bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the modernization of the falling spheres technique to measure neutral winds in the thermosphere
Authors: Mesquita Rafael Luiz Araujo de , Hatch Spencer Mark , Cohen Ian James , DANDENAULT PATRICK B
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a modernized application of the falling spheres
technique for measurement of neutral winds and densities in the
mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region regardless of time of day
or tropospheric conditions, using an Observing System Simulation
Experiment (OSSE) of falling spheres equipped with
commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) Global Navigation Satellite Systems
(GNSS) receivers. The modernization of this technique is crucial since
current techniques to measure the neutral winds in the MLT are often
tied to the location of a certain instrument or heavily dependent on
clear nighttime skies. We show how state-of-the-art COTS inertial
measurement units (IMUs) and GNSS receivers enable precise retrieval of
neutral wind and density profiles under various atmospheric conditions
represented both by wind profiles measured during the Super Soaker and
Auroral Jets sounding rocket missions and by wind profiles simulated via
the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and
ionosphere extension (WACCM-X). Even under highly conservative
conditions (e.g., relatively extreme position uncertainty of
$\sigma =\sim$100 m, a low sampling rate
of 100~Hz, and strong vertical winds of 25 m/s) the
estimated neutral densities exhibit errors of less than
1\%, while estimated neutral wind errors typically do
not exceed 2 m/s. The latter errors are largest where the shears
maximize in the lower thermosphere. The significance of this work lies
in its potential to enhance our understanding of the dynamics within the
MLT region, including in situ processes and the interaction with the
lower atmosphere.
Observations of the Clear-Sky Spectral Longwave Feedback at Surface Temperatures Between 210K and 310K
Authors: Roemer Florian Elias , Buehler Stefan Alexander
Published: June 2024

The longwave feedback λ characterizes how Earth’s outgoing longwave
radiation changes with surface temperature Ts, making it an important
quantity to estimate Earth’s climate sensitivity. Compared to the
traditionally studied λ, its spectrally resolved counterpart λν offers
deeper insights into the underlying physical processes. Both λ and λν
are known to vary with Ts, but this Ts dependence has so far only been
investigated using models. Here, we derive the clear-sky spectral
longwave feedback λν for surface temperatures Ts between 210K and 310K
based on observations of the AIRS instrument onboard the Aqua satellite.
We disentangle the radiative signatures of the atmospheric general
circulation by simulating λν based on a single-column model with
different degrees of idealization. We find that at low Ts, the observed
λν is dominated by the surface response and sensitive to biases in
Earth’s skin temperature. At higher Ts, changes in atmospheric
temperature and humidity, as well as their vertical distribution, play
an important role in shaping λν . These changes impact both the
absorption of surface emission in the atmospheric window and the
atmospheric emission in the water vapor and CO2 absorption bands. Our
results demonstrate that we can fully understand the observed λν at a
wide range of Ts using a simple conceptual model of Earth’s atmosphere.
This understanding can be used to better constrain changes in R and T
with warming in Earth’s climate using satellite observations, as well as
for paleoclimate and exoplanet studies.
Electrical breakdown products of SO2 in CO2 and N2 mixtures and the implication to the mysterious species in Venus's atmosphere
Authors: Qu Hongkun , Wang Alian , Thimsen Elijah , Ling Zongcheng
Published: June 2024

Sulfur-containing species are suggested as the UV-absorbers in Venus’s
atmosphere, which can be generated by photochemistry or
electrochemistry. Here we report an electrical discharge experiment in
gas mixtures of SO2 with CO2 and N2, under the pressure and temperature
conditions relevant to the Venus cloud layer. We directly observed the
primary breakdown products of SO2 as free radicals SO*, SI*, SII*, S2*,
OI*, OII*; and the stable ending products as S8 particles and H2SO4
droplets. Their generations in minutes imply the formation of
short-lived intermediate phases, including polysulfur and sulfur-oxides,
as recognized candidates for the mysterious UV-absorber. The
simultaneous occurrence of SO*and S2* under all experimental conditions
indicates an equal probability for two major breakdown processes and
their products. Compared with photochemistry, the high yields of
reactive S-species from local electrochemistry would be responsible for
the inhomogeneous distribution and temporal changes of dark strips in
Venus UV images.
The role of secondary recoil leaders in the formation of subsequent return strokes
Authors: Cruz Ivan Toucedo , Saba Marcelo Magalhães Fares , Silva José Cláudio Oliveira , Schumann Carina
Published: June 2024

Recoil leaders develop in lightning flash decayed channels. The
propagation of a recoil leader depends on its intensity and on the
conductivity of the decayed channel. When the recoil leader is strong
enough to propagate over the entire channel, a subsequent return stroke
happens. When the recoil leader is not intense enough, only a partial
reconstruction of the channel occurs, that is, only part of the decayed
channel is reionized. The present work aims to analyze the herein named
secondary recoil leader that originates near a previously formed recoil
leader. When these secondary recoil leaders develop and connect to
previous recoil leaders, they provide enough energy for the recoil
leader to reionize the whole decayed channel of the lightning flash.
High-speed videos analysis of upward lightning flashes shows that
secondary recoil leaders play an important role on the formation and
progression of dart leaders/subsequent return strokes.
Recent Progress in Glucose-Responsive Insulin
Authors: Liu Yun , Wang Shiqi , Wang Zejun , Yu Jicheng , Wang Jinqiang , Buse John B. , Gu Zhen
Published: June 2024

Insulin replacement therapy is indispensable in the treatment of type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes. However, insulin’s clinical application is challenging due to its narrow therapeutic index. To mitigate acute and chronic risks of glucose excursions, glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) has long been pursued for clinical application. By integrating GRI with glucose-sensitive elements, GRI is capable of releasing or activating insulin in response to plasma or interstitial glucose levels without external monitoring, thereby improving glycemic control and reducing hypoglycemic risk. In this Perspective, we first introduce the history of GRI development and then review major glucose-responsive components that can be leveraged to control insulin delivery. Subsequently, we highlight the recent advances in GRI delivery carriers and insulin analogs. Finally, we provide a look to the future and the challenges of clinical application of GRI.

Article Highlights
En lyrisk dannelsesreise. Herner Sæverot bokbades av Kristin Knudsen
Authors: Knudsen Kristin
Published: June 2024

The article is a conversation between Kristin Knudsen and Herner Sæverot regarding Sæverot's latest collection of poetry, Dødspolstret liv (Death-stuffed Life).
Assessment of the Antifungal Activity of PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag Nanocomposite
Authors: Arf Awder Nuree , Kareem Fadil Abdullah , Khdir Younis Khalid , Zafar Muhammad Sohail
Published: June 2024

Orthodontic acrylic resin is used in the construction of orthodontic appliances. It lacks antimicrobial properties and is prone to microbial infection. So, the infection associated with it can be reduced via modification of orthodontic acrylic resin with nanoparticles (NPs) incorporation. The study directed to evaluate the antifungal properties of modified orthodontic acrylic resin incorporated with magnesium oxide (MgO)-NPs and silver (Ag)-NPs. NPs were mixed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in ethanol-assisted mixing method. Disc samples (10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) of PMMA-MgO, PMMA-Ag nanocomposites and PMMA alone (as control) were prepared. Then, C. albicans was isolated and identified clinically through taking swabs from acrylic denture base orthodontic appliances, cultured on a Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium, followed by transferring on HiCrome™ candida Differential agar which is a selective and differential medium to distinguish distinct Candida species. The polymerase chain reaction was performed and the amplicon was separated by 2% gel electrophoresis and then visualised by ethidium bromide. DNA sequencing was performed on the sample at Sanger sequencing/ ABI 3500. Antifungal activity of PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag (1%, 3% and 5% of NPs) was conducted through disc diffusion assay and colony forming unit counts. The result showed a decrease in the number of adhered Candida albicans (C. albicans) of all concentrations of both nanocomposite and the decrease was statistically significant (P<0.05) in all experimental groups except MgO-NPs 1% and 3%. Increasing the concentration of NPs was associated with decrease in the adhered C. albicans. It was concluded that PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag nanocomposites showed anti-adherence activities against clinically isolated C. albicans in concentration dependent manner.
Identity Crises
Authors: Mohammed Samal M. , Pirot Mariwan H. , Perot Shwana Q. , Abdalla Srwa H.
Published: June 2024

This research paper aims to investigate identity crisis in some Private School Admission Advertisement Posters in Raparin District/ Sulaymaniyah in the northern part of Iraq for academic years 2023-2024 from the postcolonial worldview. A preamble study of postcolonial theory is bound up with the traces of colonization and its effects on the psychology of the colonized. The colonizer has proven itself in many ways and endeavors to prolong its hegemony by any means. One of the colonial policies that the colonizer has employed is creating the false consciousness of the colonizer as superior in the mind of the colonized. This article endeavors to show how Private School Admission Advertisement Posters in the Raparin District were created under the impact of the colonial false consciousness. The study articulates the reason behind using European figures in their posters instead of non-European individuals and shows that colonization and it’s legacy still exists. This contraction shows that the advertisers are influenced by European cultures, shapes, and values. Unconsciously, they are portraying themselves as the West’s other by giving superiority to Europeans over non-Europeans.
Investigation of Pedestrian and Driver Behaviors at Push-Button Crosswalk on Main Arterials of Urban Roads : A Case of Samsun City, Türkiye
Authors: Dağlı Eren , Saraç Ahmet Göktuğ , Aydın Metin Mutlu
Published: June 2024

There are different types of crosswalks for pedestrians to cross the street and different methods of operation. Signalization can be used in the operation of at-grade and controlled crosswalk. In these crosswalks, signaling is activated by pedestrians pressing buttons placed on the crosswalks. In this type of crossing, pedestrians press the button to cross the road and the signaling system detects the request. Within a reasonable time, the system turns red for vehicles and green for pedestrians, allowing pedestrians to cross the street safely. However, these systems have some drawbacks. Various observation and data collection studies were carried out at the pilot pedestrian crossing on Atatürk Boulevard in Atakum district of Samsun province. In these studies, 227 pedestrians crossing the crosswalk and 791 vehicles stopped at red lights during the crossing of pedestrians were examined. As a result of the data obtained in line with pedestrian and driver behaviors, it is aimed to determine the operational problems in signalized crosswalk with pedestrian warning and to increase efficiency with the studies to be carried out.
Analisis Ancova pada Pembelajaran SMART dengan Scaffolding Terhadap Posisi dan Pemahaman Konsep Matematis
Authors: Pratiwi Dona Dinda , Anggoro Bambang Sri , Kuswanto Cahniyo Wijaya , Lestari Retno Puji , Dzikrillah Nadida
Published: June 2024

Berdasarkan studi pendahuluan, diperoleh bahwa 84% siswa masih rendah dalam penguasaan konsep matematika. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu menganalisis bagaimana model pembelajaran yang berbeda, yang digunakan pada kelas eksperimen dan kontrol, dapat berpengaruh terhadap pemahaman konsep matematika siswa, dengan mempertimbangkan kecenderungan matematika mereka. Metode penelitian ini yaitu metode kuantitatif dengan desain penelitian eksperimen semu pada populasi siswa Kelas VIII SMP Negeri 4 Mesuji. Pemilihan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik cluster random sampling. Metode pengumpulan data meliputi tes pemahaman konsep dan angket disposisi matematika. Analisis data menggunakan analisis varian satu arah dengan tingkat signifikansi 5%. Kesimpulannya adalah model pembelajaran SMART yang didukung teknologi scaffolding secara signifikan meningkatkan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa dengan tetap memperhatikan kecenderungan matematikanya.
Character Education Perspective KH. Hasyim Asy'ari’s and its Relevance in the Digital Age
Authors: Fadli Muhammad Rijal , Kissiya Efilina
Published: June 2024

Character education, in general, is still at the level of memorizing or introducing values but has not yet reached the level of appreciation of values, let alone to the level of making these values individual commitments in life in today's digital era. The purpose of this study is to analyze the concept of character education from the perspective of KH. Hasyim Asy'ari and its relevance in the digital era. The method used is literature study, data analysis uses content analysis, and descriptive studies related to character education according to KH. Hasyim Asy'ari uses primary and secondary data sources obtained from previous studies in the form of books or journals. The results of the study explain that character education according to KH. Hasyim Asy'ari who focuses on Islamic education is to make a complete human being who has a balance between strong faith and knowledge, high scientific competence, is mentally strong, and has good social mental toughness in the family, school, and community environment. This concept is certainly relevant to be internalized in today's digital era to become human beings who are adaptive to the times and still maintain noble character values.
Dutch Influence to the Lifestyle of the Priyai Kraton Kasunanan Surakarta During the Reign of Sunan Pakubuwana X Year 1893-1915
Authors: Asmarina Maya , Afwan Bahtiar
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to knew the Dutch influence to the lifestyle of the priyai Kraton Kasunanan Surakarta  during the reign of Sunan Pakubuwana X Year 1893-1915. The study was using history method with qualitative analysis technique. The data in this research were collected by literature study. The result of study showed that there are materials aspect of the lifestyle of the priyai Kraton Kasunanan Surakarta  during the reign of Sunan Pakubuwana X Year 1893-1915 that  got Dutch influenced, that was fashion style, food menu and cutlery, entertainment and residential building.The conclusion of this study is Dutch as a culture figure was brought change in material aspects of the the lifestyle of the priyai Kraton Kasunanan Surakarta  during the reign of Sunan Pakubuwana X Year 1893-1915
Discriminación, exclusión y sufrimiento emocional. Sobre el complejo asunto de la alteridad cambiante
Authors:   Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Ánjel Memo
Published: June 2024

En teoría, todos los hombres son iguales, pero esta idea hay que sacarla de la cabeza, así sea muy linda y quisiéramos que fuera cierta. La igualdad por deseo no existe. El deseo no es un valor, es solo un hasta donde llega la imaginación y según el faltante que se tenga. Y como dice Jacques Lacan, es el deseo que secciona al sujeto porque en él hay una permanencia de lo que se quiere (se desea lo deseable) y no de lo que se logra, que siempre está inconcluso. Si vamos a hablar, entonces, de los seres humanos, habría que establecer quién es realmente un humano, porque lo humano es una construcción moral (propia de las costumbres y las experiencias que nos quitan el miedo), y no una condición que aparecen el momento de nacer.
Relato. Más negro que el color negro
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma Latinoamericana, Velásquez Córdoba Carlos Alberto
Published: June 2024

Relato
Temperature induced biochemical changes and antioxidant activity in mature avocado (persea americana Mill.) fruit during storage
Authors: Kamble V , Narayana C K , Karunakaran G , Sudhakar Rao D V , Laxman R H , Sriram S
Published: June 2024

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of different storage temperatures (5oC, 9oC, 12oC and room temperature (26-32oC) on biochemical and antioxidant properties of two avocado accessions (CHES-HA-I/I and CHES-HA-VII/I). The result showed that titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and protein content decreased, while, fat content increased with the advancement of storage. The higher antioxidant activity was recorded in fruits stored at 9oC in both the accessions. At 5oC, fruits exhibited signs of chilling injury and lower antioxidant activity. Significantly higher phenolic content was found in fruits stored at room temperature. It was observed that both antioxidants and total phenolic content of avocado fruits increased irrespective of storage temperatures. It is, therefore, concluded that unlike other tropical fruits, as the ripening progressed, avocado fruits exhibited major change in biochemical and antioxidant activity.
Heterophony as a Way of Organizing of the Musical Syntax
Authors:   “George Enescu” National University of Arts, Iași, Romania. Email: iulian208@yahoo.com., Rusu Iulian
Published: June 2024

In this article we intend to present some aspects related to the origin of the concept of heterophony and the theoretical concerns of some Romanian and foreign composers on this subject. As a practical application model, we present an analysis of a musical text based on the model proposed by Teodor Tutuianu in his book Eterofonii in partituri Bachiene, the book underlying the Spectromorphy course that the author, as a professor, held at the National University of Music in Bucharest.
Keywords: Heterophony, musical syntax, Teodor Tutuianu, heterophonic wave, canon, imitation, superposition, singularity, plurality.
Interpretation of Musical Topos in W. A. Mozart’s Sonata Cycles
Authors:   Department of Musical Art, Kamianets-Podilskyi Ivan Ogiienko National University, Ukraine. Email: alyona_bor@ukr.net., Borshuliak Alona
Published: June 2024

The article represents an important problem of modern musicology and aims to reveal the specifics of the functioning of musical topos in the piano sonatas of W. A. Mozart. The concept of topos is interpreted as a field of abstract ideas and concrete images embodied by certain musical means. It is argued that the model of the functioning of musical topos in the sonata cycles of W. A. Mozart consists of the following main topos: gallant, heroic, pastoral, pathetic, comic, which include lesser, similar modifications. The main role in the sonatas is played by the topos of gallantry, which focuses on communicative forms of secular interchange. Therefore, revealing the semantic depth of the musical topos of Mozart’s sonatas will allow us to discover the musical cosmos of the composer’s artistic imagery.
Keywords: sonata cycle, topos, semantics, style, principles of thinking, classicism.
An Analysis of F. Chopin’s Music Language in Terms of Melody, Harmony and Rhythm
Authors:   Department of Music Education, Faculty of Education, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan, Türkiye. Email: lunlu@erzincan.edu.tr., Ünlü Levent , Dinç Ayşegül ,   Department of Music Education, Faculty of Education, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan, Türkiye. Email: adinc@erzincan.edu.tr.
Published: June 2024

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), one of the composers who reflected and created the spirit of the ‘Romantic Period,’ characterized by increased diversity in style, form, and expression, and the expansion of piano literature, crafted the musical texture in his pieces with a highly personal style, incorporating his unique harmony, flexible formal design, original use of expressive tools, and a free performance technique that didn’t adhere to rigid patterns in rhythm and tempo. Chopin’s distinctive style is particularly visible in the forms he chose for piano music. The flexi-ble forms of his time allowed the composer to create a characteristic style by freely utilizing mu-sical materials. Especially, forms like nocturnes, fantaisies-impromptus, and waltzes, which leave an impression of improvisation, small-scale, and rule-free structures, provided a clear space for the composer’s expressive tools. Indeed, it is possible to identify Chopin’s musical lan-guage, especially through his small-scale pieces. The purpose of this research is to analyze the melody construction, harmony, and rhythms of Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), focusing on se-lected pieces to provide an interpretation of his musical language based on similarities found in these pieces. Samples from Chopin’s literature, including Op. 27 No. 1, Op. 9 No. 2 and No. 20 Nocturnes, Op. 64 No. 2 Waltz, and Op. 66 Fantaisie-Impromptu, were taken for the study. The research employed a case study design within qualitative research methods, and the obtained data was described descriptively. In conclusion, it was found that Chopin’s harmony encom-passes a wide range from simple chord progressions to complex chords. He created simple yet bel canto melodies inspired by the ‘Italian Opera’ embellishments and used rhythms that priori-tize the clarity of melody rather than a polyrhythmic approach. This study is believed to con-tribute to listening and playing practices due to its exploration of the musical materials in the Turkish literature related to Chopin.
Keywords: F. Chopin, melody, rhythm, harmony, music language.
The Innovative Element in the Genre of Opera or the Modernity of Artistic Expression in the Contemporary Lyric Theater
Authors:   Faculty of Music, Transilvania University, Brașov, Romania. Email: traian.ichim@unitbv.ro., Ichim Traian
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the evolutionary process of moving from traditional styles to pioneering directions in the opera genre. This phenomenon expressed itself in a mixture of styles and forms of language, in the integration of different types of artistic means of expression. Another issue would be related to the nature of the lyrical tradition, its need for preservation and continuity, and the extent to which innovation is tolerated in opera to ensure that artistic works do not cross genre boundaries. It is a new phenomenon for contemporary actors and audiences, the one present in the theater today. By examining the evolution of the art of opera, it was possible to identify the general pattern of development of innovative opera and to argue that artistic integration is the source of diversity on stage and the basis of innovation in opera production. For this purpose, a cultural-historical and historical-artistic approach was used. The academic novelty of the study consists, first of all, in the complex analysis of the sources related to the translation of meta-language in lyrical art, and secondly, the incorporation of these sources in the academic circulation as important and significant for the recognition of the reform of the opera genre.
Keywords: opera performance, opera direction, traditions, innovations, synthesis of arts, meanings.
Our Heritage: Hungarian Protestant Antiphons
Authors:   Faculty of Theology, Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church, Budapest, Hungary. Email: papp.anette@kre.hu., Papp Anette
Published: June 2024

During the Middle Ages, the seemingly diverse liturgical practices across Europe were actually rooted in stable centers with long-standing traditions, with the Hungarian archbishopric center, Esztergom, notably contributing its own variant known as the Esztergom rite. This regional custom became the basis of liturgical practice in all of Hungary until it was replaced by the official Roman liturgy in 1630. The Esztergom rite, characterized by a blend of European and Hungarian traditions, influenced Hungarian Protestantism, leading to the development of vernacular plainchant, particularly flourishing from the mid-16th century onward. This resulted in a unique repertoire of Protestant vernacular chant, primarily found in gradual books. Research confirms that the majority of Hungarian Protestant graduals were not influenced by foreign models, but can be traced back to local medieval traditions, especially those of Esztergom.
Keywords: antiphon, Hungarian Protestant Gradual-books, medieval Hungarian tradition, Esztergom/Strigonium rite.
A school based community randomized trial of the effect of peer health education on primary prevention knowledge, attitude and behaviours towards HPV among adolescents
Authors: Ferrara Maria , Langiano Elisa , De Vito Elisabetta
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: This study in the prospect of promoting adherence to the primary and secondary preven-tion programmes will research knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of the student population attendinghigh schools regarding HPV infections and will also promote health education sessions based on peereducation.METHODS: We carried out a community randomized trial regarding HPV infection, HPV vaccination, andsexual health, of students and a peer educational intervention.To verify the effectiveness of peer educators in changing opinions and beliefs about HPV a self-com-pletion questionnaire was made and distributed pre (T1) and post (T2) peer educator intervention. Thesame questionnaires were assigned to the control group.RESULT: The sample consisted of 900 students, mean age was 16.6±1.4, having relationship 34.4%. AtT1, 64.6% of students in experimental group said that they knew HPV, 83.4% how it is transmitted and71.1% HPV vaccination, 54.7% perceived dangerousness with significant gender-related difference. AtT2 the percentages increased. At T1, 14.1% of females were vaccinated at T2 they were 17.5%. The mainfactors associated with the students’ propensity to vaccination were: having at least one sister; being infavour of vaccinations in general; knowing that the vaccine is aimed at preventing cervical cancer; andbeing aware that they could be infected by HPV.CONCLUSION: Both the HPV test and HPV vaccine need effective communication and monitoring of thespread of knowledge, especially among women identified as most in need of information and includedin the age group at risk, in wich it is crucial to encourage informed choices. This underlines the need toplan adequate educational programmes.
The value of vaccination: results of an Italian survey among Medical Doctors, Policy Makers and General Population
Authors: Cadeddu Chiara , Gualano Maria Rosaria , La Torre Giuseppe , Ricciardi Walter
Published: June 2024

Background: In the Italian context, evolving toward the abandonment of compulsory vaccination, themaintenance of adequate levels of coverage appears as essential. The promotion of a good vaccinationknowledge, supported by strong scientific evidence, and the collaboration of all the involved stakeholders,appears hence fundamental. The aim of this survey was to understand why vaccination is not appreciatedfor its real value by different stakeholders.MeThods: In collaboration with other Italian universities and health districts, in summer 2011 we submit-ted a survey of 17 questions to a convenience sample of Italian Medical doctors, Policy Makers and generalPopulation. The main questions analyzed the importance of vaccination for health, actions to attain vac-cination value and consequences of a free choice policy.resulTs: of the 173 stakeholders interviewed, 78% of Medical doctors, 82% Policy Makers and 46%general Population believe that vaccination is important for health. The most important actions suggestedfor strengthening vaccination were information about its efficacy and safety and studies on its impact onPublic health, according to most of general Population and of Medical doctors and Policy Makers, respec-tively. according to 60.4% Medical doctors, 72.8% Policy Makers and 56.3% general Population the aboli-tion of compulsory vaccination would lead to a reduction of vaccinees in all the Italian regions.conclusIons: our study confirms the need for a thorough “education in vaccination”. among stakehold-ers there are still doubts that hinder the decision process about vaccination policies and programmes. onthe other hand, a call for an “alliance” for promoting and implementing vaccination to its full potentialwould be favoured, as sustained by a right understanding and attitude towards vaccines.
Isolation, cultivation, purification and identification of bacterial species from microfauna of soil
Authors: Ali Amna , Naseem Fozia
Published: June 2024

Soil is an excellent source of unknown microorganisms since bacteria, algae, protozoans, yeasts, moulds,and microscopic worms are routinely found in this environment. Therefore, soil is a medium in which lifeis sustained in a fragile biological balance. Bacteria play an important role in nutritional chains that are animportant part of biological balance. In the present study, four different soil samples were collected fromthe rhizosphere of i) Sapota zapotilla, ii) Eucalyptus species, iii) Ficus religiosa from Lahore and iv) soil fromChanga manga, Pakistan. A Total of 28 bacterial species were isolated and classified in the period betweenNovember 2008 and December 2009. All species were cultured on recommended media for verification ofbiochemical characteristics. The results showed that at least fifteen Gram-positive bacterial species werepresent in samples and these were considered as the major group constituting the bacterial populationstrains.
A sanitary cooperation project in Gorontalo province, Indonesia. Methodology to identifying critical areas, possible strengthening and improving of the health system
Authors: Reginato Enrico , Scali Luca , Lizzio Giovanna , Mannocci Alice , Rossi Fabrizio , Nocifora Vincenzo
Published: June 2024

Following an agreement between UNDP (United Nations Development Program) and ANAAO Assomed(Italian Hospital Doctors Association), a team of ANAAO conducted a survey of the health system of theProvince of Gorontalo (Sulawesi – Indonesia). The survey was carried out following WHO methodology. Thisapproach provided a comprehensive assessment which cut across WHO’s six technical building blocks of thehealth system: 1) Service delivery, 2) Health workforce, 3) Health information system, 4) Medical products(drugs etc.) vaccines and technologies, 5) Health financing, 6) Leadership and governance.The team visited the hospitals and a significant number of peripheral health structures within the Province.Several meetings were conducted with the staff from both local political and institutions, with the aim ofidentifying critical areas, that would inform the development of a cooperation project to strengthen andimprove the local health system.At the end of the survey, a workshop was conducted with the Governor of Gorontalo and representatives ofthe local institutions to identify possible areas of cooperation between ANAAO Assomed and the GorontaloProvince.The initial proposals that were developed concerned short, medium and long term projects, identifying areaswhere immediate actions were required: i) Basic organization of a health system (collection of data andtheir use, budget, economical sector) and primary health care: ii) Public hygiene and preventive medicine,iii) Gynaecology, to help identify at risk pregnancies and reduce the known risk of maternal mortality, iv)Surgery, with regards to the re-organization of the surgical sector, training for specialized nurses and basicsurgical training at the territorial health posts, v) Intensive care units and emergency medicine.
International Physical Activity Questionnaire: validation and assessment in an Italian sample
Authors: Mannocci Alice , Di Thiene Domitilla , Del Cimmuto Angela , Masala Daniele , Boccia Antonio , De Vito Elisabetta
Published: June 2024

Background: A standardized method for the assessment of physical activity, the International PhysicalActivity Questionnaire (IPAQ), was developed in the late 1990s as instrument for cross-national assessment.This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the IPAQ short and long version questionnaire in aItalian sample.Methods: The long and short versions of IPAQ questionnaires were administered twice, with an intervalof one day between each administration, to 2 different random samples. Cronbach’s alpha was used as ameasure of the internal consistency of the two versions.Results: The long version was administered to 60 subjects and the short version to 58. The Cronbach’s alphaon items about physical activity in the long version was 0.73, and 0.60 for the short version. The referredcomments on short and long version were not very different both in number and content though they suggesta better understanding of the short version compared to the long one.Discussion: IPAQ short and long versions show acceptable reliability properties in the Italian adult setting.The utilization of a questionnaire seems be more influenced by time of administration and number ofrequested information. In terms of internal consistency and validity they appear to have similar performance.
Listeria monocytogenes meningoencephalitis: molecular methods for diagnosis and for monitoring the response to chemotherapy
Authors: Piana Andrea , Are Riccardo , Orrù Marcella , Saba Franca , Dettori Marco , Maida Ivana , Sotgiu Giovanni , Rais Claudia , Mura MariaStella
Published: June 2024

Background. Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most important human foodborne pathogens; it may beresponsible for several disorders, like meningoencephalitis. Listerial isolation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) isoften difficult using microbiologic traditional assays. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability ofmolecular techniques as an alternative tool in order to identify Listeria monocytogenes meningitis and inparticular, to evaluate a real-time PCR and a conventional PCR for the target hlyA gene.Methods. In 2000-2004, 145 patients, without T-cell immunodeficiency, affected by meningoencephalitis ofunknown origin were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Institute of Sassari, Italy; a lumbar puncture wasperformed at the time of hospital admission. Two different PCR techniques, i.e. RT-PCR and a conventional PCR,were performed in order to detect CNS listerial infection, in conjunction with traditional microbiologic assays.Results. We identified fourteen patients affected by listerial meningitis using RT-PCR and conventional PCR.All but one of the CSF cultures were negative for L. monocytogenes. Molecular techniques were performedon the CSF samples collected during follow-up revealing that signal intensity decreased by 40%, 80% and100% at day 15, 30 and 55 respectively, from the start of antibiotic treatment.Conclusions. Considering the seriousness of CNS involvement caused by L. monocytogenes infection, promptdiagnosis is necessary in order to rapidly start specific treatment. Conventional PCR and RT-PCR are rapid assaysfor L. monocytogenes diagnosis and they might be useful for monitoring the efficacy of antibiotic therapy.
Globalisation and health: the role of a new scientific journal in harmonising public health practices
Authors: Ricciardi Walter
Published: June 2024

Public health professionals are aware of the global imbalance between the range of factors that affect human health and the inadequate structures in place to address them. Global integration is moving at a rapid pace, fuelled by faster communication and greater movement of people and ideas. Yet the world continues to use nineteenth century structures based on individual nation states.
The rapid pace of change requires new solutions, with effective international co-operative action, with devolved decision making that ensures implementation.The international agencies that should be able to tackle these issues have had limited success. There are examples of governments coming together to address some global problems related to health, such as recent conferences on reproductive health, the conference on climate change in Kyoto and the treaty on landmines.However, this is not sufficient, and implementation of agreements remains a barrier to progress.
Immigrants’ health protection: political, institutional and social perspectives at international and Italian level
Authors: Marceca Maurizio , Geraci Salvatore , Baglio Giovanni
Published: June 2024

The issue of “immigrants’ health” has been the subject of increasing interest in recent years, both in scientific literature and in the declarations of international health institutions. Specifically, the Resolution of the 61st World Health Assembly (2008), and the Report of the European Parliament on the reduction of the inequalities in health within EU (2010) are worth highlighting. There is a clear convergence in the orientations recommended to local Governments regarding the health policies and interventions to be adopted in this sector.It may be stated that the health policies adopted in Italy in the 1980s have been pioneering in both European and international contexts. Enhanced by the unconditional recognition of the right to health, which is stated in the Italian Constitution, these orientations have been strongly suggested to the policy-makers through effective lobbying efforts.Alongside ethical-legal recognition of the right to healthcare, the technical-scientific debate has also developed, especially following the publication of the WHO Report “Closing the gap in a generation” (2008).This has enabled the acknowledgement of the relevant role played by the socio-economic conditions which distinguish the different groups of immigrants. Moreover, the proposal of inter-sectorial policies and of an approach aimed at the empowerment of the community has become increasingly significant. In future, health protection for immigrants will be not only a priority as imposed by the recognition of health as a human right, but will also be more closely connected to capacities for the planning and support, at local level, of health promotion initiatives.
Migration: an opportunity for the improved management of tuberculosis worldwide
Authors: Falzon Dennis , Zignol Matteo , Migliori Giovanni Battista , Nunn Paul , Raviglione Mario C.
Published: June 2024

Migration, both within and between countries, has increased worldwide in recent years. While migration in itself need not present a risk to health, it is often characterized by increased stress and individual vulnerability to disease and inequalities in access to care.
Migrants from high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence countries may be at risk of TB before leaving their country, during travel and after resettlement. In many high-income countries, more than half of the TB cases emerging today occur in patients born in another country. In less affluent countries, shifts in TB epidemiology associated with population movements are also being reported. Foreign-born persons often face several barriers to care in a new country as a result of inadequate knowledge of, or coverage by, the health care services, differences in culture and language, lack of money, comorbidity, concern about discrimination and fear of expulsion. National authorities apply different policies to screen migrants for TB and to provide preventive or curative treatment, with varying coverage, yield and effectiveness.
If screening is to be of use, it needs to fit into a broader national strategy for TB care and management. Appropriate treatment needs to be provided in a manner conducive to its full completion. This is critical both for the individual patient and for public health. We discuss the main associations between TB and migration based on data from recent publications on surveillance, policy and practice.
Time to revisit Geoffrey Rose: strategies for prevention in the genomic era?
Authors: Burton Hilary , Sagoo Gurdeep S , Pharoah Paul , Zimmern Ron L
Published: June 2024

Geoffrey Rose, in his article “Sick individuals and sick populations” highlighted the need to distinguish between prevention for populations and prevention for high risk individuals. In this article we revisit some of these concepts in light of the burgeoning literature on “personalised medicine” and of findings from our investigations into personalised cancer prevention as part of an EU research gene-environment study on hormone related cancers, the Collaborative Oncological Gene- environment Study (COGS). We suggest that Rose’s high risk strategy may be modified by segmenting the population by risk (in our example genetic risk) into a number of individual strata, to each of which differential interventions may be applied. We call this “stratified prevention”, and argue that such an approach will lead to consequential advantages in efficiency, effectiveness and harm minimisation.
Beliefs on and attitude toward doping use among athletes: an Italian survey
Authors: Tavani Alessandra , Colombo Paolo , Scarpino Vilma , Zuccaro Piergiorgio , Pacifici Roberta , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: June 2024

Background: data on the prevalence of use, beliefs and attitude towards doping substances and practices among Italian athletes are scarce.
Methods: we interviewed 508 Italian athletes in sports facilities, using an anonymous structured questionnaire to collect information on the athletes’ beliefs about the role in performance and side effects of selected doping practices and substances, the reasons for use, obstacles in obtaining drugs, responsibility in the decision, changes in use in recent years, and anti-doping controls.
Results: among the athletes, 88.2% believed that supplements were effective to improve performance and 4.8% that they were potentially dangerous. They believed that 87.0% of top-level athletes frequently use supplements, namely 69.1% anti-inflammatories and 56.9% creatine. Doping was widespread in the opinion of 87.4% of athletes, and 45.3% thought it was used at all competition levels. Among those interviewed, 43.9% reported that athletes and coaches together were responsible for use, and 25.2% that it was easy to obtain substances. Lastly, 34.8% believed that doping use increased during 2002-05, and 54.7% thought that anti-doping controls should be more frequent.
Conclusions: this survey indicates that athletes believe that doping (mainly supplement use) is widespread at all competition levels, that athletes are aware of the seriousness of adverse effects and ask for more severe control and emphasis on potential dangers in the press.
Injection Micropile Bar Fatigue Resistance at Loads Lower and Greater than the Yield Strength of Steel
Authors: Pytlik Andrzej , Frąc Witold
Published: June 2024

One of the techniques commonly applied today for deep foundation construction is based on self-drilling injection micropiles. Micropiles are structural elements intended primarily for reinforcing foundations and buildings, particularly under difficult terrain conditions. The goal of the tests presented herein is to inspect the fatigue resistance, strength and ductility of injection micropiles formed from 28Mn6 steel at loads significantly exceeding the values defined for the fatigue test in the requirements of the relevant European Assessment Document (EAD). The test results and the micropile bar strain model εM presented in this paper are primarily of interest to designers for the purposes of determining the fatigue resistance of steel micropiles, which find particular application in land degraded by mining activity that is characterised by frequent terrain vibration and mining-induced tremors. None of the R25N injection micropile bars failed during the fatigue resistance testing at 2·106 cycles at a load Fu = 0.7·FRe0.2 (under the yield strength of the 28Mn6 steel) as well as at Fu = 1.0·FRe0.2 and Fu = 1.2·FRe0.2, where the bars operated at the limit of and significantly above the load FRe0.2 which results in stress at the yield point of the 28Mn6 steel. Furthermore, the bar tests conducted at static and cyclic loading demonstrated the high strength and good ductility of the 28Mn6 steel.
Secure System with Security Protocol for Interactions in Healthcare Internet of Things
Authors: Szymoniak Sabina
Published: June 2024

The Internet of Things is a network of connected devices that can communicate and share data over the Internet. These devices often have sensors that collect data for various purposes, such as usage statistics, data processing, or performing specific actions based on the collected data. Also, medical Internet of Things devices are crucial in monitoring critical functions, measuring blood glucose levels, indicating when patients require medicine, and ensuring timely medication delivery. Communication in the Internet of Things is demanding, requiring diverse protocols that address communication security concerns. These protocols must be robust and secure, considering technical factors such as the network’s objective, energy requirements, and the nature of the communication because they can be exploited. This paper proposes an innovative system with a security protocol that supports and improves communication security in modern Internet of Things networks. The protocol aims to enhance communication safety between interconnected devices for information exchange in medicine or healthcare, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sent data and devices. The proposed protocol, tested through formal and automated verification, meets all security goals, including identity verification, anonymity protection, and access revokement. It also protects against Man-in-the-middle, modification, replay, and impersonation attacks.
Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii, the causative agent of Thai jackfruit’s bronzing disease and its possible host range in Vietnam
Authors: Ha Vo T.N. , Hoang Le K. , Huyen Pham K.
Published: June 2024

The bronzing disease of Thai jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) has recently appeared in Vietnam, causing a significant loss for farmers, but its control method is still restricted. In this study, we identified pathogens based on morphological and molecular characterizations. A total of 25 bacterial isolates were isolated from diseased samples. The bacterium produces white or yellow pigment in culture, is gram-negative, slightly pleomorphic, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic, short-rod, and catalase-positive. It hydrolyzes gelatin and starch but not tween 80, and produces acid from glucose, sucrose, and lactose. The bacterium does not produce indole and does not produce hypersensitivity to tobacco. The results of sequencing of the encoded region of synthesis of capsular polysaccharide (cpsD) and pathogenicity-related genes HrpS confirmed that the causative agent is Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii. The pathogen’s possible host range could be traditional jackfruit varieties, fruits, and crops such as durian, longan, mango, tomatoes, broccoli, pumpkin, cucumber, corn, rice, sweet potatoes, water spinach, peanuts, and green beans. The P. stewartii subsp. stewartii could enter the host plant cell through open wounds or natural openings such as stomata. The results confirmed the presence of P. stewartii subsp. stewartii in Vietnam and suggest that the jackfruit tree should not be planted in plantations with these crops to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of pathogens.