bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactivation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis After 64 Years: Case Report
Authors:   Facultad De Medicina De La Universidad Autónoma De Yucatán / Clínica Hospital Mérida Issste. Calle 21 S/N Comisaría De Susulá, Mérida, Yucatán, México, Carrillo-Vázquez Carolina
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Pulmonary tuberculosis is a disease with a very high prevalence worldwide, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). There are several risk factors associated with the development and clinical expression of this disease. Culture remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, the IDSA recommends obtaining three samples for bacilloscopy. It is possible to exclude the diagnosis if acid-resistant bacilli are not detected in samples of adequate quality within three days, which may be microscopy of sputum, bronchial secretion or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Clinical case: A 78-year-old female with respiratory symptoms, who had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis in adolescence. Imaging studies revealed multiple caverns and there was a suspicion of bacterial infection of the same. He received multiple antimicrobial regimens with worsening of the symptoms, and it was necessary to perform a bronchoscopy for alveolar lavage obtaining samples, with the result of tuberculosis disease. Discussion: The reactivation of tuberculosis is due to multiple factors that can generate immunosuppression. Sometimes, due to the lack of obtaining adequate samples, it is not possible to reach an accurate diagnosis, leading to the inappropriate use of antimicrobials and increasing the risk of resistance, as well as the misuse of resources and increasing health expenditure. Conclusions: Tuberculosis remains a very prevalent disease in Mexico and its diagnostic suspicion must be high. The difficulty that sometimes exists in isolating the bacteria is well known; however, diagnostic resources should be exhausted when the suspicion of its isolation is high.
Lifestyle Intervention Among Teachers: Exploring the Feasibility of Making a Maximum of 10,000 Footsteps to Encourage and Promote Daily Physical Activity in the Workplace
Authors:   Ministry of Education, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Parris Nicole Camille , Nicholas-Sammy Euclid ,   Ministry of Education, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the impact of a 21-day physical activity challenge on teachers’ engagement in physical activity, their perceptions of its importance, and the overall effects on their health and well-being. A sample of predominantly female teachers participated, reporting a strong interest in physical activity and recognizing its significance for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The challenge indicated increased physical activity, improved morale, and enhanced interactions among staff. The results demonstrated that many participants felt motivated to maintain regular physical activity post-challenge, emphasizing the program's positive influence on their physical and mental well-being. Many participants (85%) were female, primarily between the ages of 35-54. The study revealed that most teachers (70%) enjoyed physical activity, with 73% participating in regular exercise. Time management was identified as the most significant barrier to daily physical activity (69%). Participants overwhelmingly agreed (90%) that maintaining a healthy lifestyle was important, and many reported positive effects such as improved fitness, motivation, and mental health. Observations during the challenge indicated increased enthusiasm and camaraderie among participants, with many going out of their way to meet daily step goals. Verbatim responses further emphasized the positive influence of the challenge, with teachers expressing increased awareness of their health and a desire to continue engaging in physical activity.
An Audit of Cardiovascular Risk Management of A1c, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol (ABC) in a Diabetic Clinic: Identifying Gaps and Quality Improvement Implications
Authors:   Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, Jowi Simeon O. , Otieno C. F. ,   Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, Ogola E. N. ,   Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Published: December 2024

Background: Type 2 diabetes increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Optimal management requires controlling blood sugar (A1c), blood pressure (BP), and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Quality improvement (QI) initiatives to track these factors are essential; however, resource limitations hinder optimal care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Care audits aid in identifying gaps and guide QI initiatives. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional audit (2019 data) of 362 type 2 diabetes patients’ files at Kenyatta National Hospital (Nairobi) was done using systematic random sampling. Data on demographics, diabetes duration, comorbidities, and CVD risk factors (A1c, BP, LDL-C) were extracted comparing them to Kenyan, European, and American Diabetes Association guidelines, to assess adherence and data use for decision-making. Results: Most participants (68%) were female, aged 50-59, with diabetes duration under 10 years. CVD risk stratification was not documented. We categorized patients into cardiovascular risk strata: very high (28.7%), high (57.7%), and moderate (13.5%). Only 50.6% had one risk factor controlled, and none had all three controlled, with 42.3% missing documentation for these factors. BP was the most frequently recorded parameter (99%). Clinic visit frequency was low, with 47.8% attending twice and 26.2% attending once in the year under consideration. Conclusion: We revealed deficiencies in documentation and suboptimal control of CVD risk factors. Absence of CVD risk stratification during care highlights the need for QI initiatives to improve documentation and translate guidelines into effective management practices. Addressing socioeconomic factors influencing follow-up visits and access to necessary tests is crucial for optimizing care in LMIC settings.
Renal Denervation with Ultrasound for Resistant Hypertension: A New Therapeutic Approach
Authors:   Marshfield Medical Centre-Weston, WI USA, Detroit Medical Center, MI USA, Magbri Awad , El-Magbri Mariam ,   Marshfield Medical Centre-Weston, WI USA, Detroit Medical Center, MI USA
Published: December 2024

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Surgical Reflection Short Bowel Syndrome Truly Challenging
Authors:   Specialist in Surgery. Attached to the Department of Surgery of the General Hospital "Dr. Rubén Leñero" of the Ministry of Health of Mexico City. Graduated from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Mexico City. Country: Mexico, Amaro Dianna Estefany Lopez
Published: December 2024

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Integrating Conventional and Holistic Medicine for Precision and Personalized Diagnosis in Medical Laboratory Science
Authors:   Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Baze university, Abuja, Andrew Yashim-Nuhu
Published: December 2024

The implementation of the combination of conventional and alternative medicine swing the new style in laboratory science known as personalized diagnosis or precision. Traditional approaches to disease mechanisms, such as genomic(-), proteomic-, and metabolomic analyses are informative. Lifestyle, environmental and psychosocial factors are frequently neglected. By performing a full assessment of individual health, gaps that are missed by standard medicine can be filled in holistic treatment. A combined approach of these methods is beneficial for a wide-ranging comprehension to address the disease manifold and enables based diagnostic and therapeutic concepts. The model seeks to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes by considering both molecular determinants of health & disease, as well as contextual actors. Validating this integrative combination of technologies with a focus on personalized medicine will further post progress in improving clinical treatment.
Studies on the Haematinic Potentials of Mucuna pruriens in Mice
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Idu Industrial Area, P.M.B, 21 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria, Ahmadu Peter Uchogu
Published: December 2024

Background: Ethnopharmacological study of Mucuna pruriens, a creeping and leguminous plant used in the treatment of anaemia in the eastern part of Kogi State, Nigeria was carried out. The aim was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of M. pruriens on haematinic activities in mice. Method: Leaves of M. pruriens was extracted by maceration in water. Phenyl hydrazine 4 mg/kg was administered for four days. Mice were grouped and treated with normal saline 10 ml/kg (normal and anemic control), M. pruriens (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and Fersolate (0.0214 mg/kg) p.o for 7 days. Hematological parameters measurements were carried out before treatments, days 1, 7, 14 and 21. The red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC) and hematocrit (HCT) were analyzed as indices of anemia. Phytochemical fingerprint using HPLC chromatography and mineral contents were also carried out. Results: Plant extraction percentage yield was 15%. M. pruriens (aq) significantly (p<0.01) produced a 61% recovery from anemia at 400 mg/kg after 7 days of treatment and between 94 to 146.52 % 1 and 2 weeks after treatment at all test doses. Hb, and HCT levels also significantly increased especially at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of M. pruriens compared to the anemic control both at 1 and 2 weeks after treatment. HPLC analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponin, terpernoids, carbohydrates, chlorogenic acid, caaffeic acid, rutin, ferulic acid and resins. The extract also contained substantial amounts of vitamins B6, C and E, as well as folic acid and iron. Conclusion: These results provide some evidence to support the traditional use of M. pruriens leaves in the treatment of anaemia.
Nurses’ Attitudes Toward Death and Associations with Background Characteristics
Authors:   Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705, USA, Vognsen Julie , Hernandez-Gantes Victor M. ,   University of South Florida 4202 Fowler Avenue, EDU 105, Tampa, FL 33620, USA, Chen Yi-Hsin ,   University of South Florida 4202 Fowler Avenue, EDU 105, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
Published: December 2024

In the United States, the majority of deaths occur in a medical facility. As such, the nurses’ attitudes toward death are crucial. Thus, this study examined nurses’ attitudes toward death and the impacts of demographic variables on their attitudes. The Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R) survey was used, including three subsets: Anxiety toward death (fear and avoidance), escape acceptance (death as a way to escape life’s troubles), and neutral acceptance (neither anxious nor too accepting). A demographic survey documented background characteristics, including gender, state of residence, year of experience, ethnicity, and area of nurse practice. There was a total of 168 participants, excluding missing data. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were conducted. This study found that nurses had low anxiety, moderate to high escape, and high neutrality to death. Year of experience and area of nurse practice (management versus extended care) showed statistically significant effects on the escape attitude. No overall predicting models showed statistically significant effects on nurses’ anxiety and neutrality attitudes toward death. More experienced nurses might have less anxiety, and Caucasian nurses might have less neutrality than other nurses. Further research is warranted.
Micro-elimination of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Thalassemic Patients
Authors:   Second Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece, Tampaki M
Published: December 2024

Background and objectives: We aimed to deploy an intra-hospital Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) micro-elimination project for thalassemic patients in collaboration with 2 pediatric departments and 4 transfusion units. This initiative took place between 2013-2022 and included various HCV regimens according to existing treatments and reimbursement criteria per period. Methods: HCV screening was performed at the Transfusion units and Pediatric departments. Following HCV diagnosis, thalassemic patients were referred to our Hepatology department for HCV-RNA and genotype examination, evaluation of liver fibrosis and finally to administer treatment. Results: In total, 119 patients were treated with direct-acting anti-viral agents (DAAs) in our center. SVR was achieved in 110/119 (92.4%) with the first line DAAs available. The SVR rates were not significantly associated with treatment experience, the presence of cirrhosis or liver iron concentration values. Treatment was generally well tolerated, and no significant interactions were recorded between DAAs and chelation agents or other co-medications. All patients who failed in the 1st line DAAs received 2nd line treatment and achieved SVR. Conclusions: Close collaboration between hematologists and hepatologists facilitates HCV diagnosis and access to effective and safe treatments for thalassemic patients. Micro-elimination projects for this population should be a priority on the road to Global HCV elimination.
Anaesthetic Management of Severe Head Injuries at Chu-Kara
Authors:   Université de Kara, Mouzou Essohanam ,   département de médecine en spécialités médicales
Published: December 2024

The aim of the study was to take stock of the management of severe head trauma (SCT) at the CHU-Kara. This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study carried out in the surgical intensive care unit of CHU-Kara from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023. 185 patients were studied. The sex ratio was 4.6. The average age was 34.68±18.78 years. Farmers were most affected (28.97%), followed by pupils and students (22.76%). The majority of patients (63.78%) came from the outskirts of Kara. Road accidents were the main cause (86.49%). Two-wheelers were involved in 96.87% of cases. 64.52% of patients had not worn a helmet. All patients had received non-medical transport. On admission, 86.65% had a Glasgow score ≤ 8. Fever and hyperthermia were present in 42.16% of cases ; 32.05% had presented with hypoxaemia. Lesions associated with TCG were found in 28.11% of cases with limb involvement. Anaemia was found in 36.75% of cases. CT lesions were dominated by cerebral contusions in 27.56% of cases. 45.95% of patients were treated within one hour. 98.37% of patients were treated medically. Complications occurred in 5.41% of cases and mortality was 69.73%. MCTs had a high mortality rate. The introduction of emergency medicine would considerably reduce this mortality rate.
Mandatory Vaccination for Children by Government in Brazil
Authors:   President of the de Beaumont Bonelli Foundation for cancer research, Tarro Giulio
Published: December 2024

Taking the cue from the title reported, Brazilian parents of children are obliged from January 2024 to vaccinate their children from 6 months to 5 years with three doses of "Pfizer anti-Covid serum". Anyone who opposes risks losing parental authority: all this happens without the issuance of a law, but through a technical note from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, which has included the anti-Covid vaccine as mandatory for children as previously reported. In this age group, 142 children have died in 3 years of the pandemic, while the total number of Brazilian children is over 18 million, or 0.00025% of the population. Moreover, we do not know if the children who died had other pathologies: in Germany, not a single child died of COVID during the pandemic period ( HTTPS://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35962242/ ). According to President Lula, "we must criminalize those who do not vaccinate their children". Fines of thousands of euros, loss of state subsidies and even parental authority are foreseen.
Pneumomediastinum in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Pulmonary Renal Syndrome: Pneumomediastinum in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Anca-P+ Pulmonary Syndrome
Authors:   Internal Medicine. Hospital General de Zona #50, San Luis Potosí Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Aguilar Sandra Ivette López
Published: December 2024

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Goiter with NIFTP Lesion Associated with an Accessory Thyroid as an Uncommon Anatomical Variant: Insights from a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors:   Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Center Ibn Rochd, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco, Bachar Amine
Published: December 2024

Thyroidectomy is a usual surgery done by surgeons around the world, its difficulty remains in the anatomical variation of the cervical region and the multiple aspect of the thyroid pathology. In this optic we report a rare multinodular goiter with an accessory thyroid associated with a NIFTP lesion. This unique association make a double challenge firstly in surgery and secondly in the fellow up.We present the experience of our department and a review of the literature to draw attention of surgeons and pathologists about these variant of embryology and pathology.
Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Differentiating Patients Referred for Diagnostic Spirometry and Diagnosed with or without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors:   Family Medicine Unit 45, Flores Uzcanga Maura Alicia , Narvaez Anzures Edgar Omar ,   UMF/General Hospital of Zone 2, Jesús Durán Nah Jaime ,   General Hospital O´Horán, Ministry of Health, Mérida, Yucatán
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Patients who, from the perspective of the family physician, require spirometry to confirm or rule out Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) must meet clinical criteria that differentiate them from those who do not appear to need it. Objective: To identify the demographic and clinical characteristics that differentiate patients referred for spirometry during 2022–2023 who were diagnosed with or without COPD. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, and comparative study including 455 patients who underwent spirometry for suspected COPD. This suspicion was based on respiratory data, including three variables—cough, dyspnea, and expectoration—combined into an algorithm. These variables, along with other clinical and demographic data, were compared between patients diagnosed with and without COPD using a logistic regression model (LRM). This model identified, through odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), the differences between both groups and assessed whether the algorithm influenced the indication to perform spirometry. Results: 29.2% of the patients were diagnosed with COPD through spirometry. The final logistic regression model identified the smoking index as a significant factor, with categories moderate (10 to 20 packs/year, OR 3.88, 95% CI 2.16–6.95), intense (21 to 40, OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.03–3.65), and high (≥ 41, OR 11.54, 95% CI 4.55–29.23). Additionally, the presence of cough (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.36–3.46) also showed significant differences between patients with and without COPD and influenced the indication to perform spirometry. Conclusions: The smoking index and cough were significantly different factors between patients with and without COPD and influenced the indication to perform pre-diagnostic spirometry. The algorithm, however, did not have a significant impact on this indication.
Podstawy datowania grodów kultury łużyckiej na ziemiach polskich
Authors: Góralczyk Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

The article contains a detailed analysis of 116 verified Lusatian culture stronghold sites from Polish lands, more or less archaeologically surveyed and with published research results. 64 of these have been identified as the remains of defensive settlements, and on 52 sites traces of later early medieval fortified settlement have also been discovered. These were investigated by surface, probing and excavation (in the case of 8 fortified settlements, the method of archaeological investigation used was not specified). The chronology of most of the sites has not been determined using all known dating methods, but mostly on the basis of pottery analysis. The article discusses the state of research from the 2nd half of the 19th century to the present day.
Znaczenie i interpretacja terminu bjA
Authors: Napierała Mateusz
Published: December 2024

The aim of the article is to highlight the ambiguity of the word bjA and the difficulties in its interpretation, as well as to indicate the correct way of translating this term and to determine the meaning it had for the Egyptians. It will be possible to present this issue through the analysis of preserved texts, especially religious ones, which highlight the multitude of contexts in which it was used. Equally important for the topic will be the presentation of previous interpretation proposals of the word bjA and an indication of their adequacy in the light of the presented state of research. The key point for this article is the presence of different forms of this term written using different characters. Analysis of the way they are combined allows us to trace changes in the methods of recording bjA that influence its use and its importance. Also important in the interpretation of the term bjA is the analysis of the use of metals, especially copper and iron, in ancient Egypt. The development of their metallurgy is an important issue influencing the development of terminology relating to metallurgy of metals. The analysis of the above points will allow us to draw appropriate conclusions and answer the question: how should we translate the term bjA?
Przekształcenia w zakresie cenzury filmowej w Japonii do końca II wojny światowej
Authors: Głownia Dawid
Published: December 2024

The article discusses the transformations in film censorship and film policy in Japan until the end of World War II. Its first part outlines the general trend of these changes – gradual centralization of film censorship and increased scope of state control over film. The next sections are devoted to film regulations from 1917, 1925 and 1939 and other tools of government influence over cinema in Japan. The main conclusion of the article is that the censorship criteria in each of the regulations discussed were formulated in general terms which could be interpreted in accordance with the immediate interests of the authorities and state bureaucracy.
Liczenie złotówek. Polskie filmy fantastyczno-przygodowe lat 80. w świetle protokołów komisji kolaudacyjnych
Authors: Piepiórka Michał
Published: December 2024

The article analyses the evaluation committee’s reports regarding fantasy-and-adventure films in the late period of the Polish People’s Republic. These documents show that the committee members often exhibited helplessness towards these films. They were not aware of the global cinematographic trends to which these titles referred, and they admitted that they simply did not like such films. Despite this, they rated them highly and wanted to release them into theatres as soon as possible, because they thought such films could help to end the financial crisis in cinematography. I analyse these reports as a document illustrating the change in the awareness of the evaluators. Not interested in political control, they applied mechanisms straight from market reality to the films they watched. Discussions about films took place in terms of implementing liberalizing economic and cinematographic reforms. These discussions included production strategies taken straight from Hollywood studios, because decision-makers were primarily interested in reducing the financial risk associated with the films. Socialist ideology lost out to economic rationality.
Trzykrotny „półkownik” III RP. Rzecz o współczesnej cenzurze na przykładzie filmu Witajcie w życiu Henryka Dederki
Authors: Krakowiak Anna
Published: December 2024

The 1990s in Poland were mainly a period of change caused by system transformation. The consequences of the new system were impoverishment, unemployment and exclusion. In the film context, an important result was that the Main Office for the Control of the Press, Publications and Performances was put into liquidation, thus abolishing official censorship. This difficult time for Poles was reflected in domestic cinematography. One of the most famous documentary films was Witajcie w życiu (Welcome to Life, 1997) by Henryk Dederko, portraying the society of the time intoxicated by the luminous vision of the future offered by the American corporation Amway. The article attempts to reconstruct the production and distribution adventures of Dederko’s film. The aim is to clarify cases concerning the numerous lawsuits brought against the filmmakers by Amway Polska and Network Twenty-One. The work is based on a reception and distribution study as well as a textual analysis. It also employs interviews with the director and producer, mentions in the press and articles, and, importantly, court documents from the Jacek Gwizdała Archive.
Krajobraz miasta w narracji filmów dokumentalnych o Lublinie
Authors: Ziółkowska-Kurczuk Natasza
Published: December 2024

The article is an attempt at a critical original analysis of documentary films in relation to the documentary and narrative function of the landscape. The author treats the film space as a ‘world picture’ as understood by Martin Heidegger, and in this context, she presents her own model of seeing and understanding the world present in her own documentary work. The landscape here is saturated with meanings, especially emptiness, lack and post-memory, which speaks the most in a metaphorical way about the non-existent world. The author also refers to Walter Benjamin’s concept of the city as a book, and reads the history of multicultural Lublin, a kind of ghost town, form this perspective. The article is therefore an original attempt to discover the mental layer of the film, which is usually beyond the reach of its recipient.
Wolność tłumacza w procesie lokalizacji gier wideo na przykładzie Final Fantasy XV
Authors: Witczak Joanna
Published: December 2024

Video game localization is a process that is strongly focused on the target audience. Its aim is to adapt the game content to the linguistic and cultural needs and requirements of the market other than the primary one. A well-made localization cannot negatively affect the gameplay experience and the player’s sense of immersion. Therefore, when translating in-game text, translators can use strategies and techniques known from other types of translations. The aim of this article is to show how the use of transcreation in the localization process can influence the reception of a game. An attempt is made to answer the question of whether the freedom to interfere with the original content, which this translation strategy gives the translator, is justified. For this purpose, the specificity of video game localization is briefly presented, and various concepts and theories from the field of translation theory are used. Final Fantasy XV, released in 2016 by Square Enix, was selected as the subject of the analysis.
Cinematic Virtual Reality: The Paradox of the Omniscient Viewer in Omnidirectional Space versus Artistic Authorial Control
Authors: Haqshenas Media
Published: December 2024

The future of audio-visual storytelling might transcend the limits of the screen, allowing the spectator to enter the story or even become the protagonist around whom the story unfolds. This could lead to an art form that fundamentally changes our media consumption habits. My overall research question in this paper examines whether virtual reality (VR), specifically the cinematic virtual reality genre, will become the next defining audio-visual medium. I approach this inquiry as an open question, attempting to identify distinct aesthetics of cinematic VR that sets it apart from cinema. The goal is to equip creators aspiring to produce narrative VR experiences with a comprehensive understanding of not only the possibilities but also the challenges involved in this format, as the title implies.
„Ku nowym czynom, ukochany mężu...” O Stukasach Karla Rittera
Authors: Kozłowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

Karl Ritter’s film Stukas has been the subject of numerous analyses centred on issues such as propaganda (Rother), Nazi films about aviators (Gwóźdź), war and music (Vaget). This article situates itself within the general discussion of art and politics in the Third Reich (Mungen, Pyta, Vaget, Werr). It starts from Goebbels’ speech on February, 15 1941 at the Reichsfilmkammer and attempts to look at Ritter’s film from the perspective of Richard Wagner’s music and the Bayreuth festival theatre as an important cultural and intermedial symbol of Nazi Germany. Further, it aims to juxtapose the film plot with the meaning of the instrumental prelude ‘Siegfrieds Rheinfahrt’ that precedes Act I of Twilight of the Gods, showing that the theatrical experience of the apathetic Lieutenant Vide allows him to discover dormant layers of his own heroism. Driven by this discovery, he is able – like Siegfried alongside his pillar Brünnhilde – to undertake therefore new challenges and conquer England with his fellow pilots. It shall be argued that the Third Reich propaganda concept of Bayreuth and the Festspielhaus locks in with this thesis. It is here, with the support of the hospital sisters, that soldiers can recover fully. Nevertheless, it is by no means medications and systematic therapies that play the part of Asclepius, but the power of Wagner’s music (rooted in mythology).
Mediatization of the political and image communication
Authors: Jankiewicz Adam
Published: December 2024

The aim of the article is to bring closer and analyse the notion of mediatization in the scope of politics and image communication. It includes definitions of the term media- tization and encompasses approaches to mediatization analysis. The paper provides a brief history of the development of mediatization in stages called waves and discusses models of mass media communication. The article explains that society has been permeated by me- diatization and that society and culture are in the process of progressing dependency upon mass media. It discusses the changes that have occurred within the character, function and structure in which social and cultural institutions operate. The paper also includes a study conducted on survey participants concerning their opinions on mass media and their influ- ence on political messages, political image, and their reliability as a source of information. The results of the study have been presented and analysed in the article.
Investigating EFL children’s task motivation concerning the use of models as written corrective feedback
Authors: Luquin María , García Mayo María del Pilar
Published: December 2024

This study investigated how the inclusion of model texts as a feedback technique affected students’ task motivation and engagement in writing tasks. Adopting a longitudinal design, 60 English as a foreign language (EFL) children (aged 11-12) were divided into three groups: a treatment group, a long-term treatment group, and a control group. The treatment groups received feedback that incorporated model texts as examples of proficient writing, while the control group self-corrected their texts. Task motivation was assessed through self-report questionnaires and focus group interviews. The findings showed that the children responded positively to the use of model texts, particularly those children who had been exposed to this type of feedback over a longer period. While some expressed a preference for more explicit error correction, their overall enjoyment, improvement, as well as enthusiasm for collaborative work highlight the value of integrating model texts into the EFL classroom. Based on these findings, pedagogical implications will be discussed.
Vivir sin Estado. La vida cotidiana en la Argentina post-2001 según Gabriela Massuh
Authors: Pietrak Mariola
Published: December 2024

This study deals with everyday life in Gabriela Massuh’s La intemperie in the context of post-2001 Argentina. The rupture of everyday life produced by this circumstance allows us to observe the mechanisms of dehumanisation and exclusion that capitalist Modernity (understood as biopower) uses for its systematic “purge” of the political community of what it considers to be “surplus”. In these terms, the disintegration of the self that the narrator suffers will trace the first line of the study. The second will examine the functions of the everyday in this work, as the factor of agency, denunciation and subversion in the processes of the re-establishment of everyday routines. Both strands constantly converge with the role of mediation and art in the invention of the everyday and the elaboration of counter-hegemonic discourse.
El uso y el cuidado. El sentido de habitar en Una casa llena de gente de Mariana Sández
Authors: Szukała Wiosna
Published: December 2024

This article analyses how the concept of ‘everyday inhabiting’ is problematised in the novel A house full of people (2019) by Mariana Sández. The methodology is based on the philosophy of Giorgio Agamben, especially on two critical categories: use and care, identified by Camilo Boano as components of the definition of inhabiting. In addition, it incorporates Jolanta Brach-Czaina’s theoretical approach to domestic life, highlighting her concept of “everyday hustle and bustle”. The article focuses on ontological and existential considerations, exploring the ethics of daily choices in the way of inhabiting as a key element in the organisation of communal life.
Lo cotidiano como objeto de problematización en la narrativa fantástica: una lectura ideológica
Authors: Gregori Alfons
Published: December 2024

Within the framework of the cognitive approach to the perception of reality distinguishing between grounds and figures, the main aim of this article is to study the foreground of fantastic stories, corresponding to elements of everyday life, unlike the figure, which usually is the preternatural motive. Thus, in this work the vision of everyday life proposed by the philosopher Bruce Bégout and the concept “ways of doing” created by the thinker Michel de Certeau will also be applied, as well as settled contemporary theories of the fantastic. As an illustration of all this, three Spanish short stories presenting ideological significance and written in different periods will be analyzed: La muerte de Capeto by V. Blasco Ibáñez, La resucitada by E. Pardo Bazán, and Reliquias by A. Martínez Castillo.
Afectos cotidianos en Los días azules y La virgen de los sicarios de Fernando Vallejo
Authors: López Rico Natalia , Nitschack Horst
Published: December 2024

This article analyzes the relationship between affects and everyday life in two novels by the Colombian writer Fernando Vallejo (b. 1942), Los días azules (1985) and La virgen de los sicarios (1994). While the first novel portrays forces of affective dynamics such as joy, compassion, and hope that still guide social practices in everyday life, in La virgen de los sicarios these forces disappear and are replaced by hatred, rage, and violence. Consequently, both affects and everyday life undergo a transformation, proving to be, above all, a permanent field of conflict and tensions.
Sigma Metrics misconceptions and limitations
Authors: Duan Xincen , Theodorsson Elvar , Guo Wei , Badrick Tony
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This paper further explores the Sigma Metric (SM) and its application in clinical chemistry. It discusses the SM, assay stability, and control failure relationship.

Content

: SM is not a valid measure of assay stability or the likelihood of failure. When an out-of-control event occurs for an assay with a higher SM value, the same QC rule will have greater power to detect error than assays with a lower SM value. Thus, it is easier to prevent errors from happening for higher SM assays. This rationale encourages using more frequent QC events and more QC samples for a QC scheme of a low SM assay or simply more QC cost for low SM assays. A laboratory can have a high-precision instrument that frequently fails and a low-precision instrument that hardly ever fails. Parvin’s patient risk model presumes the bracketed continuous mode (BCM) testing workflow. If overlooked when designing QC schemes, this leads to the common misconception of the SM that one can save the cost of QC since assays with high SM require less frequent QC to ensure patient risk. There is no evidence that an assay’s precision is correlated with its failure rate. Schmidt et al., in a series of papers, showed that an assay with a higher Pf or shift in probability will have a higher expected number of unacceptable results. Incorporating Pf into the QC design process presents significant challenges despite the proactive quality control (PQC) methodology.

Unfortunately, TEa Six Sigma, as widely practiced in Clinical Chemistry, is not based on classical Six Sigma mathematical statistics. Classical Six Sigma would facilitate comparing results across activities where the principles of Six Sigma are employed.
Leveraging virtual reality to enhance laboratory safety and security inspection training
Authors: Ng Jun De Andrew , Swee Dao Wen Joel , Fung Fun Man , Wong Liting Clarissa , Peck Thian-Guan
Published: December 2024

Laboratory inspection is an essential component of a comprehensive laboratory safety and security programme. Periodic inspections play a three-pronged approach that minimises the risks, ensures that the laboratories comply with the local regulations, and raises safety and security awareness across the different faculties. However, the current training methodology for laboratory inspection is on the job and may be time-consuming and disruptive to the researchers. The Safety and Health (SH) trainers will need to borrow laboratory space to plant the hazards for every training. Herein, we employed WebVR software, namely Uptale, to design an immersive virtual reality (VR) laboratory inspection training module. With the use of immersive VR technology, SH trainees can have a realistic view of the laboratory, participate remotely, learn and refresh at their own time and pace. SH trainees were first tasked to conduct a VR laboratory inspection to identify and understand the different risks, such as chemical safety and security, present in the laboratory. The SH trainees would then have to complete a quiz and survey to validate the effectiveness of the VR training. With the VR laboratory inspection training module showing success of transiting from in-person on-the-job-training directly to VR, other safety training modules, such as chemical safety, may be transformed from PowerPoint slides to immersive VR.
Novel microwave-based green approach for the synthesis of dual-loaded cyclodextrin nanosponges: Characterization, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics evaluation
Authors: Vij Mohit , Dand Neha , Kumar Lalit , Choudhary Neeraj , Kumar Parveen , Wadhwa Pankaj , Wani Shahid Ud Din , Shakeel Faiyaz , Ali Mohammad
Published: December 2024

Recently, microwave-based cyclodextrin nanosponges (CDNS) of domperidone (DOM) for their solubility and dissolution improvement have been studied. However, microwave-based CDNS for the dual-loading of cinnarizine (CIN) and DOM have not been documented. Therefore, this research concentrates explicitly on the concurrent loading of two drugs employing these nanocarriers, namely CIN and DOM, both categorized under Class II of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System. A green approach involving microwave synthesis was employed to fabricate these nanocarriers. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of CDNS, while scanning electron microscopy scans illustrated their porous nature. X-ray diffraction studies established the crystalline structure of the nanocarriers. Differential scanning calorimetry and FTIR analyses corroborated the drugs’ loading and subsequent amorphization. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated an enhanced solubility of the drugs, suggesting a potential improvement in their bioavailability. The in vivo pharmacokinetic investigation emphatically substantiated this hypothesis, revealing a 4.54- and 2.90-fold increase in the bioavailability of CIN and DOM, respectively. This enhancement was further supported by the results of the pharmacodynamic study utilizing the gastrointestinal distress/pica model, which indicated a significantly reduced consumption of kaolin. Conclusively, this study affirms the adaptability of microwave-based CDNS for the concurrent loading of multiple drugs, leading to improved solubility and bioavailability.
Underwater wireless optical communication system incorporating WMZCC and DPS codes under pure sea, clear ocean and coastal sea
Authors: Kaur Simarpreet , Wasson Vikas
Published: December 2024

The ability of the optical code division multiplexing approach to allow secure information transfer has sparked a great deal of interest in underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC). A weight managed zero cross correlation (WMZCC) code based UWOC system is presented delivering 5 users × 10 Gbps capacity under different ocean/sea conditions such as pure sea, clear ocean and coastal sea. The WMZCC code has least user interferences, mapping free code construction, weight managed, controlled code length, and less complexity. The performance comparisons between WMZCC codes and diagonal permutation shift (DPS) are established by considering Q factor as evaluation parameter and results revealed that performance of WMZCC is better than DPS due to ZCC code. Q factor values under pure sea at 13 m for WMZCC codes and DPS codes are 13.24 and 9.86 respectively. For 7.2 m UWOC link distance, Q factor values obtained are 13.1 and 10.2 in case of WMZCC and DPS respectively under coastal sea. On contrary, DPS has variable cross correlation and therefore experience more multiple access interference (MAI). The presented system successfully offered >20 % performance improvement in Q factor as compared to DPS codes in UWOC.
Justice for Thwarted Fathers? Problems for Retrospective Parental Rights Claims
Authors: Baron Teresa
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the legitimacy of retrospective parental rights-claims through the lens of so-called ‘thwarted father’ cases: men who are unaware of their progeny’s existence until the window for establishing legal parentage (and associated rights) has passed. In some famous cases of thwarted fathers, courts have found that an injustice has been done which must be rectified by awarding retrospective parental rights and custody to those men, even when their genetic child has already lived for some extended period with their adoptive parents. In this paper, I critically examine Norvin Richards’ liberty-based defence of the parental rights of these fathers. He argues that the decision to overturn an adoption in a thwarted father case is justified if we agree that a man’s contribution of sperm was indeed the first act of a parenthood project that he should have had the liberty right to continue. Although Richards’ account might allow us to say that a thwarted father has been wronged, justice cannot demand that the situation be rectified through specific performance (as in cases when property is stolen and justice requires that it be returned).
Does sex influence the impact of dietary vitD3 and UVB light on performance parameters and welfare indicators of broilers?
Authors: Ogbonna Amarachi Chijioke , Mabelebele Monnye , Asher Lucy , Chaudhry Abdul
Published: December 2024

Investigations were carried out to determine whether sex could influence the impacts of dietary vitamin D3 in IU/kg at either 4,000 alone (HD) or at 1,000 combined with ultraviolet B (UVB) light (LDU) and UVB light only on broiler performance and welfare. Three-hundred 1-day (d)-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were wing-tagged and allocated to 6 treatment groups, each with 5 replicated pens containing 10 broilers per pen in a 3 (HD, LDU, UVB) × 2 (males and females) factorial design. Output lamps (24 W 12% UVB D3, 55 cm) were installed in the centre of the pen 50 cm above the centre of the pen to provide UVB light (intensity: 28.12 µW/cm2; wavelength: 280–315 nm) for the broilers in all the treatment groups but the lamps were filtered in the HD and LDU groups. The birds were monitored for growth performance and welfare, as indicated by their feather and gait scores. At 42 days of age, selected birds were individually weighed and dissected for determining meat yield, GIT and bone morphometrics and vitamin D status. The dietary vitD3 and sex interacted (P < 0.05) for carcass yield, whereas sex influenced all the parameters measured. The UVB and female birds had lower BW (P < 0.05), lighter meat yields (P < 0.05), better feathering and walking ability (P < 0.05) and inferior bone traits (P < 0.05) compared to their counterparts. Although none of the treatments improved growth alongside welfare indicators of broilers, the results suggest some beneficial effects of UVB light on welfare and the potential to support early life feeding and grow-out periods of commercial broilers when housed indoors.
Probleme und Chancen der Weitergabe traditioneller Kulturformen in den Bewerbungsdossiers auf der bundesdeutschen Liste des Immateriellen Kulturerbes
Authors: Seifert Manfred
Published: December 2024

Der Autor untersucht die 128 Bewerbungsdossiers der bundesdeutschen Liste des Immateriellen Kulturerbes zum Stand vom 11. April 2023. Für seine Analyse wertet er die Ausführungen der Bewerber zu Dossierfrage 9 „bestehende und geplante Maßnahmen zur Erhaltung und kreativen Weitergabe des Immateriellen Kulturerbes“ sowie die Dossierfrage 8 „Risikofaktoren für die beschriebenen Kulturformen“ aus. Insgesamt zeigt die Analyse ein deutlich differenziertes Bild der Erwägungen, für deren Orientierungen grundsätzlich relevant ist, ob die Antragsteller große gesellschaftliche Verbände und Institutionen sind oder diesen ferne stehen. Zudem war relevant, ob die Bewerber die in Westeuropa übliche konservativ-stabilisierende Haltung zum Traditionserhalt vertreten oder sich dem dynamischen Verständnis des Immateriellen Kulturerbes geöffnet haben.
Kultur, Tradition und gesellschaftlicher Wandel – Potentiale des UNESCO-Übereinkommens zur Erhaltung des Immateriellen Kulturerbes
Authors: Detschmann Gabriele , Eschig Gabriele , Walcher Maria
Published: December 2024

Der folgende Beitrag reflektiert die Erfahrungen der Österreichischen UNESCO-Kommission bei der Umsetzung des Übereinkommens in Österreich von der Ratifizierung 2009 bis 2019. Die anfängliche Zurückhaltung der zuständigen staatlichen Stellen und die wissenschaftliche Einschätzung, das Übereinkommen basiere auf einem überholten, konservativen Kulturverständnis wandelten sich schnell durch das große zivilgesellschaftliche Interesse, das durch eine direkte Einbindung in die Erstellung des Nationalen Verzeichnisses ausgelöst wurde. Das wachsende Bewusstsein für den Rückgang von Erfahrungswissen in der Gesellschaft lenkte den Fokus auf neue Themenfelder wie Handwerk, traditionelle Medizin, den Umgang mit Naturgefahren, regionalen Ressourcen wie Wasser, Holz, Pflanzen und Saatgut sowie mit Tieren. Kontroversielle Auffassungen von Traditionen im gesellschaftlichen Wandel erforderten eine transparente Entscheidungspraxis bei der Erstellung des Verzeichnisses und fortlaufende öffentliche Diskussionen. Die transdisziplinäre Herangehensweise eröffnete neue Perspektiven für das Verständnis von Kultur und verdeutlichte das Potenzial des immateriellen Kulturerbes für die aktive Beteiligung aller am gesellschaftlichen Leben. Die Integration des immateriellen Kulturerbes in eine umfassende, strategische Planung der österreichischen Kulturverwaltung steht jedoch weiterhin aus.