bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disclosure of historical tourism and tourism performance of local governments in Indonesia
Authors: Chartady Rachmad , Suhardjanto Djoko , Supriyono Supriyono , Widarjo Wahyu
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the relationship between the disclosure of historical tourism information by local governments and tourism performance in Indonesia. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 152 respondents, including local government officials, tourism stakeholders, and community members, using a purposive sampling method. This approach ensured the inclusion of participants with direct knowledge and involvement in historical tourism activities. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS software, utilizing descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis to examine the relationships between variables. The results indicate that effective disclosure practices positively impact tourism performance, with key factors including the involvement of regional heads, legislative councils, mass media, tourism business actors, investment value, tourism budgets, and grant expenditures. The study highlights the importance of transparency and comprehensive information dissemination in enhancing tourism performance. Future research should explore the role of digitalization and innovative technologies in improving historical tourism disclosure and performance. These findings have significant implications for policymakers and practitioners in the tourism sector, emphasizing the need for robust disclosure practices to foster tourism development and economic growth.
Classification of the Factors of Academic Difficulties Experienced by Underachieving Engineering Students: An Application of Q Methodology
Authors:   Korea Univ. Institute of Educational Research, Park Hyunkyung , Jeong Seulgi , Jung Hyunseo , Kim Eunyoung , Chang Sunyoung
Published: September 2024

This study aims to classify the factors contributing to academic underachievement among engineering students and to analyze the characteristics of each type to develop tailored learning support strategies. To this end, the study employed Q methodology, which facilitates the identification of both shared and diverse perspectives on specific topics, to explore the perceptions of third- and fourth-year engineering students regarding factors contributing to academic underachievement. Initially, 54 Q statements were derived from existing literature, and after expert review, a final set of 47 Q samples was established. A group of 40 third- and fourth-year students from an engineering college in Seoul was selected as the P sample and asked to classify the Q statements. The analysis revealed five distinct types of academic underachievement. Type 1 is identified as ‘Expectation-Value Mismatch,’ Type 2 as ‘Lack of Self-Regulation,’ Type 3 as ‘Insufficient Information and Learning Support,’ Type 4 as ‘Deficient Learning Strategies,’ and Type 5 as ‘Mismatch Between Aptitude and Major.’ Based on these findings, the study underscores the importance of providing customized support for each type of underachieving student and the necessity of establishing a collaborative system within universities.
Prediction of Machine’s Centre of Gravity Dislocation with Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Rédl Jozef , Boyko Grigory , Kalantari Davood
Published: September 2024

The estimation of machine‘s centre of gravity (COG) dislocation is presented in this article. Various types of agricultural tractors‘ parameters were analysed. Their parameters such as track width in the range of 〈1222 mm, 1900 mm〉 and COG height in the range of 〈830 mm, 1340 mm〉 are known from the reports of OECD tests. The static stability of the machine is defined by the critical angle of labile equilibrium or critical overturning angle in static disposition, which is determined from measurement on the tilt table. The critical overturning angle can be calculated from the known parameters of COG dislocation. The critical overturning angle for each analysed machine can be evaluated from the obtained dataset. The mean and standard deviation of parameters were used as input parameters into Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The MCS method was used for the estimation of the critical overturning angle and height of COG for 2500 data. Simulation was performed using a Mathcad® Prime 9.0 software. The basic statistical analysis was performed using a Spyder software in the Python language. The polynomial approximation equation was set up, and then COG heights were calculated. The critical overturning angle was calculated from the real and simulated parameters. The functions of the critical overturning angle were compared, and the fit of approximation was evaluated by the R
2 parameter. The designed model was verified by the F-distribution test.
Recent Developments in Landfilling and Biodegradable Waste Management: A Case Study from the Czech Republic
Authors: Šonský Jan , Vaculík Petr , Kažimírová Viera , Altmann Vlastimil , Zhao Shuran
Published: September 2024

In accordance with EU legislation, the Czech Republic has been progressively implementing stringent regulations for the landfilling of municipal waste. The main reason is to facilitate the transition to circular economy and maximise material and energy utilisation. The aim of this study was to provide insights on biodegradable waste management in Czechia and to monitor changes related to landfilling at two distinct landfill sites in the Czech Republic fulfilling new legislation requirements. The analysis, underpinned by monitoring data on the amount and composition of waste landfilled from 2014 to 2023, has delineated a decline in the proportion of biodegradable waste. This trend aligns with that observed in other European countries. Furthermore, reduced energy production with a decreasing proportion of biodegradable waste in municipal solid waste was confirmed. The study points to the need for improved biodegradable waste separation, and it stands as a case study in the formulation of biodegradable waste strategies.
Influence of Chosen Working Parameters of Sprayer on Coefficient of Variation of Transverse Liquid Distribution for Twin Fan Nozzle
Authors: Parafiniuk Stanisław , Nowakowski Tomasz , Koszel Milan , Chlebowski Jarosław , Findura Pavol
Published: September 2024

The aim of the work was to evaluate the influence of changes of technical working parameters of a field sprayer on changes of the coefficient of variation for double stream atomisers. The technical parameters were the height and the inclination angle of the sprayer boom and spraying pressure. In the studies, a Drift Guard TwinJet Flat Spray nozzle (DGTJ60 11003 VS) was used. It generated two flat fans of liquid at the spray angle of 110°, directed forward and backward in relation to the direction of sprayer movement. It has a 60° angle between its two fans. The measurement of the coefficient of variation of transverse liquid distribution was done using the Hardi Spray Scanner patternator. The obtained results indicate that the height of field boom setup, the angle of inclination, and their interaction had the strongest influence on the value of the coefficient of variation of transverse liquid distribution for the field boom equipped with the DGTJ60 11003VS nozzle. Field boom setup during the spraying at the height of 0.5–0.6 m, keeping field boom inclination from 0° to 2°, and using the liquid pressure of 0.4 MPa allowed for gaining the lowest values of the coefficient from 5.03% to 6.53%.
Possibilities of Detecting and Evaluating Thermal Defects in Agricultural Building Envelopes Using Simultaneous Infrared Thermography and Computer Modelling
Authors: Junga Petr , Koutný Tomáš , Tichá Zuzana , Kudělka Jan , Mareček Jan
Published: September 2024

The aim of this paper is to investigate the possibility of using two different methods together to detect more accurately and to evaluate thermal defects in the envelope of agricultural buildings. The structure of heated agricultural buildings is significantly influenced by the characteristics of the indoor environment (aggressive gaseous and liquid substances, high humidity, higher heating temperatures, etc.). In this study, research has been conducted that synergistically combines two methods for the evaluation of thermal defects, where the structure is evaluated using infrared thermography and at the same time described as a numerical model for a more detailed identification of envelope defects and thermal bridges. The study confirmed that in agricultural building structures, thermal defects are most commonly found in the areas of window lintels, ceiling and bracing structures, window and door joints, and foundation and floor joints, while the proposed combination of the two methods for assessing thermal defects in structures demonstrated superior performance in terms of accuracy and detail of results obtained compared to the standard partial use of only one of these methods.
Landscape Perception of Children Under the Age of 12 Living in Different Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Januškienė Eglė , Kamičaitytė Jūratė
Published: September 2024

Due to the increasing scale of urbanisation, the topic of natural landscape perception is receiving more and more attention. Children who live in the city experience significantly less contact with nature and, due to that, lose connection with it. Therefore, this study aims to determine how the landscape perception of children who live in urban areas differs from that of children who live in rural places. The main findings were obtained using a systematic analysis of the literature. The results of this study show that in rural areas, children often have more space, freedom, and opportunities to experience and get to know the natural landscape and understand its processes, while in cities, children lose their close connection with nature and are constantly exposed to adverse environmental factors. This deterioration of environmental conditions, pollution, and constant noise is already becoming a common phenomenon for children. There is a need to conduct deeper research to understand better how children perceive the natural environment and how it can help preserve a child’s connection with nature in the cities.
Continuous time non-smooth optimization through quasi efficiency
Authors: Kumar Promila , Sharma Bharti
Published: September 2024

The importance of quasi efficiency lies in its versatile nature as it permits a definite tolerable error that depend on the decision variables. This has been a motivating factor for us to introduce the notion of quasi e cient solution for the non-smooth multiobjective continuous time programming problem. Necessary optimality conditions are derived for this problem. To derive sufficient optimality conditions, the concept of approximate convexity has been extended to continuous case in this paper. A mixed dual is proposed for which weak and strong duality results are proved.
Metric correctness of pairwise comparisons in intelligent data analysis
Authors: Dvoenko Sergey D.
Published: September 2024

In modern data analysis and machine learning, data are often represented in the form of pairwise comparisons of the elements of the data set. The pairwise comparisons immediately correspond to the similarity or dissimilarity of objects under investigation, and such a situation regularly arises in the domains of image and signal analysis, bioinformatics, expert evaluation, etc. The practical pairwise comparison functions may be incorrect in terms of potentially using them as scalar products or distances. In contrast to other approaches, we develop in this paper a technique based on the so-called metric approach, which proposes to modify the values of empirical functions so as to get scalar products or distances. The methods for obtaining the correct matrices of pairwise comparisons and for improving their conditionality are developed here.
Small degree Salem numbers with trace −3
Authors: Sac-Épée Jean-Marc
Published: September 2024

The contribution of this work is to provide tables of Salem numbers with trace −3 and small degrees, namely degrees 2d = 34, 36, 38, and 40. The implemented method also generates a list of totally positive polynomials of degrees d = 17, 18, 19, and 20, with trace 2d − 3, a single root strictly greater than 4, and all other roots strictly between 0 and 4.
Definitions of Creativity by Kindergarten Stakeholders: An Interview Study Based on Rhodes’ 4P Model
Authors: Yeung Jerry , Bautista Alfredo
Published: September 2024

In 2017, Hong Kong included the notion of creativity in its official kindergarten curriculum framework. However, the curriculum did not define what creativity means in relation to 3- to 6-year-old children. Stakeholders such as teacher educators, kindergarten principals, and teachers may have different understandings of creativity, possibly leading to difficulties in implementing this notion into practice. We adopted Rhodes’ 4P model to examine Hong Kong kindergarten stakeholders’ definitions of creativity in relation to young children. We posed two research questions: (1) What are the themes and elements that Hong Kong kindergarten stakeholders refer to in their responses when defining the notion of creativity? (2) How do these stakeholders differ in their responses when defining this notion? We asked 50 kindergarten stakeholders (20 teacher educators, 10 principals, and 20 teachers) to define the notion of creativity using their own words. Content analysis, descriptive statistics, and multiple Fisher’s exact tests (2 × 2) were used to analyze their responses. We found that all stakeholders possessed a partial understanding of creativity, especially teachers. Stakeholders’ definitions mainly focused on the importance of creative processes. Other components such as the learning environment, the traits of a person, and the creation of products were rarely alluded to in their definitions. We conclude that there is an urgent need to explicitly articulate and conceptualize the notion of creativity in kindergarten curriculum frameworks, such as Hong Kong’s curriculum Guide. This would allow stakeholders to find common ground in the teaching and learning of creativity. Implications for the enhancement of creativity education are discussed.
Neodymium and zinc stimulate growth, biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake of lettuce plants in hydroponics
Authors: Rueda-López Imelda , Trejo-Téllez Libia I. , Gómez-Merino Fernando C. , Peralta-Sánchez María G. , Ramírez-Olvera Sara M.
Published: September 2024

We evaluated the effects of neodymium (0.000, 2.885, 5.770 and 8.655 mg · L−1) and zinc (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg · L−1), as well as their interaction on lettuce plants in hydroponics. Applications of 2.885 mg Nd · L−1 and 5.770 mg Nd · L−1 increased plant height, number of leaves and leaf area, as well as fresh and dry stem, root and total biomasses. Root volume was greater in plants treated with 2.885 mg Nd · L−1. With 0.1 mg Zn · L−1, plant height, leaf area and fresh stem, root and total biomass were greater, while applying 0.3 mg Zn · L−1 increased the ratio of dry biomass of stems and roots. Plants exposed to 5.770 mg Nd · L−1 + 0.3 mg Zn · L−1 exhibited greater leaf length. The ratios of fresh and dry biomass of stems and roots increased in plants treated with 8.655 mg · L−1 Nd + 0.3 mg Zn · L−1. Dry biomass weights of stems, roots and total were the highest in plants treated with 20 mg Nd · L−1 + 0.1 mg Zn · L−1. Nd significantly increased foliar concentration of N, P and K. Hence, Nd and Zn improve growth and nutrition.
Evaluation and Improvement of a Plastic Production System Using Integrated OEE Methodology: A Case Study
Authors: ALMashaqbeh Sahar , Hernandez Eduardo Munive
Published: September 2024

Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a key indicator to measure the effectiveness of production systems. This paper aims to evaluate and improve a plastic production line based on OEE evaluation. An integrated framework is proposed to enhance the production system efficiency. This paper presents the data for a Plastic production line in Jordan under real working conditions. The data covers three months. A framework process to improve the OEE of the Plastic production system was proposed. Six major stoppage losses were inspected with the help of Pareto analysis. Furthermore, the actual availability, efficiency, and quality rate measures, together with the whole OEE for each working day, week, and month of the production line were shown. The methodology is based on determining the OEE of a Plastic production line after determining the causes of failures. The fishbone diagram tool is used to determine the root causes of failures. To improve the OEE measure, several losses are identified. The results reveal that the company should improve its policy to improve the production line’s performance and reduce losses. Top management should also pay attention to reducing the speed losses, which consist of 58.1%, and eliminate the planned and unscheduled disruptions covering 12.73% of all losses. This can be achieved by establishing a proper operation management procedure and strategy. This, in turn, optimized the equipment’s effectiveness. The quality procedure should include the changeover program that may be executed every day. Similarly, all preventive maintenance procedures for the six machines should be properly executed in predetermined intervals. There are several limitations in the research. Firstly, the research case study is only the plastic production system. Secondly, the research is related to the downtime or stoppage by analyzing it using fishbone diagram. Further, supported by other techniques such as the Pareto chart, six big losses analyses and CED. This research conducted on a Plastic industry. However, similar studies can be carried out in future in other manufacturing industries like electronic, pharmaceutical, textile industries, etc., and service industry. However, as future research work the contributions of this paper with other lean manufacturing concept like six sigma, quality function deployment, TQM, and just-in-time manu-facturing, can also be conducting to assess the overall production line efficiency. On the other hand, several statistical tests can be implemented based on data collected of TPM performance indicators. The proposed method supports policymakers in their decision-making process on the operations management line. Further-more, it improves the production systems’ productivity quality, and performance, reducing unplanned stop-pages and breakdowns, and reducing maintenance costs.
Insights into patient awareness and preferences in medical imaging procedures involving ionizing radiation
Authors: Mavrodinova Stanislava , Chernogorova Yanita
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Advancements in technology have revolutionized the landscape of medical imaging, offering a multitude of modalities. However, this progress is not always fully traceable to patients, necessitating studies in this area to bridge the gap between technological advancements and patients’ insights. This study delves into patient awareness, preferences, and understanding concerning radiation risk in medical imaging procedures using ionizing radiation.

Material and methods: An anonymous survey was conducted among 152 patients in Bulgaria who underwent X-ray procedures to gauge their insights into medical imaging. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 20.0, computing frequencies and percentages for categorical variables like gender, age, and education.

Results: Significant correlations were found between gender and the need for knowledge related to radiation risks (χ2 = 4.622, p = 0.032), as well as patient understanding of radiation dose information and decision-making preferences (χ2 = 10.800; p = 0.020). Female participants showed higher awareness levels in these areas compared to male participants. Younger patients, notably aged 36-50 (52.6%), comprised a significant portion undergoing X-ray imaging, diverging from global trends. Age correlated with the frequency of X-ray examinations (χ2 = 171.256; p = 0.000) and decision-making preferences (χ2 = 8.324; p = 0.016), with older patients favoring informed decisions with physician input. Education levels significantly influenced radiation risk awareness (χ2 = 7.084, p = 0.008) and understanding of radiation dose information (χ2 = 14.752, p = 0.001). Patients with higher education levels demonstrated a significantly better understanding of absorbed radiation doses compared to those with secondary education. These findings highlight the influence of demographic factors such as gender, age, and education on patient awareness, knowledge acquisition, and decision-making processes regarding medical imaging and radiation risks.

Conclusions: Tailored communication strategies, informed consent practices, and ongoing specialist education are crucial to enhancing patient awareness, optimizing decision-making processes, and ensuring radiation safety in medical imaging. Implementation of electronic health records can further improve radiation exposure monitoring, aligning with evolving technological standards and patient needs.
Effect of acupuncture at Shaofu acupoint on the cardiovascular system of healthy individuals
Authors: Saleem Ali Fouad , Al-Wahab Zainab Nazar , Al-Gailani Bassam Talib
Published: September 2024

Background: Clinical and experimental observations show that acupuncture has been utilized as adjuvant therapy for a number of conditions, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, dysrhythmia, and myocardial infarction.

Objective: To determine the cardiovascular (CV) reactivity in terms of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and left ventricular ejection time (LVET) in response to acupuncture stimulation of the Shaofu (HT8) acupoint

Methods: Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, PWV, and LVET were recorded in 8 healthy subjects (age 20 years) in a supine position after 10 minutes of rest, 20 minutes after needle stimulation of Shaofu acupoint, and 10 minutes after removal of the acupuncture needle. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

Results: SBP, DBP, HR, PWV, and LVET all remained on the same levels during acupuncture intervention and after the removal of the acupuncture needle relative to baseline values.

Conclusion: Acupuncture at Shaofu acupoint has no CV effects.
Mineral Composition, Nitrogen Distribution of Goat’s Milk Produced under Algerian Steppe Condition across Lactation Stage
Authors: Chenouf Amel , Yabrir Benalia , Khirani Ali , Boukerch Amina , Hakem Ahcen , Houali Karim
Published: September 2024

Goat milk constitutes a well-priced source of minerals and proteins for a large rural population, particularly those living in the mountains and whose access to state-subsidized milk is very limited. This study aims at assessing the mineral composition and nitrogen distribution of goat milk produced by the Algerian Arabia breed and estimating how lactation stage affects these elements. Thirteen individual Arabia goat milks were collected and analyzed three times during the lactation period (early, mid, and late). Minerals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and nitrogen fractions using the Kjeldahl method. The findings of the research showed that casein, whey, and milk protein content had respective mean values of 2.95, 0.74, and 3.54 g 100 ml−1, respectively. The highest levels of minerals were found for calcium (537 μg ml−1), and sodium (336 μg ml−1). The average trace mineral concentration was between 1.78 μg ml−1 (Fe) and 0.007 μg ml−1 (Cs). Heavy metal concentrations were assessed to be 0.057 μg ml−1 for Pb and 0.009 μg ml−1 for Cd. An important effect of stage of lactation (p < 0.05) was observed on only K, Fe, and Na mineral components, whereas nitrogen distribution was not affected. As the lactation period progressed, the variation of these components was not constant and fluctuated across lactation stages.
A Review on Climate Change, Credit Risk and Agriculture
Authors: Céu Mário Santiago , Gaspar Raquel Medeiros
Published: September 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its implications for both agricultural firms and capital lenders. This systematic literature review aims to elucidate emerging trends in addressing climate-related risks in agriculture and credit sectors. Drawing from a rigorous analysis of 39 articles sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases, three key thematic dimensions have emerged: (i) agricultural lending and credit risk, (ii) green principles and sustainability, and (iii) the context of developing countries. From the impact of climate change on the recoverability of loans to the imperative of transitioning towards a greener and more sustainable economy, alongside the nuanced challenges faced by agriculture in developing countries, we analyzed prominent and recent literary approaches. The findings underscore the need to integrate climate change considerations into agricultural and credit policies. Policymakers and financial institutions should prioritize climate education for farmers and promote sustainable financial approaches. Anticipated climate risks will impact lenders’ capital reserves, necessitating portfolio adjustments. A deep understanding of climate change’s interplay with agriculture lending and credit risk is vital, urging proactive policy and practice. Addressing climate challenges in agriculture demands a multifaceted strategy encompassing tailored credit policies, improved access to credit, financial empowerment, and the mitigation of social inequalities. This review highlights the urgent need for proactive strategies to mitigate climate risks and ensure a resilient agricultural sector, emphasizing the crucial role of research and policy interventions in navigating the complex landscape of climate change impacts on agriculture.
Mobile Phosphorus Presence of Typical Chernozems on Fertiliser System
Authors: Voytovyk Мihaylo , Butenko Andrii , Prymak Іvan , Tkachenko Mykola , Mishchenko Yurii , Tsyuk Оleksiy , Panchenko Оleksandr , Kondratiuk Irina , Havryliuk Oleksandr , Sleptsov Yurii , Polyvanyi Anton
Published: September 2024

Due to the systematic utilisation of substantial amounts of phosphorus fertilisers on agricultural crops in crop rotation, the amount of available phosphate compounds increases in the soil. It ensures the maximum increase in crop yields. The study of the phosphate level in chernozem soils in various agrocenoses is really up-to-date. The gist of our research was to determine the specifics of providing mobile phosphorus in typical chernozem in field crop rotation, especially in sunflower, varying according to fertilisation systems in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. The assessment of mobile phosphorus content was conducted using the Chirikov method, which involves extracting mobile phosphorus compounds from the soil using a solution containing acetic acid (CH3COOH) at a concentration of 0.5 mol dm−3, with a soil–to–solution ratio of 1:25. Phosphorus was determined with the spectrophotocolorimetric method, which is based on the colour intensity of the phosphorus-molybdenum complex.

Our investigations showed that the typical low-humus chernozems have considerable reservoirs of potentially exploitable phosphorus for plant nourishment. We established that the mineral and organic-mineral fertilisation system leads to a greater use of mobile phosphorus with agricultural crops of crop rotation resulting in the formation of elevated phosphate content in the chernozem soil. By the end of the second rotation, the organic-mineral fertilisation system variant displayed the greatest concentration of mobile phosphorus within the 0–25 cm soil depth, marking a surge of 15.6 mg kg−1 compared to the unfertilised variant. In the period of sunflower germination, the content of mobile phosphates increased in the soil layers at depths of 0–25 cm and 25–50 cm in the variant of the mineral fertilisation system on 17.6 and 22.2 mg kg−1 of soil compared to the alternative without the fertiliser. In the sunflower’s ripening period, the mobile phosphorus concentration in the soil at 0–25 cm depth increased significantly in the variant of organic-mineral fertilisation system by 12.0 mg kg−1 and mineral fertilisation by 14.7 mg kg−1 of soil if compared with the variant lacking the fertiliser. In the variant of the mineral fertilisation system, the amount of mobile phosphorus increased in the 0–30 cm soil depth by 18.7 mg kg−1 of soil in two crop rotations compared to the beginning of the first crop rotation.
University-community Partnership Contribution Towards Rural Sustainability: Participatory Action Research in the Rice Farming Community of Paipayales, Ecuador
Authors: Yonfa-Medranda Marcela , Sabando-Vera David , Parrales-Guerrero Katherine , Cueva-Tumbaco José , Ramírez-Prado María
Published: September 2024

Rice cultivation is the main economic livelihood for many families around the world. This activity represents several challenges for farmers and community members for rural sustainability, a cross-cutting element of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). In response, the Polytechnic University (ESPOL), fulfilling its mission of linking with society, implemented a community program where students and professors interact and collaborate with rice farmers in the rural community of Paipayales, located in the Santa Lucia canton, Guayas province. This article explores the impact of university-community projects through the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach in order to evaluate them as a tool for contributing towards rural sustainability in communities. As a result, it was determined that the main problems faced by most of the farmers of the “Dios con Nosotros” Association are the availability of water in the wells and the commercialization of paddy rice. Considering these problems, the wells were geolocated and a board was designed for proper water management; at the same time, water quality was studied and recommendations were presented according to the problems encountered. Two proposals were also presented to create a rice husker and a rice separator to increase their profit margin by selling rice directly to retailers and wholesalers. As relevant conclusions, the importance of implementing links and relationships between the university community and society was highlighted, guaranteeing the value of working in transdisciplinary teams and achieving a comprehensive intervention that would lead to significant improvements in the community.
Clinical Application of the Glasgow Benefit Inventory and Glasgow Benefit Inventory with Five Factors: Current Evidence
Authors: Kondratiško Jekaterina , Kremņeva Anna , Trups-Kalne Ingrīda , Derovs Aleksejs , Briģis Ģirts
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this review is to assess the worldwide clinical utilisation of Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and New Five-factor Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI-5F) for various clinical and scientific objectives, as well as to validate its application in Latvia. Numerous articles indexed in the MedLine Library (Pubmed.gov) were examined, spanning from the initial GBI publication to the present. Various applications of these questionnaires have been investigated across multiple medical specialties, including otolaryngology, ophthalmology, urology, paediatric practice, neuro-surgery, gastroenterology, oncology, and maxillofacial surgery in different countries. The use of the questionnaire in Latvia, following examples from other countries, can aid in assessing factors such as General Health, Support, Quality of Life, Self-Confidence and Social Involvement post-intervention in chronic conditions. This could help compare treatment outcome data both in clinical practice within our country and within the scientific community on an international level.
Interdisciplinary Simulation-Based Education Curriculums on Patient Rights: For the Safety of Healthcare Professionals and Patients
Authors: Slavinska Andreta , Šāberte Laura , Birzniece Marika Daila , Grigoroviča Evita , Edelmers Edgars , Palkova Karina , Pētersons Aigars
Published: September 2024

In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published the document “Charter: Health Worker Safety: a Priority for Patient Safety”, which emphasised the importance of enhancing health worker safety to improve patient safety. The significance of patient safety remains undiminished, as evidenced by the recent WHO document, “Patient Safety Rights Charter” (2024), which encompasses critical aspects of patient rights. It must be acknowledged that patient safety is intricately linked to the domain of patient rights, which in turn underpins that healthcare professionals require interdisciplinary competence to effectively fulfil their professional duties and provide comprehensive patient care. However, it is essential to accurately determine and justify the specific knowledge and skills from other fields that are necessary for healthcare professionals. And furthermore, it is crucial for healthcare specialists not only to acquire knowledge, but also to develop the ability to apply and integrate this knowledge into professional practice – participation in interdisciplinary clinical simulations that incorporate aspects of patient rights enables learners to develop the ability to think and act in clinical situations according to generally accepted algorithms and evidence-based practices, while also considering the legal aspects of patients’ rights. The study was carried out at the Medical Education Technology Centre, Rīga Stradiņš University, between 2023 and 2024, involving 107 residents from different specialties. The survey results reflect a strong interest and positive attitude towards interdisciplinary simulation-based training on patient rights. Participants emphasised its significance and value in enhancing resident education, highlighting the need for its continued and expanded implementation.
Clinical Features, Treatment Challenges and Outcomes of Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis: Five Years Experience in Rīga East University Hospital
Authors: Vašuka Elīna , Novika Vita , Laivacuma Sniedze , Krūmiņa Angelika , Zeltiņa Indra
Published: September 2024

Autoimmune hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver of unknown aetiology that can progress to liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver failure. The clinical presentation is often acute hepatitis, but can be insidious or completely asymptomatic. It is characterised by an increase in serum transaminases and immunoglobulin G, an inflammatory liver histology, and the presence of circulating autoantibodies. An autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis justifies lifelong treatment in most patients to prevent the development of cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. The cornerstone of treatment is steroid induction therapy followed by maintenance therapy with azathioprine, which is effective in most cases. Treatment should be optimised to reach these aims with a minimum of side effects. To achieve optimal results, individual treatment regimens and compromises between treatment aims and personal choices are needed. The aim of the study was to collect data on the clinical course, therapy, and results of autoimmune hepatitis, on the compliance of treatment choice with the criteria for starting therapy. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Rīga Eastern University Hospital Archives for the period 2019–2023. The study group consisted of 37 patients diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis who were hospitalised or consulted in an outpatient clinic during the above period. Information relating to the patient’s electronic medical records were obtained and no additional sources were used. In the study, it was found that the clinical and diagnostic criteria of autoimmune hepatitis in Rīga Eastern Clinical University Hospital over a five-year period usually correspond to the generally accepted diagnostic principles, but the therapeutic approach does not always correspond to the guidelines, especially regarding the duration of therapy.
Impact of cardiac magnetic resonance on the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiomyopathies
Authors: Popa Oana-Andreea , Onciul Sebastian , Badea Thedor , Marian Denisa , Rac-Albu Bogdan , Amzulescu Mihaela , Bugeac Claudia , Chiriac Oana , Tomescu Luminița , Gheorghita Valeriu , Roșu Andrei
Published: September 2024

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is an essential tool for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with cardiomyopathies. Over the past decades, it has become the gold standard for assessing cardiac function, volumes and mass. In addition, its tissue characterization capabilities, including T1, T2 and T2* mapping and gadolinium enhancement images, allow differentiation between ischemic, inflammatory and infiltrative etiologies of heart disease.

Aims

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of CMR in the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected cardiomyopathies. The secondary objective of the study was to identify predictors that influence the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiomyopathies, as confirmed by CMR. The primary endpoint of the study was the significant clinical impact (SCI), a binary variable (yes/no), defined as the change/no change in the diagnosis or the change/no change in clinical management.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical charts and CMR evaluations of 594 consecutive patients referred for CMR in two centers between January 2021 and March 2022. In this study, we only included patients with cardiomyopathies/myocarditis.

Results

The study sample included 272 patients: 179 patients (65.8%) were male and the mean (SD) age was 49 (14) years. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced CMR. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was detected in 177 patients (65%). In 44% of the cases, the final diagnosis based on CMR differed from the initial assessment and in 47% of cases, there was a change in management. Overall, CMR had a significant clinical impact in 66% of cases.

LVEF (OR 0.97, 95% CI, p=0.002), LVESVi (OR 1.01, 95% CI, p=0.012), RVEF (OR 0.97, 95% CI, p=0.002) and LGE (OR 1.84, 95% CI, p=0.019) were predictors of SCI by univariable analysis.

In a multivariable model, LGE (OR 1.72, 95% CI, p=0.038) and LVESVi (OR 1.01, 95% CI, p=0.021) proved to be independent predictors for significant clinical impact.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence supporting the value of CMR imaging as a diagnostic tool of cardiomyopathies, which impacts patient management.
Esquizoanálisis y poesía de la multiplicidad en dos poemarios de Ernesto Carrión
Authors: Rosas Mendoza Rodrigo
Published: September 2024

Este estudio se enfoca en dos poemarios del ecuatoriano Ernesto Carrión: Demonia factory (2007) y Monsieur Monstruo (2009). El objetivo es hacer un análisis puntual de la voz lírica que guía ambas obras, pues en ella se plasma el delirio, el deseo de destrucción, la escritura como forma rizomática y la proliferación de subjetividades. Todos estos conceptos, ciertamente, forman parte del sistema esquizoanalítico. Se verá, pues, el recorrido de esta voz lírica, que va de lo renegante a lo destructivo, y su manera de despegarse de la significación para así encontrar su propio código y concretar su descenso a la destrucción. Se toma en cuenta también el desdén por el ordenamiento y la sistematicidad como una de las propuestas estéticas del poeta ecuatoriano; y ello ofrece pautas de lectura que permiten acercarse a la naturaleza compleja de esta voz lírica y cómo se desenvuelve en el poema.
Schizoanalysis and multiplicity poetry in two collections of poems by Ernesto Carrión
Abstract
This study focuses on two collections of poems by the ecuadorian Ernesto Carrión: Demonia factory (2007) and Monsieur Monstruo (2009). The purpose is to achieve a punctual analysis of the lyrical voice that guides both works, since it captures delirium, the desire for destruction, the writing as a rhizomatic form and the proliferation of subjectivities. All these concepts, certainly, are part of the schizoanalytic system. We will see, then, the journey of this lyrical voice that goes from renegation to destruction and also its way of detaching herself from the significancy in the search to find his own code and complete his descent into destruction. The disdain for ordering and systematicity is also considered as one of the aesthetic proposals of the ecuadorian poet and this offers reading guidelines that allow us to approach the complex nature of this lyrical voice and how it deploys in the poem.
Recibido: 14 de febrero de 2024Dictaminado: 16 de abril de 2024Aceptado: 22 de mayo de 2024
Narraciones, derechos humanos y literatura: una vuelta sobre el testimonio
Authors: Sáenz M. Jimena
Published: September 2024

Apoyándose en la propuestas de Parikh (2020) sobre las complejas relaciones entre el derecho y los territorios de la literatura, el artículo explora la complejidad del discurso testimonio en el ámbito literario latinoamericano y reflexiona sobre la clara intención de cuestionar ese campo para ponerlo en colindancia con otros espacios ligados a la justicia y los derechos humanos, de modo que podría considerarse un epítome de las potencialidades y los problemas que atraviesan el campo del “derecho y la literatura” y su variante más reciente: la “literatura y los derechos humanos”. En suma, se revisa el surgimiento del testimonio, su carrera zigzagueante entre el derecho y la literatura y, por otro lado, las discusiones críticas que se generaron a su alrededor.
Narratives, human rights and literature: a return to testimony
Abstract
Relying on Parikh’s (2020) proposals on the complex relationships between law and the territories of literature, this article explores the complexity of testimony discourse in the Latin American literary field and reflects on the clear intention to question this field to align it with other spaces linked to justice and human rights, so it could be considered an epitome of the potentialities and problems that cross the field of “law and literature” and its more recent variant: the “literature and human rights.” In short, the emergence of testimony is reviewed, its zigzagging career between law and literature; and, on the other hand, the critical discussions that were generated around it.
Recibido: 30 julio de 2024Dictaminado: 15 de agosto de 2024Aceptado: 19 de agosto de 2024
El llano en llamas al ruso: una nueva traducción después de medio siglo
Authors: Kogan Petr
Published: September 2024

La obra de Juan Rulfo –la novela Pedro Páramo junto a la mayoría de los cuentos de la colección El llano en llamas– fue traducida al ruso por primera vez en el año 1969. Hoy, después de más de cincuenta años, se postula en el campo de la filología hispánica rusa la demanda de una nueva traducción, adaptada al desarrollo tanto de la propia lengua rusa como de los estudios que se llevaron a cabo durante más de medio siglo en torno del tema de Rulfo y su obra. Este artículo pretende examinar los puntos fuertes y débiles de la traducción soviética de los cuentos de El llano en llamas y marcar las estrategias de traducción de que dispone en su trabajo un traductor moderno de la obra del jalisciense.
El llano en llamas into Russian: a New Translation After Half a Century
Abstract
Juan Rulfo’s novel Pedro Páramo and most of the short stories from the collection El llano en llamas were translated into Russian for the first time in 1969. Today, after more than fifty years, there is a demand in the field of Russian Hispanic studies for a new translation, in line with the development both of the Russian language itself and of the studies that have been carried out for more than half a century on the subject of Rulfo and his oeuvre. This article aims to examine the advantages and disadvantages of the soviet translation of El llano en llamas and to identify the translation strategies available to a modern translator of Rulfo’s short stories.
Recibido: 06 de mayo de 2024Dictaminado: 2 de julio de 2024Aceptado: 25 de julio de 2024
The Political Economy of the Unlawful Land Occupation in Post-1994 Cato Manor, Durban, South Africa
Authors: Yende Nsizwazonke Ephraim
Published: September 2024

Socio-economic issues including the housing deficit, poverty, and unemployment have intensified unlawful land occupation in South Africa. This phenomenon is usually met with the police force deployed by municipalities to evict and demolish illegally constructed housing structures. The destruction of these structures is frequently met with resistance from the people, leading to clashes with the police that cause severe injuries and sometimes even death. Cato Manor in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has not been spared from unlawful land occupations. This article explored the complexities associated with land occupation in post-1994 Cato Manor. It adopted a qualitative research approach and used Arnstein’s ladder of citizen participation to interpret the findings. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were adopted to recruit the 33 participants. Thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo Release 1.0 (NVivo 20) was used. The findings established multifaceted causes of unlawful land occupation in post-1994 Cato Manor. Land occupations are viewed as a form of boycott against the government’s inability to deliver housing and address past injustices emanating from spatial disparities. Such occupations resemble those which occurred in Cato Manor in the 1950s.
Finding the Power in Not Telling: A Critical Exploration of the Strategies Used by South African Writers to Avoid Apartheid Literary Censorship from the 1950s to the 1980s
Authors: Mabunda Magezi Thompson
Published: September 2024

One of the most unfortunate circumstances that characterised apartheid South Africa was the banning of writers whose literary works were deemed undesirable and/or offensive by the then government. The banning of writers and their artistic works was driven by the need to prevent literary artists from the alleged peddling of falsehood about apartheid and its deleterious effects on the majority of Black South Africans. It was this censorious climate in the history of South African politics that prompted various scholars to interrogate the effects of apartheid’s identitarian policies and censorship especially on writers in general. While some looked at why literature became the object of repressive measures under apartheid South Africa in particular, others traced the historical continuum on how literature came to be viewed as a phenomenon in need of regulation in the world in general. This article observes that none of the existing studies looks at the strategies employed by writers, amid serious repressive measures and censorial mechanisms put in place, to expose the injustices faced by Africans under apartheid. The article sought to investigate various strategies used by John Maxwell Coetzee, James Matthews, Dyke Sontse, Ezekiel Mphahlele, and Nadine Gordimer in their respective literary works to expose the effects of apartheid policies on South Africans. To achieve this, the article critically analysed selected short stories and novels written from the 1950s to the 1980s—a period during which censorship laws were constantly revised and tightened to deprive writers of freedom of expression. The findings of this study revealed that writers employed complex narrative strategies such as, amongst others, omission and concealment, symbolism, and allegorism to find spaces within the censorious system to get their voices heard.