bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upgrading the living Space of the elderly person: towards a healthcare design
Authors: Maalej Bouricha Donia , Maalej Kammoun Dorra
Published: December 2023

Drawing on interdisciplinary insights, this article bridges the gap between medicine and design, aiming to revolutionize elderly care through a comprehensive study of their living-spaces and the UX. Medicine was not interested in artistic/design practices. The latter disciplines converge towards the same interest, which is the improvement of the users’ life quality. The study’s objectives are threefold: Firstly, it aims to enhance the quality of life of elderly individuals by investigating their living-space and ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being. This involves identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes that can contribute to their overall well-being and comfort in their home environment. Secondly, the study seeks to preserve the autonomy of these persons, safeguarding their ability to perform daily tasks independently and finding ways to support and maintain their self-sufficiency within their living-space. Finally, a crucial goal is to prevent or delay institutionalization, such as moving to a senior living community. By optimizing their environment and support systems, the study aims to enable elderly individuals to age in place safely and comfortably, allowing them to maintain their sense of familiarity and independence in their homes. This article presents a collaboration between a geriatrician and a designer. And it proposes the analytical study of an existing living-space of an elderly person to study the UX of his new needs. Based on this analysis and previous scientific research, we will propose a professional-guide to rehabilitation of this user’s living-space, building on a standardized geriatric examination, to maintain his/her autonomy as long as possible.
BİYOREMEDİASYON UYGULAMALARININ TEK SAĞLIK YÖNÜYLE DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: DANYER Erdem
Published: December 2023

Biyoremediasyon biyolojik dengenin bozulduğu ortamların yeniden biyoteknolojik yöntemler ile dengelenmesi olarak tanımlanabilir. Çevreci, az maliyetli, sürdürülebilir bir çevre temizlik yöntemi olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Yaban hayatını barındıran tüm ekosistemler insan etkileşimi ile birçok kirleticinin etkisi altındadır. Petrol sızıntısı, tarım ilaçları ve ağır metal kirliliği, habitat bozulması gibi tehditler yaban hayatının sürdürülebilirliğini tehdit etmekte ve yaban hayatı ekosistemlerinin onarımı için biyoremediasyon uygulamaları ile birçok iyileştirme çalışması yapılmaktadır. Bunun yanında vektör kontrolü ile hastalıkların yayılmasının azaltılmasında da biyoremediasyon uygulamaları kullanılmaktadır. Biyoremediasyon uygulamalarının etkileri çevre, veteriner ve halk sağlığını beraber etkilediği için tek sağlık kavramı altında da değerlendirilebileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu derlemede mikrobiyolojinin ve nanobiyoteklojinin yeni bir alanı olan biyoremidiasyon uygulamaları, kullanım alanları ve ekosistemleri dengeye getirme çalışmaları hakkında bilgi verilerek tek sağlık kavramı ile açıklanacaktır.
Bioecology of the millet head miner, Heliocheilus albipunctella De Joannis (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) in the Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso
Authors: Adama Kabore  , Aboubacar Boly  , Apolline Sanou  , Antoine Waongo  , Fousséni Traore  , Clementine L. Dabire Dabire-Binso  , Malick N. BA  , Antoine Sanon
Published: December 2023

Pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br., main cereal crop in the Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso, is attacked by the millet head miner, Heliocheilus albipunctella De Joannis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) which causes considerable damage. Previous studies on this pest have been conducted on ecology, biology and biological control. However, knowledge of some bioecological parameters of H. albipunctella remains to be elucidated. This is necessary in order to strengthen existing control strategies for more effective control of the pest. Thus, the work carried out for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016 showed that the proportion of adults captured in light traps was four females for one male. The rate of gravid females was between 73 and 100%, whether they were fed by honey solution or fasting. In addition, no adults of H. albipunctella were captured in the dry season. To ensure their progeny, females prefer lay eggs on 1/3 extension and fully expanded panicles. They have a lifespan of 4 days and live longer than males. The average egg hatch rate was more than 89% with a survival rate for stage 1 (L1) larvae ranging from 41 to 88% on millet panicles depending on the number of L1 present on the millet panicle. In farmers' fields, the damage caused by MHM is important with more than 40% of panicles destroyed. In addition, no female lays eggs on a panicle that has previously received eggs from another female. The implications of these results for control strategies against this pest are discussed.
Comparative studies of allelopathic effect of composite plant extracts of Alternanthera tenella Colla. and Euphorbia heterophylla L. on Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Gharpure Pallavi  , Ghayal Nivedita  , Bansod Vaishali
Published: December 2023

Alternanthera tenella Colla and Euphorbia heterophylla L (Wild Poinsettia) are noxious invasive weed which are found on wastelands, along roadsides and mainly in the vicinity of agricultural crop fields on fallow lands. The study was undertaken to evaluate the allelopathic potential of whole plant aqueous extract of Alternanthera tenella and aqueous leaf extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla on germination and seedling growth of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) from Dist. Pune, Maharashtra, India. Growth and germination parameters of seedlings were affected as concentration increased. Aqueous whole plant extracts of Alternanthera tenella showed 6% of seedling germination whereas Euphorbia heterophylla completely inhibited germination at higher concentration in Triticum aestivum. Root-shoot length and vigor index were significantly reduced from 25% concentration as compared to control (100%). Experiments were conducted in triplicates and under controlled laboratory conditions. It can be concluded that Euphorbia extracts exhibited more phytotoxic effects on growth and germination of Triticum aestivum than Alternanthera tenella. Phytochemical analyses of aqueous and methanolic extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, proteins while carbohydrates and saponins were absent in Euphorbia. Whereas, Alternanthera aqueous as well as methanolic extracts revealed the presence of similar phytochemicals as that of Wild Poinsettia. Saponins and phenols were absent in A. tenella. The allelopathic effects may be due to presence of phytochemicals present in the plant.
L’Amérique latine comme lieu d’énonciation : la recherche par-delà l’approche sujet-objet
Authors: Salamanca González María Grace
Published: December 2023

Cet article développe une approche de la recherche dans le domaine des sciences humaines et sociales ancrée dans la tradition latino-américaine. Cette approche est caractérisée par l’intention de produire des connaissances de manière horizontale, c’est-à-dire de pratiquer une recherche située qui questionne la distinction hiérarchique entre « sujets » et « objets » d’étude dans l’investigation sociale. Ce travail montre comment les recommandations méthodologiques propres à cette démarche (l’autonomie du regard propre, la reconnaissance du conflit fondateur, l’égalité discursive et la création collective entre voix distinctes) ont été mises en œuvre dans le programme mexicain de recherche Actores Sociales de la Flora Medicinal en México de l’Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH).
L’ouverture sociale des grandes écoles : entre stratégies affichées et pratiques sur le terrain
Authors: Redon Gaëlle , Montargot Nathalie
Published: December 2023

Cette étude analyse le déploiement des programmes diversité dans les Grandes Écoles (GE). Elle vise à révéler les points de tension existant entre les stratégies d’ouverture sociale, affichées par les GE, et leurs pratiques sur le terrain. Pour ce faire, une méthodologie qualitative, reposant sur une observation participante longitudinale sur douze ans de la fonction de Référent Diversité au sein d’une Grande École investie dans l’ouverture sociale, une analyse documentaire des comptes-rendus du Groupe Ouverture Sociale de la Conférence des Grandes Écoles et une série d’entretiens semi-directifs réalisée auprès de Référents et Directeurs de Grandes Écoles, a été menée. Les résultats montrent les approches diversifiées de leurs programmes diversité devant concilier logiques sociales et économiques. Ils mettent également en lumière leurs points de fragilité, notamment en termes de contenu, de communication et de pérennité des dispositifs. Des recommandations sont préconisées afin d’aboutir à une vision plus systémique, articulée et pérenne de l’ouverture sociale, en amont, en interne et en aval des Grandes Écoles, de manière interne et transversale et externe.
Les comportements des citoyen-ne-s du pays hôte et l’adaptation des expatriés en Tunisie
Authors: Louzir-Ben Hassine Anissa
Published: December 2023

De nombreuses recherches se sont intéressées à l’étude de l’expatriation, mais peu de ces travaux ont tenu compte de l’influence des comportements des habitants du pays hôte sur l’adaptation des expatriés. Afin de combler ce manquement, une exploration empirique est nécessaire. La présente recherche vise donc à comprendre en profondeur dans quelle mesure les comportements des citoyens du pays hôte influencent l’adaptation des expatriés, et comment relever le défi posé par une distance comportementale. La recherche est qualitative, exploratoire et se situe dans le paradigme interprétativiste. Trente-six entretiens effectués avec des expatriés en Tunisie nous ont permis de déceler l’existence des comportements facilitateurs à l’adaptation ainsi que des barrières comportementales spécifiques au contexte tunisien. Par ailleurs, de nombreuses différences comportementales semblent constituer un déclencheur de conflits, ce qui influe négativement sur l’adaptation interculturelle des sujets en question.
Efficience des PME agro-industrielles au Cameroun : une estimation par la méthode Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)
Authors: Takoudjou Nimpa Alain , Tchankam Jean-Paul , Azebaze Kenfack Fabrice Parfait
Published: December 2023

Cette étude a pour objectif de mesurer l’efficience technique des PME agro-industrielles. La méthode DEA a été utilisée pour estimer les scores d’efficience sur un échantillon de 311 PME issues de la base de données de l’INS du Cameroun. Les scores d’efficience obtenus selon les technologies CRS et VRS pour l’ensemble de l’échantillon sont respectivement de 32,81 % et 53,39 % en moyenne. Ces scores d’efficience nous ont permis de constater que les PME agro-industrielles du Cameroun ont un niveau d’efficience technique faible. Les résultats montrent que sous la technologie CRS, la branche la plus efficiente est celle de la sylviculture et l’exploitation forestière alors que sous la technologie VRS, c’est la branche du travail des grains et fabrication de poudres amylacées qui réalise la meilleure performance. Les gains d’efficience auraient pu être réalisés si toutes les PME opéraient sur la frontière de production. Pour y remédier, deux solutions complémentaires existent. L’une, externe, est liée à la structuration d’une collaboration avec les dirigeants des PME non efficientes pour l’application des méthodes de gestion plus adéquates ; en s’inspirant des PME benchmarks ou groupes de référence. L’autre, interne, est rattachée à la « conformité » des PME aux exigences de l’environnement socioculturel.
L’échec entrepreneurial dans les PME d’obédience religieuse du Sénégal
Authors: Ndione Mamadou , Cuénoud Thibault , Dang Rey , Biga Diambeidou Mahamadou
Published: December 2023

L’objectif de cet article est de mettre en évidence les causes et les conséquences des échecs de PME émergeant des communautés musulmanes du Sénégal. Nous nous sommes appuyés sur les travaux de Smida et Khelil, notamment à travers leur grille d’analyse plus complète de l’échec entrepreneurial et de l’influence de l’environnement, ainsi que sur les travaux relatifs aux construits sociaux de Krauss. Dans cette perspective, nous avons effectué des entretiens semi-directifs avec des entrepreneurs d’une communauté religieuse qui ont déjà connu au moins un échec dans leurs activités entrepreneuriales. Par la suite, nous avons traité nos données avec le logiciel SPHINX plus 2 (V5). La raison principale des échecs des entrepreneurs est le manque de débouchés pour la commercialisation des produits ; à cela s’ajoute un vide institutionnel corrélé avec une absence de soutien externe. L’échec est souvent considéré par l’entrepreneur comme un signe du destin et ses conséquences sont un arrêt des activités, une perte de revenus et de temps, sans omettre une autocritique de l’entrepreneur.
L’acceptation des systèmes d’enseignement en ligne par les étudiants des établissements d’enseignement supérieur privé au Sénégal
Authors: Sarr Elhadji , Estay Christophe , Faye Malick
Published: December 2023

Cet article vise à apporter une meilleure compréhension des problèmes liés à l’acceptation des systèmes d’enseignement en ligne par les étudiants des établissements d’enseignement supérieur privé au Sénégal. Le modèle de la théorie unifiée de l’acceptation et de l’utilisation de la technologie (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, UTAUT) de Venkatesh, Morris, Davis et Davis est utilisé pour déterminer la force des prédicteurs de l’intention des étudiants d’accepter et d’utiliser les systèmes d’enseignement en ligne. Notre recherche démontre que l’espérance d’effort et l’influence sociale constituent deux variables dont l’effet n’influence pas de manière significative l’intention comportementale des étudiants à utiliser les systèmes d’enseignement en ligne. Les résultats démontrent en outre que l’intention comportementale influence négativement le comportement d’utilisation.
Art(ificial intelligence) imitates life: IP infringement risks presented by Generative AI
Authors: Toner Eloise , Alexandre David , Darling Coran , Gonzàlez Vega Alejandro
Published: December 2023

Les technologies d’IA générative telles que Chat GPT-4, DALL.E 2 et Stable Diffusion sont au premier plan des discussions, s’agissant de leur impact sur des secteurs tels que le commerce, l'éducation et la création, en particulier en ce qui concerne les droits de propriété intellectuelle et les risques potentiels de violation de ces derniers. Ces technologies remettent en question les lois existantes sur le droit d’auteur, notamment en termes de droits de reproduction et d’adaptation, créant un équilibre complexe entre l’innovation technologique et les titulaires de droits. La Directive sur le droit d’auteur dans le marché unique numérique de l’Union européenne prévoit certaines exceptions pour l’entraînement de l’IA à travers le minage de textes et de données, mais celles-ci ne s'étendent pas à tous les droits, conduisant à un paysage juridique nuancé. De plus, les spécificités locales en matière de droits de propriété intellectuelle, comme celles de l’UE, du Royaume-Uni, de l’Espagne et de l’Allemagne, compliquent davantage les choses, en particulier en ce qui concerne les bases de données, les photographies et les images de personnes réelles. Cette complexité est accentuée par les débats et les défis juridiques en cours dans différents pays, comme l’UE, le Royaume-Uni et les États-Unis, sur la question de savoir si les œuvres générées par l’IA peuvent être éligibles à la protection du droit d’auteur, reflétant la nature évolutive et incertaine du droit d’auteur à l'ère de l’IA.
Piratage éthique : mise à jour du cadre législatif pour une Belgique 2.0 ?
Authors: Lange Antoine , Henrotte Jean-François
Published: December 2023

En septembre 2019, dans le numéro inaugural de cette revue, avaient été abordées plusieurs des grandes questions juridiques que pose le piratage éthique ou le hacking éthique 1 . Pour rappel, cette pratique consiste à s’infiltrer au travers des systèmes de sécurité informatique d’une organisation, afin d’identifier les vulnérabilités 2 de ces systèmes et de les signaler à leurs propriétaires. Dans la culture anglo-saxonne, on dénomme ces acteurs «  White Hat hackers  », par opposition aux «  Black Hat hackers  » qui exploitent les vulnérabilités découvertes 3 . La Belgique ayant introduit une réforme importante depuis le 15 février 2023, il semble opportun de revenir sur ce sujet. À l'époque de la rédaction de notre précédent article, si l’intrusion était à l’initiative du hacker, celle-ci était nécessairement pénalisée en Belgique. Cependant, depuis le 15 février 2023, la législation belge a été modifiée 4 de telle sorte que la pratique du hacking éthique est maintenant admise dans certains cas précis. Cela signifie que, sous certaines conditions spécifiques, les hackers peuvent désormais prendre l’initiative d’effectuer des tests d’intrusion bienveillants sans craindre d'être poursuivis en justice.
Usure et décision : réflexions sur une dialectique dont on (re)parle
Authors: Lavernhe Thibault
Published: December 2023

Longtemps, l’objectif militaire était de gagner la bataille décisive pour obliger l’adversaire à renoncer. Aujourd’hui, la dialectique a évolué avec le croisement et l’interpénétration des concepts d’usure et de décision comme le montre la guerre en Ukraine. Comment user l’adversaire pour obtenir la décision ? Comment accepter que la guerre s’inscrive désormais dans le temps long ?
Le numérique au service du combat collaboratif
Authors: Luzeaux Dominique
Published: December 2023

Le combat collaboratif ne se conçoit pas sans le numérique et donc sur la capacité à échanger des données en toute sécurité, bénéficiant des progrès technologiques des Clouds . Cela nécessite également de disposer d’architectures sécurisées, renforçant notre souveraineté. Dans cette perspective, il nous faut être influent et peser sur la définition des normes.
Microdrones : des innovations inattendues à la lumière du retour d’expérience ukrainien
Authors: Seydoux Henri
Published: December 2023

La guerre en Ukraine constitue un laboratoire massif pour le développement des drones. Ceux-ci sont omniprésents et utilisés sur de très nombreux aspects du champ de bataille. L’innovation y est permanente et les processus de validation rapides et efficaces. L’esprit «  start-up  » domine, permettant une accélération dans l’usage. Un exemple qui pourrait être adopté en France.
Jeux vidéo et métaverse : nouveaux terrains de la guerre cognitive des groupes terroristes ?
Authors: Achmirowicz Julie , Langlois-Berthelot Jean
Published: December 2023

Les jeux vidéo permettent aujourd’hui de créer les conditionnements pour un endoctrinement à des fins idéologiques, voire terroristes. La guerre cognitive peut s’appuyer sur la croissance du métaverse et constitue une menace croissante qu’il convient de contrôler davantage pour faire face à la manipulation des esprits, en particulier dans la jeunesse.
La saga autour du drone armé belge : le poids de l’idéologisme
Authors: Dumoulin André
Published: December 2023

La Belgique s’engage progressivement dans l’usage des drones, s’appuyant sur une pratique déjà solide utilisant des systèmes de surveillance aérienne non armés. Le choix récent d’un nouveau drone de conception américaine a ouvert un débat politique sur la question d’un armement possible, débat marqué par des approches idéologiques et non opérationnelles.
L’Opération militaire spéciale russe en Ukraine à l’aune du concept d’art opératif
Authors: Godfroid Julien
Published: December 2023

Depuis l’invasion russe de l’Ukraine, le concept d’art opératif revient au-devant de la scène. L’ouvrage Strategiia d’Alexandre Sviétchine permet de comprendre les prescriptions de ce concept tentant de réconcilier la stratégie et la tactique. Mais la confrontation armée, à l’ère du nucléaire, n’est-elle pas devenue une composante de la lutte informationnelle ?
La neutralité suisse : entre mythe et réalité
Authors: Lüber Hans , Vinet Guy
Published: December 2023

La neutralité suisse est constitutive de l’identité nationale et de la confédération helvétique. Cette dimension diplomatique s’est construite au fil des siècles pour garantir son indépendance face à ses puissants voisins. La guerre en Ukraine a bousculé les certitudes avec une remise en cause citoyenne d’une certaine hypocrisie du statut de neutralité.
Histoire militaire
Authors: Franc Claude
Published: December 2023

Les guerres balkaniques de 1912 et 1913 ont vu des engagements militaires de haute intensité démontrant la supériorité du feu sur le mouvement. Ces enseignements, pourtant correctement recueillis, n’ont pas été exploités à partir de l’été 1914 lorsque la Première Guerre mondiale démarra.
L’indéfini dans les « Traités de la roulette » de Pascal, son ontologie, ses sources et sa postérité
Authors: Dhombres Jean
Published: December 2023

L’expression « nombre indéfini » pour une division en parties égales d’une courbe comme la roulette permettant une sommation est fréquente dans le livre de Blaise Pascal, les Lettres de A. Dettonville de 1658-1659, accompagnée explicitement d’une hypothèse, un « étant donné » qui est la connaissance du rapport du périmètre d’un cercle à son diamètre. C’est un ajout qui ouvre la voie à de possibles rectifications, sinon à toutes. Les exégètes se sont peu exercés sur la signification de cet indéfini qui a en partie sa source chez Roberval comme nous allons le montrer, et comporte des aspects ontologiques ; il a fait chez Leibniz l’objet d’un célèbre récit d’initiation qui chez quelques commentateurs du corpus pascalien a porté bien trop loin dans l’invention du Calcul. Même en les utilisant, je n’en force pas moins les mots en liant à l’expression d’intégrale indéfinie, absente chez Pascal, mais le jeu est intéressant. Elle trouve sa lointaine source dans le logarithme sous la forme inventée par Grégoire de Saint-Vincent, et la liaison par un même mot permet d’envisager la sommation comme une fonction, la valeur par exemple de la longueur d’un arc quelconque de roulette. Elle est trouvée par le tout jeune Christopher Wren en plein déroulement du défi de Pascal, ce qui a contraint ce dernier à modifier les questions posées. Il fallait beaucoup plus que la connaissance du nombre π, une connaissance qui n’implique rien de numérique, mais un classement dans les choses disponibles pour faire des mathématiques et aller jusqu’à celle de la longueur de tout arc de cercle ; elle est précisément une fonction, sans ce nom, où l’indéfini est celui de la variable comme l’indéfini des divisions égales est dans le nombre de celles-ci. La roulette devint la courbe prétexte du défi de Pascal dont le travail réussi la dépasse. Me fixant sur le mot indéfini, cherchant des sources, j’interroge Pascal au cœur de son dispositif d’hypothèses nécessaires à la poursuite des mathématiques. Loin du nombre indéfini d’une division réduit à une simple astuce de redressement de la méthode des indivisibles, il entrait avec l’intégrale curviligne sur le nouveau terrain de l’intégration qui donne des équivalences et des formules, mais sans en avoir, ni même prévoir, l’algorithme.
Avec Pascal, contre Wallis : Démontrer « géométriquement » l’arithmétique des infinis ( circa 1690 – 1692)
Authors: Bella Sandra
Published: December 2023

Vers 1690, dans un manuscrit inédit, Guillaume de L’Hospital (1661-1704) soutient qu’il fournit une démonstration « géométrique » de tous les résultats de l’ Arithmetica infinitorum (1656), célèbre ouvrage de John Wallis (1616-1703). Malgré le caractère novateur de ses méthodes calculatoires, ce dernier est accusé d’user de raisonnements « inductifs » qui ne garantissent pas la preuve rigoureuse des résultats. Wallis défend la position contraire. Dans cet article, j’analyse comment, de manière relativement indépendante, Jean Prestet (1648-1690) et L’Hospital interprètent des écrits de Pascal pour défendre leurs pratiques mathématiques contre celle de Wallis dans l’ Arithmetica infinitorum . J’examine en particulier comment la pratique hospitalienne œuvre à suppléer à ce qu’il considère comme une carence démonstrative de l’induction.
Polish Translations of Plato’s Dialogues from the Beginnings to the Mid-Twentieth Century
Authors: Mróz Tomasz
Published: December 2023

Cet article vise à présenter les principales étapes de l’histoire des traductions polonaises des dialogues de Platon, qui sont intimement liées à l’histoire de la Pologne et à la renaissance de la vie académique dans l’entre-deux-guerres. L’attention se porte en particulier sur les travaux de traductions de F.A. Kozłowski, A. Bronikowski, S. Lisiecki et W. Witwicki, qui représentaient diverses approches et appliquaient des méthodes différentes pour rendre les textes de Platon en polonais. Le développement de cette série de dialogues accessibles au public polonais dans différentes traductions a suscité des discussions sur les méthodes mêmes pour rendre Platon. Chaque nouveau dialogue était discuté et examine par les philologues classiques, les enseignants, les spécialistes de littérature, et même les théologiens, et seulement accessoirement par les philosophes. Bien que de nouvelles traductions de Platon commencent de plus en plus à apparaître, les productions anciennes, en particulier celles de Witwicki, restent populaires et sont encore largement lues.
Campylobacter colonisation of slaughterhouse surfaces may be affected by ultra-thin silica coating
Authors: Blaeske Victoria , Schumann-Muck Felicitas Maria , Hamedy Ahmad , Braun Peggy G. , Koethe Martin
Published: December 2023

Campylobacteriosis is the most reported gastrointestinal zoonotic disease worldwide and is caused by the consumption of inadequately heated and contaminated food, especially poultry meat. This may result from cross-contamination events during poultry slaughtering and cutting processes. Carcass contact surfaces in slaughterhouses, such as plucking fingers of rubber or stainless-steel surfaces, are high-risk points for contamination, with intestinal contents likely containing Campylobacter bacteria that may result in the cross-contamination of subsequent carcasses. Modification of these food contact surfaces by coating can be beneficial in combating bacterial contamination, as already applied in the packaging materials of the food industry. The aim of this study was to compare the attachment, growth and detachment of Campylobacter jejuni on uncoated and nanoscale silicon dioxide coated stainless steel and plucking fingers during laboratory experiments. The coating partly resulted in significantly reduced attachment and an improved detachment of the target organism on stainless steel. In contrast, there was no significant decrease in Campylobacter adherence to the coated plucking fingers as compared to the uncoated ones. However, a significantly higher reduction of recultivable bacteria on the coated plucking fingers was observed during a five-hour period. In future studies, specific coating parameters should be investigated to further support development, and thus a better adaptation of the coating to the environmental conditions.
Phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity in the tassels of purple waxy corn: Effects of temperature and time during storage
Authors: Duangpapeng Prakasit , Dermail Abil , Suriharn Khundej
Published: December 2023

Corn tassel is an agricultural waste product that contains valuable phytochemicals and antioxidants with various potential uses. Proper post-harvest management is vital to maintain the bioactive compounds and favorable properties for processing. This study aimed to evaluate the responses of phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity of purple waxy corn tassels to different storage conditions and durations. Storage conditions (controlled vs. ambient) that varied in temperature and duration (ranging from 6 to 48 hours) significantly altered most of the observed parameters. Phenolics were more resistant to increased temperature and prolonged storage than anthocyanins. Determining the optimal storage duration was slightly complicated as the ideal duration for each observed parameter varied. The tassels can be stored at cold temperatures for up to 48, 6, and 24 hours to obtain the highest levels of phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity, respectively. The correlation coefficients between phenolics and antioxidant activity were significant in both fresh and dried tassels. Optimizing the storage conditions to retain phenolics can also help maintain high levels of antioxidant capacity in corn tassels. Controlled storage conditions were the best way to retain tassel weight, phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity in the purple tassels of waxy corn. The most prolonged acceptable storage durations varied depending on the traits. The optimum light and oxygen exposures during storage and the best drying methods are still uncertain; therefore, further research is necessary to establish good handling practices for corn tassels.
Performance evaluation of oscillatory baffle Bunsen reactor in iodine sulfur thermochemical process for hydrogen production
Authors: Nafees Ahmed V , Shriniwas Rao A
Published: December 2023

Hydrogen is an environmentally attractive transportation fuel that can replace fossil fuels. The iodine-sulfur (I-S) thermo-chemical process involves three reaction steps. The Bunsen reaction is one of the main reaction steps of I-S process and plays an important role in defining overall process efficiency. Different types of reactors are being studied, including the oscillatory baffle Bunsen reactor. The reactor selection is based on process intensification and process integration, i.e., reaction and separation in the single equipment. Simulations are performed for two-dimensional cases by solving incompressible Navier-Stokes equations along with continuity equation, the geometry chosen is of single section in the column and diameter of 50 mm and baffle spacing of 50, 75,100 mm i.e. 1, 1.5 and 2 times the diameter of column and baffle free area 22%. The residence time distribution experiments are carried out in a metallic reactor with NaCl as a tracer operated at different frequencies, amplitudes and flow rates. D/uL is evaluated from experimental curves. The power per unit mass is compared for oscillatory baffled column and stirred tank for a semi-batch process. From the numerical simulations, good eddy interactions are present at higher frequencies and amplitudes and at a baffle spacing of 1.5 times the diameter of the column. Residence time distribution analysis gives a lower dispersion number at medium frequencies and higher amplitudes with constant flow rate. If the flow rates are high, then it is better to operate at higher frequencies and amplitudes to achieve plug flow behavior. Power per unit mass is less for oscillatory baffle column compared to the stirred tank of given configuration. With better mixing performance and less power per unit volume, the oscillatory baffle column is a good alternative to other columns.
Measurement of a Photoionization Delay Using Attosecond Pulses
Authors: KIM Kyung Taec
Published: December 2023

The Nobel Prize in Physics for 2023 was awarded to three distinguished scientists: Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier. This recognition honors their significant contributions in the field of experimental methods, specifically for generating attosecond pulses of light to study electron dynamics in matter. Anne L’Huillier and her research team made a groundbreaking discovery by utilizing a long-wavelength laser driver to achieve high harmonic generation. Pierre Agostini’s team accomplished the first-time measurement of the temporal profile of attosecond pulse trains, while Ferenc Krausz’s team successfully produced and measured an isolated attosecond pulse. These achievements have greatly advanced attosecond science, enabling the investigation of ultrafast electron dynamics in matter with unprecedented temporal resolution.
Attosecond Science and Technology
Authors: KIM Dong Eon
Published: December 2023

The quest for how quantum systems evolve, and eventually, how to induce such quantum systems to behave as desired has been growing during the last two decades in a new paradigm, “Control Age” of the 21st century science. The past two decades have witnessed the remarkable advance in the new metrology for ultrafast electron dynamics, which allows one to control material processes at electron level and study dynamics far away from equilibrium, to which the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded. This article reviews recent progress in the generation of isolated attosecond pulses and their applications for characterization and real-time measurement and manipulation of electron dynamics in atoms, and condensed matters, providing the audience with the new insights and perspective that these tools can provide in aspects of both fundamental science and future technology.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) knowledge, practice, and associated factors among general practitioners and nurses at Primary Hospitals in Ethiopia
Authors: Senbeta Tirunesh Geremew , Seid Seada Jemal , Wudineh Birhanu Asrat , Abayneh Helina Bogale
Published: December 2023

Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) refers to a set of life-saving protocols and skills for urgently and emergently treating life-threatening conditions that result in cardiac arrest. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, practices, and associated factors of ACLS among general practitioners (GPs) and nurses in Ethiopia. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Data entry was carried out using EpiData version 4.6, and the analysis was performed using STATA 14. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The study included 147 GPs and nurses, yielding a response rate of 94.2%, with 39.5% (95% CI: 32.3-47.7) and 35.37% (95% CI: 28.68-43.8) demonstrating good knowledge and practice, respectively. Sex, education, experience, and the availability of emergency equipment were significantly associated with the knowledge. Workplace, exposure to cases of cardiac arrest, training, and experience were found to be significantly associated with practice. There is a significant gap in both knowledge and practice. Based on our results, we recommend simulation-based in-service training and the inclusion of ACLS protocols in the formal education of health students.
Diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by respiratory function test
Authors: Polverino Francesca , Sampaolo Simone , Capuozzo Antonio , Fasolino Marco , Aliberti Michele , Satta Ersilia , Santoriello Carlo , Polverino Mario
Published: December 2023

The diagnostic criterion for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) based on the findings of concomitant clinical and electrophysiological evidence of upper and lower motor neuron involvement may remain unsatisfied for months and in some patients, even for years in the early stage of the disease. Since respiratory involvement is an onset symptom of ALS in only 1-3% of patients, pulmonary assessment has never been considered useful in the early diagnosis of ALS. However, studies on pulmonary function are lacking, especially in those early stages where neurologic tests are also inconclusive. In contrast to the scarcity of data in the early stages, as the disease progresses, it is increasingly enriched by a rich set of symptoms and positive respiratory tests until respiratory failure occurs, which represents the main cause of death in ALS. Hereby we analyze the main pulmonary function tests (PFT) in the various stages of the disease, up to the recent evidence for the possibility of an early diagnosis.
Effectiveness of demonstration, observation, assistance, and performance sessions in imparting visual assessment skills to phase 3 medical students
Authors: Das Matuli , Das Narendra Kumar , Mohapatra Ipsa , Sen Saswati
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Undergraduate medical teaching is undergoing major improvements with the introduction of competency-based medical education. Hence, teaching methods need a makeover as well. The introduction of demonstration, observation, assistance, and performance (DOAP) sessions can help revamp the education process. The present study aims to compare (DOAP) with the traditional teaching method (TT) for visual assessment (VA) (distant vision [DV], near vision [NV], color vision [CV], visual field [VF], menace reflex [MR], Aetcom), and know students perceptions on DOAP.

Materials and Methods:

Prospective cross-sectional quasi-experimental study, conducted from August 2021 to January 2022. Hundred students were posted for 4 weeks in groups of 25–30 students. Two groups were taught by traditional (TT) (n = 50) and DOAP (n = 50) methods. Two faculties used both methods to teach two groups each. Student competency was assessed by direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS). Three attempts were provided for each student. Feedback was taken from students using a short-structured questionnaire. The Chi-square test and two-tailed Fisher’s exact test were used for analysis. Traditional groups were later taught by the DOAP method again.

Results:

There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the assessment. The DOAP group performed better as evidenced by the less number of DOPS attempts to be certified competent. Students in the TT group required a third chance for achieving competency in all components (Aetcom-4, DV-12, NV-2, CV-3, VF-13, and MR-1), while for the DOAP group, it was only for DV (n = 1). Defaulters were more in the T group than in Group D. There was no association between student performance with the experience of faculty and previous academic grades of students, and the finding is statistically insignificant. The student’s perception toward DOAP was positive. Fifty students (100%) found it interesting, 46 (92%) strongly agreed that it increased their skills, 40 (80%) strongly agreed that it can be adopted, and 35 (70%) felt that it was time-consuming.

Conclusion:

DOAP is found to be more effective and student-centric for teaching VA assessment. It is more interesting, interactive, and satisfying. It was found to be helpful irrespective of the academic quality of students or the experience of the faculties.

The following core competencies are addressed in the article:

Practice-based learning and Improvement, Patient care and procedural skills, Interpersonal and communication skills.
Comparative Outcomes and/or Complications Following Ventriculoperitoneal versus Lumboperitoneal Shunts: A Scoping Review
Authors: Maurya Ved Prakash , Mishra Rakesh Kumar , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Cincu Rafael , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Agrawal Amit
Published: December 2023

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure in the form of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) has been performed for over a century and is a well-established method for treating hydrocephalus. With the passage of time and the availability of better technology, several other CSF diversion modalities developed with variable risks and benefits. Lumboperitoneal shunt (LPS) is a close and safe contestant for the VP shunt procedure and is regarded as an alternative treatment modality for hydrocephalus. The present scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. A literature search for the study was performed on PubMed, COCHRANE, SCOPUS and ScienceDirect (from inception to 7 July 2022). Those studies that were published in the English language with a report on comparison between VPS and LPS for the management of hydrocephalus were included in the review process. Those studies that do not have comparative outcomes, case reports, letters, reviews, preclinical studies, conference reports and non-human studies were excluded from the study. Search results showed 134 records; after removing the duplicates and excluding 12 studies with reasons, five studies were included in the present review. Several complications were described in patients who underwent either VP Shunt or LP Shunt surgery. Although communicating hydrocephalus forms one of the most significant subgroups of patients in neurosurgical practice and VP and LP shunt procedures are also widely performed, the literature review shows limited comparative efficacy. In addition, the reported studies have a broad spectrum of indications, disease conditions and complications with a heterogeneous patient population. To further develop the high level of evidence, there is a need for well-designed prospective protocols to help us develop uniform and practical guidelines. In the present review, we looked into the common complications, including shunt malfunction, shunt infection, subdural haematoma, shunt obstruction and shunt migration between two groups.
Effects of Plastic Chemical Bisphenol a on Gut Functions
Authors: Mandal Maloy Bikash , Sharma Parul , Dixit Devarshi
Published: December 2023

Bisphenols are chemicals extensively used in plastic industries. Bisphenol A (BPA), a member of the bisphenol family, is widely used in manufacturing epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastic. Epoxy resins have applications in manufacturing the inside lining of metal cans to preserve the quality of canned foods. Polycarbonate plastics have a usage in the manufacture of packaging of food and drinks. BPA-containing plastic is also extensively used in the production of dental implants and sales receipts. There is constant leaching of BPA from the plastic items into the edibles stored in them, particularly when these plastic containers get exposed to high temperatures, non-neutral pH and multiple uses. On consuming these contaminated food items, the gut is the first organ exposed to BPA, followed by all other body systems. In most human body fluid samples examined, BPA is present in a detectable amount. BPA belongs to the family of known endocrine-disrupting chemicals with oestrogenic properties. The increasing alarms regarding the adverse effects of BPA on child development compelled prohibiting products that contain BPA from being used in baby care in many countries worldwide. Being a known xeno-oestrogen, BPA may target the oestrogen receptors in the gut and may affect the various actions mediated by oestrogen in the gut. Besides oestrogenic properties, BPA may have many other hormonal and non-hormonal actions that may affect gut functions. The present article reviews the studies reporting the effect of BPA on gut functions.
Noise in Preschools and its Psychological and Cardiovascular Effect on Preschool Teachers
Authors: Brachtl Sonja , Trimmel Michael
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Noise exposure in preschools is cited as one of the main stresses by preschool teachers in surveys worldwide. Hearing-related symptoms as well as physiological stress reactions are often mentioned in this context. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate whether the noise has an impact on the cardiovascular activity of the preschool teachers.

Methods:

The study took place in nine private preschools in Vienna. In the classrooms of 23 preschool teachers stationary noise recordings were conducted and the participants were equipped with 24-hour electrocardiograms (ECGs). Questionnaires on noise-related stress, well-being, stress perception, burnout risk, noise annoyance, and noise sensitivity were provided. Data were described descriptively and correlations and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures were performed.

Results:

The average sound pressure level in the classrooms during the first four hours was L
Aeq 74.7 dB(A) (standard deviation [SD] = 1.74). A significant correlation between heart rate and sound pressure level (L
Aeq,4 h) was found, r = 0.40, P = 0.04 (one-tailed). Noise sensitivity and noise annoyance showed no effect. With increasing sound level classes [≤65 dB(A), 66–75 dB(A), 76–85 dB(A)], the heart rate increased significantly, and the heart rate variability decreased significantly. It was also found that tolerating noise becomes more difficult with increasing length of employment and increasing age.

Conclusion:

The noise level in classrooms showed an impact on the cardiovascular activity of preschool teachers, which can be considered as an indicator of stress. Measures to reduce noise in preschools are recommended.
Association between Occupational Noise Exposure and Insomnia among Night-Shift Production Workers
Authors: Cho Seunghyeon , Lim Dae-Young , Kim Suwhan , Kim Hyeonjun , Kang WonYang , Park Won-Ju
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate whether occupational noise exposure is a risk factor for insomnia among male night-shift production workers.

Methods:

This study followed 623 male night-shift production workers at a tire manufacturing factory without insomnia for 4 years. Insomnia was evaluated based on the insomnia severity index at baseline and at 4-year follow-up. A score of ≥15 was defined as insomnia. The higher occupational noise exposure group was defined as those individuals exposed to 8-hour time-weighted-average noise above 80 dB (A).

Results:

Participants’ mean age was 46.3 ± 5.6 years. Of the 623 participants, 362 (58.1%) were in the higher occupational noise exposure group. At 4-year follow-up, insomnia occurred in 3.2% (n = 20) of the participants. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of insomnia was 3.36 (95% confidence interval 1.083–10.405, P = 0.036) in the higher occupational noise exposure group when compared with the lower noise exposure group after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggested that occupational noise exposure affected insomnia in male night-shift production workers. To prevent insomnia, efforts are required to reduce workplace noise exposure levels. Alternatively, moving to a less noisy work environment should be considered for workers with severe insomnia.
Middle Ear Muscle Reflex in Normal-Hearing Individuals with Occupational Noise Exposure
Authors: Vasudevamurthy Sahana , Kumar Ajith U
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

Noise-induced cochlear synaptopathy is studied extensively in animal models. The diagnosis of synaptopathy in humans is challenging and the roles of many noninvasive measures in identifying synaptopathy are being explored. The acoustic middle ear muscle reflex (MEMR) can be considered as a vital tool since noise exposure affects the low-spontaneous rate fibers that play an important role in elicitation of MEMR. The present study aimed at measuring MEMR threshold and MEMR strength.

Design:

The study participants were divided into two groups. All the participants had normal-hearing thresholds. The control group consisted of 25 individuals with no occupational noise exposure whereas noise exposure group had 25 individuals who were exposed to occupational noise of 85 dBA for a minimum period of 1 year. MEMR threshold and strength was assessed for pure tones (500 Hz and 1000 Hz) and broadband noise.

Results:

The results showed that the MEMR threshold was similar in both the groups. MEMR strength was reduced in noise exposure group compared to control group.

Conclusions:

The results of the study suggest that MEMR strength could be used as a sensitive measure in identifying cochlear synaptopathy with careful consideration of the stimulus characteristics.