bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observing the Southern US Culture of Honor Using Large-Scale Social Media Analysis
Authors: Kim Juho , Guerzhoy Michael
Published: October 2024

A culture of honor refers to a social system where individuals' status, reputation, and esteem play a central role in governing interpersonal relations. Past works have associated this concept with the United States (US) South and related with it various traits such as higher sensitivity to insult, a higher value on reputation, and a tendency to react violently to insults. In this paper, we hypothesize and confirm that internet users from the US South, where a culture of honor is more prevalent, are more likely to display a trait predicted by their belonging to a culture of honor. Specifically, we test the hypothesis that US Southerners are more likely to retaliate to personal attacks by personally attacking back. We leverage OpenAI's GPT-3.5 API to both geolocate internet users and to automatically detect whether users are insulting each other. We validate the use of GPT-3.5 by measuring its performance on manually-labeled subsets of the data. Our work demonstrates the potential of formulating a hypothesis based on a conceptual framework, operationalizing it in a way that is amenable to large-scale LLM-aided analysis, manually validating the use of the LLM, and drawing a conclusion.
Children’s Simultaneous or Successive Acquisition of Vocabulary and Grammar: Evidence from Cross-situational Learning
Authors: Zhang Wensi , Monaghan Padraic , Bennett Sophie , Rebuschat Patrick
Published: October 2024

Recent evidence (e.g., Monaghan et al., 2021; Rebuschat et al., 2021) showed that adult learners can acquire words and grammar simultaneously by tracking cross-situational statistics. In this study, we tested whether cross-situational learning (CSL) is powerful enough to support simultaneous learning in younger learners. Twenty children (ages 8 to 9) were exposed to a complex artificial language comprising novel nouns, verbs, case markers, with variable word order by means of a CSL paradigm, adapted from Rebuschat et al. (2021). We found that participants were rapidly able to learn the novel word order but failed to learn the novel vocabulary. The results can shed light on the understanding of differences in CSL across the life span and provide further empirical evidence for the cognitive underpinnings of child-adult differences in the earliest stages of language acquisition.
Psychoneuroimmunology of mindfulness: What works, how does it work, and for whom does it work best?
Authors: Buric Ivana
Published: October 2024

The consequences of chronic stress present a major public health challenge, and we are beginning to understand ways to mitigate these damaging effects. Research on mindfulness has accumulated over the past decades and suggests that it can counteract the psychological, neural, and immune effects of chronic stress, but more research is required to provide precise clinical guidelines. This article describes mindfulness interventions in a language that can be understood by researchers from different backgrounds, reviews three central gaps, and provides future directions for research on the psychoneuroimmunology of mindfulness. The first gap addresses the need to explore adaptations to existing mindfulness interventions that may further increase effectiveness or accessibility across diverse populations—such as varying intervention duration and doses of home practice or utilising technology. The second gap refers to a lack of consensus on the theoretical framework in mindfulness research that blocks progress. Researchers are invited to use the Interdisciplinary Theoretical Framework (INSPIRER) that integrates disciplines and explains the psychological, neural, and immune mechanisms by which mindfulness produces broad benefits across different levels of observation. The final gap refers to individual differences in responses to mindfulness interventions, and discovering who benefits the most from mindfulness interventions. Baseline levels of psychopathology are some of the participant characteristics that influence responses to mindfulness interventions, but only further identification of participant characteristics and replication of existing ones will allow for more targeted approaches. By addressing these three research gaps in the 21st century, we can advance the field of mindfulness and contribute to the development of cost-effective and personalised interventions that can be applied on a large scale to mitigate the effects of chronic stress and protect human health.
Effects of Rewards on Motivation and Student Achievement in Digital Game-Based Learning in Teaching English as a Foreign Language for Primary School Pupils in Kazakhstan
Authors: Journal Arab World English , Duisenova M.M. , Zhorabekova A.N.
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of rewards on motivation and academic performance in digital game-based learning (DGBL) for teaching English as a foreign language to primary school students in Kazakhstan. The main objective is to evaluate how incentive systems influence student engagement and achievement, addressing a gap in the existing literature on the effectiveness of rewards in educational environments. Using a quasi-experimental design, 46 fourth-grade students were divided into a control group that received traditional instruction and an experimental group that engaged in DGBL with rewards. Data were collected through questionnaires measuring motivation and academic performance before and after the intervention. The results showed that students in the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher motivation and better educational outcomes than the control group. This study concludes that rewards can effectively enhance motivation and performance in DGBL, providing practical recommendations for educators to incorporate rewards in a balanced manner to sustain long-term engagement and learning success. Future research should explore the long-term effects of such interventions in different educational contexts.
Foregrounding Aspects in Dylan Thomas’ Before I Knocked: A Stylistic Analysis
Authors: Journal Arab World English , Ahmad Rawand Sabah , Meena Reman Sabah , Muhammed Dana Shamsadin
Published: October 2024

Vivid imagery and intricate tapestry of linguistic features are essential to grasp literary significance and appreciation in Dylan Thomas’ poems. This study focuses on one of his most significant poems, Before I Knocked for an in-depth investigation. The study is significant in because combining both the theory of foregrounding and the checklist is unique in this type of study. Therefore, the study aims to analyze Thomas’ selected poem and demonstrate how and why various linguistic elements are systematically utilized to create value and quality in the poem. Concerning this, the study utilises qualitative descriptive analysis relying on stylistic analysis within which the theory of foregrounding supplemented by Leech and Short’s checklist, is applied. Ultimately, the study finds that Thomas has employed linguistic features and foregrounding aspects systematically and coherently to carry meaning and theme and relate the form and the content of his work. The study also recommends integrating linguistic features in literary stylistic analysis is essential for learners and pedagogical purposes.
Development of Public English Teachers in Chinese Vocational Colleges via the Mechanism of “One Body, Two Wings and Three Parties Collaborations”
Authors: Journal Arab World English , Peng Chaozhong
Published: October 2024

A good public English teaching faculty is an essential requirement for the development of high-quality vocational education and is urgently needed to achieve the objectives outlined by the “New Curriculum Standards” in Chinese colleges. The current challenges faced by the construction of the public English teaching faculty in the colleges include improper professional development orientation, unreasonable teacher structure ratios, imbalanced teacher ability development, indistinctive faculty characteristics, and inadequate fulfillment of moral cultivation objective. To address these issues, this study based on the questionnaire survey and cases collected mainly from higher vocational colleges in Jiangxi’s province explores repositioning the new professional role of public English teachers under the “New Curriculum Standards” by implementing the working mechanism: “one body (public English teachers), two wings (recruiting & training public English talents), and three parties (government, schools and enterprises) collaboration.” It aims to comprehensively enhance the integrated qualities of “professional knowledge + foreign language skills + cultural literacy” among teachers, thus improving the moral and intellectual nurturing capacity of public English courses in higher vocational education.
Digital Dissemination of Cultural Heritage: The Role of IoT in Disseminating Mythological and Religious Content Online
Authors: Moldoveanu Mirela
Published: October 2024

This study explores the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the dissemination of cultural content, focusing on the transmission of Norse mythology and Orthodox Christian religious values within Romania, a culture with no historical connection to Norse mythology. By statistically analysing data collected from digital platforms such as TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), the research examines the differences in the presence and language of posts related to culturally specific content (Orthodox Christianity) and non-specific content (Norse mythology). The findings reveal that cultural content with strong institutional and historical support, like Orthodox Christianity, shows a higher prevalence and consistency in its digital dissemination, often transcending language barriers. Conversely, Norse mythology, lacking such support in Romania, demonstrates a more fragmented and inconsistent digital presence. The study also uncovers the influence of social media algorithms on the retrieval and representation of cultural content, highlighting significant quantitative and qualitative differences in search results between different users. These findings suggest that while the IoT facilitates global cultural exchange, it also introduces challenges in preserving the authenticity of cultural content in digital environments. The implications of this research extend to understanding the mechanisms of cultural hybridisation and the potential for digital platforms to both preserve and transform cultural heritage.
Unlocking Potential: A Closer Look at Research Engagement and Productivity Among EFL Academics in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Journal Arab World English , Dian Fadhilawati M.Pd. , Tajuddin Azza Jauhar Ahmad , Romly Raihana , Supriyono  , Risdianto Faizal , Saifudin Ahmad
Published: October 2024

The Study highlighted research engagement and productivity among academics in East Java, Indonesia’s private universities. It communicated three research inquiries: 1) How do 30 English Education Departments’ research productivity levels represent 288 Academics in East Java’s private universities? 2) To what extent do EFL academics’ participate in different research-related activities? 3) What drives the EFL academics’ interest in conducting research? Understanding these matters is critical for improving research production and personal performance. The Study utilized a Quantitative descriptive approach by analyzing evidence of overall productivity scores in the Sinta Database. In addition, an online survey was issued to point out academics’ involvement in research and the drives beneath their participation. The findings indicated that the research productivity among 30 English education departments was mainly low. Academics intensively engaged in writing, citing, conducting, and reading research. However, publishing research in recognized international journals indexed by Scopus or Web of Science, publishing in accredited national (Sinta Tiers one and two), and proposing intellectual property rights received less scrutiny. Their research drive was primarily for professional development, knowledge contribution, and self-awareness; research is a component of their job, alongside teaching and community services. However, promotions, governmental positions, and professional allowances were less motivating. The findings emphasize the significance of targeted funding and mentorship to facilitate publications, promote technical advancement, and stimulate the pursuit of intellectual property rights to enhance research productivity.
Exploring Hedging in Spoken Discourse: Insights from Corpus Analysis
Authors: Journal Arab World English , Leláková Eva , Praženicová Diana
Published: October 2024

The present research deals with the phenomenon of hedging language, mainly focusing on the context of spontaneous verbal interactions. The main aim of the study is to analyze the occurrence of hedges in English spoken discourse as captured in the Spoken British National Corpus 2014. The research process deals with the differences in the usage of approximators and shields existing among men and women across different age groups and levels of education. The research methodology involves creating six sub-corpora, measuring hedge dispersion, examining selected hedges to ascertain their hedging function within the context and calculating frequencies within each sub-corpus. The research outcomes point to the prevalence of shields in spoken discourse. Plausibility shields are commonly used while attribution shields show lower usage. Adaptors contribute to mitigating certainty in utterances, whereas rounders play a less prominent role. These findings emphasize the nuanced interplay between linguistic strategies and speaker characteristics in spoken communication and highlight the importance of cooperative principles in discourse.
THE ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION IN WORKING-CLASS NEIGHBOURHOODS. TOWARDS GREATER ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ?
Authors: Lécureur Clairelou
Published: October 2024

This first issue of the Enseignements du Lab collection provides a transversalreading of the results of four collective projects linked to the ecological transitionin working-class neighbourhoods. It focuses on the sociological dimension ofthe climate crisis and, more specifically, on environmental inequalities. The linkbetween environmental issues and inequalities is not new, but it is increasinglybeing studied, mainly through the prism of working-class neighbourhoods. Indeed,residents of low-income urban areas are more vulnerable to the consequencesof climate change. And this, even though they contribute to it the least,through their consumption. After presenting the specific context and potential ofworking-class neighbourhoods to contribute to the social and ecological transition,this publication answers the following question: what actions are possiblein working-class neighbourhoods to address environmental inequalitiesand move towards greater environmental justice?
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Women’s Representation in Maysaloon Hadi’s Novel The Black Eyes
Authors: Journal Arab World English , Rahim Noor Riyadh
Published: October 2024

This study applies a discourse analysis framework to explore the portrayal of women in Maysloon Hadi’s novel (The Black Eyes) (2011), using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Norman Fairclough’s tri-dimensional model (1989) as the analytical foundation. It investigates the roles and challenges women face in the novel. While there is growing interest in the portrayal of women in literature, Iraqi literature—especially from the perspective of Iraqi women writers remains underexplored. Hadi’s *The Black Eyes* provides a unique case to examine this intersection. Despite the novel’s rich narrative, which offers insight into Iraqi women’s lives, there is a lack of comprehensive CDA to understand how its language constructs and communicates the multifaceted roles, challenges, and images of women. The research fills this gap by analyzing specific passages from the novel using Fairclough’s model. The findings reveal a nuanced portrayal of women and underscore the value of CDA in analyzing such works. Further research is recommended to apply CDA to other Iraqi literary texts for broader insight
Exploring the Impact of the Production-Oriented Approach on Chinese University Students’ Motivation for English Learning: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Journal Arab World English , Zhao Yanli , Sulaiman Nur Ainil , Wahi Wahiza
Published: October 2024

The importance of English language education in China has grown exponentially, especially at the higher education level. In response to the call for more interactive and student-centered instructional methods, the Production-Oriented Approach (POA) has been introduced. Despite the growing body of research on the effects of the POA on language learning outcomes, its impact on students’ motivation for learning English remains under-researched. Thus, this mixed-methods study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the impact of the POA on Chinese university students’ motivation for English learning. The quantitative results demonstrated significant improvements in both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among the students instructed by the POA. The qualitative data supported these findings, revealing that the structured stages of the POA, along with its core principles, created a supportive and engaging learning environment. However, the study also highlighted challenges, such as the potential for students to feel overwhelmed by the demands of the approach. The importance of this study lies in its demonstration that the POA is a practical and effective method for enhancing motivation in English language learning, with significant implications for broader educational reforms aimed at creating more supportive learning environments.
Unpacking the Theatre-Religion Dialectic: Siting Christianity’s Mary Magdalene
Authors: Manokara Nidya , Samosir Nora , Wee Lionel
Published: October 2024

In this article, we focus on the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar as a case study to offer insights into the dialectical relationship between theatre and religion. This allows us to better understand the difficulties and limits involved as one attempts to challenge or confront the other. Drawing on the framework of ideological sites, particularly the anthropological distinction between primary and secondary sites, we provide a valuable explanation as to why, despite the endeavours at redressing them, misconceptions about Mary Magdalene continue to exist. We close with a discussion of metatheatre and extract guidelines on how a metatheatrical critique of received understandings about Mary might be conceived.
TRENDS IN THE DYNAMICS OF THE NEED FOR AFFILIATION IN INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING ACUTE LIFE CRISES
Authors:   Kuban State University, YASKO B.A. , DOROKHOVA I.O. ,   Kuban State University
Published: October 2024

The relevance of the research topic is determined by the inevitability and diversity of crises in human life. It is noted that interpersonal relations play a role in the experience and overcoming of life crises. The mechanism of affiliation is identified as a factor influencing interpersonal relationships. This paper presents an analysis of theoretical approaches to understanding this phenomenon and its definition. It is observed that the issues of affiliation and, in particular, the role of affiliation in the experience of stressful situations and life crises are currently underdeveloped. The study of the affiliation motive in the context of experiencing life crises was found to have significant theoretical and applied potential. The objective of the presented research is to analyze the impact of life crises on the expression of the need for affiliation and to test the hypothesis that there is a relationship between the level of expression of the need for affiliation and the temporal distance between the actual life period and the place of the crisis event in the temporal space of the life path of an individual. The data from the content analysis of 390 definitions used by respondents to describe crisis events in their lives are presented. Based on the content analysis, the prevailing semantic units describing the central problem of the respondents' life crises are identified. The study revealed that the most distressing experiences were related to professional activities, family relationships, life changes, Special Military Operation (SMO), financial difficulties, and the illness of a loved one. The study describes specific temporal ranges of experiencing crisis events. It also outlines diagnostics of the state of need for affiliation, which were used to differentiate the total sample into subgroups with high, medium, and low levels of desire for acceptance. The level of affiliation in respondents with different temporal characteristics of experienced life crises was compared. The dynamics of the need for acceptance depending on the temporal indicators of the crisis events was noted. As the acuity of the life crisis increases, the probability of decreasing the need for affiliation increases. The closer in time the crisis is, the less the need for affiliation is formed.
THE INFLUENCE OF INTERPERSONAL SENSITIVITY COMPONENTS ON FEMALE STUDENTS’ EVALUATION OF THE BEAUTY OF THEIR PHYSIQUE
Authors:   Southern Federal University, LABUNSKAYA V.A.
Published: October 2024

The article considers the problem of differentiated influence of a complex of factors, including the expression of components of interpersonal sensitivity, on the perception and evaluation of the beauty of the physique, as well as the influence of a complex of factors consisting of the identification of the physique with a certain type, of the evaluation of the conformity of the idea of one’s physique to that of a beautiful woman, and of self-assessments of the beauty of the physique. On the empirical level, the problem was resolved by conducting a three-stage study. It involved 217 young female students, aged 17 to 23 years (Mage =19, 25; SD=1.514). The research methods employed included the “Interpersonal Sensitivity Questionnaire”, developed by F. Boyce, G. Parker and adapted by A. Y. Razvalyaeva, N. A. Polskaya (2021), and the questionnaire “The Perception of one’s body,” created by D. V. Pogontseva (2019). The mathematical procedures used were as follows: descriptive statistics; rank transformation procedure, which was utilized to ascertain the levels of expression of components of interpersonal sensitivity, indicators of perception and evaluation of the beauty of the physique (low, medium, high) corresponding to the sample of study participants; one-way ANOVA; correlation analysis. The research findings indicated that the intensity of the impact of the variables under study is determined by a set of dependent and non-dependent variables. Furthermore, three sets of factors that differ in the intensity of impact were identified. Young female students’ evaluations of their physical attractiveness have the strongest impact on their fear of rejection in interpersonal relationships (F =14.613, P=0.000) and their conformity of self-image to the ideal of a beautiful woman (F =13.219, P=0.000). The index of the expression of interpersonal sensitivity on girls’ evaluations of the beauty of their physique (F =12.952, P=0.000) was also found to be integral to the expression of fear of rejection in interpersonal relationships (F =13.219, P=0.000). Conclusion: The hypothesis that interpersonal sensitivity components exert intensity-differentiated influences on perceptions and evaluations of physique beauty, and that these influences are differentially expressed in interpersonal sensitivity, was confirmed.
RESTANDARDIZATION OF THE SCALES “VOCATIONAL IDENTITY” AND “CAREER DEVELOPMENT BARRIERS” IN THE RUSSIAN ADAPTATION OF “MY VOCATIONAL SITUATION” TECHNIQUE
Authors:   Kuban State University, DIOMIN A.N. , SEDYKH A.B. ,   Magnit’s Corporate Academy
Published: October 2024

The objective of this paper is to present the findings of restandardization of the “Vocational Identity” and “Career Development Barriers” scales in the “My Vocational Situation” technique by D. Holland, D. Daiger, and P. Power. The Russian language version of the scale has been adapted to study careers in a wide socio-age range (the Russian-language title is “Методика измерения карьерного самоопределения” / Career Self-Determination Measurement Technique). The re-standardization was implemented on a sample of 748 individuals. Of these, 48.13% were male and 51.87% were female. Additionally, 63.5% had completed higher education. The sample included two groups of participants: vocational graduates (n = 327, with one to three years of post-graduation work experience, ages 20 to 26 years) and advancing-age workers (n = 421, ages 30 to 45 years). The study comprised several stages. Initially, the text of the methodology was refined by removing items that increased the uncertainty of answers or were oriented more towards graduates. Subsequently, the nature of data distribution was determined, specifically whether it complied with the normal distribution. The internal and retest reliability of the scales was then checked. This was followed by an examination of the construct, empirical and criterion validity of the technique. Finally, the scales were standardized. The internal and retest reliability of the scales were confirmed. The construct, empirical, and criterion validity of the scale “Vocational Identity” and the construct, empirical validity of the scale “Career Development Barriers” were demonstrated. A nonlinear standardization of the scales was conducted in order to facilitate the correlation of the new results with those obtained with the previous version, including those obtained with samples of vocational students. The latest version of the scales offers the potential for comprehensive comparative research on human activity in the contemporary labor market. This encompasses a range of factors, including age, social status, employment status, type of employment, material status, successful/unsuccessful career development, and so forth. Additionally, the technique and data processing method are provided, offering a framework for express diagnosis when solving practical tasks.
CONTENT OF PERSONAL IDENTITY AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE LIFE COURSE
Authors:   Sochi State University, MAKAREVSKAYA YU.E.
Published: October 2024

In a society undergoing a period of transition, with heightened risks of identity crisis, there are few, if any, systematic studies that can reveal regularities in the formation of personal identity among actors of different age groups. Previous research on identity has predominantly focused on adolescent and young adult samples. However, identity crises are now also evident in adults and older adults. Information about the specifics of identity and its development in adulthood is fragmentary, scattered, and based on diverse methodological foundations. The objective of this study was to identify specific aspects of personal identity content in respondents of different age groups. The study used the method of personal identity diagnostics (Makarevskaya, Ryabikina, 2023), which allows to diagnose the level of manifestation (actualization) of its content elements and factors along with the general index of identity. The study sample consisted of 500 individuals, aged 13 to 90 years, divided into six age groups (adolescence to old age). The average age of the respondents was 32.91. The interrelation of personal identity with the age of respondents outlined in the paper reveals regularities in the manifestation of content components of personal identity from adolescence to old age. The evidence indicates that the structural components of personal identity remain consistent across all age groups. However, the content of identity is dynamic, with elements expressed in different ways at different stages of life. The findings of the study indicate that the respondents’ age group is a significant factor that shapes the characteristics of their personal identity. It demonstrated that the structure of respondents’ personal identity remains stable across all age groups.
THE IMAGE OF THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE IN THE PERCEPTIONS OF ADOPTIVE PARENTS
Authors:   Institute of Psychology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, ALDASHEVA A.A. , SIVASH O.N. ,   Institute of Psychology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, MIKRYUKOVA P.V. ,   Institute of Psychology of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2024

Parenting is considered from the point of view of the co-being approach, which allows studying the family in the coordinates of: jointness, space and time. The conceptual model of adaptive parenting activity is presented, the sustainability of which is determined by the time perspective, including perceptions of interaction in the dyad “adaptive parent-adaptive child”. The purpose of the study was to examine adaptive parents' perceptions of time perspective. Forty adaptive parents (20 females and 20 males) and 41 biological parents (19 females and 22 males) participated in the study. To achieve the purpose of the study, the Motivational Inductors Method of J. Nütten in adaptation of A. D. Leontiev was used. The results revealed the peculiarities of adaptive parents' perspective on the future in comparison with biological parents, the former group relies predominantly on the near future. In the open present, adaptive parentstend toexpress orientation to psychological self-preservation, egoism, maximum aspiration and dissatisfaction with the state of affairs. In the near-term perspective, adaptive parents express the aspiration for the development of abilities, cognition and interest, in contrast to biological parents, focused to their professional activity and the child's studies. In the long term, adaptive parents are dominated by the importance of cognition and interest, achievement motivation, activity, orientation to learning activities (their own and the child's), while the biological parents' orientation to the child, to the development of character, personality traits, abilities and learning activities increases. Conclusions were drawn about adaptive parents' representation of the adaptive family image and the presence of a delayed life script. It was suggested that adaptive parents should be trained with emphasis on the development of skills of building a future perspective and the formation of a holistic image of their activities.
Theory of Planned Behavior in Determining Factors Influencing Tourists' Travel Intentions during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Cheam Chai
Published: October 2024

After more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all worldwide industries, particularly tourism, have been affected by it. Tourism demand dropped as destinations and travel-related enterprises were constrained. This study looked at the elements influencing tourists' travel plans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study considered additional elements that might influence travel plans, such as perceived risks, knowledge, and word of mouth. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO), Bartlett Tests, Principal Axis Factor, Promax Rotation and multiple regression tests were used. According to the findings based on 1,568 usable questionnaires obtained through online convenience sampling, all of the factors were found to affect tourist intention to travel during the pandemic. Despite their relatively small effect sizes, perceived behavioral control was the most important variable, followed by subjective norm, word of mouth, and attitude. The conclusions could help policymakers and industry experts in developing the optimal tourist strategy for winning public trust and generating revenue for the host destination.
Practitioners' View on InsurTech Adoption Challenges in Pakistan: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Saeed Maryam , Arshed Noman
Published: October 2024

Pakistan is an agrarian economy with a booming Islamic financial system, but unlike other developing economies, it has a low share of insurance penetration. Literature has explored multiple dimensions of challenges along with their solutions within the insurance sector. This study proposes that it is the sluggish adoption of InsurTech that led to low insurance penetration. Hence this study is designed to identify different InsurTech adoption-related challenges in the Pakistan insurance industry. Past studies have explored the supply-side merits of InsurTech but overlooked the issues faced by the insurance industry in demanding and absorbing the available new technology. Many youth-led firms are offering the latest technologies for the industrial revolution in Pakistan. This links towards higher technology acceptability among the masses in the future and a possibility to transform the other lagging industries such as banking and insurance. Content analysis is applied to the previously recorded interviews of experts from the insurance industry to derive the themes validated using an independent rater using the interclass correlation coefficient. This study has identified the major InsurTech adoption issues faced by Pakistan's insurance sector practitioners. Academia and regulatory authorities can play a role in generating the industrial revolution output in this sector. The findings of the study are instrumental in developing a regulatory policy to foster InsurTech adoption and increase insurance penetration, which previous studies overlooked in the case of Pakistan.
The Potential Influence of COVID-19 on the Arab World Economy
Authors: N.K. Alfarra Ahmed , Hagag Ahmed
Published: October 2024

This paper predicts Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)'s potential influence on the Arab country's economy by using two predicting models: the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model. The World Bank offers data of the Arab countries' Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the period 1968-2019.  As we show up at the pinnacle of the COVID-19 pandemic, quite possibly the most critical inquiry going up against us is: what is the potential impact of the pandemic on the rate of GDP in Arab countries during the pandemic period? LSTM is recurrent neural networks (RNN), which are competent in understanding temporal dependencies. Therefore, the model based on LSTM achieved a great fit with the real data, which is what made us rely on its results more than the ARIMA model. The results of the LSTM model showed that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a decrease in GDP by approximately 17.22% and 5.41% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, with respect to the real GDP announced by the World Bank. In addition, we trained the LSTM-based model on real data from 1968 to 2020 and predicted the GDP growth rate in the next five years until 2025. Thus, what is certain now is that the Arab world states have to encounter the challenges presented by the current ecosystem. Transition to digital economy is needed, additional volume of data with high-level accuracy is required to improve precise and robust models to attain projections with a reduced amount of margin of error.
Patient Blood Management Conception in the Practice of an Obstetrician-Gynecologist: What to Pay Attention to?
Authors:   National Medical Research Center for Obsterics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, Fedorova T.A. ,   Moscow, Russian Federation, Strelnikova E.V. ,   National Medical Research Center for Obsterics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov; Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: October 2024

Aim. To present literature and own data on the implementation of the concept of patient blood management (PBM) in obstetrics and gynecology. Key points. PBM involves “the timely, interdisciplinary application of evidence-based, multimodal medical and surgical concepts aimed at screening, diagnosing and appropriately treating anemia, minimizing surgical, procedural, iatrogenic blood loss, and managing coagulopathy bleeding to improve health outcomes through patient-centered care”. As part of the PBM, it is important for the obstetrician-gynecologist to first screen for iron deficiency (ID) and identify iron deficiency anemia (IDA), prescribe treatment with modern iron preparations. A new generation of ferrous iron preparation with prolonged release is proposed, which minimizes the side effects of therapy. The second aspect is to screen and treat identified coagulation disorders using treatment algorithms based on thromboelastometry data, the third is in the postpartum/postoperative period, screen for and treat iron deficiency and anemia, control coagulation, monitor blood loss and rational use of allogeneic blood components. The results of the introduction of PBM into clinical practice of the National Medical Research Center for Obsterics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, which allows for timely diagnosis of ID and IDA at the “Anemia-STOP!” Center, rational transfusion of allogeneic blood components, which contributed to a reduction in the volume of procured and transfused donor blood components. Conclusion. The implementation of the PBM concept helps to improve the effectiveness and safety of treatment, while promoting the best use of economic resources. Keywords: patient blood management, obstetrics, gynecology, iron deficiency anemia, new generation ferrous sulfate, coagulation control, efficiency, safety.
Оptoelectronic Technology: a Sufficient Alternative or a Necessary Aid in Cervical Cancer Screening?
Authors:   IMSystems, Buinyakova A.I. ,   Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: October 2024

Aim. To review the advantages and disadvantages of using an optoelectronic cervical screening method to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. Key points. At the present stage, the use of optical-electronic scanning is extremely important for the best diagnosis of cervical precancerous lesions. It can help to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and will benefit the health of women. Conclusion. The optoelectronic technology provides sensitivity comparable to that of liquid cytologic examination of cervical micro specimens and can be used both as a primary screening method and for selection of HPV-positive patients for further diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Keywords: cervical cancer, human papillomavirus, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, optoelectronic screening method.
Prognostic Factors for Recurrence And Survival of Patients with Breast Cancer Using A Multi-state Model
Authors: Rastegar Maryam , Arab Borzu Zahra , Baghestani Ahmad Reza , Aliyari Roqayeh , Akhavan Ali , Saeedi Anahita
Published: October 2024

Background: In many medical studies, patients may experience various events. The analysis in such studies is often administrated using multi-state models. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of risk factors and transition probability on recurrence and death in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study on 814 women with breast cancer admitted to Shahid Ramezanzadeh Radiotherapy Center in Yazd province in Iran between the years 2004 -2012 and were followed until 2016. A multi-state model is applied for data analysis in the R 3.4.1 programming language. Results: Of the 814 patients, 40(5%) experienced recovery after initial treatment and 177(20.7%) experienced the death after initial treatment. For the first year, the transition probabilities from the initial treatment to recovery were estimated at 1.4%, to death was 17% and for recovery to death, it was 29%. The mean sojourn times were estimated as 2.93 and 9.8 years for the treatment and recovery, respectively. Conclusion: Multi-state models predict the transition probabilities in different states of disease, in addition, transition probabilities, mean sojourn time, and hazard ratio in each state can help physicians find suitable care for patients with breast cancer.
Role of Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Decision-Making: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zarghami Anita
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising technology that can revolutionize surgical decision-making (SDM). This comprehensive review aims to explore the current state of AI in SDM and highlight its benefits, challenges, and future directions. The integration of AI in SDM offers numerous advantages. AI algorithms can analyze medical images, such as radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging, to detect abnormalities and assist in pre-operative assessments. By leveraging electronic health records, AI can provide personalized surgical recommendations based on patient-specific data.Additionally, AI can analyze genetic data to assess genetic predispositions and tailor treatment plans accordingly. Intra-operatively, AI can aid in real-time analysis of surgical videos and imaging, helping surgeons identify critical structures and guide precise incisions. AI algorithms can also monitor physiological indicators to detect early signs of complications and predict outcomes, improving intra-operative decision-making. Post-operatively, AI can analyze vital signs, imaging, and patient data to detect complications, provide outcomes analysis, and facilitate personalized patient care. However, challenges and limitations exist. Data quality and availability, interpretability of AI algorithms, data security, integration into surgical workflows, and regulatory considerations are important challenges. Addressing these challenges involves ensuring data privacy, developing transparent AI models, establishing robust infrastructure, engaging clinicians, and establishing regulatory frameworks. AI-powered surgical robots and systems can enhance surgical precision and automation. Improvements in interpretability and explainability foster trust and ethical considerations. Also, data sharing and collaboration advancements could refine AI algorithms’ accuracy and generalizability. Personalized medicine and precision surgery are achieved through AI integration. Also, education and training could benefit from AI-powered decision support systems.
Anti-inflammatory and apoptotic effects of L. Officinal extracts on HT 29 and Caco-2 human colorectal carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Lotfian Sargazi Marzieh , Miri Karam Zahra , Shahraki Ali , Raeiszadeh Mahboobeh , Rezazadeh Khabaz Mohammad Javad , Yari Abolfazl
Published: October 2024

Background: Colorectal cancer is among the deadliest cancers in the world. Due to the occurrence of side effects related to current standard therapy, researchers are seeking better alternative treatments. For many years, herbs have been a promising source for discovering therapeutic compounds. the primary objective of this research was to examine the distinctive apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by Levisticum officinale Koch (lovage) on HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines. Materials and Methods: The maceration method was used to prepare different extracts (ethanol, dichloromethane, petroleum, and residues) from the plant. These extracts were tested on two colon cancer cell lines - HT-29 and Caco-2 - using the MTT assay to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. we evaluated the expression levels of inflammatory genes (IKKb, IKKa, and REIB) using real-time PCR. We also assessed Cox-2 protein expression using western blot analysis. The western blot was also used to analyze apoptosis-related proteins, including Caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2. Results: The dichloromethane extract of Levisticum officin (DELO) exhibited a high cytotoxic effect on Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines, with IC50 values of 106.0±2 µg/mL in HT-29 cells and 175.3±4 µg/mL in Caco-2 cells after 72 hours. None of the lovage extracts showed a significant cytotoxic effect on non-cancerous cells. Furthermore, the group treated with DELO showed a lower expression level of inflammatory genes and COX-2 protein compared to the control group. treatment with DELO resulted in an increase in Caspase-3 protein and BAX/Bcl-2 ratio in both HT-29 and Caco-2 cells. Conclusion: According to this study, DELO has the potential to act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. Further research on the compounds present in DELO and their effect on various signaling pathways could help in the development of new drugs for diseases where inflammation or cells escape from apoptosis play a crucial role.
Hypericin and Naringenin Exert no Significant Synergistic Apoptotic Effect on Y79 Retinoblastoma Cell Line
Authors: Zaferani Arani Hamid , Abbasy Zahra , Hashemi Rafsanjani Seyed Mahmoud Reza , Fooladivanda Nastaran , Kheradmand Mahdi , Shariati Far Fateme , Saghafi Dena , Shekarriz Amirhossein , Barati Mojdeh , Nasirimotlagh Farzaneh , Ziyadloo Fatemeh , Nekuifard Arefe , Farajee Narges , Letafat Mohammadreza , Mehri Tokmeh Marzieh , Teymoorianfard Nastaran , Massah Bita , Javidi Mohammad Amin
Published: October 2024

Background: According to the anti-cancer impact of hypericin and naringenin, we put the main aim of this study to unravel the apoptotic/anti-cancer effect of these compounds on Y79 retinoblastoma cell line. Materials and Methods: To calculate the 50%inhibitory concentration (IC50) of hypericin for 24 and 48 hours, XTT assay performed. Cytotoxic effect of naringenin investigated by XTT and trypan blue exclusion assay further confirmed the inhibitory impact of these agents on Y79 cells viability. Flow cytometry Annexin V/PI determined the cell death. The mRNAs expression level of Bax and Bcl-2 investigated by real-time PCR in different groups including the control, cells treated with naringenin, hypericin, or concurrent with both compounds. Results: The 24 and 48 hours IC50 of hypericin, calculated to be 2.5 and 1.25 (μg/ml), respectively. 50 (μg/ml) naringenin induced about 20% and 30% apoptosis in Y79 cells after 24 and 48 hours. Trypan blue staining and flow cytometry confirmed this data. Moreover, flowcytometry results, revealed that the kind cell death occurred in these cells post treatment was mostly apoptosis. Simultaneous treatment with both agents didn’t show synergistic effect. Bax/Bcl-2 ratio increased in cells treated with hypericin but in cells treated with narigenin didn’t show significant increase in the Bax mRNA level. Conclusion: Hypericin had more cytotoxic effect in Y79 cells compared with naringenin. Furthermore, hypericin and naringenin didn’t have apoptotic synergistic effect in these cells. According to the real-time PCR results, hypericin induces apoptosis in Y79 cells by disrupt the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2.
Exploring the Relationship Between Gingivitis and Hypothyroidism in Children
Authors: Amini Andisheh , Farahani Pouria , Etemadi Mahsa , Khoshnood Pardis , Mozaffari Asieh , Sanaee Bahareh
Published: October 2024

Periodontitis common oral health problem for children, which involves the inflammation of gum tissue. Hypothyroidism, which is a systemic disorder characterized by the decrease in thyroid hormone levels, has its patients suffering from many dysfunctions in the body. In spite of the fact that they apparently belong to distinct spheres, recent research looks suspiciously for a probable correlation between the two diseases, i.e. gingivitis and hypothyroidism. This paper is a comprehensive narrative review that focuses on explaining the unique relationship between these two conditions in children as it relates to the mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic difficulties, and therapeutic approaches. Through the process of literature review syntheses, previously unknown interrelations between hypothyroidism and gingival health are discovered. Therefore, the multidisciplinary approach may be one of the factors that improve the overall condition of the patients with these comorbidities as well as the effectiveness of the treatment due to the partnership through the cooperation between dental and endocrine specialists.