bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geopolymer-Based Solidification/Stabilization of Radioactive Wastes
Authors: Sekely Peter , Valica Martin , Sekely Stanislav , Horník Miroslav
Published: November 2023

The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility to solidify radioactive expanded clay balls or radioactive sludge originating from the decommissioning of NPP V1 in Jaslovské Bohunice (Slovak Republic) into the geopolymer matrices. The radioactive wastes (RAW) in the proportion of 0 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 25 wt.%, and 30 wt.% were solidified using a geopolymer mixture GEOCEM (producer GEOFIX Ltd., Slovak Republic). The value of compressive strength linearly decreased with increasing addition of RAW from the value of 16.1 MPa to 12.4 MPa for radioactive expanded clay balls solidified and from the value of 16.1 MPa to 10.6 MPa in the case of radioactive sludge. Leaching test carried out according to ANSI/ANS 16.1.1986 showed that the calculated value of leachability index Li at the highest proportion (30 wt.%) of radioactive expanded clay balls or radioactive sludge reached the value Li = 10.3 or Li = 9.7, respectively.
Forest Policy Innovation at the Subnational Scale: Insights from Acre, Brazil
Authors: Greenleaf Maron , Hoelle Jeffrey , Medeiros Magaly , Tavares Alberto
Published: November 2023

REDD+ is often characterised as a ‘global’ environmental framework implemented in tropical forests around the world. Yet studying actual cases of REDD+ can reveal complex interactions between scales, including under-recognised innovations at subnational and local scales. To understand these dynamics, this article brings together academics and policymakers to analyse the System of Incentives for Environmental Services (SISA)—a pioneering subnational policy in the Amazonian state of Acre, Brazil that includes a prominent jurisdictional REDD+ programme. While institutions, people, and ideas from outside of Acre contributed to its formulation, SISA is not a standardised local expression of a global policy. Rather, key aspects of it originated in ongoing and historical Acrean forest-use and governance. This analysis shows how innovative, place-based conservation policy can be influential, both within and beyond specific localities, in ways that challenge analyses of REDD+ that are primarily top-down. Our study of SISA also shows how topics of importance in contemporary REDD+ and forest conservation scholarship—efforts to make the living forest valuable, non-carbon social and environmental “co-benefits,” and landscape- and jurisdiction-wide approaches to combating deforestation—are connected to Acrean forest governance and history. Overall, this analysis elucidates the strengths and challenges of subnational forest governance and the complex inter-scalar dynamics in REDD+ and other conservation and climate policies.

Portuguese abstract: rb.gy/08phn
Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1a among Patients from Al-Nasiriya City and Determining its Transmission Risk Factors
Authors: Ahmed Muna R , Salih Warqaa Y.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes have been shown to be differently distributed between distinct geographical areas. Information regarding hepatitis C genotypes and subtypes distribution in Al-Nasiriya city is not well-known.

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of various HCV genotypes in Al-Nasiriya City and the demographic and risk factors associated with HCV transmission among the Al-Nasiriya City population.

Materials and Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 200 patients with chronic HCV infection who were referred from Al-Nasiriya City to the Digestive Disease Department of Al-Yarmouk Hospital during February 2019–December 2020. Patients were screened for HCV antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Quantitation of the HCV viral load and genotype were assessed using a polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

This study revealed that the most common HCV genotype was 1a (HCV-1a) with a rate of 63%, while HCV-1d showed 1.5% and HCV-4 was 35.5%. Furthermore, the frequency of infection among females was more than among males at 37.5% and 25.5%, respectively, while the hemodialysis process among other transmission risk factors increased the transmission of HCV-1a infection.

Conclusions:

HCV-1a is the most predominant genotype in these patients, with more prevalent in females than males over 20 years old, and hemodialysis is the most risk factor in their transmission.
Potential determinants of childhood COVID-19 vaccine confidence among the primary school's stakeholders in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study to assess the effects of education
Authors: Roy Debendra Nath , Tanvir Md. Rubayet Sayeed , Pallab Maruf Faisal , Ferdiousi Nowrin , Islam Ekramul , Azam Md. Shah
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Rapid corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination drives aimed to immunize primary school-aged youth have a potential for health safety and supportive academic attainment. This study aimed to identify the potential factors influencing childhood COVID-19 vaccine confidence among the primary school's stakeholders in Bangladesh and assess the effects of health education on vaccine confidence and receptivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study used a bilingual, multi-item, closed-ended, anonymous questionnaire adopted from the extant literature studies on the topic. Data were collected purposively by the face-to-face interview approach. In total, 627 primary school's stakeholders participated in this study. The binary logistic regressions and Chi-square tests were employed to investigate and rationalize the study-outlined objectives where <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

The pooled childhood vaccine confidence and receptivity against COVID-19 was 91% (95% CI 89–93) among the primary school's stakeholders. The regression analysis revealed that of eight potential determinants of vaccine confidence, “safety” and “effectiveness” had a highly significant (P= 0.006,P= 0.001, respectively) and positive association and “efficacy” had a significant (P= 0.03)and positive association, while “rumor” had a highly significant (P= 0.000)and negative association with childhood vaccine confidence. The analysis also showed that“health education” had a significant (P= 0.04)and positive association with childhood vaccine confidence and receptivity against COVID-19. Although the odds ratio for receiving childhood vaccine was found to be 0.6, the result was insignificant (P> 0.05) in the Chi-squared test. Hence, there was no vaccine-hesitant risky recipient group identified in implementing upcoming childhood COVID-19 vaccination programs.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study confirms the importance of a positive perception of vaccine safety, efficacy, effectiveness, and health education for vaccine confidence under any circumstances. Childhood COVID-19 vaccine confidence is Improved if vaccination data become more available to the guardians and school community. Public health education would be considered a preferred approach for building trust and fostering childhood vaccine confidence against COVID-19 in Bangladesh.
Improving the mental health of working women with work-life conflict: A protocol development for an explanatory mixed method study
Authors: Hosseini Zahra , Rahimi Seyyede Fateme , Salmani Fatemeh , Miri Mohammad Reza , Aghamolaee Teamur , Dastjerdi Reza
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Today, one problem facing working women is the conflict between work and life, and the resultant stress has a great impact on their mental health. A well-known model for stress management is Lazarus and Folkman's model. The primary goal of the present study is to improve working women's mental health through stress management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study employs a mixed approach and is conducted in 4 phases. The target population is women working in Birjand University (South Khorasan province/Eastern Iran). The first step is to describe the research population of a cross-sectional study. The measurement instrument used is Carlson's standard work-life conflict measurement questionnaire. The sample size in this step is 319. The second step is to conduct a qualitative study by interviewing working women with work and life conflict. The sampling will continue until data saturation and then the data will be analyzed through a content analysis. The third step will be the development of a questionnaire based on Lazarus and Folkman's model using the information obtained from the qualitative step. This questionnaire will be then validated in the target research population. Moreover, an exploratory factor analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis and a reliability test will be run. The last step is to carry out an educational intervention to measure the effect of the intervention on stress management and general health in working women with work and life conflict. The measurement instruments used in this step are Cohen's Perceived Stress Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire, and a researcher-made stress management questionnaire.

CONCLUSION:

It seems that the educational intervention of stress management with educational content designed based on the needs of the audience, can be effective in controlling and managing the stress caused by women's work-life conflict.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

IRCT (IRCT20210918052508N1) from the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials in 2021-09-21.
Challenges and prerequisites of risk management program in the operating rooms of Iranian hospitals: A qualitative study
Authors: Biparva Akbar Javan , Nikjoo Raana Gholamzadeh , Jannati Ali , Arab Mohammad , Ostadi Ali
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers a safe operating room as one of the necessities of hospitals that support patients. Achieving safety in surgical operations in all countries of the world is the basic goal of healthcare centers and organizations; hence, the present study investigated the challenges and prerequisites for the implementation of an active risk management program in the operating rooms of Iranian hospitals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This qualitative-phenomenological study was conducted in 2022. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, targeted sampling, and the participation of 20 experts (health policy and management experts and academic officials and faculty members of universities) and executive staff (nurses and operating room technicians, doctors and surgical specialists, and officials of surgical departments) and were analyzed using the framework analysis method.

RESULTS:

In the resulting qualitative study, the challenges and prerequisites for active risk management in the operating room from the point of view of experts and executive staff were divided into three sub-themes. These three themes include managerial challenges and prerequisites, organizational resources (financial resources, human resources, equipment, and facilities), and cultural issues.

CONCLUSION:

Considering managerial prerequisites, organizational resources (financial, human, equipment, and facilities), cultural issues, and removing challenges, an active risk management program in the operating room can be implemented correctly. With the correct implementation of this program, injuries in the operating room for personnel and patients will be greatly reduced, and the satisfaction of beneficiaries and the productivity of the hospital will be greatly increased.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on surgical residency: Residents' perception
Authors: Ghosh Puja , Kurian Andrew Thomas , Velmurugan Dinesh , Tharumaraj Muthukumar
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

World Health Organization declared COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, and till the month of March 2023, globally, there have been 761,402,282 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6887,000 deaths. In India, almost 44,707,525 cases been recorded till date. Here, almost 30,000,000 cases been recorded after the second wave. The working force fighting this pandemic is majority formed by resident doctors all over the country and globally.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was conducted among 110 residents pursuing postgraduation in surgery and allied departments in various training institutions in Tamil Nadu for a duration of 6 months (after the second wave). A pretested and validated questionnaire was formulated to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on surgical trainee's residency program from their perspective. The questionnaire contained basic social-demographic details and general information like the details of surgical specialty they are admitted to, the overall details of changes in their surgical residency experience in the times of COVID pandemic and the changes faced by them in their day-to-day clinical, diagnostic, and surgical learning. The questionnaire also investigated the redeployment status of the surgical trainees to COVID treatment units and their perspective on the changes in their clinical research and surgical skills training.

RESULTS:

The study participants, 66%, were aged between 25 and 30 years, followed by 30 and 35 years (25.5%). Almost 80% of the participants belong to the final year of postgraduation; 67.3% of surgical trainees strongly perceives and all 100% of them accept the fact that their surgical residency has been affected by the ongoing pandemic. Fifty percent of the trainees were redeployed to COVID duties for 8 h a day shift and rest attended a minimum of 4 h of COVID duties. More than 75% of the residents had COVID duties of 5–10 h/day and more than 90% of these redeployed trainees involved in COVID duties have expressed that they had been suffering from extra stress and more than 60% were suffering from stress grade between 5 and 10 suggestive of high-stress level. Fifty-nine percent of the postgraduates in the current study mentioned that they require extra-surgical or skill-based training after their postgraduation period.

CONCLUSION:

The influence of COVID-19 on surgical trainees in various institutions of India has been immense due to overburdening of health systems by the large population of the country. Second wave of COVID, especially, has drastically changed the postgraduate surgical trainees' lives. Detrimental effects are not restricted to operative and clinical experience but also the mental health and well-being of them. The observations of the present study make recommendations for the future provision of training through skill-based surgical simulations so that the lost days of their trainings can be compensated and they become the confident surgeons of the future.
Utility of telemedicine for providing Obstetrics and Gynecology services during the COVID-19 pandemic—A single center experience from a tertiary care teaching hospital located in South India
Authors: Sharmila Vijayan , Yedla Deepthi , Babu Thirunavukkarasu Arun , Tripathi Mukesh , Kalidoss Vinoth K.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impeded the provision of public healthcare within a healthcare system that was already under considerable strain. Routine patient care services were impacted during that time, leading to the promotion of telemedicine as a means of maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services. Telemedicine involves the utilization of electronic technology and communication to provide health-related information and medical care to individuals who are physically separated from healthcare professionals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

To assess the feasibility of utilizing telemedicine for providing women's health services, we conducted a six-month analysis of data collected from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology's teleconsultation application at AIIMS, Mangalagiri. Our objective was to evaluate the practicality of telemedicine in delivering diverse healthcare services to women. Our institution offered two types of telehealth services: a “call-based”approach and an “app-based”approach. We examined several parameters within the data, including the distribution of ages, the geographic locations of teleconsultation registrations, whether the registrations were new or follow-up cases, the various presenting complaints, the recommended treatments, the number of consultations (single or multiple), and whether cases required in-person or hospital visits. Additionally, we also compared patient responses between these two modalities.

RESULTS:

The “call-based”consultation method was preferred by the majority of our patients (94%). The registered cases included both related to obstetrics and gynecology, with a higher proportion of complaints relating to gynecological issues (82.5%). We were able to make a diagnosis in 77% of cases, while in 20% of cases, additional physical examinations and diagnostic tests were necessary. Follow-up appointments were recommended for 53% of patients. The success rate of consultations for patients seeking obstetrics and gynecology services showed a statistically significant difference (P value < 0.001). The vast majority of patients (99%) expressed high satisfaction with the consultation process.

CONCLUSION:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine proved to be an effective approach in mitigating the overcrowding of hospitals and preventing the spread of infection. Its success suggests that telemedicine can be a viable option for managing elective gynecology matters and low-risk obstetric cases in the future, thereby alleviating the strain on healthcare systems.
Early surgical menopause and its correlates: A case series from a tertiary healthcare institute in a tribal area of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Rai Priyanka , Bhattacharya Sudip , Raj Manish , Bala Swapnil
Published: November 2023

In India, unjustified and mass hysterectomy is an alarming issue in rural and semi-urban areas. Fear of cancer and reiterating the idea that uterus removal will alleviate unrelated somatic issues are two methods used to persuade women to have the surgery. It becomes easier to counsel them for hysterectomy, especially when they belong to the rural population, come from lower socioeconomic strata, are young and illiterate, and do nothing for their livelihood. Many patients from the Santhal Pargana division (tribal region) came to gynecology Out Patient Department after having a hysterectomy without any medical indication at an age below 30 years to cure their common symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and vaginal discharge, and this is our major concern from them. We have taken three patients for this case series to highlight this problem at the community level. Unfortunately, the adverse health consequences of early loss of ovarian function accelerate the menopause state, affect multiple systems including cardiovascular, neurological, bone, and connective tissues, and, most importantly, affect the quality of life owing to vasomotor symptoms, mood, sleep, and sexual function. This case series emphasizes the serious complications of unnecessary hysterectomies and problems and gender inequities in the healthcare system for poor women.
Prevalence of depression among clients with diabetes and hypertension in selected hospital at Mangaluru, India
Authors: Vadeo Bizo , Shetty Sukesh , Nalini M
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Non-communicable diseases are lifestyle diseases that are increasing throughout the world. They are responsible for 71% of death worldwide, among which 16 million people die prematurely or before reaching the age of 70 years. Among the non-communicable diseases, diabetes and hypertension are the most common. The study aimed to find the prevalence of depression among diabetes and hypertensive clients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 subjects diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and both in Justice K.S Hegde Charitable Hospital at Mangaluru. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select the subjects. Patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to find the depressive symptoms among the client. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.); descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential (one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)) statistics were used to interpret the data.

RESULTS:

Out of 370 subjects, 41% had no depression, and most 59% had mild to severe levels of depression. Among clients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (n = 139), the majority (63%) had mild to severe depression. Similarly, of subjects diagnosed with hypertension, 51% had no depression, and 49% had mild to severe depression. In addition, among subjects diagnosed with both diabetes mellitus and hypertension (n = 99), 67% had mild to severe depression.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study shows that many diabetes and hypertensive patients attending the outpatient departments of the hospital experience depression. So, it is crucial to identify the depressive symptoms early and take appropriate measures to prevent complications.
Prevalence of Traumatic Brain Injury and Associated Infections in a Trauma Center in Northern India
Authors: Kar Mitra , Sahu Chinmoy , Singh Pooja , Bhaisora Kamlesh Singh , Tejan Nidhi , Patel Sangram Singh , Ghoshal Ujjala
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

One of the rapidly escalating public health problems worldwide is traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to road traffic accidents. In comparison to postneurosurgery patients and other patients inhabiting the intensive care units (ICUs), patients with TBI are more susceptible to nosocomially acquired infections from the hospital milieu.

Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted at a university hospital in Northern India from December 2018 to September 2022. All patients presenting with TBI formed the cohort of our study population.

Results:

A total of 72 patients with TBI were enrolled. The mean age of patients was 40.07 ± 18.31 years. The most common infections were ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (44/72, 61.11%) and bloodstream infection (BSI) in 21 (21/72, 29.17%) patients. Concomitant infections were observed in 21 (21/72, 29.17%) patients. The common organism causing VAP was Acinetobacter spp. (29/58, 50.0%), BSI was Klebsiella pneumoniae (10/23, 43.48%), urinary tract infection was K. pneumoniae (5/16, 31.25%), and surgical site infection was Acinetobacter spp. (3/8, 37.5%) in TBI patients. An increased incidence of multidrug resistance was demonstrated in our patients. The increased length of hospital and ICU stay, ICU admission, intubation, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension were statistically significant parameters that made TBI patients prone to develop an infection.

Conclusion:

TBI patients suffering from underlying comorbidities are prone to develop infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria was observed among our study cohort which also mirrors the lack of adherence to infection control measures.
Evolution of the concepts of pediatric airway and endotracheal intubation
Authors: Wani Tariq M. , Sundaram Manu S. , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: November 2023

The tenets of airway anatomy and management continue to be reevaluated and challenged as our knowledge increases. This has led to a better understanding of the pediatric airway and its critical differences from adults. This evolving understanding of the pediatric airway size and shape has significant clinical implications to airway management in the operating room, emergency department, and the intensive care unit. The first significant change in clinical practice was the transition to the routine use of cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs). This was facilitated by the availability of the Microcuff® with a polyurethane cuff and a redesigned position of the cuff on the shaft of the ETT without the Murphy’s eye. Additional attention to the design and the location of the cuff on the ETT may be necessary as well as to markings for depth of intubation on the shaft of the ETT to ensure that the cuff is placed fully below the cricoid ring following endotracheal intubation. Inflation of the cuff with high intracuff pressures within the cricoid ring may compromise perfusion of the tracheal mucosa and result in airway injury.
Теоретико-операторный подход к усреднению уравнений типа Шрeдингера с периодическими коэффициентами
Authors: Suslina Tatiana Aleksandrovna
Published: November 2023

В $L_2(\mathbb{R}^d;\mathbb{C}^n)$ рассматривается самосопряженный сильно эллиптический дифференциальный оператор ${\mathcal A}_\varepsilon$ второго порядка. Предполагается, что коэффициенты оператора ${\mathcal A}_\varepsilon$ периодичны и зависят от ${\mathbf x}/\varepsilon$, где $\varepsilon>0$. Изучается поведение операторной экспоненты $e^{-i{\mathcal A}_\varepsilon\tau}$ при малом $\varepsilon$ и $\tau \in \mathbb{R}$. Результаты применяются к усреднению решений задачи Коши для уравнения типа Шрeдингера $i\partial_\tau{\mathbf u}_\varepsilon({\mathbf x},\tau)= ({\mathcal A}_\varepsilon{\mathbf u}_\varepsilon)({\mathbf x},\tau)$ с начальными данными из специального класса. При фиксированном $\tau$ и $\varepsilon \to 0$ решение сходится в $L_2(\mathbb{R}^d;\mathbb{C}^n)$ к решению усредненной задачи; погрешность имеет порядок $O(\varepsilon)$. При фиксированном $\tau$ получена аппроксимация решения ${\mathbf u}_\varepsilon( \cdot ,\tau)$ по норме в $L_2(\mathbb{R}^d;\mathbb{C}^n)$ с погрешностью $O(\varepsilon^2)$, а также аппроксимация решения по норме в $H^1(\mathbb{R}^d;\mathbb{C}^n)$ с погрешностью $O(\varepsilon)$. В этих аппроксимациях учитываются корректоры. Отслежена зависимость погрешностей от параметра $\tau$. Библиография: 113 названий.
Odzivi učencev z govorno-jezikovnimi motnjami na priredbo Levstikovega Martina Krpana z Vrha v lahko branje
Authors: Vizjak Puškar Nika
Published: November 2023

This article presents the results of research on the reading comprehension of literary texts read by students with speech and language disorders. The basic characteristics of easy-to-read texts and the specific reading comprehension characteristics of individual students with speech and language disorders are introduced. A comparison is made between students’ reactions after reading the original version of Levstik’s Martin Krpan z Vrha and after reading an easy-to-read version. The research results demonstrate how important it is to adapt literary texts for this target group, since the students could only really understand it after reading the easy-to-read version.
effect of converted buildings on the management of records and archives in the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives of South Africa
Authors: Feni-Fete Vuyolwethu Ethel , Khayundi Festus E.
Published: November 2023

Archival buildings play a pivotal role in the management of records and archives. This paper highlights the findings of a case study that investigated the effect of converted buildings on the management of records and archives in the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. The study population consisted of all archives and records personnel in the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives. The sample comprised 13 purposively selected participants. The participants had the requisite knowledge and experience pertaining to the management of records and archives in their respective records and archives in the provincial archives offices. These included the director, assistant directors, archivists, and assistant archivists. Data were collected using interviews, observations, and document analysis. Collected data were analysed using emerging themes based on the objectives of the study. The findings of the study revealed that all archival offices and repositories of the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives are housed in converted buildings. There was a clear lack of adequate and suitable office and working space, and repositories for effective management of records and archives. This has serious implications for adequate processing, storage, access to, and preservation of, records and archival materials. It was recommended that more resources should be allocated for the management of records and archives by revamping the existing facilities while resources are provided for planning and building of requisite infrastructure for records and archives management for the Eastern Cape province.
Quipowanie muzeum: O wystawie Queering the Crip, Cripping the Queer w berlińskim Schwules Museum
Authors: Ojrzyńska Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

Quipping the Museum: Queering the Crip, Cripping the Queer at Berlin’s Schwules Museum

The article analyzes Queering the Crip, Cripping the Queer (Schwules Museum, Berlin, 2022/2023) – the first international exhibition which centred on the intersections of queer and crip history, culture, and activism. Drawing on the theoretical framework of cultural disability studies, Ojrzyńska examines its key thematic areas, such as inclusion, aesthetic beauty, history, and resistance. Informed by the minoritarian ethics of representation, Queering the Crip… showed how a museum exhibition can serve as a site of inclusivity and a resource for inclusive practices, nurturing solidarity and a sense of connection across various categories of social exclusion, invisibility, and marginalization, with major focus on “quip” identities, to use the neologism put forward by Quiplash. It expanded the Schwules Museum’s reach beyond those members of the queer community who fit in the bodily and mental “norm” as well as stimulating reflection on the place and role of disability in culture and society. In fact, the exhibition presented disability and queerness as identities and alternative ways of being in the world that can intersect and have a strong subversive political, ethical, and aesthetic potential.
Trybunał Konstytucyjny jako strażnik Konstytucji – stan obecny i wnioski de lege ferenda
Authors: Patyra Sławomir , Zalasiński Tomasz
Published: November 2023

The Constitutional Tribunal as the Guardian of the Constitution: Current State and de lege ferenda Conclusions

The article is devoted to the issue of the importance of the Constitutional Tribunal as a body that guarantees the supremacy of the Constitution in a political system based on the principle of a democratic state ruled by law. While reviewing the compliance of the law with the Constitution, the Tribunal is also a particularly important guarantor of the protection of freedoms and human rights, protecting citizens against arbitrary interference by ruling politicians in the sphere of individual freedom. The basic condition for the effective performance of the Tribunal’s functions is its independence from political authorities. Changes in the functioning of the Constitutional Tribunal, introduced after 2015, deprived the Tribunal of the ability to effectively perform the function of guardian of the Constitution and protector of freedoms and human rights. As a result, the current Tribunal is the anti­thesis of the constitutional court within the meaning of constitutional and international democratic standards. In the last part of the article, the authors present the basic assumptions of the bills prepared by legal experts of the Stefan Batory Foundation, aimed at restoring the proper functioning of the Constitutional Tribunal in Poland.
Wsparcie państwa polskiego dla jednostek polonoznawczych – narzędzie dyplomacji publicznej czy polityki polonijnej?
Authors: Gońda Marcin , Nowosielski Michał , Jóźwiak Ignacy
Published: November 2023

Artykuł analizuje działania państwa polskiego mające na celu wsparcie jednostek polonoznawczych za granicą i bada relacje między tymi jednostkami a instytucjami w Polsce. Celem artykułu jest zrozumienie form i zakresu wsparcia oferowanego jednostkom polonoznawczym oraz wyjaśnienie, dlaczego działania z zakresu dyplomacji publicznej adresowane są także do polskiej diaspory. Analiza opiera się na oficjalnych dokumentach dotyczących dyplomacji publicznej i polityki polonijnej, a także na wynikach badania empirycznego przeprowadzonego wśród przedstawicieli polskich instytucji odpowiedzialnych za promocję polskiego wizerunku za granicą oraz przedstawicieli jednostek polonoznawczych. Wnioski wskazują na heterogeniczność tych jednostek oraz różnice między wsparciem dla jednostek na Wschodzie i Zachodzie. W przypadku jednostek funkcjonujących w krajach byłego ZSRR wyraźnie dominuje polityka polonijna, która ma na celu podtrzymywanie związków miejscowych Polaków z Polską i polskością. Na Zachodzie wsparcie dla jednostek polonoznawczych wynika zarówno z polityki polonijnej, jak i dyplomacji publicznej.

Poland’s support for Polish Studies units abroad – a tool of public diplomacy or diaspora policy?

The paper analyses the Polish government’s actions to support Polish studies units abroad and examines the relationships between these units and institutions in Poland. It aims to understand the forms and scope of support offered to Polish studies units and to explain why public diplomacy actions also target the Polish diaspora. The analysis is based on official documents related to public diplomacy and Polish diaspora policy, as well as the results of an empirical study conducted among representatives of Polish institutions responsible for promoting the Polish image abroad and representatives of Polish studies units. The conclusions indicate the heterogeneity of these units and differences in support for units in the East and the West. In the case of units operating in former Soviet Union countries, Polish diaspora policy dominates, aiming to maintain connections between local Polish communities and Poland. In the West, support for Polish studies units stems from both Polish diaspora policy and public diplomacy.
Stefan Zakrzewski (1898-1934) – Żołnierz Legionów Polskich i oficer zawodowy Wojska Polskiego
Authors: Durka Jarosław
Published: November 2023

Artykuł opisuje losy Stefana Zakrzewskiego (1898-1934), pochodzącego z rodziny o silnych tradycjach patriotycznych, młodzieżowego działacza Polskiej Organizacji Wojskowej, ochotnika Legionów Polskich Józefa Piłsudskiego i uczestnika wojny polsko-sowieckiej 1920 r., podczas której został ranny. Po zakończeniu działań zbrojnych Stefan Zakrzewski postanowił kontynuować karierę wojskową. Dosłużył się stopnia kapitana. Na uwagę zasługuje też najbliższa rodzina Stefana Zakrzewskiego. Zarówno postać dziadka, Antoniego Freytaga, powstańca styczniowego, jak i matki, Stefanii, która działała społecznie w Kaliszu. Osoby te miały niewątpliwy wpływ na wybory życiowe Stefana, ale też jego siostry, Janiny, która podobnie jak matka działała społecznie, m. in. na rzecz internowanych w Szczypiornie legionistów.

Stefan Zakrzewski (1898-1934) – Soldier of the Polish Legions and Professional Officer in the Polish Army: The article presents the figure of Stefan Zakrzewski, born in Kalisz, an activist of the Polish Military Organisation and a volunteer of the Polish Legions, fighting in the ranks of the 6th Infantry Regiment. He joined the Polish Legions without completing middle school. After Poland regained independence, he continued his service as a professional officer in the Polish Army. Throughout his life, he displayed an extremely patriotic attitude. In January 1919, at his own request, he was assigned to the 29th Infantry Regiment (Kaniowski Rifle Regiment), and later also fought in the 28th Infantry Regiment and the 34th Infantry Regiment. He was wounded during the fighting. After the end of the Polish-Soviet War, he continued his education and was conscripted into the 29th Infantry Regiment and then into the 5th Sapper Regiment. While in the army, he was a physical education instructor. From 1930, he was commander of the 2nd Sapper Company in the 1st Battalion of Legion Sappers in Modlin.
Social Ties, Disorder and Distress: A Qualitative Examination of the Protective Effects of Social Capital in Neighborhoods
Authors: Packard Josh , Callaway Lindsey , Dorris Chris , Suhr Emily
Published: November 2023

This paper is examines how social ties mediate the negative impact of neighborhood disorder by changing people’s perceptions of their neighborhood. It draws on and helps to advance an understanding of social capital as a protective cognitive resource that people use to frame their understandings of their local environments. This paper extends current research about the importance of social capital as a protective factor at the neighborhood level while taking advantage of a unique research setting, a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood, to begin to uncover how social capital operates at the micro-level to produce positive effects. We find that social networks operate as a resource which impacts the way people perceive and interpret agreed upon problems.
The New Alternative Masculinities and the Overcoming of Gender Violence
Authors: Flecha Ramon , Puigvert Lidia , Rios Oriol
Published: November 2023

Research about masculinities gathers different topics from diverse disciplinary perspectives. One of the topics has been the analysis of the perpetuation’s effect of the traditional heterosexual model of masculinity in the violence against women. Recent scientific evidences about the reproduction of this social problem have evidenced the existence of three different types of masculinities (in the sense of the weberian ideal types): dominant traditional masculinity (DTM), oppressed traditional masculinity (OTM), and new alternative masculinities (NAM). The first two types contribute to perpetuate gender violence, while the latter allows preventing it and, consequently, it leads to its overcoming. This article approach the existence of these three types of masculinities and analyzes both, theirs characteristics and their consequences for violence against women. It presents evidences that what makes NAM providing a preventive effect is its linkage between the language of ethics and the language of desire.
Un Ejemplo de Sociología del Desprecio y Exclusión Discursiva: La Metamorfosis de la Familia según Kafka
Authors: Herzog Benno , HernÃ ndez i Dobon Francesc
Published: November 2023

La teoría de reconocimiento de Axel Honneth, como marco conceptual capazde aprehender el sufrimiento humano, afirma que existen mecanismos deexclusión del espacio social que producen sus efectos antes de que losindividuos ingresen en la esfera discursiva. Hemos denominado «exclusióndiscursiva» a la combinación de esta forma de exclusión de los discursos con laexclusión producido en y mediante los discursos. El objetivo del presenteartículo es mostrar la utilidad del análisis de la exclusión discursiva paraentender procesos de desprecio social. Explicamos en la primera parte del textola teoría del reconocimiento y del desprecio de Axel Honneth y mostraremos elvínculo de su teoría con la noción de exclusión discursiva. A continuaciónintroducimos en la interpretación la obra de Kafka La metamorfosis para,posteriormente, definir tres momentos de la negación del reconocimientorelacionado con el amor que tienen índole discursiva, y que denominaremos,por analogía a los procedimientos matemáticos, «sustitución», «igualación» y«reducción». Entendemos que una tipología de las formas de exclusióndiscursiva permite proseguir la teoría comunicativa de la teoría delreconocimiento, lo que permite solucionar algunas de sus dificultades y avanzarhacia una sociología del desprecio.
Mixed Methods? Do They Really Work? A Commentary
Authors: Cheng Shu-Ju Ada
Published: November 2023

In this short commentary, I comment on the state and popularity of mixed methods in social sciences in recent decades. While quantitative and qualitative methods are considered complementary, I question the use of mixed methods by scholars without deeper reflections on the epistemological and methodological foundations of these two methods. My contention is that researchers cannot simply combine qualitative and quantitative methods without explicating how they reconcile and negotiate their different foundations. These two methods are not just tools. The act of mixing them without reflections is simply not sufficient. Reconciling and reflecting upon the foundational differences between these two methods would be an essential step.
Nuevos movimientos sociales en el Estado español: una visión desde los principios del aprendizaje dialógico.
Authors: Rivero Jiménez Borja
Published: November 2023

En los últimos años han aparecido diferentes movilizaciones sociales dentro del Estado español que han adquirido una importante relevancia en el espacio político, como el movimiento 15M o la Plataforma de Afectados por las Hipotecas. Estas movilizaciones tienen unas nuevas formas de acción y organización que guardan relación con algunos principios del aprendizaje dialógico. A través de la observación y participación en estos colectivos en la ciudad de Cáceres, además de la revisión documental de artículos realizados sobre estas movilizaciones, hemos querido mostrar algunas evidencias de esta relación. Nuestra conclusión es que estas nuevas formas de organización contribuyen a caminar hacia una democracia más asentada sobre el diálogo igualitario que sobre las imposiciones de poder desde las esferas políticas.
Integrating the Best of Both Worlds: Details from Mexican- Origin College Students about Their Bicultural Identities and Adjustment Experiences
Authors: Nelson Kyle Anne , Infante Michel
Published: November 2023

What influences the successful bicultural adjustment of ethnic minority adolescentsinto the mainstream American culture? While previous research has indicated thatthe most successful adjustment process involves the forging of new identitiescombining characteristics from both the culture of origin and the new culture, thereis little exploration into the details of this process from the perspective of minoritieswho have successfully achieved bicultural adjustment. In order to determine whetherbicultural adjustment is an evident as well as a consciously valued process amongminority adolescents, we conducted in-depth written surveys with open-endedquestions of 20 Mexican-origin college students. By focusing on high-achievers asmeasured by college attendance, we aim to highlight key elements of the culturaladjustment process that lead to positive outcomes for ethnic minority adolescents.The survey results provide rich evidence in the participants’ own words about thecomplex nature and value of bicultural adjustment. These findings can informadjustment efforts of ethnic minority adolescents as well as the institutions andcommunity organizations who serve them.
MANYETİK POZİSYON SENSÖRÜNE SAHİP SCARA ROBOTUNUN MODELLENMESİ VE SENSÖRÜN ANALİZİ
Authors: TAŞDELEN Kubilay , BERİŞ Selim
Published: November 2023

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, manyetik pozisyon sensörlü bir enkoderin oluşturulması ve bunun 3 eksenli bir SCARA robotuna entegre edilmesidir. Geliştirilen pozisyon enkoderi, 12-bit çözünürlüğe sahiptir. Enkoder; motor adım çözünürlüğü, sensör-enkoder mesafesi, sürücü sıcaklığı ve yazılım değişken tipleri gibi farklı sistem parametreleri altında deneysel yollarla analiz edilmiştir. Enkoder, motor mili üzerine yerleştirilen mıknatısları algılayarak konum bilgisini elde etmektedir. Elde edilen veriler, farklı motor hızlarında ve çözünürlüklerde analiz edilerek doğruluğu değerlendirilmektedir. Çalışma kapsamında, step motor performansı üzerinde sürücü sıcaklığının etkisi incelenmiştir. Ardından, motor mili üzerine yerleştirilen mıknatıs ve sensör arasındaki mesafe değişiminin konum hataları üzerindeki etkisi değerlendirilmiştir. Ayrıca, yazılım algoritmasının doğruluğu da test edilerek algoritmadan kaynaklanabilecek olası sorunlar incelenmiştir. Yapılan deneyler, manyetik konum sensörlerinin hassas konumlandırma için robotik uygulamalarda potansiyel olarak kullanılabileceğini göstermiştir. Ancak, elde edilen sonuçlar, bu enkoderlerin dış etkenlerden etkilenebileceğini ortaya koymuştur. Bu nedenle, sistem tasarımı aşamasında enkoder parametrelerinin, konumu ve hassasiyeti gibi faktörlerin dikkate alınması gerektiği sonucuna varılmıştır.
3B YAZICIYLA BASKILANAN ÇİMENTO ESASLI HARÇLARDA KATMANLAR ARASI BAĞ DAYANIMININ İNCELENMESİ
Authors: UYGUNOĞLU Tayfun , ÇETİNGÜL Feyza
Published: November 2023

Geleneksel yöntemlerle bina üretimi yıllardır kullanılmakta olan bir yöntemken, son yıllarda üç boyutlu yazıcılarla bina üretimi giderek daha popüler hale gelmektedir. Üç boyutlu yazıcılarla üretilen yapıların en önemli özelliklerinden biri, katmanlı üretim tekniğidir. Bu çalışmada, eklemeli imalat yöntemi ile 25 katmanlı olarak baskılanan bir yapının en alt katmandan en üst katmana kadar olan katmanlar arası bağ dayanımı incelenmiştir. Üst üste gelen katmanların ağırlıklarının katmanlar arası bağ bölgelerine etkisi ve yazdırılma aşamasında oluşacak herhangi bir kesintiden ötürü oluşabilecek soğuk derz riski farklı zamanlarda bekleme gerçekleştirilerek araştırılmıştır. Öncelikle taze harcın ekstrüde edilebilirlik ve akışkanlığa karşı gösterdiği direnç özellikleri arasındaki ilişki belirlenmiştir. Priz alma süresine bakıldığında yazdırılma işleminden 90 dk sonra priz başladığı ve 250 dk geçtikten sonra da priz işleminin sona erdiği görüldü. Katmanlar arası bağ dayanımlarına bakıldığında ilk yazdırılan yani alt katmanların arasındaki bağ dayanımının üst katmanlar arasındakine göre daha fazla olduğu görülmüştür. Farklı zaman aralıklarında soğuk derz oluşturulan katmanların bağ dayanımı incelendiğinde her geçen zamanın katmanlar arası bağ dayanımını düşürdüğü gözlemlenmiştir.
Implementación de capacitaciones de atención al usuario en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado del cantón Quinindé, Ecuador
Authors: Montaño Batioja Hilda Patricia , Salazar Sánchez Janeth María , Apolo Malucin Stefanie Apolo , Apolo Malucin Jessica Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

El presente artículo parte del análisis de la necesidad de incrementar una capacitación puntual sobre las normas de atención al cliente. Para el propósito de esta investigación se conceptualiza a la formación de las normas de atención al cliente a los funcionarios públicos del en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado del cantón Quinindé del área de recaudación, como un eje primordial para el desarrollo del sector público, se investiga la metodología, utilizada para fortalecer y automatizar las estrategias de aprendizaje para los funcionarios por parte de la Universidad “Técnica Luis Vargas torres” de Esmeraldas sede Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. A partir del estudio realizado se pudo identificar las necesidades de capacitación. Además, se visibilizo los objetivos los cuales ayudaran a fortalecer e incentivar la gestión administrativa dentro de la institución. Se dará recomendaciones a los funcionarios y personal administrativo del departamento de recaudación con el fin de que se creen bases sólidas para que el funcionamiento de sus labores sea lo más eficiente posible. En definitiva, este proyecto de investigación busca ofrecer una solución eficiente y efectiva para la calidad del servicio en la atención pública de gobierno autónomo descentralizado del cantón Quinindé, que puede ser replicada en otras instituciones del cantón.
Capacitación del personal administrativo para la mejora del rendimiento laboral
Authors: Campoverde Angélica , García Jenniffer , Aguilar Skarlet , Vaca Valery
Published: November 2023

La empresa pública municipal de agua potable y alcantarillado Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, como parte fundamental y compromiso para mejorar el ambiente laboral se basa en el código de ética empresarial realizando capacitaciones constantes del personal administrativo. Los aspectos metodológicos utilizados se basan en una investigación mixta ya que se adapta a sus características y necesidades. Entre las principales conclusiones, el programa de capacitación fue positiva, lo que implica que los participantes adquirieron el conocimiento necesario para la mejora empresarial.