bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Por uma Didática Refletida na Formação Docente
Authors: Bagio Viviane Aparecida
Published: December 2024

A Didática é um campo de conhecimento que se faz presente na formação docente brasileira desde a primeira metade do século XX com diferentes abordagens associadas durante esse transcurso. A discussão apresentada objetiva apontar a necessidade de uma Didática refletida fundamentada em uma abordagem crítica. Como fundamento teórico utilizou-se os pressupostos epistemológicos do campo de conhecimento em tela tomando como referência e ponto de partida os escritos de seu precursor, Comênio. O estudo foi realizado a partir de dados coletados por meio de questionários com licenciandos de diferentes cursos de uma universidade pública paranaense em dois momentos: no início do curso da disciplina de Didática e após sua finalização. A análise dos dados foi pautada a partir da Análise Textual Discursiva e de Grafos que evidenciaram as representações sociais sobre a Didática e o ensino. Os dados evidenciam que na primeira coleta o olhar sobre o ensino e a Didática evidencia uma posição mais voltada a uma abordagem tradicional e de prescrição do ensino, enquanto, no segundo momento, há uma percepção mais reflexiva e crítica quanto a intencionalidade do ensino e como a Didática não se refere apenas à metodologia ou ao método. Consideramos que a perspectiva crítica da Didática quando desenvolvida ao longo do processo formativo contribui com a (res)significação das opiniões e crenças sobre a docência significando-os com elementos teóricos, vivenciais e de contexto formativo e escolar.
Educação do Campo na formação de licenciandos(as) de Pedagogia: possibilidades, desafios e contradições
Authors: Bagata Tavares Marcelo , De Oliveira Vasconcelos Maria Eliane , Da Costa Alabarado Edilson , Da silva borges Heloisa
Published: December 2024

O presente estudo aborda uma discussão acerca da Educação do Campo, enquanto componente curricular no curso de formação inicial de professores do curso de pedagogia, de maneira que seja possível pensar à docência na Amazônia dialogada com as múltiplas realidades e possibilidades de atuação do professor/a, para além das áreas urbanas. Os processos metodológicos ocorreram de maneira integrada, de uma pesquisa participante na disciplina e das ações externa à sala de aula, por meio do I Seminário de Educação do Campo, realizado no município de Parintins/AM. Junto a revisão bibliográfica e documental, realizou-se as discussões das contribuições da literatura estudada e das falas das 3 professoras entrevistadas. Com isso, percebeu-se a importância da discussão acerca da Educação do Campo, mesmo que de maneira inicial, como uma disciplina no curso de pedagogia, mas fundamental para aproximar os licenciandos da realidade do campo, dos aspectos históricos, socioeconômico, metodológicos, de lutas, que influenciam a realidade educacional camponesa, conhecimentos fundamentais aos profissionais que poderão atuar nesses espaços.
Apresentação do dossiê: A educação de crianças em contextos escolares: estudos de uma rede de colaboração científica Brasil e Europa
Authors: Sommerhalder Aline , Alves Fernando Donizete , Gariboldi Antonio , Pugnaghi Antonella
Published: December 2024

Apresentação do dossiê "A educação de crianças em contextos escolares: estudos de uma rede de colaboração científica Brasil e Europa"
Child protagonism as social pedagogy tool in early childhood education: experience of a Brazilian educational centre
Authors: Minischetti Chiara , Pentini Anna Aluffi
Published: December 2024

This article gives an account of a research experience in the Nossa Senhora Aparecida Centre, a Brazilian school located on the outskirts of Salvador de Bahia, run by the Fundação Betânia O.N.L.U.S. of the Franciscan Fraternity of Bethany. The Centre, which is free of charge, is responsible for the education of children aged 0 to 6 who come from highly disadvantaged social, economic and family backgrounds.The research aimed to investigate the applicability of the Reggio Emilia Approach in the context of the province of Salvador de Bahia and to investigate how the social value of this initiative is perceived by the protagonists of the Center. This article highlights a convergence between European and Brazilian education; the same pedagogical principles are valid and effective in different and distant contexts, in time and space.  The child experiences a place where he or she can feel cared for, loved and appreciated; thanks to its protagonism, the simplicity of the educational contexts and the freedom to explore the environment, the child is able to enhance beauty and to be amazed. Child-centered pedagogy gives the school a social and human value, which identifiable in the recognition of the child’s dignity. The protagonism of the child, the main construct of the Emilian approach, reveals itself as the main tool of social emancipation, as Freire understood it, and therefore appears particularly reconcilable with a Brazilian pedagogical culture, that is the background to the social pedagogy projects of the educational Center analyzed.
Promoting narrative competence and media literacy in early childhood education through digital storytelling. A research instrument for analysing digital stories
Authors: Zini Andrea
Published: December 2024

The Erasmus+ STORIES research project ("Fostering early childhood media literacy competencies", 2015-2018) pursued the general objective of defining and disseminating guidelines and best practises for media education in early childhood education through digital storytelling, based on theoretical and empirical research. The research design mapped this general objective to the different dimensions of media education and assigned a prominent role to narrative competence. Thus, digital storytelling was placed in the context of broader school or classroom projects dealing with narrative languages and asking children generative questions about the idea of story and storytelling and the possibilities of digital storytelling. Consequently, among the various criteria for evaluating multimodal productions, the coherence of the narrative discourse plays a central role: the question arises as to what are the most salient features of the practises associated with the best crafted stories, i.e. the most complete and narratively organised. This paper focuses on a research instrument developed and validated within the project, which can also be used in other contexts to obtain comparable research data.
Exploring Effective Non-Face-to-Face Counseling Skills and Limitations for School Counselors in the Post- COVID- 19 Era
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Oh Insoo , Son Jiehyang , Choi Arin
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This study investigated non-face-to-face counseling skills that could be effectively utilized by school counselors in the post-COVID-19 era, aiming to enhance their counseling competence.
Methods: To achieve this objective, a sequential exploratory mixed methods design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research approaches was employed. A total of 13 school counselors with extensive experience in non-face-to-face counseling participated in the study, and they were categorized into three groups based on educational stages: elementary, middle, and high schools. Focus Group Interviews (FGI) were selected as the qualitative research method to collect data on the usability, effectiveness, and limitations of non-face-to-face counseling skills that have been employed over the past three years. Data collected from FGIs was analyzed according to the roles based on the National Model by the American School Counselor Association. Additionally, a questionnaire was developed to assess the usability and effectiveness of these skills, ensuring objectivity of effective non-face-to-face counseling skills and distribution later in the field.
Results: Subsequently, a survey targeting proficient school counselors in non-face-to-face counseling was conducted to perform descriptive statistical analysis. Six effective non-face-to-face counseling skills related to instructional aspects were found along with five limitations. Additionally, five effective counseling skills related to appraisal and three limitations were identified, as well as six effective counseling skills and five limitations pertaining to counseling-relevant skills.
Conclusion: Based on the research findings, effective counseling skills and limitations for school counselors in the post-COVID-19 era were discussed and recommendations for theirapplication were suggested.
Stakeholders’ Perceptions on Establishment and Operation Methods of Local Center for Basic Skills Support
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Shin Ha-young , Park So-Young
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This study analyzes the installation and operation of local center for basic skills support, focusing on key issues. It addresses the adoption of private outsourcing versus direct management by educational authorities.
Methods: Stakeholder perceptions of the operation of local center for basic skills support were analyzed using the frameworks of policy delivery structure, private sector involvement, and collaborative governance. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with education office officials, teachers, and private institution representatives directly involved in the centers' operations.
Results: The research findings can be summarized as follows: First, effective cooperation between the central and local governments was crucial for implementing the basic academic support policy. Second, outsourcing to private institutions offered flexibility and expertise, while direct government management ensured consistency and accountability. Third, collaboration between the central government, local education offices, and private institutions was vital for improving basic academic skills and increasing policy effectiveness.
Conclusion: This research offers significant insights into decision-making regarding the operational strategies of local center for basic skills support. By incorporating practitioners' experiences and perceptions, it provides practical recommendations for improving the delivery system to enhance basic academic support policies.
Interpretando a linha dividida a partir do pensamento de Marcelo Pimenta Marques
Authors: Santos Gislene Vale dos
Published: December 2024

Neste dossiê em homenagem a Marcelo Pimenta Marques, gostaria de apontar dois aspectos que se complementam na vida e na obra de Marques; a saber, um de ser o meu melhor exemplo de docente-orientador-gente, que não apenas vive, mas sente a vida vivida e a reflete a partir, também, de um escopo de pesquisa; a pesquisa é o segundo aspecto. Se aponto dois aspectos, aqui me fiarei em um, sua interpretação a respeito da obra platônica que aparece na República, mais especificamente, no Livro VI, mais especificamente ainda, na linha dividida. Nesse itinerário, conto com os artigos e capítulos de livros disponíveis acerca da interpretação de Marques sobre a República e da obra platônica, ela mesma.
Palavras-chave: Platão; Linha dividida; MPM;  
Interpreting the divided line from the thought of Marcelo Pimenta Marques
Abstract: In this dossier in honor of Marcelo Pimenta Marques, I would like to point out two aspects that complement each other in the life and work of Marques; namely, one of being my best example of a professor-supervisor-human being, who not only live, but feel the life lived and reflect on it from a research scope as well; the research is the second aspect. If I point out two aspects, here I will rely on one, his interpretation of the Platonic work that appears in the Republic, more specifically, in Book VI, and even more specifically, in the divided line. In this itinerary, I rely on the articles and book chapters available about Marques' interpretation of the Republic and the Platonic work itself.
Key-words: Plato; divided line; MPM
Interpretando la línea dividida desde el pensamento de Marcelo Pimenta Marques
Resumen: En este dossier en honor a Marcelo Pimenta Marques, quisiera señalar dos aspectos que se complementan en la vida y obra de Marques; a saber, uno de ser mi mejor ejemplo de un maestro-tutor-pueblo, que no sólo vive, sino que siente la vida vivida y la reflexiona también desde el ámbito de la investigación; La investigación es el segundo aspecto. Si señalo dos aspectos, aquí me apoyaré en uno, su interpretación de la obra platónica que aparece en la República, más concretamente, en el Libro VI, y más concretamente aún, en la línea dividida. En este itinerario me apoyo en los artículos y capítulos de libros disponibles sobre la interpretación marquesina de la República y de la propia obra platónica.
Palavra clave: Platón; línea dividida; MPM
Data de registro: 01/08/2023
Data de aceite: 18/10/2023
The Politics of International Labour Migration and Globalisation in Africa
Authors: Carciotto Sergio
Published: December 2024

This article examines the intricate relationship between migration, globalisation and socio-economic dynamics in Africa. It highlights the prevalence of intra-African migration, characterised by short-distance movements primarily driven by economic factors. The study critiques the dominant narrative framing migration as a purely developmental tool, arguing that the benefits of remittances and diaspora investments are often overshadowed by structural inequalities and the precarious conditions faced by migrant workers. The article also explores the role of states and international organisations in shaping migration policies, revealing a tension between the aspirations for regional integration and the realities of restrictive immigration practices. Ultimately, it calls for a nuanced understanding of migration that prioritises the rights of migrant workers and advocates for comprehensive governance frameworks to address exploitation and uphold human rights. This reflection contributes to the discourse on migration governance, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach that involves both state and non-state actors to effectively navigate the complexities of migration in the context of globalisation.
Africa Diary
Authors: Nicol Martin
Published: December 2024

Mauritius ordered all internet service providers to suspend access to social media platforms until a day after the 11 November general election, sparking such outrage from civil society groups that the government of the ruling Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) party was forced to overturn the ruling a day later. “National security” was the reason given by the office of the Prime Minister. As it turned out national security was not at risk. The main opposition party won a landslide victory, preserving an electoral practice of simply and seamlessly alternating power between two dynasties of family leaders since independence from Britain in 1968.
Aprendizaje cooperativo y enseñanza del inglés como idioma extranjero
Authors: Pérez John , Idarraga-Gallego María Fernanda , Quintero-Torres Fredy Alonso
Published: December 2024

El presente artículo busca reconocer las comprensiones y prácticas que tienen los docentes y estudiantes de educación media sobre el aprendizaje cooperativo y cómo este aporta y beneficia la enseñanza y aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera. El proceso metodológico adoptado es mixto: se propone una aproximación desde los métodos narrativos, enfatizando el análisis de contenido por medio de un examen lexicométrico. Los resultados muestran que la favorabilidad y la aplicabilidad de estrategias derivadas del aprendizaje cooperativo es amplia, diversa y recurrente. Se concluye, sin embargo, que en ocasiones hace falta fortalecer las intencionalidades pedagógicas y la aplicación de estrategias cooperativas a la luz de los aportes teóricos y las diversas mediaciones para así favorecer las dinámicas de enseñanza y de aprendizaje.
Zpráva z XXXII. konference České asociace pedagogického výzkumu, Praha, 10.–12. září 2024
Authors: Krejčí Zuzana , Šlehobr Kubíčková Karolina
Published: December 2024

Conference report
Weed management in direct wet-seeded rice - A comprehensive review to higher productivity
Authors: Vairamuthu T , Prabukumar G , Senthivelu M , Gnanachitra M , Babu Rajendra Prasad V , Parasuraman P , Thirukumaran K , Manivannan V
Published: December 2024

This review examines various weed control strategies for Direct Seeded Rice systems. The diverse weed flora in DSR includes grasses (Echinochloa colona), sedges (Cyperus iria) and broadleaf weeds (Ludwigia parviflora) being prevalent. Integrated weed management combining cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods is recommended for sustainable control. Cultural practices such as stale seedbed techniques, crop rotations and flooding help suppress the growth of weeds. Mechanical methods, including hand weeding and the use of weeders, are effective but labour-intensive. Chemical control via pre-emergence (pretilachlor) and post-emergence (bispyribac-sodium) herbicides has shown promising results optimally. This review highlights that an integrated approach utilizing multiple complementary weed management tactics is essential for effective and sustainable weed control in direct-seeded rice. The proper timing of interventions, combinations of methods, and consideration of local conditions are essential factors. Although chemical herbicides are still valuable tools, there is a growing emphasis on reducing their use by integrating alternative methods. Overall, continued review of innovative biological and ecological approaches can further enhance the existing options for weed management in DSR systems.
Court interpreters’ role in upholding the principle of language in legal proceedings: Kazakhstan case
Authors: Adilmuratova Rita , Alembayev Kairat , Kozhuganova Dinara , Gavrilova Yuliya , Menzyuk Galina
Published: December 2024

The demographic shifts in Kazakhstan impact legal proceedings, with a growing number of participants who lack proficiency in the language of court proceedings. This highlights the importance of employing court interpreters. The purpose of the article was to reveal the importance of this specialist in the process of considering a case and providing citizens with the right to justice. The following methods were used in the study: analysis, synthesis, comparison, legal doctrinal, comparative, abstraction. As a result, a number of problems were revealed regarding the implementation of professional activities by a court translator in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study conducted a comparative analysis of court interpreters in Kazakhstan and foreign jurisdictions, highlighting commonalities and differences in their legal status, authority, and qualifications. In addition, as a result of the study, statistical indicators were presented describing the number of cases considered by the courts of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the participation of foreign citizens. The study yielded recommendations for establishing a centralized database of court interpreters in Kazakhstan and refining candidate requirements, especially concerning education levels. These insights can inform the development of training programs and certification processes for translators in the country.
Eye Movement and Gait Variability Analysis in Chinese Patients With Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Qian Shu-Xia , Bao Yu-Feng , Li Xiao-Yan , Dong Yi , Wu Zhi-Ying
Published: December 2024

Objective Huntington’s disease (HD) is characterized by motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Oculomotor impairments and gait variability have been independently considered as potential markers in HD. However, an integrated analysis of eye movement and gait is lacking. We performed multiple examinations of eye movement and gait variability in HTT mutation carriers, analyzed the consistency between these parameters and clinical severity, and then examined the associations between oculomotor impairments and gait deficits.Methods We included 7 patients with pre-HD, 30 patients with HD and 30 age-matched controls. We collected demographic data and assessed the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) score. Examinations, including saccades, smooth pursuit tests, and optokinetic (OPK) tests, were performed to evaluate eye movement function. The parameters of gait include stride length, walking velocity, step deviation, step length, and gait phase.Results HD patients have significant impairments in the latency and velocity of saccades, the gain of smooth pursuit, and the gain and slow phase velocities of OPK tests. Only the speed of saccades significantly differed between pre-HD patients and controls. There are significant impairments in stride length, walking velocity, step length, and gait phase in HD patients. The parameters of eye movement and gait variability in HD patients were consistent with the UHDRS scores. There were significant correlations between eye movement and gait parameters.Conclusion Our results show that eye movement and gait are impaired in HD patients and that the speed of saccades is impaired early in pre-HD. Eye movement and gait abnormalities in HD patients are significantly correlated with clinical disease severity.
Alterations in hippocampal somatostatin interneurons, GABAergic metabolism, and ASL perfusion in an aged male mouse model of POCD aggravated by sleep fragmentation
Authors: Li Yun , Yu Jiafeng , Yang Ningzhi , Long Siwen , Li Yize , Zhao Lina , Yu Yonghao
Published: December 2024

Sleep fragmentation (SF) is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Given the critical roles of somatostatin (SST) interneurons, associated gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmitters, and hippocampal perfusion in sleep‐related cognition, this study examined changes in these mechanisms in preoperative SF affecting POCD induced by anesthesia/surgery in aged male mice. The Morris water maze (MWM), novel object recognition (NOR), and Y maze tests were utilized to evaluate POCD. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) was employed to measure hippocampal regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). In vitro assays quantified the levels of GABAergic metabolites—such as SST, neuropeptide Y (NPY), glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 (GAD1), vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), and GABA and the distribution of SST interneurons in the hippocampus through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence. Preoperative 24‐h SF exacerbated anesthesia/surgery‐induced spatial memory impairments observed in the MWM, NOR, and Y maze tests. Preoperative 24‐h SF significantly increased the number of SST interneurons in hippocampal CA1, elevated hippocampal levels of SST, NPY, GAD1, and GABA, and reduced the rCBF. Preoperative SF aggravated POCD in aged male mice, with an increased number of SST interneurons in hippocampal CA1, elevated hippocampal GABAergic metabolites, and a further reduction in rCBF.
A new 9-level quadruple boost inverter for grid integration
Authors: Pulavarthi S. V. Kishore , Jayaram Nakka , Jakkula Swamy , Rajesh Jami , Halder Sukanta
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a novel reduced switch multilevel inverter based on switched capacitor technique for grid integration. It generates nine-level output voltage waveform with only 10 switches. It is suitable for high gain applications since it has a boosting ability of four times. Another feature is that the capacitors have built-in self-voltage balancing. The level shifted pulse width modulation (LSPWM) technique is used to explore the performance of the proposed topology. To determine its optimal performance, the suggested topology is compared to the state-of-the-art topologies in the literature. Simulation of the proposed topology is done under different parameter variations. Further, the thermal design of the proposed topology is done using PLECS software to find the efficiency. Finally, the hardware prototype is implemented using dSPACE 1104 controller to verify its performance.
Design and analysis of 2D photonic crystals based all optical logic gates
Authors: Maji Kajal , Mukherjee Kousik , Mandal Mrinal Kanti
Published: December 2024

All-optical basic logic gates play a pivotal role in the development of ultra-fast and energy-efficient computing systems. In this communication, we have designed an alternative method of all-optical logic OR, AND, XOR, and XNOR gates using 2-dimensional photonic crystals with a hexagonal lattice structure. The OptiFDTD software and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been used to verify the proposed designs and analyzed by calculating the contrast ratio and bit rate. The contrast ratios of the OR, AND, XOR, and XNOR gates are 43.20 dB, 36.40 dB, 41.46 dB and 37.63 dB, respectively. The output of the proposed logic gates may efficiently enhance the optical communication system.
Effects of orlistat on body mass index and serum lipids in overweight and obese adolescents: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Lingnan , Meng Chang , Zhang Fang , Jia Xinwei , Xie Junmin , Zhu Yeran , Zhou Xiaozhe , Liu Peng
Published: December 2024

Objectives

We performed a meta-analysis to compare the effects of orlistat on body mass index and serum lipids in overweight and obese adolescents.

Methods

The meta-analysis was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 1 August 2024. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The outcome measures body mass index (BMI) and serum lipids, such as total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The review of publications was conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Project for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).

Results

This study has been registered with INPLASY (number INPLASY202480052). A total of 696 patients were included in five randomized controlled trials. The orlistat group reduced BMI compared to placebo in the short term (MD=−0.73, 95 % CI: −1.44 to −0.02, p=0.04, I2=73 %) but appeared to have little effect in the long term (MD=−1.72, 95%CI: −3.55 to 0.12, p=0.07, I2=84 %). The exciting thing is that orlistat can significantly improve blood lipid levels in children, TC (MD=−8.11, 95 % CI: −10.88 to −5.33, p<0.05, I2=0 %), TG (MD=−3.22, 95 % CI: −5.58 to −0.86, p<0.05, I2=0 %), LDL (MD=−6.06, 95 % CI: −8.75 to −3.37, p<0.05, I2=0 %), and HDL (MD=0.87, 95 % CI: 0.13–1.61, p<0.05, I2=31 %).

Conclusions

Orlistat has been linked to alter lipid levels in obese or overweight children. However, the evidence regarding its efficacy in reducing BMI is inconclusive, with inconsistent findings across short and long-term studies. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to ascertain its long-term impact on prognosis.
The trend of Epstein-Barr virus DNA loads and CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers can predict the prognosis of pediatric liver transplant recipients with PTLD
Authors: Wang Kedi , Xu Dongjiang , Gao Yan , Ma Kaihui , Zhao Wen
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) in immunodeficiency individuals. The pathogenesis of EBV infection depends on its effective recognition and elimination. Our study investigated the effect of peripheral lymphocyte subsets (PLS) on the elimination of EBV.

Methods

A retrospective single-center study included 63 patients with 17 pediatric liver transplant recipients with EBV-induced PTLD (PTLD group) and 46 patients diagnosed with EBV-induced mononucleosis (IM group). Dynamic monitoring of PLS with EBV-DNA loads was performed.

Results

EBV-DNA replicated at a high level (5.2E3∼5.93E7 copies/mL in PBMC) before treatment in all patients in PTLD group. B lymphocytes were the main infected cells. After treatment with Rituximab, the EBV-DNA loads decreased below the lower limit of detection in 10 patients (PTLD-stable disease, PTLD-SD group), and the viral loads replicated at lower level in six patients (PTLD-partial response, PTLD-PR group). In the PTLD-SD group, the percentage of CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes increased beyond the normal range with the ascending of EBV-DNA loads, then it decreased to the normal range accompanied by the clearance of EBV. In the PTLD-PR group, the CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes kept in the normal range, while the EBV kept on replication.

Conclusions

The increased number of CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes occurred in parallel with the decline in EBV-DNA loads, which is the most useful index in estimating the host capacity of immuno-surveillance against EBV.
Culture-specific discourse in marketing: a study of socio-cultural traditions in Jordanian shops and streets
Authors: Alalya Muna , Altakhaineh Abdel Rahman , Yaseen Zain
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the various marketing strategies employed in the malls and streets of Amman, Jordan. Specifically, it aims to identify the different methods salespeople use to attract customers’ attention to their products indirectly, and sometimes through non-verbal means. The study illustrates how the theoretical concepts of speech acts, as discussed by Searle and Grice, are utilized in the marketing strategies observed in Jordanian malls and streets. It also examines how vendors and advertisers employ language not only to convey information but also to perform actions, such as persuading or invoking cultural values, without explicitly stating their intentions. By analyzing the subtleties of language use in advertisements, product promotions, and street performances, the study reveals how indirect speech acts are employed to engage consumers, foster a sense of community, and promote products. Indirect speech acts can imply more than what is explicitly stated, adding layers of meaning that facilitate communication between the customer and the salesperson. The findings indicate that each of the products discussed in this paper, commonly found on Jordanian streets, in shops, and in malls, has a unique marketing discourse crafted and employed by business owners or their staff to attract customers. Overall, indirect speech acts in Jordanian malls and streets reflect a sophisticated form of communication that is deeply rooted in local cultural and social practices, utilizing non-verbal cues such as music and scents to convey messages subtly. These methods are highly effective in achieving advertising objectives, aligning with cultural values that emphasize respect and subtlety in interpersonal interactions.
The roles of G protein-coupled receptor genes and the tumor microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shen Lihong , Hu Rongrong , Huang Guiying , Gao Yuzhen , Wang Yanzhong , Xie Xinyou , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCA) is a challenging disease characterized by a high mortality rate. Understanding the prognostic relationship between G protein-coupled receptors (GPR) and ESCA is critical for improving patient outcomes, yet this connection remains to be fully explored.

Methods

In this study, we examined the roles of GPR genes and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in ESCA development and progression. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated the predictive value of these genes. Our analysis of TME cell-cell communication revealed extensive interactions, particularly involving neutrophils. We also assessed the combined predictive value of GPR genes, TME score, and tumor mutation burden (TMB) for patient prognosis in ESCA, ultimately constructing a GPR-TME-TMB classifier for prognosis prediction.

Results

We identified significant differences in GPR gene expression between normal and tumor tissues, with four genes (GPER1, GPR82, FFAR2, and HCAR3) correlating with patient prognosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed 10 major cell types in the TME, with GPR gene expression highly enriched in neutrophils. Our findings indicate that the GPR-TME-TMB classifier is strongly associated with patient prognoses. Additionally, our results align with previous studies on the roles of GPR genes and the TME in ESCA.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that GPR-related genes play a role in ESCA progression and are strongly associated with TME in ESCA. We constructed a GPR-TME classifier for ESCA to provide new directions for the treatment and prognosis of ESCA patients.
Synthesis and characterization of ASU-PPO based anion exchange membrane with PEG support for water electrolysis
Authors: Qayoom Abdul , Ahmad Muhammad Shakeel , Selvaraj Jeyraj , Pandey A. K. , Abd Rahim Nasrudin
Published: December 2024

Polymer electrolyte membrane-based water electrolysis technology is a productive method for converting electrical energy into hydrogen. To improve and optimize the performance of the water electrolytic system, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzer is an excellent choice. AEM possess inadequacies in cation structural design, and diversity in development approaches with each new cation inclusion. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a variety of poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO)-based AEMs crosslinked with azonia-spiro undecane (ASU). The design process consists of three steps: first P-ASU making followed by quaternarization and then PPO bromination, followed by P-ASU and BPPO crosslinking. The membrane’s stability is enhanced by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG). PPO has outstanding mechanical and thermal stability, and its backbone can be functionalized through a variety of ways. Bromination was performed with quantitative control in this study. The developed membrane was examined using analytical tools (e.g., TGA, FTIR, HNMR, SEM). The results revealed that membrane demonstrated sufficient thermal stability between 150 °C and 250 °C as degradation phase. Characterization results also contribute to accurately measuring membrane surface morphology and stability at 4.38 ppm and 3.13–3.24 ppm transition from the–CH2Br group to the–N+(CH3)3 groups by new peaks. The composition and properties were analyzed to validate successful crosslinking and functionalization of the membrane.
Development of technetium-99m (99mTc) labeled carbon from palm kernel shell as lung scintigraphy agent
Authors: Munir Miftakul , Saptiama Indra , Subechi Moch , Nurmanjaya Ahid , Marlina Marlina , Forentin Alfian M. , Susilo Veronika Y. , Maiyesni Maiyesni , Billah Aulia A. , Gunawan Rudi , Fikri Ahsanal , Rindiyantono Fernanto , Salam Rohmad , Prasetyo Imam , Ariyanto Teguh , Putri Kurnia S. S.
Published: December 2024

Specific and accurate diagnostic tools are important to determine diagnosis for various lung diseases with complex characteristics. In this study, high-energy milling (HEM) was utilized to prepare micro-sized carbon from palm kernel shell charcoal as a potential aerosol agent for lung ventilation scintigraphy. The HEM parameters investigated in this experiment were milling time and ball-to-powder ratio (BPR), while the characterization of the obtained powder involves particle size distribution, porosity, specific surface area, and XRD pattern. The optimization of technetium-99m (99mTc) labeling of the obtained carbon powder was carried out concerning SnCl2 amount, carbon dosage, incubation time, and pH. The optimal milling time and BPR were 180 min and 5:1, respectively, resulting in Dx(50) of 1.71 µm. Generally, the 99mTc labeling yield increased with the increase of SnCl2 amount, carbon dosage, and incubation time, while it decreased as the pH increased. The optimal 99mTc labeling condition, SnCl2 amount of 300 µg, carbon dosage of 50 mg, incubation time of 30 min, and pH 5, resulted in an adsorption capacity of 178.89 TBq of 99mTc/g carbon. These results demonstrate that aerosol scintigraphy agents can potentially be prepared from palm kernel shell charcoal with optimization of radiolabeling method, milling process, and further in vitro aerosol performance prior to pre-clinical and clinical stages.
Proton and alpha-particle activation studies of natFe, natCu, natTi and natW targets at low energies
Authors: Muhammad Naveed , Adil Muhammad , Mulk Shuja Ul , Ahmad Ishaq , Hussain Javed , Abbas Turab Ali , Anwer Mahwish , Makinaga Ayano , Shahid Muhammad
Published: December 2024

A study was conducted to examine the production cross sections of nuclear reactions natFe(p,x)56,57,58Co, natCu(p,x)63,65Zn, natTi(p,x)48V, natW(p,x)182m,182g,184g,186Re, natTi(α,x)49,51Cr, natCu(α,x)66,67,68Ga, and natFe(α,x)57Ni,57Co, within the low energy range. Experiments were performed using a 5 MV tandem (Pelletron) accelerator situated at the National Centre for Physics (NCP) in Islamabad, Pakistan we employed the foil activation technique and used an off-line gamma ray spectroscopy system having Genie 2,000 software to detect the reaction products. The data analysis indicated the production of a number of radioisotopes with important applications in nuclear, industrial and medical fields. We compared our measured results with previously evaluated data as well as with theoretical predictions from the TENDL-library, based on TALYS-1.9 code calculations, to validate our findings.
The structural transformation of Ollantaytambo's Inka ecology under Spanish rule
Authors: Hunter R. Alexander
Published: December 2024

At Ollantaytambo, in the Cusco region of Peru, the Inka (c. AD 1400–1532) built an elaborate anthropogenic landscape to facilitate intensive agriculture. After the 1532 Spanish invasion of the region, this landscape was reshaped by the introduction of new plants and animals, colonial land-management practices and demographic transformations. Here, the author employs botanical data from a derelict Inka-era reservoir to evaluate the timing and character of colonial transformations to the local agroecology. These transformations, they argue, tended towards agricultural deintensification, but this process did not begin until decades after the Spanish invasion.
Algumas considerações sobre as dualidades conceituais saussurianas
Authors: Milano Luiza , Da Silveira Riter Carolina
Published: December 2024

Desde a publicação do Curso de Linguística Geral de Ferdinand de Saussure, as dualidades que permeiam sua teoria se fazem presentes. Como um movimento de formalização científica, os efeitos do aspecto dual e das conhecidas “dicotomias saussurianas” reverberam nos estudos de base saussuriana até os dias de hoje. Contudo, parece-nos que tais dualidades, em suas essências, não possuem caráter antinômico, mas apontam para uma ideia de complementaridade, de relação. Propomo-nos, portanto, a revisitar as dualidades saussurianas (langue e parole, diacronia e sincronia, significado e significante e relações sintagmáticas e associativas) entendendo suas naturezas e as relações que estabelecem entre si. Além disso, destinamos um olhar atento à duplessência da linguagem, tecendo algumas considerações sobre forma e sentido. Esse estudo nos ajuda a entender o aspecto dual da teoria saussuriana para além da interpretação dicotômica, considerando-o, principalmente, como uma lógica organizadora do pensamento de Ferdinand de Saussure.
A New Era in the Implementation of Rehabilitation and Compensation Rulings in State Administrative Courts
Authors: Permana Tri Cahya Indra , Amiludin Amiludin
Published: December 2024

The implementation of court rulings on rehabilitation and compensation in the State Administrative Court has entered a new era with the issuance of execution guidelines for the supervision of rulings with permanent legal force by the Head of the State Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia. These guidelines mark the first time in the history of the Supreme Court that a compensation amount has been reassessed and determined by the Serang State Administrative Court due to the failure to implement rehabilitation in an employment dispute. The compensation awarded does not refer to Government Regulation No. 43 of 1991, which limits compensation to between one hundred thousand rupiah and two million rupiah, but instead is based on the actual losses of the petitioner. This practice has set a positive precedent for the execution of compensation or monetary payments, which is expected to be followed by other State Administrative Courts. It is hoped that the Plaintiffs/Execution Applicants will follow the legal enforcement procedures outlined in the Minister of Finance Regulation Number 80/PMK.01/2015 regarding the Implementation of Legal Decisions, enabling the realization of compensation payments, and it is recommended that the Minister of Finance execute the legal decisions, especially the Supreme Court's re-determination regarding the compensation payment amount, so that justice for the Plaintiffs/Execution Applicants can be fully realized.
Adiposity is associated with a higher number of thyroid nodules and worse fine-needle aspiration outcomes
Authors: Demetriou Elpida , Economides Aliki , Fokou Maria , Lamnisos Demetris , Paschou Stavroula A , Papageorgis Panagiotis , Economides Panayiotis A
Published: December 2024

Background

Adiposity may be associated with thyroid nodularity. However, its impact on the number of nodules and the risk of malignancy is unclear.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of adiposity on thyroid nodules using body mass index (BMI), ultrasonographic (US) data and cytological data.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 310 patients with thyroid nodules was performed. Patients were categorized based on their BMI, and grayscale US data and fine-needle aspiration cytology results were evaluated.

Results

Patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 were found to have a higher number of thyroid nodules compared to those with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (4.25 ± 2.42 vs 3.66 ± 1.93) (P value = 0.05). Patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 had more suspicious and malignant cytology than those with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (P value = 0.029). Patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 had more nodules with intermediate and high suspicion sonographic patterns. However, this did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Overweight and obese patients have a trend for more thyroid nodules and have a higher risk of being diagnosed with thyroid malignancy.
Altered uterine leptin signalling in obese mothers: from impaired decidualisation to pregnancy complications
Authors: Walewska Edyta , Hamada Zahra , Pérez-García Vicente , Galvão António
Published: December 2024

In brief

Maternal obesity impairs uterine function, compromising embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment, posing also long-term risks to offspring health. We explore the contribution of impaired decidualisation to failed embryo implantation and placentation in obese mothers, highlighting the role of altered uterine leptin signalling in the dysregulation of extracellular matrix remodelling, vascularisation and cell proliferation and differentiation.

Obesity drastically affects maternal health and reproductive outcomes, being often associated with endocrine imbalance, compromised ovarian function and pregnancy complications. The plastic nature of pregnancy may render the developing foetus particularly vulnerable to oscillations in maternal metabolism, ultimately shaping the health trajectories of the offspring. Presently, we discuss the effect of maternal obesity on decidualisation, a critical step for embryo implantation and placental development. Decidualisation encompasses the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into specialised decidua. Impaired decidualisation was linked to pregnancy complications, and recent studies suggest that maternal obesity has a detrimental effect on decidualisation. Leptin, an adipokine significantly increased in the circulation of obese women, is known to regulate endometrial function and decidualisation, modulating immune response, angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Furthermore, hyperleptinaemia in obese mothers was linked to altered leptin signalling in the uterus and compromised endometrial function. In this review, we explore the underlying molecular mechanisms linking altered uterine leptin signalling to impaired decidualisation and early pregnancy complications in obese mothers.
Interclusión. Aproximaciones epistemológicas y didácticas para el devenir educativo contemporáneo
Authors: Román-Soto David
Published: December 2024

Objective. This essay aims to reflect on the pressing issue of migration in the Latin American region, and particularly Chile, a country that has experienced a considerable increase in the influx of foreign population into its territory in recent years. Discussion. This analysis addresses the challenges and possibilities that migration presents to socio-educational transformation, from a new epistemic perspective of inclusion and interculturality. This perspective favors the full integration of foreign students into diverse educational contexts. Although inclusion and interculturality are relevant to the current reality and theoretically enrich each other, they do not engage in dialogue concerning public policy and, therefore, do not promote the development of a new local and diverse identity. Conclusion. From an intersectional perspective, this article proposes the concept of interclusion, which emerges from the interrelation of inclusion, interculturality, and identity. Interclusion serves as a response to reflection, analysis, and development of pedagogical and learning practices that are attentive to multicultural realities. It also serves as a response to the constant challenge of improving pedagogical and didactic processes to advance in the construction of Latin American knowledge.
СИНТЕТИЧЕСКИЙ ПОДХОД К ВОПРОСУ ВОЗНИКНОВЕНИЯ И РАЗВИТИЯ НАУКИ
Authors: В.А. МУКИН , А.О. ФЕДОРОВ
Published: December 2024

Рассматривается вопрос о возникновении науки как целостного корпуса достоверного знания. Предложен новый синтетический подход, в рамках которого возникновение науки интерпретируется как столкновение двух кардинально разных традиций: средневековой схоластики и естественной философии Нового времени.

The article considers the emergence of science as a totality of reliable knowledge. A new synthetic approach is proposed that interprets the emergence of science as a collision of two radically different traditions - medieval scholasticism and natural philosophy of modern times. The theory of types of scientific rationality by V.S. Stepin is reconstructed and an extrapolation of post-non-classical rationality tendencies to the near future is proposed.
ПРИНЦИП НАИМЕНЬШЕГО ДЕЙСТВИЯ КАК ТРАНСЦЕНДЕНТАЛЬНОЕ ОСНОВАНИЕ БЫТИЯ ЧАСТЬ I
Authors: М.Я. МАЦЕВИЧ
Published: December 2024

Объектом данного исследования является принцип наименьшего действия (ПНД) в диалектическом единстве различных аспектов его проявления в философии и науке. Также выявляется функциональный статус ПНД в формировании и реализации стратегии устойчивого развития. В качестве методологической основы исследования выступают идеи классической философии, идеи Л. Витгенштейна, положения французской эпистемологической традиции, постмодернистские принципы деконструкции Ж. Деррида. Обосновано методологическое значение ПНД для фундаментальной онтологии, для создания перспективных стратегий эволюционной адаптации, социально-экологической оптимизации

The object of this study is the principle of least action (PLA) taken in the dialectical unity of various aspects of its manifestation in philosophy and science. It also reveals the functional status of the PLA in working out and implementing the sustainable development strategy. The methodological basis of the study contains the ideas of classical philosophy, the ideas of L. Wittgenstein, the theoretical provisions of the French epistemological tradition, and the postmodern principles of J. Derrida’s deconstruction theory. The article substantiates the methodological significance of the PLA for fundamental ontology, for developing promising strategies of evolutionary adaptation, and for socio-ecological optimization.