off the brakes” of effector cells (e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1). Although their success in treating adult malignancy is well documented, their utility in pediatric cancer has not yet been shown to be as fruitful. We review ICIs, their use in pediatric malignancies, and active pediatric clinical trials, exemplifying some of adult efforts that could be related to pediatric future trials and complications of ICI therapy. Through our review, we propose the consideration of ICI as standard therapy in lymphoma and various solid tumor types, especially in relapsed or refractory (R/R) disease. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate ICI effectiveness in pediatric leukemia.
Maternally Derived Antibodies to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Modulate the Antigenic Specificity of Humoral Responses in Vaccinated Cattle
Authors: Senawi Jamaliah , Wilsden Ginette , Browning Clare F. J. , Ludi Anna B. , Ismail Mazatonazuar Meor , Senin Halimah , Gubbins Simon , King Donald P. , Paton David J.
Published: December 2023

Vaccination is widely used to control foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), but maternal antibodies may interfere with the response to vaccination in calves. This study, conducted on a regularly vaccinated Malaysian dairy farm, aimed to optimise the vaccination regime by measuring the in vitro neutralising virus antibody responses of 51 calves before and after vaccination with a one or two dose vaccination regime starting at 2–7 months old. The presence of maternal antibodies was associated with poor post-vaccination antibody responses after a single dose of vaccine in calves less than 6 months old. However, a second dose of vaccine given three weeks later, improved the antibody responses in all ages of calves. This confirms the view that in regularly vaccinated farms, some combination of delay and revaccination is needed to achieve effective immunization of calves. Sera from cows and pre-vaccinated calves neutralised homologous serotype A vaccine virus more strongly than a heterologous serotype A field virus, but this pattern was reversed in some calves after vaccination. The strength of heterologous responses in calves 49 days after first vaccination correlated to the amount of transferred maternal antibody, suggesting that pre-existing antibodies could have modulated the specificity of these active antibody responses. If confirmed, such an effect by pre-existing antibodies could have wider implications for broadening the coverage of FMD vaccine responses.
In Vitro Pre-Clinical Evaluation of a Gonococcal Trivalent Candidate Vaccine Identified by Transcriptomics
Authors: Roe Shea K. , Felter Brian , Zheng Bo , Ram Sanjay , Wetzler Lee M. , Garges Eric , Zhu Tianmou , Genco Caroline A. , Massari Paola
Published: December 2023

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, poses a significant global public health threat. Infection in women can be asymptomatic and may result in severe reproductive complications. Escalating antibiotic resistance underscores the need for an effective vaccine. Approaches being explored include subunit vaccines and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), but an ideal candidate remains elusive. Meningococcal OMV-based vaccines have been associated with reduced rates of gonorrhea in retrospective epidemiologic studies, and with accelerated gonococcal clearance in mouse vaginal colonization models. Cross-protection is attributed to shared antigens and possibly cross-reactive, bactericidal antibodies. Using a Candidate Antigen Selection Strategy (CASS) based on the gonococcal transcriptome during human mucosal infection, we identified new potential vaccine targets that, when used to immunize mice, induced the production of antibodies with bactericidal activity against N. gonorrhoeae strains. The current study determined antigen recognition by human sera from N. gonorrhoeae-infected subjects, evaluated their potential as a multi-antigen (combination) vaccine in mice and examined the impact of different adjuvants (Alum or Alum+MPLA) on functional antibody responses to N. gonorrhoeae. Our results indicated that a stronger Th1 immune response component induced by Alum+MPLA led to antibodies with improved bactericidal activity. In conclusion, a combination of CASS-derived antigens may be promising for developing effective gonococcal vaccines.
The Limitations of Current T Cell-Driven Anticancer Immunotherapies Can Be Overcome with an Original Extracellular-Vesicle-Based Vaccine Strategy
Authors: Federico Maurizio
Published: December 2023

The emergence of tumors associated with defects in immune surveillance often involve the impairment of key functions of T lymphocytes. Therefore, several anticancer immunotherapies have focused on the induction/strengthening of the tumor-specific activity of T cells. In particular, strategies based on immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cells, and mRNA vaccines share a common goal of inducing/recovering an effective antitumor cytotoxic activity, often resulting in either exhausted or absent in patients’ lymphocytes. In many instances, these approaches have been met with success, becoming part of current clinic protocols. However, the most practiced strategies sometimes also pay significant tolls in terms of adverse events, a lack of target specificity, tumor escape, and unsustainable costs. Hence, new antitumor immunotherapies facing at least some of these issues need to be explored. In this perspective article, the characteristics of a novel CD8+ T cell-specific anticancer vaccine strategy based on in vivo-engineered extracellular vesicles are described. How this approach can be exploited to overcome at least some of the limitations of current antitumor immunotherapies is also discussed.
Matrix metalloproteinases system profile analysis and their endogenous inhibitors in children with periodontal diseases and various dysplasia phenotypes
Authors: Davydov B. N. , Domenyuk D. A. , Kochkonyan T. S.
Published: December 2023

Relevance. The search and development of modern non-invasive methods for early periodontal disease detection are of scientific and practical value for a personalized approach to disease course prognosis and explaining the choice of treatment tactics. Morphological immaturity, high intensity of anabolic processes, functional failure of neurohumoral, endocrine and immunological defence systems combined with an imbalance between the synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix components in children with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) significantly increases the risk of developing periodontal diseases. The available data on the activity of salivary matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play a leading role in regulating connective tissue protein metabolism and bone remodelling mechanisms in children with UCTD of various degrees, are scarce and require further study.Purpose. The study aimed to explain the clinical, diagnostic and prognostic value of MMPs as markers of inflammatory periodontal diseases in children with UC TD and dysplastic disorders of various se verity.Material and methods. The study included 67 children with UCTD (main group) and 34 children of health groups I and II (comparison group) aged 12-17. The UCTD severity was established according to the diagnostic criteria by L. N. Abbakumova (2006) and a scale for assessing the significance of phenotypic and visceral signs. The main group was divided into two subgroups: Subgroup 1 (n = 38) – children with mild and moderate UCTD; Subgroup 2 (n=29) – children with severe UCTD. The studied groups had their periodontal status assessed, as well as the concentration of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9 and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) in the oral fluid identified using the enzyme immunoassay, along with calculation done for the MMP ⁄ TIMP coefficients that set a balance between the degradation and synthesis of collagen.Results. The children with phenotypic signs of UCTD in the oral fluid appeared to show a statistically significant increase in the MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 levels and an imbalanced ratio in MMP-1⁄TIMP-1, MMP- 2⁄TIMP-2, MMP-8⁄TIMP-1, MMP-9⁄TIMP-1, compared with health groups I, II. An increase in the MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-8 concentrations, along with dominating expression of MMP-9 over TIMP-1 in the oral fluid of children of Subgroup 2, causes an increase in intensity and prevalence of periodontal diseases compared to the patients in Sub-group 1 and comparison group.Conclusion. Thus, when children with UCTD don’t demonstrate an increase in specific tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in their oral fluid, along with an increase in the levels of the respective matrixins is the key pathogenetic factor in the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, which causes a depressing impact on the proliferative activity in the periodontal set of tissues.
A természet és a szerelem ábrázolása Knut Hamsun "Pán" című regényében
Authors: Rékai Anett
Published: December 2023

A dolgozat röviden bemutatja Knut Hamsun Pán című regényének különböző kritikai olvasatait. A hagyományos, újromantikus értelmezés mellett narratológiai, ökokritikai, pszichoanalitikus és feminista szempontból is vizsgálja a tárgyalt művet, adekvát olvasatokat keresve a 21. század számára. A dolgozat emellett röviden kitér a szerző ellentmondásos megítélésére, életművének hozzáférhetőségére a magyar olvasó számára. A dolgozat Norvégia legismertebb Hamsun-kutatóinak elemzéseit veszi alapul és mutatja be a magyar közönségnek.
Diskurzuskeretezés a norvég digitális kommunikációban
Authors: Papp Martin
Published: December 2023

A tanulmány célja a digitális kommunikációban megjelenő diskurzuskeretek feltérképezése. A kutatás fókuszában egy Jonas Gahr Støre (Norvégia jelenlegi miniszterelnöke) által közzétett Facebook bejegyzés áll, valamint az arra érkezett hozzászólások, amelyeket a kritikai diskurzuselemzés (CDA) módszertani keretei között vizsgálunk. Az alapkérdések között szerepel, hogy a korábbi kognitív nyelvészeti kutatásokban ismertetett állam-család metafora miként változik a tárgyalt ország és a diskurzus földrajzi kontextusától függően, és milyen új metaforákkal bővíthető. Továbbá, hogy azok a felhasználók, akik nem értenek egyet Jonas Gahr Støre eredeti bejegyzésével, milyen diskurzuskereteket, keretezési módszereket alkalmaznak hozzászólásaikban. Az eredmények alapján megállapítható, hogy a diszkurzív folyamat társadalmi kontextusának bemutatása után az állam-család metafora valóban módosítható és kiegészíthető. Az eredeti bejegyzéssel való egyetértés függvényében alkalmazott diskurzuskeretezés azonban nem egyértelmű.
Analisis Ekonomi Pada Perencanaan PLTS untuk Lahan Pertanian di Wilayah Binong
Authors: ARIFIN ZAENAL , Arifin Zaenal , Supriatno Wendy , Supriatno Wendy
Published: December 2023

Setiap musim kemarau pada lahan pertanian di Wilayah Binong mengalami kekeringan sehingga harus mengambil air menggunakan pompa air yang di gerakan menggunakan mesin diesel yang berbahan bakar bio-solar. Pada saat ini penggunaan bio-solar dibatasi sehingga para petani sering kesulitan untuk mendapatkannya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis PLTS sebagai alternatif pengganti bahan bakar bio-solar serta menghitung kelayakan PLTS secara ekonomi. Adapun metode yang dilakukan yaitu dengan melakukan wawancara serta observasi secara langsung di lokasi serta menghitung menggunakan persamaan yang telah ada sebelumnya. Pada analisis ini dapat disimpulkan proyek ini tidak layak secara investasi Adapun hasil yang didapat dari penelitian ini yaitu dengan kebutuhan daya pompa air sebesar 2.400watt kita memerlukan 10pcs panel surya monocrystaline 530wp, baterai lifepo4 48v 100A sebanyak 4pcs, SCC atau MPPT dengan kapasitas 100A, inverter dengan kapasitas 5kw dengan total investasi awal sebesar Rp. 121.088.187 dan total untuk biaya siklus hidup (LCC) sebesar Rp. 400.186.820 dengan Cost of Energy Rp.1.477,12/kwh serta mendapatkan NPV sebesar Rp. 150.220.935,72 dan arus kas bersih atau DPP terjadi ditahun ke 4.
Factors Influencing Alcohol Consumption in Russia
Authors: Sadykova E. A.
Published: December 2023

The main purpose of the study is to determine the differences in factors influencing alcohol consumption in Russia (among urban and rural residents).

The first part of the article provides the author's assessment of studies in which place of residence is considered as a specific factor influencing alcohol consumption. Attention is paid to works that focus on differences in factors affecting alcohol consumption depending on the place of residence.

The main section of the article contains a description of the empirical testing of the hypotheses based on statistical data for 2012–2021 from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) NRU HSE. The author used panel logistic regression with random individual effects for the probability of alcohol consumption and a panel Tobin model for the volume of alcohol consumption. The study revealed differences in the degree of influence of the level of education and religiosity, marital status and the presence of children on the level of alcohol consumption among urban and rural residents. Thus, a higher level of religiosity reduces the likelihood of alcohol consumption by rural residents; the volume of alcohol consumption decreases with a rise in the level of religiosity in the city. It is also shown that the presence of children in families reduces per capita alcohol consumption only in villages.

According to the author, the findings help make more effective and targeted recommendations for implementing state alcohol policy.
Queimadas irregulares e suas implicações no meio ambiente e na saúde da população de Landri Sales – PI
Authors: Da Silva Raynara Ferreira , Dos Santos Graziele Nunes Lopes , De Sousa Moema Barbosa , Borges Tamires dos Santos
Published: December 2023

Sabe-se que as queimadas provocam danos ao meio ambiente, causando uma série de problemas ao solo e vegetação, além de prejuízos financeiros. Os efeitos das queimadas, por meio da fumaça, são nocivos à saúde da população. Partindo desse princípio, o estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a incidência de queimadas irregulares e suas principais implicações ao meio ambiente e à saúde da população do município de Landri Sales – PI. Foi realizado um levantamento sobre as doenças respiratórias durante o ano de 2022 até 15 de junho de 2023, por meio do sistema de atendimento PEC. Os dados de umidade e temperatura foram retirados do site do INMET (2022 e 2023). Os dados de queimadas, no município supracitado, nos anos de 2022 e de janeiro até junho de 2023, foram obtidos por meio do portal do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, pelo Banco de Dados de Queimadas (BDQueimadas). Foram identificados diversos problemas respiratórios, no qual os meses de junho a novembro apresentam maiores temperaturas devido aos focos de calor, resultando em uma baixa umidade. Esses resultados podem indicar, que a ocorrência de doenças respiratórias devido as queimadas podem ser maiores por conta da inalação de fumaça, causando agravamento no quadro do paciente.
América Latina y el desarrollo científico: una visión desde México
Authors: Hernández-Mondragón Alma Cristal , Castañeda-Hernández Gilberto , Ruiz-Ruiz Mariannela Celeste
Published: December 2023

A nation's scientific and technological advancement requires the coordinated action of various stakeholders; the interaction between science and politics is a critical element in this process. Historically, the importance of this interface has evolved throughout the 20th century in developed countries. In contrast, in Mexico and Latin America, we have witnessed how the scientific community is increasingly moving away from society, which could knowingly lead us to the brink of extinction. Nonetheless, the scientific academy attributes the scientific lag in the region to the lack of interest from society and inadequate funding policies. Is this assertion accurate? The aim of this article is to offer a perspective on the relationship between science and politics in Latin America, highlighting the absence of synergy in scientific policies. It emphasizes the pivotal need to reestablish the bond between the scientific academy and decision-makers. Questions are raised about the role of scientists in society and their accountability in making political decisions. Equally, it underscores the importance of nurturing and training the science-policy interface and communication skills in young scientists. Ultimately, a call to action is made, urging scientists to get involved in scientific policy, understand the political and democratic context in which they operate, and work in collaboration with other stakeholders to foster more impactful and pertinent scientific progress for society.
Health Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Chemical Materials in a Combined-Cycle Power Plant
Authors: Motahari Azam , Dana Tooraj , Kargari Nargess , Monavari Seyed Masoud , Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard Neamatollah
Published: December 2023

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the occupational exposure of workers at a combined-cycle power plant located in the southwestern region of Iran. The assessment focuses on the inhalation exposure route to workplace emissions. Methods: The primary locations for potential pollutant emissions were identified in close proximity to the areas where chemicals were introduced and utilized within the production process. Sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, oil mist, toluene, hydrogen sulfide, hydrazine, and tetrachloromethane were measured and analyzed using the NIOSH standard. Dose-response assessment was estimated using inhalation unit risk (IUR) for cancer risks and reference concentration (RFC) and reference exposure levels (REL) for non-cancer risks. Risk assessment was performed based on the Environmental Health Hazard Assessment guideline. Results: The results showed that ammonia and toluene had the highest and lowest concentration of pollutants emitted in workplace, respectively. The inhalation of ammonia and sulfuric acid and their daily absorption were at high risk level (HQ>1). Other noncancerous compounds had HQ<1. While the hazard index (HI) for total non-cancer risks was 5.34E+01 (HI>1), it was likely to have non-cancerous risks. For carcinogenic risks, they were calculated to be 9.58E-03 and 5.47E-04 for hydrazine and tetrachloromethane, respectively. The total carcinogenic risk of the emissions was calculated at 1.01E-02, which was in the significant range (more than 10-4) (i.e. in the range of hazardous cancer effects). Conclusion: This study confirmed the presence of non-carcinogenic risks, while the quantity of cancer risks fell within the Significant range, indicating a potential for carcinogenic risks.
On the Total Load Calculation in Combined Urban Sewer Conduits
Authors: Monadi Mohsen , Mohammadi Mirali
Published: December 2023

Background: Particle size of sediment is necessary to design and operation of sewer systems. In this regard, calculation of the equivalent particle diameter (EPD) is of important to determine the particle Reynolds number (Ret ) as well as total load calculation. Methods: In this research work, 5 different particle diameters (i.e. d35, d50, d65, dm and deff) have been used in three famous total load calculation methods for calculating the best EPD. For this goal, a field experimental data has been collected at the entrance grit chamber of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Khomein city, Iran. The total load of the sediments has been measured and the results compared with the total loads calculated by the three famous total load computation methods (i.e. Graf & Acaroglu method, Laursen method and Yang & Lim method) by using the particle diameters. Results: The results show that the methods estimate the total load of sediments with the relative errors of 4.25, 10.80 and 1.26 by using dm, d35 and d65 as the EPDs, respectively. Also, a simplified and improved correction factor has been developed and the results show that by applying the correction factor the relative errors of the methods decrease and they are equal to 10.34, 3.45 and 496.5, respectively. The improvement of the mentioned total load methods is equal to are 82.70%, 93.10% and 34.80%, respectively. Conclusion: The proposed correction factor can be applied for the standard deviation between 2.5-4.7 and the median particle diameter between 0.84-2.90 mm.
Psychoanalytical Approach to Management Research:
Authors: Bocatto Evandro , Perez-de-Toledo Eloisa
Published: December 2023

Karl Popper has locked the reasoning of many researchers on a particular kind of rational thinking, that is, hypotheses stating and testing. For this reason, social sciences started to privilege a specific theory of personality. It is accurate to state that the common-sense knowledge, and resultant human "irrational" action, can be explained and even confronted by testing its assumptions. Nevertheless, Popper's categorization is not the only one possible. It neglects the irrationality of unconscious' intentions, a competing drive that directs human actions. In this paper, we discuss that, in accordance, management research and practice have strict relations with theories of personality that neglect the unconscious. For that reason, it assumes that humans are self-interested organisms like guinea pigs, neglecting this complementary supposition: the unconscious's intentions, structure, and dynamics that also drive human behavior, thinking, feeling, perceiving, and learning. The crucial integration of objective knowledge with the unconscious dynamic supposes the addition of the psychoanalytical problem to Popperian's psychological problem. Thus, the derivate capacity to explain human and social action understood as intention, plan, and act must consider conscious and unconscious intentions. The psychoanalytical approach to management research also provides ingenious methods like the awareness-enhancing interviews we present.
Brand Awareness and Promotion in Social Networks Based on the Example of a Lithuanian Supermarket Chain
Authors: Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė Ieva , Činčikaitė Renata
Published: December 2023

With the rapid spread of technology, consumers spend most of their free time on computers, smartphones, and social networks. It is becoming increasingly difficult for businesses to reach the consumer directly, and more and more businesses are reorganizing all or part of the electronic space. This process was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Merchants are discovering ever new ways to present their goods and services. Thus, the changing needs of the user also change the means of promotion. However, the question constantly arises, what factors influence one or another consumer's choice, what increases the brand awareness, how to promote it most effectively on social networks?

We carried out a systematic and comparative analysis of the concepts published in the scientific literature, a study of the brand, brand awareness, brand promotion concepts, and factors increasing brand awareness.

The article aims to identify the factors that increase brand awareness and, based on the results of the Eye-tracking system research, to make suggestions for increasing brand awareness on social networks.

Research methods: a systematic and comparative analysis of concepts and methods published in the scientific literature, statistical processing, expert survey, research of the Eye-tracking system, multicriteria evaluation
evidence of case study research in Business Management:
Authors: Ferasso Marcos , Walter Cícero Eduardo
Published: December 2023

The case study is one of the preferred research methods in Business Management field due two main reasons, i) it is recommended for exploring new themes, subjects, relations, or contexts, and ii) it helps the researcher to build theory from analyzed case(s). Despite the extensive contributions from different authors in management research for addressing the case study method, the definition, constitution, and operationalization of evidence analyses are still not fully clear. This research has as goal to fulfil this gap in the research methods literature by defining, constituting, and guiding researchers in operationalizing the evidence analyses for case study research. In this research, the evidence concept was triangulated from Forensic Sciences in order to achieve a more specific and detailed definition. The notions of quality and types of evidence are revisited. Thus, evidence from empirical case studies is analyzed aiming to provide its constitution. The manuscript offers a guideline for researchers in the case study method for better identifying, gathering, analyzing, and presenting evidence found from empirical research.
Be Fair: A qualitative Investigation of Pay Inequity Experiences
Authors: Burke Rebecca
Published: December 2023

This study explores the topic of pay inequity, with a particular focus on how it impacts on women working in the UK today. Theoretical and methodological gaps exist across the literature, which to date have focussed on quantitative approaches to hypothesis connected to (i) equity theory (Adams, 1965; Homans, 1958), (ii) the gender pay gap (Olson, 2013; Metcalf, 2009; Rubery, 2015) and (iii) equal pay law (The Equal Pay Act, 1970). This study seeks to address these gaps by taking a feminist and qualitative approach to the collection of narratives that describe the lived experience of female pay inequity victims. Semi-structured interviews are used to collect the rich narratives and unique perceptions of women who have experienced this phenomenon for themselves, and provides us with deep insights into the events, behaviours and perceptions that surround their experiences (Blaikie, 2007; Oakley, 1981). This paper provides justification for the methodological approach, and how it has been used to address the gaps in our knowledge that are preventing the theoretical advancement of the topic. As this study is currently in the data collection and analysis phase for a PhD project, no findings are presented in this paper.
Conducting Research in Virtual Reality: Experiences of Interviewing Inside the Metaverse
Authors: Althoff-Thomson Savannah , Van Belle Jean-Paul
Published: December 2023

Recent technological developments in the “Metaverse” have made the immersive virtual reality an imminent reality. Most existing metaverse research focuses on the use case and business potential of the metaverse and virtual reality technologies, but little research has been conducted to understand the experiences of early adopters and the motivators and inhibitors which affect their adoption and continued use. We set out to research the use cases of the metaverse among early adopters. A qualitative approach was employed for research, given its strengths in exploring unforeseen themes and allowing early adopters to raise issues which matter most to them. However, we adopted a novel, albeit entirely appropriate, research methodology which offers possible emulation: our interviews were conducted within a popular metaverse application, RecRoom, with semi-structured interviews taking place between avatars. We discovered some interesting differences between interviews in virtual reality, as compared to face-to-face and online interviews, due to the unique affordances of the metaverse. We discuss some of our experiences with interviewing in virtual reality. These include positive experiences which build on the affordances of the virtual reality space; apart from the anonymity (not one’s real face), interview participants experienced a greater social presence afforded by gestures indicating emphasis and emotional expressions. However, we also found some potential problems, such as harassment of the researcher and the difficulties with multi-tasking. Alongside capturing metaverse use cases by early adopters at this juncture of metaverse development, our experiences provide some insights and suggestions which might be useful for future metaverse researchers who intend conducting their research with participants while immersed in a virtual reality space.