bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De la contagion à la cogitation : le zombie évolutif de la télévision
Authors: Scott Paul
Published: December 2024

La figure du zombie est aussi malléable que résistante, et cet article analyse deux séries télévisées récentes proposant des variations sur les morts-vivants qui prennent place dans un courant de représentations de zombies conscients et pensants à l’échelle mondiale. Les ressuscités de Resurrection (États-Unis, 2014-2015) et Glitch (Australie, 2015-2019) sont des figures humanisées et discriminées qui souffrent des préjugés et des soupçons de petites communautés isolées du Missouri rural et du désert victorien en Australie. À travers leurs reconfigurations respectives du récit de zombie classique, qui met en scène des envahisseurs inquiétants, ces séries font de leurs morts-vivants des protagonistes avec lesquels entrer en sympathie, qui offrent de puissantes métaphores des migrations et marginalisations socioéconomiques.
Hommage à Roger Bozzetto
Authors: Futurae Comité de rédaction de ReS
Published: December 2024

Hommage à Roger Bozzetto, suite à son décès
La «chiave dell’enigma»? Variabilità sessuale e narrazioni depatologizzanti nell’antropologia di Paolo Mantegazza
Authors: Campani Francesca
Published: December 2024

Questo articolo discute alcuni aspetti del contributo che l’antropologia di Paolo Mantegazza diede allo sviluppo della scienza sessuale ottocentesca. Primo, verranno evidenziate continuità e discontinuità esistenti, nello studio della sessualità umana, tra la corrente medico psichiatrica e la metodologia antropologica di Mantegazza. Secondo, si sosterrà che, combinando una visione sfumata dei confini tra sano e patologico con lo studio della variabilità globale dei comportamenti sessuali, Mantegazza veicolò discorsi depatologizzazzanti nei confronti dei desideri sessuali omoerotici. Infine, si dimostrerà come alcuni degli scienziati sessuali, riconducibili all’anthropological turn di inizio Novecento, ripresero le sue argomentazioni utilizzandole nella loro campagna per la depatologizzazione dell’omosessualità.
Essere donne a Sud. Paesaggi femminili tra fiction e non-fiction negli anni del miracolo economico (1958-1963)
Authors: Di Girolamo Lucia
Published: December 2024

L’articolo indaga le modalità di rappresentazione della donna del Sud Italia cinema italiano durante gli anni del miracolo economico (1958-1963). In particolare, lo scritto si focalizza sulla rete di relazioni tra il cinema di fiction e quello non fiction, non trascurando essenziali riferimenti a documenti di archivio e a fonti d’epoca. Il risultato di queste relazioni è un vivace immaginario in cui la figura femminile, complessa, multiforme e irriducibile a rigidi stereotipi, diventa specchio rivelatore dei cambiamenti dell’intero paese, e conserva, allo stesso tempo, tratti riferibili al passato.
Urban Intelligence
Authors: Sathianarayanan Manikandan , Kirdemir Umut , Gianoli Alberto
Published: December 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of urbanization, cities face unprecedented challenges due to climate change. As frontline battlegrounds against global warming, urban areas increasingly rely on AI to bolster resilience and sustainability. This chapter explores AI's role in shaping urban resilience, drawing from research and real-world applications. AI revolutionizes climate modeling, using vast datasets and machine learning to create predictive models that anticipate and mitigate impacts like extreme weather and sea-level rise, enabling proactive urban planning.AI also enhances smart infrastructure and resource management, optimizing energy use, water resources, and transportation to minimize ecological footprints. Through real-time monitoring and adaptive systems, cities can respond to environmental changes, ensuring infrastructure resilience. AI democratizes decision-making by empowering citizen participation in climate efforts. Open data, cross-sector partnerships, and collaborative research drive innovation, accelerating the transition to climate-resilient urban futures.
Harnessing Innovation for Sustainable Urban Futures
Authors: Singh Surabhi , Rai Anjali
Published: December 2024

Urbanization is progressing apace, as are the opportunities and challenges it presents for sustainable development. This chapter analyzes the connection between innovation, technology, and sustainability within smart cities and urban development. It looks at the developing terrain of smart city intervention and questions surrounding what smart cities could bring toward sustainable urban futures. This study presents a critical assessment description of smart cities from literature and case studies by identifying the key drivers, including smart infrastructure and governance innovations with digitalization combined with citizen engagement. This paper also studies the socioeconomic, environmental, and ethical dimensions of deploying smart city interventions that range from inclusivity to privacy or resilience. The chapter integrates results from academic, industry, and policy studies to offer tangible recommendations for how innovation can drive sustainable urban development through evidence-based solutions for policymakers, designers of cities of the future, and project developers.
Navigating Educational Leadership Research With Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: LaFrance Jason
Published: December 2024

This chapter explores the role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in supporting research design and methodology in educational leadership. Since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, the use of GAI in education has expanded rapidly, being leveraged for tasks in K-20 institutions (Chen et al., 2020; Crompton & Burke, 2023). GAI has the potential to streamline research processes and enhances the depth of analysis (Kooli, 2023; Paek & Kim, 2021). As an educational leadership professor, I focus on how GAI improves research in this field, though many points apply to other settings. While GAI technologies offer powerful capabilities to boost efficiency, they also raise ethical considerations, particularly around bias, data privacy, and transparency (Lund et al., 2023). This chapter addresses the opportunities and challenges of GAI integration, emphasizing the need for responsible, fair, and inclusive practices. The Human in the Loop (HITL) approach and the Action, Specificity, Knowledge (ASK) framework are strategies presented here to ensure ethical AI use.
First Amendment Challenges in Schools
Authors: Harvey Thomas Wyatt , Mayers R. Stewart , Corcoran Katy L.
Published: December 2024

This chapter examines First Amendment challenges in public schools, focusing on free speech and religious expression. As school leaders navigate a volatile legal landscape, understanding key cases like Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) and Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. (2021) is essential for safeguarding student rights. The chapter also presents original research involving over 700 principal candidates, revealing a gap between their recognition of First Amendment issues—particularly regarding social media and religious expression—and their preparedness to address these challenges. It advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of principal preparation curricula to include updated legal content, practical applications, and ongoing professional development, ensuring future leaders can effectively balance individual rights while maintaining an effective educational environment.
Framework for Pre-Service Training of School Principals in Nigeria
Authors: Olayiwola Shina O.
Published: December 2024

School principals are appointed into the principalship without the specialized training which may be needed for quality and effective school leadership. The theory and practice of school leadership preparation in Nigeria depicts an omission of appropriate principalship preparatory framework which needs to be completed in line with the global practices of pre-service training of school principals. Hence, this paper proposed to fill the gap in the theory and practice of school leadership preparation in Nigeria. Effective preparation of school administrators has an ultimate goal of ensuring quality applicants into the profession.
Experiential Learning, Simulations, and Competence Development
Authors: Moraguez Daniel
Published: December 2024

Urgency grows for K-12 school leaders with competences for equity and social justice as such leadership would emphasize the educational experiences of economically disadvantaged and historically underserved students. With this urgency comes a call for educational leadership preparation programs to innovate to meet the moment. This chapter offers a vision for aspiring leader preparation that operationalizes the affordances of simulations in a course-embedded simulated practicum situated at the center of a classroom-to-workplace continuum. The practicum would serve as a complement to the field experiences and to bridge leadership theory and practice, providing realistic leadership experiences where preservice leaders rehearse leadership decision-making without the threat of student, teacher, staff, or parent harm. Graduates of programs utilizing these innovative approaches would be more prepared for internships and better equipped to address educational inequities and close achievement and opportunity gaps once in service—gaps which status quo leadership currently seems to perpetuate.
Effectiveness of the Connoisseurship Supervision Model on Quality of Teaching in the Context of Developmental Supervision
Authors: Musundire Austin
Published: December 2024

This study examines the effectiveness of the connoisseurship supervision model in improving the quality of teaching within the context of developmental supervision, focusing on the South African P-12 education system. Using a mixed-method approach, the research involves South African school managers and educators. Data from three purposively selected focus group interviews provide qualitative insights, complementing quantitative data for a comprehensive analysis. Results show a positive link between the connoisseurship supervision model and enhanced teaching quality. However, the implementation of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) demonstrated weaknesses in supervisory and evaluation skills, limiting teacher development and overall teaching quality improvement.
AI-Driven Solutions for Virtual Tourism
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Kaunert Christian , Lal Sahil
Published: December 2024

The tourism sector is transforming the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enrich visitor experiences and at the same time promote the conservation of ecosystems. In this study on “AI-Driven Solutions for Virtual Tourism: Balancing Visitor Experience and Ecosystem Conservation” the novel AI solutions, utilizing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) as primary vehicles to develop ecological friendly tourism virtually immersive experiences, are introduced. Using AI-powered personalization, the framework personalizes virtual experiences based on each person's unique preferences and nurtures a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem and culture of heritage. Predictive analytics are also crucial in handling visitor resorts and ensuring hot spots of tourists are opened for visitation in a manner that will never affect the ecological integrity. This chapter provides supporting examples of AI driven solutions in protected areas and demonstrates their ability to improve visitor experience without compromising natural resources.
Comprehensive Analysis of Heat-Treated Lithium Metal: Surface Characteristics and Evolution of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase
Authors: Jeong Soon Ki
Published: December 2024

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage devices because of their high energy density. However, the formation of dendritic lithium during charge-discharge cycles poses significant safety risks. This study investigates the effects of thermal treatment on the surface morphology and Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) formation of lithium metal anodes using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Lithium metal samples were heat-treated at 100°C for 24 hours and then immersed in an electrolyte solution for different durations. AFM analysis revealed that thermal treatment increases the size and uniformity of nucleation sites. This results in a thicker and more stable native oxide layer. This enhanced layer promotes a more uniform and densely packed SEI, which remains stable over long-term immersion. The findings highlight the potential of thermal treatment to improve the performance and safety of lithium metal anodes by stabilizing the SEI and preventing dendritic growth. This advancement could significantly enhance the practical application of LMBs.
Application of Topological Modeling in Studying Rheology and Morphology of Polymers
Authors: Trofimova Larysa
Published: December 2024

Some features of the rheological behavior and morphology of systems which contain liquid crystalline polymers are considered from the standpoint of the theory of catastrophes. It is noted that a decrease in the mixing time of melts of polysulfone mixtures, including a liquid crystal component, significantly changes the configuration of the rheological curves and the morphology of the flow. It was found that the appearance of characteristic N-shaped breaks on the rheological curves of such mixtures is informatively described and analyzed on the basis of the standard «fold» model. It was revealed that the concentration dependences of the viscosity of poly-p-benzamide samples of various molecular weights have a «cusp»-type feature inherent in the projection of a «ruffle» type catastrophe on the plane of control parameters. The possibility of a visual illustration of the general picture of the transition of these solutions into the liquid-crystalline state on the basis of this canonical model was shown.
Photoluminescence Study of Europium-Doped ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Hernández Erasto Vergara , Hernández Fabián Mendoza , Trigueros Pérez Yeraldine Ameyalli , Cortez Gustavo Herrera
Published: December 2024

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a widely studied semiconductor material due to its unique physical and chemical properties. It is a promising candidate for various electronics, optoelectronics, and energy harvesting applications. Photoluminescence, the emission of light upon excitation by photons, is crucial in studying europium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures. The incorporation of europium, a lanthanide element, into the ZnO semiconductor matrix has garnered significant attention due to the remarkable optical characteristics of this combination. Various factors, including the crystallographic properties, defect structure, and material morphology, influence the photoluminescence behavior of europium-doped ZnO nanostructures. This paper presents a review of the photoluminescence study of europium-doped ZnO nanostructures.
Bleaching Pre-Treatment of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Nanocellulose Extraction
Authors: Hari Ram Teshini A/P , Binti Yusof Norhaniza , Lau Woei Jye , Aziz Farhana , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: December 2024

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) is one of the waste by-products when palm oil is produced. Although a waste product, it can be turned into a valuable product by extracting nanocellulose through acid hydrolysis. The process requires a few steps; the most important is the pre-treatment process. In this research, bleaching pretreatment was used to characterize empty oil palm fruit bunches as raw materials for hydrolysis reactions to extract nanocellulose. The bleaching process was done using H2O2 and the resulting samples were characterized using FT-IR and SEM. FT-IR analysis revealed that lignin-associated carbonyl groups were removed and there was a decrease in hemicellulose-related acetyl group peaks which confirmed effective pre-treatment. According to Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), surface morphology has also changed where the bleached fibres exhibited a rougher surface than the ones that were not bleached. Bleaching is proven to be successful at removing surface impurities, hemicellulose, and lignin and isolating the cellulose for the acid hydrolysis process.
Spatial Organization of Thermal Processes during Structure Formation of Composite Materials
Authors: Kolesnykov Andrii , Semenova Svitlana , Streltsov Konstantin , Hedulian Serhii
Published: December 2024

The paper discusses the results of studying the hardening process of a gypsum-based composite material using a thermal imager. Thermal imaging research involves periodically obtaining thermal images of hardening material with pronounced hydration exotherm. It is assumed that the intensity of hydration and heat release depend on the state of the heterogeneous system, the structure of the forming material and the degree of aggregation of particles of hydrating components. The resulting images contain both visible and hidden information about the physical and chemical processes occurring in the material. To fully obtain such information, computer image processing methods were used. Intensity histograms were constructed and analyzed, for which regular changes were observed in the process of structure formation. As a generalization of the observed patterns, a working hypothesis is proposed about the filling of scales of physicochemical characteristics and, in particular, large-scale structural scales, in the process of structure formation. An image processing algorithm has been developed that makes it possible to construct isothermal cells‒areas of material with the same temperature. The geometric characteristics of the resulting areas, forming a partition of the study area, were studied by an automated method and reflected using histograms. The interpretation of the influence of a changing temperature distribution on the properties of a material is based on the idea of an approximate correspondence between a network of temperature cells and a Voronoi network that defines regions of a disordered structure. The spatiotemporal features of thermal processes are considered, indicating a possible decrease in the strength characteristics of the material.
Analysis of Experimental Studies of Titanium Alloy
Authors: Medved Ivan , Rashkevich Nina , Otrosh Yurii , Tomenko Vitalii
Published: December 2024

When predicting the service life of a material, it is important to take into account its mechanical characteristics. The authors have developed a mathematical model that describes the dependence of titanium alloy durability on cyclic loads. The research tool was the "Solution Search" add-in of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program. Regularities and dependencies have been established, which help to improve the understanding of damage mechanisms of titanium alloys. It is proved that the temperature of preliminary plastic deformation does not influence the durability of titanium alloy PT-3V. The developed model can be used to optimize loading regimes and improve the performance characteristics of titanium alloy building structures.
Effect of Zycotherm Nano-Based Warm Mix Additive on the Properties of Asphalt Binders in the UAE
Authors: Nasr Eyad Hany , Sukkari Alaa , Al-Khateeb Ghazi G. , Zeiada Waleed , Alani Mohammed Wajeeh , Ezzat Helal
Published: December 2024

Warm-Mix Asphalt (WMA) additives are used to improve the performance and workability of the asphalt binders. This study used a nano-based saline, Zycotherm, to reduce the viscosity and improve the high-temperature performance of the asphalt binders. To investigate the impact of Zycotherm, penetration, softening point, viscosity and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) rutting parameter tests were carried out. Based on the results, the Zycotherm-modified asphalt binder with a percentage of 3% lowered the penetration by around 40% and the softening point by 4%, while increased the viscosity by 10% when compared to the control asphalt binder. Rheological testing showed a decrease in the complex shear modulus value and a decrease in the phase angle by around 24% for the Zycotherm modified asphalt binder, which means that the rutting resistance decreases by 13%. Zycotherm modified asphalt binder with a percentage of 1.5% showed nearly similar results as the 3% in terms of lowering the penetration by 20% and softening point by 2% while increased the viscosity even more than the 3% Zycotherm by an overall percentage increase of 11% when compared to the control asphalt binder. For the Rheological testing, the Zycotherm modified asphalt binder with a percentage of 1.5% also showed a 12% decrease in phase angle and complex shear modulus values.
Development of a Nonlinear Forming Limit Curve of an Advanced High-Strength Steel (DP440) with Applicability to Multi-Step Forming Processes
Authors: Songthong Theeramate , Panich Sansot , Chongbunwatana Komkamol , Primee Saiyan
Published: December 2024

The modern automotive industry has highlighted a significant trend towards lighter automobiles. They frequently use a conventional forming limit curve (FLC) to assess the formability of widely used DP440 sheet steel. However, when the steel sheet undergoes multiple production steps, the curve becomes less effective in estimating the onset of necking, likely due to the twisting of the strain trajectory the sheet experiences. Therefore, engineers need an improved formability prediction tool to better handle such manufacturing elaboration and develop top-quality dies. This work proposes a phenomenological approach capable of detecting the onset moments of localized necking in DP440 sheets, which undergo progressive deformation under varying strain ratios. The approach begins with the establishment of an experimental bilinear failure strain database. Therein, six Marciniak tests are first carried out to pre-stretch rectangular sheet specimens by three different strain ratios, each with two different deformation degrees, to cover the whole deformation range encountered regularly in metal forming processes. To complete the bilinear failure strain database, all the specimens that have already been stretched are stretched again until breakage, following the Nakajima standard procedure. This produces six FLCs out of DP440 sheets previously pre-strained with six different strain values. Four displacement functions can then be derived from such a database, and a nonlinear FLC expressed in the form of a 3D forming limit surface is eventually composed. A nonlinear strain path up to failure, used to verify the developed FLC, is crafted by conducting a hole expansion test on prepared square specimens followed by a cup draw test on the same specimens both experimentally and simulatively. The nonlinear FLC reliably captures the onset of local necking of the test DP440 sheet deformed under a complex strain path, whereas the conventional FLC does not.
Magnetic Pecan Nutshell Biochar for Arsenic and Fluoride Removal: Effects of Particle Size and Pyrolysis Temperature
Authors: Khamkure Sasirot , Díaz-Jiménez Lourdes , Reyes-Rosas Audberto , Gamero-Melo Prócoro , Zermeño-González Alejandro , Cortez-Quevedo Etelberto
Published: December 2024

Magnetic biochar derived from various residual agricultural wastes have been widely studied due to their abundance, low cost, and minimal environmental impact. Pecan nutshell (Carya illinoinensis) residuals were incorporated with γ-Fe2O3, transforming them into magnetic adsorbents. The effect of particle size (granular: 0.38-0.7 mm; powder: 0.15-0.38 mm) and pyrolysis temperature (500 °C and 650 °C) were investigated for their influence on adsorption capacity of arsenic and fluoride in aqueous solutions. Our findings showed that finely powdered magnetic biochar produced at 650 °C (PMPH-650) exhibited the highest removal efficiency (99.09%) and adsorption capacity (4.925 mg/g) for arsenic compared to other materials. The arsenic adsorption isotherm followed both Langmuir and Freundlich models well. The kinetics of fluoride adsorption fit the Elovich equation, suggesting chemisorption and chemical bond formation. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of the γ-Fe2O3 phase. SEM/EDX and FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of arsenic on the biochar surface after the adsorption. This research paves the way for using magnetic biochar derived from pecan nutshell as a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach for arsenic and fluoride remediation in water.
Predictors of mortality in severe community acquired pneumonia in an intensive care unit of Sri Lanka
Authors: Nadarajah T. , Dharmalingam L. , Galhena H. T. , Rangana R. L. P. , Perera N. , Priyankara W. D. D.
Published: December 2024

Background: Severe community-acquired pneu-monia (SCAP) carries high mortality. This study describes the predictors of mortality in SCAP.Method: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) of National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) recruiting patients with SCAP admitted from July to December 2023. Disease outcome, complications and organ support received were documented.Results: Among 56 participants, 36 (64.3%) were males and 33 (58.9%) were ≥50 years of age.  Septic shock requiring vasopressors was seen in 36 (69.6%), acute kidney injury (AKI) in 24 (42.9%) and 40 (71.4%) required mechanical ventilation (MV). There were 20 (35.7%) deaths.A higher number of non-survivors had respiratory failure (100% vs 55.6%, p<0.0001), PaO2/FiO2 ratio<250 (100% vs 77.8%, p=0.02) and required MV (100% vs 55.6%, p<0.0001) compared to survivors. Length of MV was higher in non-survivors than survivors (8 vs 2.5 days p<0.001).History of chronic renal failure (OR 6.214, 95% CI 1.84 - 20.99, p=0.003), presence of AKI (OR 9.0, 95% CI 2.54 - 31.80, p=0.001) and need for renal replacement therapy (OR 13.44, 95% CI 3.07 -58.71, p=0.001) were associated with mortality. Patients who had septic shock and required vasopressors (OR 15.2, 95% CI 1.833 - 126.07, p=0.01) had a higher risk of death. In a multivariable logistic regression model, AKI independently predicted mortality (adjusted OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.26 - 28.28, p<0.02).Conclusion: Presence of respiratory failure, AKI and septic shock predicts mortality in patients with SCAP.
Spectrum, scope, and strategy to optimize maternal medicine care services in Sri Lanka: the physicians’ perspective
Authors: Wijeyaratne C. N.
Published: December 2024

No abstract available
Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy
Authors: Boteju I. , Bulugahapitiya U.
Published: December 2024

The South Asian genetics alongside the proposensity to female obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the rising incidence of advanced maternal age at conception, have contributed to Hyperglycaemia in Pregnancy (HIP) evolving into a common medical encounter for physicians and obstetricians.1 The diagnosis and management of HIP is unique to pregnancy, where normoglycaemia from pre-conception and throughout the pregnancy as per the recommended blood sugar targets ensures significant reduction of maternal and fetal adverse clinical outcomes, that is similar to a non-diabetic pregnancy outcome.A planned pregnancy with timely discontinuation of medications that are potentially teratogenic (other than metformin) is crucial, while achieving the recommended blood sugar targets is challenging.We provide guidance for the Sri Lankan physicians managing HIP, based on current scientific evidence and globally accepted management guidelines.
Picture quiz
Authors: Co-Editors
Published: December 2024

No abstract available
The Pattern of Unnatural Deaths in Females in Central India
Authors: Borkar J. L. , Jaiswani A. K. , Jaiswani K.
Published: December 2024

The occurrence of unnatural deaths in females is a reflection of the prevailing social structure and the state of mental health of the society. Today, in the age of social media, we are discussing the liberalisation of women's empowerment. However, it is important to bear in mind that there has been an increase in crime against women in our society. The present study analyses the different causes of unnatural death and the factors that influence them.The maximum number of study cases, i.e., 49 (24.02%), were from the 21-30 age group. 53.43% of cases were reported from urban areas. Most unnatural deaths occurred due to road traffic accidents (39.71%). Amongst the manner of death, accident (59%) was the most common, followed by suicide (33%) and homicide (8%). Amongst suicidal deaths, poisoning was the most common cause of death (44.78%), followed by hanging (28.36%). The family quarrel was the most common reason for both suicides (31.34%) as well as homicide (47.06%). The husband was the perpetrator in 64.71% of cases of homicide. A hard, blunt object was used as a weapon in the majority of cases of homicide (47.06%).Most of the cultural and socio-economic factors in a particular country are generally linked to the cause of female deaths. Data related to female deaths in a specific geographical area can reflect the law-and-order situation. The current study will attempt to create societal awareness, thereby improving the prevailing situation.
Response to Letter to the Editor: The Elusive Path to Virtual Autopsy in Developing Countries
Authors: Herath J. C. , Herath U. R.
Published: December 2024

No abstract available
Segnalazioni Faunistiche Italiane
Authors: Repetto Emanuele
Published: December 2024

Cyrtaspis scutata (Charpentier, 1825) (Orthoptera Tettiigonidae)
Heavy metal(loid) bioaccumulation in fish and its implications for human health
Authors: Almashhadany Dhary Alewy , Rashid Rzgar Farooq , Altaif Khalil Ibrahim , Mohammed Sarhang Hayyas , Mohammed Hero Ismael , Al-Bader Salah Mahdi
Published: December 2024

Heavy metal(loid)s (HM) pollution in aquatic environments is a serious issue due to the toxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of these pollutants. The main sources of HM contamination are industrial activities, mining, agricultural practices, and combustion of fossil fuels. Fish can accumulate HMs through a process called bioaccumulation. As larger predatory fish consume smaller fish, these HMs enter the main food chains and can become increasingly concentrated in their tissues and finally reach humans. Here, we provided a general and concise conclusion from current research findings on the toxicological effects on different body systems. Exposure to HMs can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including neurological damage, developmental disorders, kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, and cancers. Their long-term accumulation can result in chronic toxicity even at low levels of exposure. HMs exert cellular cytotoxicity by disrupting essential cellular processes and structures. They can interfere with enzyme function, disrupt cell membrane integrity, induce oxidative stress, and cause DNA damage, ultimately leading to cell death or dysfunction. Prevention and control of HMs involve implementing measures to reduce their release into the environment through regulations on industrial processes, waste management, and pollution control technologies. Additionally, monitoring and remediation efforts are crucial for identifying contaminated sites and implementing strategies such as soil and water remediation to reduce human exposure and mitigate the impact on ecosystems. To conclude, HM accumulation in fish poses serious risks to public health and the environment, necessitating urgent interdisciplinary efforts to mitigate their harmful effects and promote sustainable practices that reduce HM flow into biological systems.
L’apertura di un Servizio di Bioetica Clinica in una struttura sanitaria: l’esperienza dell’ASST Lariana
Authors: Picozzi Mario , Mazzei Brunella , Redaelli Pietro , Ceruti Silvia
Published: December 2024

Benché, in Italia, da ormai quasi trent’anni si discuta dell’opportunità di introdurre forme di Consulenza etica in ambito sanitario, affidando il compito di svolgere tale attività a Comitati Etici per l’etica clinica e/o a Servizi di Bioetica Clinica, a oggi, non solo sono ancora pochissime le esperienze di questo tipo ma, soprattutto, permangono molte incertezze relativamente agli obiettivi, alle funzioni e alle modalità di istituzionalizzazione di tali organismi. L’articolo illustra, quindi, l’esperienza di uno dei primi Servizi di Bioetica Clinica istituiti come unità operativa ospedaliera in Italia, a partire da: a) le fasi che hanno permesso l’introduzione di tale servizio; b) le modalità di istituzionalizzazione del Servizio nell’ambito della struttura sanitaria; c) le funzioni del Servizio. In secondo luogo, viene presentata un’analisi preliminare dei dati raccolti in relazione alle attività svolte nei primi mesi di operatività del Servizio, sulla base della quale è stato possibile: a) individuare i punti di forza del Servizio, tra i quali riveste importanza determinante la presenza costante e continuativa di un Consulente Etico all’interno della struttura e nelle unità operative; b) i limiti e gli aspetti che necessitano di progressiva implementazione e/o miglioramento. Infine, alla luce dell’esperienza in corso e con l’intento di promuovere l’introduzione e l’istituzione dei Servizi di Bioetica Clinica in Italia, viene sottolineata la rilevanza di alcuni aspetti specifici, in particolare legati al riconoscimento della professionalità del Consulente Etico, nonché delle competenze e dell’esperienza necessarie a svolgere tale ruolo.
Il divenire della consulenza etica da parte del Comitato Etico per la Pratica Clinica: la realtà dell’AULSS 8 Berica di Vicenza
Authors: Sperman Vania , Martini Debora
Published: December 2024

La consulenza etica in AULSS 8 Berica è in essere (ed in divenire) sin dal 2006 con l’istituzione del Comitato Etico per la Pratica Clinica a Vicenza. Si muove su diversi assi ed in particolare intorno alla formulazione di pareri formali (e non formali) e all’istituzione nel 2019, primi in Italia, di uno Spazio di consulenza etica dedicato ai cittadini per aiutare nella riflessione e successiva formulazione delle Disposizioni Anticipate di Trattamento. Tale spazio si è dimostrato utile e gradito da parte dell’utenza. I membri del comitato agiscono inoltre attraverso la formazione del personale dell’Azienda (ospedale e territorio) nonché della popolazione ed aderiscono ad un programma di autoformazione permanente. Significativi sono i punti di forza e le peculiarità del comitato; uno per tutti la partecipazione ad alcuni corsi in modalità outdoor in un rifugio di montagna, finalizzati a formare i membri e consolidare i legami all’interno del gruppo di lavoro.
The diet of Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica breeding in the Po Delta (NE Italy)
Authors: Valle Roberto G. , Fava Francesco
Published: December 2024

The present study provides the first data on the diet of Gull-billed Terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) nesting in the Po Delta. Four hundred and forty-five prey items were found in pellets collected on a colony in a fish farm on June 11, 2018. Pellets contained mostly Invertebrata (403 items), of which the majority were Insecta (50.8%, mainly Orthoptera: 22.7%) and, to a lesser extent, Crustacea (22%, exclusively Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii) and Mollusca (17.8%, mostly Gasteropoda: 16.2%), whereas Vertebrata accounted for only 9.4% (42 items, mostly Amphibia: 8.3%). Gull-billed Terns nesting in the Po Delta follow a diet with a predominance of Insecta, but with significant shares of Crustacea and Mollusca and, to a lesser extent, Amphibia, thus confirming the flexibility of the species in adapting to the prey availability of the foraging area.
The current state of Black Stork Ciconia nigra in Armenia
Authors: Aghababyan Karen , Khanamirian Gurgen , Tsaturian Astghik
Published: December 2024

The state of Black Stork Ciconia nigra in Armenia was last updated in 2009. Since then, the knowledge of the species significantly increased, and there is a need for an update on its conservation status. Results of 2003-2024 data collection and analysis show that its population makes 7-9 breeding pairs, and the population trend demonstrates a moderate increase (p<0.05). The area of occupancy is 764 km2, and the extent of occurrence is 6,977 km2. While some pairs of the species could be overlooked, there is an objective increase in breeding pairs by at least two. The species qualifies for the category Critically Endangered (criteria D1). The existing conservation measures require improvement. The proposed conservation measures include revision of the Emerald Network of Armenia to better cover nesting ranges of the species, official adoption of the candidate Emerald Sites, and development of management plans for them, securing proper Environmental Impact Assessments of constructions in the buffer zone of the known nests, and restriction of the outdoor activities, including drone video shooting, in the buffer zone of the known nests in the breeding season. The monitoring of the species should accompany these measures.
Capabilities, well-being and intention to leave of financial accounting students
Authors: Van den Berg Elette , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: December 2024

Orientation: Student mental health and dropout, specifically in accounting education, is an important focus area for research.Research purpose: This study investigated financial accounting students’ capabilities, well-being and intention to leave a higher education institution.Motivation for the study: The well-being of financial accounting students in South Africa is crucial because of academic pressures, socio-economic challenges and employability concerns. Fostering students’ holistic development enhances academic performance and job readiness. However, there is a critical lack of understanding of the relationship between students’ capabilities, well-being and intention to leave. Addressing this gap is essential for creating inclusive support systems that promote students’ resilience, retention and long-term success.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey was used with a sample of 102 financial accounting students. The participants completed four measuring instruments: the Capability Set for Work Questionnaire, the Cynicism Scale of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form and the Intention to Leave the University.Main findings: The capability set of financial accounting students was negatively associated with cynicism and positively related to social well-being (SWB). High levels of cynicism and low emotional well-being (EWB) significantly impacted students’ intentions to leave. Finally, a strong capability set and low cynicism were associated with flourishing and a low intention to leave.Practical/managerial implications: Higher education institutions should enhance students’ capabilities by fostering knowledge application, meaningful relationships and valuable contributions to improve SWB and reduce cynicism. Prioritising EWB through intervention programmes is crucial for student retention.Contribution/value-add: This study’s findings provide scientific evidence of the relationship between capabilities, well-being and intention to leave among financial accounting students.
Genotype-phenotype correlation: Clinical implications of CYP1B1 analysis in primary congenital glaucoma
Authors: Tanwar Mukesh , Dada Tanuj , Sihota Ramanjit , Dada Rima
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

Mutations in cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) gene are a predominant cause of congenital glaucoma (PCG). We have planned this study to identify CYP1B1 gene mutations in PCG patients.

Methods:

After ethical clearance a total of seventy five unrelated PCG patients and 75 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. CYP1B1 gene was screened for mutations by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.

Results:

A total of 32/75 (42.66%; 13 with homozygous mutations, 8 with compound heterozygous and 11 with heterozygous mutations) patients were positive for heterozygous/ homozygous CYP1B1 mutations (Table 1). Furthermore, six already reported single nucleotide polymorphisms were also identified in the less conserved region of CYP1B1 both in controls and patients in addition to pathogenic CYP1B1 mutations. A total of 21 sequence changes in CYP1B1 gene were identified in this study. We observed higher mean IOP and corneal diameter in mutation positive cases as compared to mutation negative cases. This is in accordance with the idea of associating the severe phenotype with defective CYP1B1 allele. Mutation positive cases had poor prognosis as they may require multiple surgeries and have poor visual outcome as compare to mutation negative cases (usually underwent surgery once and had good visual outcome).

Conclusion:

The information derived from this study has both basic and clinical relevance. Thus mutation analysis is an essential pre-requisite in diagnosis workup in PCG and in future can be used as diagnostic/prognostic marker for detection and charting the path for analysis of the disease progression. This may help in adopting most appropriate therapy (medical and surgical) and also providing comprehensive genetic counseling to at risk families.
Peripheral Retinal Degenerations
Authors: Sudhamathi K , Venugopal Umah , Sharma Ajay , Singh Deependra V
Published: December 2024

The vast array of peripheral retinal degenerations leave an ophthalmologist with numerous possible differentials and prognosticators when an individual presents to him. The following review is an aid in understanding which degenerations make retina susceptible to a possible retinal detachment in near future; and are possible indicators for prophylactic therapy at presentation and which of them do not predispose to any complications and thus can be left untreated.
Contact Lens Fitting in Keratoconus
Authors: Singh Pooja , Gupta Raghav , Titiyal Jeewan S , Sinha Rajesh
Published: December 2024

Keratoconus is a progressive, non-inflammatory, asymmetric ectatic corneal disorder that results in high amount of myopia and astigmatic refractive error. Early cases may be managed by spectacles; however, the definitive management is use of contact lens. In the mild stage, soft toric contact lens may be used. In the moderate and advanced cases, rigid gas permeable contact lens is the mainstay of treatment of these cases. Rose-k contact lenses have now become the contact lens of choice in these cases; however, the SOPER design is also very useful for management in these cases. Some cases may require piggyback and scleral lenses for better stability of the lens, and improved visual acuity and comfort to the patient.
Isolated Strabismus as a Presenting Feature of Large Pituitary Macroadenoma
Authors: Singh Kamaljeet , Gujar Prateek , Usmani Nida , Suman Santosh
Published: December 2024

Pituitary adenomas usually present with visual field defects and headache. Large tumors may cause diplopia and ophthalmoparesis by cranial nerve compression in cavernous sinus. However, all such cases almost always have poor visual acuity also. We present a rare case of a 35-year-old male with a large pituitary adenoma who presented with headache, ptosis and diplopia but had normal vision in both eyes. He had supero-temporal quadrantic visual field defect in the right eye and an atypical visual field defect involving the temporal quadrants in the left eye. The relevant literature is reviewed in the discussion.
Bilateral Nuclear Cataract with Deferasirox in a Patient of Beta-thalassemia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dhar Tushit , Tomar Vaishali , Dadeya Subhash
Published: December 2024

We report the case of a 15-year-old child with beta-thalassemia developing bilateral cataracts while receiving deferasirox, a newer iron chelator. She had been taking deferasirox for the past 10 years while receiving monthly blood transfusions. A slit-lamp examination revealed a central cataract having nuclear morphology in both eyes. Lenticular opacities in beta-thalassemia patients typically do not involve the visual axis and are known to correlate positively with deferoxamine and deferiprone. With deferasirox increasingly superseding deferoxamine as an oral chelator, we delineate the morphology of cataract possible with it. Understanding the likelihood of cataracts with this newer drug will help to anticipate and prevent their development, thus avoiding visual deterioration in already debilitated thalassemia patients.
Blunt Ocular Trauma by Metallic Valve of Party Popper
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Chandak Neha , Khalsa Ashish
Published: December 2024

Ocular trauma is a preventable public health problem and is a major cause of visual impairment. Incorporation of various gadgets and accessories in our day to day lives without their implications is a matter of grave concern. We report a case of blunt trauma with party popper, resulting in serious ocular injuries. In addition, it highlights the need for awareness about fatal ocular complications among the masses, especially children. Party accessories although intended for fun, must be carefully used. We recommend users to blow the party poppers away from a person’s face or towards the roof or sky.
Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats Gene Editing: Precision Medicine and Newer Therapies for Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Bansal Mayank
Published: December 2024

Personalized medicine with the development of targeted therapies toward clinical disorders is predicted to be the future of medicine. Ophthalmology is at the forefront of the development of newer therapies, as the eye forms an excellent target for the development of such therapies given the accessibility of eye to interventions, the immune privilege, and ability to directly monitor response to interventions. Within ophthalmology, inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) form a dynamic area of research, as no definitive therapy exists for such a blinding eye condition. There are various approaches in research, and in early clinical trials for treating IRDs including Food and Drug Administration approved gene therapy Voretegene neparvovec for retinal pigment epithelium 65 gene associated Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, Argus II bionic eye, and regenerative therapies such as stem cells. This narrative review delves deeper into Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats gene editing-based therapies for the management of IRDs, the advantages, limitations, current research, and future direction.
Overcoming the Fear of Strabismus Case Presentation
Authors: Joshi Deepti , Gupta Isha , Krishnaprasad R.
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to give a guide map to successfully presenting a strabismus case for postgraduate practical examination.

Methods:

A literature search was performed in Pubmed and compiled with author’s approach to the clinical examination of the strabismus case to give a simplified flow chart and diagrams relevant to the strabismus case presentation.

Conclusions:

A methodical approach to strabismus case in an examination can shorten the time required and boost the productivity of a student giving a practical examination, along with covering all important steps of a strabismus case presentation.
Combined Hamartoma of Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium: Multimodal Imaging and Management
Authors: Quraishi Mohd Azaz , Revatkar Kaustubh , Nene Amit S. , Shah Smitesh , Shenoy Pratik , Ramteke Pushpanjali , Pirdankar Onkar H.
Published: December 2024

Combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE) is a rare condition which typically comprises of slightly elevated grayish mass located at the posterior pole. It is commonly associated with proliferative membrane leading to distorted vasculature. Severe cases may present with a macular hole, retinal detachment, or vitreous hemorrhage. Here, we detail the management of a CHRRPE case in a 74-year-old female who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane peeling, resulting in improved anatomical and visual outcomes.