bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’acceptabilité sociale, une doxa ? Évitons de jeter le bébé avec l’eau du bain.
Authors: Gendron Corinne , Yates Stéphanie , Friser Alice
Published: July 2024

Résumé : L’acceptabilité sociale reste une expression controversée car elle a longtemps été utilisée par les promoteurs pour désigner des stratégies communicationnelles visant à éviter ou à réduire la controverse autour de certains projets. Pourtant, comme d’autres expressions avant elle, le sens que lui donnent les acteurs sociaux a évolué au fil des ans au point que l’expression peut être envisagée comme le lieu d’un véritable travail social concernant les conditions de légitimité des projets. En parallèle, des chercheurs se sont penchés sur les facteurs permettant d’expliquer l’attitude des populations à l’égard des projets ou des décisions publics, ouvrant la voie à une véritable théorisation de l’acceptabilité sociale, qui s’inscrit dans la perspective d’une démocratie plus participative. L’invocation de l’acceptabilité sociale à l’occasion de la pandémie peut être analysée comme discours, mais ne doit jamais se confondre avec l’analyse que peut en faire le chercheur sous le prisme du concept d’acceptabilité sociale. Au Québec, bien que l’expression ait été peu utilisée par les pouvoirs publics, l’anticipation d’une adhésion des populations aux mesures sanitaires fut un élément déterminant du niveau de restrictions imposé, ce qui s’explique aisément : sans acceptabilité sociale, les mesures n’auraient pas été respectées et seraient donc devenues inopérantes. Il s’agissait donc d’une condition première de leur effectivité.
Sur Cybernétique et société. L’usage humain des êtres humains de Norbert Wiener
Authors: Pinède Nathalie
Published: July 2024

Résumé : Depuis la moitié du xxe siècle, la nouvelle théorie des messages et de la régulation par l’information qu’est la cybernétique n’a cessé d’évoluer et de se ramifier dans de multiples directions. L’ouvrage Cybernétique et société. L’usage humain des êtres humains, qui propose aux lecteurs une présentation de la cybernétique allégée de ses fondements mathématiques et orientée vers ses conséquences humaines, sociales et politiques, fut au début des années 1950 un véritable succès éditorial, à l’instar de l’ouvrage fondateur qui l’a précédé de deux ans, La Cybernétique. Information et régulation dans le vivant et la machine. L’objet de cet article est de revenir sur le contexte scientifique et géopolitique particulier dans lequel prit corps la cybernétique en lien avec la trajectoire singulière d’un savant hors normes, Norbert Wiener. Nous reviendrons également de façon approfondie sur les concepts, la pensée et la démarche d’écriture présentée dans Cybernétique et société. L’usage humain des êtres humains avant de dérouler quelques fils de l’héritage de la cybernétique, notamment en sciences de l’information et de la communication.
Assessment of cardiotoxicity in cancer patients on chemotherapy in a low resource setting: is echocardiography the ultimate tool, or should we look for another?
Authors: Anakwue Raphael Chinedu , Anakwue Angel-Mary , Ekwe Esther
Published: June 2024

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its burden in Africa is projected to rise. Africans have cause to worry over what to do to reduce its morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, some of the most effective anticancer therapies cause cardiovascular dysfunction and may deny patients with cancer the life-saving benefits of chemotherapy Currently, expert consensus opinion adopts echocardiography to define cancer chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, but the cost is unaffordable in most low-income countries. This review aims to examine the use of Cardiac Troponin (cT) to detect cardiotoxicity, particularly early cardiotoxicity, which routine echo is unable to do. We propose that patients on cancer chemotherapy should first have a cT assessment, and depending on the level of the cT, an echo may be indicated. This will reduce the frequency and cost of echo. Our proposal may also lead to a new definition of cancer chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, taking into consideration the usefulness of cT.
Exercise capacity, iron deficiency and depressive symptoms in patients with asymptomatic chronic systolic heart failure
Authors: Aland Sven Christopher , Gertler Christoph , Bräunig Hannah Leonie , Schröder Timo , Edelmann Frank , Wachter Rolf , Herrmann-Lingen Christoph , Hasenfuß Gerd , Sandek Anja
Published: June 2024

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is a common comorbidity in symptomatic heart failure (HF). It is associated with lower exercise capacity, anemia and poor quality of life and has proven to be a successful therapeutic target. In asymptomatic heart failure (NYHA 1) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) however, prevalence of ID and its impact on exercise capacity, anemia and depressive symptoms are unknown.Methods: We analyzed 364 asymptomatic HFrEF patients for ID, ID-associated impairment of exercise capacity, anemia, inflammation, ventricular overload and depressive symptoms. Exercise capacity was measured by 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), peak oxygen consumption per kg bodyweight (peak VO2) and breathing efficiency (VE-VCO2 slope). ID was defined as ferritin <100 µg/L or ferritin 100-299 µg/L with transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20% [European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline-recommended definition]. Iron status was also assessed by serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Inflammation was defined as serum C-reactive protein >5 mg/L. Depressive symptoms were diagnosed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression-Scale (HADS-D) score ≥11 and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) score≥10. Results: Prevalences were 36.5% (29.3% absolute, 7.2% functional) for ID, 11% for anemia, 15.3% for inflammation and 6.5% (HADS-D) and 9.8% (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms. The latter were similar in patients with/without ID (6.7% vs. 6.4%, p=0.46). Patients with ID had lower breathing efficiency (26.8±6.4 vs. 25.2±6.1, p=0.015), lower 6 MW distance (557 m±99 vs. 577 m±84, p=0.030), higher NT-pro BNP (545 ng/l [201; 1226] vs. 428 ng/L [195; 783], p=0.047), more often anemia (15.9% vs. 8.2%, p=0.015) and inflammation for functional ID (8/25 vs. 13/101, p=0.015). Patients with a TSAT<20% had lower 6 MW distance than those with a TSAT 20-25% or >25% (565±90 vs. 581±74 vs. 589±86 ms, p=0.003). In univariate regression models, we found higher sTfR to be associated with anemia (r=0.122, p<0.015), inflammation (r=0.118, p<0.02), ventricular overload (r=0.202, p<0.001) and lower exercise capacity in form of 6 MW distance (r=-0.138, p=0.007), which is similar to ID by ESC definition. In multivariable regression, only NT-pro BNP and in trend ID by ESC definition independently predicted lower breathing efficiency (p<0.001 and p=0.055, r=0.295). NT-pro BNP>1400 ng/L yielded 90% specificity for ID in ROC analysis. Conclusions: ID is a common comorbidity already in asymptomatic HFrEF patients. In a multivariable model, NT-pro BNP and in trend ID independently predicted lower breathing efficiency. NT-pro BNP>1400 ng/L yielded 90% specificity for ID. An association of ID with worsening of breathing efficiency and transition to higher NYHA classes should be subject of further studies.
Real-world utility of serological tests in patients with suspected scrub typhus in the Republic of Korea: A single-center, retrospective, observational study
Authors: Kim Seulki , Kim A Reum , Lim Seungjin , Lee Su Jin , Bae Moonsuk
Published: June 2024

Objective:

Serological tests are widely used for scrub typhus diagnosis; however, their limitations are evident. This study aims to assess their practical value in clinical settings.

Methods:

We analyzed the data of adult patients with suspected scrub typhus who visited a tertiary care hospital in the Republic of Korea from September to December from 2019 to 2021. The included patients had an acute fever and at least one of the following ten secondary findings: myalgia, skin rash, eschar, headache, thrombocytopenia, increased liver enzyme levels, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and pleural effusion. The diagnoses were grouped as scrub typhus or other diseases by two infectious disease physicians.

Results:

Among 136 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 109 had scrub typhus and 27 had different diseases. Single and paired total antibodies using immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and total antibodies using immunochromatography-based rapid diagnostic testing (ICT) were measured in 98%, 22%, and 75% of all patients, respectively. Confirmation using paired samples for scrub typhus was established at a median of 11 [interquartile range (IQR) 10-16] days following the first visit. Among the 82 admitted patients, the median admission time was 9 (IQR 7-13) days. According to IFA, 58 (55%) patients with scrub typhus had total immunoglobulin titers ≥1:320, while 23 (85%) patients with other disease had titers < 1:320. Positive ICT results were observed in 64 (74%) patients with scrub typhus and 10 (67%) patients with other diseases showed negative ICT results.

Conclusions:

Serological testing for scrub typhus is currently insufficient for decision-making in clinical practice.
Griscelli syndrome type 2: Rare 3 cases from Iraq
Authors: AL Ani Mouroge Hashim , Yahya Farah Samer
Published: June 2024

Griscelli syndrome (GS) is multisystem disorder of three subtypes, hereditary autosomal recessive diseases characterized by inborn silvery gray hair, partial skin albinism & immune deficiency. It was first reported by Griscelli et al. in 1978. The pathogenic defect in the RAB27Agene is responsible both for inborn pigmentary impairment and for triggering the Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) a rapidly progressive, life-threatening condtion. We present two cases from different governorates who were diagnosed with GS by achieving genetic study: the first case was saved by successful bone marrow transplantation, whereas the second case died before managing to do the procedure, being rare and underdiagnosed disease end with misdiagnosis and mismanagement.
Hemophagocytic syndrome: Laboratory and molecular characterization
Authors: Yaseen Nooran Salem , Ali Sadiq Khalaf , Aziz Hussam Saadi
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening syndrome of fever, cytopenia, and organomegaly resulting from immune activation and cytokine storm. The syndrome can occur as a primary/familial form mostly affecting infants and young children or as an acquired form secondary to an underlying pathology (infection, malignancy, and autoimmune disease) that may have an underlying genetic predisposition, including mutations or polymorphisms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This case–control study was conducted in Basra, Iraq. Thirty-four pediatric and adult patients with peripheral cytopenia attributed to bone marrow (BM) hemophagocytosis enrolled with 34 healthy individuals (age and sex matched) included as a control group. Whole blood was tested for complete blood count and screened for the presence of mutations in the perforin gene by polymerase chain reaction amplification; in addition, serum samples were tested for soluble CD25, ferritin, and triglycerides (TGs).

RESULTS:

The mean hemoglobin level and platelets count were significantly lower in HLH patients compared to the control group (P < 0.001), while there was no significant statistical difference regarding neutrophils count (P > 0.05). Soluble CD25 (s.IL-2R) testing revealed inconsistent results; serum ferritin and TGs were significantly higher in HLH patients compared to the control group (P < 0.001). About nine cases were genetically proven to have primary HLH; all were infants under the age of 6 months. Perforin gene mutations were detected in 38.8% (n = 7) of tested subjects. The novel frameshift mutation of the perforin gene (c.218_224del) was identified in four cases. Fifteen different perforin gene polymorphisms were detected in both case and control groups. Six out of nine infants with primary HLH did not survive, while the remaining three cases underwent BM transplantation.

CONCLUSION:

Early diagnosis of HLH is often challenging; this study should increase awareness of the prevalence of familial HLH among infants; such cases require early recognition and referral to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Barriers and Facilitators for Physical Activity in Older Adults
Authors: Patel Jahanvi Dineshbhai , Sheth Megha , Jain Anjali
Published: June 2024

Background:

Physical activity (PA) has many benefits in preventing diseases and is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Even so, only a few older people regularly participate in PA. Both facilitators and barriers affect physical exercise in older people.

Aim:

This study aims to find barriers and facilitators of PA in older adults.

Materials and Methods:

This observational study used face-to-face interviews to gather data from older people (age >60 years) of a community of Ahmedabad. A set of questions was prepared to identify facilitators and barriers to PA in older adults. Data were collected from 150 older people through the convenience sampling method.

Statistical Analysis:

Descriptive statistics was used.

Results:

One hundred and fifty participants with a mean age of (67.92 ± 5.95) years participated in the study, including 71 (47.3%) females and 79 (52.7%) males. The results show that the common barriers to PA in older adults are health problems (31.7%), lack of time (30.2%), lack of motivation (46%), and weather (38%). Facilitators are beliefs that PA may prevent health problems (81%), improve health conditions (81%), enjoyment of activity (63.5%), family and friends’ involvement (47.6%), having the opportunity for PA-related support and social interaction with the participants (61.9%), living in a walkable area (60.3%), convenient/nearby PA locations (50.8%), and even walking surfaces (63.5%).

Conclusion:

Barriers to PA in older people were health problems, a lack of time, a lack of motivation/laziness, a lack of guidance from a professional, weather and environment such as traffic and lack of green areas. Facilitators believed that PA may prevent health problems; having the opportunity for PA-related support and social interaction/participation, living in a walkable area, even walking surfaces, and enjoyment of PA were also facilitators for PA among older adults.
An Effectiveness of Ayurveda Management in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Varsakiya Jitendrakumar Nathabhai , Agarwal Bhawana , Kathad Divyarani , Ravi Arun Kumar , Dwivedi Shiv Prasad
Published: June 2024

Crohn’s disease (CD) is segmental, noncontinuous, subacute, or chronic inflammation that can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, with a predilection for the distal ileum and colon. The incidence of CD is increasing and is now 5–10 per 100,000, with a prevalence of 50–100 per 100,000. A 47-year-old patient presented to the outpatient department of the Department of Kayachikitsa, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, New Delhi, with complaints of spasmodic abdominal pain and passage of mucoid stool with increased frequency of defecation from last 2 months. This case was diagnosed as CD in the colonoscopy report. The patient was treated with Panchkarma procedures and Ayurvedic oral drugs and found satisfactory results with no side effects. Colonoscopy, contrast-enhanced computed tomography enterography, and liver function test were considered objective parameters of assessment. Improvement was assessed on the basis of relief in subjective and objective parameters. After the course of treatment, significant improvement was seen in the grading of subjective parameters and laboratory investigation. This case study illustrates that Ayurvedic medicament can be the choice for treating ailments of the gastrointestinal tract.
Outcome of Trial of Labor after Cesarean Delivery: Evaluating the Flamm Scoring System in Two Hospitals in Cameroon: A 5-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Ngeh-Nkeng Alembong Eleanor , Milton Forchap Nkemanjong , Samuel Nkengfua , Adolphe Elong Felix , Thomas Egbe Obinchemti
Published: June 2024

Background:

Outcomes of trial of scar (TOS) correlate well with predictions provided by vaginal birth after cesarean scoring systems. In Cameroon, there is limited data on the implementation and effectiveness of these scoring systems, as well as the materno-fetal outcomes of TOS.

Objectives:

The objective was to utilize the Flamm score in predicting the success of TOS, and to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes observed following TOS in Yaounde and Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospitals from 2017 to 2021.

Material and Methods:

We included files of 310 parturient women with single transverse lower uterine segment cesarean section, who had TOS. Data on sociodemographic, reproductive health, Flamm scoring, and labor outcomes were documented using a structured data extraction form and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.

Results:

Of the 310 patients, 73.9% had successful vaginal deliveries (VDs) and 26.1% had repeated emergency cesarean. Flamm score predictions were associated with TOS outcomes (P = 0.0001), with mean score of 5.87 ± 0.01 for successful VD compared to 3.72 ± 0.126 for repeat cesarean. Probability of successful VD increased with Flamm score, ranging from 0% for scores of two to 100% for scores > 7, with a cutoff score of 4.5 (Se = 75.0%, Sp = 75.3%). The main maternal complication was one uterine rupture (0.32%) and neonatal complications were three stillbirths (0.98%) and one early neonatal death (0.32%) after repeat cesarean.

Conclusions:

TOS is associated with high success rates in tertiary hospitals in Cameroon. Applying Flamm score will improve the chances of a successful VD following TOS, and should be encouraged.
A Rare Case of Hypophysitis Due to Tuberculosis with an Atypical Presentation of Normal Pituitary Markers
Authors: Shah Jinal , Darda Shubham , Shah Prasen , Lakhani Jitendra D.
Published: June 2024

Hypophysitis developing secondary to tuberculosis is a very rare clinical entity. Hypophysitis occurs because of inflammation and it may affect the anterior, infundibulum, posterior, or entire pituitary gland. Here, we are presenting a case of a young male having tubercular meningitis who was taking antitubercular treatment for the last 2 months and was having disseminated tuberculosis. The patient presented with severe headache with fever and 4–5 episodes of vomiting. The patient presented with the affection of consciousness in the form of confusion, irritability, and disorientation. High-resolution CT thorax was suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis (Koch’s) with centrilobular nodules and a tree-in-bud appearance. Magnetic resonance imaging brain showed prominent leptomeningeal enhancement with an enlarged pituitary gland with enlarged enhancing stalk suggestive of hypophysitis. The hypophysitis case developing secondary to tuberculosis as a very rare entity is discussed in this case report. This case is also an atypical presentation wherein the pituitary markers are normal in hypophysitis.
Biomarkers of Orthodontic Patients After Use of 1% Brazilian Red Propolis Toothpaste: A Randomized Clinical Study
Authors: do Amaral Silva Mônica , Valadas Lídia Audrey Rocha , Lopes de Oliveira Guilherme Antônio , Rodrigues Neto Edilson Martins , de Alencar Júnior Emmanuel Arraes , Dantas Lobo Patricia Leal , Dantas Thereza Cristina Farias Botelho , Bandeira Mary Anne Medeiros , de França Fonteles Marta Maria , Baptista Gandhi Radis
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aim:

To evaluate the salivary biomarkers and plaque index after a treatment with a propolis-contained toothpaste.

Materials and Methods:

This is a longitudinal, randomized, double-blind study where 76 participants were randomized into two groups: Group I: Fluoridated Red Propolis toothpaste; Group II: Fluoridated toothpaste. The participants were selected in a municipality without fluoridated public water. All participants received standardized oral hygiene instructions from the same instructor for 3 daily brushings (after breakfast, after lunch, and before bed) for a period of 2 min; Saliva samples were collected before (D0) and after 28 days (D28) of treatment for analysis of pH and total protein, amylase, and IL-10. Saliva was collected in the initial consultation and on return, totaling two collections. All samples were collected under the same conditions, by the same operator and between 9:00 am and 11:00 am in order to minimize the influence of circadian rhythm on salivary flow.

Results:

On D0 and D28, the various treatments had no effect on total salivary proteins (G1: P = 0.0746; G2: P = 0.2144), and the pH stayed about the same. Additionally, there was no change in the amylase activity in G1 (P = 0.1877) or G2 (P = 0.4674). Significant decreases in G1 (P < 0.0001) and G2 (P = 0.03) were observed with IL-10. There was no statistically significant difference in the salivary flow between the BRP toothpaste-treated group (P = 0.172) and the commercial fluoridated toothpaste-treated group (P = 0.329). Compared to G2 (P = 0.03), G1 showed a superior decline in the plaque index (P = <0.0001).

Conclusions:

After 28 days of using the toothpastes, there were no changes in the amylase, pH, or total protein indicators. After 28 days, there was a decrease in the propolis group’s IL-10 dose and plaque index.
Effect of Preventive Dental Products on Bonding Force: An in vitro Study
Authors: Crowley Jamie , Abdulhameed Nader , Al-Obaidi Rand , Hussein Hind
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aim:

Testing the effect of Fluoride, chlorhexidine, and molecular iodine applications on the mean micro-shear bond strength (SBS) of enamel in an attempt to preserve enamel integrity during the bonding process.

Materials and Methods:

The study was an observational case–control one in which 150 human teeth were classified into 10 groups according to the product kind and the prescribed treatment. Each group consisted of 15 teeth. Group C was the control group. Groups FP, FV, and OS utilized products that could be utilized in a professional dental setting. Group FP was treated with 1.23% NaF prophy paste, Group FV was treated with 5% NaF varnish, and Group OS was treated with Opal® Seal Fluoride releasing primer and sealant. Groups L, LF, CHX, and I were treated with mouth rinses. Group L was treated with Listerine Zero Fluoride-Free Mouthwash, Group LF with Listerine Zero 0.02% NaF Mouth Rinse, Group CHX with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, and Group I with ioRinse RTU 100 ppm molecular iodine rinse. Groups TP and G utilized alternative remineralization products. Group TP was treated with Fluoro Calcium Phosphosilicate bioglass containing toothpaste, and Group G was treated with Curodont Protect remineralizing tooth gel. One-way ANOVA test was utilized to perform all statistical analysis in this study.

Results:

For mean micro-SBS, no significant difference (P > 0.05) between any of the experimental groups was observed when compared to the control group. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between Opal Seal versus Listerine Total, Opal Seal versus Peridex, Listerine versus Listerine Total, and Listerine versus Peridex. All other experimental group comparisons revealed a nonsignificant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

As the null hypothesis (H0) assumes that changes observed in an experiment are due to chance, hence, the outcomes of this study are coherent with (H0) since the aforementioned application methods did not significantly impact the SBS of orthodontic resin cement to enamel.
Complete stable minimal hypersurfaces in positively curved 4-manifolds
Authors: Chodosh Otis , Li Chao , Stryker Douglas
Published: June 2024

We show that the
combination
of non-negative sectional curvature (or

2

-intermediate Ricci curvature) and strict positivity of scalar curvature forces rigidity of complete (non-compact) two-sided stable minimal hypersurfaces in a

4

-manifold with bounded curvature. Our work leads to new comparison results. We also construct various examples showing that rigidity of stable minimal hypersurfaces can fail under other curvature conditions.
Существование и устойчивость стационарных решений с пограничными слоями в системе быстрого и медленного уравнений реакция-диффузия-адвекция с KPZ-нелинейностями
Authors: Nefedov Nikolai Nikolaevich , Orlov Andrei Olegovich
Published: July 2024

Исследуется существование стационарных решений сингулярно возмущенных систем уравнений реакция-диффузия-адвекция в случае быстрого и медленного уравнений реакция-диффузия-адвекция с нелинейностями, содержащими градиент искомой функции в квадрате (KPZ-нелинейностями). Для доказательства теорем существования используется асимптотический метод дифференциальных неравенств. Построена погранслойная асимптотика решений в случае граничных условий Неймана и Дирихле. Рассмотрен случай квазимонотонных источников и систем без требования квазимонотонности.
Нелинейность обратных задач орбитальной динамики на примере потенциально опасных астероидов и внешних спутников Юпитера
Authors: Banshchikova Maria Alexandrovna , Syusina Olga Mikhailovna
Published: July 2024

Представлены результаты исследования нелинейности в обратных задачах орбитальной динамики внешних спутников Юпитера, открытых в 2018-2022 гг., и потенциально опасных астероидов. Результаты показали, что для более точного исследования орбитальной неопределенности необходимо предварительно найти минимальное значение показателя нелинейности путем варьирования начальной эпохи в пределах мерного интервала для разных параметрических пространств.
A Corpus-Based Contrastive Analysis of Metaphorical Collocations of the Terms Right and Pravo: Do Different Legal Cultures Give Rise to Different Metaphors?
Authors: Dobrić Basaneže Katja
Published: July 2024

The paper focuses on the contrastive analysis of metaphorical collocations of the nouns right and pravo in the web corpora of English and Croatian. It categorizes metaphorical collocations based on the Master Metaphor List (Lakoff, Espenson, and Schwarts 1991), and attempts to detect the similarities and differences in the cognitive structuring of the two terms. The paper is thus an attempt to investigate the metaphorical dimension of legal collocations, a perspective largely ignored to date in the study of collocations in legal discourse. By combining the corpusbased approach, which allows us to access a significant number of collocations, and using the Master Metaphor List, the paper reveals the network of conceptual mappings operating in the background of collocations and proposes that such cognitive structuring cuts across different legal cultures.
Metatheatre in Brian Friel’s The Loves of Cass McGuire: The Semiotics of Make-Believe
Authors: Badra Mahasen
Published: July 2024

The purpose of the present paper is to explore the metatheatrical techniques in The Loves of Cass McGuire by Brian Friel. Those include the play-within-a-play, expressionism, as well as the self-reflexive techniques of Brecht’s and Pirandello’s metatheatre. In terms of structure, character delineation, language and setting, Cass McGuire draws attention to Friel’s self-conscious devices. The play dramatizes the frustrations of Cass who deliberately chooses to withdraw to the realm of illusions and dreams, after being disappointed at the unpleasant realities she found at home. The study will also show how Friel managed to create a theatricalized balanced frame that draws the audience’s attention to the theatrical devices and structural features of his play on the one hand, and to the reality beyond the theatre, or the world as “a projection of human consciousness”, as Abel asserts, on the other.
Attitudes of the Hungarian-American Diaspora to the Officialization of English in the United States
Authors: Czegledi Sandor
Published: July 2024

The paper examines the attitudes and opinions of the representatives of Hungarian-American communities in the United States regarding the officialization of English at the federal level. The corpora of the analysis have been built with the help of a) the websites of Hungarian-American organizations in the United States; b) the legislative database of the US Federal Congress; and the digitized versions of the printed newspapers and magazines published in Hungarian in the United States. The method of classifying the attitude patterns relies on Terrence G. Wiley’s language policy classification spectrum (1999) and on Richard Ruíz’s classic “orientations in language planning” framework (1984), expanded by Hult and Hornberger (2016). The results indicate that while Hungarian-Americans have mostly been trying to maintain their first language (in the private domain), they have also embraced English and willingly assimilated into American society, resenting the alleged ethnolinguistic separatism of Hispanic Americans and their demands for special minority-language accommodations.
Environmental activism by the Philippine Supreme Court: initiatives and impediments
Authors: Puno Reynato S , Gatmaytan Dante B
Published: June 2024

Environmental law innovation is a feature of jurisprudence in the Philippines, which is world famous for the decision of its Supreme Court in 1993 in the case Oposa v Factoran – which is often, somewhat erroneously, perceived as having conferred legal standing on generations of people as yet unborn. Other environmental initiatives of the Supreme Court are also well-known. Further, the Court has promulgated decisions that incorporate the ideas of ‘intergenerational equity’ and ‘continuing mandamus’ as environmental tools. The Court has also promulgated ‘Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases’ to provide, among other things, for faster responses to be taken to environmental emergencies through the Writ of Kalikasan (‘kalikasan’ meaning ‘nature’). These initiatives, however, have not been as successful in practice as it was hoped they would have been. The Court’s doctrines are commonly misunderstood and have faced opposition, even from within the Court itself; and the Writ of Kalikasan has been conservatively applied by courts, which allows continuing environmental trauma to occur. This article examines the gaps in both case law and the Rules of Procedure and makes recommendations for improving the Supreme Court’s rules.
A tale of the receding Himalayan glaciers: China’s and India’s response against Black Carbon
Authors: Syed Owais Talib
Published: June 2024

In a world reeling towards the global environmental catastrophe of climate change, melting glaciers are commonly seen as a sign of impending doom. While the word ‘glacier’ is often associated with the polar regions, the Greater Himalayan Region (GHR) glaciers, which support over 20 per cent of the world’s population, are often forgotten. In addition to global warming, the glaciers in the GHR are suffering from the deposition of Black Carbon (BC), which is well-known for accelerating the melting of glaciers and is believed to be the single biggest factor causing the melt of the GHR glaciers. China and India, the two biggest BC emitters worldwide, contribute the most to the BC deposition in the GHR due to their proximity to the region. As the GHR glaciers recede at an unprecedented rate, this article critically analyses and compares the measures of China and India to curb their BC emissions. Further, the article evaluates the multi-lateral regional response against the crisis of BC in the region.
A new technique based on the eigenvalue of the curvature tensor for enhancing gravity data
Authors: Pham Luan
Published: June 2024

Enhancement of the boundaries of geologic structures is one of the main goals in interpretation of gravity anomalies. A range of different algorithms based on field derivatives has been introduced to solve this problem. Among these algorithms, the curvature gravity gradient tensor and its modifications are widely used in enhancing gravity data. These algorithms, however, have some main limitations such as the estimated edges are not compatible with the actual edges or bringing false information. In this study, I introduce a new technique based on the eigenvalue of the curvature tensor. The robustness of the presented technique is exemplified using model studies and a real-world dataset of the Vredefort dome (South Africa). The model studies show that the proposed filter can provide more accurate results and avoid artifacts in the output map. The real application result shows a good correlation between the edges highlighted by the presented algorithm and ring structures in the dome.
Covid-19, Women’s Mental Health, and Religion in Zimbabwe: Insights from Christian Women and Clergymen in Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chireshe Excellent
Published: July 2024

The study sought to find out intersections of Covid-19, women’s mental health, and religion in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe, during the first 35 days of the lockdown. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from a purposefully selected sample of 15 Christian women and three clergymen in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. Participation was voluntary and all participants gave their consent. Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained by not identifying participants by their real names. Data were thematically analysed. Findings show that while Covid-19 negatively affected all people in terms of mental health and psychological well-being, the burden weighed heavily on women on account of their caregiving role in the public and private spheres as well as their domestic responsibilities. The study also revealed that Covid-19 and its management were associated with heightened levels of anxiety and depression. Religion gave women hope. A sense of closeness to God gave the women resilience amidst the pandemic. Religious messages and prayers for the sick and bereaved, though at some point hampered by movement restrictions and digital challenges, were helpful mechanisms of stress reduction. It is recommended that the government and other stakeholders including faith communities adopt a gendered approach to provide psychosocial support and enhance women’s coping capacity.
Aportes para una estrategia de protección al consumidor a adquirentes de viviendas
Authors: Urbano Jiménez Elva Milagros , Arista Miguel
Published: July 2024

La presente investigación examina los problemas que enfrentan los consumidores al adquirir viviendas en Lima Metropolitana, incluidos los incumplimientos por parte de las inmobiliarias. Se consultó a instituciones clave, como el Indecopi y el Ministerio de Vivienda, Construcción y Saneamiento, y se realizaron entrevistas con altos funcionarios y representantes privados. El análisis identificó que la información y educación de los consumidores es crucial. La estrategia propuesta incluye la difusión de datos preventivos sobre el mercado de viviendas, el relanzamiento del servicio Mira a quién le compras y la creación de una comisión consultiva para estudiar la problemática del sector y proponer medidas adicionales. El objetivo es reducir la incidencia de estos problemas.
On psychological characteristics of cadets prone to increased risk
Authors: Кушнир С.И.
Published: June 2024

Повышенный риск является характерной чертой службы в силовых структурах. Поэтому готовность и конструктивная склонность к риску становятся неотъемлемыми качествами военных и сотрудников правоохранительных органов. В статье анализируются результаты тестирования курсантов ведомственных вузов, склонных к повышенному риску. Приводится перечень проступков курсантов, изучаются как отрицательные, так и положительные черты их личности, исследуется обусловленность склонности к повышенному риску наличием проблем в родительских семьях. Предложены возможные методики и программы, которые смогли бы скорректировать рисковое поведение курсантов.

Increased risk is a characteristic feature of service in law enforcement agencies. Therefore, willingness and constructive risk-taking become essential qualities of military and law enforcement personnel. The article analyzes results of the testing of cadets of departmental universities who are prone to increased risk. A list of the cadets’ misconduct is provided and both negative and positive personality traits are studied. It is studied whether the propensity to increased risk are associated with the presence of problems in parental families. In conclusion, the author proposes possible methods and programs that could correct risky behavior of cadets.
RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF ELECTROMECHANICAL MODULE WITH ASSOCIATION AMONG RELIABILITY INDICATORS
Authors:   Department MEMETE, FEP of Sliven, Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria, Petrov Nikolay , Dimitrov Ventsislav ,   Department MEMETE, FEP of Sliven, Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria, Dimitrova Veselina ,   Department MEMETE, FEP of Sliven, Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the reliability assessment results for electromechanical modules, including carbon fiber reinforced composite with thermoplastic matrix, aluminium alloy, and steel housing, through the analysis of competing risks, establishing an association among reliability indicators and non-stationary failure flow using the Weibull probability density function. It has been demonstrated that the estimated probabilities of reliability operations and failure are merely approximations and may deviate from the actual values. This analysis correlates with the estimation of mutual competing risks in the operation of planetary gearbox housing constructed from composite materials. It has been confirmed that the estimated probability of failures is asymptotically effective. A comparative analysis illustrates reliance on simulation methods for planetary gearbox housing made of carbon fiber reinforced composite with a thermoplastic matrix, aluminium alloy, and steel, focusing on parameters such as von Mises stress and deformation (deflection). It has been proven that the electromechanical module, including carbon fiber reinforced composite with thermoplastic matrix, aluminium alloy, and steel planetary gearbox housing is the most reliable, with the lowest heat transfer coefficient, but with the lowest strength.
RESEARCH AND OPTIMIZATION OF SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE AERODYNAMIC DESIGN
Authors:   School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Ha Noi University of Industry (HaUI), Vietnam, Quan Vu Hai
Published: June 2024

Drag and lift are two important parameters to evaluate a vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. Aerodynamic resistance (drag force Fd) prevents the movement of the vehicle and has a value proportional to the square of the velocity. That is, when the speed increases twice, the aerodynamic drag will increase fourfold. This article presents a plan to design a sport utility vehicle model with improved aerodynamics by using Ansys Fluent software to analyze pressure distribution areas that affect aerodynamics and the body. Based on the results obtained, the areas of stress and maximum pressure concentration have been identified. From this, a plan to improve the vehicle’s exterior design has been proposed. After many iterations of the design and model optimization process, the aerodynamic drag coefficient CD was reduced by 3.06% compared to the original model. The revised design option is equipped with an airflow diffuser under the vehicle; the lifting resistance coefficient has been reduced from 0.0902 to 0.038, equivalent to 58.2%. The new proposed design of the model has reduced the vehicle’s frontal drag by 2.04%. The research results have determined the aerodynamic coefficients CD and CL of the model car. Based on the results received, it is possible to compare them with the manufacturer’s announced parameters and propose new design options that still ensure aesthetics.
On the Energy and Spread of the Adjacency, Laplacian and Signless Laplacian Matrices of Graphs
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea, Das Kinkar Chandra , Ghalavand Ali ,   Center for Combinatorics, Nankai University, China, Tavakoli Mostafa ,   Department of Applied Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we explore the connection between the energy and spread of the adjacency, Laplacian, and signless Laplacian matrices for graphs. We then introduce new limitations for the energy and spread of these matrices, based on previous research and our findings.
The Edge-Hosoya Polynomial of Catacondensed Benzenoid Graphs Associated with its Hosoya Polynomial
Authors:   School of Computer and Information Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China, Li Wei , Chen Ailian ,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Fuzhou University, China, Wu Jiali ,   School of Computer and Information Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
Published: June 2024

This paper reveals the relationship between edge-Hosoya polynomial and the Hosoya polynomial of catacondensed benzenoid graphs. The result shows that, for a catacondensed benzenoid graph, the computations of the edge-Hosoya polynomial can be reduced to that of the Hosoya polynomial.
Efektivitasan Sistem Face Recognition pada Boarding Gate Stasiun Kota Bandung
Authors: Geovani Da Rato Claudio , Rio Adriyanto Andreas
Published: June 2024

Aktivitas yang dilakukan oleh masyarakat di masa sekarang seperti bekerja, bersekolah, liburan dan masih banyak lainnya, membuat masyarakat membutuhkan transportasi atau kendaraan untuk mempermudah akses dalam berpindah tempat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi keefektivitasan sistem face recognition pada boarding gate di Stasiun Kota Bandung dari perspektif pengguna. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif deskriptif. Pengumpulan data dibagi menjadi 2 yaitu data primer melalui observasi, wawancara, dokumentasi, dan kuesioner dan data sekunder melalui studi literatur penelitian sebelumnya terkait penelitin ini. Data kuesioner dikumpulkan dari 42 responden yang pernah menggunakan sistem pada layanan kereta api di stasiun tersebut. Secara keseluruhan. Penggunaan sistem face recognition di Stasiun Kota Bandung menunjukkan hasil yang positif dari segi kepraktisan dan keakuratan. Mayoritas responden merasa bahwa sistem ini memudahkan dan mempercepat proses boarding, serta nyaman digunakan. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa pengunaan sistem face recognition di Stasiun Kota Bandung diterima dengan baik dari segi fungsionalitas, namun masih memerlukan peningkatan dalam aspek keamanan dan privasi data untuk meningkatkan kepercayaan dan kepuasan pengguna. Dengan melakukan perbaikan pada hal-hal tersebut, PT KAI dapat memastikan bahwa teknologi ini tidak hanya efisien tetapi juga aman bagi para penumpang.
Analisis Pengaruh Pola Komunikasi Keluarga Terhadap Perilaku Kecanduan Internet Remaja di Kota Jayapura
Authors: Ciremai Putri Nur Alifah
Published: June 2024

Remaja adalah periode penting dalam perkembangan individu yang ditandai dengan pertumbuhan fisik, psikologis, dan social. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi tiga aspek utama: pertama, prevalensi kecanduan internet pada anak sekolah di Kota Jayapura; kedua, perilaku kecanduan internet remaja di Kabupaten Jayapura; dan ketiga, pengaruh pola komunikasi keluarga terhadap perilaku kecanduan internet remaja di wilayah tersebut. Rentang waktu penelitian adalah selama 4 bulan dari September hingga Desember 2023, dengan pendekatan kuantitatif deskriptif dan menggunakan survei sebagai metode. Pola komunikasi keluarga diidentifikasi sebagai variabel bebas (X) dan perilaku kecanduan sebagai variabel terikat (Y). Survei dilakukan melalui kuesioner terhadap 380 remaja usia 13-17 tahun yang aktif menggunakan internet di Kota Jayapura. Instrumen penelitian meliputi kuesioner, wawancara, dan observasi, yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data terkait variabel-variabel tersebut. Validitas data diuji menggunakan SPSS, sementara reliabilitasnya diukur dengan metode Alpha Cronbach. Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan tingginya prevalensi kecanduan internet di antara anak sekolah di Kota Jayapura (71,9%), dengan perilaku kecanduan internet remaja juga menunjukkan tingkat yang signifikan (61,2%), yang tercermin dalam durasi penggunaan internet, kesehatan mental, dan perilaku isolasi mandiri remaja di kota tersebut.
In Vitro Cytotoxic Effects of Some Fumaria L. (Papaveraceae) Species Methanolic Extracts on Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Yılmaz Sancar Pelin , Icen Taskın Irmak
Published: June 2024

The Fumaria L. species (Papaveraceae), is known colloquially as “Şahtere”. This species, which has been proven to contain significantly rich components, is used by people to treat a number of different diseases. This study investigated the cytotoxic effects of the methanolic extracts of above-ground portions of Fumaria asepala Boiss. and Fumaria schleicheri Soy.-Will. subsp. microcarpa Boiss. ex Hausskn. taxons against Beas-2B, sh-sy5, HCT116 and A549 cell lines. The changes in cancer cell vitality were identified using the 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol -2-il)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). While the results showed that F. asepala and F. schleicheri subsp. microcarpa's methanolic extracts presented a meaningful decrease in the vitality of colon (HCT-116) cancer cells, no cytotoxic effect was achieved on lung (A549) cancer and brain (sh-sy5) cancer cells. Also, the herbal extracts did not create any toxic effect on healthy lung cells (Beas-2B).
Effect of cAMP-dependent Phosphodiesterase Activity on NTH1 Gene Expression and Reserve Carbohydrate Metabolism
Authors: Turgut Genc Tulay
Published: June 2024

Protein kinase A signaling pathway is regulated by cAMP. PKA activity is inhibited by the cAMP phosphodiesterases. PDE1 and PDE2 genes encode two phosphodiesterases with low and high affinity for cAMP, respectively. NTH1 gene encodes the neutral trehalase enzyme, which is responsible for the stress-accumulated trehalose degradation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PDE1 and PDE2 gene products on the expression of the NTH1 gene and reserve carbohydrate metabolism in response to a stressful environment and during a replenishment phase. The expression of the NTH1 gene was shown to be lower than that of the wild-type under normal conditions, heat stress, nitrogen starvation, and also during the replenishment period in pde1∆ and pde1∆ yeast cells. The accumulation of trehalose and glycogen was shown to be dramatically enhanced in pde1∆ yeast cells. However, deletion of the PDE2 gene did not lead to a significant change in trehalose and glycogen accumulation comparable to that found in the wild type. These results indicate that the PDE1 gene product is required for downregulation of reserve carbohydrate metabolism. Consequently, the Pde1 protein is considered to exert yet-unidentified regulatory control over the Pde2 protein.
Aurora Kinases: Their Role in Cancer and Cellular Processes
Authors: Sarı Sibel , Özsoy Elif Rumeysa
Published: June 2024

Aurora kinases, belonging to a highly conserved family of serine/threonine kinases with critical roles in the regulation of the cell cycle, comprise three members: Aurora kinase A, B, and C, which serve as key mitotic regulators essential for maintaining chromosome stability. Aurora kinases play crucial roles in multiple events in mitotic such as the coordination of chromosomal and cytoskeletal events, regulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint pathway and cytokinesis to ensure the smooth progression of the cell cycle. Besides their mitotic functions, Aurora kinases are also involved in the regulation of meiosis. Gene amplification/mutation and overexpression of Aurora kinases have been detected in various solid and haematological cancers. In human tumours, Aurora kinases exhibit oncogenic roles associated with their mitotic roles, which drive the cancer cell proliferation and survival. Deregulation of Aurora kinase activity causes failure in centrosome function, spindle assembly, chromosomal alignment, and cytokinesis, eventually resulting in the mitotic abnormalities and genetic instability. These findings emphasize the crucial functions of Aurora kinases in cancer, prompting their recognition as valuable targets for cancer therapy. This review provides an overview of the structures and functions of Aurora kinases and sheds light on their oncogenic roles in cancer.