bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red cell alloimmunization & role of advanced immunohaematological support in liver transplantation
Authors: Makroo Raj Nath , Agrawal Soma , Chowdhry Mohit , Bhatia Aakanksha , Thakur Uday Kumar
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:

Transfusion support forms an integral part of liver transplantation programme. Advanced immunohaematology services are required to deal with complex serological problems that can complicate transfusion therapy in these patients. Here, we report on red cell alloimmunization and presence of alloimmunization in donors and patients undergoing liver transplantation in a tertiary care hospital in north India.

Methods:

Records of 1433 liver transplants performed from January 2009 to March 2015 were retrieved and reviewed. Antibody screening was performed both for liver donors, and recipients and antibody identification was performed for the screen-positive patients.

Results:

Of the 1433 liver recipients, 32 (2.3%) developed antibodies. Seventeen patients had one or more alloantibodies, five had autoantibodies with an underlying alloantibody and 10 had only autoantibodies in their plasma. The overall alloimmunization rate was 1.5 per cent with 25 alloantibodies identified in 22 patients. Anti-E was the most common specificity identified.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The presence of alloantibodies can complicate transfusion therapy in patients undergoing liver transplantation, who are already at a high risk of being heavily transfused owing to the nature of surgery and the haemostatic dysfunction from chronic liver disease. Therefore, screening for irregular red cell alloantibodies combined with a rational blood transfusion policy may be essential for these patients.
Immediate neonatal outcomes of preterm infants born to mothers with preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes
Authors: Dannapaneni Niveditha , Oleti Tejopratap , Surapaneni Tarakeswari , Sharma Deepak , Murki Srinivas
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:

With the use of early and appropriate use of antibiotics, outcomes have improved in the mother-infant dyads exposed to preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM). This study was undertaken to evaluate immediate neonatal outcomes in infants born before 33 completed weeks of gestation to mothers with PPROM versus without PPROM.

Methods:

During the study period from January 2013 to December 2013, a total of 182 mother-infant dyads were prospectively included in the study. Among the enrolled, 69 were in the PPROM group and 113 in the control group (no PPROM). Mother-infant dyads in PPROM group were covered with antibiotics. The primary outcome was the combined adverse neonatal outcome consisting of sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis >Stage II or pneumonia or oxygen at day 28 or cystic periventricular leucomalacia or mortality before discharge.

Results:

Baseline maternal and neonatal variables were comparable across the two groups, except for higher incidence of singletons, maternal pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in the control group and higher proportion of males, complete steroid coverage and oligohydramnios in the PPROM group. The proportion of infants with combined adverse neonatal outcome was similar between the two groups [odds ratio (OR): 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77-2.6]. Both the groups were comparable for most other neonatal morbidities and outcomes, except screen-positive sepsis (OR: 3.7; 95% CI: 1.17-11.5) which was higher in PPROM group.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Mothers with PPROM and their newborns when treated with timely and appropriate antibiotics had neonatal outcomes similar to those not exposed to PPROM.
Dendritic cell engineering for selective targeting of female reproductive tract cancers
Authors: Bhargava Arpit , Srivastava Rupesh Kumar , Mishra Dinesh Kumar , Tiwari Rajnarayan R. , Sharma Radhey Shyam , Mishra Pradyumna Kumar
Published: December 2024

Female reproductive tract cancers (FRCs) are considered as one of the most frequently occurring malignancies and a foremost cause of death among women. The late-stage diagnosis and limited clinical effectiveness of currently available mainstay therapies, primarily due to the developed drug resistance properties of tumour cells, further increase disease severity. In the past decade, dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy has shown remarkable success and appeared as a feasible therapeutic alternative to treat several malignancies, including FRCs. Importantly, the clinical efficacy of this therapy is shown to be restricted by the established immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. However, combining nanoengineered approaches can significantly assist DCs to overcome this tumour-induced immune tolerance. The prolonged release of nanoencapsulated tumour antigens helps improve the ability of DC-based therapeutics to selectively target and remove residual tumour cells. Incorporation of surface ligands and co-adjuvants may further aid DC targeting (in vivo) to overcome the issues associated with the short DC lifespan, immunosuppression and imprecise uptake. We herein briefly discuss the necessity and progress of DC-based therapeutics in FRCs. The review also sheds lights on the future challenges to design and develop clinically effective nanoparticles-DC combinations that can induce efficient anti-tumour immune responses and prolong patients’ survival.
Redox regulation & sperm function
Authors: Mohanty Gayatri , Samanta Luna
Published: December 2024

Infertility affects nearly 15 per cent of all couples within the reproductive age worldwide, with about 50 per cent being exhibited in the male, called male factor infertility. Successful reproduction is dependent on sperm chromatin integrity. Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells that aim to transmit the paternal genomic blueprint to the oocyte. The spermatozoon is regulated by redox mechanisms during its epididymal transit to acquire fertilizing ability. While, at physiological levels, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) supports the spermatozoon to acquire its fertilizing ability, at high concentrations, it affects sperm function leading to infertility. Emerging proteomic technologies provide an opportunity to address these key issues that may solve many fertility-associated problems resulting from oxidative stress (OS). This review highlights the need for an efficient therapeutic approach to male infertility with the application of high-throughput OS-mediated proteomic technology, and also addresses the question as to whether targeting these altered sperm-specific proteins may help in designing an efficient and reversible male contraceptive.
Diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica usually means a favourable outcome for your patient
Authors: Milchert Marcin , Brzosko Marek
Published: December 2024

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a unique disease of elderly people, traditionally diagnosed based on a clinical picture. A typical case is a combination of severe musculoskeletal symptoms and systemic inflammatory response with spectacular response to corticosteroids treatment. The severity of symptoms may be surprising in older patients where immunosenescence is normally expected. However, PMR may be diagnosed in haste if there is a temptation to use this diagnosis as a shortcut to achieve rapid therapeutic success. Overdiagnosis of PMR may cause more problems compared to underdiagnosis. The 2012 PMR criteria proposed by European League against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology aim to minimize the role of clinical intuition and build on more objective features. However, questions arise if this is possible in PMR. This has been discussed in this review.
Health-related quality of life in Indian children
Authors: Raj Manu , Sudhakar Abish , Roy Rinku , Champaneri Bhavik , Joy Teena Mary , Kumar Raman Krishna
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:

There are limited data on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) related to Indian children. The objective of this study was to construct a generic HRQOL reference for children aged 2-18 yr from a community setting.

Methods:

The study was a community-based cross-sectional survey. A total of 719 children/adolescents in the age group of 2-18 yr were enrolled using stratified random cluster sampling. A total of 40 clusters (cluster size 18) were selected for the study. The data contained child self-report and parent proxy report from healthy children and their parents/caretakers. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0) Generic Core Scale was used to collect HRQOL data. Questionnaires were self-administered for parents and children aged 8-18 yr. In the age group of five to seven years, parents assisted the children in filling questionnaires.

Results:

The mean HRQOL total scores from child self-report and parent proxy report were 87.50±11.10 and 90.10±9.50 respectively, for children aged 2-18 yr. Social functioning had the highest scores and emotional functioning had the lowest scores for the entire sample and subgroups. The mean values for HRQOL in the current study were significantly different from the reference study for both child (87.39 vs. 83.91, P<0.001) and parent proxy reports (90.03 vs. 82.29, P<0.001) when compared between children aged 2-16 yr.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The study provided reference values for HRQOL in healthy children and adolescents from Kerala, India, that appeared to be different from existing international reference. Similar studies need to be done in different parts of India to generate a country-specific HRQOL reference for Indian children.
Construction & establishment of two minigenome rescue systems for Chandipura virus driven by recombinant vaccinia virus expressing T7 polymerase
Authors: Chakraborty Prasenjit
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an emerging pathogenic rhabdovirus with a high case fatality rate. There are no reports of a minigenome system for CHPV, which could help its study without having to use the infectious agent. This study was, therefore, undertaken for the establishment of T7 polymerase-driven minigenome system for CHPV.

Methods:

The minigenome rescue system for CHPV consists of three helper plasmids expressing the nucleocapsid protein (N), phosphoprotein (P) and large protein (L) based on a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing bacteriophage T7 polymerase (vTF7-3). The minigenome construct is composed of a reporter gene, flanked by the non-coding regions of CHPV. Two minigenomes were constructed in an antigenome or complimentary sense, expressing luciferase or green fluorescent protein (GFP). The minigenome system was evaluated by co-transfection of the minigenome construct and three helper plasmids into CV-1 cells and analysis of the reporter gene activity.

Results:

All the helper proteins were expressed from the helper plasmids confirmed by Western blotting. Expression of reporter genes was observed from both the GFP and luciferase-based minigenomes. Green fluorescence could be visualized directly in live CV-1 cells. Luciferase activity was found to be significantly different from control.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The results showed that the helper plasmids provided all the necessary viral structural proteins required for the production of minigenome mRNA template, which in turn could rescue the expression of reporter genes. Thus, these minigenomes can be applied to mimic the manifestation of CHPV life cycle.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction of genetic markers for detection of potentially pathogenic environmental Legionella pneumophila isolates
Authors: Valavane Arvind , Chaudhry Rama , Malhotra Pawan
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:

Genomic constitution of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila plays an important role in providing them a pathogenic potential. Here, we report the standardization and application of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of molecular markers of pathogenic potential in L. pneumophila in hospital environment.

Methods:

Culture of the standard strains of L. pneumophila was performed in buffered charcoal-yeast extract agar with L-cysteine at pH 6.9. Primers were designed for multiplex PCR, and standardization for the detection of five markers annotated to L. pneumophila plasmid pLPP (11A2), lipopolysaccharide synthesis (19H4), CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase (10B12), conjugative coupling factor (24B1) and hypothetical protein (8D6) was done. A total of 195 water samples and 200 swabs were collected from the hospital environment. The bacterium was isolated from the hospital environment by culture and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene PCR and restriction enzyme analysis. A total of 45 L. pneumophila isolates were studied using the standardized multiplex PCR.

Results:

The PCR was sensitive to detect 0.1 ng/μl DNA and specific for the two standard strains used in the study. Of the 45 hospital isolates tested, 11 isolates had four markers, 12 isolates had three markers, 10 isolates had two markers, nine isolates had one marker and three isolates had none of the markers. None of the isolates had all the five markers.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The findings of this study showed the presence of gene markers of pathogenic potential of the bacterium L. pneumophila. However, the genomic constitution of the environmental isolates should be correlated with clinical isolates to prove their pathogenic potential. Rapid diagnostic methods such as multiplex PCR reported here, for elucidating gene markers, could help in future epidemiological studies of bacterium L. pneumophila.
Effects of polysaccharide fractions isolated from Caltha palustris L. on the activity of phagocytic cells & humoral immune response in mice with collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Suszko Agnieszka , Obmińska-Mrukowicz Bożena
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:

The extracts from Caltha palustris L. have been shown to be beneficial for treating arthritis and rheumatism. In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharide fractions B and C of C. palustris extracts were studied, using the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse arthritis experimental model. The aim was to determine the activity of blood phagocytic cells and humoral immune response in CIA mice treated with polysaccharide fractions from C. palustris.

Methods:

The effects of fractions B and C of C. palustris were explored by evaluating phagocytic activity of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes and humoral immune response in sheep red blood cell (SRBC)-immunized mice. The results were compared with methotrexate (MTX) treatment. Following the onset of CIA, DBA/1J mice were treated for 21 days with B or C fractions (10 mg/kg; i.p.) or MTX (every 48 h, 6.6 mg/kg; i.p.).

Results:

The results showed that fraction B reduced the level of interleukin (IL)-1β, boosted nitric oxide synthesis in murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide and enhanced the monocyte phagocytic activity. Exposure of SRBC-immunized mice to fraction B and MTX during the course of CIA resulted in decreased total anti-SRBC haemagglutinin titres.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Fraction B of C. palustris polysaccharides modulated macrophage function and exerted beneficial effects on the clinical course of CIA in mice. The results also suggested efficacy of fraction B was comparable to that of MTX treatment for certain parameters.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C genetic variant & risk of schizophrenia
Authors: Rai Vandana , Yadav Upendra , Kumar Pradeep , Yadav Sushil K. , Gupta Sanjay
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme of folate metabolism, whose role in schizophrenia is debatable. Numerous case-control studies have investigated the association of MTHFR A1298C polymorphism with schizophrenia, but results are controversial. The aim of the present study was to find the association between MTHFR A1298C gene polymorphism and schizophrenia.

Methods:

PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Springer link databases were searched for case-control association studies in which MTHFR A1298C polymorphism was investigated as a risk factor for schizophrenia. In all, 19 studies with 4049 cases and 5488 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) were used as an association measure.

Results:

The results of meta-analysis reported a significant association between A1298C polymorphism and schizophrenia risk in overall comparisons in all genetic models (C vs. A: OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.01-1.27, P=0.02; CC vs. AA: OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.03-1.39, P=0.02; AC vs. AA: OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.03-1.23, P=0.009; AC+CC vs. AA: OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.02-1.24, P=0.002; CC vs. AA+AC: OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.01-1.35, P=0.04).

Interpretation & conclusions:

MTHFR A1298C polymorphism was found to be a risk factor for schizophrenia and might have played a significant role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Perioperative antimicrobial therapy in preventing infectious complications following pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Barreto Savio George , Singh Amanjeet , Perwaiz Azhar , Singh Tanveer , Singh Manish Kumar , Sharma Sunil , Chaudhary Adarsh
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:

Infectious complications have been reported to occur in up to 45 per cent of patients, following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The incidence of perioperative infectious and overall complications is higher in patients undergoing preoperative invasive endoscopic procedures. The aim of the study was to compare the role of a carbapenem administered as three-once daily perioperative doses on infectious complications in patients at high risk for these complications versus those at low risk.

Methods:

A retrospective study with some secondary data collected from records was carried out on the data from a prospectively maintained surgical database of patients undergoing PD for pancreatic and periampullary lesions at a tertiary referral care centre, between June 2011 and May 2013. Patients were divided into two groups for comparison based on whether they underwent at least one preoperative endoscopic interventional procedure before PD (high-risk - intervention and low-risk - no intervention). All patients were administered three-once daily doses of ertapenem (1 g).

Results:

A total of 135 patients in two groups were comparable in terms of demographic and nutritional, surgical and histopathological factors. No significant difference between the two groups in terms of the overall morbidity (38.7 vs 35.7%), infectious complications (9.7 vs 4.8%), mortality (2.2 vs 2.4%) and mean post-operative hospital stay (9.2 vs 8.9 days) was observed.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Perioperative three-day course of once-daily administered ertapenem resulted in a non-significant difference in infectious and overall complications in high-risk patients undergoing PD as compared to the low-risk group.
Postpartum uterine infection & ovarian dysfunction
Authors: Dahiya Sunita , Kumari Suman , Rani Payal , Onteru Suneel Kumar , Singh Dheer
Published: December 2024

Postpartum uterine infections such as metritis, endometritis and mastitis have been considered as underlying causes for ovarian dysfunction in mammals. Almost all mammals, particularly dairy animals are susceptible to postpartum uterine infections, resulting in impaired fertility and economic loss. One of the factors for low fertility in females is ovarian dysfunction, which is exhibited as impaired growth and function of ovarian follicles by the postpartum infection. Immune system of mammals provides a host defence mechanism against pathogenic microbes through the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and forming inflammasomes. Like immune cells, ovarian granulosa cells also exhibit a similar pattern of cytokine gene expressions on exposure to PAMPs. Genome-wide transcriptomic approaches explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune function of buffalo granulosa cells during endotoxin exposure. Understanding the molecular mechanism of ovarian dysfunction due to uterine infection would be helpful to implement various strategies to handle the adverse effects of postpartum uterine disease on fertility by developing potential therapeutics. Therefore, this article focuses on key factors that are responsible for postpartum infection and particularly summarizes the molecular mechanism of infection underlying the ovarian dysfunction in dairy animals.
Panel Great Saphenous Vein Reconstruction in Emergency: A Case Report and Literature Review of Traumatic Venous Injuries
Authors: Pandian Adharsh Kumar Maruthu , Balaji S K , Sharmila D N , Robinson C Saravanan , Christo Roy , Raj Poorna , Manojh  , Yadav Krishna Prasad
Published: December 2024

Vascular injury of the lower limbs is considered one of the common vascular traumas in our locality. Management of vascular extremity trauma remains challenging and has no fixed algorithms of management. A young male presented to us with bull gore traumatic injury to the femoral vein. We repaired the injury with panel great saphenous vein (GSV) graft in the emergency setting. Ligation or repair (venorrhaphy/interposition) of venous injury in traumas has always been a controversy. Herein, we discuss briefly the available literature on venous injuries and why we preferred panel over spiral GSV graft repair.
One-year Impact of Clinical and Echocardiographic Parameters in Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infection after Transvenous Extraction
Authors: Weisz Sara Hana , Sordelli Chiara , Fele Nunzia , Guarino Angela , Verde Raffaele , Zucchelli Giulio , Severino Corrado , Attanasio Vittorio , De Vivo Stefano , Tascini Carlo , Severino Sergio
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Cardiac implantable electronic device infection (CIEDi) represents a serious complication with a poor prognosis. Many studies have underlined the importance of comorbidities on prognosis, but less is known about the impact of echocardiographic parameters. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients hospitalized for CIEDi submitted to transvenous extraction and their impact on 1-year follow-up.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study that evaluated patients hospitalized for CIEDi in 2019 in two high-volume centers (Cotugno Hospital of Napoli and University Hospital of Pisa).

Results:

Sixty-eight patients (72 ± 12 years, 24% females) were included. Isolated pocket infection was present in 30 patients (44%), whereas systemic infection in 38 (56%). In 24 patients (35%), it was possible to identify responsible germ, with a higher prevalence of Staphylococcus epidermidis (24%) and Staphylococcus aureus (16%). The mean ejection fraction (EF) was 45 ± 14%, 44% of patients had one vegetation (11.0 ± 8.0 mm), and 19% had multiple. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) failed to identify vegetation in 16 patients, whereas transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was diagnostic. All patients underwent transvenous extraction of infected devices. After the procedure, echocardiographic ghosts were found in six patients (9%). At 1-year follow-up, all-cause mortality was 16%, mortality for cardiovascular cause was 12%, and no reinfection was recorded. Patients with EF ≤40% showed a significantly higher incidence of all-cause mortality (32% vs. 5%, P = 0.003) and mortality for cardiovascular causes (25% vs. 3%, P = 0.005). At adjusted Cox regression model, reduced EF ≤40% (adjusted hazard ratio [AdjHR] = 9.887, confidence interval [CI] =1.782–54.863; P = 0.009) and diabetes (AdjHR = 5.687, CI = 1.243–26.011; P = 0.025) were strong independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Moreover, reduced EF ≤40% (AdjHR = 17.382, CI = 1.379–219.037; P = 0.027), the presence of ghost (AdjHR = 14.584, CI = 1.465–145.197; P = 0.022), and diabetes (AdjHR = 11.334, CI = 1.506–85.315; P = 0.018) were strong independent predictors of mortality for cardiovascular cause.

Conclusions:

Echocardiography (TTE and TEE) is a fundamental tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of CIEDi. In our population, diabetes mellitus and echocardiographic-derived parameters as reduced EF ≤40% and the presence of ghosts were strongly associated with 1-year mortality.
Lightweight Neural Network Model and Algorithm for Pedestrian
Detection
Authors: Li Shanglin , Wang Qi Feng , Li Ren Fa , Xiao Juan
Published: December 2024

Traditional pedestrian detection methods have poor robustness. Deep
learning-based methods have shown high performance in recent years but rely on
substantial computational resources. Developing a lightweight, deep
learning-based pedestrian detection algorithm is essential for applying deep
learning-based algorithms in resource-limited scenarios, such as driverless and
advanced driver assistance systems. In this article, an improved model based on
YOLOv3 called “YOLOPD” (You Only Look Once—Pedestrian Detection), is proposed.
It is obtained by constructing a self-attentive module, introducing a CIOU
(Complete Intersection over Union) loss function and a depth separated
convolutional layer. Experimental results show that on the INRIA (National
Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation), Caltech, and
CityPerson pedestrian dataset, the MR (miss rate) of the model YOLOPD is better
than that of the original YOLOv3 model, and the number of parameters is reduced
by about 1/3, which significantly improves the speed of network derivation while
improving detection accuracy.
Federal democracy: the very idea
Authors: Tierney Stephen
Published: December 2024

This commentary reflects upon federalism as a distinct category of constitutionalism, one that has often been misconstrued by those who view the federal idea either through a moral-normative lens or with a fixed conception of institutional determinism. Construing federalism through the modern turn in constitutionalism is essential both to locate it within contemporary constitutional thinking and to draw out its distinctiveness, liberating the idea from contested moral precepts and from misleading and ultimately circular conceptions of federal design. In doing so, the commentary reflects upon Cheryl Saunders’ contribution to federal studies and in particular to the relationship between federalism and democracy.

The commentary also seeks to demonstrate that the connection between federalism and democracy need not be addressed as a normative aspiration, but is in fact axiomatic within the federal idea itself. It does so, however, by arguing that federal democracy takes on its own character and that key to understanding this is to recognise the distinctive constitutional subjecthood which characterises any federal constitution. To this end federalism, and the model of democracy that attends it, must be understood primarily through the register of constitutional, rather than political, theory.
Values Beyond Ownership: Rethinking Cultural and Civilian Uses of Heritage within International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Machado Diogo
Published: December 2024

Scholarship on international humanitarian law rethinks the current premise within international cultural heritage law that heritage should be protected in wartime based on its great importance to humankind only. The property value of heritage to civilians reveals extrinsic justifications for protecting heritage. The widespread acceptance of international humanitarian law instruments, coupled with the customary nature of some rules related to cultural heritage, can be conducive to heritage safeguarding during armed conflicts. However, this ownership-centred protection may fall short of adequately safeguarding cultural objects that hold significance beyond their property value, particularly artefacts that constitute a part of humanity’s shared global heritage. Additionally, an approach primarily focused on property values may exacerbate inequities within the cultural heritage domain by favouring affluent collectors and resource-rich nations more capable of asserting ownership claims. In this sense, overemphasizing ownership rights can result in fragmentation, where cultural items are dispersed among private collectors rather than being curated to contribute to the communal narratives surrounding the conflict in which they were pillaged or misappropriated. In broadening the international legal framework that serves the protection of cultural heritage in armed conflicts, the integration of international humanitarian law and heritage law should result in legal responses for the management of cultural heritage in wartime that account for both the civilian-use and cultural value of heritage.
Tradition-based Modern Creations of a Cultural Community – Some Thoughts on the Copyright Status of Internet Folklore
Authors: Pogácsás Anett
Published: December 2024

Folklore is not only an essential part of our cultural heritage, it is also an extremely important means of communication and expression. Although many theories try to capture the concept of “modern folklore” that is emerging at the present, only its main characteristics can be considered. When it comes to understanding internet folklore the ground is even more fragile, especially if we wish to examine and assess it not exclusively through a folkloristic lens, but also from a copyright perspective. There is a tendency to identify its natural presence based on a kind of simplicity, and to project that simplicity not only with respect to its use, but also with respect to the legal regulation that applies to it. The present study aims to show how internet folkore has to fit into an incredibly complex set of copyright rules, and how not only its creation but also its use for various purposes and in several different ways raises different copyright issues from one jurisdiction to another. As UNESCO clearly points out, intangible cultural heritage is community-based, but raising awareness and emphasizing its importance is a universal task. In this context, a cultural community needs to find a place for tradition-based modern creations such as internet folklore, without disregarding their copyright status and future.
How (not) to communicate about the environmental implications and impacts of AI technologies
Authors: Molek-Kozakowska Katarzyna , Radziej Robert
Published: December 2024

This article reviews environmentally-oriented publications from 2022-2024 related to the rise of AI technologies in order to discuss the burden AI is considered to exert on the climate and energy resources. Given the scarcity of texts that discuss it, the topic could be seen as an example of agenda cutting or discursive silencing at play. Such a review helps to determine how the recommendations by environmental experts are being accommodated to the needs of different publics and policy-makers, based on the interdisciplinary research that maps the ways to use AI responsibly and sustainably and regulate the industry to keep its environmental impact in check. Finally, it lists examples of the ways in which AI technologies can help in the mitigation, adaptation and protection from climate changes and energy crises. The findings demonstrate that while there are some promising uses of AI to diminish the environmental burden and to help in climate change adaptation, the problem of AI energy demands and emissions is far from solved, and environmental communicators should take this issue up.
Czy technologia cyfrowa oraz sztuczna inteligencja przynoszą korzyści dla fotografii jako medium sztuki? Na przykładzie prac nagrodzonych podczas Dali International Exhibition of Photography 2023 oraz Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Authors: Aszyk-Treppa Karolina
Published: December 2024

Technologie informatyczne oraz sztuczna inteligencja są coraz bardziej obecne w pracy twórców posługujących się fotografią. W przypadku stosowania tych pierwszych mogą one przynosić niewątpliwe korzyści techniczne, co wywołuje pytania, na czym te korzyści polegają oraz jaki mają wpływ na wzrost wartości artystycznej fotografii kreacyjnej. W artykule omówiono wpływ technologii cyfrowych na realizacje artystyczne w kontekście jakości strukturalnych prac oraz przedstawiono złożoność zjawiska sztucznej inteligencji w tworzeniu realizacji naśladujących fotografię w jej technologicznym i estetycznym wymiarze. Dokonano bilansu korzyści płynących z wykorzystania współczesnych możliwości technicznych w sferze tworzenia obrazu, a także rozróżnienia obrazów będących fotografiami od obrazów wygenerowanych przy współudziale sztucznej inteligencji, które fotografiami nie są.
Study on the effect and influencing factors of nitrogen and phosphorus removal from rural wastewater by electrochemically enhanced constructed wetland
Authors: Chen Chunli , Wang Xue , Li Wenlong , Wu Dongfei , Peng Xilong , Wu Shan , Zhang Ru
Published: December 2024

The increasing discharge of rural domestic sewage presents significant environmental challenges. The effectiveness of electrochemically enhanced constructed wetlands (CW), specifically vertical flow systems were investigated for removing nitrogen and phosphorus from rural wastewater. Factors including hydraulic retention times (HRTs), current intensities, and carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios were studied to evaluate system performance. Optimal nitrogen and phosphorus removal was achieved at an HRT of 24 hr and current intensity of 15 mA. Specifically, the three-dimensional electrochemically enhanced constructed wetland (3DE-BVFCW) system achieved removal rates of 90.40% for total phosphorus (TP), 93.82% for nitrate nitrogen (NO3 --N), and 76.59% for total nitrogen (TN). While higher current intensities initially enhanced nutrient removal, excessively high intensities inhibited these processes. The optimal C/N ratio was found to be 3:1. Additionally, the incorporation of granular activated carbon in the 3DE-BVFCW system enhanced electron flow, leading to superior nutrient removal performance. Microbial community analysis further supported these findings, revealing that key microbial groups, such as Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, exhibited higher relative abundance in the 3DE-BVFCW system under optimal conditions. These microbes are instrumental in nitrogen and phosphorus removal, particularly through denitrification. Integrating electrochemical technology with constructed wetlands offers a promising solution for the sustainable treatment of rural wastewater.
Gênero e formação de professores e professoras: uma análise do curso de licenciatura em Matemática da UFMS, campus de Ponta Porã
Authors: Paionk Caroline , Duarte de Oliveira Adamo
Published: December 2024

Este artigo, recorte de uma pesquisa de um trabalho de conclusão de curso, tem por objetivo analisar se e como a temática de gênero é abordada na formação inicial de professores de Matemática na UFMS, campus de Ponta Porã. Os objetivos específicos incluem: (i) identificar discursos internalizados sobre gênero entre os discentes do curso de Matemática; e (ii) compreender através da análise do projeto pedagógico do curso (PP), se há e como são tratadas a temática de gênero. A teorização deste trabalho baseia-se em pesquisadores e pesquisadoras sobre gênero, educação matemática, educação e formação de professores, incluindo autores como Bourdieu, Louro, Souza e Fonseca e Saviani. A pesquisa consistiu em análise documental do PP do curso e aplicação de questionário aos acadêmicos/as. Conclui-se que as discussões sobre gênero são superficiais e recomenda-se uma abordagem mais efetiva nos cursos de formação de professores de Matemática para evitar disparidades de gênero na educação.
Discussões de gênero na formação inicial do professor de Matemática: um olhar sobre os Projetos Pedagógicos dos Institutos Federais Brasileiros
Authors: Camelo Madeira de Moura Mayra , Hércules Gontijo Cleyton
Published: December 2024

Este estudo visa analisar como tem sido promovido o debate sobre questões relacionadas aos estereótipos de gênero na formação inicial dos professores de Matemática. Buscando responder essa questão, realizou-se um levantamento dos Projetos Pedagógicos de Cursos (PPCs) de licenciatura em Matemática em todos os Institutos Federais brasileiros. Em seguida, examinou-se a presença de diretrizes que provocassem discussões sobre as disparidades de gênero, analisando-os por meio da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin (2011). Os resultados apontaram para uma prevalência de instituições que não abordam o tema em seus PPCs como requisito essencial para o perfil do egresso ou em disciplinas específicas. Contudo, é possível observar um número significativo de instituições que têm promovido ações em prol desse debate, à revelia da ausência de exigibilidade por parte das diretrizes do Conselho Nacional de Educação (CNE) que, desde 2019, deixou de exigir a inclusão de questões de gênero na formação inicial docente.
Políticas Curriculares, Gêneros e Sexualidades: implicações para a Educação Matemática
Authors: Lunkes Conrado Andréia , Da Costa Müller Mariana
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo principal discutir o modo como o debate sobre gêneros e sexualidades tem permeado as políticas curriculares voltadas para a diversidade, nos anos 1990 e 2010 Além disso, busca-se analisar as implicações desse debate para o campo da Educação Matemática. Para embasar essa discussão, são utilizados como referências os resultados de uma pesquisa de doutorado e uma pesquisa de mestrado em andamento. A partir dessa perspectiva, o texto examina a pouca efetividade das políticas curriculares de diversidade quando aplicadas ao contexto do currículo de matemática, e propõe elementos para a formulação de uma agenda mais integrada, que contemple de maneira mais eficaz essas temáticas e suas interseções.
Pro-Russian political forces in Europe: Factors of electoral support
Authors: Dmytrenko Stepan
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to identify and systematise the key factors that determine the electoral support for pro-Russian political forces in the European Union in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. To fulfil this purpose, a comprehensive analysis of the historical dynamics and current state of pro-Russian parties in the EU was performed, the level of their electoral support was investigated, and the key factors influencing their popularity were identified. The findings of the study show that Russian aggression against Ukraine has become a catalyst for significant transformations in the strategies and rhetoric of pro-Russian forces, forcing them to adapt to new geopolitical realities. The study covered a heterogeneous picture of electoral support for these parties in different EU countries: while in some states, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, there was a decline in the popularity of openly pro-Russian forces, in other countries they maintained or even strengthened their positions. The key factors contributing to the rise in popularity of pro-Russian political forces were economic problems related to the energy crisis and inflation, Euroscepticism and anti-globalisation sentiment, and the influence of Russian disinformation. Cultural and historical ties with Russia also play a significant role, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. The study found that pro-Russian forces have adapted their rhetoric, often po- sitioning themselves as “neutral” and focusing on criticising sanctions against Russia from an economic perspective. This strategy allows them to maintain electoral support while avoiding direct accusations of supporting the aggressor. A signif- icant aspect of their activities has been the use of information technology to spread alternative narratives and undermine trust in European institutions. The findings of this study highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to counter- ing pro-Russian influences in Europe, including strengthening economic solidarity in the EU, improving communication between European institutions and citizens, and developing effective strategies to combat disinformation
Experience and prospects for further European integration of South-Eastern Europe
Authors: Dzyublenko Iryna , Sattarov Karim
Published: December 2024

The study of European integration processes in the countries of South-Eastern Europe is of particular relevance in the context of growing geopolitical tensions and the need to strengthen stability on the European continent. The pur- pose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of European integration processes in South-Eastern Europe, assess the current state of reforms, and identify key factors that affect the prospects for further integration of the region. As part of this purpose, a considerable number of documents, reports, etc., were analysed. The study examined the specific features of European integration processes in the countries of the region that are already members of the European Union and found that they have demonstrated different models of economic growth: Southern European countries have devel- oped a consumption-oriented model based on debt financing, while Central and Eastern European countries have opted for an export-oriented model that is largely dependent on foreign direct investment. An analysis of European integration measures and reforms in countries that have not yet joined the European Union showed uneven progress in meeting the Copenhagen criteria. Economic reforms aimed at creating a functioning market economy and increasing competitiveness stay a key challenge. Foreign direct investment has played a significant role in modernising economies, but its impact on convergence with the European Union has been mixed. Trade liberalisation has contributed to a significant increase in trade between the region’s countries and the European Union, but economic convergence is still slow. An assessment of the prospects for further European integration revealed complex geopolitical dynamics. Growing competition between the European Union and other global players, such as Russia and China, poses additional challenges to the European in- tegration aspirations of the countries of the region. The energy dependence of some countries on Russia and significant Chinese investment in infrastructure pose potential risks to energy security and may lead to conflicts of interest. The Eu- ropean Union is increasing its influence in the region through a new enlargement methodology and financial instruments. The study showed that successful integration requires structural reforms, strengthening democracy, economic develop- ment, and overcoming historical conflicts. The findings of this study can be used to develop effective strategies to support European integration processes in the region and improve EU policy towards the countries of South-Eastern Europe
G7 and G20 Clubs’ participation in international conflict resolution: Ambitions and realia
Authors: Meleshchenko Tatyana
Published: December 2024

This study analysed the involvement of the G7 and G20 clubs in the settlement of international conflicts in 2020-2024 to identify discrepancies between the declared intentions and practical achievements of these forums. The study was found significant differences in the approaches and effectiveness of the G7 and G20 in peacekeeping. The G7, due to its more homogeneous composition and strong economic leverage, has demonstrated greater effectiveness in the short term, especially in responding to acute crises such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. On the other hand, the G20, with its wider representation, has shown the potential to have a more systemic impact on global security in the long term by focusing on economic development as a means of conflict prevention. The analysis of approaches and tools revealed that the G7 relies more on economic sanctions and political pressure, while the G20 focuses on economic cooper- ation and development. Both clubs face challenges in reaching consensus and achieving ambitious goals, especially in the context of complex geopolitical conflicts. The study revealed a considerable gap between rhetoric and practice, especially in the areas of conflict resolution, counter-terrorism, and climate security. Declarative statements are often not backed up by effective actions, partly due to the lack of enforcement mechanisms and the need to reconcile diverse national in- terests. The results point to the need to rethink the role and working methods of the G7 and G20 in the context of current global challenges. The study proposed a more flexible and adaptive approach to peacekeeping that would account for both short-term crises and long-term stability factors. The significance of strengthening coordination between the G7 and G20, as well as with other international organisations, to achieve a synergistic effect in conflict resolution was emphasised. Understanding the potential and limitations of these international forums in the field of peacekeeping allows developing more effective strategies of state cooperation to overcome crises
GENDER: SOCIAL OR LINGUISTIC?
Authors:   Faculty of Philology University of Montenegro, BULATOVIĆ Vesna , ČARAPIĆ Dragana
Published: December 2024

In order to explore whether gender perception of noun refe­rents depends on stereotypes as social constructs or grammatical gender as a linguistic category, ten pairs of near-synonymous nouns of different grammatical genders were compared. Their gender scores were calculated on the basis of the adjectives that our participants used to reflect their immediate associations to the referents. The near-synonymous pairs were selected as a te­sting tool because we were able to measure the effect of two different factors on the gender perception of their referents at the same time: the effect of concepts and stereotypes that the participants associated with both near-synonyms, and the effect of their respective grammatical genders. Our analysis found that grammatical gender had no impact on gender assignment and that it was the underlying concept and the stereotype as a social construct that ultimately determined gender perception of the referents. Since our findings are contrary to earlier research, the article concludes with a number of suggestions for future resear­ch that would re-examine these opposing views.
LEXICAL BORROWING THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY OF ENGLISH
Authors:   University of Montenegro, ĐURČEVIĆ Jovana
Published: December 2024

Throughout its development, English has undergone chan­ges at all language levels. However, the most dramatic change in the history of English involves changes in vocabulary which have resulted from the contact with different languages or a gre­at influx of loanwords, mainly from Latin, Scandinavian, and French. These loanwords have greatly increased the vocabulary of English, which is why the aim of the paper is to give their overview, as well as to reflect on less frequent loanwords from other languages. As the process of borrowing marked all the pe­riods of the development of English, the author has organised the paper chronologically, describing them in the order in which they have been transferred into the English language.
CAUSAL USE OF PREPOSITION VRH(U) IN MONTENEGRIN LANGUAGE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
Authors:   Fakultet za crnogorski jezik i književnost ‒ Cetinje, ABOVIĆ Miomir
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we will deal with the causal meaning of the prepositional case structure (s)v(e)rh(u) + genitive case, as well as the use of this structure as a word-stem. The aforementioned meanings of the subject structure are found in the corpus related to the Montenegrin language of the nineteenth century. Such meanings of the analysed structure differentiate it from con-temporary Montenegrin language usage, in which the primary meaning of the preposition (s)v(e)rh(u) is rare, while the causal and word-stem meaning are non-existent. The focus of analysis is also on the way in which the aforementioned meanings have arisen, as well as on the reason for their disappearance in contemporary Montenegrin language.