bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the Emission Mechanisms of Blazar PKS 1510−089. II. Jet−BLR Connection and Black Hole Mass Estimation
Authors: Amador-Portes Alfredo , Chavushyan Vahram , Patiño-Álvarez Víctor M. , Ramón-Valdés José
Published: January 2025

The flat spectrum radio quasar PKS 1510−089 is one of the most active blazars across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, displaying periods of flaring activity. This study explores its spectral variability over a decade. By employing the nonthermal dominance parameter, we analyze the Hβ and λ5100 continuum light curves, as well as the FWHM of the Hβ emission line, to identify whether the primary source of the continuum emission is the accretion disk or the jet during activity periods. Our results show an anticorrelation between the FWHM and the luminosity of the Hβ emission line across all data sets. This indicates that variations in Hβ luminosity consistently reflect the canonical broad-line region (BLR), irrespective of whether the primary ionizing source is the accretion disk or the jet. The anticorrelation persisted when comparing the FWHM of Hβ against the luminosity at λ5100 in the disk dominance regime. These findings, along with the observation that flaring events in the λ5100 continuum, attributed to the jet, coincide with flares in the Hβ emission line, suggest that the base of the jet is located within the BLR. Based on the 219 spectra within the disk dominance regime, we estimated a mean black hole mass of M
BH = 2.85 ± 0.37 × 108
M
⊙.
Structure Functions of Rotation Measures Revealing the Origin of Fast Radio Bursts
Authors: Li Rui-Nan , Zhao Zhen-Yin , Wu Qin , Yi Shuang-Xi , Wang Fa-Yin
Published: January 2025

Structure function (SF) analysis is a powerful tool for studying plasma turbulence. Theoretically, the SF of Faraday rotation measure (RM) is expected to include a geometric component due to the relative orientation of sight lines through an ordered magnetic field. However, observational evidence for this component remains elusive. Here, we report that the SFs of the binary PSR B1744–24A and the repeating fast radio burst (FRB) 20201124A exhibit both a periodic geometric component, caused by binary orbital motion, and a flat statistical component. The statistical component, induced by stochastic fluctuations in electron density and magnetic field, aligns with RM scatter derived from pulse depolarization. These findings indicate that FRB 20201124A has a binary origin and suggest that the periodic geometric component can serve as a diagnostic tool to identify binary companions.
Rester dans la course : développer l’employabilité durable grâce au job crafting
Authors: Noël Florent , Dotto Sara
Published: January 2025

En se fondant sur une étude de cas et en mobilisant le concept de job crafting , cet article entend contribuer à la littérature sur l’employabilité durable. Nous montrons que les individus peuvent stratégiquement ajuster les tâches qu’ils réalisent ( task crafting ), modifier leurs interactions sociales ( relational crafting ) et attribuer un sens à ce qu’ils font ( cognitive crafting ) pour à la fois réguler l’intensité de leur travail à court terme et développer les compétences et réseaux nécessaires à la réalisation d’une trajectoire professionnelle valorisante à long terme. La discussion des résultats permet de relativiser l’opposition classiquement établie entre employabilité interne et externe, notamment lorsque les trajectoires professionnelles invitent les salariés à se mouvoir de projet en projet. Elle permet également de revenir sur les risques liés à une responsabilisation excessive des individus à l’égard de la conduite de leur propre carrière.
Comparing Narrative and Visual Arts for Empathy Enhancement in Nursing Postgraduate Education: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Yi Sichen , Cao Xuerong , Wang Xiaodan , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2025

Background

Traditional empathy teaching methods fall short in addressing the heightened empathy demands of in-service postgraduate nurses. Art-based approaches offer potential solutions.

Method

We adopted a mixed method study with a quasi-experimental design. Two groups of in-service postgraduate nurses participated in narrative (
n
= 14) and visual (
n
= 13) arts interventions. Participants underwent four 45-minute sessions, including theory lectures and art-based interventions. Pre- and postcourse questionnaires assessed empathy and psychological capital.

Results

The narrative arts group showed increased resilience (
t
= −2.775,
p
= .016) and secondary traumatic stress (
t
= −2.320,
p
= .037) postcourse. The visual arts group showed enhanced compassion satisfaction (
t
= −3.431,
p
= .005). Qualitative analysis identified two themes: empathy among participants and the benefits and challenges of the curriculum.

Conclusion

Incorporating both narrative and visual arts into nursing education could enhance empathy and well-being. Narrative arts enhanced resilience but increased secondary traumatic stress. Visual arts improved compassion satisfaction and offered a calming experience.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2025;56(2):78–84.]
The hazards and benefits of condescension in social learning
Authors: Arieli Itai , Babichenko Yakov , Müller Stephan , Pourbabaee Farzad , Tamuz Omer
Published: January 2025

In a misspecified social learning setting, agents are condescending if they perceive their peers as having private information that is of lower quality than it is in reality. Applying this to a standard sequential model, we show that outcomes improve when agents are mildly condescending. In contrast, too much condescension leads to worse outcomes, as does anti‐condescension.
Badiou/Lacan-Badiou
Authors: Chiesa Lorenzo
Published: January 2025

For Badiou, Lacan is not a philosopher. He is instead a sui generis anti-philosopher. Anti-philosophy is, in a complex manner but eventually by definition, against philosophy. I intend to dispute this reading of Lacan while also profoundly sympathising with Badiou’s understanding of philosophy and acknowledging his extensive engagement with Lacan.
Towards an Affective Understanding of Pure Judgments of Taste
Authors: Josten Dries , Haeck Levi
Published: January 2025

In this article, we argue that “affect” should be an important notion in political philosophy. We do this, firstly, by tracing the notion of affect through the philosophical system of Immanuel Kant. We find that affect plays a threefold role for Kant, which can be mapped onto Hannah Arendt’s distinction between natural humanity, moral humanity, and political/aesthetic humanity (our rephrasing). Affect clearly plays a role on the level of natural humanity, and it is arguably to be pinpointed from within moral humanity. With regard to political/aesthetic humanity, we argue that in order to understand how pure judgments of taste can vouch for the ‘bridging’ of the gap between natural and moral humanity, an understanding of the role of aesthetic affection is essential. Secondly, we broaden the Kantian scope of affect by discussing how Žižek, in Lacan’s wake, has tried (but failed) to systematically examine the political relevance of pure judgments of taste. To understand how humans are able to come together politically, we need a better understanding of affect as that which allows pure form to effectuate a subjectively but universally shareable proclivity for (dis)pleasure and desire.
Counter-Monument Practices in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Uitz Sophie
Published: January 2025

This article researches multidirectional memory and transnationality in recent examples of counter-monument practices in Austria’s capital city, Vienna, specifically in regard to fights against antisemitism, racist discrimination and anti-Romaism. How have multidirectional strategies shaped counter-mnemonic struggle? Additionally, to what extent are they influenced by transnationality? Three examples of counter-monument practices are discussed in parallel: (1) The protests against the “Lueger monument,” commemorating an antisemitic former mayor of Vienna; (2) the illegally installed Marcus Omofuma Stone, commemorating the racist police murder of a Nigerian asylum seeker in 1999; and, (3) the ongoing struggle to commemorate the Porajmos, the genocide of the Roma under Nazi rule, with a monument in Vienna. Seemingly unrelated to one another, each case constitutes a struggle between national, hegemonic, commemorative narratives, on the one hand, and agents of civil society that challenge these narratives, on the other. While none of the three examples constitutes an obvious case of multidirectional memory making, each of these struggles to counter racist, discriminatory pasts did generate a platform to speak about more than just one memory, also such that transcend national boundaries.
Conflicts, Wars, and Justice in Conflicts
Authors: Gržinić Marina
Published: January 2025

To frame the topic of conflicts, particularly through the historical lens of nation-states, it is essential to consider the historical context of key state formations in the West. From the nineteenth century onward, these formations maintained the power and sovereignty that underpinned Western dominance. Although the traditional Westphalian concept, derived from the Peace of Westphalia (1648), established the notion of nation-states as the primary actors in international law—each with supreme authority over its territory— sovereignty has often been separated from physical territory in practice. Power and authority frequently extend beyond, or fall short of, a state’s geographic boundaries, indicating that sovereignty has increasingly been decoupled from territoriality. In colonial contexts, multiple legal systems and authorities coexisted and often conflicted, creating a fluid and contested landscape of governance. This allowed colonial powers to maneuver between different legal frameworks to maintain control. In these colonies, the suspension of normal legal rules—what is often referred to as a “state of exception”—was more commonly the rule rather than the exception.1
Korespondenca med Henryjem Morom in Renéjem Descartesom (1648–1649)
Authors: Škraban Kajetan
Published: January 2025

Besedilo je prevedel in z opombami opremil Kajetan Škraban. Strokovno redakcijo prevoda je opravil Matjaž Vesel.
Robert Boyle, eksperimentalni filozof
Authors: Meden Jernej
Published: January 2025

Avtor predstavi Roberta Boyla kot eksperimentalnega filozofa in njegov doprinos pri vzpostavljanju vloge eksperimentalne filozofije v novoveški znanstveni skupnosti. Kot filozof narave je Boyle združeval tri novoveške identitete: učenjaka oziroma filozofa, kristjana in gentlemana. Boylov program naravne filozofije je mogoče strniti v dve programski točki. Prvič, razložiti naravo s sklicevanjem na njene osnovne gradnike, tj. drobna telesca oziroma corpuscules. Drugič, Boyle nadaljuje mehanicistične razlage narave, ki naravne pojave pojasnjujejo izhajajoč iz delovanja strojev, ki so človeški izdelek. Področje, na katerem je bil Boylov doprinos k naravni filozofiji 17. stoletja morda največji, zadeva raziskave o tem, kaj so kvalitete ali lastnosti teles. S svojimi ugotovitvami je vplival tako na razvoj Newtonove naravne filozofije kot tudi Lockove empiristične filozofije duha in zaznave.
Estudio experimental sobre la técnica del georradar para detectar armaduras de polímeros reforzados con fibra de vidrio (GFRP)
Authors: Piñeiro Alberto , Martínez Sonia , Piñeiro Rafael , Lahoz Eduardo
Published: January 2025

Las barras de polímeros reforzados con fibra de vidrio (Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymers, GFRP) están sustituyendo al acero en aplicaciones de hormigón armado con exigencias de durabilidad elevadas, como infraestructuras portuarias o centrales nucleares. El objetivo del este trabajo es estudiar la viabilidad de la técnica de inspección no destructiva del georradar (Ground Penetrating Radar, GPR) para detectar armaduras de GFRP en hormigón, en comparación con el armado convencional de acero. Para ello se inspeccionaron con un equipo georradar portátil varias losas de hormigón armadas con GFRP y acero: dos losas fabricadas en laboratorio (con barras de distinto diámetro, separación y recubrimiento) y dos losas de hormigón de obras reales. Como resultado se obtuvo que la inspección con georradar permitió detectar la mayor parte de las barras de GFRP, aunque con una señal menos clara que para el acero, detectando las de diámetro mayor o igual que 14 mm y recubrimiento de hormigón de 25 mm.
Efecto de diferentes configuraciones de ventilación natural y materiales de cubierta sobre el confort térmico de trabajadores de una instalación para la producción de panela
Authors: Cortes Tovar Giovanni Andres , Osorio Hernández Robinson , Guerra García Lina Marcela
Published: January 2025

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el efecto de tratamientos con diferentes configuraciones de ventilación natural, combinadas con tres tipos de materiales de cubierta, sobre las condiciones de confort térmico del trabajador dentro de una instalación para la producción de panela, utilizando modelamiento en Dinámica de Fluidos Computacional. Se encontró un efecto significativo de las aberturas perimetrales y el efecto chimenea generado por la ventana cenital, el cual mostró un papel decisivo en la transferencia de vapor y de calor al exterior. Adicionalmente, se comparó el Índice de Temperatura Efectiva para cada tratamiento, para determinar las condiciones de confort térmico para los trabajadores en cada configuración de ventilación natural. Se evidenció que el mejor ambiente para el confort térmico del trabajador es el tratamiento con las paredes perimetrales abiertas y la ventana cenital abierta, sin presentar diferencia estadística significativa el material de la cubierta.
L’applicabilité des directives (médicales) anticipées sous le prisme de la CESDH : analyse et interrogations issues de l’affaire Pindo Mulla contre Espagne
Authors: Govignon Jessy
Published: January 2025

La Cour européenne des droits de l’homme a examiné le recours d’une personne témoin de Jéhovah ayant reçu des transfusions à l’encontre de sa volonté. La requérante avait préalablement exprimé son refus en rédigeant ses directives médicales anticipées. La Cour considère que le processus décisionnel ayant abouti à l’administration de transfusions n’a pas respecté les droits de la requérante, la privant du pouvoir de refuser son consentement aux actes médicaux litigieux. De nombreux éléments analysés par la Cour permettent de contribuer à la réflexion sur le cadre juridique français relatif aux directives anticipées.
Former à l’intervention socio-sportive : mettre en tension formation académique et expérience dans un dispositif continué de formation par l’analyse de pratique
Authors: Paret Karine
Published: January 2025

L’auteur propose de mettre au jour, à partir du retour d’expérience d’alternants en analyse de pratique à l’université, une articulation possible entre situation professionnelle vécue sous tension et formation académique. S’appuyant sur le cadre théorique du « cours d’action » en anthropologie cognitive située (Theureau, 2004, 2015), elle étudie l’expérience d’étudiants confrontés à des délinquants multirécidivistes et montre un processus de construction de solutions pédagogiques émergeant en contexte, en situation critique. La médiation socio-sportive engage l’intervenant en zone grise, il s’agit d’aller vers le délinquant qui ne reconnaît ni l’autorité, ni les institutions. L’analyse fine de ces moments paradoxaux pour et par les étudiants alternants permet une réappropriation collective des expériences individuelles, d’en percevoir les atouts et les limites. Des moments de débrouillardise, d’innovation, de déviance positive (Singhal, 2015) sont rapportés dans une méthodologie d’analyse de l’activité inspirée du Laboratoire du cours d’action (Theureau, 2010). En situations complexes et incertaines, portés par leurs convictions, les étudiants font émerger (Varela, 1993) des réponses qui ne peuvent être déduites des seuls apports académiques de formation.
Chronique d’une calamité annoncée
Authors: Silva Marta Nunes , Gomes Inês , Queiroz Ana Isabel , Carmo Miguel , Ágoas Frederico
Published: January 2025

Au Portugal, le feu, un élément central du paysage rural des communautés agropastorales du milieu du xxe siècle, a donné lieu à des grands incendies estivaux, actuellement considérés comme une calamité qui se produit fréquemment, provoquant des pertes écologiques, économiques et même humaines. Quelles sont les causes de ce changement ? À partir d'un corpus d'archives et d'entretiens réalisés dans le cadre de l’étude de cas des montagnes de Lapa et de Nave (au nord du pays), nous analysons les feux, partie intégrante du quotidien des populations dans les années 1950, puis les facteurs qui ont conduit à la transformation de ces paysages ruraux et, enfin, l’arrivée des incendies forestiers incontrôlables.
« L’incendie se combat vingt ans avant son éclosion »
Authors: Massaiu Antonella , Guerrini Gilles
Published: January 2025

Dans cet entretien, Antonella Massaiu revient sur son parcours personnel, universitaire (notamment à la faculté des sciences agronomiques et forestières de Florence) et professionnel qui l’a amenée à consacrer sa vie à la défense des forêts contre les incendies, en Corse, pour l’Office national des forêts. Elle retrace l’histoire des premiers brûlages dirigés, en France, dans les années 1980 jusqu’à leur actuelle généralisation en passant par leur législation en 1992 et leur enseignement auprès des professionnels. Elle montre que cette technique de feu, réalisée pendant la période hivernale par des groupes pluridisciplinaires et interservices, permet de réduire le niveau de combustible au sol et de limiter l’expansion des incendies, en particulier dans des zones difficiles d’accès.
Les Vierges de la discorde
Authors: Maclouf Marguerite , Agüero Gala Huilén
Published: January 2025

À partir de deux enquêtes ethnographiques, menées respectivement au nord-ouest de l’Argentine et au sud de l’Espagne, nous avançons que les pratiques religieuses constituent un point d’entrée à l’analyse des reconfigurations sociales et productives en milieu rural. En effet, l’étude de deux cultes de dévotion mariale montre comment des groupes d’anciens travailleurs s’y sont investis pour se repositionner socialement. Dans ces sociétés autrefois marquées par de fortes inégalités économiques (plantations de tabac et haciendas andalouses), ces célébrations étaient contrôlées par patrons et grands propriétaires. Elles sont devenues aujourd’hui le moyen de renégocier les positions d’autorité et de prestige.
Repenser l’enseignement philosophique pour l’éducation à l’environnement : l’entraînement épistémique
Authors: Guité Alexandra
Published: January 2025

Les nouvelles pratiques philosophiques offrent des outils conceptuels pour repenser l’enseignement de la philosophie au collégial en lien avec l’éducation relative à l’environnement (ERE). Inspirées par la Philosophie pour Enfants et Adolescents (PPEA), ces approches visent à développer la pensée critique, éthique et collaborative des étudiant.e.s. En intégrant des méthodologies telles que les communautés de recherche philosophique et l’entraînement épistémique, les étudiant.e.s peuvent aborder les enjeux environnementaux avec une réflexion empathique et rigoureuse, contribuant ainsi à une meilleure compréhension et action face aux défis actuels.
Canaux, villes et réseaux de villes entre le xe et le xiiie s. dans la moitié nord de la France
Authors: Peter Pauline
Published: January 2025

Dès la fin du haut Moyen Âge, le développement des villes et de leurs moyens de communication s’accompagne parfois de profondes transformations du réseau hydrographique. Qu’il s’agisse d’assainir les terres, d’optimiser la navigation ou encore de favoriser le fonctionnement de certaines industries, la création de canaux est étroitement liée à la construction et à la croissance du tissu urbain. Ces voies d’eau artificielles aux fonctions plurielles présentent des architectures et des équipements variés qui s’accordent avec le milieu au sein duquel elles sont implantées ainsi qu’avec les activités pratiquées à leurs abords. Ces dernières décennies, les progrès enregistrés en matière d’archéologie urbaine et territoriale apportent un nouvel éclairage sur ces canaux, dont nous proposons de dresser les principales caractéristiques à travers quelques exemples abordés dans le cadre d’une récente thèse de doctorat. Le croisement des données archéologiques, paléoenvironnementales, cartographiques, mais aussi archivistiques, permet de mieux définir ces aménagements bien particuliers qui se multiplient de manière exponentielle à partir du xiie s. sur l’ensemble du territoire étudié. Cet article a ainsi pour vocation de mettre en évidence la diversité des structures canalisées et surtout de mieux caractériser ces ouvrages techniques que sont les canaux ainsi que leur importance dans le développement économique des villes durant l’époque médiévale.
Prevalence of selected chronic diseases, health seeking behaviour and associated factors among the elderly workers of a selected district of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunathilaka Niluka , Samaranayake Dulani L. , Weerasinghe Manuj C.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Sri Lankan demographic transition has shifted the country to a fast-ageing population. Consequently, elderly in labour force will be noteworthy. Ageing increases the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Hence, its prevalence, health seeking behaviour and associated factors need to be sought to improve the health of elderly workforce. Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic and work-related characteristics of elderly workers, health status, health seeking behaviour and association between the health seeking behaviour and sociodemographic and work-related characteristics in Gampaha District of Sri Lanaka Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using multistage cluster sampling in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka among 835 elderly workers who met the operational definition and eligibility criteria. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire, covering sociodemographic and occupational details, and information on chronic illnesses and health-seeking behaviour. Bivariate analysis was carried out using Chi--squared test, considering a p-value of 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Majority of the workers (78.4%; n=655) were having at least one chronic illness and the occupation of 58% of them was affected by their chronic illness. For acute and chronic illness, 48.1% were taking treatment from private medical centres.  The healthcare seeking behaviour for chronic conditions among the elderly was influenced by factors such as educational level, income, marital status, living arrangements, skill level and working patterns.  Conclusions & Recommendations: The findings emphasize the need for policies and interventions that address socio-demographic disparities in healthcare access by promoting family support, insurance schemes, and adopting the health care facility provision according to the workplaces and working patterns.
Healthcare waste management practices in rural state hospitals, Ampara, Sri Lanka
Authors: Warnakulahewa Kulanga , Suraweera Inoka , Serasinghe Prasanga
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Healthcare waste encompasses all waste generated by healthcare facilities, including that from medical procedures. Approximately 10-25% of healthcare waste is hazardous while 75-90% are non-hazardous. Hazardous waste consists of sharp objects, infectious materials, pharmaceuticals, biological substances, cytotoxic agents, chemicals and radioactive materials. Effective management of healthcare waste involves reducing generation, segregating, collecting, transporting, storing, treating and disposing of it properly. Objectives: To assess healthcare waste management practices and state of related healthcare waste management facilities in rural state hospitals in the Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) Area, Ampara Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all secondary and primary level state hospitals (n=26) in the health region, Ampara. Data collection utilised observational checklists, desk review of relevant documents and interviews with key persons by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was conducted using relative frequencies, while significant relationships were evaluated through Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The research achieved a 100% response rate allowing observations, desk reviews and questionnaire administration in all selected hospitals. Only two hospitals demonstrated satisfactory healthcare waste management practices. None of the hospitals had a proper mechanism to transport healthcare waste. Significant associations were found between the healthcare waste management practices of the hospitals and factors such as the presence of a healthcare waste management plan in the hospital (p=0.02), the existence of a focal point for healthcare waste management activities (p=0.03) and the availability of a mechanism for regular staff training (p=0.04).  Conclusions & Recommendations: The study recommends developing healthcare waste management plans, appointing focal points, establishing regular training mechanisms, allocating a separate budget, and forming healthcare waste management committees within hospitals.
Factors influencing the unexpected measles outbreak of 2023 in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Kalubowila Kasunee , Gajanayake Chandana
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Measles, a highly contagious viral disease remains a significant global public health concern. The resurgence of measles outbreak in 2023 ended the four-year measles-free status in Sri Lanka initially achieved in 2019.  Objectives: To examine the risk factors contributing to the unexpected outbreak in the Colombo Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) area and offer recommendations for public health implications Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all 142 notified cases of fever and maculopapular rash reported for one-year from 1 January 2023 in Colombo RDHS area. Cases were confirmed based on serological, virological, clinical or epidemiological criteria, with incomplete data revisited to ensure accuracy. Information on demographic data, vaccination status, and contact history was collected. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to identify risk factors, and multiple logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounders. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.  Results: Of the 142 notified cases of fever and maculopapular rash, 113 were confirmed as measles (79.6%). Of the confirmed cases, 80 (70.8%) were confirmed through blood, throat, or nasal swab testing, 33 (29.2%) were clinically confirmed, and 2 (1.8%) were confirmed based on epidemiological criteria. Among the confirmed cases, 48.7% (n=55) were aged between 3-15 years, and 55.8% (n=63) were female. The highest proportion of cases was identified within the Muslim population (53.1%). A majority (n=92; 81.4%) of confirmed cases were unvaccinated. A history of contact with infected individuals significantly increased the risk of measles (OR=7.50; 95% CI: 2.10-14.4; p=0.002). Children aged 3 years or younger exhibited a lower risk (OR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.25-0.68; p=0.001), while vaccination demonstrated strong protection against infection (OR=16.61; 95% CI: 3.38-20.48; p=0.001). Contact history (adjusted OR=8.46) and non/partial vaccination (adjusted OR=6.61) were the strongest predictors of infection. Conclusions & Recommendations: Measles outbreak in 2023 was predominantly driven by unvaccinated individuals and contact with infected cases. To prevent future outbreaks and enhance immunization coverage, targeted catch-up immunization campaigns focusing on high-risk groups, alongside culturally sensitive educational initiatives are urgently required.
A meaningful life for holistic well-being and optimal work performance
Authors: Wickramasinghe Enoka
Published: January 2025

No abstract available
Assessing the Dynamic Linkage Between Exchange Rates and Stock Prices: Evidence from SAARC Countries
Authors: Arampaththa A. T. N. , Samantha W. T. G.
Published: January 2025

This study examines the dynamic relationship between exchange rate and the stock market price, using the evidence from four South Asian countries where the research gap has prevailed from a lesser number of studies and research has made little to no attempt in investigating the predicting power of the stock price using the exchange rate. By conducting time series analysis on the dynamic relationship between the exchange rate and the stock price in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh it was found that the variables are stationary at first difference. The insignificance of Johanson cointegration test results revealed that there is no long-term relationship between the variables in each country. Using the VAR estimates, the impulse response and variance decomposition has been tested to discover how each variable absorbs the shocks from the other variable. Granger causality test has shown that both Sri Lanka and India recorded bidirectional granger causal relationship, Pakistan showed unidirectional relationship whilst Bangladesh showed no causal relationship between the variables. Finally, the machine learning model revealed that the exchange rate can predict the stock price at 70.19% accuracy. Thereby, results of this study support that exchange rate and stock price in South Asian countries have a short-term significant relationship. Implication of this study could be used by the managers, policy makers and enterprises in diversifying the portfolios and obtaining maximum advantages from currency depreciation. However, this study also makes pre warning that if the direction has been changed due to the higher volatility of this relationship currency depreciation would bring negative implications on the stock prices. Therefore, policy makers should not solely depend on the exchange rate in making decisions. Further, as this study only covers the short-term impact, future studies are encouraged to assess the long-term relationship considering multiple aspects such as different exchange rates, other macroeconomic variables etc. to provide greater insights.
Knowledge and Practices Among Mothers in Detection, Treatment and Prevention of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Under Five Years in Kandy Municipal Council Area
Authors: Amaratunga H. A. , Sudaraka M. D. S. , Swarnahansika S. L. T. , Thennakoon T. M. S. S. , Tharaka H. D. R. R. , Tharangi K. H. A. S. , Thewarapperuma D. M. S. , Thilakarathne K. M. H. C. , Thilakarathne W. D. S. , Thilakarathne K. H. K. V. , Jayasinghe K. S. L.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTI) cause childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mothers play a crucial role, identifying early symptoms and obtaining proper medical advice. It was the aim of this study to assess the knowledge and practices regarding symptoms, treatment and prevention of ARTIs among mothers of children less than five years of age in the Kandy Municipal Council.Materials and Methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of mothers having one or more children less than five years of age living in the Kandy Municipal Council Area. A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge level regarding detection, prevention and treatment of ARTIs and values were compared with demographic factors.Result: Total of 424 mothers were recruited age range 22-35 years. The majority of mothers (83.73%) identified pneumonia as a severe ARTI. The majority (74.23%) gathered health information from public media. Many children suffered from several episodes of ARTI during the previous year. A cold was the commonest symptom and 68.87% identified viruses as the cause. Half the mothers (50.24%) sought medical advice immediately, while 33.96% gave home remedies. Family members with ARTI were separated from the child (66.04%), and 86.79% tried to improve the immunity as preventive measures. A significant relationship was found between the knowledge score and educational level, income, and employment, but not the age, and number of children.Conclusion: Overall knowledge of the mothers regarding ARTIs was not satisfactory. Mothers with a high income, high level of education and employment had better knowledge.
Revisiting Fad Diets to Separate Science from Fiction
Authors: Navaratna S.
Published: January 2025

No abstract available
Alternative treatment for schizophrenia with a local wisdom approach in the Tidung tribe community of Tarakan City: a descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Darni Darni , Sulidah Sulidah , Tukan Ramdya Akbar , Martawinarti Rts Netisa , Khadijah Siti , Sari Putri  Irwanti
Published: January 2025

The Tidung community employed traditional methods and botanical remedies to treat schizophrenia, which is part of their local expertise, particularly in public health. This generational knowledge encompasses skills such as massage, chants, mantras, and herbal remedies. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the Tidung community can benefit from these traditional practices as alternative therapies for schizophrenia. The study involved thirteen participants who were conventional practitioners treating schizophrenia and employed a qualitative descriptive methodology. We collected data through field notes and in-depth interviews and then used Colaizzi's approach for analysis. Four major themes emerged from the study: i) the conventional methods used to treat schizophrenia; ii) the reasons for the shortcomings of these methods; iii) the role of supernatural elements in the therapeutic process; and iv) the expectations of traditional healers regarding patient recovery. The results showed that early use of spiritual therapies leads to higher recovery rates compared to physical therapy and herbal medications. We view traditional medicine in this context as a combination of prayer (supernatural components), action (administering potions), and therapy.
Cranial ultrasound evaluation of relation between degree of prematurity and development of intra-ventricular hemorrhage in preterm neonates
Authors: Hamed Amira M.M. , Hassan Khaled H. , Mansour Tarek M. , Fawaz Rasha A.E. , Mohamed Kholoud A.H.
Published: January 2025

Background and aim

Preterm infants are at risk for a variety of brain lesions, which can be diagnosed by cranial ultrasound imaging. Many brain damage develop within the first few weeks of birth. It is critical to diagnose brain injury as soon as possible to implement an effective preventive measures. This study aims to distinguish the relation between grades of prematurity and development and severity of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm neonates.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective cohort study 150 preterm neonates were enrolled who admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University Hospital during the study period from January 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023. All the included patients underwent cranial ultrasound.

Results

The commonest maternal risk factor for the development of IVH among the studied preterm neonates was premature rupture of membrane, followed by preeclampsia and eclampsia. While the commonest fetal risk factors were early gestational age, low birth weight, and fetal hypoxia. Early gestational age, low birth weight, and premature rupture of membrane were shown to be significant risk factors for development of IVH among the studied preterm neonates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows both early gestational age and low birth weight are still significant risk factors for development of IVH.

Conclusion

Using trans-cranial ultrasound we found that the occurrence and severity of IVH is directly proportional with the degree of prematurity.
The relationship between blood pressure measurement in both arms and the severity of coronary artery disease by SYNTAX score
Authors: Mohammed Tariq E. , Mahmoud Mohamed , El-Tayeb Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Background and aim

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between inter-arm blood pressure difference and the severity of coronary artery disease assessed by SYNTAX score in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CA).

Patients and methods

A total of 100 patients undergoing CA were enrolled in the study, with calculation of inter-arm blood pressure difference by BP measurements 1 day before CA, and mean BP was calculated for both arms using all measurements to be compared with SYNTAX score.

Results

In our study, there was a highly significant relationship between mean inter-arm blood systolic pressure difference (IASBPD) and incidence of SYNTAX score more than or equal to 20 (P<0.001). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between the incidence of SYNTAX score more than or equal to 20 and the incidence of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, high total cholesterol level, high low-density lipoprotein level (P=0.022, 0.035, 0.016, and 0.021, respectively). The mean IASBPD was highly significantly higher and also exaggerated IASBPD was significantly higher in patients with high SYNTAX score compared with patients with low SYNTAX score (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

There was a highly significant positive linear correlation between SYNTAX score and mean IASBPD.
A prospective study to evaluate neonatal trigger score as an early warning system in postnatal wards
Authors: Kamel Yara M. , Bayomi Abdel-Mageed M. , Ahmed Hosny A.
Published: January 2025

Background and aim

The newborn baby’s first few days after birth are crucial to their development. This study plans to survey the adequacy of neonatal trigger score (NTS) for recognizable proof of babies in the postpregnancy ward requiring clinical mediation in the ward and neonatal intensive care unit confirmation.

Patients and methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at Tema Central Hospital for 4 months (March 2023–June 2023). The study included 79 neonates with a mean age of 38.16±1.16 weeks and ranged from 35 to 41 weeks. Twenty (25.2%) of the 79 neonates for whom NTS was administered triggered the NTS, while the remaining 59 (74.8%) did not. The statistically significant (P=0.001) predictive ability of NTS for the detection of neonatal intensive care unit admission by using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Seven of the 20 cases that were examined had abnormal heart rates (35.0%), whereas all of the neonates who did not trigger the NTS chart had heart rates that were normal (100%). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100.0% (95% confidence interval: 1.0–1.0, P=0.001) with a cutoff value of less than 2.

Conclusion

NTS is an easy, simple, and costless, good predictive and sensitive score for follow-up and early detection of a neonate who needs intervention and admission
Serum Hepatocyte growth factor level as a biomarker for hepatitis C virus related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: El-Bawab El-Saeid M.E. , Elaziem Khaled A. , Elfotoh Mohammed M.A. , Mohammed Ahmed Y.A.
Published: January 2025

Background and aim

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and early detection can improve the prognosis, in this study, we aimed to investigate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as a biomarker for the detection of HCC post hepatitis C liver cirrhosis.

Patients and methods

In this study, we measured serum HGF and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for 106 persons who were divided into three groups HCC group (36 patients), cirrhotic group (40 patients who had post hepatitis C virus liver cirrhosis), and control group (30).

Results

HGF levels were significantly higher in HCC than Cirrhotic group and control group. Also, HGF can diagnose HCC with sensitivity and specificity of 96.9% and 98.2% at levels more than 426 pg/ml compared with sensitivity and specificity of AFP which was 95% and 90% at 9.9 ng/ml.

Conclusion

HGF may be a crucial marker for predicting HCC in the early stages compared with AFP.
Mediev'Enl -A domain ontology for cultural heritage items: case of medieval illuminations of Burgundy duke
Authors: Diarra Djibril , Clouzot Martine , Nicolle Christophe
Published: January 2025

soumission à Episciences

In the Middle Ages, some illuminations were intended for the elites of society and served as a means of communication for them to extend their social influences and to represent their social environments. They constitute an information system based on symbolic components linked together by semantic and influential relationships whose structure is close to models representing social relationships and networks. Today, understanding these illuminations and extracting their implicit messages, expressed through the combination of metaphorical graphic elements, are a difficult task reserved for experts. To help these latter and address the semantic heterogeneity of illuminations, this article explores the synergy between knowledge representation techniques and the analysis of medieval documents to build a knowledge model describing these medieval paintings. It proposes a formal ontology composed of items describing the explicit and visible knowledge of medieval illuminations and others expressing their implicit messages. The considered illuminations are part of those ordered or linked to the Burgundy duke, Philiphe le Bon

Au Moyen Âge, des enluminures étaient destinées aux élites de la société et leurs servaient de moyen de communication pour étendre leurs influences sociales et pour représenter leurs environnements sociaux. Elles constituent un système d'information basé sur des composants symboliques reliés entre eux par des relations sémantiques et influentes dont la structure est proche des modèles représentant des relations sociales et des réseaux. Aujourd'hui, la compréhension de ces enluminures et l'extraction de leurs messages implicites, exprimés par la combinaison d'éléments graphiques métaphoriques, sont une tâche difficile réservée aux experts. Pour aider ces derniers et traiter l'hétérogénéité sémantique des enluminures, cet article explore la synergie entre les techniques de représentation des connaissances et l'analyse des documents médiévaux pour construire un modèle de connaissances décrivant ces peintures médiévales. Il propose une ontologie formelle composée d'entités décrivant les savoirs explicites et visibles des enluminures médiévales et d'autres exprimant leurs messages implicites. Les enluminures concernées sont une partie de celles commandées et relatives au duc de Bourgogne, Philiphe le Bon.
Estrategias de distribución de contenidos en Facebook: caso Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo
Authors: Montero Guijarro Erica Joselyn , Manzur Rizquez Katherine
Published: January 2025

Facebook presenta múltiples formas de comunicación desde hace 20 años, replantea maneras de interacción entre los usuarios a través de una variedad de publicaciones, definiendo así su impacto y relevancia en la red. La evolución tecnológica y digital ha provocado grandes cambios en el entorno en el que se desarrolla el individuo. La extrema digitalización ha hecho que el usuario ya no se sienta satisfecho con los contenidos publicados, generando problemas de comunicación y desinterés en el cibernauta. Por lo mencionado, se plantea la necesidad de analizar las estrategias de distribución de contenidos en la red social Facebook de la Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, con el fin de establecer nuevas dinámicas que generen mayor interacción entre la red y el público. La metodología que se implementó fue de enfoque mixto, con un muestreo sistemático de los contenidos publicados en Facebook en el período 2023. Las técnicas de recopilación de datos permitieron obtener perspectivas más profundas y comprender las dinámicas que emplea la institución para realizar sus publicaciones. En conclusión, usar estrategias adecuadas dentro de una red social aumenta la capacidad de entablar identidad y sentido de pertenencia con la audiencia, una vez que se planteen dinámicas enfocadas en una necesidad.
Efectividad del contenido estratégico en el engagement de cuentas de restaurantes en Instagram en la ciudad de Cuenca
Authors: Aguirre Lopez Julio Rafael , Manzur Rizquez Katherine
Published: January 2025

En los últimos años, la evolución de la publicidad digital impulsó la adopción de nuevas estrategias de contenido para garantizar mayor retención y relación con los usuarios en redes sociales. En Cuenca, los restaurantes han empezado a emplear nuevas tácticas en sus cuentas de Instagram, buscando aumentar el engagement mediante formatos visuales y audiovisuales creativos adaptados al comportamiento cambiante de los usuarios. El objetivo de este estudio es validar la efectividad del contenido en el engagement de las cuentas de restaurantes en Instagram en Cuenca. Se utilizó una metodología mixta, combinando datos cuantitativos obtenidos de las cuentas de Instagram de importantes restaurantes en Cuenca, y datos cualitativos de entrevistas a expertos en contenido gastronómico. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian una influencia positiva de la estrategia de contenido en el engagement de las cuentas analizadas, destacando la importancia de estas estrategias para conectar con la audiencia.
El Podcast como canal de difusión cultural en el ámbito universitario a través de la narrativa audiovisual
Authors: Cabrera León Freddy Geovanny , Zamora Arízaga Renato Xavier
Published: January 2025

El podcast constituye un medio eficiente y accesible para la adquisición de información acerca de diversos temas. Este estudio analiza su eficacia en la transmisión cultural, proponiendo formatos innovadores en este campo, con el objetivo de optimizar los canales informáticos de difusión de cultura en el ámbito universitario. Dado que el podcast es un medio esencial para la difusión cultural, el desconocimiento de este instrumento ha influido en la poca promoción de la cultura en el ámbito universitario, a través de la narrativa audiovisual. En virtud de esta premisa, surge la necesidad de evaluar la eficacia del podcast como medio de difusión de cultura en el ámbito universitario, empleando un enfoque mixto de carácter observacional, respaldado en entrevistas a docentes y encuestas a estudiantes, con el propósito de obtener resultados que demuestren el impacto y eficacia del uso del podcast en el ámbito universitario. En resumen, esta investigación evalúa el impacto de la narrativa audiovisual del podcast en la difusión cultural y su repercusión en la participación estudiantil. Como resultado se evidencia la efectividad del podcast como canal de difusión de cultura en el ámbito universitario, así como también se pudo identificar que al ser un formato innovador todavía se debe profundizar en este estudio.