bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valorization of cashew nut processing by-product: development of a cardol/starch biopolymer composite with electrochemical properties and technological potential
Authors: Arrieta Alvaro Angel , Ducuara Jorge Alberto , Combatt Enrique Miguel
Published: July 2023

The problem of food agro-industry residues represents a growing concern in our society, therefore its use as a raw material to obtain biopolymers of technological interest is an attractive alternative. The objective of this work was to assess the viability of utilizing cardol, derived from cashew nut shell liquid, in the production of a biopolymer composite by combining it with cassava starch. The biopolymer composite was prepared by thermochemical method using different cardol concentrations and varying the synthesis pH. The results allowed us to demonstrate the formation of cardol/starch biopolymeric films. The infrared spectra showed possible interactions by hydrogen bonds between the cardol and the glucose units of the starch. The impedance behavior showed a similar conduction mechanism in all cases, allowing the establishment of a single equivalent circuit. The electrochemical parameters showed that the presence of cardol and the lower pH increased the values of the electrical resistance and the double layer capacitance in the biopolymers. In addition, the values of the CPE/Rre system, related to the electractivity, were not affected by the pH, but by the presence of cardol. The biodegradability tests showed a complete decomposition of the biopolymer composite films in three stages in a period of 17 to 19 days. It could be concluded that it is possible to use the cardol extracted from the cashew nut shell liquid to elaborate a biopolymer composite with electrochemical properties when combined with cassava starch. The electrical properties of the biopolymer can be modulated by varying the synthesis pH and the amount of cardol used. The composite cardol/starch biopolymer could be used as a biopolymeric solid electrolyte in the manufacture of batteries, capacitors, etc
Improving the fire resistance of wooden structures by a combined method
Authors: Yakhyayev Aydin , Gezelov Siyavush , Gamidova Ayten , Refili Shahmar
Published: July 2023

The flammability of wood largely limits the use of wooden structures in modern construction. Therefore, there is a need to protect the wooden structures of buildings and structures from fire danger.
Ammophos-A, ammonium sulfate, expanded perliteб and epoxy were used to develop the fire-retardant surface coating. The experiments were carried out by changing the amount of one of these components in the composition, leaving the others constant. At the same time, fire hazard indicators were controlled parameters. In this way, the optimal ratios of the components of the flame-retardant composition were established, which were: 15:15:10:50 (wt.%), respectively, ammophos-A, ammonium sulfate, expanded perlite, epoxy resin, further designated flame retardant AS-143. The test parameters of structural samples treated with this flame retardant at a consumption of 400–500 g/m2 were: weight loss 4.0–5.0 %, flame burning time 11–18 s, flameless 19–23 s. The effectiveness of the flame retardant AS-143 was established in comparison with flame retardant No. 13, which, according to the weight loss of the samples, was 43.2 %.
The essence of the results is explained by the correct selection of chemical compounds and their component ratio in the fire-retardant composition, which exhibit a synergistic character during the combustion of wooden structures.
At the next stage, in addition to surface treatment of wooden structures, they were faced with fire-resistant plasterboard sheets. Fire tests were carried out under field conditions for 30 minutes, the results of which were: the length of flame propagation over the surface of the samples was 456–678 mm; flame propagation speed 0.015–0.023 m/min.
The data indicate that wooden structures treated in a combined way belong to group I of fire protection efficiency. These structures can be safely used in buildings and structures, especially with enclosing, attic, or attic types
Prototyping an integrated IoT-based real-time sewer monitoring system using low-power sensors
Authors: Utepov Yelbek , Neftissov Alexandr , Mkilima Timoth , Mukhamejanova Assel , Zharassov Shyngys , Kazkeyev Alizhan , Biloshchytskyi Andrii
Published: July 2023

Improper monitoring of sewage networks may raise various issues such as overflows, pipe blockages, theft of manhole covers, leading to flooding and pollution, infrastructure damage, vehicles accidents, injury, and even death from falling into open manholes. The key objective of this research was to examine different elements and create a prototype architecture for a real-time sewer monitoring system. Implementation of the architecture involved constructing a data gathering station and experimenting with various wireless sensing devices to assess the precision of the sensors. In addition, the study sought to design a geographic information system that integrates algorithms capable of identifying sewer overflow, blocked pipes, and the presence of manhole covers. The performance of Sharp GP2Y0A41SK0F infrared, TF-Luna Benewake LiDar, TOF400 VL53L1X laser, JSN-SR04T ultrasonic distance sensors was tested in terms of their ability to monitor water level and manhole cover. Tests revealed the most favorable results in TOF400 VL53L1X at distances between 0.2 and 1.0 m (presumed distance to the manhole cover) with a standard deviation of 0.13–0.24, and in TF-Luna Benewake at distances between 1.0 and 5.0 m (presumed distance to the chamber bottom) with a standard deviation of 0.44–1.15. The deviation analysis has yielded equations that can be utilized to provide rough estimates of the accuracy levels of the aforementioned sensors, based on the measured distance. Additionally, the FC-28 analog and YL-63 infrared sensors were evaluated for detecting pipe blockages, with the YL-63 being more suitable. The outcomes of this study furnish valuable insights that can aid in achieving sustainable resolutions for issues related to sewer monitoring
Mechanical testing of intelligent fastening
Authors:   Institute of Continuous Media Mechanics of the Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Science, Bannikov Mikhail Vladimirovich , Popov E.S. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Yurina A.D. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Kondrashov A. N. ,   Perm State University
Published: July 2023

Loosening of threaded fasteners can lead to a decrease in preload, cause fatigue failure of bolts and seriously reduce the reliability of mechanical structures. Timely detection of such a weakening is an effective method of early prevention of a man-made disaster or economic losses. A promising direction in the field of monitoring the condition of complex structures during their operation is associated with the creation of intelligent materials or smart systems based on the use of sensor elements. The paper considers the main technical problems of operation of an intelligent fastener – a bolted connection with an integrated fiber Bragg grating (VBR). Calculations and strength tests of intelligent fasteners are given, problems arising during the operation of such systems and ways to solve them are described
Mathematical model of radiation scattering on a quasi – periodic structure in an optical fiber
Authors:   Saint Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics University ITMO, Konin Yuri A. ,   Perm Scientific-Industrial Instrument Making Company, Starikova V. A. ,   Perm Scientific-Industrial Instrument Making Company,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Petukhova A.Yu. ,   Perm Scientific-Industrial Instrument Making Company, Grachev N.A. ,   Perm Scientific-Industrial Instrument Making Company, Petrov А.А. ,   Saint Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics University ITMO, Perminov Anatolii Victorovich ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University
Published: July 2023

The paper considers a quasi – periodic microheterogeneity structure formed under the effect of optical fiber melting, which can be used as a sensitive element for an optical sensor based on a Fabry – Perot interferometer or an optical radiation scatterer with improved flexibility and strength parameters. Mathematical modeling of the process of transmission and reflection of radiation on the microcavities of the intrafiber structure will make it possible to predict the characteristics of the developed sensors. The simulation was carried out in the COMSOL Multyphysics simulation package. A section of a single – mode SMF-28e fiber with microinhomogeneities located in the core, the dimensions of which were measured in the course of an empirical study, is considered. To solve the problem, a system of equations was compiled that describes the propagation of a plane electromagnetic wave in matter. The results obtained showed that the calculated reflection spectrum qualitatively coincides with the measured value, but does not describe it with high accuracy. This may be due to the fact that the model does not take into account intermode interference in the fiber, and does not have an introduced melt zone around microcavities, since such a melt zone has a complex refractive index distribution and composition
Apresentação
Authors: Cardoso Nancy , Fonseca Abiud
Published: July 2023

O mundo é constantemente abalado por situações que causam dor em diferentes dimensões, cenários e formas. Em meio a essa realidade, o ser humano se defronta com as fronteiras de sua própria humanidade. A partir dessas situações, surgem os grandes dilemas que se aprofundam quando se entrelaçam: o mal, o sofrimento, Deus, o justo, o humano.
Antidiabetic and antioxidant effect of Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz & P. H. Davis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: GÜLLÜ İsmail Bayram , ALBAYRAK Sevil , KAYMAK Emin , YAY Arzu
Published: July 2023

In this study, the antidiabetic potential of aqueous extract of Origanum minutiflorum was tested using streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Changes in body weight, blood glucose level, biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities and histopathological examination of kidney were evaluated. The administration of aqueous extract and carvacrol to diabetic group rats caused significant decrease in blood glucose, biochemical parameters of serum and significantly increased the concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The administration of aqueous extract and carvacrol significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced the MDA level. The histopathological analysis of kidney showed that aqueous extract and carvacrol had possible ameliorative effect against kidney damage. Aqueous extract is also showed α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitor activity with high antioxidant activity. These scientific results confirm the use of O. minutiflorum as adjuvant antidiabetic therapy.
An essay on the new frontiers for facilities management: conceptual insights
Authors: Quinello Robson
Published: July 2023

Purpose – Facilities Management - FM, has been the subject of international analysis and research, mainly over the last five decades, from the perspective of its contribution to the operational efficiencies of organizations. Considered a support area for operations, it is responsible for the physical infrastructure of the building and, consequently, the quality of the environment for their users. Note that in recent years the area has changed given the externalities that are discussed throughout the essay.Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical essay is based on a literature review of landmark studies that point out new externalities on the subject in the practical and theoretical field.Findings – New exogenous demands shape FM, making it an integrating and political agent for private and public physical infrastructure through the introduction of the concepts of ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance, urbanism, smart cities connected to building infrastructures, industry 4.0 and its applications, the development of ISO standards, the advancement from operational positions to strategic levels and the reconfiguration of workspaces resulting from the impact of a pandemic.Research, Practical & Social implications – The essay sheds light on the need for changes in the field of management, as well as the need for new and more in-depth studies in the academic field on the factors mentioned, which not only impact the individuals in a company, but also the community from a political perspective.Originality/value – Few studies in the field of Operations deal with FM. This essay brings interdisciplinary and contemporary aspects to both areas of knowledge.Keywords: Integrated Facility Management, Externalities, Political Entity, Political Competences.
Photovoltaic solar energy and sustainability in higher education institutions: a multiple case study
Authors: Barbosa Soares Cícero Allan , De Nadae Jeniffer , Do Nascimento Diego Coelho , Alves Firmino Paulo Renato , Morioka Sandra Naomi
Published: July 2023

Purpose: to identify which Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Metropolitan Region of Cariri (MRC) use photovoltaic solar energy, then analyze the sustainability measures used by the HEIs, correlating them with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Design/methodology/approach: a case study, where the secondary data source and the data analysis technique is bibliographic and documentary.
Findings: four HEIs use photovoltaic solar energy (22.22%) in the MRC from a total of 18 HEIs, revealing a predominance of public HEIs (75%) over private HEIs (25%). The systems are new and have been installed within the last five years. The simple average payback found is 4.9 years. The study showed that in other universities worldwide, this period varies from 3 to 14.29 years. Average monthly energy generation ranges from 18,000 kWh to almost 115,000 kWh. Sustainable Development Goal 7 was observed in all the HEIs in the study, with 1 of the HEIs using measures found in all the SDGs.
Research, practical and social implications: Results reveal that the major motivation for implementing photovoltaic solar energy in these HEIs is environmental and social, and not economic, also revealing the predominance of public HEIs over private HEIs. Since it is a region with a high potential to use renewable energy, the results found are also intended to encourage debate among the other HEIs identified in the study and for them to adopt this solution.
Originality/value: HEIs has an enormous capacity to have a positive influence on society and is a bridge between research, practice, and knowledge dissemination. The MRC has a large educational structure, with 18 HEIs, and can significantly contribute to meeting the SDG. This article demonstrates the structure and impacts of adopting sustainability measures in these HEIs.
Keywords: Sustainable Development; Universities; Renewable Energy; SDG.
Mapping the social aspect of GSCM and SSCM: a future research agenda proposal
Authors: Delgado Fernanda Martinez , De Aragão Claudia Gomes , Teixeira Adriano Alves , Bezerra Barbara Stolte
Published: July 2023

Purpose – Identify how the social dimension is investigated in GSCM and SSCM research and propose a research agenda to integrate the social dimension in GSCM and SSCM.
Theoretical framework – The study deals with the social aspect of the triple bottom line, a theory devised by John Elkington, to identify how the topic is treated in GSCM AND SSCM research.
 Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a systematic review of the literature approach to examine the literature that integrates GSCM and the SSCM with a focus on the social aspect, based on criteria and an analysis of published studies adapted from Tranfield et al. (2003).
Findings - The study contains a summary of the papers found and a categorization that defines the state-of-the-art approach to the subject. The analysis supports the fact that China, India, and European countries carry out most of the investigation and produce GSCM and SSCM articles, observing the social aspect in their releases. Quantitative studies explore sustainability in the economic, environmental, and social tripod together. Research in social performance is not yet specialized and measuring this type of performance in an organization is very complex. Studies that address social issues are scarce, and there are still many gaps to be filled in the investigation of the social dimension in GSCM and SSCM.
Research, Practical & Social implications – As theoretical implications, the study presents a delimitation of the state-of-the-art approach on social issues when GSCM AND SSCM themes are worked together. For practical and managerial implications, it serves as a guide for consulting the best social practices to be adopted by companies.
Originality/value – The study works on the social aspect between GSCM and SSCM themes together, and studies that deal with social issues are scarce, contributing to the business management area.
Keywords - GSCM, SSCM, Sustainability, Social performance, Social issues, Social aspects.
Procesy adiaforyzacji we współczesnej polskiej polityce w świetle teorii Zygmunta Baumana
Authors:   Uniwersytet Opolski, Czapnik Sławomir
Published: July 2023

The aim of this article is to outline the processes of adiaphorization (the term which was coined by the Polish-English sociologist Zygmunt Bauman, who was a subtle analyst of the issue of power) in contemporary capitalist Poland after the collapse of the real socialism system. This text consists of three chapters. The author begins by outlining the similarities and differences between adiaphorisation in the two phases of modernity: ‘heavy’ (‘solid’) and ‘liquid’ (‘flexible’); the former was characteristic of the society of producers (workers and soldiers), while the latter was characteristic of the society of consumers. It then moves on to nationalism as a source of adiaphorization, which Bauman himself experienced personally as a leftwinger of Jewish origin. The final section focuses on the establishment of order and its collateral victims, including ‘flawed consumers’.
Davida Harveya teoria akumulacji przez wywłaszczenie. Nowe perspektywy badawcze – przypadek Jasona W. Moore’a
Authors:   Uniwersytet Gdański, Kufliński Mateusz
Published: July 2023

This article reconstructs David Harvey’s accumulation by dispossession (ABD) theory aimed at explaining the specifics of capital accumulation under neoliberal capitalism. Reaching back to the thought of Marx and Rosa Luxemburg, Harvey proposed an impressive theory of qualitative change within the capitalist mode of production. However, as his critics have convincingly presented, Harvey’s concept struggles with the problems presented in the text. The solution to these problems appears to be the school of “world-ecology”, analyzed here on the example of one of its representatives, Jason W. Moore. By solving the problems that Bin and Ras wrote about, it creates the possibility for APW to become a theory that shows a certain continuum of quantitative change within capitalism. In other words, Moore’s research perspective creates new perspectives for the application of APW.
Amerykańscy Polacy na frontach Wielkiej Wojny: współczesny symbol i treść
Authors:   Uniwersytet Opolski, Piątkowska-Stepaniak Wiesława
Published: July 2023

The premise of this paper is to collect in a systematic way the existing research findings related to documenting the participation of Poles and Americans of Polish origin fighting in the ranks of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). The primary objective of the paper is to analyze the historical, military, and political dimensions of this participation. The paper is a study in historical politics, which translates into contemporary realities and concepts of political solutions. The following methods have been used as research tools: the historical, comparative, and statistical methods, as well as an analysis of the content of the press, in particular the Polish-American press. The subject matter required specifically a problem- oriented approach, but also a chronological one, documenting political and social processes directly related to the war, occurring after its end and translating into contemporary events. This paper is a broader exploration of this issue.
Ewolucja wybranych elementów systemu politycznego Pierwszej i Drugiej Republiki Litewskiej
Authors:   Politechnika Koszalińska, Malużinas Martinas
Published: July 2023

The roots of the Lithuanian political system precede the emergence of the modern Lithuanian state in 1918 by several decades. For over a hundred years before independence, Lithuania was an integrated part of the imperial tsarist Russia, and in 1940–1991, a union republic of the USSR. After regaining independence in 1991, while shaping the new political system, the Lithuanian political elite decided to refer to the systemic and institutional patterns from the short period of the functioning of democratic governments in the First Republic of Lithuania. The aim of the study is to analyze the evolution of the Lithuanian political system and the individual elements influencing its changes in the years 1920–1926 and 1990–2020. As a result, it was possible to demonstrate the similarities and differences in particular periods of the evolution of democracy, which was extremely helpful in indicating the directions of development of political systems and their individual elements.
Proces zmiany polityki młodzieżowej w Polsce wywołany działalnością Młodzieżowego Strajku Klimatycznego
Authors:   Uniwersytet Szczeciński, Szulc Marta
Published: July 2023

The youth policy in Poland began to develop in connection with Poland’s accession to the European Union. Since 2019, these research areas were joined by the activities of young people as a part of the international youth social movement, i.e., the Youth Strike for Climate. The article presents the following research hypothesis: the activity of the Youth Strike for Climate indicates that the youth policy in Poland is undergoing a process of climatization. The following research questions were asked: What factors influence the interest in climate issues among young people? Was the youth gathered around the YSC active before the YSC activity? Is the activity at YSC related to other social/political activity of young people? Does the YSC influence political decisions? As a result of the survey, literature analysis and the conducted research, the research hypothesis was confirmed.
Strategies for the development of industry 4.0 and the formation of effective demand
Authors: Simonin Pavel , Bogachev Vitaly , Bogacheva Tatiana , Vetrova Ekaterina
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the development of industry 4.0 and the formation of effective demand. The authors are convinced that industry 4.0 is essentially a strategy of intelligent factories, i.e. the process of managing the production chain is carried out in real time using information and communication technologies, as well as the installation of robots. Effective demand for goods depends not only on the income of the buyer, but also on the prices of innovative products that are structurally formed by industry 4.0. It is proved that the main reason for the economic constraints of the development of industry 4.0 is the low effective demand for high-tech products. Therefore, the Russian industry must move to new types of economic activity and ensure the growth of productivity potential through the use of smart technologies, collaborative space, the formation of intelligent operational units and the digitalization process. Achieving sustainable long-term growth will depend on the ability to build a stronger domestic demand base and a balancing strategy: customer satisfaction and cost savings. The authors, based on international experience, prove the feasibility of forming a differentiated core, i.e. an effective combination of products and services formed by industry 4.0 while simultaneously integrating cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things, as well as services. The analysis shows the huge growth potential of industry 4.0 as the revenue growth of leading international companies is estimated in the range of 8.1–13.6 % in the next five years. At the same time, an annual increase in customer spending on products is projected by 2.4 %. The conducted research shows that industry 4.0 allows for an annual increase in efficiency by an average of 3.3 % due to increased productivity, energy efficiency and resource efficiency. The authors are convinced that such a setup is impossible without the accumulation of capital and investments, which are the main factors contributing to economic growth and sustainable solvency of customers.
DOES INTERNAL CONVECTION PROMOTE MICRO-EXPLOSION OF W/O EMULSION DROPLETS?
Authors: Naudin Thomas , Tarlet Dominique , Calabria Raffaela , Massoli Patrizio , Bellettre Jérôme
Published: July 2023

W/O emulsions are considered as a beneficial alternative to the use of fossil hydrocarbon fuels and not treated vegetable oils. The presence of a dispersed phase composed of water allows to reduce pollutant emissions and also increases combustion efficiency because of the so-called micro-explosion phenomenon. This micro-explosion has a strong stochastic behavior, and its realization depends on
several parameters such as water droplet size distribution and motion during heating. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the impact of the water droplet behavior on the atomization rate. PLIF technique is used to visualize and track the motion of the water droplets dispersed inside heated emulsion drops. Natural convection of the water droplets is observed, and its impact on coalescence and atomization rate is investigated. Emulsion with small size distributions and high droplet velocity tends to show a low or nonexistent micro-explosion rate, while coarse emulsions show an important coalescence rate, resulting in a high micro-explosion occurrence. Finally, a dimensionless indicator measuring dispersed-phase motion intensity is proposed.
Enhanced Yield of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities in Four Fermented Beans of Phellinus linteus Strains (Agaricomycetes) by Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Lin Yu-Li , Lin Meng-Yen , Liang Chih-Hung , Wu Chiu-Yeh , Li Po-Hsien , Liang Zeng-Chin
Published: July 2023

Phellinus linteus is a famous medicinal mushroom which exhibits various biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of solid-state fermentation by Ph. linteus on the yield of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of beans. Four bean substrates were prepared and inoculated with inoculum of three strains of Ph. linteus, respectively. During the cultivation, the harvested samples were dried, grounded, extracted, and determined the contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. The results indicated that the mung bean fermented by Ph. linteus 04 had the highest polysaccharide content (98.8 mg/g). The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were in fermented soybeans by Ph. linteus 03 (15.03 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 63.24 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively). The 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activities of hot water extracts were higher than those of ethanolic extracts for fermented beans by three Ph. linteus strains. However, the superoxide anion radical scavenging ability of ethanolic extracts was higher than those of hot water extracts in the fermented beans of the three strains. The ferrous ion (Fe2+)-chelating abilities of hot water extracts were higher than those of ethanolic extracts in fermented beans by Ph. linteus 03 and 04. In contrast, ethanolic extracts were higher than hot water extracts in fermented beans by Ph. linteus 06. Overall, these results indicate that the fermentation by Ph. linteus strains increased the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of four beans.
Flame-retardant and anti-corrosion behaviour of cardanol-based polybenzoxazine composites
Authors: Muthukumar Narmatha , Arumugam Hariharan , Krishnasamy Balaji , Muthusamy Athianna , Muthukaruppan Alagar
Published: July 2023

A new monomer of bi-functional benzoxazine was synthesised using cardanol (C) and p-phenylenediamine (ppda) under suitable experimental conditions. The curing behaviour of the cardanol-based 1,4-bis(7-pentadecyl-2H-benzo[1,3]oxazin-3(4H)-yl)benzene (C-ppda) benzoxazine monomer was studied by differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and the polymerisation temperature (T p) of C-ppda benzoxazine was found to be 237°C. Further, the benzoxazine monomer was reinforced with varying weight percentages (5, 10 and 15 wt%) of bio-ash derived from Aerva lanata (AL-ash) to obtain hybrid composites. Thermogravimetric analysis data indicate that AL-ash-reinforced benzoxazine composites possess excellent thermal stability and a flame-retardant behaviour. The morphology of AL-ash- and cardanol-based benzoxazine composites was analysed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The FESEM results indicate homogeneous distribution of AL-ash in the composites. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was used to determine the elemental composition of the AL-ash used for the preparation of composites. The value of the water contact angle of poly(C-ppda) was found to be 148°. Data obtained from corrosion studies indicate that the mild steel specimen coated with a benzoxazine matrix and the specimen coated with bio-ash-reinforced benzoxazine composites exhibit an excellent resistance against corrosion. The bio-ash-reinforced composites of cardanol-based benzoxazine can be used in the form of sealants, encapsulants, adhesives, coatings and matrices in microelectronics and automobile applications under high thermal and moist environmental conditions.
The Constitutional disqualification for unrehabilitated insolvents from being members of Parliament
Authors: Mabe Zingapi
Published: July 2023

In South Africa, the status of being an unrehabilitated insolvent has many effects and one of them is the disqualification from being a member of parliament (MP). This article considers the constitutional disqualification of unrehabilitated insolvents to serve as MPs within the context of statutory restrictions that apply to such insolvents. It further discusses the rationale for the constitutional disqualification of unrehabilitated insolvents to serve as MPs in light of international guidelines that advocate for the protection of the income of the debtor that is necessary for the insolvent and his dependents to live decent lives taking into account possible changing living standards. The pertinent question is whether such reasons are still justifiable considering international policy considerations
Advanced numerical modelling of the nonlinear mechanical behaviour of a laterally loaded pile embedded in stiff unsaturated clay
Authors: Braun K T , Bakas N , Markou G , Jacobsz S W
Published: July 2023

Capturing and understanding the ultimate limit state behaviour of reinforced concrete piles embedded in soil requires the use of advanced tools or the performance of expensive tests. An experiment was performed where reinforced concrete piles embedded in a stiff unsaturated clay profile were load-tested on-site. However, even though in-situ experiments can provide engineers with valuable insight, their cost and time limitations come with restrictions, especially when dealing with a parametric investigation on the soil's material properties, the size of the piles, or the piles' material properties. The objective of this research work was to numerically model the nonlinear mechanical behaviour of laterally loaded full-scale piles through detailed 3D modelling, and perform an in-depth parametric investigation to provide answers to unknown factors that the actual physical experiment could not answer. Furthermore, this work serves as a pilot project that will be used to pave the way in developing multiple soil-structure interaction models that will be used to generate a dataset that helps the creation of predictive models through machine learning algorithms. For the needs of this research work, the reinforced concrete piles were discretised with 8-noded isoparametric hexahedral elements that accounted for cracking through the smeared crack approach. Steel reinforcement bars and stirrups were simulated as embedded rebar elements, while the soil domain was also discretised through 8-noded hexahedral elements. Most of the required material properties assumed during the nonlinear analyses were defined according to relevant laboratory experiments. According to the numerical investigation, it was found that the proposed numerical model has the ability to reproduce the experimental results with high accuracy, while providing in-depth insight on the failure mechanisms for both the soil and reinforced concrete domains.
Renovación literaria e historia en Después de Meditarlo…, de Álvaro Cepeda Samudio
Authors: García-Dussán Eder
Published: July 2023

El presente artículo de reflexión aborda el análisis discursivo del penúltimo relato de Los cuentos de Juana, titulado Después de meditarlo…, del escritor Álvaro Cepeda Samudio. Al acuñar la idea del mismo autor, para quien las piezas de esta obra son, más que literatura, historia, y donde se avanza una lectura textual, intertextual y contextual de este relato, asumiendo que esta obra completa es una novela corta no convencional, gestada desde la lógica del absurdo y no un compendio de cuentos autónomos. Los resultados muestran que el experimento lector adelantado entrevé y asocia trasfondos históricos del traumático hecho histórico de la Masacre Bananera, sucedida en el Departamento de Magdalena (Colombia), en 1928. En este contexto sale a luz, cómo la simbiosis entre terratenientes, colonos e inversionistas extranjeros gestaron violencias e injusticias laborales que devino en represión y muerte de un segmento del proletariado rural de la zona bananera.
Educación mediática, imagen y conocimiento
Authors: Narváez-Montoya Ancízar
Published: July 2023

Una pregunta surge de la tendencia a caracterizar la época actual como la era de la información, de la imagen y de la pantalla: ¿por qué no hemos reemplazado las escuelas con medios y tecnologías? El objetivo de este artículo de reflexión es demostrar que, desde un punto de vista culturalista, tanto la imagen como la escritura alfabética, como formas de codificación, se derivan del lenguaje, son diferentes entre sí y no son reducibles la una a la otra. Además, que ambas son diferentes e independientes de las tecnologías de implementación. Dado que el conocimiento humano es una cuestión de códigos y que la fuente primaria del conocimiento escolar es la codificación alfabética, la educación escolar no puede reducirse a la imagen porque es un código distinto, con características gramaticales diferentes a las del alfabético. Además, la imagen no tiene significado unívoco, por ende, no es efectiva para transmitir los significados unívocos de las disciplinas escolares. Por eso su uso en la educación es limitado.
Teacher Identity in Language Pedagogy. A Narrative Perspective from Two Colombian Teacher Educators’ Experience
Authors: Ubaque-Casallas Diego
Published: July 2023

This paper accounts for the inspection of two language teachers’ identities and language pedagogy through six conversations in a sixth-month period at two universities in Bogotá, Colombia. By adopting a no-methodology perspective, this study resorts to the notion of narrative to document language pedagogy experiences and inspect how the traditional, yet static notions of teacher identities and language pedagogy, are configured and re-configured through the pedagogical practice. Therefore, findings revealed that English language teachers contest marginal and hegemonic identity constructions through enacting their pedagogy conception. As a result, alternative ways of being and doing are exposed as a mechanism to exist and re-signify what language pedagogy has meant in the English language teaching field.
Homofobia internalizada: revisão sistemática de estudos em contextos universitários (2000-2020)
Authors: Oliveira Neto José da Silva , Moura Júnior James Ferreira
Published: July 2023

A homofobia internalizada (hi) é um complexo fenômeno psicossocial o qual afeta a vida de jovens gays e lésbicas nos mais variados contextos, inclusive na universidade. Este artigo se trata de uma revisão sistemática de literatura sobre a temática da homofobia internalizada em contextos universitários com jovens, tendo como objetivo principal realizar uma revisão sistemática de literatura sobre a temática apresentada. Para tal, realizamos uma busca por artigos produzidos entre os anos de 2000 e 2020 em uma plataforma nacional e em outra internacional, a saber, respectivamente: Scielo e Scopus. Foram analisados artigos científicos em português, inglês e espanhol que tratassem sobre homofobia internalizada em contextos universitários e/ou com jovens, não incluindo contribuições como dissertações, livros e teses. Após da aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, chegamos a 22 artigos. A partir dos achados, concluímos haver uma maior concentração de produções sobre hi no eixo do norte global, ainda que os últimos anos tenham assistido a um importante crescimento de produções no eixo do sul global. Ademais, notamos haver uma dissonância quanto ao significado do termo hi, o qual variou desde acepções mais individualistas a perspectivas mais contextualizadas. Por fim, cabe notar que um número significativo das produções apresentou alternativas práticas frente aos problemas explorados e apresentados.
Le projet de lecture dans la classe de fle: une approche interdiscursive
Authors: Villada-Castro Carolina
Published: July 2023

Cet article de réflexion analyse  ´importance et la pertinence de mettre en oeuvre un projet de lecture dans la classe de FLE pour adultes, dans le cadre des études universitaires. Étant donné mon expérience comme enseignante de FLE, je propose une analyse interdiscursive de la lecture, incluant la perspective actionnelle, l´approche par les tâches, l´approche littéraire et sémiologique et la pédagogie du projet. Je considère cette démarche très ponctuelle car elle met en évidence plusieurs atouts du projet de lecture dans la classe de FLE: d´une part, le développement des capacités argumentatives, critiques et créatives des apprenants; et, d´autre part, la découverte de la pluralité et de la polyphonie textuelle ainsi que de la reconnaissance de l´altérité. Finalement, cela nous amène à affirmer, que la lecture est une stratégie didactique, favorisant les compétences communicative, interculturelle, plurilingue et pluriculturelle.
El modelo de la transpodidáctica textual para el aprendizaje de lenguas y culturas. "Yuche y los ticunas"
Authors: Couto-Cantero Pilar
Published: July 2023

La elaboración de este artículo de investigación se enmarca dentro del ámbito de la enseñanza y aprendizaje de lenguas y culturas en contextos educativos, desde una perspectiva global e integradora. El objetivo principal de este estudio consiste en demostrar que el modelo teórico-práctico de la transpodidáctica textual resulta efectivo para desarrollar las competencias en comunicación lingüística de forma innovadora, lo cual constituye el aporte principal y original de este artículo. Para ello, se ha diseñado una propuesta empírica contextualizada en una zona geográfica y un nivel educativo concretos (5.º curso de Educación Formal Básica, en Colombia) estableciendo como marco metodológico la investigación-acción en las aulas. Asimismo, se tienen en cuenta cuatro pilares básicos: la educación, el lenguaje, la literatura y la cultura, tomando como hilo conductor un cuento tradicional colombiano de la literatura oral, “Yuche y los ticunas”, y se proporciona el desarrollo completo de acuerdo con las cuatro fases del citado modelo. El resultado indica que este modelo es válido porque contribuye a facilitar un aprendizaje significativo, contextualizado e innovador. Además, se fomenta la escritura creativa, el aprendizaje cooperativo y el desarrollo cognitivo. Así, al tratarse de un modelo relativamente novedoso, no hay mucho espacio para la discusión, pero sí se ofrecen referencias y reflexiones que confirman la validez de aquel.
El aprendizaje de la escritura en la carne: La Carne de René
Authors: Marlés-Valencia Liliana Patricia
Published: July 2023

Este texto propone una lectura de la “Escuela del dolor”, lugar al que asiste el personaje protagonista de La carne de René (1952), como articulación del programa poético y experiencia del propio Virgilio Piñera. Para el autor cubano, la verdadera escritura es y debe ser una práctica dolorosa. De esta forma, la hipótesis es que el andamiaje sobre el que se construye la experiencia de René, recoge principios primordiales de la estética piñeriana: defensa de la inmanencia de la literatura, papel fundamental del dolor y el sacrificio, preeminencia de la forma y carácter eminentemente corporal de la escritura.
Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea a Risk Factor for Severe COVID-19?
Authors: Zerman Nermin , Aydin Cihan
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder during sleep with an obstruction of the upper airway. Previous studies showed OSA as a risk factor for severe COVID-19. It is crucial to determine the risk factors for the severity of COVID-19 infection. We aim to clarify the relationship between COVID-19 severity, and OSA and its degree.Methods Our case-control study included subjects diagnosed with OSA with polysomnography between January 2018 and November 2021, and a control group with a history of COVID-19 infection and without OSA diagnosis. The demographic data, comorbidities, apnea–hypopnea index, and oxygen desaturation index were recorded.Results A total of 217 patients were included in our study. The degree of OSA was a risk factor in the OSA group (p < 0.05); on the other hand, the diagnosis of OSA by itself was not a risk factor. The apnea–hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index were not related to the severity of COVID-19 infection (p > 0.05). Diabetes mellitus was associated with increased hospitalization in inpatient clinics (p < 0.05) and intensive care unit (ICU) (p < 0.05). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was a risk factor for admission to the ICU (p < 0.05).Conclusions Our results showed that moderate-to-severe OSA patients are a vulnerable population to severe COVID-19 infection, although diagnosis of OSA by itself was not a risk factor.
Effect of Dupilumab on Sleep Apnea Severity in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kim Sang-Wook , Sands Scott A. , Vena Daniel , Hess Lauren B. , Calianese Nicole A. , Konefal Robert James , Taranto-Montemurro Luigi , Azarbarzin Ali , Czeisler Charles A. , Laidlaw Tanya M. , Wellman Andrew
Published: July 2023

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) report improved sleep quality after dupilumab, an anti IL4/13 therapy. Concurrent CRS and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) cases are not rare, and CRS seemingly raises nasal resistance. Thus, we hypothesized that improved sleep quality by dupilumab therapy in CRS patients might be due to lowered nasal resistance and subsequent improvement of unrecognized comorbid OSA. Patients with concurrent CRS and OSA were recruited. Nasal resistance was measured invasively with transnasal pressure and flow data collected during normal respiration in the supine position. Results from the first five participants did not support our hypothesis. Subjective and objective measures for CRS and nasal resistance values were improved with dupilumab therapy in CRS patients with nasal polyps. However, apnea severity and sleep-related subjective parameters did not change. In the patients with CRS without nasal polyps, no significant changes in either CRS or OSA-related measures were observed.
Sleep Patterns, Insomnia, and Well-Being Among Female High School Students: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Tufeq Zakya Ageed , Ziyab Aziza Mohammed , Ahmed Bushra Abdulla , Rahho Mohmmed Khuder Nafea , Abdulah Deldar Morad
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective The role of insomnia in the well-being of school children has not been sufficiently examined in the literature. We aimed to explore the prevalence of clinical insomnia and its relationship to the health-related quality of life among female high-school students.Methods In a cross-sectional study in 2018, 300 students from five female high-schools in the Kurdistan Region were randomly included, regardless of age and other socio-demographic characteristics. The Personal Wellbeing Index, General Health Questionnaire–12, and Insomnia Severity Index were used to measure the personal and general well-being, and insomnia of school children, respectively.Results The students were categorized into short sleepers (2.0%), normal sleepers (51.0%), and long sleepers (47.0%), and age range is 14–19 years (mean: 16.22 years). The mean value of general well-being and insomnia severity was 6.89 and 11.42, respectively. We found that 25.0% of the students had no clinically significant insomnia, 47.7% had subthreshold insomnia, 24.0% had clinically moderate insomnia, and 3.3% had clinically severe insomnia. The mean value of the personal well-being of students was 7.91 out of 10. The mean value of personal well-being was significantly lower among students with more severe insomnia. The mean values of personal well-being were 8.61 (no clinically significant insomnia), 7.87 (subthreshold insomnia), 7.49 (clinically moderate insomnia), and 6.91 (clinically severe insomnia). The worse sleep situations and smoking were the main independent controlling factors for lower personal well-being.Conclusions The study documented that female students are at risk of being clinical insomniacs, and are at risk of the development of lower well-being.
Sleep and Epilepsy
Authors: Kim Kyung Min , Yang Kwang Ik
Published: July 2023

Sleep and epilepsy have a complex interrelationship that is influenced by various factors, including the distinct stages of sleep. Non-rapid eye movement sleep promotes epileptic activity, while rapid eye movement sleep suppresses it. Seizures can be triggered by sleep, while sleep deprivation increases seizure susceptibility. Epilepsy disrupts sleep architecture and quality, leading to sleep disturbances and comorbidities, like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue can result from epilepsy and the sedating effects of antiseizure medications. Sleep-related epilepsy exhibits seizures predominantly during sleep, with specific patterns related to sleep stages. Antiseizure medications can directly impact sleep quality and should be carefully considered when treating epilepsy patients with comorbid sleep disorders. Understanding the bidirectional relationship between sleep and epilepsy is crucial for effective management. Optimizing treatment strategies requires recognizing the effects of antiseizure medications on sleep, and addressing sleep-related issues in individuals with epilepsy.