bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of longitudinal trajectories of triglyceride-glucose index on the new-onset non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wu Xinri , Chen Quan , Zhang Caiqin , Hong Xin
Published: January 2025

Background The
triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable marker of insulin resistance and has been linked to various metabolic disorders. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent metabolic liver disease,especially among the elderly. The relationship between changes in the TyG index and NAFLD onset is not fully understood. Our study examines the association between changes in the TyG index and the onset of NAFLD among elderly participants.
Method
We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 28,535 elderly participants, selected based on their participation in annual health checkups from 2018 to 2021 and having complete triglyceride and fasting blood glucose values, which met our inclusion criteria. The group-based trajectory model was used to identify three distinct TyG trajectory groups: the low-stable group, moderate-stable group, and high-stable group. The incidence of NAFLD in each group was followed up at the 2022 and 2023 checkups. We calculated the differences in cumulative incidence of TyG across the groups and utilized Cox proportional hazard models to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals for NAFLD onset among the groups. To further minimize the influence of other risk factors on the results, those with BMI > 28 and those taking medications were excluded, respectively, and the models were adjusted for sensitivity analysis. Restricted cubic spline regression was applied to evaluate the baseline dose-response relationship between the TyG index and NAFLD.
Results
The study included a total of 28,535 participants, comprising 13,456 males (47.16%) and 15,079 females (52.84%). The cumulative incidence rates of NAFLD were 7.10% in the low-stable group, 16.10% in the moderate-stable group, and 23.20% in the high-stable group, increasing significantly with rising TyG trajectories (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards modeling after adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, blood pressure, BMI, blood glucose, and lipids showed that the risk of NAFLD in the moderate-stable group and the high-stable group was 1.682 (95% CI: 1.541–1.835) and 2.279 (95% CI: 1.998–2.599) times higher than that of the low-stable group (P < 0.001).NAFLD risk progressively increased with higher TyG levels, with critical cut-off values set at 8.56 for the total population.
Conclusion
People with consistently high TyG levels have a higher risk of developing NAFLD, and this risk increases progressively as TyG levels rise.
Modulation of Biofilm Growth by Shear and Fluctuations in Turbulent Environments
Authors: Pizzi Federico , Peters Francesc , Sorribes Elena , Marín-Beltrán Isabel , Romera-Castillo Cristina , Grau Joan , Rahmani Mona , Jofre Lluís , Capuano Francesco
Published: January 2025

This work investigates the role of shear and turbulent fluctuations on multi-species biofilm growth. The study is mostly motivated by understanding biofouling on microplastics (MPs) in oceanic environments. By increasing particle stickiness, biofilms promote MP aggregation and sinking; therefore, a thorough understanding of this multi-scale process is crucial to improve predictions of the MPs fate. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments using an oscillating-grid system to promote biofilm growth on small plastic surfaces under homogeneous isotropic turbulence with grid Reynolds numbers between 305 and 2220. Two configurations were analyzed: one where plastic samples move along with the grid (shear-dominated) and another one where the samples are kept fixed downstream the grid, thus experiencing turbulence but no mean flow (shear-free). Biofilm formed in all cases in a time scale of days, then the biomass formed on the plastic pieces was carefully measured and analyzed as a function of the turbulence level. The shear-free results were further interpreted using a parsimonious physical model, coupling the nutrient uptake rate within the biofilm (Monod kinetics) with the turbulent diffusion of the surrounding bulk liquid. Results show that: (i) under shear-dominated conditions, the biofilm mass initially grows with turbulence intensity before decaying, presumably due to shear-induced erosion; (ii) in the shear-free experiments, the mass increases monotonically following an enhanced availability of nutrients, and then saturates due to uptake-limited kinetics. This latter behavior is well reproduced by the physical model.Furthermore, a subset of plastic pieces were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope, revealing that turbulence also affects the microscopic configuration of biofilm clusters, increasing their compactness as the amplitude of turbulent fluctuations increases. These results contribute not only to our fundamental understanding of biofilms under flow, but can also inform global models of MP transport in marine environments.
Prospective Analysis of Adiposity Metrics for Complicated Acute Colonic Diverticulitis: Should Wses Classification and Visceral Adiposity Be Integrated for Predictive Analyses?
Authors: BEYAZADAM Damla , EREN Tunc , AKGUL Nuray COLAPKULU , SAGIROGLU Sukriye Julide , GUNDUZ Nesrin , EKINCI Ozgur , ALIMOGLU Orhan
Published: January 2025

Background: Colonic diverticulitis is correlated with age, body mass index (BMI), and increased visceral or subcutaneous fat. Obesity contributes to diverticulosis, diverticulitis and its complications onset, as visceral fat activates inflammatory pathways that exacerbate these conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of visceral adiposity and body mass index (BMI) on complications of acute colonic diverticulitis.
Method: A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients with acute diverticulitis admitted to the general surgery ward of a university hospital in Istanbul from September 2017 to February 2022. A total of 208 patients were classified into uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis per the World Society of Emergency Surgery guidelines. After documenting demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, along with BMI and computed tomography measurements of visceral and subcutaneous fat areas (VFA, SFA), we conducted a statistical analysis to assess the relationships between VFA, SFA, and BMI in both groups.
Results: Complicated diverticulitis group was found to have significantly lower values of BMI and VFA (p=0.037 and p=0.046 respectively). Similarly, BMI and VFA values of patients who underwent all interventional procedures including percutaneous drainage and surgery were found to be significantly lower than the conservative treatment group (p=0.007, p=0.025 respectively).
Conclusion: Our study shows that complicated diverticulitis cases have lower BMI and visceral fat area. We suggest that increased visceral adipose tissue may serve a protective role by preventing these diverticula from developing into more complicated forms. Therefore, visceral adiposity metrics can be integrated in the predictive analyses.
Rootstock microbiome as a target for manipulation to combat apple replant disease
Authors: Yurgel Svetlana N. , Ajeethan Nivethika , Ali Shawkat
Published: January 2025

Apple replant disease (ARD) describes a phenomenon of reduction of crop productivity in the early years of orchard establishment in the sites previously planted to apple. Currently manipulation of soil microbiome by (bio)fumigation is the major approach to alleviate ARD. Adjustment of rootstock microbiome to harsh orchard soil biotic factors might be an alternative approach to combat ARD. In this study we evaluated differences in microbiome structure and composition between nursery rootstock and mature trees, grown in Nova Scotian apple orchards. We showed that mature apple tree roots possessed microbiome that dramatically differed in its diversity, structure and composition from that associated with saplings. Our research pointed to a single mycorrhizal fungus, Pteridiospora spinosispora, which should be further investigated as a potential nursery inoculum to prevent ARD development in re-planted apple orchards. The results of this study provide a foundation for development of a synthetic community which could be used in nurseries during rootstock propagation to improve saplings adaptation to ARD soils. This approach could deliver an ecologically safe and cost-efficient alternative to soil amendments to alleviate ARD consequences.
Epidemiology and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in Mass Casualty Incident: a retrospective series from the pagers’ detonation in Lebanon
Authors: Zalaket Jad , Achkouty Andrea , Kais Sami , Mansour Toni , Roukoz Sami , Abiad Rami El
Published: January 2025

Purpose: On September 17, 2024, a coordinated detonation of pagers across multiple regions in Lebanon caused a devastating mass casualty event, resulting in over 2800 injuries and 9 fatalities. Most of the affected individuals suffered from severe hand and eye injuries. This study aims to describe the experience of the Orthopedic Department at anonymous and the treatment strategies that were adopted.
Material and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted to analyze the musculoskeletal injuries sustained during this incident .Data collection included demographic data such as age and gender. Specific factors concerning musculoskeletal injuries such as hand dominance, unilateral or bilateral lesions, injury severity, surgical intervention, missed fractures and need for secondary surgeries were noted as well. Associated injuries, ocular penetrations, ear-drum perforations, brain contusions, intracranial hemorrhage, and facial fractures were also included.
Results: 45 patients (43 males and 2 females) with musculoskeletal injuries were included in this study. Age ranged from 4 to 59 years with a mean of 34 +/- 9.7 years. The most common musculoskeletal trauma was a hand injury with 42 out of 45 patients, including 25 affected bilaterally totalizing 67 injured hands. Other musculoskeletal injuries included 10 deep wounds to the lower limbs, 2 iliac bones fractures and 3 forearm penetrating wounds, one of them causing an ulnar nerve palsy. Kirschner-wires were used in 10 hands initially and post operative X-Rays revealed 15 missed injuries, out of them, 6 underwent secondary surgeries.
Conclusion:Mass causality incidents present a significant and unique challenge for healthcare workers particularly in the field of orthopedic surgery. Lessons learned from such events are critical to improve preparedness and optimize patient care in future encounters.
Association Between Bone Mineral Density, Sleep Disturbance and Sleep Duration: Results from Observational and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Renqiang , Deng Zihao , Yang Zilong , Xu Jian , Liu Zhiqin
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The relationship between bone health and sleep problems still remains controversial across different study conditions. This study aims to investigate the association between sleep disturbance, sleep duration and bone mineral density(BMD) using observational and Mendelian randomization(MR) study.
Methods
A total of 6,421 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010 were included in this study. The association between sleep disturbance, sleep duration, and BMD was assessed using multivariable linear regression analysis. Two-sample MR analysis was employed to corroborate the observational study results. Five methods were utilized to estimate causal effects, with the primary approach being the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) analysis.
Results
Sleep disturbance exhibited a negative association with BMD in both the femoral neck (β: -0.03; 95% CI, -0.04 to -0.02), and lumbar spine (β: -0.01; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.00). This association remained significant after adjusting for known confounders, with β values of -0.01 (95% CI, -0.02 to -0.01) for the femoral neck and − 0.01 (95% CI, -0.02 to 0.00) for the lumbar spine. No significant association was observed between sleep duration and BMD, and stratification analysis by sleep disturbance yielded similar results. MR analysis appeared to indicate a consistent trend in the causal association between sleep disorder and BMD at the femoral neck using IVW methods (β: -0.039; 95% CI: -0.142 to 0.063), and lumbar spine(β: -0.041; 95% CI: -0.182 to 0.101), and the other 4 methods showed consistent results, although no significant difference was observed. There was no statistical difference found in the MR analysis for the causal relationship between BMD and sleep duration.
Conclusions
The study suggests potential causal associations between sleep disorders and a higher risk of bone loss. Additionally, there is no evidence to indicate that extending sleep duration could compensate for bone loss caused by sleep disorders.
Assessment of the impact of lithology on the watertightness of aerated lagoon systems in a Sub-Saharan Africa environment: the case study of an oil factory company in two councils in the Littoral region of Cameroon
Authors: Kamtoh Auguste Landry Kamegne , Mvongo Victor Dang , Defo Célestin , Nguema Paul Fabrice Nguema , Ombolo Auguste
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to assess the impact of soil lithology in the watertightness of aerated lagoon systems in oil factory company in two councils (Dibombari and Edea 1st ) in the Littoral region of Cameroon. Primary data were obtained through sampling and analysing wastewater in the first basin, soils at various depths (3 m, 7 m, 15 m and 21 m) and groundwater after piezometers’ construction. Data processing involved several steps. Firstly, wastewater parameters were compared to soil parameters at three meters. Secondly, the evolution of soil parameters was analysed for each site by calculating pollutant reductions based on lithological sections. Finally, groundwater parameters from both sites were compared. The results showed that the lagoons systems with geotextile membrane, although quite effective, have shortcomings concerning in particular total nitrogen and phosphates. Due to its lithology, the Dibombari site provided better watertightness (final reductions ranging from 99.84% for total organic matter to 27.20% for sulphates) than that of Edéa (final reductions ranging from 97.25% for total nitrogen to 36.40% for sulphates). Laterites, clayed sands, and clays were the soil types with purifying and filtering qualities associated particularly to these reductions of nitrates and phosphates concentrations. Comparing the piezometers’ groundwater highlighted the superior water quality at the Dibombari site, whose characteristics are closer to natural raw water than those at the Edéa site. Combining these soil types with geotextile membranes during the construction of local lagoon basins could enhance water retention, directly protecting groundwater and indirectly offering opportunities for optimizing waterproofing technology.
Fast neural population dynamics in primate V1 captured by a genetically-encoded voltage indicator
Authors: Zhou Jingyang , Chen Yuzhi , Whitmire Matt , Tan Pin Kwang , Wu Jimin , Veeraraghavan Ashok , Robinson Jacob , Geisler Wilson , Pieribone Vincent , Seidemann Eyal
Published: January 2025

Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) can measure millisecond-scale subthreshold neural responses with cell type specificity. Here, we successfully expressed, for the first time, a GEVI in excitatory V1 neurons in macaque monkeys. We then used widefield fluorescent imaging to measure V1 dynamics in response to visual stimuli with diverse temporal waveforms and contrasts, and compared these responses to signals measured using a genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) and a synthetic voltage-sensitive dye (VSD). When compared to GECI, GEVI captures faster response dynamics, tracks higher temporal frequencies, and responds to lower contrasts. To quantitatively characterize these three signals, we developed a simple nonlinear model that predicts the response dynamics to stimuli with arbitrary temporal waveforms and contrasts. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that GEVI signals reflect the dynamics of locally summed membrane potentials, thus opening the door for a new class of experiments in behaving primates.
Risikofaktoren für erhöhte Mortalität bei PatientInnen mit Nekrotisierenden Weichteilinfektionen
Authors:   , Gerl Benedikt
Published: January 2025

Nekrotisierende Weichteilinfektionen (NSTI) stellen eine Gruppe seltener infektiöser Erkrankungen dar, welche potentiell zu Sepsis, Multiorganversagen und Tod führen können. Das klinische Spektrum reicht von subakuten bis hin zu rasch fortscheitenden, fulminanten Verläufen. Die erfolgreiche Behandlung der schwerwiegenden Verläufe hängt maßgeblich von einer raschen Diagnosestellung und dem sofortigen Einleiten einer zielgerichteten Therapie mittels chirurgischer Defektsanierung, antibiotischer Therapie und intensivmedizinscher Stabilisierung ab. Gleichzeitig wird diese frühe Diagnosestellung aufgrund der Seltenheit der Erkrankung und der in der Frühphase kaum möglichen Unterscheidung von banalen Weichteilinfektionen und subakuten Verläufen erschwert. An der Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Unfallklinik Murnau wurden innerhalb der Jahre 2003 bis 2017 n=222 Fälle mit bestätigter NSTI (nach Fisher-Kriterien) behandelt. Wir führten mithilfe der Statistikprogramms SPSS® eine umfangreiche Analyse von möglichen Risikofaktoren für erhöhte Mortalität an diesem Patientenkollektiv durch. Für kategoriale Variablen wurde der Chi-Quadrat-Test durchgeführt. Metrische Variablen wurden auf Normalverteilung geprüft und mittels T-Test analysiert. Eine binär logistische Regression wurde durchgeführt, um die den Einfluss mehrerer Variablen auf die Mortalitätsrate zu untersuchen. Die Gesamtmortalität betrug 28,4%. Als häufigste Ursache konnten Bagatelltraumata identifiziert werden. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen dem „Status“ (lebend/verstorben) und dem Bestehen einer chronischen Niereninsuffizienz sowie dem Nachweis von Enterokokken, Candida spp. und Staphylococcus aureus bestand. Außerdem hatten verstorbene PatientInnen ein signifikant höheres Alter sowie einen höheren CCI Score, ASA Score und BMI. Die binär logistische Regression konnte zeigen, dass der Nachweis von Enterokokken oder Candida spp. das Mortalitätsrisiko deutlich erhöht. Außerdem erhöhte sich die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Todesfalls pro Punktanstieg im LRINEC Score um 16,7%. Unsere Studie konnte erstmals eine erhöhte Mortalität für Infektionen mit Enterokokken und Candida spp. aufzeigen. Dies könnte im klinischen Alltag eine Konsequenz in Bezug auf die kalkulierte antiinfektive Therapie bei bestimmten Risikogruppen ergeben. Der LRINEC-Score konnte als prognostisches Hilfsmittel bestätigt werden. Heterogene Studienergebnisse zeigen, dass weitere Untersuchungen auf Basis nationaler Register nötig sind.
Systematic Literature Review: Optimizing Broiler Chicken Cage Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Fidel Lusiana Putri  , Deva Kurnia Setiawan  , Arsmanda Adi Nugraha  , Feddy Setio Pribadi  , Rizky Ajie Aprilianto
Published: January 2025

Broiler production is highly dependent on environmental conditions, especially temperature and humidity in the cage. This research is a Systematic Literature Review that uses the PRISMA method to optimize the temperature and humidity of broiler cages. A total of 202 journals were found through Google Scholar and other repositories, with an additional 16 journals manually. After filtering, 38 journals were selected based on publication year 2019-2024. From the review of the selected literature, five research questions were derived that led to new understanding and solutions to the problems in the research topic. The results show that temperature and humidity significantly impact broiler performance, including health, welfare, and productivity. An IoT-based monitoring and control system is proven to assist with real-time monitoring and control of temperature and humidity, improving farm efficiency and effectiveness. Supporting factors for implementing this system include a friendly user interface, mobile applications, and real-time notifications. The application of IoT technology in broiler farming has the potential to provide significant benefits to farmers and the livestock industry as a whole.
Evaluation of Cross-Coupling Decoupling in Islanded Microgrid Control with Inductor Current Feed-Forward Technique
Authors: Olayanju Sunday , Dahunsi Folasade Mojisola , Ponnle Akinlolu Adediran
Published: January 2025

To control the voltage source inverter in an islanded microgrid, the d-q reference frame is employed chiefly because of its ability to model inverter's dynamic models accurately. It allows the use of a simple proportional-integral controller for control purposes. However, its use is plagued with the cross-coupling terms introduced by the transformation into the d-q frame in the inner current and outside voltage control loops. This paper presents stepwise design and modelling of the inverter dynamics in the d-q reference frame. The systematic algebraic elimination method with inductor current feed-forward was employed for decoupling cross-coupling terms in the current and voltage loop controller design. The method's effectiveness was evaluated in the voltage and current control; overshoots and distortions resulting from load change were better mitigated. Simulation results were presented for evaluating the controller performance in cross coupling terms.
Performance Analysis of OFDM under AWGN and Rayleigh Fading Channels Based on Software Defined Radio
Authors: Arum Dimarsasi Ivana , Saptono Rachmad , Syirajjudin Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a very efficient and popular modulation technique in modern wireless communication systems. OFDM offers advantages in terms of spectrum efficiency, resistance to multi-path interference, and is able to support high data rates. This OFDM system uses the concept of Software Defined Radio (SDR) because it is able to implement directly with the help of USRP B210 hardware. The OFDM system consists of a transmitter and receiver that are processed by digital signal processing to encode, decode, and modulate data. This study uses GNU Radio software as a transmitter and receiver model. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of real-time data transmission through the AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise) and Rayleigh Fading channels. The results of the study show that the performance of the OFDM system built, namely the use of BPSK modulation on the AWGN channel has the best performance with the lowest BER results of 0.376 and SNR 14 dB.
Repertoire, ensemble and internationalization in Flemish city-theaters in the 2010s
Authors: Vercauteren Lena
Published: January 2025

This article looks at the interplay between the loss of ensembles, the fluid (Flemish) repertoire and increased internationalization at the end of the 2010’s in Flemish city-theaters. These concepts are ubiquitous in other geographic regions, but have changed in Flanders since the '80s, meaning most theory on internationalization cannot be easily applied. The question is whether a specific international institutional dramaturgy can be identified in the different city-theaters, what motivated these positions and what this means for their status as city-theaters and/or as national theaters. Through an analysis of each city-theater's international-institutional dramaturgy and artistic direction, against a theoretical background of globalization, cosmopolitanism, national theaters and the history and state of the Flemish performing arts, different evolutions and shifts can be identified. Furthermore, the particularity of the Flemish region will prove crucial for contextualizing the perceived iconoclasm of the three Flemish city-theaters, with their lack of rigid repertoire and fixed ensembles. Rather than being revolutionary, these city-theaters and their international-institutional strategies can be seen as a logical evolution within the field, with crucial differences tied to the style of the artistic director(s) in a given moment and their artistic and/or social-political treatment of the city they are situated in.
Foreword. On theatre in times of hyperpolitics and the challenges for theatre studies in Flanders.
Authors: Delbecke Jasper
Published: January 2025

Toneelstof revisited “What kinds of theatre performances have appeared on Flemish stages over the past two decades and marked Flanders’ theatre landscape?” This simple, even naïve, question was the basis of this new issue of Documenta. What new poetics have developed in the Flemish performing arts since the turn of the millennium? Which theatre companies, directors, and productions contributed to these developments? How has a new generation of artists engaged with the legacy of its predecessors? And how do the developments and shifts in Flanders relate to the international performing arts landscape? In seeking to answer some of these questions, this issue follows in the footsteps of the Toneelstof series, published by Documenta between 2007 and 2010. This four-part series emerged from a three-year heritage project initiated by Thersites (the Association of Flemish Theater Critics). According to the guest editors’ preface to the first issue, Toneelstof was “the result of a naïve question” posed by young theatre critics who wondered “what theatre might have looked like in the past” (Hillaert, et al. 2007, 71). The younger members of Thersites observed that “although Flanders is known for its theatre, it appears mediocre in its public preservation of it” (ibid). A comprehensive history of Flemish theatre had, and is still is, to be written. With support from the Flemish Community and the then-called Flemish Theater Institute (VTi, now Kunstenpunt), a significant effort was made to close this gap. Through extensive research in the VRT archive and conducting video interviews with contemporary witnesses, a more nuanced picture emerged of the developments in the performing arts in Flanders and Brussels from 1960 onward.
Functional and semantic appearances of ergonyms in modern Ukrainian language for example of catering establishments in the city Kyiv
Authors: Vintoniv Mykhailo , Vintoniv Tatiana , Sydorenko Olena
Published: January 2025

Proper names occupy an important place in any language, they quickly respond to various changes in society, reflect various historical, economic, social and ideological influences, change their semantic content due to changes in various aspects of cultural and historical development. The problem of collection, systematization and description of proper names arose in Ukrainian onomastics due to the sharp increase in their number at the end of the last century and needs to be organized and comprehensively studied. Ukrainian linguistic studies contain investigations of the ergonyms some regions. But the ergonyms of Kyiv are actively changing under the influence of extralinguistic factors and require special research. The material of this study includes 3,500 names of catering establishments fixed during 2022-2023 in Kyiv. The semantic manifestations of ergonyms of Kyiv for the designation of food establishments are analyzed in the article. The factors, contributing to the creation of such ergonyms are highlighted, the main structural and morphological features of such ergonyms are revealed. Special attention is paid to the sources and ways of borrowing of Kyiv’s ergonyms. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that for the first time ergonyms are considered as an element of the onomastic system and a unit of the onomastic space of Kyiv. A typology of ergonyms and their statistical description by structure and origin, including the fixation of graphics (Latinization, graphic deconstruction, etc.), is proposed.
Participation of the municipal self-government of Katerynoslav in the development of secondary education at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century
Authors: Korobka Vadym , Korobka Yuliia
Published: January 2025

The article presents the participation of Katerynoslav 's municipal self-government in the development of secondary education in the last third of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was established that Katerynoslav's municipal institutions became involved in the direct development of secondary education institutions relatively late due to the limited capabilities of the municipal budget. The article reveals that, according to the current legislation, the most suitable field for the implementation of educational projects in the field of secondary education for municipal self-government was the women's gymnasium. It was the organization of the gymnasium that allowed municipal institutions to participate in the management of the educational institution. The article proves that the women's pro-gymnasium, later transformed into a gymnasium, due to its relatively long existence, most vividly reflects all the problems that the municipal self-government faced in the development of secondary education and the process of acquiring valuable experience in this field, enriching the arsenal of historical memory. The main source of financing for the pro-gymnasium and gymnasium was tuition fees. It was found that the greatest leap in the development of municipal women's secondary education was observed after 1907, when Katerynoslav's municipal self-government, as a result of new budget revenue opportunities, ensured the functioning of three women's gymnasiums and one real school, which received their own premises, built at the expense of the budget. It is determined that along with the positive consequences of the activities of municipal self-government in the field of secondary education in Yekaterinoslav, negative phenomena were observed - an increase in individual tuition fees for female students and occasional refusals to admit to the gymnasium due to a lack of vacancies.
Language and Language Policy as Instruments for Shaping National Identity
Authors: Fedorchenko Pavel
Published: January 2025

This article presents a philosophical analysis of the interconnection between language, national and personal identity, and the role of the modern Ukrainian elite in the context of Ukraine’s language policy. It examines the philosophical aspects of forming national identity through language, the impact of social changes on identity, and the contradictions in the views of various authors on these issues. A novel methodological approach is applied, based on the theoretical and methodological concept of J. Derrida, which demonstrates a transition from the language of identities to the language of differences in both ontological and epistemological dimensions of research. The prioritization of the procedure of differentiation over the search for identity leads to an innovative interpretation of the concept of unity through the combination and coexistence of social diversity. The cultural unity of the nation emerges as a construct founded on the significant presence of diverse subjects that create a shared cultural and political world. Drawing on the works of B. Azhnyuk, V. Kulyk, O. Lytvynchuk, and M. Piren, it analyzes contemporary approaches to understanding language policy, its European foundations, and its influence on Ukraine’s state-building processes. The role of the elite in consolidating society and implementing democratic reforms is highlighted, with specific examples and proposals for improving language policy. The article also identifies prospects for further research in this area.
Transhumanism in the context of Ethos of enhancement and search for Identity: philosophical origins
Authors: Parkhomenko Yurii
Published: January 2025

The article considers the problem of transhumanism in the context of the ethics of enhancement. It is noted that modern experiments on the transformation of human identity, the improvement of physical and intellectual capabilities of a person with the help of modern biotechnologies are just a modification of old idea of self-transcendence, which has always worried humanity. Pre-philosophical versions of human improvement within mythology outlined the horizon of the ethos of enhancement, its main directions. They consisted in ritual attempts to go beyond the constants of human identity: mortality, division into two sexes and intelligence. Accordingly, the foundations were laid for future directions of intellectual thought that comprehend these constants: immortalism, transgenderism and the philosophy of artificial intelligence. It is proved that within the classical tradition of philosophy there are three paradigms (cosmocentric, theocentric and anthropocentric), which, despite their individual characteristics, are based on the common idea of representation and the metaphysical opposition of essence and existence, which must be removed in the eschatological perspective of the “end of history”. In the non-classical tradition, metaphysical ideas of essence and representation are denied, and a new constructivist paradigm is put forward, which becomes the basis for the ethos of enhancement in general and the project of transhumanism in particular. At the same time, the article expresses concern that the constructivist non-classical paradigm, taken as the foundation for the ethical examination of transhumanism, contains significantly more existential risks than the classical representative one.
Mythological narratives of Japanese animation: the memory of the collective unconscious in the culture of consumerism
Authors: Vorobei Roman
Published: January 2025

The article explores the use of mythological narratives in Japanese animation as part of collective memory in the context of consumer culture. The author analyses symbolic and archetypal images in popular animated works such as Spirited Away, Gyakkyō Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, Death Note and Death Parade, which reflect the transformation of values, the crisis of freedom and the loss of authenticity in the context of the modern consumer society. Particular attention is paid to the idea of consumption as a new religion that creates a cult of material wealth and status, and its impact on the formation of public consciousness. The article examines how Japanese animation uses ancient mythological motifs and archetypes of the collective unconscious to criticise consumerism, but at the same time these motifs are often integrated into the system of consumption, becoming part of it. The work aims to explore the dual role of mythological narratives: as a means of criticism and as an element that reproduces consumer culture, and their significance in the philosophical understanding of the modern world.
Orthodox dominant of preservation of national memory in the material and spiritual culture of the Ukrainian people
Authors: Deinega Evgeniy
Published: January 2025

The article explores how collective memory shapes a unique cultural environment within the modern Ukrainian state. National identity is presented as a key condition for the survival of the Ukrainian people and the preservation of their cultural and historical heritage. One of the study's central themes is the Orthodox tradition, which has religious and cultural potential that extends beyond a purely religious framework. The historical development of Orthodox influence is evident in local educational practices, political life, and Ukrainians' self-determination across different periods. The article also examines the impact of Catholic dominance on the collective memory and self-consciousness of the local population during engagements with the Western world. It highlights the responses of Orthodox communities, particularly their efforts to safeguard spiritual traditions in reaction to Catholic expansion in the region. Key concepts such as "memory space," "cultural memory," and "reference points" are analyzed to explain the mechanisms through which traditional ways of life are preserved via texts, rituals, holidays, and other cultural practices. Particular emphasis is placed on the ethno-mental triangle of "paganism - Byzantine Christianity - religious syncretism in the form of Ukrainian Orthodoxy" and the triad "empire - Soviet period - independence," which is proposed as a framework for interpreting Ukraine's extended cultural and historical periods. The article also highlights the unique characteristics of restoring religious structures in the post-Soviet era and examines their connections to Eastern European religious and cultural traditions. In spiritual culture, sacred texts are emphasized, while in material culture, differences in architectural styles reflecting various cultural traditions are analyzed. These buildings showcase aesthetic preferences and the ideological and value orientations of their respective eras. Finally, the article emphasizes the cultural potential of national memory in shaping new ideological concepts. This is exemplified by the celebration of Kyiv's 1500th anniversary in 1982 and the contemporary Ukrainian state's use of Cossack heritage, which remains highly relevant in addressing modern challenges.
Evaluating Abstracts of MA Theses and PhD Dissertations in Applied Linguistics in Kurdistan Region Universities
Authors: Mahmood Dara Kareem , Al-Bajalani Fatimah Rasheed
Published: January 2025

This paper evaluates the quality of abstracts in MA theses and PhD dissertations in Applied Linguistics from universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) between 2007 and 2021. The research employs a rubric or criteria-based evaluation approach, informed by Hyland’s (2000) five-move model, adapted to include criteria for ‘irrelevant information’ and ‘word count’. A comprehensive sample of all the abstracts from the collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
The findings indicate that while most abstracts effectively introduce the research topic and state objectives, they often struggle with the clear presentation of results and maintaining overall coherence. Besides, significant relationships were found between various components of abstract quality, suggesting that improvements in one area (e.g., clarity in ‘introduction’) could positively impact others (e.g., presenting ‘results’).
Moreover, this study highlights the need for enhanced training and guidelines in abstract writing, particularly for Applied Linguistics research, to improve clarity, coherence, and academic rigor of future theses and dissertations. The findings have important implications for improving the quality and accessibility of academic research in the KRI region and its universities.
Enhanced Kidney Stone Detection and Classification Using SVM and LBP Features
Authors: Hama Hawkar K. , Majeed Hamsa D. , Nariman Goran Saman
Published: January 2025

Nephrolithiasis is a scientific term that refers to kidney stones and means the formation of crystal concretions in the kidney. It is considered a widespread situation that affects millions of people worldwide. Those stones can cause serious discomfort to infected people, especially when they traverse the urinary system, although, the big stones may need a surgical intervention. Various systems are already in use to address kidney stones, including ultrasound imaging for detection, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for non-invasive stone fragmentation, and ureteroscopy for surgical removal, showcasing the advances in medical technology for managing this condition. This study presents an approach for detecting stones in the affected kidney. A public dataset has been employed in this work, containing (2370) images of healthy and affected kidneys. The dataset was utilized to train the proposed approach for the aim of stone detection. To achieve high detection accuracy, we implemented two key phases before classification. The preprocessing phase enhances image quality by reducing noise using a median filter and improving contrast through contrast stretching and tone enhancement. The segmentation phase follows, accurately identifying the kidney’s edges and regions of interest for effective feature extraction. The Local Binary Pattern (LBP) technique, combined with the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm serves as the primary components of the proposed model. The feature extraction comes into action through the LBP technique as a preparation step for the SVM classifier to complete the stone detection process. The approach introduced in this paper has the potential to enhance detection accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, it could be used as an early detection tool to identify potential cases, thereby helping to prevent complications and adverse outcomes. This method aims to improve on the traditional manual process employed by radiologists, which could be described as time and effort consumption rather than the exposure of the interpretations. The obtained results were compared with the most relevant approaches in the field of kidney stone detection, demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in achieving the desired goal with a diagnostic accuracy of 96.37% for kidney stones.
Integration of Conventional and Virtual Reality Approaches in Augmented Reality for Theory-Based Psychoeducational Intervention Design for Chronic Low Back Pain: Scoping Review
Authors: Conen Robin , Mueller Steffen , Tibubos Ana Nanette
Published: January 2025

Background

Psychoeducation positively influences the psychological components of chronic low back pain (CLBP) in conventional treatments. The digitalization of health care has led to the discussion of virtual reality (VR) interventions. However, CLBP treatments in VR have some limitations due to full immersion. In comparison, augmented reality (AR) supplements the real world with virtual elements involving one’s own body sensory perception and can combine conventional and VR approaches.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review the state of research on the treatment of CLBP through psychoeducation, including immersive technologies, and to formulate suggestions for psychoeducation in AR for CLBP.

Methods

A scoping review following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed in August 2024 by using Livivo ZB MED, PubMed, Web of Science, American Psychological Association PsycINFO (PsycArticle), and PsyArXiv Preprints databases. A qualitative content analysis of the included studies was conducted based on 4 deductively extracted categories.

Results

We included 12 studies published between 2019 and 2024 referring to conventional and VR-based psychoeducation for CLBP treatment, but no study referred to AR. In these studies, educational programs were combined with physiotherapy, encompassing content on pain biology, psychological education, coping strategies, and relaxation techniques. The key outcomes were pain intensity, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, degree of disability, quality of life, well-being, self-efficacy, depression, attrition rate, and user experience. Passive, active, and gamified strategies were used to promote intrinsic motivation from a psychological point of view. Regarding user experience from a software development perspective, user friendliness, operational support, and application challenges were recommended.

Conclusions

For the development of a framework for an AR-based psychoeducational intervention for CLBP, the combination of theories of acceptance and use of technologies with insights from health psychological behavior change theories appears to be of great importance. An example of a theory-based design of a psychoeducation intervention in AR for CLBP is proposed and discussed.
Analysis of “Dr Ding Xiang” on WeChat in China to Determine Factors Influencing Readership on Medical Social Media: Observational Study
Authors: Liao Jiaman , Huang Xueliang , Huang Hao , Shen Cuina , Li Lixia , Li Yushao , Zhan Yiqiang
Published: January 2025

Background

With the rapid expansion of social media platforms, the demand for health information has increased substantially, leading to innovative approaches and new opportunities in health education.

Objective

This study aims to analyze the characteristics of articles published on the “Dr Ding Xiang” WeChat official account (WOA), one of the most popular institutional accounts on the WeChat platform, to identify factors influencing readership engagement and to propose strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of health information dissemination.

Methods

A total of 5286 articles published on the “Dr Ding Xiang” WOA from January 2021 to December 2021 were collected and analyzed. Additionally, a random sample of 324 articles was selected for detailed text analysis. Univariate analysis was conducted using the chi-square test, and multivariate analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In 2021, the total number of reads for “Dr Ding Xiang” articles reached 323,479,841, with an average of 61,196 reads per article. Articles exceeding 100,000 reads accounted for 33.90% of the total. Most articles were published during the time slots of 8:00-10:00 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and 8:30-10:30 PM. Analysis indicated that the order of publication, style of the title sentence, number of likes, number of in-views, total likes on comments, and number of replies to comments were significantly associated with an article’s number of reads. Text analysis further revealed that the article’s reasoning approaches and concluding methods also had a significant impact on readership.

Conclusions

To enhance readership and the effectiveness of health communication, health-focused WOAs should consider key factors such as optimal publication timing, engaging title design, and effective content structuring. Attention to these elements can improve user engagement and support the broader dissemination of health information.
Integration of Conventional and Virtual Reality Approaches in Augmented Reality for Theory-Based Psychoeducational Intervention Design for Chronic Low Back Pain: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Conen Robin , Mueller Steffen , Tibubos Ana Nanette
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Psychoeducation positively influences the psychological components of chronic low back pain (CLBP) in conventional treatments. The digitalization of health care has led to the discussion of virtual reality (VR) interventions. However, CLBP treatments in VR have some limitations due to full immersion. In comparison, augmented reality (AR) supplements the real world with virtual elements involving one’s own body sensory perception and can combine conventional and VR approaches.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the state of research on the treatment of CLBP through psychoeducation, including immersive technologies, and to formulate suggestions for psychoeducation in AR for CLBP.

METHODS

A scoping review following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed in August 2024 by using Livivo ZB MED, PubMed, Web of Science, American Psychological Association PsycINFO (PsycArticle), and PsyArXiv Preprints databases. A qualitative content analysis of the included studies was conducted based on 4 deductively extracted categories.

RESULTS

We included 12 studies published between 2019 and 2024 referring to conventional and VR-based psychoeducation for CLBP treatment, but no study referred to AR. In these studies, educational programs were combined with physiotherapy, encompassing content on pain biology, psychological education, coping strategies, and relaxation techniques. The key outcomes were pain intensity, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, degree of disability, quality of life, well-being, self-efficacy, depression, attrition rate, and user experience. Passive, active, and gamified strategies were used to promote intrinsic motivation from a psychological point of view. Regarding user experience from a software development perspective, user friendliness, operational support, and application challenges were recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

For the development of a framework for an AR-based psychoeducational intervention for CLBP, the combination of theories of acceptance and use of technologies with insights from health psychological behavior change theories appears to be of great importance. An example of a theory-based design of a psychoeducation intervention in AR for CLBP is proposed and discussed.