bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimization Model for the Hard Time Windows Vehicle Routing Problem with Moving Shipments at the Cross Dock Center
Authors: Gnanapragasam S. R. , Daundasekera W. B.
Published: September 2023

Cross-Docking (CD) technique was initiated in the 1930s to make a cost-effective supply chain. Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is one of the widely discussed optimization problems. The research on integration of VRP with CD (VRPCD) was initiated at the beginning of 2000s. Moving Shipments (MS) from receiving doors to shipping doors is an activity inside a Cross-Dock Centre (CDC). This study mainly considers MS as an additional aspect in the literature of VRPCD. In this study, not only loading or unloading shipments at all the nodes including CDC and homogenous fleets of vehicles within pickup or delivery process are considered, but also aspects of heterogeneous fleets of vehicles between pickup and delivery processes are considered. Furthermore, Time Windows (TW) characteristics are also considered here. A mixed integer nonlinear programming model is developed to obtain the optimal solutions to hard time windows vehicle routing problem with moving shipments at the cross-dock centre (TW-VRPCD-MS). The compatibility of the proposed model is tested using sixteen randomly generated small scale instances. Since the average computational time is reasonably less for the tested instances, it can be concluded that this proposed model can be used for last time planning for similar small-scale problems. Further analysis revealed that the convergence rate to reach the optimal solution rises exponentially with the scale of the problem. Therefore, this study recommends in applying heuristic or metaheuristic techniques to solve large scale instances of TW-VRPCD-MS to obtain a near optimal solution in a reasonable computational time.
Move Analysis of Sri Lankan Legal Letters of Demand for Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Authors: Kothalawala Chamila , Kothalawala Thamara , Pereira Sujeeva Sebastian
Published: September 2023

Though lawyers often expect their apprentices to have a sufficient command of legal letter writing, structuring a legal letter seems to be a challenging task for the apprentices. Many genre analyses in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) have proposed move-step models or sequences of communicative functions (moves) and strategies used to predict those moves (steps) to help ESP learners to write professional letters. However, there is a paucity of move analysis of legal letters of demand though it is a frequently used genre by lawyers. Therefore, this study analyzed 30 authentic legal letters of demand, collected from 15 Sri Lankan lawyers to identify patterns in the genre organization. The Constructivist Grounded Theory methods were intersected with the move analysis to analyze emergent moves and steps. The results include a sequence of four obligatory moves (i.e., Opening, Stating Background Details, Stating the Cause of Action, Demanding), and an optional move (Closing), which were realized in 14 steps, and classified into obligatory, conventional and optional. The accuracy of the moves and steps generated were checked for consistency with two lawyers who were interviewed at two stages of coding the letters. The move-step model could be incorporated into teaching materials of legal letters of demand writing, to help novices learn the rhetorical structure and discursive practices associated with writing legal letters of demand. The model contributes to the body of knowledge of ESP genre analysis, move analysis and to the field of teaching English for Legal Purposes.
Editorial
Authors: Weerakoon Shyama R.
Published: September 2023

No abstract available
Business Rules Driven Automated Quality Assurance Governance System for Higher Education
Authors: Pushpakumara H. M. C. , Jayaweera Prasad M. , Wanniarachchige M. K.
Published: September 2023

Although higher education institutes have paid serious attention to quality assurance, implementation issues have been reported frequently. Since the existing information systems do not adequately support automatic verification, manual verification of quality assurance compliances has become a challenge. Therefore, this study first analysed the prevailing higher education quality assurance context to identify the prevailing issues. Secondly, Quality Assurance Governance System integrated with a quality assurance rule manipulation mechanism was designed based on the business rules concept to address the identified issues. Thirdly, the key modules of the proposed Quality Assurance Governance System were developed as a proof-of-concept. Finally, the proposed quality assurance rules manipulation mechanism and modules of the Quality Assurance Governance System were evaluated. The study found that one of the main issues in the existing systems is the lack of integration among various modules and a rule manipulation mechanism. Therefore, the study concludes that quality assurance requirements could be better captured as rules using the proposed rule templates, while rule manipulations and compliance could be verified in real-time through the proposed Quality Assurance Governance System. Nevertheless, the results of the evaluation suggest that rigid rule implementations may make the system inflexible and create stakeholder resistance. Thus, this can be mitigated by implementing the proposed rule enforcement levels.
Impact of Psychological Empowerment of Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: A Study of Private Insurance Companies in the Northern Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Raveendran T.
Published: September 2023

Organizational citizenship behaviour of employees is one of the main factors for successful operations of insurance businesses and thus there is a need for examining the determinants of organizational citizenship behaviour. This study aims to investigate psychological empowerment as a determinant of organizational citizenship behaviour among employees in the insurance sector in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. A survey strategy was employed in a cross-sectional time horizon. The present study was explanatory and a sample of 192 employees working in the private insurance companies in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka was selected based on convenience sampling technique. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to ascertain validity and reliability and the validated measurement models of the study constructs were integrated in the structural equation model using AMOS software. The results of structural model revealed that the meaning cognition and the competence cognition of psychological empowerment positively impact organizational citizenship behaviour and the impact of competence cognition is high than the meaning cognition. The findings stress the need for empowerment of employees for promoting organizational citizenship behaviour among the employees of insurance sector. The insurance sector administrators will be able to apply the study’s findings for improving employees’ organizational citizenship behaviour.
Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome
Authors: Ranaweera A. K. Prabodhana , Hettiarachchi D. , Gunawardena K. W. , Lokuhetty M. D. S. , Dissanayake V. H. W.
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome (HLRCC) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited cancer predisposing syndrome giving rise to cutaneous and uterine leiomyomatosis, leiomyosarcoma and renal cell cancer. Patients with this syndrome harbours germline pathogenic variants in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene.Case presentation: A 28-year-old Sri Lankan female, a product of a consanguineous marriage with strong family history of young onset fibroids presented with progressive dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and irregular menstrual cycles for 2 years duration. There was recent onset lower abdominal colicky pain lasting for 3-5 min occurring during the post coital and intermenstrual period over 2 months. Examination did not reveal abnormal skin lesions or abdominal masses.Ultrasound examination revealed enlarged uterus with 2 large fibroids in the posterior wall and fundus of the uterus. She underwent laparoscopic myomectomy without perioperative complications. Histology revealed a leiomyoma with morphological features supporting the variant “fumarate hydratase deficient leiomyoma”.Whole exome sequencing of the patient revealed her to be harbouring a pathogenic variant c.878T>G| p:Val293Gly in the FH gene for which she was heterozygous confirming that she had inherited the cancer predisposing syndrome of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer(HLRCC). Postoperatively her symptoms resolved, and she was able to sustain an uncomplicated pregnancy one year after. Currently she is closely followed up for future development of tumors including renal cell cancer bothclinically and via imaging.Conclusion: HLRCC is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited cancer syndrome predisposing to skin, uterine and renal tumors warranting surveillance at a younger age.
The risky journey! – Can we help more?
Authors: Warnasuriya S.
Published: September 2023

No abstract available
Utility of systemic immune-inflammation Index as a serum biomarker to differentiate between complicated and simple para-pneumonic effusion
Authors: Rajvanshi Nikhil , Kumar Prawin , Goyal Jagdish Prasad
Published: September 2023

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a novel inflammatory biomarker. Simple and complicated para-pneumonic effusion (PPE) are two significant complications of pneumonia. We evaluated the efficacy of the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) to differentiate between the two. Records of all children up to 18 years of age admitted between April 2019 and September 2022 and diagnosed with Simple or complicated PPE were retrospectively evaluated. SII and other biomarkers were compared between both groups. ROC with the Youden index was used to estimate the discriminative value of SII. Fifty children were enrolled with a median (IQR) age of 81.5 (36.7, 133.5) months; 31 (62%) were male. Thirty-one (62%) had complicated PPE, and 19 (38%) had simple PPE. SII was significantly higher in complicated PPE (p=0.007). Good areas under the curve (AUCs) were found for CRP (0.771) and SII (0.736) to differentiate complicated from simple PPE. The best cut-off value for SII to differentiate complicated PPE from simple PPE was 1557×103µL, with a sensitivity of 82.4% and specificity of 57.6%. SII can be used as a screening tool to differentiate between complicated and simple PPE at the time of presentation.
Efficacy of intralesional measles, mumps and rubella vaccine immunotherapy in Molluscum contagiosum: a prospective study
Authors: Sarshar Fariz , Adil Mohammad , Pathak Prateek , Harode Triveni , Sethi Mitali
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Molluscum contagiosum(MC) is a viral infection of the skin and mucous membrane characterized by single or multiple, pearly white to flesh-colored umbilicated papules. There are certain therapies that increase the cellular immune response either through a topical or systemic approach as cell-mediated immunity plays an important role in the regression of MC. Immunomodulatory medications are relatively newer modalities of treatment that have been more successful for patients with widespread and potentially disfiguring eruptions.

Objective

To study the effect and safety of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) immunotherapy in patients with multiple Mollusca.

Patients and methods

The study included 200 patients with multiple MC. They were injected with the MMR vaccine intralesionally into 2-3 lesions including the largest mollusca up to a maximum of 0.3 ml in one sitting every 2 weeks for a maximum of 5 treatments at a 2-week interval (week: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) or till the complete resolution of MC whichever was earlier. The action of the MMR vaccine was assessed by the reduction of the number of lesions and the day of resolution of lesions. The response of all patients at subsequent visits (at second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and 10th week from the initiation of therapy which was taken as week 0) was analyzed. All the patients were subjected to photographic documentation before the initiation of therapy, during therapy, and at 1 month (week 14) and 3 months (week-22) of the follow-up period.

Results

Out of 200 patients, 184 completed the study. There were 116 males and 84 females. The mean age of study participants was 17.17±12.64 years. At the end of the study complete resolution of MC was seen in 149 (81%) patients, 21 (11.4%) patients had relative response while a poor response was seen in 14 (7.6%) of patients. Mild tolerable pain was seen in 25 (12.5%) patients during injection followed by pigmentary changes in 17 (8.5%) patients and scarring in 12 (6%) patients.

Conclusion

Intralesional immunotherapy with the MMR vaccine is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of MC.
Ten-Year Trends of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Korean Pediatric Cancer from the National Health Insurance Claims Data
Authors: Kim Hyery , Kim Hwa Jung , Jo Youngjun , Yoon Su Hyun , Koh Young Kwon , Kang Sunghan , Koh Kyung-Nam , Im Ho Joon
Published: September 2023

Purpose We aimed to determine the current application and survival trends of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) among Korean children and adolescents with cancer.Materials and Methods Data of patients aged < 20 years with KCD-10 (Korean Classifications of Diseases, 10th revision) C codes and specific designation codes were collected from the National Health Insurance Service database. Thirty claim codes for HSCT were included, and data from 2009 to 2019 were analyzed.Results The operational definition of pediatric cancer yielded an annual average of 2,000, with annual cases decreasing. In 2019, 221 HSCTs were performed, a decrease from the ten-year average of 276. Allografts outnumbered autografts with a ratio of 1.5:1. The source of allograft was bone marrow in 15% of patients in 2009; however, it substantially decreased to 3.3% in 2019. Furthermore, 70.5% of allogeneic HSCT used peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts, which increased to 89.3% by 2015. Cord blood utilization markedly decreased to 2.7% in 2018. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of all patients was 85.1%. Overall mortality decreased among patients who underwent recent HSCT, and they exhibited a higher 5-year OS rate.Conclusion In Korea, the number of pediatric patients with cancer is declining; however, the ratio of transplants to all patients remains constant. Patients who recently underwent transplantation showed better survival rates, possibly due to HSCT optimization. Korea showed a substantially greater PBSC utilization in pediatric HSCT. An in-depth examination encompassing donor relations and cause of death with a prospective registry is required in future studies.
Functional Status in Older Adults following Hospitalization for COVID-19: A Cohort Study
Authors: Izaguirre Pía , Arakaki Érica , Boero Jorge Vogt , Zalazar Ángeles , Ghirlanda Mariano , Caruso Diego
Published: September 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause multiple acute complications. This study evaluated the long-term functional status of older patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19.Methods: We analyzed data from a multicenter ambispective cohort study on patients aged >60 years who were hospitalized for COVID-19 at two tertiary care hospitals in Argentina. The participants were contacted by telephone between November 2021 and September 2022 to collect data on their functional status. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with functional limitations after discharge.Results: Among the 374 included patients, 205 (55%) showed functional limitations, including 58 (28%) who died during follow-up. The factors independently associated with functional limitations were low baseline functional status (odds ratio [OR]=9.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.35–25.17) and admission to the intensive care unit (OR=4.41; 95% CI, 2.28–8.53). Men had lower odds of functional impairment (OR=0.55; 95% CI, 0.35–0.86).Conclusion: Older patients had high mortality rates and poor functional status at 2 years post-discharge for COVID-19. Several factors at the time of discharge were associated with a higher risk of functional limitations and can be used to identify patients’ long-term needs for support and rehabilitation services.
System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) Recommended Practices for Evaluations of Safety-Critical Systems in Any Industry - Appendix: STPA and Human Machine Interactions (HMIs)
Authors:   Functional Safety Committee
Published: September 2023

This document describes System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) approaches to evaluate human-machine interaction (HMI) found effective when conducting STPA human factors and/or a system safety evaluation.
System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) Recommended Practices for Evaluations of Safety-Critical Systems in Any Industry - Appendix: STPA and Safety of the Intended Functionality
Authors:   Functional Safety Committee
Published: September 2023

This document provides recommended practices regarding how System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) may be applied to safety-critical systems in any industry in the area of Safety of the Intended Functionality (SOTIF) evaluations.
AI Ethics Beyond the Anglo-Analytic Approach
Authors: D'Ambrosio Paul
Published: September 2023

That artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms, and related technologies could use a few good booster shots of “humanism” is widely apparent. In both program code and implementation, AI and algorithms have been accused of harbouring deep-seated flaws that conflict with human values. They are prime examples of the skew towards white, Western, men and demonstrate the bankruptcy in the face of neoliberalist, profit- and market-oriented social paradigms that this special issue seeks to address.
Currently, computer scientists and AI researchers who are looking to remedy these problems are often in favour of more data, more powerful machines, more complex algorithms—in short, that we should fix problems with AI by building better AI. In this view human beings and the world can be modelled in code—our lives, interactions, society, and our very selves can be broken down into data points which can be assessed by highly advanced technologies. When these scientists and researchers seek to broaden their approach they often look to philosophy. However, the philosophy they look to is overwhelmingly Anglo-analytic, which views the world in extremely similar ways. Both AI and Anglo-analytic philosophy argue for solutions to humanistic problems which are essentially mathematical. They share in seeing important concepts, such as persons, emotions, agency, and ethics, as mechanistic, atomistic, and calculable.
In this paper I will argue that Classical Chinese philosophy offer insightful resources for addressing the humanist problems in AI. Rather than arguing for mathematical solutions, or envisioning persons, emotions, agency, and ethics, as other rigid, atomistic, and mechanistic approaches, Chinese philosophy emphasizes transformation, interrelatedness, and correlative developments. Accordingly, it offers tools for appreciating the world, society, and ourselves as spontaneous, complex, and full of tension. AI can be programmed and used in ways that do not reduce the complexity and conflict in the world, but provide us instead with tools to make sense of it—tools that are humanistic in nature. To this end, Chinese philosophy can be a helpful collaborative partner.
Marxist Anthropology Through the Lens of the Philosophy of Language
Authors: Yang Xiaobo
Published: September 2023

Marxist anthropology, as a kind of philosophical anthropology and an integral part of Marxist philosophy, seeks to find an answer to the question of its primary concern—what is humanity or human nature? From the Marxist perspective, human beings are distinguished from animals by making and using tools, and the creation of tools is closely related to the birth of language and consciousness. In this context, Marxist anthropology tries to trace the origin of humankind through tracing that of tools, language and consciousness. Consequently, it is endowed with a dimension of the philosophy of language. In his article “The Part Played by Labour in the Transition from Ape to Man”, Engels proposed a hypothesis on the origins of humankind and human language, which constructed the framework of Marxist anthropology. This framework was subsequently adopted and developed by Li Zehou and Tran Duc Thao, renowned philosophers in contemporary China and Vietnam, in establishing their own philosophical systems. This article, through illuminating and comparing Engels, Li Zehou and Tran Duc Thao’s hypotheses on the origins of humankind and human language, aims to shed new light on Marxist anthropology through the lens of the philosophy of language. I believe that this exploration will profoundly inspire the Marxist philosophy of language, an emerging trend in the field of the philosophy of language.
On Small and Large Vessels
Authors: Janik Mateusz
Published: September 2023

The following paper offers a comparative study of Song Neo-Confucian and late Ming Jesuit arguments on the exceptionality of human beings and the role played by non-human others in the process of producing the discursive premises of the anthropological difference. It focuses on the arguments made by Zhu Xi (朱熹, 1130‒1200) and Matteo Ricci (1552‒1610) in favour of a claim that there is something particular about being human. Its historical premise is that the Jesuit missionary activity in China resulted in a peculiar encounter between the scholastic tradition, based on Aristotle’s philosophy, and Confucian teachings. In case of Chinese as well as Western philosophical discourse, the figure of the non-human other has played an important role in establishing the very meaning of being human.
Rein Raud: Being in Flux—A Post-Anthropocentric Ontology of the Self
Authors: Rivera Espinoza Manuel
Published: September 2023

The book provides a reading of ontology, consciousness, selfhood, and agency primarily based on the concepts of process and field. By using these concepts as springboards, Rein Raud strives to supply a holistic system of interpretation in which disciplines that are often studied separately—such as metaphysics, ethics, and cognitive science, among others—come instead to be seen as fundamentally interconnected and entangled realms of knowledge and practice. Being in Flux consists of four chapters, each dedicated to a different subject.
The case of an abused child exposed to the direct danger of serious damage to health in the form of a permanent mental illness
Authors: Engelgardt Piotr , Krzyżanowski Maciej , Włodarczyk-Dudka Monika
Published: September 2023

Prolonged exposure to violence in any form takes a toll on children’s health. It may increase the risk of multiple mental disorders appearing in adult life. Such disorders may be of severe intensity, and in extreme cases, they can even disable normal functioning both individually and socially.

The present case concerns an eight-year-old girl subjected to all forms of abuse (sexual, physical, psychological and negligence) in her biological family. The foster parents made a notification of a suspected criminal offence based on their multiple observations of behavioral disorders of the child.

After analyzing the evidence, including observations of behavior in the foster family and a comprehensive medical-psychological examination of the subject, all forms of child abuse according to ICD-10 have been diagnosed, as well as a negative impact of violence on the child’s psychological well-being.

A thorough analysis of the whole available data led to a conclusion that the girl, functioning in her biological family, was exposed to a direct danger of severe health impairment in the form of a permanent mental illness within the meaning of art. 160 of the Polish Penal Code.
Walka o wiarygodność. Narracje i storytelling w ukraińskiej komunikacji strategicznej
Authors: Arendarska Justyna
Published: September 2023

The article refers to the communications carried out by Ukraine’s official Instagram account (ukraine.ua). Until February 24, 2022, it served as the country’s branding tool to promote the country’s tourism assets. On the day the war escalated, the account did not suspend its activities, but instead changed its content and target audience, and became an element of Ukrainian strategic communications. At the same time, the Instagram profile continues to be a component for branding the Ukrainian state and society, even though crisis and wars tend to hinder the shaping of a country’s image in the international arena. The author of the article applies a qualitative method to analyse published messages from the first few days of the war, paying special attention towards storytelling, i.e. narrative construction and the image of the society fighting against the occupying forces. The purpose of the article is to verify the thesis that Ukrainian narratives use universal patterns derived from pop culture messages and refer to archetypes commonly used in branding. These messages are key for Ukrainian external communications, which are focused on building both a coherent and credible image of a country invaded.
Media Coverage of Gordon Brown’s ‘Bigotgate’ in the 2010 British General Election
Authors: Bourmeche Fathi
Published: September 2023

The aim of the paper is to gain a better understanding of the effect of media on public opinion, with particular attention to Gordon Brown’s ‘bigotgate’ taking place in April 2010 during his campaign for the British general election. The paper seeks to argue that the event had a major impact on Brown’s political career as well as Labour’s image on the British political landscape. The corpus of the study includes a selection of 100 articles from The Guradian which are qualitatively analysed, using media agenda-setting and framing, and juxtaposed to 30 Ipsos Mori opinion polls dealing with the event and related issues. Results show that the event had major repercussions on the British political scene. It damaged Brown’s political career, contributing to Labour’s inability to secure their fourth term in Ten Downing Street and increased Britons’ concern about mass migration, particularly from Eastern Europe.
Analysis of Research Trends on General Mathematics at Universities
: Focusing on Papers Published in Korean Journals Over the Past 10 Years
Authors: Shim Sangkil
Published: September 2023

In this study, in order to provide a developmental discussion on general mathematics in universities and the direction for follow-up research, research trends were examined for papers published in Korean domestic academic journals over the past 10 years. The results of the research are as follows: First, among studies related to mathematics education and general education, research on general mathematics in universities is severely lacking. Considering that nearly all universities offer courses related to general mathematics, professors and researchers responsible for general mathematics should dedicate more attention to research on general college mathematics. Second, concerning the subjects and content areas of mathematics, research on general mathematics shows a bias towards basic general mathematics for science and engineering students. Therefore, there is a need for research on basic general mathematics for students in the humanities and social sciences, as well as research on pure general mathematics applicable to all students. Third, there is a lack of research on evaluation and educational technology in the field of general mathematics. Evaluation plays a crucial role in education, and it is important to conduct research on the evaluation of general mathematics and the utilization of educational technology, especially considering the increasing emphasis on the use of various technological tools in mathematics education. Fourth, in terms of research methods, the majority of studies focus on quantitative research. Therefore, it is necessary to employ diverse research methods that are suitable for the teaching and learning environment of general mathematics. Fifth, concerning the research topic on teaching and learning, while there have been numerous studies targeting science and engineering students, there is a need for a variety of studies on teaching and learning that encompass all students, including those in the humanities and social sciences, as well as the professors themselves.
Harm Through Those Supposed To Heal
Authors: Muckermann Verena
Published: September 2023

This article bases its findings on an extensive praxeological reconstruction of medical involvement in torture in Syria since 2011. The research was conducted from 2021–2023 by examining reports of human rights organisations and activists, the accounts of survivors as well as trial reports and academic literature. After outlining an inexhaustive list of prevalent patterns of medical involvement in torture compiled for the overall reconstruction of this practice, three prevalent patterns will be portrayed more closely.
These patterns suggest benefits and research-stimulating open questions resulting from exploratively employing harm as an analytical concept in violence research: (1.) Medical negligence and arbitrary treatment, (2.) anamnesis and the exploitation of medical history, and (3.) the broader pattern of transporting people to and detaining them in military hospitals.
This article supposes that employing harm as an analytical concept in violence research can free us from too narrow (legal) categories, allows us to look beyond over-simplified dichotomies of perpetrators and victims, enables us to discuss epistemic impacts of the practice, and further allows us to revisit definitions like the one of medical involvement in torture.
Подолання тоталітарного спадку в Естонії наприкінці ХХ – на початку ХХІ ст.
Authors: Мудрієвська І.І.
Published: September 2023

Досліджено особливості процесу подолання тоталітарного спадку в Естонській Республіці наприкінці ХХ – на початку ХХI ст. Виявлено, що Естонії після відновлення незалежності відбулися відновлення конституційного порядку, державних структур та зміна політичної еліти внаслідок вільних виборів. Висвітлено, що в Естонії були збудовані нова законодавча база та економічна система, розпочалася розбудова засад громадянського суспільства, що надали їй можливість претендувати на інтеграцію до спільноти західної демократії вже в останньому десятиріччі ХХ ст.

Зазначено, що успіх дерадянізації Естонської Республіки зумовлений повною відмовою від залишків системи СРСР. Виявлено, що Естонія доклала значних зусиль для створення власної системи національної безпеки у напрямі створення власних спецслужб, армії і вступу до НАТО, також щодо захисту національних інтересів у вирішенні мовних питань і отримання естонського громадянства.

Констатовано, що Естонська Республіка на державному рівні зберігає пам’ять про радянські репресії. Дослідженню окупаційних періодів та злочинів комуністичного та нацистського тоталітарних режимів в Естонії приділена велика увага як з боку держави, так і громадських установ. В цьому контексті варто відмітити діяльність Естонської міжнародної комісії з розслідування злочинів проти людства, Естонського інституту історичної пам’яті, Музею окупацій та свободи Vabamu, Меморіалу жертвам комунізму, також заплановано створення Міжнародного музею жертв комунізму.

Акцентовано, що на сучасному етапі досвід модернізаційних змін в цій країні вважається найбільш успішним серед країн пострадянського простору. Зроблено висновок, що цей досвід є дуже корисним для наслідування і в Україні, так як Естонії вдалося здійснити рішучі кроки для подолання практик радянського минулого у політичній, економічній, громадській сферах, розбудови держави на базі національних і європейських цінностей, реформування всіх сфер життєдіяльності суспільства.
Особливості модернізаційних процесів в економіці Узбекистану та їх вплив на гуманітарну політику
Authors: Чекаленко Л.Д.
Published: September 2023

Модернізаційні процеси, запроваджені в економіці Узбекистану на зламі тисячоліть, були спрямовані на впровадження економічних нововведень в промисловість і сільське господарство. Меншою мірою відповідні зміни торкнулися гуманітарної сфери. Найкращі результати економічних перетворень вже нині можна спостерігати в розвитку видобувної і переробної промисловості, що вивели державу на високий індустріально інноваційний рівень розвитку. Гуманітарні чинники, зокрема захист прав людини, значно відстають від індустріальних успіхів за широтою охоплених питань, за ритмом впровадження і за наслідками реформування. Хоча і в гуманітарній сфері можна спостерігати певні зрушення, які все ж таки відбуваються, хоча й уповільненими темпами.

Аналіз проведених змін, широкого переліку особливостей узбецьких нововведень дає підстави сподіватися, що економічний прорив сприятиме покращенню ситуації і у сфері дотримання і захисту прав людини. Складнощі соціального виміру викликані не тільки допущеними прорахунками політиків. Переважна більшість проблем гуманітарної сфери пов’язана з глибокими коренями мусульманської ідентичності узбецького народу, його культурою і віруваннями, яким не прийнятні деякі установки модернізованих суспільств сучасності.

Однак, у зв’язку з поступовим модернізованим розвитком, як можна припустити, поступове збагачення населення в цілому в результаті економічного зростання, має поетапно вдосконалити державну політику, спрямовану на захист прав людини, віднайти ефективні методи впровадження гуманітарних реформі сприяти покращенню їхніх результатів, підвищити якість роботи і підготовку чиновницького апарату. Водночас, таке може відбутися тільки за умов наявності демократичної влади і модернізованого управлінського апарату, цивілізаційного керівництва країни, яке сповідує людські цінності.

Позитивні прогнозні сценарії подальшого розвитку країни пов’язані і залежатимуть також від інших немалозначущих факторів, а саме від глибокої зацікавленості в модернізації і демократизації Узбекистану не тільки світових бізнесових структур, а й провідних міжнародних акторів: США, Китаю, Японії, країн арабського світу, міжнародних фінансових організацій тощо. Світові гравці сприяли цивілізаційному розвиткові країни і допомогли узбецькому народові здійснити вражаючий прорив у переході від середньовічного стану економіки, який через бавовняний чинник спочатку російської, а потім радянської імперії «затримався» в економіці Узбекистану протягом всього періоду підпорядкованості Росії, до сучасного модерного науково-технічного інноваційного стану економіки. Вагомі іноземні інвестиції і пільгові кредити у провідні галузі – видобувну і переробну промисловості, транспортну систему, банківську сферу, впровадження інноваційних технологій, надання відповідної консалтингової допомоги, вивели державу Узбекистан на почесне місце серед індустріально розвинутих країн світу.
“Análise dos fatores preditores de malignidade em nódulos tireoidianos submetidos a tireoidectomia e a correlação com os sistemas de classificação diagnóstica: um estudo retrospectivo”
Authors: Webber Gustavo Humberto , Lessack Gabriel Cavalheiro , E Silva Rodrigo Ribeiro , Pope Leonora Zozula Blind , Medeiros Manuella Zattar
Published: September 2023

Introdução: o manejo das neoplasias de tireoide é muitas vezes difícil pela incerteza do risco de malignidade. Quando suspeita-se de um nódulo tireoidiano, exames ultrassonográficos (USG) e punção aspirativa de agulha fina (PAAF) auxiliam a conduta, avaliando a necessidade da excisão cirúrgica. Objetivo: analisar os fatores predisponentes à nódulos tireoidianos malignos em pacientes tireoidectomizados e discutir a conduta realizada com base na classificação ACR-TIRADS e sistema Bethesda. Metodologia: estudo retrospectivo com base nos dados de 2011 a 2021 em um Hospital Privado do sul do Brasil em pacientes submetidos a Tireoidectomia que realizaram PAAF e USG. Calculou-se a razão de chance (RC) com intervalo de confiança de 95% e os valores foram considerados significativos quando P<0,05. Resultados: dos 360 pacientes, houve taxa de malignidade de 60,5%, com maior incidência no sexo masculino (RC 1,997). Em relação as características dos nódulos malignos, esses apresentaram tamanho de 1,00 a 2,50 cm, composição sólida e margens mal definidas, porém essas características foram descartadas no cálculo de RC bruta. Entre os nódulos malignos, 36,7% deles eram TI-RADS 5 (RC 1,772) e 11,5% TI-RADS 3 (RC 0,411), 3,2% Bethesda IV (RC 0,261), 42,2% Bethesda V (RC 9,638) e 35,8% Bethesda VI (RC 75,557). Conclusão: os resultados ultrassonográficos isolados não se confirmaram confiáveis para a análise do padrão de agressividade dos nódulos tireoidianos. A citologia por PAAF e análise histopatológica demonstrou que nódulos classificados em Bethesda V e Bethesda VI foram associados à altos índices de malignidade, enquanto os padrões intermediários esses resultados não se confirmaram.
FORMACIÓN DE NANOHIDRÓXIDOS BASADOS EN BRUCITA Y LIMONENO: CARACTERIZACIÓN Y EVALUACIÓN ANTIMICROBIANA.
Authors: Toro Luis , Silva Jorge , Velázquez Carlos , Castorena Alejandra , Macías María
Published: September 2023

La brucita es un nanohidróxido con la capacidad de intercambiar aniones sin que su estructura laminar sea afectada, lo que les permite retener compuestos en su espacio intersticial entre lámina y lámina o adsorberlos. Por lo que la formación de nanocompuestos basados en brucita se presenta como una alternativa novedosa, sencilla y segura para dar valor agregado y estabilizar compuestos bioactivos, como el limoneno, con posible aplicación en la industria alimentaria con la finalidad de garantizar la inocuidad de los alimentos. Para tal fin se sintetizó la brucita por el método de co-precipitación e intercambio iónico y se formó el nanocompuesto limoneno-brucita, estos nanomateriales fueron caracterizados por difracción de rayos X, espectroscopia infrarroja por transformada de Fourier y microscopia electrónica de barrido, además se evaluó su actividad antimicrobiana contra los patógenos alimentarios Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus. Se confirmó la obtención de la brucita y la formación del nanocompuesto limoneno-brucita mediante las pruebas de caracterización. Por otro lado, el nanocompuesto limoneno-brucita obtuvo una mayor inhibición contra las dos bacterias evaluadas en comparación con sus componentes por separado. Estos resultados sugieren la posible aplicación de estos nanocompuestos en la industria alimentaria para garantizar la inocuidad de los alimentos.
Rational use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the hospital general Andino.
Authors: Cando Verónica , Hernández Laura , Acosta Jaslin , Yungan Jenny , Fiallos Sofia
Published: September 2023

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el uso de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos en el servicio de hospitalización del Hospital General Andino en el periodo enero 2017 - julio 2018. Para lo cual, se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de 204 historias clínicas. Se analizaron principalmente las interacciones medicamentosas presentadas, la concordancia del tratamiento con los protocolos terapéuticos aprobados por el Ministerio de Salud Pública 2012, y la existencia de posibles problemas relacionados con los medicamentos (PRMs). Siendo la población de estudio en edades de 54 a 81 años. Como resultados, se identificaron 286 prescripciones de AINEs, siendo mayoritario el uso de Paracetamol (56.64 %), Ketorolaco (26,92%), Ibuprofeno (10,14 %), Diclofenaco (5,94 %) y Ácido acetilsalicílico (0,35 %). También se detectaron siete interacciones medicamentosas en las que estuvieron implicados diclofenaco e ibuprofeno. Un 54,41 % de los tratamientos no tuvieron concordancia con los protocolos terapéuticos nacionales descritos por el MSP. Se encontraron 124 casos de PRMs, de los cuales 55,58 % corresponde a recibir medicación innecesaria, seguidos de inseguridad cuantitativa (2,94 %) e inseguridad cuantitativa (1,96%).
Extrathoracic esophageal elongation with Foker technique in patients with Type-A esophageal atresia. A case series
Authors: Lin Mei-Chun , Polit-Guerrero Veronica , Andrade-Montesdeoca Jimmy , Acosta-Farina Daniel , Salinas-Salinas Vicente , Acosta Daniel E.
Published: September 2023

Background: Long-gap esophageal atresia (EA) is not amenable to primary anastomosis though the goal of surgical treatment is to restore the patency in the native esophagus; the Foker technique is one of the methods that can accomplish it.
Case Presentation: This case series consists of three patients who presented with a type-A long-gap EA. Extrathoracic esophageal elongation was achieved using the Foker technique. During the first stage, we utilized pledgeted sutures reinforced with titanium clips for elongation that began five days after the surgery. As the elongation progressed, and the gap between esophageal pouches decreased, we restored the continuity of the esophagus. On follow-up, all patients needed pneumatic dilatation of the esophagus.
Conclusion: The Foker technique successfully restored the esophageal continuity using the native esophagus in our patients with esophageal atresia.
Prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis, Human Taeniasis and Associated Risk Factors in Selected Towns of Silte Zone
Authors:   Department of Animal Science, Werabe University, Po box 46, Werabe Ethiopia, Mussa Solomon Musema
Published: September 2023

Bovine cysticercosis is an infection of cattle caused by the larval stage of Cysticercus Bovis, the human intestinal cestodes and it has economical and public health importance. Across-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to August 2022 to determine the prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis, Human Taeniasis and associated risk factors in selected towns of Silte zone. The study was conducted in Silte zone municipal abbatoir in cattle slaughtered at Kilto, Kutery, Kirate and Werabe town municipal abattoirs. Systematic random sampling technique was used to collect data from abattoir survey of the study animals and questionnaire survey collected data stored by using in Epi data software and analyzed using (SPSS-22) software program. The study animals were 422 cattle which were systematic randomly selected. The present study revealed that the overall prevalence of C.bovis was 36 %, which indicated a high prevalence of the parasite in the study area. A prevalence of 35.7%, 35.92%, 37.96% and 34.11% were Kilto, Kutery, Kirate and Werabe Tawon were observed, respectively. Among considered risk factors, sex, body condition and breed showed statistically significant difference in prevalence of C. bovis in study area. Regarding the anatomical distribution of the cysts, shoulder muscle showed highest prevalence 28.44%, was followed by tongue 20.79% tricepsbrachi muscle 18.35%, masseter muscle 17.74%, heart 12.84%, and liver 1.8%. Out of 110 respondents, 64.5% had contracted T.saginata. Among considered risk factors, sex, age , occupation, education status, raw meat consumption and knowledge about the disease, showed statistically significant difference in prevalence of T. saginata in study area. The findings of this study indicated that importance of Bovine Cysticercosis and Taeniasis in the study area. Therefore, attention should be given to the public awareness, detailed meat inspection to be safe to public health, consumption of well-cooked cattle meat should be implemented for breaking the cycle of the diseases and promote meat industry in the country.
An Analysis on Jeju Dialect Place Names in Olle Trails - Focused on the Forms Found in Course 1~12 -
Authors:   Society for Jeju Studies, Shin Hyun-Kyu
Published: September 2023

This study aims to scrutinize Jeju dialect lexicon found in the official website and
smartphone application of Olle trails as to clarify whether it has been explained properly
or not. To this end, 15 courses, composed of 12 regular and 3 extra ones between
Course 1 and 12, had been analyzed and 67 items were collected in total. The statistic
results were revealed as follows: explanations completely for 26 items, partially for 7
items, and lacking for 34 items. This shows that Jeju dialect has not been properly
utilized as a content field in Olle trails. Next, each item was profoundly examined, and
items to be reconsidered were found. Finally, the last part of this paper suggested the
supplements based on the previous examination.
Visa Policy for International Tourist in Vietnam Post Covid
Authors: Agarwal Prof Manoj Kumar , Le Dinh Thi Hoa
Published: September 2023

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was one of the important economic sectors, contributing 10.4% to the global GDP, equivalent to 9.2 trillion USD, creating 333 million jobs, equivalent to 10, 6% of all jobs in the world. However, tourism is one of the industries hardest hit by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the industry’s contribution to global GDP was only 5.3%. After two years of freezing due to the Covid 19 pandemic, Vietnam has officially opened to international tourism from March 15, 2022 – the earliest compared to other countries in the region. Although it has fully opened, removing all barriers compared to before the epidemic, international tourists are still not interested in coming to Vietnam. By the end of the year, statistics show that Vietnam recovered the slowest international tourism. The reasons are many, but the main reason is still the visa policy. This study aims to systematically evaluate Vietnam’s tourist visa policy, compared it with other countries in Southeast Asia, and proposed visa solutions to attract more international tourists to Vietnam.
Foreign Policy Disinformation: Fueling Polarization and Deterioration of the Public Sphere in Kenya.
Authors: Kemunto Nyabuti Damaris , Mogambi Prof. Hezron , Kiamba Dr. Anita
Published: September 2023

Foreign policy disinformation poses a significant threat to Kenya’s public sphere, exacerbating polarization and undermining the quality of public discourse. This article examines the impact of foreign policy disinformation on the polarization and deterioration of the public sphere in Kenya. Foreign policy decisions play a crucial role in shaping a nation’s identity, security, and international relations. However, the rise of disinformation campaigns has significantly influenced foreign policy discussions, exacerbating polarization and undermining the quality of public discourse. By analyzing the various manifestations of disinformation, this article sheds light on how these campaigns fuel polarization and deteriorate the public sphere in Kenya. It explores the influence of external actors and internal sources of disinformation, highlighting their role in manipulating public opinion and fostering divisions within society. Furthermore, it discusses the consequences of polarization in foreign policy discourse, including the amplification of ethnic and political divisions and the distortion of public perceptions of international agreements. The article also addresses the deterioration of the public sphere, examining the impact of disinformation on social media platforms and the lack of media literacy among Kenyans. Through the analysis of case studies, it illustrates the real-life impact of disinformation on electoral processes and national security concerns in Kenya. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of combating foreign policy disinformation through media literacy initiatives, collaboration between government, media, and tech companies, and the implementation of regulatory measures. By understanding the detrimental effects of disinformation and taking proactive measures, Kenya can foster an informed public sphere, enhance democratic deliberation, and ensure that foreign policy discussions are grounded in accuracy and truth.