bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food and place - agricultural migrant workers’ relationships with food and cooking: a photo-elicitation protocol
Authors: Haddaway Neal Robert , Vicente José Luis Vicente , López-Rodríguez María D. , Duggan Joe , Briones-Vozmediano Erica
Published: October 2024

The province of Almería in Spain is home to one of the largest concentrations of greenhouse agriculture in the world, covering over 32,000 hectares and producing more than 3.8 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables largely for export across Europe. Migrant agricultural workers here face precarious working and living conditions, which profoundly shape their relationships with food, ingredients, and cooking. The food system in this region is deeply entwined with global food consumption practices, extractivist supply chains, and irregular migration patterns. While much research has focused on the economic and environmental impacts of industrial agriculture, less attention has been given to how migrant workers’ interactions with food reflect their social and cultural identities amidst these challenges. This study protocol outlines our aims and methods to explore these relationships, examining how migration and labour conditions influence food-related practices, and how these practices serve as means of cultural preservation, adaptation, and survival. Using a collaborative photo-elicitation methodology, we will work with migrant workers in Almería to document their relationship with food through photography and interviews. Participants will be asked to capture images of their daily food practices over a 7-10 day period. These photographs will later serve as both prompts for semi-structured interviews and a source of visual data, facilitating deeper reflections on personal, cultural, and socio-economic contexts surrounding food. Data will be analysed through qualitative content analysis, incorporating co-creation and member checking to ensure accuracy and participant agency. The planned research aims to provide critical insights into the social, cultural, and environmental impacts of industrial agriculture on migrant workers, contributing to a broader understanding of food justice, labour exploitation, and the sustainability of global food systems.
Tentang Penggunaan Internet
Authors: DAWILE YUNIARTI
Published: October 2024

Internet merupakan media informasi terkini dan paling up to date berisikan data informasi yang dapat diakses secara global. Melalui internet orang-orang dapat bertukar informasi tanpa harus bertatap muka sehingga memudahkan pekerjaan seseorang.
THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF VEGETATION ON THE URBAN FABRIC. CASE OF GUELMA CITY
Authors: Teqwa Bechaa  , Krimo Dahmani  , Djamel Alkama  , Assoule Dechaicha
Published: October 2024

In cities, land use changes caused by various human activities can affect how natural ecosystems function. In this context, it is increasingly important for cities to consider the role of vegetation in preserving a sustainable environment. A diachronic analysis of landscape changes was applied to assess the presence and distribution of vegetation to determine whether it was evolving or regressing. This phenomenon was studied within the current administrative boundaries of the city of Guelma (Algeria). For this purpose, as an approach based on landscape metrics, several Landsat TM and ETM+ remote sensing satellite images were used throughout the period 1987-2019. A set of landscape indices, including NP, AREA_MN, LPI, PLAND, AI and LSI, were calculated to map land cover, the mechanism of land cover and vegetation change, and their impact on the urban ecosystem. The geo-statistical procedure was carried out using a geographic information system Qgis combined by statistical software using Fragstats to calculate various landscape metrics at class level for the analysis of fragmentation . The results of the landscape metric analysis show that the decrease in average area and the increase in the number of green patches are important indicators of land degradation, meaning that the mechanism of landscape degradation and transformation is progressive. This underlines the need to give particular attention to land use and land cover in the region to ensure the sustainable allocation of natural resources.
Optimizing Independent Curriculum Management to Shape Excellent Student Character
Authors: Baharun Hasan , Wahid Abdul Hamid , Udayana Naufal Zakki ‘Aziz Firdaus , Abidin Achmad Anwar
Published: October 2024

This research analyzes the optimization of independent curriculum management in forming superior student character in madrasas. This research uses a qualitative case study type approach. The data collection technique uses observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The data analysis technique uses the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana Interactive Model with data condensation activities, data presentation, and concluding. The triangulation of sources and techniques obtains the validity of the data. The research results show that implementing Independent Curriculum Management to build student character is structured and reasonable. The implementation of Independent Curriculum Management includes five steps, namely increasing the efficiency of using curriculum resources, increasing fairness and opportunities for students, increasing the relevance and effectiveness of learning, increasing the effectiveness of teacher performance and student activities, and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the teaching and learning process. These five steps are a process of organizational and functional strengthening of the madrasah for student character. Student character can be influenced by a conducive and collaborative learning culture and learning activities that are proactive and productive in their implementation.
The Centrality of Kyai in Establishing Moderate Understandings in Salafiyyah Pesantren
Authors: Humaidi Anis , Fadhliyah Najihatul , Sufirmansyah Sufirmansyah
Published: October 2024

The yellow book as a compulsory curriculum in Salafiyyah Islamic boarding schools includes intolerant teachings, especially in the chapters of jihad and hudud. However, the students at this pesantren showed extraordinary tolerance and avoided cases of religious violence. This sketch shows that the students did not just learn and explicitly follow the teachings of centuries-old religious texts. This article reveals the guidance of kyai (Islamic religious leaders) in shaping the attitude of tolerance of students through the interpretation of the yellow book. With a qualitative approach in the form of a case study, this study interviews the kyai who act as supervisors and teachers at the Sabilurrosyad Islamic boarding school in Malang. The findings of the study revealed that the kyai consistently guided their students in understanding classical texts based on their socio-cultural background, by emphasizing obedience to the government, respecting local wisdom, considering social conditions, and maintaining tolerance of other religions. In conclusion, kyai plays an important role as an interpreter of the yellow book so that students have a moderate understanding.
The Effect of PJBL and IBL on the Learning Independence of Vocational School Students
Authors: Prihatin Relly , Sukmawati Fatma , Cahyono Budi Tri , Santosa Eka Budho , Juwita Ratna , Suparmi
Published: October 2024

The influence of Project Based Learning (PJBL) and Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) learning models on students' learning independence at SMK Solo. PJBL and IBL were chosen as innovative and student-centred learning models, focusing on increasing students' independence and active involvement in the learning process. Based on the results of data analysis, it was found that PJBL provided a significant increase in student independence, with an average pre-test score of 44.01, increasing to 70.38 in the post-test. Meanwhile, students who took IBL experienced an increase from 46.85 to 59.77. The t-test showed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test with a significance value of 0.000 (sig <0.05), indicating that both learning models contributed positively to increasing student independence. The results of the multivariate analysis supported this finding, with an F value of 3.052 and a significance of 0.018 (sig <0.05), indicating that PJBL was more effective than IBL in increasing independence. However, in the aspect of student creativity, no significant difference was found between the two models, with a significance value of 0.157 (sig > 0.05). In conclusion, PJBL is superior in encouraging student independence compared to IBL, and the results of this study provide important recommendations for educators to prioritize PJBL in the context of learning that focuses on developing student independence in vocational schools.
Reviewer Acknowledgement, 2024
Authors: Sangkhathat Surasak
Published: October 2024

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Entre saber e verdade de mulheres encarceradas no sistema de justiça brasileiro
Authors: Mello Kátia Sento Sé
Published: October 2024

Lacan nos ensina que o saber e a verdade do sujeito não são completos[1], são não-todos, afirmando assim, a falta. Quais seriam, então, os efeitos da inexistência do lugar da escuta em contexto prisional?
Na pesquisa em meio carcerário escutei de vários agentes que eu não deveria dar ouvidos ao que as mulheres contam, pois elas mentem e inventam histórias para se fazerem de inocentes e conquistarem sua liberdade. Mecanismos constitutivos deste Sistema desconsideram suas justificativas sobre os atos interpretados como criminosos – exclusão discursiva – assim como lhes retiram o direito de existir em sociedade – sujeição civil[2]. Encarceradas pela Lei de Drogas de 2006 elas são condenadas a partir do que dizem os outros: policiais militares, que realizam o flagrante de delitos, testemunhas raramente indicadas por elas ou por seu representante legal, promotores e defensores públicos, além de psicólogos e assistentes sociais.
Ao escutar estas mulheres, no entanto, observei que enfrentaram o dilema de sucumbir à lei da polis ou fazer valer o desejo. Qual escolha? É possível conciliar? Causada pelo espanto da afirmação de que estas mulheres são criminosas, tendo como efeito mais cruel o de tornar suas vidas infames[3] e a consequente ampliação da pena, proponho que, assim como Antígona, ao relatarem a justificativa dos seus atos, elas, no crime, sustentaram seu desejo em ato[4], transgredindo o modelo do que é ser uma mulher.
 
[1] (Lacan, 1995 [1956-1957])
[2] (Cardoso de Oliveira, 2022)
[3] (Foucault, 1992)
[4] (Lacan, 2008 [1959-1960])
Letras transparentes de um dizer
Authors: Lopes Leonardo
Published: October 2024

Há 125 anos a civilização não mede esforços para combater nas universidades, no empuxo à religião, com a mão invisível do mercado, uma pandemia de consequências irreversíveis para a espécie falante: seu nome, sabemos, a psicanálise. Após tantas guerras e inquisições desde a publicação da “Interpretação dos sonhos” (1900), no desafio de sustentar a política do inconsciente e a cura pela palavra, quão foi possível preservar do caráter pestilento de uma análise? Nessa orientação, esse texto visa formalizar a experiência virulenta de decomposição pela qual acontece um analista: primeiro, que se trata de uma infecção à qual o sujeito se abre na relação amorosa que caracteriza a transferência; segundo, o desejo de analista é produto de uma mutação sintomática que, no cerne de seu equívoco de leitura, escreve-se em sequência poemática original e irreproduzível; e terceiro que, ao final dessa contaminação, emerge como diagnóstico as letras virais que escrevem “passador”. Letras silenciosas que percorrem de maneira transparente as veias das cidades, mas que podem passar ao público a cada vez que um analista esmiúça a gramática da língua que comporta o seu dizer – uma responsabilidade, essa de transmitir as contingências pela qual o ato analítico pode infectar.
“Eu não tenho nada pra dizer, então eu digo”
Authors: Figueiredo Ingrid
Published: October 2024

É impossível dizer tudo, o todo, pois a verdade é não-toda por estrutura. Só é possível semi-dizer a verdade, pois a própria estrutura comporta um real. Há uma disjunção ou um casamento fictício entre saber e verdade, pois o saber paga um dote para se casar com a verdade porque visa la jouissance, a cunhada. Em outras palavras, sempre há uma tentativa de reiteração de uma perda de gozo, pois, lembremos que o saber é meio de gozo e a verdade é irmã de gozo. O analisante tenta acessar essa verdade, mas a única possibilidade é semi dizê-la, já que sua estrutura também é de ficção. Através desse semi-dizer, é possível atravessar a fantasia fundamental que fixou uma marca de gozo e um valor de verdade por contingência. Na análise, pode-se construir essa fantasia fundamental e a escrita que fez litoral, ou seja, trata-se de historisterizar. Há um desencontro fundamental para todo ser falante: “que se diga fica esquecido por trás do que se diz naquilo que se ouve” ou “não há relação sexual”: há uma impossibilidade de escrever a relação sexual, mas, paradoxalmente, sempre haverá uma tentativa de escrevê-la. Será um caminho do amor à verdade ao amor à castração? Como amar essa hiância, essa fenda? Parece-nos que aqui se coloca toda a questão em torno do passe: não interessa tanto o que apareceu no final da análise, mas no momento de virada, de advento do desejo de analista, da passagem de analisando à analista, o ato inaugural.
criança entre saber e verdade ou “o que é a psicanálise para uma criança?”
Authors: Formigoni Maria Claudia , Cury Silvestre Maria Laura
Published: October 2024

Na “Nota sobre a criança”, Lacan (1969) afirma que o sintoma da criança pode responder ao que há de sintomático na estrutura familiar e que, nesse contexto, se define como representante da verdade. Na criança, o sintoma pode então representar a verdade do casal familiar ou revelar a verdade do objeto da fantasia materna, alienando em si qualquer acesso possível da mãe à sua própria verdade. Em ambos os casos, a criança fica alienada à verdade da significação vinda do Outro. Apostar no discurso do analista e sustentar a clínica com crianças é apostar na possibilidade de que a psicanálise seja, para a criança, uma via de construção de um saber (S2) que advenha no lugar dessa verdade em que o sujeito, alienado, fica refém. Esse argumento será debatido no texto a partir de recortes de um caso clínico.
Effect of Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) on kinematics in Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Authors: Pervaiz Tayyaba , Saleem Saad , - Laraib , Pervaiz Sana
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Children with cerebral palsy have impaired motor control, caused by prenatal and postnatal causes that affect the developing brain which leads to Muscle weakness, sensory loss, and stiffness

Objective: To assess the efficacy of floor reaction orthoses (FRO) and solid ankle foot orthoses (AFO) with gait's temporospatial factors.

Methodology: It was experimental based with custom molded Floor reaction orthosis and Solid ankle foot orthosis, the sampling technique was Non-probability Convenience sampling the targeted population was CP patients, and trials were taken from the patient.

Results: FRAFO significantly improved patient cadence, velocity, stride time, stance, and swing phases compared to SAFO, with better improvement in kinetic dynamics and a decrease in stance and swing phases.

Conclusion: FRAFO is more effective than SAFO.
Prevalence of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension in Teenage Pregnancies at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Khan Zulfiqar Ali , Bibi Salma , Khail Shumaila Khawaja , Shukr Usman Irfan , Khail Roomana Khawaja , Khan Muhammad Sohail
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension among teenage pregnancies in a tertiary care setup. This descriptive case series was conducted at the Gynaecology & Obstetrics Department from December 2023 to June 2024. A total of 163 pregnant women in the age range of 10-19 years with a gestation age of more than 20 weeks were enrolled in the study. PIH was diagnosed if blood pressure was ≥140/90 mmHg on at least two occasions. The participants were followed at different stages of pregnancy. Data analysis was done using SPSS-17 and Chi-square tests, where a p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. PIH was present in 14.7% of cases. No significant association was noted between maternal age, gravidity, parity, and gestational age with PIH. Younger maternal age is the other important risk factor for PIH.
Women Empowerment in Rural Sindh: A Case Study of Pano Aqil, Pakistan
Authors: Amjad Sana , Bughio Abbas Ali , Umar Rabia
Published: October 2024

This research paper investigates the strategies to enhance women's empowerment and address gender inequality in rural Sindh, with a focus on Pano Aqil. Through a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative data analysis, the study explores the current level of awareness regarding women's rights and empowerment, the impact of traditional practices such as Jirgas and Panchayats, and the opportunities and barriers to education and employment for women. Additionally, it evaluates the perceived effectiveness of legal reforms and assesses awareness of harmful practices like 'Karo-Kari.' The study reveals significant gaps in awareness, persistent gender biases, and the ongoing influence of traditional practices on women's rights. By addressing these issues, the research aims to provide actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers, community leaders, and organizations to improve women's empowerment and reduce gender inequality in rural Sindh.
Endoscopic transorbital approach for resection of mediobasal temporal lesions using an optic radiation–sparing strategy
Authors: Jeon Chiman , Hong Chang-Ki , Chong Kyuha , Lee Won Jae , Kim Gung Ju , Lee Jung-Il , Nam Do-Hyun , Seol Ho Jun , Choi Jung Won , Shin Hyung Jin , Kong Doo-Sik
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

The endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive technique for resection of lesions in the mediobasal temporal region (MTR) due to its potential to preserve the integrity of the optic radiation (OR). This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ETOA using an OR-sparing surgical strategy for mediobasal temporal lesions.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of 15 patients (7 females and 8 males) who underwent ETOA for lesions in the MTR between November 2017 and November 2022. Preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography of the OR was utilized in all cases for surgical planning to visualize the spatial relations between the OR and the target mediobasal temporal lesion.

RESULTS

The median age of the treated patients was 43 years (range 22–76 years), with a median follow-up duration of 12 months (range 6–35 months). Eleven lesions (73.3%) involved only the anterior segment of the MTR, while 4 lesions (26.7%) affected both the anterior and middle segments. Gross-total resection was achieved in 13 patients (86.7%) and subtotal resection in 2 (13.3%). The final pathologies included low-grade glioma (n = 5), cavernous malformation (n = 3), glioblastoma multiforme (n = 2), multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumor (n = 1), pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (n = 1), anaplastic oligodendroglioma (n = 1), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 1), and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (n = 1). Postoperative neuro-ophthalmological examinations revealed that all patients maintained their previous visual function. Follow-up DTI tractography further confirmed the preservation of the preoperative ORs in the treated patients. No postoperative CSF leaks, infections, or cosmetic problems occurred in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of ETOA and OR tractography appears to be a feasible approach for resecting lesions involving the MTR, especially in the anterior segment. In the authors’ experience, this surgical strategy enables maximal safe resection while minimizing the risk of postoperative visual dysfunction. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and assess long-term outcomes.
Association between accumulation of 2-hydroxyglutarate detected by MR spectroscopy and preoperative seizure in IDH-mutant glioma
Authors: Nagashima Hiroaki , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Yamanishi Shunsuke , Hashiguchi Mitsuru , Iwahashi Hirofumi , Uno Takiko , Somiya Yuichiro , Komatsu Masato , Itoh Tomoo , Sasaki Ryohei , Sasayama Takashi
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

Epileptic seizures are common in patients with gliomas, and their control represents an important aspect of treatment. The oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG), produced by mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), is thought to be associated with seizures due to its structural similarity to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Using 3T MR spectroscopy (MRS), the authors investigated whether 2HG accumulation might indicate preoperative glioma-associated seizures.

METHODS

The authors included 196 consecutive patients with diffuse glioma who underwent preoperative MRS and neurological surgery from August 2013 to August 2022. IDH mutation status was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis and direct DNA sequencing. Concentrations of metabolites, including 2HG, were measured by 3T MRS. The authors set a single voxel (15 mm × 15 mm × 15 mm) and used LCModel software to obtain the quantitative information of the metabolites. They assessed the correlations of preoperative seizures with patient characteristics, tumor size and location, metabolite concentration on MRS, histopathological diagnosis, WHO grade, and IDH-mutant status.

RESULTS

Preoperative seizures were observed in 57.8% of patients with IDH-mutant glioma and in 15.2% of patients with IDH-wildtype glioma (p < 0.0001). MRS indicated a higher glutamate concentration in IDH-wildtype gliomas (n = 132) than in IDH-mutant gliomas (n = 64, p < 0.0001). The 2HG concentrations were higher in IDH-mutant tumors than in IDH-wildtype tumors (median 0.71 mM vs 0 mM, respectively; p < 0.001). Glutamate was not associated with a high frequency of preoperative seizures in patients with either IDH-mutant or IDH-wildtype gliomas. In IDH-mutant glioma, 2HG levels were higher in the group with preoperative seizures than in the group without preoperative seizures (median 1.429 mM and 0.187 mM, respectively; p = 0.0231). Multivariate analysis revealed that 2HG concentration was associated with preoperative seizures in IDH-mutant glioma (OR 4.164, 95% CI 1.320–14.50).

CONCLUSIONS

An elevated 2HG concentration on MRS could be associated with preoperative seizure, suggesting that 2HG accumulation increases the risk of preoperative seizures in IDH-mutant gliomas.
Preoperative interhemispheric coherence as a potential predictive marker for seizure outcome after total corpus callosotomy in nonlesional generalized epilepsy: a scalp EEG study
Authors: Yindeedej Vich , Uda Takehiro , Nishijima Shugo , Inoue Takeshi , Kuki Ichiro , Fukuoka Masataka , Nukui Megumi , Okazaki Shin , Kunihiro Noritsugu , Umaba Ryoko , Goto Takeo
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

Corpus callosotomy (CC) is one of the palliative epilepsy surgical procedures available for nonlesional generalized epilepsy, but it is more invasive than other palliative surgical procedures. The main challenge is proper selection of suitable patients for CC. Coherence analysis is a method for evaluating brain connectivity, but the correlation between preoperative coherence and surgical outcomes has not previously been clarified. The authors aimed to evaluate correlations between preoperative interhemispheric coherence and surgical outcome in patients with nonlesional generalized epilepsy.

METHODS

This retrospective study investigated patients with nonlesional generalized epilepsy who underwent total CC. The authors collected data for patients with good seizure outcome (Oguni classification A or B) and bad seizure outcome (Oguni classification D). For coherence analysis, the authors selected a period without interictal discharges. Preoperative interhemispheric coherence values from 8 pairs of symmetrically opposite scalp electrodes were computed across 5 frequency bands. Then, the authors evaluated correlations between coherence and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty patients were included (19 males and 21 females). The mean (range) age at the time of surgery was 5.1 (1–18) years. Seizure outcomes were good in 15 patients and bad in the other 25 patients. Age at onset of epilepsy, duration of epilepsy before surgery, age at time of surgery, and presence of epileptic spasm did not differ significantly between patients with good and bad seizure outcomes (p = 0.36, p = 0.14, p = 0.10, and p = 0.20, respectively). Significant correlations were identified between higher Fp1-Fp2 interhemispheric coherence values in the delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands and bad surgical outcomes (p = 0.0397, p = 0.0322, and p = 0.0476, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curves of the Fp1-Fp2 coherence values in these frequency bands showed areas under the curve of 67%, 69%, and 67%, respectively. The optimal cutoff values for Fp1-Fp2 interhemispheric coherence to predict surgical outcomes were 55.6 for delta (66.7% sensitivity and 72.0% specificity), 55.9 for theta (60.0% sensitivity and 76.0% specificity), and 50.3 for alpha (53.3% sensitivity and 84.0% specificity).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to identify potential predictive factors for surgical outcomes based on preoperative interhemispheric coherence in nonlesional generalized epilepsy. Higher coherence between Fp1-Fp2 in the delta, theta, and alpha frequencies correlated with bad seizure outcome after CC.
Is multilevel MIS-TLIF with bilateral facetectomy a lordosing procedure? A retrospective cohort of 3-level MIS-TLIF
Authors: Chang Yen-Cheng , Wu Ching-Lan , Chang Hsuan-Kan , Lirng Jiing-Feng , Huang Wen-Cheng , Wu Jau-Ching
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is a common surgery that has been extensively reported. However, publications on 3-level MIS-TLIF are sparse, and the effects of multilevel MIS-TLIF on sagittal balance remain controversial. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes and variables involved in the correction of sagittal imbalance by multilevel MIS-TLIF.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent 3-level MIS-TLIF were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Standard radiological and spinopelvic parameters were measured pre- and postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. A linear regression model was used to examine the correlation between preoperative segmental lordosis (SL) and the degree of sagittal correction. An optimal cutoff of preoperative SL to predict the change in sagittal correction was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients (mean follow-up 24.63 ± 12.69 months) were included. Postoperatively, all patients showed clinical improvements, demonstrated by the Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale. The overall SL at the last follow-up was slightly nonsignificantly increased (1.23°, p = 0.267), while the other spinopelvic parameters, including lumbar lordosis (p = 0.008), sacral slope (p < 0.001), pelvic tilt (p = 0.002), and pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch (p = 0.006), all improved significantly compared with preoperatively. The preoperative SL was negatively correlated with the change in SL at the last follow-up (r2 = 0.2591, p = 0.0003), and the cutoff value was 26.89° (area under the ROC curve = 0.7836, p = 0.0087). The 24 patients who had a less lordotic lumbar spine (i.e., preoperative SL ≤ 27°) demonstrated significant improvement in spinopelvic parameters, whereas the other 23 patients (SL > 27°) had a slight, insignificant decrease of spinopelvic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Multilevel MIS-TLIF improved sagittal balance and SL with satisfactory patient-reported clinical outcomes at 2 years postoperatively. Multilevel MIS-TLIF was more effective in increasing lordosis in patients whose lumbar spine had a smaller preoperative lordotic curve (SL ≤ 27°).
Individual- and community-level correlates of pediatric central nervous system tumor disparities in the US
Authors: Rastatter Jeffrey C. , Chelius Daniel C. , Alden Tord D. , DeCuypere Michael , D’Souza Jill N. , Sheyn Anthony M. , Fei-Zhang David J.
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was, through comprehensive, multilevel models of social determinants of health (SDoH) factors, including the Yost Index socioeconomic status (SES) score, to determine whether community- or individual-level SDoH factors quantifiably influence pediatric CNS tumor disparities more in care and prognosis across the US.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective cohort study assessing specialized Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data of pediatric patients (≤ 19 years old) with nonmalignant and malignant tumors of the CNS from 2010 to 2018. A census-level Yost Index SES score and rurality/urbanicity measures were incorporated with individual characteristics of age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Chi-square analyses for clinical and demographic descriptions, multivariate Cox proportional hazards logistic regressions for survival, and multivariate logistic regressions for resection, radiation treatment, treatment delay, and advanced staging on preliminary presentation were performed.

RESULTS

Across 18,236 patients, age-adjusted analyses showed substantially increased mortality risk among 6 of 11 subtypes (highest hazard ratio [HR] 1.91, 95% CI 1.59–2.28, p < 0.001 for glioma NOS), decreased odds of first-line therapy among 7 of 18 subtypes (lowest OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.11–0.97, p = 0.043 for resection of choroid plexus papilloma), increased odds of treatment delay among 6 of 11 subtypes (highest OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.01–6.49, p = 0.047 for germinoma), increased odds of advanced staging on preliminary presentation among 3 of 10 malignant subtypes (highest OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.27–5.52, p = 0.008 for malignant ependymomas), and increased odds of receipt of radiation therapy among 3 of 10 malignant subtypes (highest OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.87–2.84, p < 0.001) observed across many disease subtypes contributed by certain individual- and community-level SDoH factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Through comprehensive analyses combining individual- and community-level SDoH factors, this study identified detrimental interrelated SDoH associations with poorer care and prognosis of pediatric patients with CNS tumors, delineating how both levels differentially contribute to observed disparities across different subtypes.
Outcomes and complications of vertical parasagittal hemispherotomy in children: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Zheng Vincent , Lehtinen Henri , Karppinen Atte , Gaily Eija , Leinonen Heta , Koroknay-Pál Päivi , Laakso Aki , Metsähonkala Eeva-Liisa
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess the complications associated with vertical parasagittal hemispherotomy (VPH), the impact of incomplete disconnection on long-term seizure freedom, and how VPH impacts cognitive development.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation was performed in all patients who had undergone VPH during 1991–2022 at the authors’ institution. Two-year follow-up data were available for 45 patients, and there were 6-month data for 3 more. All available postoperative MRI studies (31/48, 64.6%) were reviewed. Before 2010, postoperative MRI was only performed if seizures recurred.

RESULTS

Primary VPH led to Engel class I in 73% of patients. Acquired etiologies had a higher rate of Engel I compared to developmental and progressive etiologies (96% vs 46% and 44%, p < 0.001). Nearly half of patients (45%) showed improved cognitive trajectories as opposed to their preoperative ones, whereas in 45% trajectories remained unchanged. Additionally, 5 patients (10%) exhibited new major deficits or accelerated cognitive deterioration after VPH. Surgical complications occurred in 14 patients (29%) after the first VPH; 4 cases were classified as transient, resolving during follow-up without surgical intervention. Nontransient complications included 8 cases of hydrocephalus requiring surgical treatment, 1 shunted subdural hygroma, and 1 case of CSF leakage from the wound. Diabetes insipidus occurred in 6 patients, with all resolving spontaneously. Residual connections were present in 16 patients, primarily in the temporomesial region. Seven patients remained seizure free despite visible residual connections.

CONCLUSIONS

VPH is a highly effective treatment for drug-resistant hemispheric epilepsy, resulting in durable seizure freedom and often favorable cognitive outcomes. Diabetes insipidus in addition to hydrocephalus is a common complication after VPH. Incomplete disconnection does not necessarily preclude seizure freedom.
EU as a Trade Power: Adjusting Instruments of Foreign Economic Policy
Authors: Sergeev E. A , Soroka K. V
Published: October 2024

The focus of this study is aimed at the foreign economic policy of the European Union and the areas of its implementation. The article is based on a comprehensive approach to the concept of EU foreign economic policy as a set of instruments combining trade and investment policies of the EU. The study evaluates the communitarization of the main directions of the EU’s foreign economic policy. As a result, it is concluded that the exclusive competence of the supranational bodies of the Union is partially extended to investment policy. Considering that the paradigm of realism is taken as the basis for the study, the subject of the article is to assess the role of the EU’s foreign economic policy in the realization of the Union’s foreign policy interests. The authors believe that the European Union as a “trade power”, seeks not only to achieve economic benefits, but also to ensure that its trading partners meet a number of regulatory and value requirements. Taking into account the transformation of the world order, the need for the European Union to strengthen its own political subjectivity and economic competitiveness is increasing. This leads to the expansion of “defensive” measures in trade policy (sanctions mechanism for non-compliance with the provisions on sustainable development in trade agreements) and investment policy (mechanism for controlling foreign direct investments). As a result, it strengthens the normative and value content of EU foreign economic policy on one hand and make it more protectionist on the other hand. The authors of the article conclude that by means of foreign economic policy, the European Union, as a “trading force”, seeks to create and maintain an international trade order based on rules that are beneficial to the EU.
Europe and the End of Shogunate: Japan «Opening»
Authors: Nosov M. G
Published: October 2024

“Bakumatsu” is the period from 1853 to 1868, which can be translated as “The End of the Bakufu” or “The End of the Tokugawa Shogunate”. Japan, under pressure from the United States and European countries, was forced to open the country for trade and contacts, well realising that it could not resist foreigners due to its technological and military inferiority. The “opening” of the country took place under the confusion of the authorities and with the resistance of not only a large part of the authorities, but also the people, who readily rallied under easy understandable slogan of “honor emperor and expel barbarians” (sonno-joi). This led to military clashes between Japanese and foreigners and to acts of terrorism not only against “barbarians” but also against local supporters of the opening of the country. The result of the “opening” of the country was also the elimination of the traditional for Japan formal dual power, under which the power by law belonged to the Emperors in Kyoto, but the country was ruled by the military rulers ‒ Shogunate of the Tokugawa dynasty in Edo. In 1868, the Tokugawa shogunate was abolished and power passed to the 122nd Meiji Emperor. The capital was moved to Edo and named Tokyo (Eastern Capital). Although the USA was given primacy in “opening” Japan, the major role in its political and economic transformation was played by European countries. President Millard Filmore, who initiated Matthew Perry's expeditions to Japan, was not re-elected, and the new president Franklin Pierce (1804‒1874), was mainly preoccupied with the conflict between the American South and North, and did not pay much attention to the issue of relations with Japan. In 1861, the American Civil War broke out and European countries – Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Russia – began to play a major role in Japan's foreign policy.
The Fall of the First Republic of Armenia in the Context of Relations with the Entente Countries, USA and Russia
Authors: Virabyan V. H , Virabyan H. V
Published: October 2024

The article discusses the issues of the Western orientation of the government of the First Republic with its Entente allies, and significant failures in foreign policy choices. It is emphasised that the leadership of the Republic of Armenia in 1918‒1920. placed excessively unjustified hopes on the Entente countries in resolving issues of recognition of independence and sovereignty and disputed territories. Reliance on the Entente countries during the First Republic (May 1918 ‒ December 1920) did not guarantee the continued existence and security of the Armenian republic. It is noted that the Treaty of Sèvres, signed by the Entente powers (Great Britain, France) and the United States on August 10, 1920, was deceptive and was not recognised by either the Sultan’s government or the Kemalists. In this regard, the article states that, however, not a single European state has expressed a desire to help resolve territorial issues through diplomatic pressure on Turkey or the use of military force. It is also shown that as a result, the RA government ignored the Armenian-Russian agreement signed on August 10 and tried to resolve issues independently, which at the end of 1920 led to complete defeat in the Armenian-Turkish war and capitulation. It is demonstrated that Soviet Russia really assessed the current situation for intervention with the goal of rapid Sovietisation of Armenia, creating an Armenian buffer, instead of the First Republic, creating the Soviet Republic. It is concluded that the orientation of the government and major failures in army construction turned out to be the dominant factors and reasons for the decline of the First Republic of Armenia at the end of 1920. The ineffectiveness of the militarydiplomatic support of the Entente states and the underestimation of the Russian factor are revealed. The RA’s orientation toward its European allies and the United States turned out to be disastrous, since it belatedly became obvious that the Armenian leadership had made a mistake in its calculations and turned out to be short-sighted, since it did not even try to act faster in order to win real and necessary military-political support from Russia. As a result, we can come to the conclusion that after a steep fall at the end of 1920, the First Republic of Armenia, on the basis of the Armenian-Russian agreement signed on December 2, acquired a new historical perspective for further existence in the form of a Soviet socialist republic.
Simulation of an ohmic regime in the T-15MD tokamak based on the canonical profile transport model
Authors: Kasyanova N. V. , Dnestrovskij Yu. N. , Melnikov A. V.
Published: October 2024

mail: nrcki@nrcki.ru
The canonical profiles transport model (CPTM), whose coefficients were determined from the T-10 tokamak database with a standard magnetic field BT = 2.3—2.5 T, has shown its robustness in ohmic regimes with a reduced magnetic field BT = 1.55—2.1 T. We used the CPTM for predictions of radial profiles and dependences of the electron and ion temperatures and the energy confinement time on the average plasma density for the T-15MD tokamak at the initial stage of its operation: the ohmic regime in a circular limiter configuration with BT = 1.0—2.0 T and plasma current Ip 1 MA.
The frequency spectrum and energy content in a pulse flux of terahertz radiation generated by a relativistic electron beam in a plasma column with different density distributions
Authors: Arzhannikov A. V. , Sinitsky S. L. , Samtsov D. A. , Timofeev I. V. , Sandalov E. S. , Popov S. S. , Atlukhanov M. G. , Makarov M. A. , Kalinin P. V. , Kuklin K. N. , Rovenskikh A. F. , Stepanov V. D.
Published: October 2024

This paper reports on the generation of a directed flux of electromagnetic radiation with an energy content of 10 J in the frequency range of 0.2—0.3 THz at a microsecond pulse duration in a beam-plasma system. The flux is generated when a relativistic electron beam (REB) pumps electron plasma waves in a magnetized plasma column. In the described experiments, this fundamentally new approach to generate terahertz radiation was carried out at the GOL-PET facility in the conditions of varying the beam current density and the plasma density in the appropriate ranges of 1—2 kA/cm2 and 1014—1015 cm−3. From the comparison of the flux energy spectrum measured experimentally in the frequency range 0.15—0.45 THz with the calculated one obtained using the previously proposed model of radiation generation in a beam–plasma system, it was shown that this process occurs through resonant pumping by REB of precisely the branch of upper-hybrid plasma waves. Mastering this new method to generate terahertz radiation opens the prospect of its use to obtain multi-megawatt radiation fluxes in the frequency range up to 1 terahertz and higher. For such a development approach the most promising beam for pumping plasma oscillations seems to be a kiloampere REB generated in a linear induction accelerator.
Investigation of the poloidal magnetic flux at the PF-3 plasma focus within the framework of the program of laboratory simulation of astrophysical jets
Authors: Auluck S. K. H. , Krauz V. I. , Myalton V. V. , Kharrasov A. M.
Published: October 2024

Astrophysical jets are collimated plasma outflows observed in diverse astrophysical settings covering seven decades of spatial scale and twenty decades of power, which, nevertheless, share many common features. This similarity over wide range of scales indicates a common core of physics underlying this phenomenon, leading to considerable interest in observational, theoretical and numerical studies. Laboratory astrophysics experiments for simulating astrophysical jets are premised on this common core of physics responsible for multi-scale similarity of jets remaining valid down to laboratory spatial scales of millimeters. Jets formed after the disassembly of the non-cylindrical z-pinch formed in a plasma focus installation have recently been subjects of observational studies. They offer an important complementarity to the main lines of investigations in two respects. Firstly, the multi-faceted role of gravity, radiation, nuclear reactions and related astrophysics is eliminated retaining only a rapid implosion of a compact plasma object in a magnetohydrodynamic environment as a common feature. Secondly, observations can be made using techniques of laboratory plasma diagnostics. In this paper, we report preliminary results regarding presence of poloidal magnetic flux associated with the jets lasting long after the pinch disassembly. This is significant in the context of uncertainty regarding the origin of poloidal magnetic field postulated in several MHD models of astrophysical jet phenomena. Evidence indicating presence of a radial component of electric field suggests existence of plasma rotation as well. These results suggest that more refined experiments can provide insights into the astrophysical jetting phenomena not available from observational astronomy techniques.
Numerical simulation of the main stage of a lightning
Authors: Bocharov A. N. , Mareev E. A. , Popov N. A.
Published: October 2024

We present a numerical model of the main stage of a lightning discharge. Within the framework of the developed model, evolution of parameters of the current channel upon the return stroke (the lightning main stage) is described by the system of equations governing conservation of mass, momentum, total energy, along with the transmission-line equations for determining the electric potential and the total current in each channel cross section. The main characteristics of lightning at the stage of the return stroke detectable experimentally, such as gas heating in the channel to temperatures in the range of 10–40 kK, the fundamental possibility of propagation of the potential-gradient wave at a speed varying from several hundredth to several tenths of the speed of light, and the possibility of the return-stroke wave propagating a relatively long distance without substantial attenuation, are demonstrated numerically. The conclusion that the developed physical and numerical model of the lightning discharge describes physical processes that occur under real conditions qualitatively correctly can be drawn based on the results on simulation of lightning discharges of various intensity.
A microwave discharge in high-velocity flows initiated by a half-wave antenna
Authors: Kornev K. N. , Logunov A. A. , Surkont O. S. , Abushaev T. R. , Volynets A. L. , Dvinin S. A.
Published: October 2024

A microwave discharge in high-velocity (150—250 m/s) air flows induced on a half-wave vibrator is studied. A cw magnetron microwave generator with a frequency of 2.45 GHz and an output power of up to 5 kW was used for initiation of the microwave discharge. The high-speed video imaging was used for studying the discharge structure, determining the diameter and length of the plasma channel as a function of flow velocity and pressure. Electron concentration and temperature, along with characteristic gas temperature, were determined based on the optical spectra. The possibility of using this microwave discharge for ignition of hydrocarbon–air mixtures in combustion chambers of ramjet engines is proved experimentally.
Application of harmonized elliptic Fourier transform coefficients for comparing the shapes of biological structures (on the example of the attachment organs of monogenea)
Authors: Lyakh A. M.
Published: October 2024

Elliptic Fourier transform is a common method of describing the shape of objects by an unique sequence of coefficients that allow comparing the shapes by mathematical methods. However, raw coefficients contain unnecessary data unrelated to the shape, which does not provide a correct comparison. For this reason the coefficients are normalised. This removes some of the superfluous data, but leaves information about mirror symmetry and the order in which the contour vertices are declared, that are encoded in the signs of the coefficients. This also interfere with shape comparison. The paper describes an algorithm for harmonizing the coefficients, leveling the influence of the mentioned information. On the example of attachment organs of monogeneas, the advantages of using harmonized coefficients for comparing the shapes of biological structures are shown.