bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speaking Well and Feeling Good: Age Related Differences in the Affective Language of Resting State Thought
Authors: Stoica Teodora , Andrews Eric , Deffner Austin M. , Griffith Christopher X. , Grilli Matthew D. , Andrews-Hanna Jessica R.
Published: October 2022

Despite the prevalence and importance of resting state thought for daily functioning and psychological well-being, it remains unclear whether older age is associated with altered affective tone of language during unprompted contexts. Age-related differences in this phenomenon could be a novel manifestation of the positivity effect, with¬¬¬¬ implications for well-being. To examine this possibility, a total of 77 young adults (M = 24.9 yrs, 18-35 yrs) and 74 cognitively normal older adults (M = 68.6 yrs, 58-83 yrs) spoke their thoughts freely during a Think-Aloud Paradigm across two studies. The emotional properties of spoken words and participants’ retrospective self-reported affective experiences were computed and examined for age differences and relationships with psychological well-being. Study 1, conducted before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed that older adults exhibited more diversity of positive, but not negative, unique affectively tinged words compared to young adults, and more positive self-reported thoughts. Despite being conducted virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, Study 2 replicated many of Study 1’s findings, generalizing results across samples and study contexts. In an aggregated analysis of both samples, positive diversity positively predicted well-being beyond other metrics of affective tone, and the relationship between positive diversity and well-being was not moderated by age. Considering that older adults also exhibited higher well-being, these results hint at the possibility that cognitively healthy older adults’ propensity to experience more diverse positive concepts during natural periods of restful thought may partly underlie age-related differences in well-being and reveal a novel expression of the positivity effect.
The prevalence inflation hypothesis: Are mental health awareness efforts contributing to the rise in mental health problems?
Authors: Foulkes Lucy , Andrews Jack L
Published: October 2022

In the past decade, there have been extensive efforts to raise public awareness about mental health problems, with the goal of reducing or preventing these symptoms across the population. Despite these efforts, reported rates of mental health problems have increased over the same period. In this paper, we present the hypothesis that, paradoxically, awareness efforts are contributing to this reported increase in mental health problems. We term this the prevalence inflation hypothesis. First, we argue that mental health awareness efforts are leading to more accurate reporting of previously under-recognised symptoms, a beneficial outcome. Second, and more problematically, we propose that awareness efforts are leading some individuals to interpret and report milder forms of distress as mental health problems. We propose that this then leads some individuals to experience a genuine increase in symptoms, because labelling distress as a mental health problem can affect an individual’s self-concept and behaviour in a way that is ultimately self-fulfilling. For example, interpreting low levels of anxiety as symptomatic of an anxiety disorder might lead to behavioural avoidance, which can further exacerbate anxiety symptoms. We propose that the increase in reported symptoms then drives further awareness efforts: the two processes influence each other in a cyclical, intensifying manner. We end by suggesting ways to test this hypothesis and argue that future awareness efforts need to mitigate the issues we present.
FRUSTRATION AND HOPE: A REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE UNDERTAKEN IN NATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES TO LOWER-THAN-EXPECTED RATES OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Authors: Edwards Roger
Published: October 2022

This review and discussion focused on surveys and reports regarding the rate of foreign language acquisition and attainment within national compulsory education systems, academic analyses of the results obtained, and national programmes and initiatives designed to address the shortcomings revealed in them.  The proposed reasons for lower-than-expected acquisition and attainment in foreign language learning within countries including the European Union, Colombia, Vietnam and Ecuador were reviewed in detail. These reasons, and the measures undertaken as a result to remedy these flaws, were evaluated through a comparison with recent academic research relating to these factors, and through com- parison between the different experiences revealed in the surveys and reports.  These comparisons found that some of the measures undertaken were fit for purpose and were likely to yield some improvements in acquisition rate, although to a lesser extent than those projected by some of the national programmes, while identifying some aspects which have been overlooked. The conclusion highlighted in which aspects of the teaching and learning of foreign languages requires greater focus is needed in order to effect the desired changes.
TASK-BASED LEARNING WORKSHEETS IN THE DEVELOPMENTOF MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES
Authors: Orellana Mora Ximena
Published: October 2022

This project proposes the use of Task-Based Learning worksheets which have been developed as a supplementary  material based on the Our World through English 1 in order to improve students’ language skills by accessing multiple intelligences learners. Nineteen students in their eighth year of Basic Education at Cornelio Crespo Toral School participated in this study for fifteen months. Data is collected from a pre-test, a post-test, and a questionnaire. The results show the improvement of students’ language learning skills by 24.04%.  At the end of the study, the participants developed a sense of motivation, awareness, and increased their language learning skills through the application of the Task- Based Learning worksheets. Teachers recognized the effectiveness of new strategies and techniques implemented in their classes by applying appropriate materials to improve learning skills based on dominant intelligences.
DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION: PRODUCTIVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WITH HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Galora Moya Nelly Patricia , Salazar Tobar Miryan Consuelo
Published: October 2022

The Differentiated  Instruction  (DI) approach  addresses individual  learner`s needs in a mixed ability class by  focusing  instruction on student learning profiles. The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of the implementation of four DI strategies suggested by Herrera (2011) in order to analyze their impact on students’ productive skills within two different educational settings: the high school and university. A total of 105 students and two English teachers participated in this study. An online survey assessed learners’ perceptions of the DI strategies. The results confirmed that the 4 DI strategies implemented in both settings had a positive effect on the development of students’ writing and speaking skills. This study concluded that there is not a universal, one-size-fits-all strategy for teaching that includes all students.  In-depth knowledge of students’ needs, and interests is a starting point for addressing instruction in a more effective way.  Finally, the DI approach is starting to emerge in Ecuadorian EFL classrooms,  and teachers  are showing  interest  in applying the corresponding  strategies  as an aid to student learning.
LEARNING A LANGUAGE OF TWO ALPHABETS: PRACTICAL APROACHES IN HIRAGANA AND KATAKANA ACQUISITION FOR BEGINNER LEARNERS OF JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Authors: Saito Ryota
Published: October 2022

The Japanese language has a 128  million speakers and has around 4 million learners in the world. In Ecuador, however, there are only six institutions offer Japanese classes to 150 learners. This small number of learners may be due in part to geographic and cultural distance, as well as the economic and political circumstances separating Ecuador and Japan. Furthermore, the uniqueness of the linguistic characteristics of Japanese is also a major factor influencing learner reluctance. One of the principal characteristics of this language is its three writing systems: hiragana, katakana and kanji. This paper outlines the linguistic characteristics of Japanese, focusing on hiragana, katakana and kanji, and sets out the difficulties which learners experience in this area. In the second part, with reference to these characteristics, the study introduces class activities to show how learners may acquire the basic characters of the writing systems as an important first step in learning Japanese, with the aim of reducing the burden on the language acquisition process. Through this research, the importance of peer-learning and collaboration between learners and teachers is highlighted as a means of facilitating approaches to the teaching and learning of Japanese.
GRAMMAR VIDEO LESSONS TO FOSTER INDEPENDENT LEARNERS IN THE ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM
Authors: Lara Freire Martha , Escudero Orozco Gloria
Published: October 2022

This research analyzes the impact of the implementation  of the flipped classroom to improve the low development of cognitive skills in the stu- dents and to promote the autonomous learning in 30 English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students Level Four in the English Center at Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo through grammar video lessons. The proposal consisted of eight grammar video lessons based on the syllabus designed for this level. These videos became both: a valuable tool to foster independent learning and a strategy to flip the traditional classroom, which allowed additional time to work on practical activities in the classroom, considering that the theory was studied outside the classroom. The instruments applied in this research project are as initial survey, a satisfaction survey, a pre-test, and a post-test. The initial survey and the pre-test determined the necessity students had to consolidate their knowledge regarding grammar and apply those contents in a real life context. The post- test results revealed that there was a meaningful improvement in the level of grammar knowledge, which is demonstrated in the results analysis and interpretation. Once the study ended, the students concluded that the grammar video lessons are effective and useful to achieve independence in learning the English grammar rules. Students who were part of the intervention reached a level of autonomous learning which influenced mark- edly in the students grades as showed in the interpretation and analysis of the results. Additionally, students felt motivated because they had less “homework.” Thus, it is concluded that the grammar video lessons foster independent learning.
Calculation of coal resources and reserves using the cross-section method in the mining plan area of PT. Sentosa Prima Coal in Mersam District, Batang Hari District, Jambi
Authors: Azis Muhammad Jundi Haikal , Fanani Yazid
Published: October 2022

PT. Sentosa Prima Coal is a company engaged in the Coal sector. This company is located in Mersam District, Batanghari Regency, Jambi Province. The area of the mining business permit of PT. Sentosa Prima Coal of 2000 Ha. Mining activities require reserve calculations before mining activities are carried out, including making a coal deposit model, calculating coal resources, pit design, calculating coal reserves, and calculating the stripping ratio (SR) value, so that later the number of coal reserves can be obtained and obtain a deposit model. The modeling and calculation of reserves were carried out using the "cross-section" with the help of Surpac 6.6.2 software. Based on the Cross Section's estimation results, coal resources for PT. Sentosa Prima Coal amounted to 8,073,932 tons, and coal reserves 6,662,514 tons, the volume of Overburden for the planned mining activity area was 24,779,981 BCM, and the stripping ratio value was obtained 1:4.
Challenging the oral-only narrative
Authors: Chen Pichler Deborah
Published: October 2022

Learning a language is, at its core, a process of noticing patterns in the language input surrounding the learner. Although many of these language patterns are complex and difficult for adult speakers/signers to recognize, infants are able to find and learn them from the youngest age, without explicit instruction. However, this impressive feat is dependent on children’s early access to ample and well-formed input that displays the regular patterns of natural language. Such input is far from guaranteed for the great majority of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children, leading to well-documented difficulties and delays in linguistic development. Efforts to remedy this situation have focused disproportionately on amplifying DHH children’s hearing levels, often through cochlear implants, as young as possible to facilitate early access to spoken language. Given the time required for cochlear implantation, its lack of guaranteed success, and the critical importance of exposing infants to quality language input as early as possible, a bimodal bilingual approach can optimize DHH infants’ chances for on-time language development by providing them with both spoken and signed language input from the start. This paper addresses the common claim that signing with DHH children renders the task of learning spoken language more difficult, leading to delays and inferior language development, compared to DHH children in oral-only environments. That viewpoint has most recently been articulated by Geers et al. (2017a), which I will discuss as a representative of the many studies promoting an oral-only approach. Contrary to their claims that signing degrades the language input available to DHH children, recent research has demonstrated that the formidable pattern-finding skills of newborn infants extends to linguistic cues in both the spoken and signed modalities, and that the additional challenge of simultaneously acquiring two languages is offset by important “bilingual advantages.” Of course, securing early access to high quality signed input for DHH children from hearing families requires considerable effort, especially since most hearing parents are still novice signers. This paper closes with some suggestions for how to address this challenge through partnerships between linguistics researchers and early intervention programs to support family-centered bimodal bilingual development for DHH children.
EEG analysis based on dynamic visual stimuli
Authors: Krebs Julia , Malaia Evie , B. Wilbur Ronnie , Roehm Dietmar
Published: October 2022

This paper reviews best practices for experimental design and analysis for sign language research using neurophysiological methods, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and other methods with high temporal resolution, as well as identifies methodological challenges in neurophysiological research on natural sign language processing. In particular, we outline the considerations for generating linguistically and physically well-controlled stimuli accounting for 1) the layering of manual and non-manual information at different timescales, 2) possible unknown linguistic and non-linguistic visual cues that can affect processing, 3) variability across linguistic stimuli, and 4) predictive processing. Two specific concerns with regard to the analysis and interpretation of observed event related potential (ERP) effects for dynamic stimuli are discussed in detail. First, we discuss the “trigger/effect assignment problem”, which describes the difficulty of determining the time point for calculating ERPs. This issue is related to the problem of determining the onset of a critical sign (i.e., stimulus onset time), and the lack of clarity as to how the border between lexical (sign) and transitional movement (motion trajectory between individual signs) should be defined. Second, we discuss possible differences in the dynamics within signing that might influence ERP patterns and should be controlled for when creating natural sign language material for ERP studies. In addition, we outline alternative approaches to EEG data analyses for natural signing stimuli, such as the timestamping of continuous EEG with trigger markers for each potentially relevant cue in dynamic stimuli. Throughout the discussion, we present empirical evidence for the need to account for dynamic, multi-channel, and multi-timescale visual signal that characterizes sign languages in order to ensure the ecological validity of neurophysiological research in sign languages.
Are we reaching a turning point in Serbia with respect to Serbian Sign Language in deaf education?
Authors: Raičević Bajić Dragana , Nikolić Gordana
Published: October 2022

This paper provides an overview of the challenges affecting deaf education in Serbia, as well as in Serbian Sign Language (SZJ) by probing important policy measures that have been introduced over the years. Furthermore, we provide a summary of sign language research and the beginning of deaf awareness in Serbia. Our discussion focuses on key changes in the education policy that took place in 2009 when inclusive education was introduced and when Serbia ratified the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The ratification of UNCRPD and the subsequent empowerment of the Serbian deaf community paved the way for the legal recognition of Serbian Sign Language in 2015, along with the enactment/passing of the Law on the Use of Sign Language. We review the existing legal and policy documents concerning deaf education and Serbian Sign Language by providing an outline of the government’s latest Strategy on Education until 2030 and its accompanying Action Plan until 2023. In conclusion, by focusing on the major goals set by the Strategy and the Action plan, we consider the feasibility of the goals with respect to the time frame and situation in practice.
Beyond Language Policies
Authors: Rossi Stumpf Marianne , Müller de Quadros Ronice
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the linguistic plan for Brazilian Sign Language, also known as Libras (Língua Brasileira de Sinais), which has an impact on deaf education in Brazil. A set of actions for the recognition of Libras has been established given the development of research in the field of deaf education, sign language linguistics and sign language translation and interpretation through the involvement of the National Deaf Education and Integration Federation, FENEIS (Federação Nacional de Educação e Integração de Surdos). Documents created by the deaf and scientific publications have contributed to establishing a law that recognises Libras, as well as political actions that legitimise deaf education. However, some educational policies prevent the deaf from access to education. This paper presents the actions that contributed to the recognition of sign language and deaf education and discusses the educational policies that make deaf access to education difficult given their linguistic and cultural specificities. It also presents the subsidies associated with the bilingual linguistic policy in deaf education – Libras and Portuguese –, thus, indicating the need for the implementation and application of Libras and Portuguese teaching in Brazil. In addition, an analysis of the developments of this public policy is presented, considering some crucial concepts that potentially influence decisions and referrals based on linguistic policies and on the rights of deaf people, which are based on the concepts of‘ diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ (Kusters, et al., 2015).
Emerging Ecology of a Sign Bilingualism and Co-enrollment Classroom
Authors: Wong Fay , Tang Gladys , Yeung Pui-Sze , Kun-Man Yiu Chris
Published: October 2022

This study documents the views and attitudes of stakeholders of the Hong Kong’s Sign Bilingualism and Co-enrollment (SLCO) Education Programme established in 2006, to identify an emerging ecology based on the SLCO classrooms in a primary school in which deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) as well as hearing participants, teachers and students alike, collaborated to create an inclusive culture in the school environment. Qualitative data were collected using two focus group discussions, each with six DHH students and six hearing students, and individual interviews with eleven parents of DHH and hearing students and six Deaf and hearing teachers. The data generated seven themes: positive impacts of sign language (i.e. HKSL), translanguaging, differences in English and Chinese achievement, positive attitudes towards co-enrollment, increase in students’ self-confidence, friendship and equal partnership, and importance and challenges of co-planning. Analysing these themes within the framework of evaluating inclusive education along the parameters of participation, achievement, and value of person as advanced in Anderson, Boyle and Deppeler (2014), we identified six dimensions to characterise the inclusive ecology of the SLCO classroom.
Assessments of Sign Language Development
Authors: Herman Rosalind , Rowley Kate
Published: October 2022

Since the late nineties, several assessments to track and assess sign language acquisition in deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children have been developed and standardised for some sign languages (Herman, Rowley, Mason, & Morgan, 2014; Rosenburg, Lieberman, Caselli, & Hoffmeister, 2020). These assessments have provided important insights into how DHH children acquire sign language and how acquisition can be impacted by developmental or acquired disorders (Mason et al., 2010; Quinto-Pozos, Forber-Pratt, & Singleton, 2011). Moreover, the development of sign language assessments has enabled research studies to show associations between language, cognitive skills and literacy (Botting et al., 2017). The availability of sign language assessments has confirmed that DHH children from DHH, signing families achieve similar milestones in sign language as their hearing counterparts in spoken language. Yet the measures developed to date are insufficient for tracking bimodal bilingual development in DHH children, particularly as children progress through the later school years. This article reviews hitherto mentioned and new issues in test development and standardization related to the status of sign language research, the size and nature of the population of DHH signers, and tester issues with a specific focus on assessments used by practitioners rather than those designed for research purposes. References are made to the reasons why DHH children are at risk for language delay. A selection of different types of sign language test is presented. In the UK and elsewhere, many of the tests developed to date have focused on the earlier stages of language development. We therefore include a description of a UK project that is adapting an assessment for adolescent signers.
Selected topics in Slovenian Sign Language linguistics
Authors: Pavlič Matic
Published: October 2022

Minority languages are often given less importance than national languages, especially when the languages differ in their modalities. In addition, the hearing majority often do not recognise sign languages, leading to prejudice and discrimination against them. Apart from the theoretical relevance of the study of sign languages for linguistic research, linguistic studies have proved crucial in reducing the social and cultural isolation of Deaf communities. At the same time, the specific sociolinguistics of sign languages must be considered when conducting such linguistic research. This paper presents relevant background information that needs to be considered when conducting research on the grammar of Slovenian Sign Language (SZJ), as well as the research topics in SZJ linguistics that have been addressed in recent decades.
Pausing on a Sunday: Sondheim and the Composition of the Secular in the American Musical
Authors: Lofton Kathryn
Published: October 2022

The abundance of Bible story–based plots and preponderance of Jewish lyricists in musical theatre suggests religion should play a central role in its study. Yet religion is not a major theme in musical theatre criticism. This article suggests this silence is a symptomatic forgetfulness of the default secular operative in American musical theatre and its analysts in theatre studies. Focusing on Stephen Sondheim (1930–2021) as an artist of particular accomplishment within the raced, gendered, and religious aesthetic of the American musical’s secularism, it examines “Sunday,” the Act One closer to Sunday in the Park with George (1984), as a climax of such expression. “Sunday” is an instruction manual on what the secular is, conveying in its lyrics, compositional location, and author’s autobiography the story of religion’s hiddenness in the American musical. Sondheim’s “Sunday” is a way to see how musical theatre regulates religion on stage.
On the Excising of (Urban) Historical Geography from Canadian Geography Departments: A Reflection
Authors: Mackintosh Phillip Gordon
Published: October 2022

Historical geography and urban historical geography barely exist as sub-disciplinary idioms in geography department curricula across Canada. Yes, historical geography research flourishes, but the teaching of historical and urban historical geography has all but vanished, except in a tiny number of larger departments. This article asks why—especially given historical geography’s sub-disciplinary commitment to social and environmental justice. But it also wonders whether this circumstance is lamentable, or simply more of the same: change over time, which historical and urban historical geographers document ceaselessly.
POLA ASUH ORANG TUA DALAM PENGGUNAAN MEDIA SOSIAL FACEBOOK PADA ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Gunawan Tri , Muhabbatillah Sajidah
Published: October 2022

Globalisasi dan modernisasi membawa perubahan yang sangat besar terutama dalam bidang teknologi. Perkembangan teknologi memunculkan kemudahan-kemudahan dalam mengakses pelbagai media sosial di internet. Bahkan, Facebook telah dimiliki oleh siswa-siswi Sekolah Dasar dan dapat mereka akses kapan saja. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Desa Banjarsawah, Kecamatan Tegalsiwalan, Kabupaten Probolinggo. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengguna Facebook yang adalah anak Sekolah Dasar dilandasi fanatisme mereka terhadap klub sepakbola Persebaya. Pola asuh yang dikembangkan orang tua dalam penggunaan Facebook pada anak mereka adalah dengan menerapkan pola asuh authoritarian yaitu membebaskan anak bermain Facebook tetapi menerapkan batasan-batasan seperti tidak melupakan kewajiban anak sebagai siswa Sekolah Dasar. Serta pola asuh neglectful dimana orang tua acuh tak acuh terhadap anaknya yang menggunakan Facebook.
PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER PADA ASPEK MORAL KNOWING TENTANG NARKOTIKA PADA SISWA MENENGAH PERTAMA
Authors: Chastanti Ika , Munthe Indra Kumalasari
Published: October 2022

Penggunaan narkoba di kalangan siswa bisa diatasi dengan menanamkan pendidikan karakter. Moral knowing merupakan hal penting untuk diajarkan. Jika siswa sudah memiliki pengetahuan tentang moral maka siswa akan mempunyai karakter yang konsisten antara pengetahuan dan tindakannya (moral action). Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif, metode pengambilan data dilakukan dengan In-depth interview dan pemberian kuesioner. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa moral knowing siswa tentang narkotika belum sepenuhnya terbentuk. Tahapan yang dapat dilakukan dalam implementasi pendidikan karakter pada siswa guna mengurangi pengguna narkotika di kalangan siswa adalah moral knowing agar siswa mampu membedakan kebajikan dengan kejelekan, larangan dan anjuran, perilaku baik atau jelek. Kedua, moral loving untuk menumbuhkan rasa cinta dan rasa butuh terhadap nilai-nilai akhlak mulia. Ketiga, moral doing untuk mempraktekkan nilai-nilai akhlak mulia itu dalam perilaku sehari-hari.
KEPERCAYAAN DIRI SISWA PADA PELAKSANAAN PROJEK PENGUATAN PROFIL PELAJAR PANCASILA
Authors: Rizal Yenni , Deovany Modestus , Andini Ayu Siti
Published: October 2022

AbstrakProjek penguatan profil pelajar Pancasila bertujuan salah satunya untuk mengetahui kepercayaan diri pada diri siswa. Instrument yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah skala kepercayaan diri yang dimodifikasi dari konsep Lauster. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kuantitatif dengan melibatkan responden sebanyak 138 yang terdiri dari 2 sekolah dengan karakteristik sekolah yang terdaftar pada program sekolah penggerak di kabupaten Kubu Raya Kalimantan Barat, adapun sekolah penggerak yang dilibatkan pada penelitian ini adalah Sekolah Menengah Pertama Islam Terpadu (SMPIT) Al-Fityan dan Sekolah Menengah Pertama Negeri (SMPN) 1 Kuala Mandor B. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kepercayaan diri siswa secara umum berada pada katagori“percaya diri”, kedua sekolah menunjukkan hasil penelitian yang berbeda, untuk SMPTI AL-Fityan berada pada kategori “percaya diri”, sedangkan SMPN I Kuala Mandor B hanya berada pada katagori“cukup percaya diri”.
On self-reliant masculinities and rural returnees in ethnic China
Authors: Rautio Suvi
Published: October 2022

The shift in China's national economy from industrial manufacturing to technology and IT has placed constraints on the lives of rural-to-urban male migrant workers from the lower social strata. As the pace of out-migration in China slows, male rural returnees are harnessing self-reliant masculinities to reclaim status and heighten a sense of collective pride in and affiliation with their natal village. Centering on two ethnographic case studies of Dong ethnic minority male rural returnees in the autonomous district of Guizhou Province, the analysis in this article contributes to critique on the recent unfolding of the state-led “crisis of masculinity” to highlight the wider socioeconomic conditions that continue to deepen the inequalities and felt anxieties of male rural returnees.
Social housing and feminist commoning in urban Vietnam
Authors: Schwenkel Christina
Published: October 2022

This article examines challenges to the privatization of public goods in social housing in urban Vietnam, where versatile modes of commoning have been essential to sustaining life and livelihoods. Informed by theories of feminist commoning, it highlights the collective efforts of elderly women, in particular, to appropriate state property and maintain the commons to support everyday social and economic activity in ambiguous spaces undergoing urban change. Female-led strategies of subsistence and sociality have been directed toward the maintenance of common resources across shifts in political economy from state to market socialisms. Rather than organize outside formal institutions only, collective action manifested through a politics of housing that made claims to public goods in ways that pushed the state to accept existing commons and commoning practices.
Morphology of the aortic arch and its branches in Maine Coon cats
Authors: Khvatov V. A. , Shchipakin M. V. , Glushonok S. S.
Published: October 2022

The morphology of the aortic arch and its branches deserves special attention. The branches of the aortic arch have a different sequence and sometimes different patterns of discharge depending on the type of animal. All mammals have a left aortic arch that emerges from the left ventricle of the heart. The remnant of the right aortic arch is the right subclavian artery, which may originate from the brachiocephalic artery, brachiocephalic trunk, or independently from the aortic arch. The use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography with intravenous contrast agents as methods of visual diagnostics requires a clear knowledge of the variational morphology of the aortic arch, taking into account breed characteristics. The study aims to study the morphology of the aortic arch and its branches in Maine Coon cats and to determine their morphometric characteristics. The material for the study was the corpses of Maine Coon cats. The authors studied only five animals (two females and three males). The authors chose fine anatomical dissection of latex-injected arteries and morphometry as research methods. The study found that in Maine Coon cats, the brachiocephalic artery and the left subclavian artery depart from the aortic arch. The type of division of the brachiocephalic artery is bifurcation, there is a division into the right subclavian artery and the trunk of the common carotid arteries. The right and left subclavian arteries successively give off branches: the vertebral artery, the internal thoracic, costocervical trunk, and the brachial trunk. Differences in branching are noted only along the first branch of the right subclavian artery which is the internal thoracic artery. When analyzing the obtained morphometric data the authors found that the diameter of the brachiocephalic artery was significantly greater than the diameter of the left subclavian artery - 1.64 times and the diameter of the common carotid artery was 2.20 times greater than the diameter of the vertebral artery. An analysis of the cross-sectional area of the main branches of the subclavian arteries shows that the costocervical trunk and the internal thoracic artery receive the maximum development.
Primer registro de cururos Spalacopus cyanus (Molina, 1782) (Rodentia: Octodontidae) en la nueva área protegida Estancia Los Manantiales, San Juan, República Argentina
Authors: Reppucci Juan Ignacio , Tellaeche Cintia Gisele , Banching Aldo Luis , García Loyola Emiliano , Harvey Edwin , Lacey Eileen A.
Published: October 2022

El cururoes un roedor social, único miembro de la familia Octodontidae de hábitos subterráneos y se creía endémico de Chile. Reportamos el primer registro de cururo para la Estancia Los Manantiales, un sitio propuesto como un mosaico de áreas protegidas nacionales y provinciales. Este registro tiene especial importancia dado que el área se encuentra en la región de los Altos Andes, la cual está poco representada en el sistema de áreas protegidas, provee importantes servicios ecosistémicos y ha sido poco estudiada, entre otras características que apoyan la necesidad de protección y de realización de más estudios en la zona.
Histological Classification of Thymoma
Authors: Al Obaidi Ibtisam Hussein
Published: October 2022

Background: Many thymoma classifications have been followed and have been updated by newer or alternative schemes. Many classifications were based on the morphology and histogenesis of normal thymus as the backbone, while other classifications have followed a more simplified scheme, whereby thymomas were grouped based on biological behavior. The WHO classification is currently the advocated one, which is based on “organotypical” features (i.e. histological characteristics mimicking those observed in the normal thymus) including cytoarchitecture (encapsulation and a “lobular architecture”) and the cellular composition, mostly the nuclear morphology is generally appreciated.
Objectives: This study aims to re-classify thymomas by establishing certain morphometric parameters to evaluate the epithelial cells nuclei. An appraisal of thymoma classification as cortical/ lymphocytic/ type B1 and B2 or medullary/ spindle cells/ type A will be attempted as objective re-evaluation of thymoma.
Patients: This study is a retrospective evaluation of 50 cases of thymoma, 20 cases of thymic hyperplasia and 10 cases of normal thymus (control group). Using a 5 µm formalin-fixed paraffin embeded tissue sections, stained with hematoxylin-eosin stain, these cases were previously classified histologically into lymphocytic (6 cases), lymphoepithelial (mixed) (28 cases) and epithelial (16 cases), including 2 cases of spindle cell thymoma.
Methods: Computer-assisted morphometry was performed for 80 cases. This involves digitization of the histopathological features and application of morphometric analysis through software. The morphometric parameters used are nuclear area, maximum nuclear diameter and Form factor of epithelial cells nuclei. Ten normal thymus glands from the archived cases were also evaluated as a control groups.
Results: The results showed that epithelial thymomas possess significantly different nuclear areas from that of a normal thymus, the maximum nuclear diameter (D-Max) follows the same pattern and adds no further outcomes. The numerical morphometric analysis showed no significant differences between lymphocytic predominant thymoma and those classified as cortical thymoma (Type B2). Thus it does not support such a re-classification. Form factor is an indication of pleomorphism, but it should be cautiously used when spindle cells are present since it may give a false indication of pleomorphism.
Conclusion: Computer-Assisted morphometric analysis provides an objective, reproducible and comparable results for thymoma histological classification.
Keywords: Thymoma, Histological classification, Grading, Morphometry, Computer-assistedmorphometry.
Epidemiology, Clinical characteristics, Laboratory Findings Of Bronchiolitis In Hospitalized Children
Authors: Saleh Majeed , Shukr Mohammed
Published: October 2022

Background: Bronchiolitis is the most common disease of the lower respiratory tract during the first year of life. Which is usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus. The treatment is usually supportive, so epidemiology, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings might facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of bronchiolitis cases.
Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of children hospitalized due to bronchiolitis.
Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study 143 patients with bronchiolitis were selected who age 1-24 months old who were admitted to the Fallujah teaching hospital for women and children, over the period of 6 months from 1st of October 2018 to 1st of April2019. The patients were selected from large number of cases admitted to Hospital according to bronchiolitis criteria.
Results: A total number of 143 patients were included in this study, 52.4% were male and 47.6% were female. The most common clinical findings were tachypnea, dyspnea, cough, fever, wheeze consecutively. Hyperinflation was the most common radiological study, while lymphocytosis was the most common laboratory finding.
Conclusions: In our study Bronchiolitis was mostly diagnosed in the first 6 months of age, most of patients from urban area, tachypnea was most common sign while hyperinflation was the most common radiological finding and lymphocytosis was most common CBC finding. These data might facilitate early diagnoses and treatment of bronchiolitis cases.
Prevention of CSF leak from the spinal operation site due to either traumatic or iatrogenic injury to the Dura.
Authors: Alhemiary Hayder
Published: October 2022

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid leak is a relatively common problem ranging from 0.5% to 18% with traumatic or incidental injury to the Dura intra-operatively1, 2. Traumatic injury mostly occurs due to mechanical trauma with subsequent thecal sac laceration mainly in the thoracolumbar region. Incidental Dural injury commonly happens in patients undergoing spinal surgery for any reason.
Objective: Introduce a maneuver to be used during operations when the patients have either traumatic or iatrogenic injury to the Dura which would prevent CSF leak post-operatively.
Method: A case series study conducted in Baghdad, medical city, between June 2014 and March 2018 on 250 patients (45 females and 205 males) who had either traumatic or iatrogenic injury to the Dura. The operative technique introduced by Perry was used as a reference1. The maneuver used in this study to manage CSF leak intra-operatively described here in this study for comparison with other articles.
Results: In this study 250 cases out of 2500 spinal surgery cases, were diagnosed intra-operatively to have Dural injury either post-traumatic or incidentally during surgery. Dural injury occurred in 70 electively operated cases either incidentally or in cases of Dural exploration for different spine pathologies, of whom 13 patients (5.2%) had spinal surgery at the same site previously.  
Conclusions: Proper identification of intraoperative CSF leak is crucial for prevention of post-operative complications. CSF leakage can be prevented by applying and reinforcing all surgical field layers with watertight sutures.
Key words: CSF leak, Spine, Dura, Trauma, Iatrogenic.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy modifies thyroid function in postmenopausal but not premenopausal women with breast cancer
Authors: Ramírez-Expósito María Jesús , Carrera-González María Pilar , Martínez-Martos José Manuel
Published: October 2022

Experimental models have described several intracellular and extracellular effects of thyroid hormones, which contribute differently to the development and progression of breast cancer. In women with breast cancer, an association between elevated levels of thyroxin (T4) has been described, regardless of their pre- or post- menopausal hormonal status. 

AIM: Here we determine thyroid function in pre- and postmenopausal women with breast cancer treated or not with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCh) by assaying circulating TSH and free T4 (fT4) levels. Comparisons were made with control premenopausal women with regular menstrual periods and postmenopausal women with spontaneous menopause for at least one year. 

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples from patients treated with NCh were obtained after completion of chemotherapy treatment and in parallel to samples from patients not treated with NCh and control volunteers. TSH and fT4 levels TSH levels were measured by paramagnetic-beads based chemiluminescent immunoassay. 

RESULTS: We have observed an increase in serum TSH and fT4 levels in both pre- and postmenopausal women with breast cancer treated or not with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, postmenopausal women treated with NCh increased to a lesser extent their levels of fT4. Nevertheless, as a whole, our results suggest an increased thyroid function in pre- and post- menopausal women with breast cancer. 

CONCLUSION: The monitoring of the thyroid hormone profile takes on special relevance in women with breast cancer, as well as their hormonal status, in relation to tumor progression and the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment.
14-channel neurofeedback with Auto Train Brain improves the left lateralization of the brain in dyslexia: A pilot study
Authors: Eroglu Gunet
Published: October 2022

Auto Train Brain is a neurofeedback-based mobile application that increases reading comprehension and reading speed in dyslexia with EMOTIV EPOC-X which has 14 channels. The clinical trials have been completed on dyslexia beforehand. The left hemisphere-related deficits are known in dyslexia. In this research, we have investigated the positive long-term effects of Auto Train Brain to improve the cognitive abilities of dyslexic people based on the measurements of the variance of gamma band sample entropy across neurofeedback sessions. The previous research indicates that the increase in the variance of the gamma band entropy shows the increased adaptations in the functional networks. 14-channel neurofeedback with Auto Train Brain increases the variance of gamma band entropy in the left temporal lobe (T7) over the right temporal lobe (T8) which may be translated as the adaptations of the functional networks in the left temporal region are increased after 100 sessions of neurofeedback.
Digital Transformation: Background, Trends, Risks, and Threats
Authors: REVAK IRYNA , GREN ROMAN
Published: October 2022

The modern world economy is characterised by the use of digital technologies as one of the factors of economic growth. Digital transformation creates new opportunities for development, but at the same time there are risks and threats to conventional economies. Therefore, the study of digital transformation is becoming particularly relevant. The purpose of this study was to reveal the essence of the term “digital transformation”, highlight its advantages and disadvantages, and analyse the process of digitalisation of the economy of Ukraine. During theoretical exploration, the following methods of scientific cognition were used: analysis, synthesis, observation, generalisation, classification. Theoretical assumptions were tested using analytical materials. Based on the analysis, conclusions were drawn, and practical recommendations were developed. In theoretical research, the differences between the terms “digitalisation” and “digitisation” were investigated. The main prerequisites for the spread of digital technologies are highlighted: the development of the physical infrastructure of internet access in the world, the growth of the number of internet users; the development of e-commerce; the development of the country’s IT industry; the improvement of the national e-government system. It was established that the main obstacles to the digital transformation of Ukrainian society are factors formed in the political, economic, technological, and psychological spheres. The dynamics of indices used to assess the spread of digital technologies is analysed: the e-Participation Index and the e-Governance Development Index. It was established that recently there has been a positive trend in them. The main advantages of implementing digital technologies were systematised. At the state level, the positive impact is manifested in improving the quality of life of the population; the level of productivity of public labour; reducing the share of hard work; preserving health and extending human life expectancy; simplifying access to information. The positive impact of digital technologies on the business environment is manifested in reducing the cost of selling products, searching and processing information, making transactions, launching and promoting goods to the market, the duration of the business cycle; inventing innovative technologies and switching to the production of innovative products. The advantages for individuals are to reduce the cost of internet services and transactions, simplify access to educational, entertainment and information resources. The main risks and threats created by the digital transformation of society are described: technological, economic, political, social, legal, and personal. The practical significance of the results obtained lies in the possibility of identifying and neutralising risks and threats of digitalisation.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sustainable development of pharmaceutical companies: Evidence from Russia
Authors: Pylaeva I. S. , Podshivalova M. V. , Podshivalov D. V.
Published: October 2022

Nowadays there are two perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic: it has become a threat to sustainable economic development and the pharmaceutical industry has turned out to be its main beneficiary. The purpose of this article is to empirically verify the correctness of these statements. The data sample consists of 1771 enterprises of Russian pharmaceutical industry over a 14-year period. The methods used consisted of positioning maps and pairwise comparison of the financial indicators for 2020 with the two most severe crises in the Russian economy (2009 and 2015), as well as with the period of the most sustainable development (2007) and the legacy year (2019). In order to assess the uniformity of the pandemic impact on the industry, we identified analytical groups based on the scale of enterprises and life cycle stages. The main result is to reveal the uneven pandemic impact on the sustainable development of pharmaceutical industry producers. Small young companies were the main beneficiaries of the pandemic. The micro-enterprises in the pharmaceutical industry were the most severely affected. However, the analysis has shown that the pandemic was not the main cause of their instability. In addition, the study as a whole proves the presence of a certain stress resistance of domestic pharmaceutical producers to crises of various nature.