bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Youths Towards the Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements of Dusun Ethnic in Malaysian Environment
Authors: Juanis B , Saleh Y , Ghazali M K A , Mahat H , Hashim M , Nayan N , Hayati R , Kurnia R
Published: February 2022

The continuity of the cultural heritage left by the previous generation is highly dependent on the new generation, especially the youth. Youth is a link to the legacy left behind. Therefore, this study aims to examine the extent of youths’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the elements of the intangible cultural heritage of the Dusun ethnic group in Sabah, Malaysia. The research method used is quantitative with a survey research approach using a questionnaire instrument. The respondents consisted of 3 84 youths from the Dusun ethnic group aged 15 to 40 years. The data analysis methods used are descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings of the study showed that the level of knowledge of the intangible cultural heritage of the Dusun race among youths in Sabah for oral tradition (Moderate), lifestyle (High) and traditional dress (Moderate). Stages of oral tradition attitudes (High), lifestyle (High) and traditional clothing (High). Meanwhile, the level of practice of oral tradition (Moderate), lifestyle (Moderate) and traditional dress (Moderate). As for the analysis of differences, there is no significant difference for the variables of knowledge and practices of the intangible cultural heritage of the Dusun race between male and female youths. However, the attitude variables showed that there were significant differences between male and female youth. Pearson correlation analysis found a relationship between knowledge and attitude (Strong); knowledge with practice (Strong), and attitude with practice (Moderate). Implications from the study indicate that there are still variables that need improvement, especially in terms of knowledge. High knowledge is very important because it will affect the attitudes and practices of the youth.
Insurtech & Blockchain: Implementation of Technology in Insurance Operations and its Environmental Impact
Authors: Halima E H , Yassine T
Published: February 2022

While the digital had reshaped our world, the insurance industry moves very slow comparing to other domains. Insurtech is the future of insurance industry, it seen as a subdivision of Fintechs; it refers to a wide range of technology that will be introduced to insurers operations to save streamline processes and costs. Indeed, as banking institutions began changing the customer behavior through the combination of technology and finance, to provide self-functionality, this paper research aims to examine and demonstrate the necessity of implementing technology in insurance sector, first to enhance the consumers’ expectations, and second to support the environment case against the use of countless amount of paper. This study combines different factors to find the better way to include technology in Moroccan insurance industry, as well as We discussed the challenges and limitation of the results. With everything taking in consideration there is no better time like the present for the Moroccan insurances incumbents to adopt the concept of Insurtech to their business models, furthermore with the consequences of the pandemic COVID19, which proves that we can do almost everything online.
Analysis of Landslide Disaster at the Quaternary Volcanic Landform
Authors: Fatmawati D , Nurdin E A , Pangastuti E I , Kurnianto F A , Yushardi Y
Published: February 2022

Indonesia as a country that has two seasons, namely the rainy and dry seasons, making it vulnerable to natural disasters such as hydrometeorological disasters where disasters occur due to conditions and weather such as landslides. This study aims to analyze the vulnerability of landslides and it relationship with the quaternary volcanic landform in Gandusari District, Blitar Regency. The method used is quantitative with a scoring that refers to the estimation model of Puslittanak, 2004 with parameters that consist of rainfall, geology, slope, land cover, and soil type. After getting the results of the landslide hazard map, validation was carried out with interviews and then the map results will also be analyzed with the condition of population density in Gandusari District, Blitar Regency. The results showed that landslide hazard classes are divided into three classes, namely high, medium, and low. Population densities in several locations are found in areas of high soil susceptibility so that efforts are needed to reduce population density, especially in mountainous slope areas.
Analysis of preparedness in dealing with volcanic eruption disaster, study case: SMPN 2 Ngemplak Sleman regency
Authors: Sari M I P , Widowati A , Wilujeng I , Khafid M A , Handayani N A , Yasaroh S , Hestiana H
Published: February 2022

In the region of Indonesia, several volcanoes are still active and can erupt at any time. Knowledge of volcanic eruptions is very important for residents around the volcano because it will be related to the preparedness of residents at the time of volcanic eruptions. If the knowledge and preparedness of the citizens are good, it will prevent so many victims. This study aimed to analyze students’ levels of disaster preparedness in the face of catastrophic volcanic eruptions. The research used is a quantitative descriptive method with a research sample of 32 students of class VII SMPN 2 Ngemplak taken by cluster random sampling. The data collection techniques used are interviews, and questionnaires. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the student preparedness index for each indicator of preparedness in the dealing of a catastrophic volcanic eruption is (1) knowledge and attitude 72.40 categorized ready, (2) emergency planning 59.38 categorized almost ready (3) early warning system 61.72 categorized almost ready and (4) resource mobilization is in the index 64.06 with almost ready category. So that the average index value of the four parameters of disaster preparedness of volcanic eruptions is 64.72 with the category almost ready. This research can be used as a basis for the development of teaching materials to help reduce the risk of volcanic eruptions.
Outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair for penetrating aortic ulcers involving the left subclavian artery with the Castor single-branched stent graft
Authors: Huang Ben , Jia Hao , Lai Hao , Chen Zhenhang , Sun Yongxin , Wang Chunsheng
Published: February 2022

Objects

To acquire adequate proximal landing zones for penetrating aortic ulcers in the proximal descending aorta or aortic arch, the left subclavian artery (LSA) is usually covered during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The Castor single-branched stent graft is used to treat aortic disease involving LSA. Our goal was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of the Castor device in treating penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) involving the LSA.

METHODS

Between January 2019 and December 2020, we enrolled 25 patients with PAUs requiring LSA revascularization using Castor devices during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Outcomes including surgical results, 30-day and follow-up deaths and morbidity and aortic computed tomography angiography data were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 24 patients (96.0%) underwent successful surgical procedures: 1 patient (4.0%) had a type I endoleak and 1 patient (4.0%) had a stroke. Stent migration occurred in 1 patient (4.0%) and paraplegia in 1 patient (4.0%). Two stents were deployed in 2 patients (8.0%). After a mean follow-up period of 15.7 months, 2 cases of branch occlusions and 1 death related to myocardial infarction were noted. Aortic computed tomography angiography demonstrated that the diameters and depths were reduced significantly whereas complete thrombosis of the lumens of the PAUs occurred in all cases during the 12-months follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary results justify the efficiency and safety of the Castor single branched stent graft in the treatment of PAUs requiring LSA revascularization.
Ventilatory efficiency slope is associated with cardiopulmonary complications after thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection
Authors: Bédat Benoît , Koliakos Evangelos , Demarchi Marco S , Perentes Jean , Licker Marc-Joseph , Triponez Frédéric , Krueger Thorsten , Karenovics Wolfram , Gonzalez Michel
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify whether steeper V.E/V. CO2 slope was associated with cardiopulmonary complications (CPC) after anatomical resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Long-term survival was analysed as secondary outcome.

METHODS

We reviewed the files of all consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary anatomical resections by video-assisted thoracic surgery between January 2010 and October 2020 at the Centre for Thoracic Surgery of Western Switzerland. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk of CPC associated with the V.E/V.CO2 slope and other possible confounders. Survival was analysed with Kaplan–Meier curves. Risk factors associated with survival were analysed with a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

The V.E/V.CO2 slope data were available for 145 patients [F/M: 66/79; mean age (standard deviation): 65.8 (8.9)], which were included in the analysis. Patients underwent anatomical resection [lobectomy (71%) or segmentectomy (29%)] mainly for lung cancer (96%). CPC and all-cause 90-day mortality were 29% and 1%, respectively. The mean (standard deviation) percentage of the predicted V.O2peak was 70% (17). Maximum effort during cardiopulmonary exercise test was reached in only 31% of patients. The V.E/V.CO2 slope (standard deviation) was not different if the maximum effort was reached or not [39 (6) vs 37 (7), P = 0.21]. V.E/V.CO2 slope >35 was associated with an increased risk of CPC (odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2, 7.2, P = 0.020). V.E/V.CO2 slope >35 was not associated with shorter survival censored for lung cancer-related death.

CONCLUSIONS

V . E/V.CO2 slope >35 is significantly associated with postoperative CPC after anatomical resections by video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Clinical registration number CER-VD (Switzerland)

Project ID: 2021-00620.
Early and mid-term outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair to treat aortic rupture in patients with aneurysms, dissections and trauma
Authors: Benk Julia , Siepe Matthias , Berger Tim , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Kondov Stoyan , Rylski Bartosz , Czerny Martin , Kreibich Maximilian
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair to treat aortic rupture.

METHODS

Patient and outcome characteristics of all emergent endovascular treatments for thoracic aortic rupture between January 2009 and December 2019 were analysed.

RESULTS

Thoracic aortic rupture occurred in patients with aortic aneurysms (n = 42, 49%), aortic dissection (n = 13, 16%) or after trauma (n = 30, 35%). Preoperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage was placed in 9 patients (11%) and 18 patients (21%) underwent perioperative supra-aortic transposition. The proximal landing zones were: zone 1 (n = 1, 1%), zone 2 (n = 23, 27%), zone 3 (n = 52, 61%) and zone 4 (n = 9, 11%). Temporary spinal cord injury occurred in 1 patient (1%), permanent spinal cord injury in 7 patients (8%). Two patients (2%) experienced a postoperative stroke. Seventeen patients (20%) expired in-hospital. Aortic dissection (odds ratio: 16.246, p = 0.001), aneurysm (odds ratio: 9.090, P = 0.003) and preoperative shock (odds ratio: 4.646, P < 0.001) were predictive for mortality. Eighteen patients (21%) required a stent-graft-related aortic reintervention for symptomatic supra-aortic malperfusion (n = 3, 4%), endoleaks (n = 6, 7%), a second aortic rupture (n = 4, 5%), retrograde type A aortic dissection (n = 2, 2%), aortic-oesophageal fistulation (n = 2, 2%) and stent-graft kinking (n = 1, 1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair in patients with aortic rupture has become a valuable treatment modality to stabilize patients. However, a significant risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality remains, particularly in patients with aortic dissections, aneurysms or shock. Patients require thorough follow-up ideally in an aortic clinic with a staff having the entire spectrum of cardiovascular and thoracic surgical expertise.
Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Malawi
Authors: Moucheraud Corrina , Phiri Khumbo , Whitehead Hannah S , Songo John , Lungu Eric , Chikuse Elijah , Phiri Sam , van Oosterhout Joep J , Hoffman Risa M
Published: February 2022

Background

Little is known about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in Africa. We sought to understand Malawian healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) COVID-19 vaccination and its hypothesized determinants.

Methods

In March 2021, as the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out commenced in Malawi, we surveyed clinical and lay cadre HCWs (n=400) about their uptake of the vaccine and potential correlates (informed by the WHO Behavioral and Social Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination framework). We analyzed uptake and used adjusted multivariable logistic regression models to explore how ‘what people think and feel’ constructs were associated with HCWs' motivation to be vaccinated.

Results

Of the surveyed HCWs, 82.5% had received the first COVID-19 vaccine dose. Motivation (eagerness to be vaccinated) was strongly associated with confidence in vaccine benefits (adjusted OR [aOR] 9.85, 95% CI 5.50 to 17.61) and with vaccine safety (aOR 4.60, 95% CI 2.92 to 7.23), but not with perceived COVID-19 infection risk (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.16). Of all the information sources about COVID-19 vaccination, 37.5% were reportedly negative in tone.

Conclusions

HCWs in Malawi have a high motivation to be vaccinated and a high COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Disseminating vaccine benefits and safety messages via social media and social networks may be persuasive for individuals who are unmotivated to be vaccinated and less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine.
Does Socioeconomic Status or Methamphetamine Use Affect Discharge Opioid Requirements in Burn-Injured Patients?
Authors: Tejiram Shawn , Solomon Eve A , Sen Soman , Greenhalgh David G , Palmieri Tina L , Romanowski Kathleen S
Published: February 2022

Methamphetamine (MA) use is associated with lower socioeconomic status (SES) and increased opioid use. Though MA use itself has been linked to larger burn injuries and increased length of stay, studies examining the effect of SES on opioid use in this patient population remain limited. The aim of this work was to examine how both SES and/or MA use in burn patients affected discharge opioid requirements. Records of burn patients admitted to an ABA-verified burn center were reviewed from January 2016 to December 2017. Patients were grouped into MA-positive (MPOS) or negative (MNEG) groups based on admission urine toxicology screening. Pain scores, oral morphine opioid equivalents (OEs), and adjunct pain medication use reported within 24 hours of discharge were examined. SES was determined by zip code. No difference was found between MPOS and MNEG groups regarding discharge OEs (P = .4), OE/TBSA (P = .79), or pain score (P = .09). Low SES was more prevalent in MPOS patients (P < .0001) but low SES was not a predictor of discharge OEs (P = .7), OE/TBSA (P = .7), or pain score (P = .15). Discharge OEs and OE/TBSA requirements correlated with discharge pain score (P < .0001) and LOS (P < .01), but not SES. Multivariate linear regression found that MNEG status (P = .005), pain score (P < .0001), concurrent use of benzodiazepines and gabapentin (P < .001), but not low SES, were independently associated with increased OEs. Although lower SES was seen in patients using MA, SES was not associated with discharge opioid use or pain scores. Additional work will be necessary to determine factors affecting opioid use in this population.
Rationally Navigating Subjective Preferences in Memory Modification
Authors: Vukov Joseph M
Published: February 2022

Discussion of the ethics of memory modification technologies (MMTs) has often focused on questions about the limits of their permissibility. In the current paper, I focus primarily on a different issue: when (if ever) is it rational to prefer MMTs to alternative interventions? My conclusion is that these conditions are rare. The reason stems from considerations of autonomy. When compared with other interventions, MMTs do a particularly poor job at promoting the autonomy of their users. If this conclusion is true, moreover, it provides a fresh perspective on debates about the permissibility of MMTs. On the one hand, for those who would limit the use of MMTs to a narrow range of circumstances, the conclusion that MMTs are rarely preferable gives them further reason to eye MMTs with suspicion. On the other hand, for those who view MMTs as permissible in a wide range of circumstances, the conclusion may deflate their endorsement.
Pelvic abscess masquerading as urachal malignancy—a rare presentation of retained appendicolith
Authors: Phan Du , Goh Ian Y , Muduioa Geoffrey
Published: February 2022

Dropped or retained appendicoliths are uncommon complication of laparoscopic appendicectomies, and rarely they have been reported to cause complications such as pelvic abscesses or enterocutaneous fistulas. We reported on a rare presentation of a pelvic abscess masquerading as urachal malignancy in a 41-year-old male, 2 years after his laparoscopic appendicectomy. As urachal malignancy could not be unequivocally excluded on imaging findings alone, en bloc resection of this mass and partial cystectomy were performed. Histopathology study revealed pelvic abscess with no evidence of malignancy and a central calcification which corresponded to a faecolith identified on pre-appendicectomy imaging. We contributed this rare presentation to the limited existing literature about complications of retained appendicoliths. As laparoscopic appendicectomies are performed commonly as the standard of care of appendicitis, care should be taken to extract appendicoliths completely to prevent complications.
The blind spot of the policies of the energy transition: the development imperative as the path to solve climate change
Authors: Sempertegui Leonardo
Published: February 2022

The global discussion about the energy transition has been focused towards electrification given the preferences and possibilities of developed countries. However, that path is unaffordable for most of the world, therefore guaranteeing that if only one model of energy transition is preferred, the full process has a high risk of failure with catastrophic consequences at global level. It seems that developed countries are not aware of this circumstance, and do not realize the complex consequences that failure might bring for their countries and the global community, even if they individually succeed. This is because the development level of the countries is not the same, even though there is a strong political mandate to work on it through the SDG framework, and the focus of the global efforts are not centred in decarbonization. This situation also seems to fail to recognize that oil and gas industry will be a part of human development for the decades and centuries to come, provided that its decarbonization efforts succeed to adapt to a low-carbon world. It is fundamental that the global community recognizes that past cases where one-size-fits-all programmes were applied, they backfired and results were generally negative both for the countries involved and the international community. The energy transition for developing countries, including fossil fuel-rich countries, therefore requires strong, active and committed support from developed countries for the implementation of policies and programmes, design effective economic diversification paths and ensure decarbonization of the oil sector. Collaboration and consensus is essential for the reaching of climate goals, which would most likely be achieved through reaching the development goals.
Pairs of Mutually Compensatory Frameshifting Mutations Contribute to Protein Evolution
Authors: Biba Dmitry , Klink Galya , Bazykin Georgii A
Published: February 2022

Insertions and deletions of lengths not divisible by 3 in protein-coding sequences cause frameshifts that usually induce premature stop codons and may carry a high fitness cost. However, this cost can be partially offset by a second compensatory indel restoring the reading frame. The role of such pairs of compensatory frameshifting mutations (pCFMs) in evolution has not been studied systematically. Here, we use whole-genome alignments of protein-coding genes of 100 vertebrate species, and of 122 insect species, studying the prevalence of pCFMs in their divergence. We detect a total of 624 candidate pCFM genes; six of them pass stringent quality filtering, including three human genes: RAB36, ARHGAP6, and NCR3LG1. In some instances, amino acid substitutions closely predating or following pCFMs restored the biochemical similarity of the frameshifted segment to the ancestral amino acid sequence, possibly reducing or negating the fitness cost of the pCFM. Typically, however, the biochemical similarity of the frameshifted sequence to the ancestral one was not higher than the similarity of a random sequence of a protein-coding gene to its frameshifted version, indicating that pCFMs can uncover radically novel regions of protein space. In total, pCFMs represent an appreciable and previously overlooked source of novel variation in amino acid sequences.
How I Reached Home
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

For my own part, I remember nothing of my flight except the stress of blundering against trees and stumbling through the heather. All about me gathered the invisible terrors of the Martians; that pitiless sword of heat seemed whirling to and fro, flourishing overhead before it descended and smote me out of life. I came into the road between the cross-roads and Horsell, and ran along this to the cross-roads.
The Stillness
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

My first act, before I went into the pantry, was to fasten the door between kitchen and scullery. But the pantry was empty; every scrap of food had gone. Apparently, the Martian had taken it all on the previous day. At that discovery I despaired for the first time. I took no food and no drink either on the eleventh or the twelfth day.
Dead London
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

After I had parted from the artilleryman, I went down the hill, and by the High Street across the bridge to Lambeth. The Red Weed was tumultuous at that time, and nearly choked the bridge roadway, but its fronds were already whitened in patches by the spreading disease that presently removed it so swiftly.

At the corner of the lane that runs to Putney Bridge Station I found a man lying. He was as black as a sweep with the black dust, alive, but helplessly and speechlessly drunk. I could get nothing from him but curses and furious lunges at my head. I think I should have stayed by him but for the brutal type of his face.
The Man Who was Going Nowhere
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

The cabin in which I found myself was small, and rather untidy. A youngish man with flaxen hair, a bristly straw-coloured moustache, and a dropping nether lip was sitting and holding my wrist. For a minute we stared at one another without speaking. He had watery grey eyes, oddly void of expression.
At the Schooner’s Rail
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

That night land was sighted after sundown, and the schooner hove to.* Montgomery intimated that was his destination. It was too far to see any details; it seemed to me then simply a low-lying patch of dim blue in the uncertain blue-grey sea. An almost vertical streak of smoke went up from it into the sky.
The Crying of the Man
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

As I drew near the house I saw that the light shone from the open door of my room; and then I heard, coming from out of the darkness at the side of that orange oblong, the voice of Montgomery shouting ‘Prendick.’
The Hunting of the Man
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

It came before my mind with an unreasonable hope of escape, that the outer door of my room was still open to me. I was convinced now, absolutely assured, that Moreau had been vivisecting a human being. All the time since I had heard his name I had been trying to link in my mind in some way the grotesque animalism of the islanders with his abominations; and now I thought I saw it all. The memory of his works in the transfusion of blood recurred to me. These creatures I had seen were the victims of some hideous experiment!
The Sayers of the Law
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

Then something cold touched my hand. I started violently, and saw close to me a dim pinkish thing, looking more like a flayed child than anything else in the world. The creature had exactly the mild but repulsive features of a sloth, the same low forehead and slow gestures. As the first shock of the change of light passed, I saw about me more distinctly. The little sloth-like creature was standing and staring at me. My conductor had vanished.
A Parley
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

I turned again and went on down towards the sea. I found the hot stream broadened out to a shallow weedy sand, in which an abundance of crabs, and long-bodied, many-legged creatures started from my footfall. I walked to the very edge of the salt water, and then I felt I was safe. I turned and stared—arms akimbo—at the thick green behind me, into which the steamy ravine cut like a smoking gash. But as I say, I was too full of excitement, and—a true saying, though those who have never known danger may doubt it—too desperate to die.
Concerning the Beast Folk
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

I woke early. Moreau’s explanation stood before my mind, clear and definite, from the moment of my awakening. I got out of the hammock and went to the door to assure myself that the key was turned. Then I tried the window-bar, and found it firmly fixed. That these man-like creatures were in truth only bestial monsters, mere grotesque travesties of men, filled me with a vague uncertainty of their possibilities that was far worse than any definite fear. A tapping came at the door, and I heard the glutinous accents of M’ling speaking. I pocketed one of the revolvers (keeping one hand upon it), and opened to him.
Montgomery’s ‘Bank Holiday’
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

When this was accomplished, and we had washed and eaten, Montgomery and I went into my little room and seriously discussed our position for the first time. It was then near midnight. He was almost sober, but greatly disturbed in his mind. He had been strangely under the influence of Moreau’s personality. I do not think it had ever occurred to him that Moreau could die. This disaster was the sudden collapse of the habits that had become part of his nature in the ten or more monotonous years he had spent on the island. He talked vaguely, answered my questions crookedly, wandered into general questions.
Introduction
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

The only island known to exist in the region in which my uncle was picked up is Noble’s Isle, a small volcanic islet, and uninhabited. It was visited in 1891 by HMS Scorpion. A party of sailors then landed, but found nothing living thereon except certain curious white moths, some hogs and rabbits, and some rather peculiar rats. No specimen was secured of these. So that this narrative is without confirmation in its most essential particular.
The Strange Man’s Arrival
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

The stranger came early in February, one wintry day, through a biting wind and a driving snow, the last snowfall of the year, over the down, walking from Bramblehurst* Railway Station, and carrying a little black portmanteau in his thickly-gloved hand. He was wrapped up from head to foot, and the brim of his soft felt hat hid every inch of his face save the shiny tip of his nose; the snow had piled itself against his shoulders and chest, and added a white crest to the burden he carried. He staggered into the ‘Coach and Horses’ more dead than alive, and flung his portmanteau down. ‘A fire,’ he cried, ‘in the name of human charity! A room and a fire!’ He stamped and shook the snow from off himself in the bar, and followed Mrs Hall into her guest parlour to strike his bargain. And with that much introduction, that and a couple of sovereigns* flung upon the table, he took up his quarters in the inn.
The Furniture that Went Mad
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

Now it happened that in the early hours of Whit Monday, before Millie was hunted out for the day, Mr Hall and Mrs Hall both rose and went noiselessly down into the cellar. Their business there was of a private nature, and had something to do with the specific gravity of their beer.
In the ‘Coach and Horses’
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

Now, in order to clearly understand what had happened in the inn, it is necessary to go back to the moment when Mr Marvel first came into view of Mr Huxter’s window.
The Invisible Man Loses His Temper
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

It is unavoidable that at this point the narrative should break off again, for a certain very painful reason that will presently be apparent. And while these things were going on in the parlour, and while Mr Huxter was watching Mr Marvel smoking his pipe against the gate, not a dozen yards away were Mr Hall and Teddy Henfrey discussing in a state of cloudy puzzlement the one Iping topic.
The Man Who was Running
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

In the early evening time Dr Kemp was sitting in his study in the belvedere on the hill overlooking Burdock. It was a pleasant little room, with three windows — north, west, and south — and bookshelves covered with books and scientific publications, and a broad writing-table, and, under the north window, a microscope, glass slips, minute instruments, some cultures, and scattered bottles of reagents. Dr Kemp’s solar lamp* was lit, albeit the sky was still bright with the sunset light, and his blinds were up because there was no offence of peering outsiders to require them pulled down. Dr Kemp was a tall and slender young man, with flaxen hair and a moustache almost white, and the work he was upon would earn him, he hoped, the fellowship of the Royal Society,* so highly did he think of it.
In the ‘Jolly Cricketers’
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

The ‘Jolly Cricketers’ is just at the bottom of the hill, where the tram-lines begin. The barman leant his fat red arms on the counter and talked of horses with an anæmic cabman, while a black-bearded man in grey snapped up biscuit and cheese, drank Burton,* and conversed in American with a policeman off duty.
Dr Kemp’s Visitor
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

Exhausted and wounded as the Invisible Man was, he refused to accept Kemp’s word that his freedom should be respected. He examined the two windows of the bedroom, drew up the blinds and opened the sashes to confirm Kemp’s statement that a retreat by them would be possible. Outside the night was very quiet and still, and the new moon* was setting over the down. Then he examined the keys of the bedroom and the two dressing-room doors, to satisfy himself that these also could be made an assurance of freedom. Finally he expressed himself satisfied. He stood on the hearthrug and Kemp heard the sound of a yawn.
Mr Cavor Makes Some Suggestions
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

For a time neither of us spoke. To focus together all the things we had brought upon ourselves, seemed beyond my mental powers.
Experiments in Intercourse
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

When at last we had made an end of eating, the Selenites linked our hands closely together again, and then untwisted the chains about our feet and rebound them, so as to give us a limited freedom of movement. Then they unfastened the chains about our waists. To do all this they had to handle us freely, and ever and again one of their queer heads came down close to my face, or a soft tentacle-hand touched my head or neck. I don’t remember that I was afraid then or repelled by their proximity. I think that our incurable anthropomorphism made us imagine there were human heads inside their masks. The skin, like everything else, looked bluish, but that was on account of the light; and it was hard and shiny, quite in the beetle-wing fashion, not soft, or moist or hairy, as a vertebrated animal’s would be. Along the crest of the head was a low ridge of whitish spines running from back to front, and a much larger ridge curved on either side over the eyes. The Selenite who untied me used his mouth to help his hands.
The Sunset of Mankind
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

‘A queer thing I soon discovered about my little hosts, and that was their lack of interest. They would come to me with eager cries of astonishment, like children, but, like children, they would soon stop examining me, and wander away after some other toy. The dinner and my conversational beginnings ended, I noted for the first time that almost all those who had surrounded me at first were gone. It is odd, too, how speedily I came to disregard these little people. I went out through the portal into the sunlit world again so soon as my hunger was satisfied. I was continually meeting more of these men of the future, who would follow me a little distance, chatter and laugh about me, and, having smiled and gesticulated in a friendly way, leave me again to my own devices.
In The Darkness
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

‘We emerged from the Palace while the sun was still in part above the horizon. I was determined to reach the White Sphinx early the next morning, and ere the dusk. I purposed pushing through the woods that had stopped me on the previous journey. My plan was to go as far as possible that night, and then, building a fire, to sleep in the protection of its glare. Accordingly, as we went along I gathered any sticks or dried grass I saw, and presently had my arms full of such litter. Thus loaded, our progress was slower than I had anticipated, and besides Weena had tired. And I, also, began to suffer from sleepiness too; so that it was full night before we reached the wood. Upon the shrubby hill of its edge Weena would have stopped, fearing the darkness before us; but a singular sense of impending calamity, that should indeed have served me as a warning, drove me onward. I had been without sleep for a night and two days, and I was feverish and irritable. I felt sleep coming upon me, and the Morlocks with it.
After The Story
Authors: Wells H. G.
Published: February 2022

‘I know,’ he said, after a pause, ‘that all this will be absolutely incredible to you, but to me the one incredible thing is that I am here to-night in this old familiar room, looking into your friendly faces, and telling you all these strange adventures.’ He looked at the Medical Man. ‘No. I cannot expect you to believe it. Take it as a lie—or a prophecy. Say I dreamed it in the workshop. Consider I have been speculating upon the destinies of our race, until I have hatched this fiction. Treat my assertion of its truth as a mere stroke of art to enhance its interest. And taking it as a story, what do you think of it?’
James Boswell, The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides
Authors: Johnson Samuel , Boswell James
Published: February 2022

In every narrative, whether historical or biographical, authenticity is of the utmost consequence. Of this I have ever been so firmly persuaded, that I inscribed a former work to that person who was the best judge of its truth. I need not tell you I mean General Paoli; who, after his great, though unsuccessful, efforts to preserve the liberties of his country, has found an honourable asylum in Britain, where he has now lived many years the object of Royal regard and private respect;* and whom I cannot name without expressing my very grateful sense of the uniform kindness which he has been pleased to shew me.
Preface
Authors: Zola Émile
Published: February 2022

The Rougon-Macquart series will be made up of twenty novels. The overall plan was settled in 1869, and I am following it with the utmost rigour. The Assommoir has come at its appointed time, and I have written it, as I shall...
Chapter IV
Authors: Zola Émile
Published: February 2022

There followed four years of hard work. In the neighbourhood Gervaise and Coupeau were thought of as a steady couple who kept to themselves, didn’t fight, and took a regular Sunday walk over Saint-Ouen* way. Gervaise put in twelve-hour days at Madame Fauconnier’s, and still managed to keep her home as clean as a new pin and get a meal ready for her family morning and night. Coupeau never drank too much, brought his fortnightly pay straight home, and smoked a pipe at the open window before turning in, to get a bit of fresh air. They were held up as an example because they were so pleasant and likeable. And, as they earned nearly nine francs a day between them, people thought they must be putting by quite a tidy amount.
Chapter VIII
Authors: Zola Émile
Published: February 2022

The following Saturday Coupeau didn’t come home for dinner, but brought Lantier back with him at about ten o’clock. They’d had a meal of sheep’s trotters together at Thomas’s restaurant in Montmartre.
Chapter X
Authors: Zola Émile
Published: February 2022

The Coupeaus’ new lodgings were on the sixth floor, staircase B. You went past Mademoiselle Remanjou’s and took the corridor on the left. Then you had to turn again. The first door was the Bijards’. Almost opposite, in a stuffy hole under a little staircase that led to the roof, slept Père Bru. Two doors further on you came to Bazouge’s. Finally, next to Bazouge, were the Coupeaus, with one room and a box room overlooking the yard. And a bit further on, down the corridor, there were only two more families before you reached the Lorilleux at the far end.
Lady Susan
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Lady Susan Vernon to Mr Vernon.

langford, December
Letter 4
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Mr De Courcy to Mrs Vernon.

parklands
Letter 6
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Mrs Vernon to Mr De Courcy.

churchill
Letter 10
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Lady Susan to Mrs Johnson.

churchill

I am much obliged to you my dear Friend, for your advice respecting Mr De Courcy, which I know was given with the fullest conviction of it’s expediency, tho’ I am not quite determined on following it. — I cannot easily...
Letter 12
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Sir Reginald De Courcy to his Son.

parklands
Letter 13
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Lady De Courcy to Mrs Vernon.

parklands

My dear Catherine,

Unluckily I was confined to my room when your last letter came, by a cold which affected my eyes so much as to prevent my reading it myself, so I could not refuse your Father...
Letter 17
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Mrs Vernon to Lady De Courcy.

churchill
Letter 23
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Mrs Vernon to Lady De Courcy.

churchill
Letter 30
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Lady Susan to Mr De Courcy.*

upper seymour st.
Letter 32
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

Mrs Johnson to Lady Susan.

edward st.

My dear Creature,

I am in agonies, & know not what to do, nor what you can do. — Mr De Courcy arrived, just when he should not. Mrs Manwaring had that instant entered the House, & forced...
Chapter 7
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

The popularity of the Parkers brought them some visitors the very next morning; — amongst them, Sir Edward Denham & his Sister, who having been at Sanditon House drove on to pay their Compliments; & the duty of Letter-writing being accomplished, Charlotte was settled with Mrs P....
Chapter 8
Authors: Austen Jane
Published: February 2022

The two Ladies continued walking together till rejoined by the others, who as they issued from the Library were followed by a young Whitby running off with 5 volumes under his arm to Sir Edward’s Gig — and Sir Edward approaching Charlotte, said ‘You may perceive what...
Chapter VII
Authors: de Sade Marquis
Published: February 2022

It would be easier to paint than to describe Théodore’s confusion at finding himself treated thus by a woman whose woes he had expected to drive into his arms.
‘What pride!’ he said to Laurent, bemoaning the scene he had just experienced. ‘My friend, what must I do to crush this arrogant creature?’
‘The very opposite of what you are doing, Monsieur,’ his confidant replied. ‘Once she starts to treat you this way, you can be sure you will triumph over her only by following her example: she is cruel, so be the same towards her; take away all the comforts you procured for her, and deprive her of something new each day; let her know that her hopes rest on you alone, that you alone are the key to her happiness, that you alone can reconcile her with her husband, and finally, that you alone can bring her innocence to light. You will then see submission replace pride in her heart of stone, and necessity inevitably force her into the only arms she will feel are still willing to embrace her.’
Description of a palace in a valley
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

Ye who listen with credulity to the whispers of fancy, and persue with eagerness the phantoms of hope; who expect that age will perform the promises of youth, and that the deficiencies of the present day will be supplied by the morrow; attend to the history of Rasselas prince of Abissinia.*
The prince meditates his escape
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

He now found that it would be very difficult to effect that which it was very easy to suppose effected. When he looked round about him, he saw himself confined by the bars of nature which had never yet been broken, and by the gate, through which none that once had passed it were ever able to return. He was now impatient as an eagle in a grate.* He passed week after week in clambering the mountains, to see if there was any aperture which the bushes might conceal, but found all the summits inaccessible by their prominence. The iron gate he despaired to open; for it was not only secured with all the power of art, but was always watched by successive sentinels, and was by its position exposed to the perpetual observation of all the inhabitants.
The history of Imlac continued
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

‘When I first entered upon the world of waters,* and lost sight of land, I looked round about me with pleasing terrour,* and thinking my soul enlarged by the boundless prospect, imagined that I could gaze round for ever without satiety; but, in a short time, I grew weary of looking on barren uniformity, where I could only see again what I had already seen. I then descended into the ship, and doubted for a while whether all my future pleasures would not end like this in disgust and disappointment. Yet, surely, said I, the ocean and the land are very different; the only variety of water is rest and motion, but the earth has mountains and vallies, desarts and cities: it is inhabited by men of different customs and contrary opinions; and I may hope to find variety in life, though I should miss it in nature.
Imlac’s narrative continued. A hint on pilgrimage
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

Imlac now felt the enthusiastic fit, and was proceeding to aggrandize his own profession, when the prince cried out, ‘Enough! Thou hast convinced me, that no human being can ever be a poet. Proceed with thy narration.’
Rasselas and Imlac receive an unexpected visit
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

They had now wrought their way to the middle, and solaced their toil with the approach of liberty, when the prince, coming down to refresh himself with air, found his sister Nekayah standing before the mouth of the cavity. He started and stood confused, afraid to tell his design, and yet hopeless to conceal it. A few moments determined him to repose on her fidelity, and secure her secrecy by a declaration without reserve.
The prince associates with young men of spirit and gaiety
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

Rasselas rose next day, and resolved to begin his experiments upon life. ‘Youth, cried he, is the time of gladness: I will join myself to the young men, whose only business is to gratify their desires, and whose time is all spent in a succession of enjoyments.’
The danger of prosperity
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

On the next day they continued their journey, till the heat compelled them to look round for shelter. At a small distance they saw a thick wood, which they no sooner entered than they perceived that they were approaching the habitations of men. The shrubs were diligently cut away to open walks where the shades were darkest; the boughs of opposite trees were artificially interwoven; seats of flowery turf were raised in vacant spaces, and a rivulet, that wantoned along the side of a winding path, had its banks sometimes opened into small basons, and its stream sometimes obstructed by little mounds of stone heaped together to increase its murmurs.
The prince examines the happiness of high stations
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

Rasselas applauded the design, and appeared next day with a splendid retinue at the court of the Bassa. He was soon distinguished for his magnificence, and admitted, as a prince whose curiosity had brought him from distant countries, to an intimacy with the great officers, and frequent conversation with the Bassa himself.
The princess continues her remarks upon private life
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

Nekayah perceiving her brother’s attention fixed, proceeded in her narrative.
The princess meets with an unexpected misfortune
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

They rose up, and returned through the cavity at which they had entered, and the princess prepared for her favourite a long narrative of dark labyrinths, and costly rooms, and of the different impressions which the varieties of the way had made upon her. But, when they came to their train, they found every one silent and dejected: the men discovered shame and fear in their countenances, and the women were weeping in the tents.
The adventures of the lady Pekuah
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

‘At what time, and in what manner, I was forced away, said Pekuah, your servants have told you. The suddenness of the event struck me with surprise, and I was at first rather stupified than agitated with any passion of either fear or sorrow. My confusion was encreased by the speed and tumult of our flight while we were followed by the Turks, who, as it seemed, soon despaired to overtake us, or were afraid of those whom they made a shew of menacing.
The history of a man of learning
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

They returned to Cairo, and were so well pleased at finding themselves together, that none of them went much abroad. The prince began to love learning, and one day declared to Imlac, that he intended to devote himself to science, and pass the rest of his days in literary solitude.
The conclusion, in which nothing is concluded
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: February 2022

It was now the time of the inundation of the Nile: a few days after their visit to the catacombs, the river began to rise.