bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR POLYMORPHISMS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXTREMELY SEVERE COVID-19 WITH FATAL OUTCOME
Authors: Ashchina Ludmila , Baranova Nadezhda Ivanovna , Kulieva Oksana Alexandrovna , Bolgova Alexandra Igorevna
Published: December 2024

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the Sars-Cov-2 virus that can proceed to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and trigger immunopathological mechanisms that lead to excessive inflammation. Toll-like receptors, as pattern recognition receptors, play an indispensable role in virus identification and activate the innate immune system, which can lead to the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, TNFα, and type I IFN. Antiviral toll-like receptors, including TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9, can activate the TRIF-dependent pathway, induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and type I and type III interferons, participate in recognition of dsRNA and detection of unmethylated CpG DNA. In addition, an important role of TLR2 in COVID-19, which recognizes peptide glycans on the surface of gram-positive bacteria, and TLR4, which recognizes gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharide and plays a role in hyperinflammation in COVID-19, has been shown. It was confirmed that TLRs can be involved both in the initial failure of virus clearance and in the subsequent development of severe COVID-19 clinical manifestations mainly acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with fatal respiratory failure. The aim of this work was to study the polymorphisms of TLR3 (rs3775291), TLR9 (rs352140), TLR7 (rs3853839), TLR4 (rs4986790), TLR4 (rs4986791), TLR2 (rs574708) in patients with COVID-19 depending on disease outcome. The study included 187 patients, of whom 157 recovered and 30 deceased. Genetic analysis for polymorphisms of the TLR3 (rs3775291), TLR9 (rs352140), TLR7 (rs3853839), TLR4 (rs4986790), TLR4 (rs4986791), TLR2 (rs574708) genes was performed by real-time PCR. Statistical processing of the obtained results was performed using STATISTICA 12.0 (USA) software. The inter-group difference was considered statistically significant at p 0.05. The strength of associations was estimated and presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. It was noted that the genotypes GC TLR7 (rs3853839), AG TLR2 (rs574708), GG TLR4 (rs4986790), TT TLR4 (rs4986791) can be predictors of a fatal COVID-19 outcome. On the contrary, the genotypes GG TLR7 (rs3853839), AA TLR2 (rs574708), AA TLR4 (rs4986790), CC TLR4 (rs4986791) can be protective and contribute to the recovery of patients.
Determinants of Tax Revenue: A Cointegration and Causality Analysis for Ethiopia, 1992–2022
Authors:   Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia, Kebede Tekalign Negash , Erena Obsa Teferi ,   Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia, Bawiso Elias Pawulos ,   Sidama Regional State Revenue Offices, Leku, Ethiopia
Published: December 2024

Tax revenue stands as the lifeblood of any economy, necessary for financing government functions, public services, and developmental projects. To uncover the factors affecting tax revenue and develop strategies for improving or modifying it, conducting quantitative research on taxation is beneficial. Although this area has been extensively studied, existing research often focuses on developed countries and frequently overlooks the impact of variables such as corruption perception and shadow economy on a country’s tax revenue. To this end, the study empirically examines factors influencing tax revenue in Ethiopia, using data from 1992 to 2021. A variety of statistics such as unit root test, ARDL bound test, and ARDL-ECM were employed in the analysis. Post estimation analyses such as stability, normality and autocorrelation tests were also performed. The ARDL-ECM result shows trade openness (LNOPPS), inflation rate (LNFLN), share of manufacturing (LNMAF), corruption perception (LNCP) and (LNGDP) have positive and significant effect on tax revenue both in the long run and short run. The result also indicates a negative and significant relationship between foreign direct investment (LNFDI) and shadow economy (LNSE) with tax revenue. Furthermore, the past value of tax revenue negatively influences the current tax revenue. The findings suggest that to enhance tax revenue, the government should broaden the tax base, curtail overly generous tax holidays, bolster tax enforcement to curb evasion, and promote the development of industrial parks and special economic zones. The findings will have practical implications for policy makers, tax regulators and taxpayers in that it provides useful insight into the potential drivers to domestic revenue.
Influence of metakaolin on physical and mechanical properties of cement stone heat-resistant binder from mineral-technogenic raw materials of the Aral region
Authors: Ruzmetova A. Sh. , Yunusov M. Yu.
Published: December 2024

The results of studies of the influence of metakaolin obtained from kaolin of the Khodzhakul deposit on the process of formation of cement stone based on heat-resistant binder from mineral-technogenic raw materials of the Aral Sea region are presented. It has been established that metakaolin allows one to control the processes of hydration, setting and hardening of the cement mass. The high degree of hydration of aluminous cement in the presence of metakaolin provides porosity and sufficiently high compressive strength of the cement stone in the last 14‒28 days of hardening. Increasing the concentration of metakaolin in the cement mixture to 15 % affects not only the process of liquefying the cement mortar, reducing the setting and hardening time of the cement mass, but also increases the compressive strength of the cement stone. New formations of hydration products have been studied.
Biología floral, sistema reproductivo y polinizadores efectivos de la bromelia epífita Tillandsia limbata
Authors: Tellez-Baños Bruno Enrique , García-Franco José G. , MacSwiney G. M. Cristina , López-Acosta Juan Carlos , Krömer Thorsten
Published: December 2024

Antecedentes: La familia Bromeliaceae presenta una de las radiaciones adaptativas más notables dentro de las angiospermas, en parte debido a su diversidad de estrategias reproductivas. No obstante, apenas se conocen los polinizadores para el 4 % de sus más de 3,800 especies.
Preguntas: ¿Cómo es el patrón de floración? ¿Cuáles son las características del néctar? ¿Cuál es el sistema reproductivo? ¿Cuáles son los polinizadores efectivos?
Especie estudiada: Tillandsia limbata Schldl.
Lugar de estudio y fechas: Catemaco, Veracruz, México, de abril a octubre de 2021.
Métodos: La fenología se determinó registrando diariamente el número de flores abiertas y sus características morfológicas en las diferentes etapas de la antesis. La secreción de néctar se evaluó realizando extracciones durante la antesis. Los visitantes florales se registraron mediante grabaciones y observaciones directas. El sistema reproductivo y la efectividad de los polinizadores se determinó empleando experimentos de polinización controlada.
Resultados: Tillandsia limbata produce en promedio 2.6 flores diarias, con una secreción de néctar constante durante el día y un sistema de autoincompatibilidad con alta capacidad xenógama. Se registraron diez especies de visitantes florales, los más frecuentes fueron la abeja Trigona fulviventris y el colibrí Anthracothorax prevostii.
Conclusiones: Los polinizadores efectivos de T. limbata son los colibríes, ya que propician la mayor producción de frutos y semillas. Las abejas son polinizadores secundarios; sin embargo, roban polen y néctar, consumen partes florales y desplazan a los colibríes de las flores, lo que afecta negativamente el éxito reproductivo de esta bromelia.
El derecho a no ser parte de la ciudad: ruralidad y urbanización en Ciudad de México
Authors: Rojo Negrete Iskra Alejandra
Published: December 2024

Los pueblos originarios de la cuenca del Valle de México tienen demandas (actuales e históricas) en términos de derechos fundamentales, la mayoría relacionadas con la presencia y el crecimiento de la Ciudad de México. En años recientes el discurso dominante gira en torno a los derechos a la ciudad, que podrían ser excluyentes desde la perspectiva y experiencia de los pueblos. Cabe preguntarse entonces si para el cumplimiento de estos derechos no se quiere ser parte de la ciudad, o si ese postulado es incompatible con una transición territorial adecuada para la crisis actual. El objetivo del presente artículo es esbozar una narrativa sobre “el derecho a no ser parte de la ciudad”. Se realizó con la adaptación de un método narrativo (una organización lógica-histórica) por medio de la triangulación de la información con el trabajo de gabinete y de campo. Se concluye que esta posición se ha construido de manera simbólica por las demandas de la Asamblea Autónoma de los Pueblos de la Cuenca del Valle de México en los últimos cinco años y por otras organizaciones y movilizaciones como una forma de transición territorial justa y adecuada para la realidad del lugar.
Homenaje póstumo a William Waters
Authors: Mundos Plurales Revista
Published: December 2024

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Una mirada desde la sociología de la traducción a una innovación territorial en Canelones, Uruguay
Authors: González-Fernández Laura , Carámbula Matías , Rossi Virginia , Viera Irene , Chia Eduardo
Published: December 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es producir conocimientos sobre una innovación territorial en curso: la experiencia impulsada por el Gobierno de Canelones (Uruguay) entre 2016 y 2020 en la obtención y comercialización de soja no transgénica destinada al consumo humano. La metodología empleada para recolectar la información fue el estudio de caso. Utilizando elementos conceptuales de la sociología de la traducción se identificaron estrategias de alianza, coordinación y traducción entre los actores participantes y también entre la producción de conocimientos técnicos y organizacionales en cada fase del proceso de innovación. Los resultados dan cuenta de la utilidad de este abordaje cuando se trata de comprender el rol de los actores en los procesos de innovación en torbellino; asimismo, los hallazgos sugieren elementos para impulsar políticas públicas que promuevan la innovación territorial.
Reseña: Pierre Lascoumes y Patrick Le Gales. 2014. Sociología de la Acción Pública
Authors: Chiriboga Varea José Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Reseña: Pierre Lascoumes y Patrick Le Gales. 2014. Sociología de la Acción Pública. El Colegio de México: México D.F. 141 págs.
Fe de Erratas
Authors: Mundos Plurales Revista
Published: December 2024

Fe de Erratas
Increasing the durability of drill bit teeth by changing its manufacturing technology
Authors:   Tashkent State Technical University, Republic of Uzbekistan, Toshov Javokhir , Fozilov Doniyor ,   JSC Scientific and Production Association "Almalyk MMC", Chirchik, Republic of Uzbekistan, Yelemessov Kassym ,   K.I. Satbayev Kazakh National Research Technical University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, Ruziev Ulugbek ,   JSC Scientific and Production Association "Almalyk MMC", Chirchik, Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdullayev Dovudjon ,   JSC Scientific and Production Association "Almalyk MMC", Chirchik, Republic of Uzbekistan, Baskanbayeva Dinara ,   K.I. Satbayev Kazakh National Research Technical University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, Bekirova Lala ,   Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Baku
Published: December 2024

Introduction. The development of the mining industry requires increasing the durability and safe tool performance life. For bits of mining drilling machines, this problem is often solved by improving the material of the teeth of these bits. The paper presents the results of a study on the development of a technology for the manufacture of hard-alloy drill bits with increased wear resistance and testing of prototypes when drilling hard rocks. Changes in technology have led to changes in the shape of the tooth. Also, purer tungsten powder was used as the initial component. Research methods. The paper studies carbide teeth of bits manufactured at JSC Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine using standard and modified technology. Its structure and chemical composition were studied. Results and discussion. New methods for performing technological operations for the manufacture of carbide teeth (pins) and steel pin bits are developed and mastered. Tungsten-cobalt teeth were manufactured using VK10KS (90 %W; 10 % Co) hard alloy, produced using tungsten carbide powder synthesized by carbidization of purified tungsten powder. The shape of the tooth surface was changed from ballistic to semi-ballistic. Metallic cobalt powder was used as a binder. Pin bits of the KNSh40×25 type are made of 0.35 C-Cr-Mn-Si steel. Tests of experimental bits were carried out at several mines, as a result of which its suitability for drilling rocks with a hardness of f` = 14–18 was established. The results of industrial operation showed that the durability of the teeth of bits manufactured by JSC Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine is not significantly inferior to bits from European manufacturers. At the same time, the cost of such bits is several times lower.
Geometry distortion, edge oxidation, structural changes and cut surface morphology of 100mm thick sheet product made of aluminum, copper and titanium alloys during reverse polarity plasma cutting
Authors:   ITS-Siberia LLC, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Grinenko Artem , Chumaevsky Andrey ,   Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Sciences SB RAS, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Sidorov Evgeny ,   Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Sciences SB RAS, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Utyaganova Veronika ,   Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Sciences SB RAS, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Amirov Alihan ,   Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Sciences SB RAS, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Kolubaev Evgeniy ,   Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Sciences SB RAS, Tomsk, Russian Federation
Published: December 2024

The introduction describes the feasibility of using reverse polarity plasma cutting to produce large-sized non-ferrous metal blanks up to 100 mm thick. Data on the use of plasma cutting with direct and reverse polarity currents for thick sheet metal and the main technological problems associated with its implementation are presented. The purpose of the work is to study the organization of the structure and properties of the near-surface zone, changes in the chemical and phase composition when cutting aluminum, copper and titanium alloys. The research methods are optical and scanning electron microscopy, microhardness measurement, X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive analysis. Plasma cutting was carried out using air as a plasma-forming and shielding gas, simultaneously with water injection into the discharge chamber and the formation of a “water fog” around the plasma column. Results and discussion. It is shown that both the arc stability and the shape of the plasma column are of great importance in reverse polarity plasma cutting of rolled sheets. The distortion of the cutting geometry during normal operation is greatest in the central part, and with insufficient heat input it shifts to the lower part and increases significantly. The operation of the plasma torch in air does not lead to significant changes in the composition of the cutting surface of aluminum and copper alloys. A decrease in the magnesium content near the edge is typical for the aluminum alloy in the surface layers. Cutting of the titanium alloy is accompanied by intense oxidation of the surface, especially in areas of difficult metal displacement from the cutting cavity. The formation of titanium oxides, mainly rutile Ti2O, sharply increases the microhardness values in the surface layers, which negatively affects the machinability of the cutting edge and requires shot blasting to remove the oxide layer. The conclusion describes the main patterns of implementing reverse polarity plasma cutting of sheet metal from aluminum, copper and titanium alloys with a thickness of 100 mm.
Striving for effective social development interventions in South Africa
Authors: Baron Eugene , Solomons TJ
Published: December 2024

The socio-economic conditions of the poor in South Africa remain dire, and little has been done to improve them. However, many faith-based organizations (FBOs) have entered into agreements with the state to overcome various social development problems. Nevertheless, since questions continue to be raised regarding the rate of resolution of social development problems in South Africa, the difficulty may lie with the conceptualization and understanding of the partnership between church and state and the role that this partnership plays. This article reports on a critical assessment of the partnerships between FBOs in Elsies River and some Western Cape government organizations. The study entailed semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample to understand how both role players understood the FBO-state partnership, and how their understanding and social praxis either brought about more complexities and negative consequences or had a beneficial and positive influence on how poor social conditions in the communities are attended to. The study found that the South African government is not always adequately resourced to provide the necessary social welfare services and therefore makes use of alternative service providers to render social development services on its behalf. Furthermore, the study raises a deep concern about the imbalance in the power relations between the two stakeholders.
Harmony in holistic healing
Authors: Madigele Tshenolo , Moeti Bakadzi , Moeti Lebogang
Published: December 2024

This article examines the integration of pastoral care and professional counselling to improve mental health in Gaborone, Botswana, a city facing rising mental health issues due to rapid urbanization. It advocates for a comprehensive, culturally sensitive model that incorporates traditional healing practices, evidence-based counselling, and community engagement. Using an Integrative Humanistic and Transpersonal framework, the article identifies gaps in existing mental health services through a literature review, emphasizing the need for culturally aligned approaches. Recommendations include collaboration with local stakeholders, capacity building for pastoral caregivers, and strategies to increase community engagement and reduce stigma. The approach highlights the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit for sustainable mental health improvement in an urban setting.
Developing a model for ecclesiastical discipline in the Church of Pentecost-Ghana
Authors: Mzondi Modisa , Kumi-Woode Benjamin
Published: December 2024

This article presents some of the findings of doctoral empirical study on ecclesiastical discipline in the Church of Pentecost-Ghana, over the past thirty years, with a view to developing a model of ecclesiastical discipline for the church. Osmer’s (2008) approach is applied to assist developing the envisaged model. Thus, the article asks: What model of ecclesiastical discipline can be established for the Church of Pentecost–Ghana?Thirty participants, including ministers, elders, and members of the Ghana Conference of the Parties in Accra, were interviewed. The participants viewed ecclesiastical discipline as relevant to the Church of Pentecost-Ghana to show the church, Christ’s bride, as holy and to protect the church’s reputation and aid it in fulfilling its divine mandate of preparing Christ’s return. They raised concerns regarding the application of ecclesiastical discipline in the Church of Pentecost–Ghana, as well as suggested some suitable approaches in ecclesiastical discipline in the church. The researcher then developed a model based on the concerns and suggestions of the participants.
Overview of the utilization and disposal of waste from maritime shipping and examination of possible solutions
Authors: Kári-Horváth Attila , Lantos Zsolt , Sztancsek Ákos
Published: December 2024

Towards the middle of the XXI. century, environmental protection is becoming more and more of
a focus in the world. According to not only environmentalists but also many politicians, economists, and
even historians, the biggest threat to the world is environmental pollution and climate change caused by
global warming. Accordingly, the development of environmentally friendly technologies, which does not
only apply to the automotive industry, is also in full swing in the transport industry. Much attention is paid
to reducing the environmental burden of shipping as well. This is all the more justified since nowadays, the
most common ship fuel, the so-called heavy oil, contains 3500 times more sulfur than conventional diesel
fuel. Accordingly, there are now floating hotels operating around the world that use LNG as a green fuel. In
this article, we try to collect the literature strongly related to the topic in order to develop detailed technology
in our further work.
Finite element method (CFX) investigation of the fluid flow distribution behavior of both parallel and counter types of heat exchangers
Authors: Hailemariam Shegawu Abebaw , Beke János , Oldal István , Kalácska Gábor
Published: December 2024

The thermal heat transfer behavior of hot and cold fluids within boundary conditions on both
parallel and counter types of heat exchangers was investigated in this work using the computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) approach in ANSYS Workbench (CFX). This technique helps us identify the precise values
for the velocity, pressure, and temperature readings along and across the heat exchanger, in addition to
determining how the three variables were distributed locally or globally. Cold water at 5 m/s and 20 °C, with
a zero pressure at outlet or zero gauge pressure at outlet, was employed in this study, as was hot water at 4
m/s and 90 °C, with the zero pressure at outlet or zero gauge pressure at outlet. The results of any local or
global temperature, pressure, and velocity values were represented along the length of both parallel and
counter types of heat exchangers by color contours, where red indicated the largest value and blue the lowest.
All of the global temperature, pressure, and velocity distributions were shown by charts positioned along the
length of both parallel and counter-type heat exchangers. We came to the conclusion that when hot inlet
fluid passes between the head and outer surface of cold fluid, there is a T-junction where high pressure and
low velocity coexist. In comparison to parallel flow, the pressure and velocity distributions are lower in
counter flow.
THE UKRAINIAN PERSON IN TIMES OF CATACLYSMS: SEARCHING FOR WAYS AND METHODS OF RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, GRABOVSKA Iryna
Published: December 2024

The article examines the problem of the worldview and inner experience of the so-called "average" Ukrainian person in times of historical cataclysms of anthropogenic origin, focusing attention on the periods of national catastrophes of the 20th and 21st centuries in socio-anthropological and meaningful dimensions. The author emphasizes the need to study the state of Ukrainian people during the current Russian-Ukrainian war. The purpose of this investigation is to analyze the social attitudes, experiences, beliefs and preferences of this Ukrainian (in Soviet times - the "ordinary Ukrainian") in tragic moments of history, that is, in the age of cataclysms, as well as the ways and methods of researching this problems.
The article concludes that the well-being of the average person during cataclysms (catastrophes) is a state of constant stress and total fear, uncertainty and danger. The real ability of a community to survive depends on the resilience (physical and spiritual) of its citizens; their patriotism and ability to resist the enemy; a sense of love for the Motherland and the responsibility of elites; effective and professional leadership in the extraordinary condition.
The study of the problem of human experience of cataclysms is one of the basic scientific problems of world socio-humanitarian studies, since the world has entered the era of active transformations, often unpredictable and uncontrolled. For modern Ukrainian studies, the problem of the experience of cataclysms by the Ukrainian "average" person turns into one of the most relevant as a security, economic, political, anthropological, etc., ultimately philosophical problem, since Ukraine today is at the epicenter of the reorganization of the global world. The study of this issue requires special attention to already existing scientific analytics and the search for new ways and methods of studying the problems of community existence.
ECOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS IN THE CONTEXT OF GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES AND WAR IN UKRAINE: AN ATTEMPT AT PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION
Authors:   Bogdan Khmelnytsky Melitopol State Pedagogical University, Ukraine, MESHTANOV Andrii
Published: December 2024

The article is dedicated to the study of the axiological potential of Christian ethics in addressing contemporary environmental issues. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that, among other contemporary global problems, environmental issues take precedence. The significance of this research is heightened by the geopolitical changes resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war. The author points to a number of threats to both Ukraine's ecosystem and those of European countries arising from active hostilities. The article examines the perspectives of the three branches of Christianity on contemporary environmental issues, provides a comparative analysis and generalization of the religious foundations for developing ecological ethics.The author also analyzes accusations against the Christian worldview regarding the emergence of modern environmental problems and presents an alternative perspective on their origins. By comparing new non-religious concepts of the relationship between humans and the biosphere with Christian ethics, the author highlights the advantages that the latter offers for fostering balanced Human-Nature relations. Furthermore, the author discusses the specificity of biblical texts and the influence of subjective factors on the formation of theology, which opens up opportunities for reinterpreting religious texts and seeking the most suitable interpretations for responsible relationships between Humanity and Nature. The scientific inquiry conducted by the author has revitalized interest in studying the axiological potential of Christian ethics in addressing environmental issues, revealing and analyzing alternative perspectives on both the possible causes of the modern ecological crisis and the pathways to their resolution.
THE ROLE OF JULIAN VASSYIAN IN THE HISTORY OF THE FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINIAN NATIONALISM
Authors:   State University of Infrastructure and Technologies, Kyiv, Ukraine, POHRIBNA Daria , HUMENNA Iryna ,   State University of Infrastructure and Technologies, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: December 2024

The study outlines the activities and scientific achievements of the Ukrainian philosopher, ideologue, politician and publicist Julian Vassyian and highlights his role in the formation and development of Ukrainian nationalism. The ideas and theoretical foundations of Ukrainian nationalism as a worldview doctrine and socio-political movement are still relevant today, in particular, they contribute to the formation of a scientifically sound ideological course in the context of nation and state-building processes. Therefore, the history of the emergence and development of the conceptual foundations of Ukrainian nationalism remains a relevant topic for scientific research.
The article examines the contribution of Julian Vassyian not only as a member of the OUN leadership, but also as a scholar who developed a theory of the nation. The main aspects of J. Vassyian's life, scientific and professional path are highlighted, and the memoirs of his contemporaries about his place in the formation of the Ukrainian nationalist movement are presented. The main ideas of his theoretical and socio-political works, the foundations of the theory of the Ukrainian nation are outlined. In particular, the concepts of «idea», «will», «goal», «peacefulness», «national genius» in J. Vassyian's theory of the nation not only revealed the problematic issues of nation-building at that time, but also deserve attention in the present.
In the context of the stated problem, the peculiarities of the socio-political processes of the first half of the twentieth century are studied. Statelessness and socio-political peculiarities of the development of Ukrainian society at that time contributed to the formation of the Ukrainian nationalist movement. Patriotic upbringing combined with academic education motivated Julian Vassyian to carry out socio-political and state-building activities and to participate in nationalist organizations.
The study of the figure of the public figure J. Vassyian and his contribution to the theory of Ukrainian nationalism contributes to the development, based on the analysis of the philosopher's ideas, of a scientifically sound ideological course of Uk
Explorations in Contemporary Analytic Metaphysics: Grounding, Modality, and the Nature of Reality
Authors: Batista Ricardo Barroso , Nobre Bruno
Published: December 2024

Analytic Metaphysics represents a recent evolution of one of the oldest philosophical disciplines, now redefined by the methods of analytic philosophy. This contemporary approach reformulates the traditional ontological questions about existence, reality, and the nature of the Universe, prioritizing rigorous logical analysis and language. Analytic metaphysics, contrasted with continental ontology or traditional metaphysics, has surpassed the popularity of classical metaphysics, establishing itself as the predominant metaphysical stream in philosophical thought. In this special issue of the Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia (Portuguese Journal of Philosophy), we reflect on the current dynamics of analytic metaphysics, emphasizing its continuity with the metaphysical tradition or on new perspectives and pivotal issues driving analytic ontology.
Analytic metaphysics, as a contemporary branch of philosophical research, originated from the analytic tradition. This movement emerged in the early 20th century, driven by a desire for greater clarity and rigor in philosophical inquiry. Philosophers such as Gottlob Frege, Bertrand Russell, and Ludwig Wittgenstein were pioneers of this movement, advocating a methodology based on precise linguistic argumentation and rigorous logical analysis. Despite the advancements promoted by analytic philosophy, this period was also marked by a profound crisis for metaphysics. Influenced by the rigidity and the spectrum of the new logical positivism, the philosophical community began to view metaphysics with increasing skepticism, often considering it speculative and devoid of any meaningful or empirical content. This view became dominant, dismissing traditional metaphysical questions as pseudo-questions, i.e., devoid of empirical content and therefore devoid of real meaning. However, this trend began to shift under the influence of figures such as W. Quine, who played a key role in revitalizing metaphysics within the analytic tradition, and is often considered the founder of the new “analytic metaphysics.” Notably, his challenge to the then analytic-synthetic distinction in his famous paper “Two Dogmas of Empiricism” had profound implications for logical positivism and the verification principle. Quine argued that there was no clear boundary between purely analytic propositions (known through understanding alone) and synthetic propositions (known through experience), thus breaking the dogmatic boundaries between conceptual analysis and empirical representation. This perspective opened the possibility of reappreciating ontological questions that had until then been marginalized.
David Lewis on Ways Things Might Be: An Examination of Modal Realism through Lewis’s Correspondence
Authors: Fisher A.R.J.
Published: December 2024

David Lewis is widely known for maintaining the bizarre thesis known as genuine modal realism (hereafter, modal realism). He argued for modal realism on grounds of serviceability in On the Plurality of Worlds. However, earlier in Counterfactuals, he proposed a different kind of argument: from talk of ways things might be to possible worlds. In this paper, I examine the evolution of the latter argument in Lewis’s thought and evaluate its place in his overall case for modal realism, especially in light of the alternative theory of modality known as magical ersatzism. I argue that Lewis turns the argument on its head in his critique of magical ersatzism, but that his later commitment to Ramseyan humility subjects him to a similar criticism. Therefore, the argument is, ultimately, a poisoned pawn for Lewis.
Two Problems of Ontology of States of Affairs: Negative States of Affairs and the Slingshot Argument
Authors: Kąkol Tomasz
Published: December 2024

In this article I briefly discuss two problems of ontology of states of affairs: the issue of negative states of affairs and the so-called slingshot argument. In particular, I consider several objections against negative states of affairs, including this one: if one accepts the existence of negative states of affairs, why not accept the existence of conjunctive states of affairs (or, alternatively, Shefferian ones, or even binegative ones), which results, it seems, in the acceptance of the existence of states of affairs of any logical form. I argue that regardless of this doubt, at least some negative sentences have (non-trivial) ontological correlates. As for the slingshot argument, I argue that it is not the implicated Principle of Extensionality that is at fault, but the principle of the identity of the correlates of logically equivalent sentences (often called ‘Wittgenstein’s Principle’), which is simply false since ‘2+2=4’ and ‘8-5=3’ are just logically equivalent.
The Same Objects, Self-Identities, Existential Bases
Authors: Mou Bo
Published: December 2024

When doing philosophy, there is one norm-like common basis of which we have our pre-theoretic understanding (the “same-object-recognizing” understanding for short) to the effect that, given an object (to be under examination), there is a way that the object objectively is such that we can all talk about that same object even though we may say different things about it, neither resulting in “anything goes” nor bringing about radically different objects thus without genuine engagement. A theoretic examination of the metaphysical issue of the self-identity (as sameness) of given objects (or, in plain words and in a semantic ascent way, “how is it possible to talk about the same object differently?”) can enhance and refine the “same-object-recognizing” understanding as one significant common normative basis of doing philosophy in a constructive-engaging way. In this essay, with relevant theoretic resources of the enhanced account of relative identity and the refined characterization of the law of identity as explained in the recent literature, I examine the metaphysical issue of the self-identity (as sameness) of given objects in two closely related layers, i.e., the “way” layer and the “being” layer of “the way things are” regarding self-identities of given objects. In a holistic way, I first examine several distinct but representative types of (relative) sameness involved in the “way” part of self-identities of given objects; I then focus on five representative types of existential sameness in the “being” part at the “base” level of given objects. Their relation can be highlighted in this way: metaphysically, in the sense to be explained, distinct types of sameness at the “way” layer without existential sameness at the “being”-base layer is “empty” of base, while existential sameness at the “being”-base layer without distinct types of sameness at the “way” layer is “blind” to differentiation.
Human oral microbiome as forensic biomarkers for individual identification: A systematic review
Authors: Nagaraj Vezhavendhan , Arumugam Vidhya , Muthanandam Sivaramakrishnan , Arumugam Santhadevy , Ramasamy Dhamodharan
Published: December 2024

: The oral microbiome is a promising and novel source of biomarkers for forensic identification. It offers distinct signatures that may differentiate individuals, sparking new avenues of research and discovery.

: This systematic review is meticulously designed to comprehensively consolidate current research on oral microbiome signatures in forensic contexts, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for knowledge. It focuses explicitly on microbial diversity, community structure, and specific taxa as potential markers for individual identification.

s: To identify relevant studies published between 2014 and 2024, a comprehensive search of major scientific databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles investigating oral microbiome diversity and specific microbial markers relevant to forensic individual identification. These studies were employed to evaluate the reliability and consistency of these biomarkers across diverse populations and environmental conditions.

: The review included 13 studies that met the criteria, revealing significant associations between specific oral microbial taxa and individual identification. This systematic review highlighted consistent discriminatory power and stability of microbial signatures across varied populations.

: Oral microbiome analysis is promising to enhance forensic investigations by providing unique biomarkers for individual identification. However, challenges such as standardization of microbiome studies and influences of environmental factors on microbiome underscore the need for further research to validate and effectively implement oral microbiome data in forensic practice.
Fearsome four- Fungal infections in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Rajesh Chilaka , Mishra Utkarash , John Elenjickal Elias , Thomas Athul , Eapen Jeethu Joseph , Michael Joy Sarojini , Varughese Santosh
Published: December 2024

To study the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment and outcomes of Invasive Aspergillosis Cryptococcal infection, Mucormycosis and Histoplasmosis in renal transplant recipients.

: We performed a retrospective analysis of renal transplant recipients with four major fungal infections from January 2000 until December 2022 at a tertiary care centre in Southern India. This study was approved by the institutional ethical committee. We have identified these cases from the electronic records of the microbiology department and renal transplant outpatient clinic.

A total of 1970 patients underwent renal transplantation at this institute during study period. A total of 25 patients were diagnosed as having invasive Aspergillosis - 20 patients had pneumonia, three had right maxillary sinusitis, one each had left chronic suppurative otitis media, and skull base osteomyelitis). There were 20 patients with cryptococcal infection of which eight had disseminated infection, seven had meningitis, four had cutaneous cryptococcosis and one had pulmonary cryptococcosis. Mucormycosis was diagnosed in 14 patients, twelve of which had pulmonary mucormycosis, one had oculo-cerebral mucormycosis and one patient had acute invasive fungal maxillarysinusitis. Histoplasmosis was diagnosed in four patients, two of whom had disseminated histoplasmosis and two had cutaneous histoplasmosis. In this study, mortality was highest with mucormycosis (57%) followed by 33.3% with invasive Aspergillosis and 20% with Cryptococci infection.

Currently, there is no standard serological test available for the routine identification of invasive fungal infections in patients. Initial cultures may yield negative results due to slow fungal growth and variations in colony appearance. Therefore, it is essential to pursue aggressive sampling methods when fungal infection is suspected. Invasive procedures such as bronchoscopic lavage and abscess aspiration play a crucial role in reaching a diagnosis. In summary, maintaining a high level of suspicion and employing thorough investigations in post-renal transplant recipients are vital for early diagnosis, prompt treatment initiation, prevention of disease spread, and reduction of mortality risk.
Análisis multitemporal de la frecuencia de observación de Phimosus infuscatus (Threskiornithidae) en Colombia
Authors: Ramos-Mosquera Valentina , López-Delgado Edwin O.
Published: December 2024

La expansión humana ha transformado el paisaje y con ello ha alterado la distribución de numerosas especies, especialmente de aves, reduciendo su riqueza y abundancia. Sin embargo, algunas aves se han adaptado a las áreas urbanas gracias a la disponibilidad de alimentos y recursos. Un ejemplo de esta habituación es la del ibis afeitado (Phimosus infuscatus), cuya expansión y colonización en Colombia se han estudiado poco. Evaluamos aquí si la frecuencia de observación de P. infuscatus se incrementó en zonas rurales y urbanas de Colombia entre 1977 y 2023 mediante un muestreo no estandarizado, proyectos de ciencia ciudadana y el monitoreo de la observación de aves. Los resultados mostraron un aumento progresivo en la frecuencia de observación de la especie a lo largo del tiempo, siendo el periodo comprendido entre 2010 y 2023 el de mayor número de observaciones. Entre 1977 y 2009 se observó mayor frecuencia en las zonas rurales, pero a partir de 2010 esta aumentó en las áreas urbanas del país, lo que evidenció la habituación exitosa de P. infuscatus a los entornos urbanos en varias ciudades de Colombia. Asimismo, se observó un incremento en el rango de elevación de la especie con el tiempo, lo que sugiere que su desplazamiento hacia otras elevaciones puede estar influenciado por las perturbaciones en su hábitat. Sin embargo, el aumento en la frecuencia de observación en los últimos años también podría responder a la creciente popularidad de la plataforma eBird en Colombia.
Entre sacralidad y secularidad: la evolución sociocultural de los músicos de la catedral de Durango (1635-1836)
Authors: Gatta Massimo , Castañeda-Porras Francisco Pablo
Published: December 2024

Este artículo analiza la transformación del rol social y cultural de los músicos de la catedral de Durango desde la segunda mitad del siglo XVII hasta principios del XIX, enfocándose en la transición del periodo colonial al México independiente. Se destaca cómo estos músicos influenciaron la evolución musical y la creación de nuevos espacios sociales, actuando como agentes activos ante crisis políticas y sociales. El estudio examina sus contribuciones más allá de la catedral y cómo sus prácticas musicales reflejaron y moldearon las transformaciones socioculturales de la época. Basado en fuentes inéditas de archivos históricos y enriquecido con investigaciones previas, este trabajo ilumina un aspecto poco explorado de la historia musical de Durango, contribuyendo a una comprensión más amplia de la música como un fenómeno social y cultural interconectado.
El bajón en la catedral de Guadalajara: castas, religión y música
Authors: Domínguez-Rascón Martín Orlando
Published: December 2024

El presente artículo ofrece un análisis sobre el uso del bajón en la música religiosa de la catedral de Guadalajara (México) a lo largo del siglo XVIII e inicios del XIX, los segmentos aquí mostrados proponen una reconstrucción del panorama social del instrumento y de sus músicos que trabajaron en la capilla musical de Guadalajara a partir de su construcción musical, histórica y espacial. Las categorías abordadas tienen el fin de mostrar la articulación el bajón con las condiciones sociales, musicales, geográficas, religiosas, étnicas (castas) e incluso sanitarias. Como resultado de este análisis conjunto, se visibiliza la acción coordinada que permitió el uso de este instrumento como parte de la práctica musical sacra de la catedral hasta la segunda década del siglo XIX.
A Dream in Fantasia — A Cantonese Opera Based on A Midsummer Night's Dream
Authors: Ling Yeung Loretta
Published: December 2024

This review discusses an appropriation of A Midsummer Night's Dream by the Hong Kong Young Talent Cantonese Opera Troupe. While retaining most of Shakespeare's characters and his basic plot structure, the new opera, A Dream in Fantasia, aimed to expand the audience for Cantonese opera. At the same time it proved to be transparently entertaining to its Cantonese audience.
"Teach him how to tell my story": Access at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Authors
Authors: Amberg Jim
Published: December 2024

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), under the leadership of Artistic Director Bill Rauch, has become an industry leader in its commitment to access. This paper summarizes the Festival's access generally, then examines three areas that are unusual: audio description, open captioning, and sign language performances. The results are that OSF has been rewarded with a thriving and growing patronage from the disabled community and that community has been enriched by access to an art that often excludes them. Brief note is also made of the way Shakespeare language is altered or augmented by each of these means of presentation.
"This same strict and most observant watch" (1.1.71): Gregory Doran's Hamlet as Surveillance Adaptation
Authors: Lefait Sébastien
Published: December 2024

In this paper, I focus on the specificity of Gregory Doran's adaptive system to argue that in his TV film of Hamlet (2009), surveillance provides a focal point. Doran treats surveillance as the main mechanism in an adaptation procedure that renews Hamlet's investigation of the link between the scopic regime of reality and that of drama. To adapt this reflexive quality of the play and provide its mise-en-abyme pattern with new relevance, the film translates issues related to unmediated perception into the language of mediated perception. To this end, including surveillance is a major enhancement, which proves more efficient than the stereotyped use of film cameras within the diegesis. The play exposes the mechanisms of dramatic illusion in terms of direct perception. It relates the magic of the theater to the creation of a discrepancy between what the spectators watch and what they, more or less willingly, believe they see. Doran's adaptation reworks this discrepancy. As a result, the film produces a form of specularity adapted to screen societies. The director preserves the structure of Hamlet's analysis of spectacular processes, but uses the ambiguity of watching in contemporary societies to provide the play with new topicality.
Prospero's Girls
Authors: Williams Deanne
Published: December 2024

This essay examines the afterlives of Miranda and Ariel, Prospero's "girls," on stage and in film. A longstanding editorial and theatrical tradition that assigns Miranda's "abhorrèd slave" speech to Caliban informs the ongoing representation of Miranda as a passive and submissive character, even after the speech is restored in the twentieth century. The two-hundred-year-long history of reassigning Miranda's speech to Prospero coincides with the tradition of casting a girl actress as Ariel. Dismissed in recent years as an outmoded and déclassé theatrical convention, Ariel's history as a girl left a strong impression on the play's theatrical and artistic legacy. Restoration adaptations of The Tempest added more and more girl characters to Prospero's island, reflecting an intensified interest in girls and girlhood as the play charted the paths to Miranda's marriage and Ariel's freedom. With Miranda representing domestic expectations and Ariel embodying the dream of liberation, Prospero's girls and their history reflect the conflicting and competing expectations placed upon girls and the dream of a patriarchal power that, rather than stifling girls, sets them free.