bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indicadores para avaliação do espaço físico escolar na educação ambiental
Authors: Espósito Sanchez Anna Carolina , De Morais Silva Bianca , Martins Ferreira Estefani , Ghisloti Iared Valéria
Published: August 2024

Com o intuito de analisar a relação entre os espaços físicos e as práticas de educação ambiental, o presente estudo descreve uma investigação realizada nas escolas estaduais de três Núcleos Regionais de Educação do Paraná (Curitiba, Paranaguá e Toledo). A pesquisa fundamenta-se no Ciclo de Políticas de Stephen Ball e Richard Bowe, sendo realizada em 2020 por meio de uma matriz de indicadores, a qual foi adaptada para um formulário eletrônico enviado às escolas pelo endereço eletrônico. Os resultados apontam as potencialidades e os desafios da relação entre o espaço físico e as práticas ambientais nas escolas por meio da análise de três indicadores: território da escola e entorno, infraestrutura e ambiente educativo, ecoeficiência. Conclui-se a arquitetura escolar influencia o desenvolvimento das práticas de educação ambiental nas escolas. O investimento financeiro, a mobilização escolar para adequação eexploração de espaços para a aprendizagem são desafios identificados em todas as escolas.
Educação ambiental na prevenção e controle da dengue em uma escola do município de Codó, Maranhão
Authors: Cruz Freitas Thays , Guimarães de Pinho Rozinete , Privado Martins Feitosa Ana Luiza
Published: August 2024

A dengue é um grave problema de saúde pública. Nesse sentido, a educação ambiental desenvolvida nas escolas se mostra como uma boa alternativa para abordar a temática em todos os níveis de ensino, de forma a contribuir com a prevenção da dengue e redução no número de mortes causadas pela doença. O presente estudo teve como objetivo sensibilizar alunos do 6º e 7º ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública no município de Codó (Maranhão) sobre medidas práticas voltadas para a prevenção e controle da dengue dentro e fora do ambiente escolar e sua relação com o cuidado ao meio ambiente. Foram aplicados aos participantes questionários e realizadas atividades de sensibilização sobre a dengue e sua relação com o meio ambiente. As atividades de sensibilização foram eficientes na aquisição de conhecimento, visto que ambas as turmas apresentaram aumento na porcentagem de respostas corretas na maioria das questões do pós-teste.
Natureza e cultura ou naturezas-culturas?
Authors: Da Silva Cíntia Gruppelli , Henning Paula Corrêa
Published: August 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo problematizar como as relações do humano com o mundo natural vão acontecendo no decorrer da história, especialmente a partir do século XVI. O recorte é dado devido ao nascimento da ciência que aí se estabelece criando outras condições para o mundo natural. São tomados alguns acontecimentos que evidenciam o domínio humano sobre a natureza criando condições de possibilidade para a emergência daquilo que se conhece hoje como crise ambiental. Na companhia de alguns autores como Leandro Guimarães et al. (2009), Keith Thomas (2010), Paula Henning (2008, 2012, 2019), Juliana Coutinho (2017), Anna Tsing (2019), Ailton Krenak (2020), Donna Haraway (2021), entre outros, foram mapeadas múltiplas narrativas do que vem a ser natureza. Assume-se o assento teórico a respeito das verdades sobre a natureza serem produzidas pela cultura e os modos de vida que experienciamos. A intenção do artigo é pensar em como chegamos até aqui e quais possibilidades de outros modos de existir e conviver com a natureza, vislumbrando o desejo de expandir a vida e compondo outros modos de existência na convivência com.
Estratégias de educação ambiental aplicadas a caatinga
Authors: Dulcinea dos Santos Dione , Medeiros de Araújo Frutuoso Maria Núbia
Published: August 2024

Este trabalho teve como objetivo sistematizar estratégias de educação ambiental inovadoras que estão sendo utilizadas e que podem contribuir para a preservação do bioma caatinga. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que utilizou como estratégia metodológica a pesquisa bibliográfica e  análise temática sob o viés exploratório. Os estudos identificados trazem propostas relevantes à educação e gestão ambiental e tratam de temáticas referentes à flora e fauna do bioma, bem como práticas de educação ambiental e a utilização de jogos como fomento de interesse e sensibilização ambiental dos sujeitos. Tais estratégias podem ser aplicadas de maneira transversal a outros eixos temáticos de aprendizagem.
Educação ambiental e visualidades
Authors: Duro Dias Renato , Netto Brum Amanda , Grohs Freire Simone
Published: August 2024

A produção do conhecimento, materializada a partir da centralidade europeia, constituiu a modernidade tendo como base a colonialidade do saber (Mignolo, 2017), inclusive no campo do sensível e do estético. As categorias do pensamento e as representações imagéticas encharcadas da retórica da modernidade reproduziram este mesmo sentido existente nos sistemas-mundo (Wallerstein, 1999), especialmente onde se constituem as visualidades brasileira (Paulino, 2011, 2019) e latino-americana (Gómez, Mignolo, 2012). Neste sentido, esta investigação de abordagem qualitativa centrada na análise de imagens pretende discutir, a partir da série Jatobá de Rosana Paulino (2019), as opressões que subjugam mulher-natureza, a partir das possibilidades de uma educação ambiental crítica articulada com o ecofeminismo crítico, tendo como referências dispositivos imagéticos diversos, com vistas a produção de outros corpos, saberes (Carneiro, 2023) e sentidos. Espera-se que estes diálogos potencializem noções outras de mundo.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Improves Prednisolone Responsiveness and 90-Day Survival in Steroid-Eligible Severe Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis: The GPreAH Study a Randomized Trial
Authors: Mishra Ajay Kumar , Shasthry Saggere Muralikrishna , Vijayaraghavan Rajan , Kumar Guresh , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH) carries high 1-month mortality. Corticosteroids provide a modest 28-day but not 90-day survival benefit, due to development of infections and organ failures. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) has shown promise in patients with SAH by its immunomodulatory and regenerative capabilities. We studied the safety and efficacy of combination (GCSF + prednisolone, GPred) therapy in management of steroid-eligible patients with SAH.

METHODS:

Steroid eligible patients with SAH (discriminant function scores 32–90) were randomized to receive prednisolone (GrA, n = 42), GPred (GrB, n = 42), or GCSF alone (GrC, n = 42). GCSF was given as 150–300 mcg/d for 7 days followed by every third day for a maximum of 12 doses in 1 month. Prednisolone 40 mg/d was given for 7 days and continued for 28 days in responders (Lille score <0.45).

RESULTS:

Baseline characteristics of patient groups were comparable. On intention-to-treat analysis, the primary endpoint of 90-day survival was achieved in 64.3% (27/42) in prednisolone, 88.1% (37/42) in GPred, and 78.6%(33/42) in GCSF groups, respectively (P = 0.03, prednisolone vs GPred). The 28-day survival was not different between the groups (85.7%, 95.2%, and 85.7%, respectively [P = 0.27]). The GPred group had more responders by day 7 (71.4% vs 92.9% vs 76.2%, P = 0.037) and had greater reduction in discriminant function (−7.33 ± 4.78, −24.59 ± 3.7, −14.59 ± 3.41, P = 0.011) and MELDNa (−1.69 ± 1.26, −7.02 ± 1.24, −3.05 ± 0.83, P = 0.002) by day 90. The prednisolone-only group had higher incidence of new infections (35.7%, 19%, 7.1%, respectively, P < 0.002). Acute kidney injury (33.3%, 7.1%, 11.9%, P = 0.002), hepatic encephalopathy (35.7%, 9.5%, 26.2%, P = <0.001), and rehospitalizations (59.5%, 14.3%, 30.9%, P=<0.01) were lower in the GPred group.

CONCLUSION:

Addition of GCSF to prednisolone improves steroid responsiveness and 90-day survival with fewer infections and new onset complications in patients with SAH.
A polissemia de conceitos e significados atribuídos ao termo Difusão do Conhecimento nas teses do Programa de Pós-Graduação Multi-institucional em Difusão do Conhecimento (PPGDC)
Authors: Moraes Adriano dos Santos , Coutinho William Jônatas Vidal , Burite Alexsandro Souza
Published: August 2024

Essa pesquisa objetiva analisar significados atribuídos ao termo ‘difusão do conhecimento’ a partir de como são conceituados por diferentes autores de teses do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Difusão do Conhecimento (PPGDC). Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, bibliográfica e documental. Foram articulados aportes conceituais relacionados à criação e difusão do conhecimento e progresso da ciência. Optamos por utilizar na metodologia o enfoque fenomenológico-hermenêutico para compreender as entrelinhas do pensamento dos autores quanto a como conceituam e significam o termo ‘difusão do conhecimento’ em suas respectivas teses no PPGDC. Este trabalho de estudo e pesquisa foi realizado a partir de atividades de leitura, fichamentos, análise e interpretação do texto de todas as teses do PPGDC disponíveis no repositório da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). Embora haja a preocupação em compreender a polissemia que envolve o termo difusão do conhecimento apresentado nas diversas pesquisas realizadas ao longo da existência do PPGDC, frisamos que esse não é um estudo completamente acabado e que não foi nossa pretensão esgotar o assunto. Dessa forma, considera-se este artigo apenas um inicial esforço intelectivo em busca de uma melhor percepção do objeto de análise da pesquisa.
Comunicação pública e letramento político: o potencial educativo dos programas de visitação das Câmaras Municipais
Authors: Silva Michel Carvalho da
Published: August 2024

Este artigo discute o potencial educativo dos programas de visitação (PVs) de dezoito parlamentos locais do estado de São Paulo, a partir da aproximação entre as noções de comunicação pública e letramento político. O estudo tem caráter exploratório e se baseia na aplicação de questionários e em informações contidas nos sites das Câmaras Municipais analisadas. Verifica-se, à luz da revisão bibliográfica sobre o campo da comunicação pública do Poder Legislativo e da análise dos dados coletados, que os PVs são organizados na lógica institucional de construção de relacionamento, em que a preocupação educativa não é central no desenvolvimento das atividades de visitação.
Macro-structures framing language policy in Morocco: Which discourse? Whose discourse?
Authors: Laanani Khalid , Fathi Said
Published: August 2024

Today, the power of discourse is incontestable. Within the field of language policy and planning (LPP), language policy (LP) has been conceptualized in various ways. One paradigm-shifting conceptualization is viewing LP as discourse. The discursive power of language policies is quite real as it can be contested in official state discourses about language and language-related issues. This paper employs corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis to examine the macro-discourses of crisis, quality, equity, equality, and change in Morocco’s language policy. The study scrutinizes these discourses and explores their “manipulative” use in official policy texts. It contends that these macro-discourses are strategically used to rationalize the spread and strengthening of foreign languages to the detriment of national ones. Specifically, the analysis shows that crisis discourse serves as a powerful strategy to legitimize change and create a sense of urgency that often sidelines crucial questions about the nature and beneficiaries of the proposed changes. Furthermore, the discourse of quality ties educational “quality” to the mastery of foreign languages. Likewise, renovation and modernization discourses are found to align systematically with the promotion of these languages. Also, the rhetoric of equity in language-in-education policy appears to justify biased decisions that favour foreign language instruction, risking the perpetuation and exacerbation of existing educational inequities. Consequently, this study implies that more attention should be paid to the intricate dynamics of language policy, especially its discursive power, which could potentially amplify disparities in education systems instead of eliminating them.
Potency of Eucalyptus Oil and Citronella Oil in Suppressing Virulence Factors of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Alifia Nur Ayusma  , Widiastuti Ani , Triwidodo Arwiyanto
Published: August 2024

Bacterial leaf blight, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is an important disease of rice and can cause yield losses of 10-50%. Efforts to control bacterial leaf blight in rice using eucalyptus oil and citronella oil have not been widely reported. This study aims to evaluate the potential inhibition of eucalyptus oil and citronella oil against X. oryzae pv. oryzae  isolate code BaK_2 in vitro, focusing on X. oryzae pv. oryzae virulence factors. The virulence factor assay consisted of biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and motility. The results showed that eucalyptus oil and citronella oil could inhibit the growth of X. oryzae pv. oryzae  in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 15% for eucalyptus oil and 5% for citronella oil. Virulence factor tests showed that eucalyptus oil and citronella oil had no significant effect on biofilm formation, but could reduce EPS formation and limit the movement of X. oryzae pv. oryzae  by both swimming motility and motility.
Impact of COVID-19 infection on medication adherence and medication taking behavior among rural-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Baoyi , Li Xinxin , Xie Jingyue , Gong Ni , Cheng Yu , Zhang Meifen
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To explore the impact of COVID-19 infection on medication adherence among rural-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases, and identify the medication taking behavior and its influencing factors among rural-dwelling older adults with COVID-19 infection.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 111 rural-dwelling older adults was conducted from February to March 2023 in rural villages in China. Demographic and clinical characteristics, medication adherence, medication taking behavior, COVID-19 related illness perception, COVID-19 related stigma, and social network were evaluated by questionnaires. Independent-sample t test, Chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to analyze the data.

Results

There was no significant difference in the medication adherence between COVID-19 infected group and non-COVID-19 infected group. For COVID-19 infected older adults, 63.93 % maintained taking medication for chronic diseases, but 32.79 % stopped taking medication during COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 related illness perception (OR=1.111, p=0.004) and social network (OR=1.156, p=0.010) correlated with the behaviors such as reducing the dose of medication or stopping taking medication during COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 infection has no effect on medication adherence among rural-dwelling older adults. Older adults with negative illness perception of COVID-19 and better social network were more likely to reduce or stop taking medication when they were infected with COVID-19. Thus, specific strategies to reduce negative perception about COVID-19 and strengthen social connection are warranted for rural-dwelling older adults.
The Road to Modernity: “Railway Texts” of the Meiji and Taishō Eras
Authors: Wang Jing
Published: August 2024

While the railway played a critical role in contributing to the industrial capitalism of almost every modern nation, it was particularly crucial to Japan’s experience of modernity. With their astonishing speed and power, trains not only altered the physical landscape but also created novel spaces within them, fostering new sensibilities at both the individual and national levels. “Railway texts” – literature featuring representations of trains – can thus demonstrate how rail transport took part in everything from transforming quotidian life to nation building. Touching on selected “railway texts” by Meiji and Taishō era authors Natsume Sōseki, Tayama Katai, Tanizaki Jun’ichirō, and Akutagawa Ryūnosuke, this paper illustrates how trains provided a means to reflect on Japan’s cultural, social, and political contexts, serving as a space for imagining modernity.
Estimation of the number needed to treat, the number needed to be exposed, and the exposure impact number with instrumental variables
Authors: Vancak Valentin , Sjölander Arvid
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) is an efficacy index defined as the average number of patients needed to treat to attain one additional treatment benefit. In observational studies, specifically in epidemiology, the adequacy of the populationwise NNT is questionable since the exposed group characteristics may substantially differ from the unexposed. To address this issue, groupwise efficacy indices were defined: the Exposure Impact Number (EIN) for the exposed group and the Number Needed to be Exposed (NNE) for the unexposed. Each defined index answers a unique research question since it targets a unique sub-population. In observational studies, the group allocation is typically affected by confounders that might be unmeasured. The available estimation methods that rely either on randomization or the sufficiency of the measured covariates for confounding control result in statistically inconsistent estimators of the true EIN, NNE, and NNT. This study presents a theoretical framework for statistically consistent point and interval estimation of the NNE, EIN and NNE in observational studies with unmeasured confounders.

Methods

Using Rubin’s potential outcomes framework, this study explicitly defines the NNT and its derived indices, EIN and NNE, as causal measures. Then, we use instrumental variables to introduce a novel method to estimate the three aforementioned indices in observational studies where the omission of unmeasured confounders cannot be ruled out. To illustrate the novel methods, we present two analytical examples – double logit and double probit models. Next, a corresponding simulation study and a real-world data example are presented.

Results

This study provides an explicit causal formulation of the EIN, NNE, and NNT indices and a comprehensive theoretical framework for their point and interval estimation using the G-estimators in observational studies with unmeasured confounders. The analytical proofs and the corresponding simulation study illustrate the improved performance of the new estimation method compared to the available methods in terms of consistency and the confidence intervals empirical coverage rates.

Conclusions

In observational studies, traditional estimation methods to estimate the EIN, NNE, or NNT result in statistically inconsistent estimators. We introduce a novel estimation method that overcomes this pitfall. The novel method produces consistent estimators and reliable CIs for the true EIN, NNE, and NNT. Such a method may facilitate more accurate clinical decision-making and the development of efficient public health policies.
Feminine Metaphorical Language: Platonic Resonances in Origen of Alexandria
Authors: Cerioni Lavinia
Published: August 2024

This article explores the use of feminine metaphorical language in the works of Plato and Origen. Drawing from Hanne Løland’s definition of gendered metaphorical language, it examines how Plato and Origen both inherit and challenge the stereotypical use of feminine metaphorical language to advance their philosophical and theological agendas. While partially adhering to the stereotypical uses of gendered metaphorical language, both Plato and Origen navigate beyond them to conceptualize a fluid and multifaceted feminine continuum. By anchoring the analysis in Plato’sSymposium and Timaeusand in Origen’s exegetical works, the article demonstrates how both authors represent intellectual ascent and spiritual transformation through feminine metaphors. In this regard, the article suggests the possibility that Origen inherited this feminine continuum from Plato’s philosophy. Through this comparative analysis, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of feminine metaphorical language in ancient philosophy and theology, thus challenging a simplistic interpretation of gendered metaphorical language. Overall, the article underscores the complex interplay between cultural constructs, philosophical frameworks, and gender representations in the intellectual legacies of Plato and Origen.
ScCO2-processed thermoplastic starch/chitosan oligosaccharide blown films and their oxygen barrier or antibacterial applications
Authors: Wang Zi-yu , Luo Qian-li , Mei Han-fang , Ma Ning , Huang Ya-qiong , Yeh Jen-taut
Published: August 2024

Antibacterial and oxygen barrier films were inventively prepared by blending very small loadings (<2 wt%) of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) or chitosan (CS) in thermoplastic starch (TPS) and/or processing with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). Oxygen transmission rates (OTR) and free-volume-hole (FVH) characteristics of scCO2-processed TPS/COS and TPS/CS blown films diminish to a minimum, as their COS or CS approach a specific compatibility limit content. The minimum OTR and FVH characteristics of scCO2-processed TPS/COS films are somewhat smaller than those of corresponding TPS/COS films without scCO2-assistance, and decrease further with decreasing COS molecular weights. The minimum OTR values of scCO2-processed TPS/COS blown films with COS’s molecular weight of 200 and 500 are only 4.1 and 4.5 cm3/m2 × day × atm, respectively, and their antibacterial rates of Staphylococcus aureus are ≥97 %, which make them as promising antibacterial and oxygen barrier films having OTR ≦ 5 cm3/m2 × day × atm. Among other things, longitudinal or transversal tensile strengths acquired for the properly scCO2-processed TPS/COS or TPS/CS films are ∼30 to ∼50 % higher than those of the TPS films. Dynamic mechanical relaxation results of these scCO2-processed reveal that chitosan oligosaccharide or chitosan are compatible with TPS, as COS or CS contents are ≤ the compatibility limit value.
Effect of steam curing system on compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Chen Yuzhi , Ning Yingjie , Chen Xudong , Xuan Weihong , Tang Jianhui
Published: August 2024

Steam curing prefabrication is a feasible way to promote the application of recycled aggregate in the background of building industrialization. The combined use of slag and fly ash contributes to the comprehensive improvement of both the early and later-stage performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). However, the steam curing regime for RAC composed of slag and fly ash remains unclear, including appropriate curing temperatures and time. In this study, the influences of curing temperatures (20, 40, 60, and 80°C), steam curing time (6, 9, and 12 h) and mineral admixtures (slag powder and fly ash) on the demoulding strength and strength development of RAC were investigated. Based on the Arrhenius formula, the hydration reaction rate was characterized by the development of compressive strength, the apparent activation energy related to the steam curing time was calculated, and the energy-based compressive strength model was proposed to realize the early strength prediction of the steam-cured RAC.
Entelechy and Energy
Authors: Chen Bohang
Published: August 2024

This article reconsiders Hans Driesch’s vitalism, as articulated in his English book The Science and Philosophy of the Organism, from a novel perspective. The central thesis posits that Driesch’s vitalism was intricately intertwined with contemporary physical sciences, particularly the version of energy physics prevalent in the energetics movement at the turn of the twentieth century. More specifically, based on the conceptual framework provided by energeticists like Wilhelm Ostwald and Georg Helm, Driesch offered an intriguing treatment of the relationship between entelechy and energy within an updated Kantian philosophy of nature. This article reconstructs Driesch’s approach by elucidating four points. First, Driesch asserted that an entelechy strictly adhered to the conservation of energy. Second, he posited that the entelechy was not a form of energy and thus did not constitute a special kind of bio-specific vital energy. Third, he identified the entelechy’s most critical characteristic as its ability to suspend certain physico-chemical changes. Fourth, Driesch suggested that the entelechy influenced mechanical systems in a manner akin to Maxwell’s demon, raising the possibility of contravening the second law of thermodynamics. This article also contextualizes Driesch’s treatment within the broader development of energy physics in the latter half of the nineteenth century. In conclusion, this article offers some critical remarks on the peculiar historical phenomenon of chronic vitalism as identified by Driesch and others.
Review of First we eat: Food sovereignty north of 60
Authors: Littlefield Catherine , Ballamingie Patricia
Published: August 2024

Suzanne Crocker’s 2020 film First we eat documents her and her family’s efforts to spend an entire year eating only food that can be grown, gathered, and hunted around Dawson City, Yukon, in the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. Living 300 km south of the Arctic Circle, Crocker’s experiment was spurred by a landslide that disrupted the supply of imported foods into the territory, serving as a wake-up call to food system vulnerability, including increasing and unpredictable climate impacts. First we eat offers an educational glimpse into local northern food systems and food sovereignty that generates reflection on the importance of connecting and learning through communal food networks. In addition to community food connections, the food literacy, self-sufficiency, creativity, change, and challenge involved in eating locally for one year reflect the disconnect between consumers, producers, and land in contemporary food systems. The Crocker family learns a great deal about food harvesting, production, processing, and storage, much of which reflects the knowledge embedded in local and Indigenous food practices. First we eat serves as a starting point for discussions about food security, localizing food systems, and food sovereignty, as well as critical reflection on how Indigenous land, food sovereignty, and knowledge are central to these discussions. Crocker’s ambition to eat entirely locally for one year inspires reconnection with food, land, and community, encouraging viewers to explore how they might become more engaged with their local food system.
Your Academic Social Media Roundup
Authors: Schoening Kate , Dilworth Ellie
Published: August 2024

The Buzz examines the digital water-cooler exchanges happening about the field. We bring you the word on present-day questions, concerns, and triumphs so that you won’t miss anything. In this edition, we put our ear to the creative ways scholars are using technology to teach and network.
Influence of grading in compacted tailings behaviour: towards resilient design
Authors: Wagner Alexia Cindy , Carvalho JOÃO VÍTOR DE AZAMBUJA , Scheuermann Filho Hugo Carlos , Consoli Nilo Cesar
Published: August 2024

The inherent variability of tailings is the main challenge in compacted filtered tailings stacks (CFTS) operation. Despite the advances in dewatering technologies, the filtration efficiency depends on the tailings’ gradation and mineralogy. A usual process is to filter materials separately, which can later be mixed and compacted. In this paper, two iron ore tailings (flotation and slime) from a unique mine and three mixtures (80/20, 70/30 and 60/40) produced from them are studied, to investigate the influence of grading on tailings’ compressibility, strength, stiffness and state measures. The materials were thoroughly characterised and submitted to triaxial tests under low (50 kPa) and high (1000 kPa) confinement levels and different moulding conditions (loose and dense). The results showed that the behaviour of the range of gradings investigated was similar in terms of compressibility, strength mobilisation (peak and M value), dilatancy and stiffness for similar compaction efforts. The packings produced seem to be affected mainly by the mineral composition and grading, while the mechanical procedures only change the magnitude of the state achieved, maintaining the proportion between them. Understanding how grading and mineralogy affect different geomechanical aspects of tailings is the first step towards resilient projects, which are essential to the future of the mining industry.
Effect of ammonium polyphosphate on flame retardancy of bio-based rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Wang Zhaoqian , Zhang Xu , Wang Zhi
Published: August 2024

Rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) has attracted a lot of attention as a multifunctional material. However, the use of fossil fuels in various fields is limited due to their flammability and excessive consumption in the preparation process. In order to solve this problem, a sustainable bio-based RPUF was prepared by ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and lignin-based polyol flame-retardant modification. The impact of APP on the smoke characteristics, flame retardancy, and thermal behavior of lignin-based polyol RPUFs was examined. The modified RPUF (RPUF-20) with 20 wt.% APP had the greatest starting temperature and residual rate. The maximum activation energy (E) and best thermal stability were found in the pyrolysis kinetics calculation utilizing the thermogravimetric trajectory compared with other specimens. Cone showed that when RPUF-20 was compared with RPUF-0, the peak heat release rate was lowered by 79.43%, 72.79%, and 67.91%, and the total heat release was reduced by 50.59%, 56.29%, and 37.14%, respectively. In addition, RPUF-20 had the lowest smoke density, according to the statistics. The current results showed that RPUF-20 had low smoke toxicity and outstanding flame retardancy, which gave rise to a novel notion for RPUFs following flame-retardant modification using biomass.
FEATURES OF CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF ETHANOL ATAXIA
Authors: Masyutina Svetlana , Kizaeva Diana , Agoshkova Kristina
Published: August 2024

The abuse of alcoholic beverages and the consequences of its impact on the internal organs and nervous system, remains an urgent medical and social problem for our country for a long time. Alcoholism has an extremely negative effect on the functioning of the cerebellar system, causing dynamic and static-locomotor ataxia and damage to the peripheral nervous system, which aggravates the impaired function of walking and coordination. Due to the concomitant emotional and cognitive disorders, age-related features in individuals suffering from alcoholism, the diagnosis of clinical manifestations of ataxia and comorbid cerebral, visceral pathology has a number of features that need to be considered for the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
Pediatric Ear and Nose Foreign Bodies during COVID-19 Pandemic: Is it so boring to Stay at Home?
Authors: Sabrina Garofolo , Ivana Fiz , Andrea Melagrana , Roberto D'Agostino , Lucia Semino
Published: August 2024

Introduction: During the COVID-19 lockdown children, confined at home, had a potentially increased risk of domestic accidents like the placement of foreign bodies in ears and noses. Thus, we analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) consultations in the ED of Giannina Gaslini Children’s Hospital in Genoa due to foreign bodies (FB). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all ED admissions in our Institute due to an ENT diagnosis in a year of COVID-19 emergency starting from the first day of school closure, the February 24th, 2020 (COVID-19, group A), and compared them with data from the same period of the previous year (pre COVID-19, group B). We then compared the incidence of nasal and ear FB in these two periods. We also evaluated differences in the clinical severity, type of foreign bodies, presence of complications, and need for hospitalization in these two groups. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decrease in the need for ENT consultations (19% Group A vs. 23% Group B, p < 0.001). However, the percentage of ENT consultations for all FB increased (8% Group A vs. 4% Group B, p < 0.001), as well as for nose FB (0.6% vs.1.8%, p < 0.001), and ear FB (0.9% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.005). Conclusion: COVID-19 lockdown increased ENT ED accesses for foreign bodies, even though the overall need for ENT specialists in the ED decreased.
A Three-way Attack on the Gastrointestinal System- COVID-19, Ehler-Danlos Syndrome, and Anorexia Nervosa Leading to Severe Gastroparesis in a Young Female
Authors: Jivtesh Singh , Shruti Vadali , Alka Aggarwal
Published: August 2024

A 28-year-old female with a past medical history of Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Chronic Pain Syndrome, and Gastro-esophageal Reflux presented to our clinic for establishing care in November 2022 with severe gastric dysmotility ever since contracting COVID-19 virus in December 2021. The patient’s symptoms were refractory to Erythromycin and metoclopramide therapy. A GI motility study in February 2022 showed delayed gastric emptying based on which the patient was diagnosed with Post COVID Gastroparesis. Based on an extensive clinical review of the patient’s past medical and surgical history, the patient was found to have cumulative symptoms of GERD, joint instability, abdominal hernia and chronic neuropathic pain, raising the suspicion of Ehler-Danlos syndrome- Hypermobility type. Given the failure of treatment with prokinetic agents and over 60 pounds of weight loss the patient underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy-Jejunostomy in August 2022, the patient was started on Organic Tube Feeding Formula. To this date, the patient is using the PEG-J for feeding and remains nil per oral. Multiple trials of reintroducing oral feeding have been attempted but the patient still is unable to tolerate oral feeds completely and continues to complain of early satiety, nausea, and vomiting on reintroducing feeds.
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the bladder: clinical observation and literature review
Authors: Semyonov D. V. , Orlova R. V. , Drobyshevsky D. V. , Karlov P. A. , Topuzov E. E.
Published: August 2024

Sarcomatoid carcinomas of the bladder constitute a minor part of bladder tumors and are characterized by high potential for malignancy. Very aggressive and occurring predominantly in men, these tumors have both urothelial and sarcomatoid components. Given the rarity of cases described in the literature, there are no clear guidelines on the treatment of these tumors but it seems that radical cystectomy with extended pelvic lymphadenectomy is generally preferred. The article describes a clinical case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the bladder.
Salvage radiation therapy after radical prostatectomy: long-term results of a prospective study
Authors: Bulychkin P. V. , Matveev V. B. , Tkachev S. I.
Published: August 2024

Background. Salvage radiation therapy (SRT) is the main treatment option for patients with biochemical and/or locoregional recurrence of prostate cancer without signs of distant metastasis after radical prostatectomy (RP). This prospective study demonstrates the long-term results of SRT in this category of patients using modern technologies and radiotherapy techniques.

Aim. To improve the effectiveness of SRT in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer and no signs of distant metastasis after RP through improvement of radiotherapy techniques and identification of prognostic factors. Materials and methods. A prospective single-center phase II cohort study included patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer and no signs of distant metastasis after RP. All patients underwent traditional or hypofractionated SRT using modern technologies: 3DCRT, IMRT, VMAT, IGRT. Some patients underwent hormone radiation therapy.

Results. Between 2009 and 2018, SRT was performed in 411 patients. Median follow-up was 43 (18–86) months. Three-year and 5-year progression-free survival were 81.3 and 77.6 %, respectively. The value of prostate-specific antigen at the time of treatment initiation, its short doubling period after RP, and recurrence in the regional pelvic lymph nodes are 3 significant adverse prognostic factors.

Conclusion. SRT is the only radical method of treating patients with locoregional recurrence of prostate cancer after RP with favorable long-term oncological results.
Analysis of the “Metaphor of the Life Path” as a Tool of Interaction within the Framework of Psychological and Pedagogical Support for Students
Authors: Vachkov I.V. , Salikova E.V.
Published: August 2024

An author’s method is presented that allows for a qualitative change in the interaction between a teacher-psychologist and a student using a tool for analyzing the “Metaphor of the Life Path” and interpreting the data obtained within the framework of psychological and pedagogical support of the learning process at the university. The study involved 267 respondents aged 17 to 55 years (Mage = 28.6, SDage = 7.0, 31 men and 236 women). The study participants represent two groups: 101 — students receiving education at the time of the study, Mage = 22, SDage = 4.8, 166 — respondents who completed their studies at the university at the time of the study, Mage = 31, SDage = 5.8. The methodology of the metaphorical essay “Metaphor of the Life Path” is used. To process quantitative data, the k-means cluster analysis method is used. Content analysis is used to analyze metaphorical essays. The results obtained make it possible to complement the existing practices of working with metaphor, used within the framework of psychological and pedagogical support for students. Analysis of the life path metaphor is one of the effective tools for building interaction within the framework of psychological and pedagogical support for students.
Ideas abоut Feedback frоm Participants in the Educatiоnal Prоcess
Authors: Podolskaya T.A. , Chepurnоva E.S.
Published: August 2024

The article discusses apprоaches tо the study оf feedback as an integral cоmpоnent that exists between participants in the educatiоnal prоcess. The interest in studying this phenоmenоn is primarily related tо the pоssibility оf feedback influencing educatiоnal оutcоmes. Russian and foreign authors’research resultes are analyzed. The empirical research presented in the article is aimed at studying the ideas оf feedback amоng participants in the educatiоnal prоcess. The study (N=300) invоlved respоndents aged 25 tо 40 years. As a result inquiring, variоus variants оf students’ ideas abоut feedback were оbtained. These are ideas, firstly, abоut feedback that is significant fоr the subject, secоndly, abоut feedback that perfоrms a mоtivating functiоn in the educatiоnal prоcess, and thirdly, abоut such feedback that makes it difficult tо cоmplete educatiоnal tasks. Typical representations of the educational process participants are shown.
El veto a la pesca en aguas profundas del Atlántico Nororiental: ¿Un nuevo fracaso de la comitología?
Authors: Bürgin Annina , Riquelme Vázquez Pablo
Published: August 2024

En este trabajo se examina el controvertido veto a la pesca en aguas profundas del Atlántico Nororiental. En primer lugar, se exponen los rasgos básicos de la política pesquera común y de la regulación producida por las instituciones europeas para la conservación de los recursos biológicos marinos. En segundo lugar, se analiza el Reglamento de Ejecución (UE) 2022/1614 y, en particular, el rol que los procedimientos de comitología han tenido durante la elaboración de dicho acto de ejecución. Para finalizar, se evalúan, desde el prisma del principio de proporcionalidad, las presuntas deficiencias en la determinación de las zonas en las que se conoce la existencia de ecosistemas marinos vulnerables (o sea probable que existan). En particular, se estudian las dudas acerca de la efectiva utilización de la mejor información disponible y del insatisfactorio diálogo con las partes interesadas.
Deficiencias sistémicas y reconocimiento de sentencias privativas de libertad. A propósito de la sentencia de 9 de noviembre de 2023, Staatsanwaltschaft Aachen
Authors: Romero Candau Santiago
Published: August 2024

Hasta la fecha, el Tribunal de Justicia nunca ha respaldado la suspensión total de la confianza mutua hacia un Estado miembro. Aunque pueden existir problemas sistémicos en algún Estado miembro relacionados con ciertos valores fundacionales, en particular el Estado de derecho, nunca ha considerado que justificaran una suspensión de este principio porque podría tener consecuencias extremadamente perjudiciales para el funcionamiento de la Unión. Probablemente se deba a este riesgo que el Tribunal de Justicia haya optado por definir estrictamente las excepciones al principio de confianza mutua. El fallo objeto de este comentario confirma esta doctrina, rechazando una vez más que una autoridad judicial de ejecución esté facultada para denegar la ejecución basándose meramente en la alegación de deficiencias sistémicas de carácter general. En consecuencia, la ejecución continúa siendo el principio, mientras que su denegación se concibe como una excepción que debe ser objeto de interpretación estricta. Las dudas permanecen, sin embargo, sobre si esta doctrina es coherente con la jurisprudencia del TEDH. Y ello porque, aunque, según el Convenio, la situación general en el país de destino puede ser el punto de partida, el TEDH siempre permite a los demandantes demostrar la existencia de circunstancias individuales relevantes que pueden ponerles en peligro, incluso si no se puede demostrar la existencia de riesgos generalizados en el país de destino.
Assessing the Impact of the 2017 Tax Reform on College Athletic Donations Related to Ticket Sales
Authors: Dylan Williams  , Tutka Patrick
Published: August 2024

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 affected many traditional tax deductions for a variety of organizations. One that went under the radar for many, except those in the college sport ecosystem, was the removal of a deduction for donations related to college sport ticket sales. Developed from the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988, IRC §170(l) provided individual taxpayers the ability to claim 80% of the amount paid over the value of tickets to college athletic events as a charitable contribution. TCJA eliminated this itemized deduction, which concerned several university athletic directors about the long-term effects of this change on their program’s revenue generation. This article assesses the history of the development and application of IRC §170(l) and determines whether these contributions should have been allowed as a charitable deduction overall. The article also examines the impact of IRC §170(l) after TCJA’s implementation, finding the athletic directors’ collective feared impact of reduced contribution revenues was not significant based on available data. Donors appear motivated by more than just the tax benefit, and the removal of the deduction did little to affect overall contributions.
RANK OF THE DERIVATIVE OF THE PROJECTION TO SYMMETRIZED POLYDISC
Authors: Duc Anh Tran
Published: August 2024

The projection, also called the symmetrization mapping, from spectral ball to symmetrized polydisc is closely related to the spectral Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem. We prove that the rank of the derivative of the projection from the spectral unit ball to the symmetrized polydisc is equal to the degree of the minimal polynomial of the matrix at which we take the derivative. Therefore, it explains why the corresponding lifting problem is easier when the matrix base-point is cyclic since it is a regular point of the symmetrization mapping in the differential sense.
ASYMMETRIC FUNCTIONAL-BASED APPROACHTO EXPONENTIAL STABILITY OF LINEAR DISTRIBUTEDTIME-DELAY SYSTEMS
Authors: Thu Phuong Do
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the problem of exponential stability of linear time-delay systems with mixed discrete and distributed delays is studied. Based on an asymmetric Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach, sufficient conditions are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities to guarantee the exponential convergence of the system state trajectories with a prescribed decay rate. The efficacy of the obtained results is demonstrated by a given numerical example and simulations.
A review of maternal near miss events in a tertiary teaching hospital- A tool for improving quality of obstetric care in developing countries: A descriptive study
Authors: Asalkar Mahesh , Thakkarwad Smita , Supe Mangal , Mundlod Suryakant , Bacchewad Ravikiran , Puri Shweta , Ramesh Sinchana
Published: August 2024

: In 2015, the United Nations Member States adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include reducing the maternal mortality (MM) ratio by two-thirds by 2030. Maternal mortality rates are alarming, especially in low-income countries where 99% of all maternal deaths occurs. Maternal Near Miss event was described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “A woman who is close to death survived a complication that occurred during pregnancy, delivery or up to 42 days of termination of pregnancy.” This concept was launched in the health system. Maternal near-miss audit was recognized as a useful tool to improve the quality of obstetric care.

A descriptive study was conducted at PCMC’s Postgraduate Institute and YCM Hospital Pimpri Pune (Maharashtra) from 1st January 2020 to 30 June 2021. During the study period, Maternal Near miss (MNM) cases were identified as per WHO criteria for enrolment. This study reviewed near-miss cases with aim to study baseline assessment, to analyse cause and intervention to improve health cases.

: Of total 9534 admissions, 130 mothers had severe maternal outcomes (114 maternal near-miss cases and 16 maternal deaths). 104(91.23%) MNM cases were between the ages of 20-35 years, 72.13% were from rural, 78(68.42%) were referred from health facilities.Seventy two(63.86%) were multigravida. Sixty Nine (60.53%) had hypertension in pregnancy followed by 62 (54.39%) had haemorrhage.

: Our study concluded hypertension in pregnancy and haemorrhage are major causes of MNM cases. ICUs and blood banks play a pivotal role in the prevention of maternal mortality. Developing countries should aim to improve maternal health outcome by improving HDU/ICU facilities and blood bank to reduce maternal mortality.