bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Virus Is Not the Only Disease: How Public Health Crises Aggravate Structural Inequities and Further Put Minoritized Groups at Risk
Authors: Bowman Anitra
Published: January 2024

The objective of this paper was to examine the differential ways minoritized groups and dominant groups are affected by public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A variety of academic sources were consulted, such as various peer-reviewed journal articles and published books, to determine the impacts that public health crises have on individuals with minority identities. Additionally, given the current nature of this topic, select news sources were also used to inform the most recent policy updates on the issues discussed. Th paper largely focused on examples within the COVID-19 pandemic, but also drew from the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The paper investigated three major ways in which minoritized groups are disproportionately impacted by public health crises. First, government response measures frequently suit dominant groups much better than minoritized groups, partially because response measures are typically drafted by members of dominant groups and partially because it is much more difficult to comply with many emergency response measures in the absence of privilege. Furthermore, because minoritized groups are often already in positions of socioeconomic disadvantage compared to dominant groups, times of emergency often exacerbate the pre-existing social conditions that cause inequity. The third way the paper found minoritized groups to be disproportionately affected by public health crises was that tensions towards perceived “at fault” groups and tensions between racialized minorities and authorities become strained. Lastly, the paper found that while education may be a partial solution to these issues, it is not a full solution.
Evaluating Tiny Houses as a Solution to the Housing Affordability and Environmental Crises
Authors: Chang Andrea
Published: January 2024

Tiny houses have captured the attention of North American media, with HGTV, the major cable television channel, alone showing three tiny-house related shows: Tiny House Hunters, Tiny House Builders, and Tiny House, Big Living (“HGTV Canada”). One of the first results to appear is the official “Tiny Homes in Canada” website, which claims that tiny homes sit at “the intersection of the housing crisis and the climate crisis” (Tiny Homes in Canada). Notably, this website also proclaims that the tiny home community is a “culturally idealistic response to financial desperation” (Tiny Homes in Canada) and sustainability. Much scholarly research supports the notion that the two primary drivers for tiny house living are affordability and sustainability (Evans; Shearer and Burton). In this paper, I evaluate the actual potential for tiny houses to serve as a solution to the housing affordability and environmental crises, especially in Ontario, Canada. I find that though tiny houses have the potential to be a solution for the housing affordability and environmental crises, they are not a current solution because Ontario legislation renders them somewhat inaccessible. I also explore the lifestyle choices and social conditions associated with tiny house living, as a housing option that is both idealistic (presented as a solution to the overwhelming housing affordability and environmental crises) and pragmatic (financially feasible).
Neoliberal Narratives and Internalized Weight Stigma: Obstacles to Fat Equality
Authors: Harvey Madeleine
Published: January 2024

In recent years, public health discourse has been dominated by anti-fat biases and attitudes. Fat bodies face oppression through the medical industry and broader diet culture which characterize larger bodies as immoral and requiring individual efforts to discipline. In attempts to reduce fat stigma, this article outlines one key barrier to fat liberation: internalized weight stigma. Internalized weight stigma occurs when negative attitudes towards fatness are turned inwards, and people begin to believe the negative stereotypes and beliefs imposed by health systems and broader culture. To address internalized weight stigma and its impacts, this paper examines how internalized weight stigma provides one barrier to dismantling anti-fat beliefs and societal structures. First, this paper outline the current state of legislation regarding discrimination based on weight. Next, it explores the neoliberal sources of internalized weight stigma, specifically through the diet industry and medicine. Third, it considers how narratives of weight stigma may be adopted internally by a fat person. Fourth, it addresses how internalized weight stigma may provide a barrier to recognizing weight as grounds for discrimination. The conclusion of this essay turns to the work of fat activists, and suggests how the current body positive movement may be altered and supplemented to reduce the structural and internal barriers that prevent fat liberation.
Canon, Catechism, and Curriculum: GSAs and Student Mental Health in Ontario Catholic Schools
Authors: Pei-Middleton Alyssa
Published: January 2024

The permissibility of student GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) clubs in Ontario has been heavily disputed, with Catholic schools showing particular resistance. With a history of opposing same-sex rights, Canada’s Catholic Church holds great social, economic, and political power. This institution-level power generates extensive structural stigma that harms the LGBTQ community, including adolescents. Stigmatization provokes emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and physiological responses that compound each other, altering one’s health. Through the use of accepted socio-epidemiological guidelines for establishing causal inference along with data from a Canadian report on homophobia and transphobia in both Catholic and public schools, it is evident that structural stigma, expressed through prejudice against GSAs in Ontario Catholic schools, is harmful to the health of LGBTQ students. LGBTQ students, who are structurally stigmatized in Ontario Catholic schools, experience inferior emotional health compared to their nonstigmatized cisgender and heterosexual peers. Literature reviewed demonstrates confidence in a causal relationship; due to the structural stigma that Catholic schools in Ontario perpetuate against the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ students attending these schools experience greater risks to their mental health. It is imperative that LGBTQ youth are protected in schools, and solutions must be considered to balance Catholic religious rights in education with the health and social needs of students.
Something in the air
Authors: Irwin Gillian
Published: January 2024

This paper considers the issue of environmental racism as it relates to Indigenous and Black communities in Canada. Although the climate crisis affects us all, certain communities have felt the effects of environmental degradation more acutely and for a longer period. Environmental policy or practice that disproportionately disadvantages a racial group is an example of environmental racism. The article examines different policy responses to environmental racism in a Canadian context. The paper looks at proposed avenues for addressing environmental racism through the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Private Members Bills, Senate Bills or the new Federal Housing Advocate position associated with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. It also examines a number of grassroots initiatives taking action against environmental racism. The article argues that having the right to a healthy environment encoded in the Charter is the best option for policy reform and that grassroots organizations working in coalitions continue to make meaningful social change as the policy battle continues. 

 

How it fits theme:

The political power of the Canadian government has important implications for all citizens, but that power is not exerted equally against all sectors of society. There is implicit power in policy and practice that has lived consequences for those living in communities that experience systemic inequalities in healthcare, employment, and environment. However, these systemic barriers do not render individuals powerless. Grassroots movements are the fundamental origin of all civil rights victories experienced thus far, and will continue to have an integral role in changing the balance of power for generations to come. The example of environmental racism in Canada is a good place to examine the role of state power in racialized communities. At the same time, the individuals fighting against environmental racism through policy and social movements simultaneously are an inspiring example of resistance in praxis.
The Control and Dissemination of Music in Corporate Controlled Markets
Authors: Petti Robert
Published: January 2024

For the radio industry, music has become a tool for attracting listeners with the purpose of providing a specific demographic audience for corporate advertisers. As profit increasingly becomes a predominant focus, individual artistic expression and limited opportunity become a growing concern for aspiring musicians, producers and songwriters. This essay begins by demonstrating what hopeful artists often encounter when they begin their journey within the realm of the music business. It will be argued that artistic integrity often becomes compromised in a business where powerful gatekeepers often shape and dictate cultural trends that optimize consumer consumption. This essay will explore how illegal business practices flourish, as payola (pay for play) becomes a way of securing limited airplay within a radio station’s playlist. In a business where music is regularly selected for its profit potential, music has become a way of shaping popular culture rather than reflecting its true nature.
Mistaking Brands for Tween Identity
Authors: Hulan Danielle
Published: January 2024

In the last decade, a new age cohort of 8 to 14 year olds has emerged and been deemed the newest and most vulnerable target audience for advertisers. Advertisers work to create brand loyalty amongst tweens via clever marketing and increasingly interactive branding strategies. In this paper, it is argued that the concept of a ‘tween’ was constructed and defined for the purposes of profit via selling brands, ideas, and products. An analysis of advertising in education, the tween influence on family spending and the integration of branding into popular culture and gaming indicates a strong trend toward increasing market share and profit by reaching out to young adolescents.
Editorial: A Reflection on the Role of New Media — From Peer-to-Peer to Protest
Authors: Larabie Christine
Published: January 2024

What does the concept of ‘new’ mean in relation to the technologies that encompass new media? Similar to the path of preceding technologies, new media has permeated many different social, political, and economic realms, transforming the way we carry out daily life. However, the emergence of new media has given rise to a set of assumptions surrounding technological advancement that overlook historical dimensions and ways of thinking about new technology. More specifically, the ‘newness’ of new media carries with it a renewed sense of optimism about technology and its ability to drive social change, revive political landscapes, and foster economic prosperity. One of the aims of this volume is to enlarge this dialogue by further illustrating the depth and scope of issues surrounding new media and the contexts in which new media technologies function.
Video Games as Change Agents -- The Case of Homeless: It's No Game
Authors: Lavender T. J..
Published: January 2024

In recent years, with the coming of age of a new generation of social activists raised on video games and the release of new tools that make video game development easier for individuals and small groups, many activists have begun to release video games designed to further their cause. However, there is little evidence as to the effectiveness of video games in changing attitudes. The video game, Homeless: It’s No Game was developed to determine whether people could be persuaded to become more sympathetic to the plight of the homeless by playing the role of a homeless woman in a video game and whether this persuasive effect could be measured. Volunteers were recruited to answer a survey of attitudes towards the homeless and were then assigned to either play the game, read a short story about homelessness, or to be part of a control group, after which the survey was re-administered. Results were mixed, with some indicators showing an increase in sympathy towards the homeless and others showing no significant effect. There were also some indications that playing the video game led to a strengthened belief in the effectiveness of video games in raising awareness of social issues. The results indicate that games can help reinforce a social activist message, especially if their audiences consider them realistic.
Participatory Culture and the Hidden Costs of Sharing
Authors: Larabie Christine
Published: January 2024

Recent developments in web applications have drastically increased levels of participation on the Internet. This trend is characterized by the ability of users to actively share and create content. Henry Jenkins has conceptualized this shift as part of a participatory culture now shaping the Internet. This shift has also been referred to as Web 2.0, a term denoting an updated or improved version of the web, centred on interactivity and user-generated content. Given this restructured version of the Internet, much of the discourse surrounding its use entails accounts of agency and empowerment. Despite the beneficial, user-centred rhetoric surrounding participatory culture, the extent to which new mechanisms of power permeate this interactive environment continue to be under-investigated. Certain characteristics inherent in Web 2.0 open doors for power and control to operate in ways that need more attention. The willingness of individuals to divulge vast amounts of personal information is troublesome, particularly in light of those attempting to manipulate this free flow of information, essentially capitalizing on the participatory nature of the Internet. Thus, before embracing the benefits of participatory culture, it is necessary to consider the forces that threaten it.
Editorial: Introduction to Communities, Publics, and Communication
Authors: Bacon Kelly
Published: January 2024

The editorial for the 2011 McMaster Journal of Communication issue on communities, publics and communication. The editorial presents the five articles contained in the issue ( “Redefining Gatekeeping Theory for a Digital Generation.” Lianne Chin-Fook and Heather Simmonds; “‘That Worries Me’: Affective and Rhetorical Framing in News Programming of The O’Reilly Factor”, Joey Brooke Jakob; “Public sphere, alternative media and social involvement in Belarus: The role of an individual in history”, Nataliya Lesnikova; “The Politics of Transparency”, Robyn Lew; “Creating Cellular Vision: Cell Phone Photography and the (Shifting) Photographic Eye”, Robert Vitulano) and acknowledges the help of the editorial committee members, Alyssa Lai and Christine Larabie; as well as that of faculty editor, Dr. Alex Sévigny.
Wild Animal Attacks on Humans in Croatia
Authors: Mataković Hrvoje , Beljan Karlo , Landekić Matija
Published: January 2024

Contacts between humans and wild animals are common and frequent, but very rarely end in attacks by wild animals on humans. The aim of this paper is to identify the circumstances of wildlife attacks on humans in Croatia, while the idea behind the paper is that a better understanding of interactions between humans and wildlife should subsequently lead to fewer attacks. As there is no database on attacks by wild animals on humans in Croatia, the data for this analysis was collected from scientific publications, media, and relevant reports. The variables analysed refer to the type of attacks and the victims of the attacks. The results showed that there were 33 attacks by wild animals on humans in Croatia in the period from 2005 to 2023; the most frequent were attacks by wild boars, brown bears, and grey wolves. The characteristics of the attacks differ depending on the animal that perpetrated the attacks, but there are some common characteristics: the attacks mainly took place in rural areas; the victims were mostly male and over 40 years old; in almost all attacks they suffered minor injuries; and during the attacks the victims were in most cases hunting, walking dogs or herding livestock. The data obtained from this analysis can be used to develop preventive measures and define appropriate behaviour in areas with wildlife.
Damage to Sweet Chestnut Orchards in Croatia due to Invasive Alien Bark Beetle Xylosandrus germanus
Authors: Ivić Dario , Šimala Mladen
Published: January 2024

Black stem borer, Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera: Scolytinae), was first recorded in Croatia in 2009. Until now, the insect has been reported only as a part of ambrosia beetles entomofauna in oak stands (Quercus robur and Quercus petraea). In 2021, severe attack of ambrosia beetles causing tree decline and mortality have been observed in three orchards of hybrid sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa x Castenea crenata). Orchards near Topusko, Marija Bistrica and Vugrovec were inspected for the symptoms. Twenty-seven adult ambrosia beetle specimens were collected from eight samples of damaged sweet chestnut trees, and were identified according to their morphology. All 27 ambrosia beetles were morphologically identified as X. germanus. This is the first record of black stem borer causing damage on cultivated sweet chestnut in Croatia. Considering similar reports from Italy and Slovenia, X. germanus could be regarded as a new, potentially damaging pest in chestnut plantations.
Unlocking archaeological data online via the PEPAdb (Prehistoric Europe's Personal Adornment Database) initiative for Open Science
Authors: Romero-García Galo , Sánchez-Gómez Daniel , Garrido-Cordero José Á. , Martínez-Blanes José M. , Sousa Ana C. , Odriozola Carlos P.
Published: January 2024

PEPAdb (Prehistoric Europe's Personal Adornment Database) is a long-term, open-ended project that aims to improve access to archaeological data online. Its website (https://pepadb.us.es) publishes and analyses datasets about prehistoric personal adornment, drawing on the results of various research projects and bibliographic references.
The Anterior Thalamus Preferentially Drives Allocentric But Not Egocentric Orientation Tuning in Postrhinal Cortex
Authors: LaChance Patrick A. , Taube Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2024

Navigating a complex world requires integration of multiple spatial reference frames, including information about one's orientation in both allocentric and egocentric coordinates. Combining these two information sources can provide additional information about one's spatial location. Previous studies have demonstrated that both egocentric and allocentric spatial signals are reflected by the firing of neurons in the rat postrhinal cortex (POR), an area that may serve as a hub for integrating allocentric head direction (HD) cell information with egocentric information from center-bearing and center-distance cells. However, we have also demonstrated that POR HD cells are uniquely influenced by the visual properties and locations of visual landmarks, bringing into question whether the POR HD signal is truly allocentric as opposed to simply being a response to visual stimuli. To investigate this issue, we recorded HD cells from the POR of female rats while bilaterally inactivating the anterior thalamus (ATN), a region critical for expression of the “classic” HD signal in cortical areas. We found that ATN inactivation led to a significant decrease in both firing rate and tuning strength for POR HD cells, as well as a disruption in the encoding of allocentric location by conjunctive HD/egocentric cells. In contrast, POR egocentric cells without HD tuning were largely unaffected in a consistent manner by ATN inactivation. These results indicate that the POR HD signal originates at least partially from projections from the ATN and supports the view that the POR acts as a hub for the integration of egocentric and allocentric spatial representations.
Movement-Related Modulation in Mouse Auditory Cortex Is Widespread Yet Locally Diverse
Authors: Morandell Karin , Yin Audrey , Triana Del Rio Rodrigo , Schneider David M.
Published: January 2024

Neurons in the mouse auditory cortex are strongly influenced by behavior, including both suppression and enhancement of sound-evoked responses during movement. The mouse auditory cortex comprises multiple fields with different roles in sound processing and distinct connectivity to movement-related centers of the brain. Here, we asked whether movement-related modulation in male mice might differ across auditory cortical fields, thereby contributing to the heterogeneity of movement-related modulation at the single-cell level. We used wide-field calcium imaging to identify distinct cortical fields and cellular-resolution two-photon calcium imaging to visualize the activity of layer 2/3 excitatory neurons within each field. We measured each neuron's responses to three sound categories (pure tones, chirps, and amplitude-modulated white noise) as mice rested and ran on a non-motorized treadmill. We found that individual neurons in each cortical field typically respond to just one sound category. Some neurons are only active during rest and others during locomotion, and those that are responsive across conditions retain their sound-category tuning. The effects of locomotion on sound-evoked responses vary at the single-cell level, with both suppression and enhancement of neural responses, and the net modulatory effect of locomotion is largely conserved across cortical fields. Movement-related modulation in auditory cortex also reflects more complex behavioral patterns, including instantaneous running speed and nonlocomotor movements such as grooming and postural adjustments, with similar patterns seen across all auditory cortical fields. Our findings underscore the complexity of movement-related modulation throughout the mouse auditory cortex and indicate that movement-related modulation is a widespread phenomenon.
Molecular-dynamics modeling of structural stability of MAPbX3 (X=I-, CL-, BR-) as solar cells elements
Authors:   Tajik Technical University named after academician M.S. Osimi, Dushanbe, 734042, Tajikistan, Husenzoda M. , Gahramanli L. ,   INFN - Frascati National Laboratories, E. Fermi Street 54, Frascati, 1-00044, Italy
Published: January 2024

The methods for forming hybrid organo-inorganic perovskite structures in the form of thin films and their stability are studied. The molecular-dynamics (MD) simulation approach was used to conduct theoretical analyses of materials based on the hybrid organo-inorganic perovskites MAPbX3. The classical perovskite structures based on CaTiO3 are considered the basic structure to refine the methodology of computer simulation and optimize the shape and parameters of the interaction of atomic potentials. Series of MD calculations with various model concepts, and models of flexible and rigid coupling of perovskites, the heating process's influence on the structure has been analyzed in a wide range.
La lexie intelligence artificielle dans les titres de presse français – échos d’une révolution technologique
Authors:   Université de Bretagne occidentale, Laboratoire de traitement de l’information médicale, Bertin Thomas
Published: January 2024

Rooted in a discourse analysis perspective, this study investigates uses of the lexie intelligence artificielle (Eng. artificial intelligence) in the French press. We aim at scoping out how artificial intelligence, as a new technology, is perceived. To that end, using the French press database Europresse, we extracted 82 titles and introduction summaries, from 2021 national daily newspapers, in which intelligence artificielle occurs. Discourse analysis has been performed on that corpus. It leads to distinguish four points of view: (1) a technological fascination; (2) business enthusiasm; (3) a willingness to understand and explain the technology itself; (4) an ethical concern. The analysis highlights that, in the French press, enthusiasm is bigger than worries.
Język polski jako obcy w uczelni medycznej – problemy i wyzwania
Authors:   Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Collegium Medicum w Bydgoszczy, Centrum Języków Specjalistycznych w Medycynie, Jóskowska Katarzyna
Published: January 2024

Teaching Polish as a foreign language at a medical university constitutes a series of strategic challenges and problems of a diverse nature. Obviously, some of them have a systemic (organizational) character, and some result, among other things, from the differences in the language level or the multinationality and hence the multiculturalism of the students. The aim of the paper is to present the findings of a survey conducted among students of medicine learning Polish at the Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz. Results of the research on the needs, expectations and concerns of students have become the basis for developing a number of temporary solutions in teachingmedical language, including specific didactic activities during classes. Moreover, efforts were also made to work out some mutually beneficial long-term solutions.
Rozwój kompetencji interkulturowych na przykładzie podręcznika do nauki języka włoskiego Campionato d’italiano. Nowe tendencje w praktyce glottodydaktycznej?
Authors:   Uniwersytet Łódzki, Wydział Filologiczny, Instytut Romanistyki, Zakład Italianistyki, Ozimska Joanna
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to examine themethodology of teaching intercultural competencies in the innovative textbook for learning the Italian language, Campionato d’italiano. The use of the football theme – one of the cultural phenomena attracting the interest of the broad masses of society – as the main thematic pattern of a textbook for teaching L2 integrated skills fills a gap existing in the publishing market, but also prompts scientific reflection on the purposefulness and possible implications of such an approach in relation to the field of the development of intercultural competencies. Applying the evaluation criteria for the development of intercultural competencies proposed by E. Bandura, a content analysis of the didactic activities extracted from the analyzed material was made, showing significant glottodidactic differences in relation to previously available course books for teaching the Italian language.
Parental involvement in home preparation – “COVID-19 or not, I still need to help my child”
Authors: Petrů Puhrová Barbora
Published: January 2024

The study deals with parental involvement in the child’s home preparation. The qualitative research with parents of primary school pupils showed the parental homework attitudes and conditions, and reflected changes and strategies in home preparation during pandemic times. Regardless of any pandemic, the results showed differences in homework management; nevertheless, parental help directs to achieve independence and responsibility for the child’s learning, no matter the pandemic.
Development of Social Competence in High School Students in the Context of Non-Formal Education
Authors: Chaikovska Hanna , Levchyk Iryna , Fedoruts Mykola , Polishchuk Vira , Mazur Oksana
Published: January 2024

The paper describes an issue of development of social competence in high school students in the context of non-formal education. The research experiment involved 647 high school students from seven Ukrainian secondary comprehensive schools in Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. The diagnostic methods, applied at the pre-experiment stage, were specified with key components of social competence structure. The corresponding criteria, indicators and descriptive scale of levels of formation were substantiated and characterised. Findings of the diagnostic survey indicated a significant lack of social competence of a future school graduate.The necessary socio-pedagogical conditions of realisation of the main provisions of non-formal education, were introduced in the course of the experiment from September 2017 until June 2019. They implied stimulation of the subjective position of a student, provided socio-pedagogical support and monitoring, modernisation of content, forms and methods of non-formal education, organisation of amateur space and support. Various forms of realisation of non-formal education resulted in significant positive shift of development of social competence in participants of experimental groups.The comparative correlation of post-experiment survey estimated increase in number of students with high level of social competence up to 15% and decrease in number of respondents with low level up to 11%. Final analysis of the obtained data verified the hypothesis of the research and proved the significance of shifting focus to non-formal type of education from the formal type in development of social competence in high school students.
What is the implementation practice of schools as learning organisations from the perspective of local governments?
Authors: Lusena-Ezera Inese , Siliņa-Jasjukeviča Gunta
Published: January 2024

The approach of the school as a learning organisation was updated in the world with rapid changes in teaching and learning processes, in the governance of educational institutions and learning content and learning outcomes. Introducing, promoting and strengthening the approach of schools as learning organisations can also be observed in the field of education in Latvia. The learning organisation approach is based on cooperation between different parties to achieve common learning goals. In order to introduce, implement and strengthen the changes initiated in education in Latvia, it is necessary not only to develop cooperation between the different stakeholders, including the cooperation between the educational institution and its founder, particularly the municipality, but also to understand whether all stakeholders, especially municipalities, fully understand the approach of the school as a learning organisation when facilitating educational institutions to become learning organisations. The aim of the study was to find out the practice of the school as a learning organisation approach in education institutions in Latvia from the perspective of Latvian local governments. It was find out that the implementation of Latvian education policy in the context of school as a learning organisation in local governments does not take place within a single, unified system. It was identified that the obstacles or difficulties identified by local governments in the implementation of school as a learning organisation are applicable both at the level of education policy planning, at the whole-school level and at the school management level, furthermore, modelling and growing learning leadership is one of the weakest dimensions of the school as a learning organisation in educational institutions.
About Latvian Books Printed Outside Latvia
Authors: Kazakėnaitė Ernesta
Published: January 2024

The National Library of Latvia has recently published a substantial (479-page) 'Book for Latvia outside Latvia' (Zanders, Viesturs (red.). Grāmata Latvijai ārpus Latvijas: kolektīvā monogrāfija = Books for Latvia outside Latvia: collective monograph. Rīga: Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka, 2021. 479 P. ISSN 978-9934-610-05-9.). This collection deserves a special attention, as it begins to fill the gap in systematic research on Latvian publications published abroad. The collection consists of 12 scientific articles on the publication of Latvian books abroad from the 13th to the late 20th century. All the articles are in Latvian, but the table of contents, abstracts and a translation of the first article are also available in English. In this review, the author will discuss the structure and main features of the book.
Emissary veins and foramina: topography, incidence, and clinical significance
Authors: Haroun Heshmat
Published: January 2024

Emissary veins are valveless veins which pass through skull foramina connecting the intracranial dural venous sinuses to the extracranial veins. They equalize the venous pressure on both sides of the cranium, cool the brain, and may transmit extracranial infection to intracranial structures. Parietal, mastoid, sphenoidal and occipital emissary foramina and veins proved to be of great clinical significance. Petro-squamosal sinus and mastoid emissary vein may cause excessive bleeding during skull base and middle ear surgeries. Venous anomalies of some emissary veins could be a rare cause of tinnitus. Their incidence, morphology and course must be determined preoperatively to avoid interventional complications.
Rheological modeling of cellulose gum, xanthan gum, and guar gum mixtures in aqueous solutions
Authors: Ramos-Maldonado Fabian , Hernández-Montoya Isabel , Rojas-Reyes Néstor
Published: January 2024

The synergistic effects observed in hydrocolloid mixtures hold significant potential for the discovery of new industrial products and compounds. Through an examination of the rheological behavior of mixtures of cellulose gum, xanthan gum, and guar gum, synergistic viscosity patterns were observed in binary mixtures. Notably, the viscosity of these mixtures exceeded that of the individual components. Binary and ternary systems with high elasticity and minimal temporal variation exhibited low levels of thixotropy and demonstrated stable elastic modulus values across various frequencies. Ternary mixtures containing a high proportion of xanthan gum exhibit enhanced stability in response to temperature fluctuations. This underscores the potential of hydrocolloid mixtures to yield novel functionalities by capitalizing on the distinct rheological behaviors arising from their interactions.
Aluminothermic synthesis of ceramics from the hercynite-alumina system, using mill scale and aluminum chips
Authors: Perdomo-González Lorenzo , Quintana-Puchol Rafael , Alujas-Díaz Adrián , Perdomo-Gómez Laura Ailin , Ruíz-Pérez Roily , Cruz-Crespo Amado
Published: January 2024

Se presenta una metodología para la obtención de una cerámica abrasiva como producto principal y una aleación de hierro como subproducto, mediante procesamiento aluminotérmico y usando como materia prima residuos sólidos industriales. Mediante el uso de cascarilla de laminación y virutas de aluminio se obtienen cerámicas de alta dureza, utilizando la propia cerámica como diluente. Los resultados del procesamiento se evalúan primero mediante un balance de masa, determinando que la cerámica debe estar formada por 58 % FeAl2O4 y 42 % Al2O3, mientras que la caracterización cuantitativa por DRX permite establecer que la fase cerámica está compuesta principalmente por hercinita (62 %), corindón (22 %) y pequeñas cantidades de fases cristalinas (≈4%) ​​y vítreas (≈11 %) no estequiométricas, factibles de ser utilizadas en la fabricación de discos abrasivos para el pulido de pisos y terrazas.
INVESTIGATION AND V-I CHARACTERISTICS OF SUBSTRATE FOR MFC: CASE STUDY OF RAW HONEY
Authors: Kpeli Matilda , Donkor Michael K. E. , Ampong Francis K. , Tamakloe Reuben Y.
Published: January 2024

The world is gradually shifting from the over-reliance on fossil fuel energy to the discoveries, development, and use of various forms of renewable energy. One advancement is towards the use of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). This is a bioreactor that makes use of microbial activity present in the organic substance in an electrochemical system to generate electricity. In this research, raw honey was utilized as the fuel source for fabricating a double-chambered MFC device using clay partitions. Six dilutions of the raw honey were made into Cell 1 (2 %), Cell 2 (5 %), Cell 3 (20 %), Cell 4 (40 %), Cell 5 (60 %), and Cell 6 (80 %). After fourteen days with two experiments carried out, the maximum current densities obtained were 270.2 mA/m2, 583.7 mA/m2, 654.0 mA/m2, 351.3 mA/m2, 140.5 mA/m2, 64.8 mA/m2, with the corresponding maximum power densities of 99.2 W/m2, 215 W/m2, 247.0 W/m2, 123.1 W/m2, 49.8 W/m2, 22.5 W/m2 for Cell 1, Cell 2, Cell 3, Cell 4, Cell 5, and Cell 6, respectively. It was determined that raw honey that
The Semiotics of Gastronomy — Meals and Identity
Authors: Kapitány Ágnes , Kapitány Gábor
Published: January 2024

Gastronomy and meals have always played a key role in shaping cultural characteristics, and it is for this very reason that cultural anthropology pays particular attention to these topics. In this paper, we present several analytical dimensions that can be applied to the analysis of food culture, partly from a cultural anthropological perspective and partly from a socio-semiotic perspective. Firstly, we review those aspects of gastro-semiotics that help us to organize foods according to various dichotomies and polarities. We discuss, on the one hand, those aspects that may indicate differences between cultures and subcultures, and on the other those that relate to temporal differences in food consumption and those that are rooted in material differences among foods. We then list the dimensions that, in the form of general status symbols, may also play a role in the analysis of food. In the present paper we also discuss our longitudinal study The Symbols of Hungarianness (1997 and 2021/22), conducted on a nationwide representative sample of 1,000 people, in which we asked about foods and drinks that are characteristic in terms of national identity and that are thus also suitable for presenting certain typical features of Hungarian cuisine.
Antibiotic resistance and genomic characterization of Mycobacterium abscessus complex isolates from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Iran: A multi-center study (2010–2021)
Authors: Hashemzadeh Mohammad , Asareh Zadegan Dezfuli Aram , Khosravi AzarDokht , Ahmad Khosravi Nazanin , Saki Morteza
Published: January 2024

One hundred and eighteen sputum specimens suspected of Mycobacterium abscessus infection were collected. Species level identification of M. abscessus was performed by rpoB sequencing. Clonality analysis was done by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for M. abscessus. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for clarithromycin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin. Altogether 128 isolates were obtained and were subjected to rpoB gene sequencing for definite identification. Among them 59 were identified as M. abscessus, and these included 22 (37.28%) isolates of M. abscessus subsp. abscessus, 22 (37.28%) isolates of M. abscessus subsp. massiliense, and 15 (25.42%) isolates of M. abscessus subsp. bolletii. All 59 M. abscessus complex isolates were analyzed by MLST in this study. Certain sequence types (STs) were identified among the 59 isolates and were specific for each subspecies. Two STs (ST40 and ST33) were specific to M. abscessus subsp. abscessus, one ST (ST20) was specific to M. abscessus subsp. bolletii, and one ST (ST15) was specific to M. abscessus subsp. massiliense. In antibiotic resistance, clarithromycin susceptibility testing of 22 M. abscessus subsp. abscessus strains detected 15 (68.18%) resistant strains, while among 22 M. abscessus subsp. massiliense strains 5 (22.72%) exhibited resistance, and among 15 M. abscessus subsp. bolletii 8 (53.33%) were resistant. Our study revealed a significant level of antibiotic resistance in isolates of the M. abscessus complex.
Mathematical modelling of epithelial tissue dynamics
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Krasnyakov Ivan , Bratsun Dmitry , Pisman Len ,   Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Published: January 2024

The rapid development of computer technologies and high-performance computing systems has led to the possibility to simulate directly the biomechanical properties of cell tissue. This simulation reproduces both the averaged dynamics of the tissue considered as a continuous medium and the behavior of each cell. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model of epithelial tissue, which is considered to be two dimensional. In this case, the shape of the basement membrane, on which the epithelium lies, generally, may have a topology that is more complex than the plane. The model is discrete since the tissue consists of cells, each of which evolves according to its scenario. Each cell is a polygon, the number of vertices and shape of which can change during evolution. The model includes two important processes that mimic the properties of real cells. The first one is mitotic cell division, the algorithm of which is written in such a way that the new cell inherits all the properties of the mother cell. Another important process is cell intercalation, which makes the epithelium a mobile elastic medium adapting under the influence of internal and external influences. For each vertex of the cell, we write an equation of motion based on the elastic potential energy. Since the cell resists deviation from the average volume and excessive deformation of the shape, the epithelium as a whole tends to find a state corresponding to a minimum of potential energy. Even though the cellular tissue allows internal movement of elements, it is, generally, a highly dissipative medium. Thus, tissue biomechanics should obey rather Aristotelian dynamics. The model allows a simple generalization to the case of feedback between the biomechanical and chemical properties of the medium (for example, the processes of gene regulation in cells leading to chemoelasticity), the introduction of several competing species of cells (for example, the occurrence of a cancerous tumor), three-dimensional cell tissue, and so on. Specific examples of modelling the dynamic behavior of epithelial tissue are given.
PHENOLOGY, CONSUMPTION AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF GYPSOPHILA GROWN ON RICE HUSK-BASED SUBSTRATES
Authors: Höhn Daniela , Peil Roberta Marins Nogueira , Marchi Priscila Monalisa , Grolli Paulo Roberto , Perin Lais
Published: January 2024

O conhecimento das principais características do meio de cultivo e da demanda hídrica da cultura de acordo com o período fenológico é fundamental para o manejo hídrico mais adequado no cultivo sem solo. O objetivo foi avaliar a fenologia vegetal relacionada à soma térmica, consumo de água e eficiência do uso da água (EAU), de plantas de gypsophila cultivadas em diferentes substratos. A casca de arroz carbonizada e a casca de arroz crua utilizadas isoladamente, e as misturas de ambos os materiais com meio orgânico comercial S10 (Beifortâ) na proporção de 15% foram os quatro meios avaliados. A soma térmica total acumulada do ciclo da cultura foi de 981,3°C e as fases II (indução da florada) e III (alongamento e floração inicial) compreenderam 34,2 e 34,1% da soma térmica. A quantidade de água consumida pelas plantas cultivadas em materiais puros de casca de arroz carbonizada e crua na fase III representou cerca de 51% do consumo total em todo o ciclo da cultura e nos casos dos substratos com adição de meio orgânico comercial, esses valores foram 48%. A adição de meio orgânico melhorou a capacidade de retenção de água da casca de arroz carbonizada e crua e possibilitou uma melhor eficiência do uso da água relacionada à produção de matéria fresca.
PERIOPERATIVE CARE IN DIGESTIVE SURGERY: THE ERAS AND ACERTO PROTOCOLS - BRAZILIAN COLLEGE OF DIGESTIVE SURGERY POSITION PAPER
Authors: AGUILAR-NASCIMENTO José Eduardo de , RIBEIRO JUNIOR Ulysses , PORTARI-FILHO Pedro Eder , SALOMÃO Alberto Bicudo , CAPOROSSI Cervantes , COLLEONI NETO Ramiro , WAITZBERG Dan Linetzky , CAMPOS Antonio Carlos Ligocki
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The concept introduced by protocols of enhanced recovery after surgery modifies perioperative traditional care in digestive surgery. The integration of these modern recommendations components during the perioperative period is of great importance to ensure fewer postoperative complications, reduced length of hospital stay, and decreased surgical costs. AIMS: To emphasize the most important points of a multimodal perioperative care protocol. METHODS: Careful analysis of each recommendation of both ERAS and ACERTO protocols, justifying their inclusion in the multimodal care recommended for digestive surgery patients. RESULTS: Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) such as ERAS and ACERTO protocols are a cornerstone in modern perioperative care. Nutritional therapy is fundamental in digestive surgery, and thus, both preoperative and postoperative nutrition care are key to ensuring fewer postoperative complications and reducing the length of hospital stay. The concept of prehabilitation is another key element in ERPs. The handling of crystalloid fluids in a perfect balance is vital. Fluid overload can delay the recovery of patients and increase postoperative complications. Abbreviation of preoperative fasting for two hours before anesthesia is now accepted by various guidelines of both surgical and anesthesiology societies. Combined with early postoperative refeeding, these prescriptions are not only safe but can also enhance the recovery of patients undergoing digestive procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This position paper from the Brazilian College of Digestive Surgery strongly emphasizes that the implementation of ERPs in digestive surgery represents a paradigm shift in perioperative care, transcending traditional practices and embracing an intelligent approach to patient well-being.
A PARAMETRIC AND COMPARATIVE STUDY ON BARE-TUBE BANKS AND NEW CAM-SHAPED TUBE BANKS FOR WASTE HEAT RECOVERY APPLICATIONS
Authors: Tran Ngoctan , Liaw Jane-Sunn , Wang Chi-Chuan
Published: January 2024

The present study numerically examines the effects of tube diameter (12 to 35 mm), arrangement, pitch-to-diameter ratio (1.25 to 2.5), length (300 to 1500 mm), and passage number (1-4 passes) on the thermofluidic characteristics of cross-flow tube bundles. Especially, five new cam-shaped tubes are proposed in comparison with the conventional round tube. The air temperatures at the cold and hot side inlets are kept constant at 25°C and 600°C, respectively. The numerical method is verified by the existing experimental results. The findings show that a cam-shaped tube with an equal diameter (Cam_1818) is a promising tube for tube bundles, which apply in waste heat recovery. Indeed, it can offer the same minimum gap as that of the round tube; however, it improves the total thermal resistance up to about 28% and enhances the heat-transfer rate up to an average of 42.3% compared to that of the round tubes at the same pumping power.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF PRESSURE CHANGES IN THE GAS SPACE OF OIL STORAGE TANKS
Authors: Levitin R. E. , Leontiev S. A.
Published: January 2024

Vertical steel tanks are a significant part of the main oil pipelines in terms of cost, purpose, and environmental impact. More than 30 % of vertical steel tanks will never be equipped with pontoons and floating roofs, but will be equipped with breathing valves, which are an ineffective means of reducing losses. The creation of excess pressure in the gas space of the tank requires control over it, while for tanks that have been in operation for a long time, a decrease in excess pressure and vacuum is allowed due to leakage of individual tank components. During the study, experiments were carried out to determine the change in pressure on 6 model tanks with a changing and stable filling level. As a result, it was revealed that it is necessary to analyze the change in pressure in the gas space of the reservoir by the operating organization online. This will allow timely detection of deviations in the operation of the tank and take the necessary action.