bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovered interest rate parity phenomenon and determinants of domestic interest rates: an analysis of Pakistan and China economies
Authors: Ali Malik Saqib , Ahmad Ishtiaq , Faizan Muhammad
Published: March 2024

The core objective of this article is to explore the viability of uncovered interest parity and to reconnoiter major determinants of domestic interest rates of the Pakistan and China economies. It is imperative to study the interest rate parity that assistances to comprehend that exactly how exchange rate and domestic interest rate influence foreign interest rate of two economies in emerging trends in international trade. The World Development Indicators is main source of data gathering, and it ranges from 1980 to 2023 for the analysis of both models. This study considers two models, Engle–Granger causality has been applied in Model 1, to analyze the uncovered interest parity, and findings indicate that the exchange rate of each country has no effect on the interest rate of the other country. However, Model 2 investigates the main determinants of domestic interest rate and their long-run associations for Pakistan and China. To capture the long-run association, ARDL estimation technique has been deployed, and findings show the long-run relations and co-integration among the policy variables of both countries. In Pakistan, consumer price index and exchange rate hold positive linking with the domestic interest rate; however, output level is adversely correlated. The error correction term is 91%, confirming the rapidity of equilibrium adjustment when a shock occurs. Regarding the Chinese economy, consumer price index and exchange rate have a negative impact on China domestic interest rate. The results of the error correction model indicate an 80% speed of convergence in the long run. This study suggests that improvement in productivity and exchange rate may assist both economies to experience steady exchange rate and interest rate.
Nominalization in Arabic translations of patient information leaflets
Authors: Sharkas Hala
Published: March 2024

Patient information leaflets (PILs) inserted in medicine packages constitute a genre written by experts for an audience of laymen, but studies of PILs in Arabic report low readability. According to the lay friendliness framework developed by Jensen (2013) for translated PILs, nominalization is one of the linguistic factors that contribute to PILs’ low readability. Although nominalization has been extensively studied in scientific texts including medical papers, no studies examine its use and effect on lay friendliness in PILs translated into Arabic. This study analyzes a parallel corpus of English PILs and their Arabic translations to examine the frequency and forms of nominalization introduced into the Arabic translations. Considering Givon’s (1993) definition of nominalization, all instances of finite verb phrases in the Source Texts (ST) that are fully or partially nominalized in the Target Texts (TT) were examined. Examples are discussed in terms of the level and function of nominalization in the target language.
Interpreting intercepted communication: From talk to evidence
Authors: Havelka Ivana
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the multi-layered translational process of intercepted conversations which appear as evidence in court files in the form of translated wiretap records. The translational challenge here is to transfer the multimodal content of a spoken text in the source language into a written text in the target language. Based on audio data from 17 original intercepted communications and case file documents from a Swiss criminal investigation, the multimodality of the resulting hybrid translational action is explored. In this paper, the process of interlingual decontextualisation and recontextualisation of intercepted communication is examined from the bottom up. The analysis shows that there are different levels of contextualisation that must be considered to achieve a fuller picture of the meaning of a wiretapped conversation.
Expertise in interlingual subtitling: applying the FAR model to study the quality of subtitles created by professional and trainee subtitlers
Authors: Ludera Ewa , Szarkowska Agnieszka , Orrego-Carmona David
Published: March 2024

Subtitling quality is a rather slippery notion and its assessment in interlingual subtitling continues to present a challenge to subtitling trainers, broadcasters, language service providers and other stakeholders. Using unexplored data from a subtitling process research study by Orrego-Carmona et al. (2018), we examined the quality of interlingual English-to-Polish subtitles created by professionals and novices. First, we implemented Pedersen’s (2017) FAR model to assess the quality of subtitles created by the participants, predicting that professionals would achieve higher quality scores than novices. Then, we followed up the FAR model examination with a quantitative analysis of a set of quality parameters related to text condensation, which is considered a key skill in interlingual subtitling. Despite our hypotheses, professional subtitlers in our study did not gain higher scores in the FAR model analysis; they also made similar types of errors as novices. However, their expertise was demonstrated in better condensation skills. We have also discovered an interesting relationship between subtitlers’ age and their condensation skills. Our study may contribute to a fuller understanding of expertise in interlingual subtitling and provide subtitling trainers with clues about areas most problematic for students.
Subtitling against the current: Egyptians’ perceptions of English sitcoms subtitled in Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic
Authors: Sadiq Saudi
Published: March 2024

This study examined Egyptians’ attitudes towards subtitling English sitcoms in Standard Arabic (SA) and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA), using a scene from the American sitcom Friends as a case study. It aimed to investigate the changing perceptions of subtitling in dialect, identify the driving forces, and assess the leading agents behind this change. The study utilized quantitative data from two online questionnaires completed by 261 participants classified by gender, age, and educational level, and qualitative data derived from their comments. The questionnaires were designed to evaluate participant preferences and specific aspects such as humor, readability and closeness to Egyptian culture. The results show that the ECA subtitle is rated as more humorous and closer to Egyptian culture, although perceived as less readable compared to the SA subtitle. They also reveal that younger participants, particularly females, show a greater preference for the ECA subtitle. Males across all educational levels tend to prefer the SA subtitle, while females with lower educational levels exhibit the highest preference for the ECA subtitle. The study highlights the increasing significance of colloquial dialects in shaping cultural representations as well as the influence of factors such as age, gender, and education on subtitling preferences. Furthermore, the study considers the implications of these results for subtitling practices and policies in Egypt and similar diglossic environments.
Advances in corpus applications in literary and translation studies
Authors: Xu Simin , Xu Han
Published: March 2024

In response to the call for integrating humanities research with advanced machine-enabled data collection and analysis methods in an increasingly digitalized era (Berry, 2012), this volume presents a comprehensive collection of studies that explore the application of corpus linguistics in literary and translation studies. A number of these studies were initially presented at the online roundtable seminar organized by the Center for Studies of Translation, Interpreting and Cognition (CSTIC) of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Macau at the end of 2020. Based on the themes of these studies, this volume can be divided into two parts. The first part consists of five chapters, dealing with studies that adopt corpus-assisted analytical techniques for the examination of literary works. The second part, which contains nine chapters, showcases corpus-based literary translation studies.
The Impact of Leadership on School Organizations: Network Analysis Approach to Systematic Review of Literature on Teaching and Learning International Survey
Authors: Ahn Joonkil , Wang Yinying
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to review the literature on the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) for the past 10 years to identify multiple paths through which school leadership exerted influences on school organizations and organizational outcomes. Our analysis of a network, consisting of 83 nodes (variables) and 242 variable ties from 29 reviewed studies identified four emergent themes. Reviewed studies (1) overwhelmingly framed the principal as the driver and teachers as the target of change; (2) suggested nine core variables (e.g., instructional leadership) to play central roles within the reviewed studies; (3) depicted student academic achievement as a function of the principal’s instructional leadership and their job satisfaction influenced by school context, principal qualification, and organizational conditions (e.g., respect for others); and (4) suggested teacher self-efficacy as the potential bridging variable between multiple change processes. The discussion includes implications for school leadership and future research.
Analysing Factors Inhibiting Teacher Leadership Initiatives in Lesotho Secondary Schools
Authors: Sepiriti Sepiriti
Published: March 2024

Some secondary school principals are complaining about teachers’ reluctance to participate in any activities beyond classroom teaching. To understand this phenomenon, the study attempts to explore the inhibiting factors that hinder teachers in selected secondary schools in the Maseru district from supporting and engaging in teacher leadership (TL) activities. This qualitative inquiry is underpinned by the critical theory (CT), which among others aims at revealing the core factors that contributed to teachers’ lack of enthusiasm in performing various TL related activities. Also, to suggest strategies that could pioneer a change in teachers’ attitudes towards participation in school leadership beyond teaching. The study generated data from ten (10) purposively selected secondary school teachers. Using the thematic analysis method, despite participating teachers being able to conceptualise TL, they cited that, factors including; unmanageable teaching loads, inadequate induction, and use of top-down leadership approaches inhibited TL initiatives. To mitigate the abovementioned factors, participants suggested the creation of a supportive school environment, teacher training and recognition.
PROSESÖR/EFEKT CİHAZI KULLANIMININ BAĞLAMANIN GELENEKSEL İCRASINA ETKİSİ
Authors: AKCA Ümit , DEMİR Sertan
Published: March 2024

Çalgı kullanımı insanoğlunun müziği keşfettiği andan itibaren gelişerek ve değişerek günümüze kadar süregelmiştir. Bu kullanımların neticesinde farklı çalgılar ortaya çıkmıştır. Yay ile çalınanların “ıklığ”, parmak/tezene ile çalınanların ise “kopuz” olarak adlandırılması şeklinde olmuştur. Kopuz Asya kökenli bir çalgı olup bağlamanın atası olarak kabul edilmektedir. Bağlama, Asya kültüründen gelen ve Anadolu’ya yayılan bir çalgıdır. Türk kültüründe ve özellikle Türk halk müziğinin temel çalgısı olan bağlama, yapısal olarak geçmişten günümüze kadar birçok değişim ve gelişim geçirmiştir. Elektro bağlama, eşik altı bağlama vd. bağlamanın sahnede kullanımına dair geçirdiği değişimlerin sonucu ve göstergesidir. Son dönemlerde eşik altı, elektro vs. diye tabir edilen bağlamalar bulunmaktadır. Bunun yanı sıra ihtiyaca ve ortama göre bağlamaya eklenen elektronik cihazlar bulunmaktadır. Bu cihazlara efekt veya prosesör denilmektedir. Bu çalışma ile bağlamada efekt/prosesör cihazları kullanımı konusunda bir farkındalık yaratmak amaçlanmış ve bu bağlamda geleneksel bağlama icracılığının Türk kültüründe önemli olduğu yansıtılmaya çalışılmıştır. “Bağlamada Prosesör/Efekt cihazı Kullanımının Bağlamanın Geleneksel İcrasına Etkisi” başlığı altında, konuyla ilgili literatür taranmış, kişisel görüşme ve yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği uygulanmıştır. Bağlamada prosesör/efekt cihazı kullanımının bağlamanın geleneksel icra ve tınısına olan etkisinin araştırılacağı bu çalışmada kişisel görüşme, literatür tarama yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Bağlama icrası, bağlama eğitimi alanında “usta” sayılabilecek isimlerle yapılan yarı yapılandırılmış kişisel görüşmeler, bağlamanın ve efekt/prosesör tarihçesinin anlatıldığı tarama literatür kısmı çalışmanın yöntemidir. Bu yöntem dahilinde yapılan kişisel görüşmeler ile elde edilen veriler çalışmanın sınırlılığını oluşturmaktadır. Tüm bu veriler ve bulgular ışığında sonuca ulaşılmıştır.

Prosesör/efekt cihazının ve bağlamanın tarihçesinin ardından yapılan kişisel görüşlerde elde edilen bulgular ışığındaki değerlendirmeler sonuç kısmında yer almıştır.
KARAGÖZ, Erkan. (2023). TÜRK MİTOLOJİK DESTANLARINDA SUALTI DÜNYASI. Ankara: Bengü Yayınları, 188 sayfa.
Authors: ŞENTÜRK Metehan
Published: March 2024

Türk Mitolojik Destanlarında Sualtı Dünyası adlı eserde isminden de anlaşılacağı üzere anlatılarda fantastik bir mekân olarak tasavvur edilen sualtı dünyası ve o dünyanın motifleri incelenmiştir. Birçok araştırmaya konu olmasından ötürü Türk anlatılarında yeryüzü, yeraltı ve gökyüzü dünyalarının birer mekân olarak geçtiği iyice bilinmektedir. Bu mekânlardan yeryüzü, orta dünya olarak da bilinmekte; burada insan, hayvan, cin, peri ve dev gibi varlıkların yaşadığı anlatılmaktadır. Yeraltı dünyası, aşağı dünya olarak da bilinmekte; burada şeytani ve kötü ruh gibi varlıkların yaşadığı anlatılmaktadır. Gökyüzü dünyası, yukarı dünya olarak da bilinmekte; burada tanrı, melek ve iyi ruh gibi varlıkların yaşadığı anlatılmaktadır. Türk anlatılarında bir mekân olarak sualtı dünyası, bu üç dünyaya göre fazla geçmese de böyle bir dünyanın varlığı çeşitli yönleriyle incelenerek Karagöz’ün bu eserinde ortaya konulmuş ve literatüre dâhil edilerek daha bilinir hâle getirilmiştir.

Karagöz, eserinin ön sözünde bu konuyu 2009 yılında yüksek lisans tezi olarak hazırlayıp sunduğunu ve zamanla bu çalışmasının bir hayli popülerleşmesinden dolayı da kitaplaştırmaya karar verdiğinin açıklamasını yapmıştır. Karagöz, yine burada tez çalışmasının tamamını basımdan önce titizlikle gözden geçirdiğini, bazı düzeltme, ekleme ve çıkarmalar yaptığını belirtmiştir.
Compact Integrated Circular Polarization Filtering Antenna based on SIW Cavity
Authors: Gao Qiyue , Zhu Yuyao , Yang Xinyu , Li Rui
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a compact integrated circular polarization filtering antenna is proposed based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity. Firstly, a dual-mode (TE102 and TE201 modes) rectangular cavity is utilized as a common feeding cavity to achieve a dual-mode filtering response. And then, an additional rectangular patch with a slot is coupled from the feeding cavity for circular polarization radiation. To verify the proposed concept, a prototype circular polarization filtering antenna is simulated. The circular polarized filtering antenna resonates at 4.225 GHz with a low cross-polarization and a high gain of 7.23 dBi.
Miniaturized Wideband Circularly Polarized Triangular Patch Antennas based on Characteristic Mode Analysis
Authors: Yang Tian-Long , Zhang Xiao , Wu Qiong-Sen , Yuan Tao
Published: March 2024

A miniaturized, wideband circularly polarized (CP) antenna based on coupled triangular patches is presented. Initially, two identical triangular patches with shorting pins are placed close to each other in a perpendicular orientation. Hence, a pair of orthogonal modes can be produced based on the coupled resonators. Under the characteristic mode analysis (CMA), it can be found that the 90∘ phase difference is achieved by modulating gap distance and shorting pins numbers. Both the shape of triangle patches and shorting pins contribute to the miniaturization. To further improve the AR bandwidth, a third patch is added to form a new mode. Thanks to the triple modes produced by the three patch elements, two AR minima are constructed to broaden the AR bandwidth. With this compact arrangement and shorting pins, a miniaturized wideband CP patch antenna with a 5.2% AR bandwidth is successfully implemented. The overall size of the antenna is merely 0.34λ0×0.33λ0×0.046λ0.
A Low-profile Dual-band Dual-polarization Co-aperture Array Antenna with High Isolation
Authors: Xia Liang-Xin , Zhou Qi lei , Liu Neng-Wu , Fu Guang
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a low-profile high-isolation dual-polarization array antenna operating in the L/S band. The radiating unit of the array antenna adopts U-shaped bending dipoles to realize the staggered arrangement of high- and low-band units, and is connected to the feeding network by a coaxial cable. To achieve the non-influence of high-band and low-band feed networks, multi-layer printing technology is used and grooves are etched on the metal plate. In order to reduce the coupling of the high- and low-band dipoles at low frequency, a bandpass filter is added to the high-band feed network, which greatly improves the isolation at low-frequency. The measured results show that the impedance bandwidth of the array is 4.5% (0.971-1.015 GHz) and 7.5% (1.89-2.04 GHz), with gains of 15 and 19 dBi at 1 GHz and 2 GHz, respectively. And the isolation between the dual-polarized ports more than 50 dB and 35 dB was achieved at 1 GHz and 2 GHz, respectively. The proposed array will have practical value in L/S band full-duplex wireless communication systems.
The trend of the quality of cause-of-death data and its association with socio-economic indicators in Serbia in the period 2005–19
Authors: Andjelković Apostolović Marija , Stojanović Miodrag , Bogdanović Dragan , Apostolović Branislav , Milošević Zoran , Ignjatović Aleksandra
Published: March 2024

This study aims to evaluate the temporal trend in the quality of cause-of-death data and garbage code profiles and to determine its association with socio-economic status in Serbia. A longitudinal study was assessed using data from mortality registers from 2005 to 2019. Computer application Analysis of Causes of National Deaths for Action (ANACONDA) calculates the distribution of garbage codes by severity and composite quality indicator: Vital Statistics Performance Index for Quality (VSPI(Q)). A relationship between VSPI(Q) and country development was estimated by analysing two socio-economic indicators: the Socio-demographic Index and the Human Development Index (HDI). Serbia indicates progress in strengthening cause-of-death statistics. The steady upward trend of the VSPI(Q) index has risen from 55.6 (medium quality) to 70.2 (high quality) over the examined years. Significant reduction of ‘Insufficiently specified causes with limited impact’ (Level 4) and an increase in the trend of ‘High-impact garbage codes’ (Levels 1 to 3) were evident. Decreased deaths of no policy value (annual percentage change of −1.41%) have manifested since 2014. A strong positive association between VSPI(Q) and socio-economic indicators was assessed, where the HDI has shown a stronger association with VSPI(Q). Improved socio-economic conditions on the national level are followed by enhanced cause-of-death data quality. Upcoming actions to improve quality should be directed at high-impact garbage codes. The study underlines the need to prioritise the education and training of physicians with a crucial role in death certification to overcome many cause-of-death quality issues identified in this assessment.
Inverted Binoculars
Authors: Lipovetsky Mark
Published: March 2024

SUMMARY: This essay is a contribution to the discussion forum "Mainstream Narratives of Soviet History and the Laughter of Surprise," framed as responses by literary scholars, historians, and political scientists to Sheila Fitzpatrick's essay "Soviet History as Black Comedy." Mark Lipovetsky discusses the function of distancing through irony in the narratives and discourses of Soviet culture, including socialist realism. Резюме: Это эссе является частью форума "Мейнстримные нарративы советской истории и смех от удивления," в котором литературоведы, историки и политологи реагируют на эссе Шейлы Фитцпатрик "Советская история как черная комедия". Марк Липовецкий обсуждает роль иронического дистанцирования в нарративах и дискурсах советской культуры, включая соцреализм.
Великий Имитатор: Российская история от "Потемкинских деревень" до "Кубанских казаков"
Authors: Добренко Евгений
Published: March 2024

SUMMARY: This essay is a contribution to the discussion forum "Mainstream Narratives of Soviet History and the Laughter of Surprise," framed as responses by literary scholars, historians, and political scientists to Sheila Fitzpatrick's essay "Soviet History as Black Comedy." Evgeny Dobrenko identifies socialist realism as a totalizing aesthetic practice that defined the essence of the Soviet system. According to Dobrenko, to an observer located outside this all-embracing cultural sphere, socialist realism was a constant source of "involuntary laughter." The comic effect of Stalinism and Sovietness in general was a result of their fundamentally imitative character.
Kafka's Smile
Authors: Babak Galina
Published: March 2024

SUMMARY: This essay is a contribution to the discussion forum "Mainstream Narratives of Soviet History and the Laughter of Surprise," framed as responses by literary scholars, historians, and political scientists to Sheila Fitzpatrick's essay "Soviet History as Black Comedy." Using the text that appears on a new memorial plaque on the building in Prague where Franz Kafka was born, Galina Babak discusses attempts to "catch" Franz Kafka in rigid identity categories and she notes the new plaque's "neopositivist" rejection of this approach. This same collision encapsulates the challenge of writing about the USSR as a "whole." Babak rejects black comedy as a frame for Soviet history because it is no longer possible to be simultaneously "inside" and "outside" Soviet life – a position essential for the production and consumption of Soviet-era jokes. Instead, she argues in favor of an analytical position that goes beyond the plaque's neopositivism and embraces the complexity and hybridity of the Soviet past. Резюме: Это эссе является частью форума "Мейнстримные нарративы советской истории и смех от удивления," в котором литературоведы, историки и политологи реагируют на эссе Шейлы Фитцпатрик "Советская история как черная комедия". На примере текста новой мемориальной доски на пражском доме, где родился Франц Кафка, Галина Бабак размышляет о попытках зафиксировать Кафку в жестких категориях идентичности и об отказе новой "неопозитивистской" доски следовать этой модели. Та же коллизия отличает проблему написания советской истории как "целого". Бабак отрицает черную комедию как рамку для советской истории, поскольку больше невозможно находиться одновременно "внутри" и "вне" советской жизни – а именно эта позиция была необходимым условием производства и восприятия советских шуток. Бабак призывает к поиску аналитической позиции, преодолевающей неопозитивизм новой мемориальной доски на доме Кафки и при этом позволяющей увидеть сложности и гибридность советского прошлого.
Laughing about Dictatorships – and Ourselves
Authors: Edele Mark
Published: March 2024

SUMMARY: This essay is a contribution to the discussion forum "Mainstream Narratives of Soviet History and the Laughter of Surprise," framed as responses by literary scholars, historians, and political scientists to Sheila Fitzpatrick's essay "Soviet History as Black Comedy." Mark Edele embraces Fitzpatrick's appreciation of black comedy as affording a position of alienation from ourselves and a productive analytical distance. But the Soviet hierarchical, bureaucratized sociocultural system that generates comic effects has parallels in many non-Soviet cultures, including Edele's own Australian academic culture. The real question then becomes: Does a preoccupation with the absurd promote a certain kind of history writing? Going through many examples of jokes about tragic circumstances and dictatorial regimes by insiders in particular, Edele concludes that outsiders can embrace this mode of reflecting on dictatorships to expose them as absurd and pompous exercises. Резюме: Это эссе является частью форума "Мейнстримные нарративы советской истории и смех от удивления," в котором литературоведы, историки и политологи реагируют на эссе Шейлы Фитцпатрик "Советская история как черная комедия". Марк Эделе разделяет интерес Фитцпатрик к черной комедии как к жанру, позволяющему самоотстранение и поддержание продуктивной аналитической дистанции. Но у советской бюрократизированной и иерархичной социокультурной системы, генерировавшей комический эффект, есть параллели во многих несоветских культурах, включая австралийскую академическую культуру самого Эделе. Поэтому для него основной вопрос сводится к тому, способен ли фокус на абсурде порождать определенный тип историописания? Приводя примеры шуток по трагическим поводам или высмеивающих тоталитарные режимы изнутри, Эделе делает вывод, что внешние наблюдатели могут заимствовать этот модус рефлексии, поскольку он позволяет выявлять абсурдность и претенциозность таких режимов.
Making Basic Law in a Postimperial State: Diffusion, Adjustment, and Legal Cunning in the Constitutional Debate on Ethnocultural Diversity in Poland, 1919–1922
Authors: Marzec Wiktor
Published: March 2024

SUMMARY: This article studies the process of drafting the Polish constitution adopted in 1921 in respect to the management of ethnocultural diversity in a highly heterogeneous and politically divided postimperial polity. Central to the study are the processes of the diffusion of constitutional ideas and the accommodation of political pressure from outside the country by domestic legislation. This process involved not only the adaptation of foreign influences but also their manipulation in the interests of the prevailing political model of the Polish nation-state. Further problematizing the process of accommodating minorities was the task of integrating the three former Polish partitions, each bearing the legacy of its host imperial regime, into a single polity with universal legislation. What was seen as a possible solution in one part of the country was fraught with unintended and undesirable consequences if applied in other parts. Резюме: В статье исследуется разработка принятой в 1921 г. польской конституции, а конкретнее решение проблемы управления этнокультурным разнообразием в крайне неоднородном и политически разделенном постимперском государстве. Центральное место в исследовании занимают процессы международной диффузии конституционных идей и реакция законодательства страны на внешнеполитическое давление. Эти процессы проявлялись не только в адаптации иностранных влияний, но и в манипулировании ими в интересах преобладающей политической модели польского национального государства. Дополнительным фактором, препятствующим эффективной защите интересов национальных меньшинств, была задача интеграции в единое государство с универсальным законодательством трех частей недавно еще разделенной Польши, каждая с собственным имперским наследием. То, что рассматривалось в качестве возможного решения в одной части страны, было чревато непредвиденными и нежелательными последствиями в случае применения в других частях.
Camouflage in popular culture, fashion and accessory design in India
Authors: Hadap Nitin , Palsodkar Charuta
Published: March 2024

This article postulates that recent generations in India, particularly the middle and upper-middle classes, have experienced increased wealth due to the government’s open market policy, introduced after 1991. As a result of this improved financial situation, these consumers are now able to purchase affordable luxury goods. One notable trend emerging from this development is the rise in popularity of camouflage patterns in fashion and accessories. These patterns evoke emotions of military association, rebellion, strength, durability, ruggedness and a sense of distinctiveness from the rest of society. Surprisingly, even though camouflage is intended to conceal and blend in with surroundings, it has become a prominent aspect of popular culture in India. The younger generation aspires to stand out and possess larger-than-life personalities, perhaps influenced by the impact of globalization. Various audio-visual media, such as sci-fi literature and superheroes depicted on over-the-top (OTT) platforms contribute significantly to this trend, with fashion statements playing a crucial role in shaping these perceptions. In response to such demand, even international brands have started producing products featuring camouflage patterns for the Indian market. The widespread popularity of camo fashion and accessories can be observed in almost all public spaces across India.

The primary focus of this article is on exploring the popularity of camouflage in fashion accessories, design and trends by studying consumers’ preferences for leading global and local brands. Through a comprehensive literature review, a research gap in this area has been identified. The study concentrates on fashion accessories in India and takes a perspective of percolation of camouflage in the fashion market. The methodology involves the study of primary and secondary sources for documentation, and a survey was conducted to gain insights into consumers’ perspectives. By conducting a literature review and a thorough data analysis, the article reaches its conclusions.
Seniors' housing preferences in medium-sized cities in Poland
Authors: Jancz Anna , Manasterska Tatiana
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The paper investigates senior citizens' housing preferences and needs in medium-sized Polish cities, aiming to inform sustainable housing development strategies that cater to an ageing population. Methodology: Utilizing a questionnaire survey, the study engages a representative group of seniors and pre-seniors within the Wielkopolskie Voivodeship to gather data on their housing conditions, preferences, and expectations. Results: Findings reveal a significant demand for housing adapted to seniors’ needs, with preferences leaning towards dwellings without architectural barriers and including essential services. The research highlights the discrepancy between current living conditions and the ideal housing situation for seniors. Theoretical Contribution: This paper contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban development by emphasizing the importance of integrating senior citizens’ housing preferences into planning and policy-making processes. Practical Implications: The study offers valuable insights for real estate developers, urban planners, and policymakers, suggesting the need for a diversified housing market that includes options tailored to the elderly, potentially influencing future housing policies and market offerings.
See Something, Say Something: Global Positioning System Tracker Foreign Body Ingestion as a Unique Presentation of Human Trafficking
Authors: Mirza Muhammad Usman , Jiang Chunsu , Forde Justin J. , Barkin Jodie A. , Sussman Daniel A. , Manten Emory M.
Published: March 2024

In 2021, there were about 17,000 victims of human trafficking in the United States. We present a case of a 28-year-old sex trafficking victim who was forced to swallow 2 global positioning system trackers by her perpetrator. The gastroenterology team performed an upper endoscopy and retrieved 2 global positioning system devices from her antrum. Most of these victims do not disclose any history of abuse because of fear of their perpetrators. Further training and research can help to allow for recognition of these victims and potentially help them.
Muslim Minority in Manila: Ethnographical Studies of Minority Expression on the Archipelago
Authors: Susilo Daniel , Sugihartati Rahma , Santos Roberto Rudolf T.
Published: March 2024

This article describes the spiritual experience of being a Muslim and minority in Manila, the capital of Asia’s most populous Catholic country, the Philippines. This research used an ethnography approach to understand how Muslims in Manila negotiate their identity as Muslims as well as Filipinos who live in Barangay as a minority and face bad sentiment, especially after the Battle of Marawi and the Maguindanao Massacre. This research found that even when facing negative stigma on most of the national media coverage after the Battle of Marawi and the Maguindanao Massacre, Muslims in Manila feel that they are free to express their identity as Muslims, as Anak Bansa, and as Filipinos with their limitations.[Artikel ini menggambarkan pengalaman spiritual Muslim minoritas di Manila, Filipina, negara dengan umat Katolik terbesar di Asia. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan etnografi untuk melihat bagaimana Muslim di Manila menegosiasikan identitasnya sebagai orang Islam sekaligus sebagai orang Filipina yang hidup di Barangay sebagai minoritas, terutama dalam menghadapi sentimen buruk pasca Perang Marawi dan Pembantaian Maguindanao. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa meskipun menghadapi stigma buruk dalam hampir semua media nasional pasca Perang Marawi dan Pembantaian Maguindanao, orang Islam di Manila tetap merasa bebas mengekspresikan identitas mereka dengan segala keterbatasannya sebagai Muslim sekaligus sebagai Anak Bangsa dan orang Filipina.]
The Law of Movasat and the Moral Challenge of Staying at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shiravand Mohsen , Mirhadi Zahra Sadat
Published: March 2024

The challenge of the COVID-19 Pandemic is usually reduced to a mere medical and health problem, while one can observe its sizeable influence on economic, cultural, political and moral domains, too. In Muslim countries, moral conflict becomes one of the significant challenges of COVID-19 affecting people’s lives. Staying at home and its relationship with livelihood is one of the most complicated of these conflicts. In this essay, the authors assess and expose this moral conflict using the ethical doctrines of the Islamic religion rooted in the moral law of Movasat Altruism. There are four strategies in the principle of Movasat for overcoming the crisis: (1) uprooting poverty and reducing social-economic inequality; (2) job creation and supporting the production cycle; (3) eliminating unnecessary brokers; and (4) strengthening sympathy, empathy, and love within society.[Tantangan akibat Pandemi COVID-19 banyak difokuskan hanya sebatas masalah medis dan kesehatan saja, padahal pengaruhnya juga terlihat cukup besar dalam bidang ekonomi, budaya, politik, dan moral. Di negara-negara Muslim, konflik moral menjadi salah satu tantangan signifikan akibat COVID-19 yang berdampak pada kehidupan masyarakat. Tinggal di rumah dan hubungannya dengan penghidupan merupakan contoh salah satu konflik yang cukup rumit. Dalam tulisan ini, penulis berupaya mengungkap konflik moral ini dengan menggunakan doktrin etika agama Islam yang berakar pada hukum moral altruisme Movasat. Ada empat strategi dalam prinsip Movasat untuk mengatasi krisis: (1) memberantas kemiskinan dan mengurangi kesenjangan sosial ekonomi; (2) menciptakan lapangan kerja dan mendukung siklus produksi; (3) menghilangkan perantara yang tidak diperlukan; dan (4) memperkuat simpati, empati, dan rasa cinta kasih dalam masyarakat.]
Putative Effects of Sex Hormones on Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Brachtlová Tereza , Gardlík Roman , Tóthová Ľubomíra
Published: March 2024

Urinary tract infections affect mostly females. The infection and possible consequent ascent of bacteria is enhanced by various risk factors. Sex hormones regulate gene transcription implicated in immune cell development and maturation, in regulation of immune responses and immune signalling pathways. Limited knowledge is available; however, recent findings underline the importance of understanding the interactions between sex hormones and urinary tract infection to diminish the occurrence of complications related to this infection. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge on the correlation and impact of sex hormones on urinary tract infections.
Moringa olifeira Lam. Stimulates Activation of the Insulin-Dependent Akt Pathway. Antidiabetic Effect in a Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO) Mouse Model
Authors: Attakpa Eugène Sèlidji , Sangaré M. M. , Béhanzin G. J. , Ategbo J.-M. , Seri B. , Khan N. A.
Published: March 2024

We investigated the antidiabetic effect of Moringa olifeira Lam. in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. Six mice were randomly selected as normal controls. Moringa olifeira Lam. leaf extract at a dose of 200, 400 or 600 mg/kg body weight, glibenclamide (Glib) at the dose of 10 mg/kg (positive control) and distilled water at 10 ml/kg (control group) were administered orally by gastric intubation, and each group consisted of six mice. Insulinsensitive tissues (liver, skeletal muscle) were collected to investigate antidiabetic effects and examine the plant’s molecular mechanisms. Moringa olifeira Lam. leaf extract prevented weight gain. It also reduced blood glucose in DIO mice. Glib and Moringa olifeira Lam. leaf extract, 400 mg/kg, treatments restored insulin levels towards normal values (P < 0.05 versus diabetic control group). Western immunoblot analysis of different tissues, collected at the end of the study, demonstrated that Moringa olifeira Lam. stimulated activation of the insulin-dependent Akt pathway and increased the protein content of Glut 4 in skeletal muscle. The improvement of hepatic steatosis observed in DIO-treated mice was associated with a decrease in the hepatic content of SREBP-1, a transcription factor involved in de novo lipogenesis. The hepatic PPARα protein content in the plant extract- treated mice remained significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence for direct action of Moringa olifeira Lam. on pancreatic β-cells, enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. This correlated with hypoglycaemic effects in diabetic mice associated with restored levels of plasma insulin.
Skeletal muscle adaptations to high‐intensity, low‐volume concurrent resistance and interval training in recreationally active men and women
Authors: Sterczala Adam J. , Rodriguez‐Ortiz Nathaniel , Feigel Evan D. , Krajewski Kellen T. , Martin Brian J. , Sekel Nicole M. , Lovalekar Mita , Kargl Christopher K. , Koltun Kristen J. , Van Eck Carola , Flanagan Shawn D. , Connaboy Christopher , Wardle Sophie L. , O'Leary Thomas J. , Greeves Julie P. , Nindl Bradley C.
Published: March 2024

This study compared the structural and cellular skeletal muscle factors underpinning adaptations in maximal strength, power, aerobic capacity, and lean body mass to a 12‐week concurrent resistance and interval training program in men and women. Recreationally active women and men completed three training sessions per week consisting of high‐intensity, low‐volume resistance training followed by interval training performed using a variety upper and lower body exercises representative of military occupational tasks. Pre‐ and post‐training vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were analyzed for changes in muscle fiber type, cross‐sectional area, capillarization, and mitochondrial biogenesis marker content. Changes in maximal strength, aerobic capacity, and lean body mass (LBM) were also assessed. Training elicited hypertrophy of type I (12.9%; p = 0.016) and type IIa (12.7%; p = 0.007) muscle fibers in men only. In both sexes, training decreased type IIx fiber expression (1.9%; p = 0.046) and increased total PGC‐1α (29.7%, p < 0.001) and citrate synthase (11.0%; p < 0.014) content, but had no effect on COX IV content or muscle capillarization. In both sexes, training increased maximal strength and LBM but not aerobic capacity. The concurrent training program was effective at increasing strength and LBM but not at improving aerobic capacity or skeletal muscle adaptations underpinning aerobic performance.
Maternal Labour Supply and School Enrolment Laws: Empirical Evidence from Brazilian Primary School Reforms
Authors: Cusimano Alessandro , da Silva Rodrigues Diego , Jackson Ian
Published: March 2024

The relationship between childcare provision and mothers’ labour supply decisions is highly debated due to the potential reverse causality and resultant empirical challenges. We contribute meaningfully to this debate by discussing the effects from a reform on Brazil’s primary education system on maternal labour supply. This reform, which advanced the compulsory children’s enrolment in primary education schools from the age of 7–6, is interpreted as the provision of free childcare. Due to the imperfect compliance of the reform implementation, children’s month of birth is used as an instrumental variable to control for the endogeneity present in any actual school enrolment. We show that the reform presented a positive effect on the labour supply of (1) the Brazilian single mothers and (2) the least educated mothers, increasing their participation in labour market by 12.9 % and furthermore a probability of becoming full time workers by 10.9 %.
Machine learning based endothelial cell image analysis of patients undergoing descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty surgery
Authors: Karaca Emine Esra , Işık Feyza Dicle , Hassanpour Reza , Oztoprak Kasım , Evren Kemer Özlem
Published: March 2024

Objectives

In this study, we developed a machine learning approach for postoperative corneal endothelial cell images of patients who underwent Descemet’s membrane keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods

An AlexNet model is proposed and validated throughout the study for endothelial cell segmentation and cell location determination. The 506 images of postoperative corneal endothelial cells were analyzed. Endothelial cell detection, segmentation, and determining of its polygonal structure were identified. The proposed model is based on the training of an R-CNN to locate endothelial cells. Next, by determining the ridges separating adjacent cells, the density and hexagonality rates of DMEK patients are calculated.

Results

The proposed method reached accuracy and F1 score rates of 86.15 % and 0.857, respectively, which indicates that it can reliably replace the manual detection of cells in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). The AUC score of 0.764 from the proposed segmentation method suggests a satisfactory outcome.

Conclusions

A model focused on segmenting endothelial cells can be employed to assess the health of the endothelium in DMEK patients.
Determination of pesticide residue in soil samples by molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction method
Authors: Yu Xiaofeng , Xie Jiawei , Yan Bixing , Song Renyuan , Chen Kun , Yan Hegang
Published: March 2024

Porous molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) microspheres were synthesized via iniferter-suspension polymerization method, employing lenacil (LA) as the template molecule and methacrylic acid (MAA) as the functional monomer. The host–guest complexes formed using LA and MAA were characterized by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. The obtained results showed that the interaction between LA and MAA mainly relied on hydrogen bonding. The surface morphologies and chemical structures of the MIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. MIPs were spherical in shape with a relatively regular sphericity, rough surface structure, and numerous small holes, which significantly reduced the mass transfer resistance of the template molecules and exhibited excellent recognition performance for template molecules. In addition, soil samples were pretreated with solid-phase extraction columns molecularly imprinted with LA, and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The recoveries of LA, bromacil, and terbacil were up to 89.65%, 53.17%, and 44.63%, respectively. The developed method showed a minimum detection limit of 10–50 µg·mL−1. In view of the continuous increase of public requirements for pesticide residue detection, a versatile pretreatment method was developed that is green, rapid, simple, and can be miniaturized.
Permian tectonic switch of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Constraints from magmatism in the southern Alxa region, NW China
Authors: Wang Erteng , Zhai Xinwei , Huang Yaoshen , Li Chengze , Su Ruihuan , Wu Lei , Song Gaorui , Guo Zhiang , Chen Wanfeng , Wang Jinrong
Published: March 2024

Late Paleozoic plutons are widely distributed in the Alxa region, southernmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt, and provided an important clue in constraint for the closing time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO). In this article, we present new zircon U-Pb ages and whole-rock geochemical data from the Permian Huoersen and Zongnaishan plutons in the southern Alxa region. The Huoersen gabbro (ca. 285 Ma) is enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and depleted in high-field strength elements, similar to the features of continental marginal arc. They were most likely generated by partial melting of depleted mantle that was modified by subduction metasomatic fluids. The Zongnaishan granites (ca. 267 Ma) show characteristics of I-type granites and were generated in a syn-collision setting. The Huoersen granites (ca. 259 Ma) are peralkaline and have positive Ɛ
Nd(t) (+1.2 to +1.5) values, exhibiting A2-subtype granites affinities. They were formed by melting of lower crust in post-collision extension setting. Based on geodynamic mechanism, a three-stage evolution model is delineated: subduction, syn-collision to post-collisional extension for oceanic branch of the PAO during the Permian. In general, the rock assemblages indicate a tectonic switch from subduction to post-collision extension regimes and the final closure of the PAO.
Enzyme activities and volatile flavor compound compositions of tiger nut paste prepared using different fungal starter strains
Authors: Sun Hongrui , Tian Zhigang , Shi Haihui , Fan Jieying , Meng Yue , Zeng Xianpeng , Chi Yanping , Kang Lining , Liu Xiangying , Zhang Jialin , Yang Zhiqiang
Published: March 2024

In order to clarify effects of different fungal strains on fermented tiger nut paste enzyme activities and volatile flavor compounds composition, koji enzyme activities and volatile flavor substances of six tiger nut paste preparations (S1–S6) were compared. The results revealed that koji enzyme activities of S4, S5 and S6 were significantly higher than corresponding activities of S1, S2 and S3. Among them, S4 exhibited the highest enzyme activity levels for cellulase, xylanase, acid protease, glucosidase, and amylase. GC-MS analysis of the six paste preparations detected 43 volatile components, including 17 aldehydes, 8 alkenes, 4 heterocyclics, 2 ketones, 2 phenols and 7 other types of compounds. Notably, S4 had the most volatile compounds (28), including 5 volatile compounds which were not detected in the other tiger nut pastes. Results of principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed differences in levels of 17 volatile flavor substances among the six tiger nut paste preparations. Notably, PLS-DA results achieved more significant separation and stronger clustering trends when used to discriminate among volatile flavor substances of paste preparations fermented using single-strain starters (S1, S2, S3) versus double-strain starters (S4, S5, S6) consisting of Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger and/or Mucor. The tiger nut paste (S4) prepared by mixed fermentation of A. oryzae and A. niger had a unique flavor, producing the highest enzyme activity and a wider variety of volatile flavor compounds. Therefore, the production of tiger nut paste through compound strain koji fermentation was a feasible strategy.