bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing hypertension in rural Gambia and Kenya: Protocol for a qualitative study exploring the experiences of patients, health care workers, and decision-makers
Authors: Diallo Brahima A. , Hassan Syreen , Kagwanja Nancy , Oyando Robinson , Badjie Jainaba , Mumba Noni , Prentice Andrew M. , Perel Pablo , Etyang Anthony , Nolte Ellen , Tsofa Benjamin ,   IHCoR-Africa Collaborators
Published: April 2024

Background Hypertension is the single leading risk factor for premature death in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Prevalence is high, but awareness, treatment, and control are low. Community-centred interventions show promise for effective hypertension management, but embedding such interventions sustainably requires a good understanding of the wider context within which they are being introduced. This study aims to conduct a systematic health system assessment exploring the micro (patients/carers), meso (health care workers and facilities), and macro (broader system) contexts in rural Gambia and Kenya. Methods This study will utilise various qualitative approaches. We will conduct (i) focus group discussions with people living with hypertensive to map a ‘typical’ patient journey through health systems, and (ii) in-depth interviews with patients and family carers, health care workers, decision-makers, and NCD partners to explore their experiences of managing hypertension and assess the capacity and readiness of the health systems to strengthen hypertension management. We will also review national guidelines and policy documents to map the organisation of services and guidance on hypertension management. We will use thematic analysis to analyse data, guided by the cumulative complexity model, and theories of organisational readiness and dissemination of innovations. Expected findings This study will describe the current context for the management of hypertension from the perspective of those involved in seeking (patients), delivering (health care workers) and overseeing (decision-makers) health services in rural Gambia and Kenya. It will juxtapose what should be happening according to health system guidance and what is happening in practice, drawing on the experiences of study participants. It will outline the various barriers to and facilitators of hypertension management, as perceived by patients, providers, and decision-makers, and the conditions that would need to be in place for effective and sustainable implementation of a community-centred intervention to improve the management of hypertension in rural settings.
DATA BREACHES EXIT STRATEGY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DATA PRIVACY LAWS
Authors: Shahul Ikram Nur Adlin Hanisah
Published: April 2024

Data has become highly valuable in the era of digitalisation and is the main target of cybercriminals. Cybercriminals steal data by exploiting system vulnerabilities. The rise of catastrophic data breach incidents affects business operations, reputation and legal standing, leading to business disruptions, financial loss and reputation damage. These incidents have raised data security concerns. The frequent incident is partly due to insufficient security measures in place. This article employs doctrinal research focusing on legal principles based on legislation to analyse Malaysia’s legal framework for protecting personal data in Malaysia and a comparison with other jurisdictions, i.e. the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Singapore Personal Data Protection Act 2012 and the China Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL). The findings show that Malaysia’s data protection laws fall short of the international norm in some areas. This article suggests that Malaysian policymakers may amend the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 to align with international data protection standards to strengthen data security measures in preventive, detective and responsive data breaches. Consequently, this article provides an analysis of data protection laws in Malaysia and compares them with other advanced jurisdictions. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities involved in safeguarding personal data, the legal framework, and organisational strategies related to data privacy and security.
Biofortifikacija soje selenom
Authors: Antunović Zvonko , Klir Šalavardić Željka , Novoselec Josip
Published: April 2024

Soja je krmivo bogato proteinima koje se najčešće, zajedno sa svojim nusproizvodima (sačma i pogača), koristi u obrocima životinja s ciljem kvalitetne opskrbe proteinima. Cilj je ovoga rada prikazati mogućnosti biofortifikacije soje selenom i njezinu primjenu u hranidbi životinja. Soja je kvalitetan izvor selena u organskome obliku, prije svega selenometionina. Selen je važan u prehrani ljudi i hranidbi životinja jer ima brojne fiziološke funkcije, a često je sadržan u nedostatnim količinama u hranidbenome lancu. Biofortifikacija soje selenom, i to agronomska biofortifikacija, može se koristiti kao kvalitetna metoda obogaćivanja jestivih dijelova usjeva/ soje selenom. Najčešće se koriste anorganski spojevi selena (selenat i selenit) koje usjev/soja transformira u organski oblik, a on je pristupačniji različitim organizmima. Za razliku od selenita, anorganski oblik selena, selenat, bolje je biodostupnosti. Učinkovitija je agrofortifikacija usjeva/krmiva folijarnim tretiranjem usjeva negoli gnojidbom tala selenom. Razlog leži u izbjegavanju vrlo kompleksnih reakcija koje se odvijaju u tlu uzrokujući značajne razlike u usvajanju selena s obzirom na različite okolišne uvjete i uvjete u tlu. U dostupnim istraživanjima biofortifikacija soje selenom provedena anorganskim oblicima selena dovela je do značajnoga povećanja sadržaja selena u zrnu soje, ali nije utvrđen značajan utjecaj na prinos soje te na strukturu i funkcionalnost proteina soje. Međutim, postoje i istraživanja sa suprotnim učincima. Vrlo je malo istraživanja o korištenju biofortificirane soje selenom u hranidbi životinja, osobito onih domaćih. Navedeno bi moglo biti kvalitetna niša za daljnja istraživanja, koja će imati za cilj ukazati na mogućnosti primjene biofortificirane soje selenom u hranidbi domaćih životinja.
Analyzing Macroeconomic Indicators that May Affect Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Panel Data Analysis in the Context of Income Level Classification (1990-2019)
Authors: Kabakçı Günay Eylül , Ince Yenilmez Meltem
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the study was to ascertain whether the export-import coverage ratio (EXIM), the income of natural resources (NATR), labour force participation rate (LFPR), and foreign direct investment (FDI) had a positive or negative impact on economic growth for 34 Sub-Saharan African countries using data from 1990 to 2019. The change in Gross Domestic Product Per Capita (%) is used in the study as a proxy for the economic growth variable, and Sub-Saharan African nations were categorized based on the United Nations' income classification system to create more homogeneous groups and consequently more accurate analysis results. To do this, 34 Sub-Saharan African nations were divided into three income categories: lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, and low-income. The income categories established by the UN were considered while drawing this distinction. This divide led to the analysis of 18 low-income nations, 12 lower-middle-income countries, and 4 upper-middle-income countries. One of the dynamic panel data analysis techniques, the two-step system GMM panel data analysis, was used as the econometric analysis approach. According to the estimations, FDI in lower-middle-income sub-Saharan African countries was statistically significant and inversely related to economic growth; it was observed that the coverage ratio of exports to imports has a statistically significant and linear relationship. None of these independent variables were found to influence economic growth in low-income sub-Saharan African countries. There is a statistically significant correlation between the LFPR and NATR and economic development in the upper-middle income category of nations analyzed. As a result, the influence of factors varied and fluctuated on economic growth based on the income levels of different groups.
Length and Thickness of Vertebral Artery Groove of Dry Ossified Human Atlas Vertebra
Authors: Rahman Sadia , Ara Shamim , Sayeed Sharmina , Banu Masuma Akhtar , Kashem Kanetarin
Published: April 2024

Context: The superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra behind its lateral mass has a vertebral artery groove. The contents of this groove are third part of vertebral artery, venous plexus and first cervical nerve. Morphometric data of vertebral artery groove is helpful for the spine surgeons to avoid iatrogenic injury of these vital structures during posterior approach.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical type of study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from January 2012 to July 2013. Inner and outer groove length and thickness of the vertebral artery groove was measured with the help of flexible metallic wire and digital slide calipers.

Results: There was no significant difference (P>0.10) in the mean length of inner border between right and left groove for vertebral artery. But outer border of left groove for vertebral artery was larger than right groove for vertebral artery (P<0.001). The mean thickness of the groove for the right and left vertebral artery was not significantly different (P>0.50).

Bangladesh J. Anat. 2015; 13(1) : 8-10
Correlation of Stature with Footprint of Bangladeshi Male Medical Students
Authors: Hossain Farhana , Ara Shamim , Shahana Nahid , Hasan Karim Rezwan
Published: April 2024

Context: Foot dimension has great use in anatomy, physiology, ergonomics, forensic science, plastic surgery, radiology, podiatry, archaeology, anthropology, nutrition science and diagnostic knowledge between patient and normal population. The data of foot dimensions of Bangladeshi male is essential for the anatomist for normative reference. Stature can be correlated with foot dimensions using different foot segments from footprints. This cross sectional analytic study was planned to determine the different dimensions of the footprint of the Bangladeshi males and to find out the correlation of stature with foot dimensions from footprint of male Bangladeshi medical students.

Materials & Methods: Two hundred (200) male medical college students of 18-25 years of age were selected from different medical colleges of Dhaka city and their age was determined by their national ID cards. Stature was measured using a stadiometer. Both feet of the same individual were painted with ink with the help of the brush. After ensuring that toes and sole were inked properly, footprints were taken at the same time for both feet while the ink was still wet. Length of the different toes(t) were then measured in centimetre from the footprints using a Vernier digital caliper.

Results: In the present study, significant differences were observed between T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 lengths of right and left foot (P<0.001). Each of the T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 lengths of the left foot were greater than the right foot. There was a strong correlation between the stature and foot length among Bangladeshi males (P<0.001).

Conclusion: All the foot lengths of left footprint were significantly higher than the right footprint among Bangladeshi male medical students. Further studies with larger sample size are recommended to get more precise picture in order to produce a more comprehensive data that will help to determine the correlation of stature with dimensions of footprint of Bangladeshi medical students.

Bangladesh J. Anat. 2015; 13(1) : 16-22
Características de liderazgo personal e interpersonal en estudiantes y docentes de la Escuela Profesional de Obstetricia de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann, Tacna 2018
Authors: Choque Mamani Luis Fredy , Linares Dávalos Angel Rey , Jaramillo Gonzales Fary Estela , Fernandez Machaca Maria Virginia
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: Determinar las características de liderazgo personal e interpersonal en estudiantes y docentes de la Escuela Profesional de Obstetricia de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann de Tacna. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 121 estudiantes y 14 docentes, a quienes se les evaluó 6 cualidades: control del ego, equilibrio, desapego, responsabilidad, trabajo en equipo y destrezas gerenciales. Resultados: Las características de liderazgo personal de los estudiantes respecto a las cualidades control de ego, equilibrio, desapego y responsabilidad fueron de nivel moderado. La cualidad mejor puntuada fue control del ego, ubicándose en los niveles alto y muy alto; mientras que las características de liderazgo interpersonal y trabajo en equipo fueron puntuadas negativamente, obteniendo los niveles bajo y muy bajo; la cualidad destrezas gerenciales tuvo el nivel moderado. Las características de liderazgo personal de los docentes respecto a las cualidades control de ego, equilibrio, desapego y responsabilidad estuvieron, predominantemente, en el nivel moderado. Las cualidades mejor puntuadas son desapego y responsabilidad en los niveles alto y muy alto; en tanto las características de liderazgo interpersonal y trabajo en equipo fueron negativos, el 100 % estuvo en los niveles muy bajo y bajo. La cualidad destrezas gerenciales se ubicó en los niveles alto y muy alto. Conclusión: Los niveles de las características de liderazgo personal e interpersonal de los estudiantes fueron de moderado a bajo; mientras que en los docentes fueron de moderado a alto.
OKÜLER İLAÇ TAŞIYICI SİSTEM OLARAK LİPİT BAZLI NANOPARTİKÜLLER
Authors: Polat Heybet Kerem , Aytekin Eren , Karakuyu Nasıf Fatih , Kurt Nihat , Yazıksız Yonca
Published: April 2024

Amaç: Bu derleme kapsamında, oküler kullanımdaki katı lipit nanopartikül (KLN) ve nanoyapılı lipit taşıyıcı (NLT) sistemlerine, bu formülasyonların sterilizasyonuna ve tasarımla kalite (QbD) hakkında yapılan son araştırmaları tartışmak amaçlanmıştır.
Sonuç ve Tartışma: Göze ilaç taşınması son yıllardaki gelişmelere rağmen hala karmaşık bir sorun olarak devem etmekte ve etkili ilaç taşınabilmesi için yenilikçi yaklaşımlara ihtiyaç duyulan bir alandır. Bu derlemede, yenilikçi yaklaşımlardan olan KLN’ler ve NLT’lerin oftalmik ilaç uygulamalarında sağladıkları üstünlükler güncel literatür örnekleriyle tartışılmıştır. KLN’ler oda sıcaklığında katı halde bulunan lipitlerin genellikle eritilmesi ya da çeşitli solvanlarda çözündürülmesi ile hazırlanan lipit partiküllerdir. NLT’ler ise yapısında katı lipitlerle birlikte oda sıcaklığında sıvı halde bulunan lipitleri de içermektedir. Oküler ilaç uygulamalarında kritik aşamalardan biri de sterilizasyon basamağıdır. Uygun sterilizasyon işleminin seçiminde, kullanılan lipitlerin erime dereceleri, serbest radikal oluşturma eğilimleri ve partikül büyüklükleri göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır. Sonuç olarak, KLN ve NLT’ler hem biyouyumluluk hem de etkililik anlamında oküler tedaviler için umut vadeden ilaç taşıyıcı sistemlerdir. Derleme kapsamında incelenen literatür çalışmaları da bu çıkarımı desteklemektedir. Ancak saklama süresince karşılaşılabilen stabilite sorunları ve tekrarlanabilir büyük ölçekte üretim konusunda yaşanan sıkıntılar nedeniyle klinik tedavide yeterince kullanılamamaktadır. Bu sorunların çözümü aşamasında QbD’nin etkili olacağı düşünülmektedir.
DESAIN CONTENT MARKETING MEDIA SOSIAL GUNA MEMBANGUN BRAND AWARENESS DAYA POTENSIA INDONESIA
Authors: Adheliana Dela , Sandy Sandy
Published: April 2024

Content marketing dewasa ini telah menjadi tren dan fokus utama banyak brand dalam meningkatkan engagement di media sosial, sehingga penerapan desain visual dan teknik copywriting adalah hal penting yang harus diperhatikan bagi setiap pemasar konten. Maka, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang desain content marketing melalui Instagram guna membangun brand awareness Daya Potensia Indonesia (DPI). Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif-deskriptif untuk mendeskripsikan secara mendalam tentang tahapan pengelolaan content marketing di Instagram DPI dengan didukung oleh penyebaran kuesioner untuk mengetahui dampak dari rancangan konten. Metode analisis data penelitian ini menggunakan analisis SWOT, analisis data parameter Instagram, dan analisis tingkatan brand awareness. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh adalah strategi pengelolaan content marketing DPI melalui 8 tahapan, yaitu penetapan tujuan, pemetaan target pasar, penggagasan dan perencanaan konten, penciptaan konten, pendistribusian konten, penguatan konten, evaluasi konten, dan perbaikan konten. Strategi content marketing mengutamakan pembuatan konten yang menerapkan desain visual dan copywriting ternyata dapat meningkatkan engagement sebesar 363%, jangkauan akun sebesar 539%, serta disusul pertambahan jumlah followers yang signifikan, yaitu sebesar 282%. Dilihat dari hasil analisis tingkatan brand awareness, menunjukkan bahwa sebanyak 69% responden menyatakan mengenal brand DPI. Maka, diketahui brand Daya Potensia Indonesia berhasil menempati posisi brand recognition, sehingga 69 responden dalam penelitian ini masih perlu diingatkan lagi mengenai keberadaan brand DPI melalui promosi yang masif di Instagram ataupun media lainnya.
NASKAH AKADEMIK RANCANGAN PERATURAN DAERAH KOTA MAKASSAR TENTANG PENGUATAN BUDAYA LITERASI
Authors: Gamal Agal Cristian , Halim Halim
Published: April 2024

Masyarakat Kota Makassar memiliki angka anak putus sekolah dan angka buta aksara yang tergolong cukup tinggi dimana hal ini sangat memengaruhi terhadap tingkat literasi masyarakat. Sebagai kebutuhan pada sektor pendidikan, literasi perlu untuk terus ditingkatkan mengingat tingkat literasi sebuah bangsa memiliki korelasi yang positif dengan kualitas hidup dan juga kemajuan negara. Guna mewujudkan hal tersebut, maka penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyusun Naskah Akademik Rancangan Peraturan Daerah Kota Makassar tentang Penguatan Budaya Literasi sebagai basis argumentasi dalam merancang kebijakan publik mengenai penguatan budaya literasi di Kota Makassar. Penyusunan naskah akademik ini dilakukan dengan metode pengumpulan data dan analisis data. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan secara kualitatif yakni dengan melakukan studi kepustakaan dan bacaan atau literatur serta dengan melakukan wawancara. Hasil penelitian adalah budaya literasi merupakan kebutuhan yang penting dalam mewujudkan kesejahteraan masyarakat dan menghindarkan masyarakat dari dampak negatif kemajuan peradaban sehingga diperlukan kebijakan publik untuk mengatur dan memaksimalkan penguatan budaya literasi di Kota Makassar.
PENEMPATAN KARYAWAN BERDASARKAN ANALISIS JABATAN DAN ANALISIS BEBAN KERJA DINAS TANAMAN PANGAN, HORTIKULTURA DAN PERKEBUNAN PROVINSI SULAWESI SELATAN
Authors: Darsim Sitti Khadijah Herdayani , Samandy Annisa Aulliyah
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan agar instansi dapat mengetahui kualifikasi jabatan serta jumlah pegawai yang dibutuhkan, sehingga membutuhkan analisis jabatan dan analisis beban kerja yang harus dibuatkan dan diperbarui sesuai dengan peraturan yang telah ditetapkan pada Permenpan RB Nomor 1 Tahun 2020. Adapun jumlah informan dalam penelitian ini adalah 3 (tiga) orang dengan menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data yaitu wawancara, observasi, telaah dokumen dan dokumentasi. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara penulis dengan narasumber jabatan yang akan di interview langsung oleh penulis yaitu beberapa jabatan yang ada di Subbagian Umum, Kepegawaian dan Hukum sekaligus yang nantinya akan dibuatkan analisis jabatan dan analisis beban kerjanya adalah Kepala Subbagian Umum, Kepegawaian dan Hukum, Analis Sumber Daya Manusia Aparatur, Pengelola Kepegawaian, Analis Kinerja, dan Pengadministrasi Umum. Hasil penelitian ini dapat menggambarkan, menguraikan, serta menginterpretasikan seluruh hasil penelitian yang terkumpul secara umum dan menyeluruh sehingga memperoleh gambaran yang jelas. Berdasarkan perhitungan analisis jabatan dan analisis beban kerja yang telah dibuat, jabatan Kepala Subbagian Umum, Kepegawaian dan Hukum membutuhkan 1 orang, jabatan Pengelola Kepegawaian membutuhkan 6 orang, jabatan Pengadministrasi Umum membutuhkan 10 orang, jabatan Analis Kinerja membutuhkan 2 orang analis serta jabatan Analis Sumber Daya Manusia Aparatur membutuhkan 1 orang analis.
PENGEMBANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI MANAJEMEN ABSENSI KARYAWAN PADA PT KALLA INTI KARSA
Authors: Aditya Perdana A. Muh. Alief , Putra Anhar Dana
Published: April 2024

PT Kalla Inti Karsa merupakan salah satu bagian dari Kalla Group yang bergerak dalam bidang bisnis properti komersil dan telah berhasil mengoperasikan berbagai pusat perbelanjaan, perkantoran, dan Kawasan industri di kota Makassar dan sekitarnya, seperti Mall Ratu Indah, Nipah Park, dan Wisma Kalla Office Building. Proses perhitungan total absensi karyawan setiap bulannya pada PT Kalla Inti Karsa masih secara konvensional. Berdasarkan permasalahan tesebut, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberi kemudahan dalam proses manajemen absensi setiap bulannya, baik itu bagi admin yang bertugas mengelola absensi karyawan maupun seluruh karyawan dalam melakukan proses absensi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualiatif. Untuk metodologi analisis data, Peneliti menggunakan reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Penelitian ini menggunakan data primer dan data sekunder, dan untuk memastikan bahwa data dan informasi yang dikumpulkan akurat, teknik triangulasi sumber digunakan. Hasil penelitian berupa rancangan aplikasi bagi admin untuk melakukan manajemen absensi karyawan dan aplikasi bagi karyawan untuk melakukan kegiatan absensi. Dalam proses perancangan aplikasi, peneliti menggunakan bahasa program PHPMyAdmin dan lima komponen sistem informasi yaitu hardware, software, database, prosedur, dan manusia.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles, Study of Structure, Properties and Applications in the Treatment of Wounds
Authors: Abdullaeva Zh. , Mataipova A. , Edilbekova A. , Babekova N. , Sagynalieva N.
Published: April 2024

Silver nanoparticles are used in many areas of medicine as part of antibacterial and wound-healing ointments and preparations. Research objectives: study the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, structure, properties and applications in the treatment of burn wounds. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed by chemical precipitation. As synthesized silver nanoparticles have a cubic crystalline shape; the average size of nanoparticles is 18 nm. No skin-irritating effect of medicinal cosmetic gel containing silver nanoparticles was detected.
Blood Parasitic Diseases of Cattle in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan
Authors: Seyidov M.
Published: April 2024

The result of a study on the distribution of parasitosis in cattle in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan is presented. In a study of 422 heads of cattle, parasite carriage reached 73%. Increased infestation is observed in lowland and foothill areas. The most common species are Theileria annulata(65.6%) and Anaplasma marginale(14.9%). To combat blood-parasitic diseases in the Republic, it is necessary to determine the type of blood-parasitic diseases, study the species composition of ixodid ticks and seasonal periods of parasitism, the reasons for the spread of ticks. In conclusion, a number of practical measures for the prevention of blood parasitic diseases are proposed.
Sailors, Spies, and Sovereignty: Greenock’s Revolutionary Turmoil, 1688–1691
Authors: Macdonald Gillian Sarah
Published: April 2024

Despite many pamphlets and news sources declaring the Jacobites defeat in 1690, the Williamite War in Ireland carried on until June 1691. Among the more cautious observers of the situation was the Scottish Privy Council. Records indicate that coastal towns – in this case Greenock – were potential avenues for Jacobite invasion from the Irish Sea. This article situates the Privy Council’s and local action in both their environmental contexts and within the history of borders and borderlands. It traces Greenock’s place in the revolutionary narrative as a place of great strategic importance because of the bustling port and proximity to the city of Glasgow. Coastal and port security played a crucial role in shaping attitudes and action towards the western port towns connected to the Irish Sea. Ultimately, the Clyde River did not succumb to the enemy navy, but the coast and its inland waterways were an unpredictable space.
A Welsh Vision of Empire? Welsh Imperialists and the Indian Empire
Authors: Owens Rhys
Published: April 2024

Neither Welsh history nor imperial history has given much attention to the Welsh connection with empire. While English, Scottish, and Irish imperial history have been developed in recent decades, Wales has been largely ignored. In relation to India, there have been projects on missionaries and the East India Company, but little that focuses on Welsh imperialists during the period of Crown Rule. Despite having a smaller presence than other British nationalities, the Welsh were present in India between 1858–1947, and interacted with imperialism in ways which were distinctly Welsh. This research will explore the Welsh in India during this period and how their Welsh identity interacted with the empire to create a unique Welsh conception of imperialism. Constructed in the domestic press, it emphasised Welsh understanding of indigenous peoples through their own experience of being a minority within the UK and attached itself to a strong sense of Britishness manifested in loyalty to the empire. This ideology, however, had limited impact on the ground in India, with Welsh imperialists generally conforming to the racial and class norms of British India. Welsh imperialism remained a prism through which the Welsh thought about themselves rather than a method of action. Examining this experience adds new dimensions to imperial thinking, especially in relation to how faith and language were transported, reimagined, and contested in the colonial sphere. It demonstrates how the British exported their national and regional ideological baggage which continued to influence their thinking, despite being removed from the physical landscape in which they were forged. Welsh people like Sir Lawrence Jenkins and the missionaries of the Northeast of India had tangible impacts on the colonial space which were fundamentally inspired by their Welshness. This greatly adds to our understanding of how British imperialism operated and has implications far beyond India.
British Performance on the International Stage: Theatre, Cultural Diplomacy, and the British Council's Early Years
Authors: Tobias Taylor
Published: April 2024

In May of 1940, the British Council sent the Sadler's Wells Ballet Company on a tour of the Netherlands. This tour, which ended with the German invasion on May 10th, became one of the first events to bring international attention to the British Council and its activities in the realm of cultural propaganda. While most recent studies of the Council focus on the organization's operations in the postwar period and the Cold War, this article examines the Council's history during its formative years from 1934–1947. It traces the evolution of the Council during these years and the domestic and foreign political tensions that complicated their initial activities. Finally, in focusing on theatre and dance operations of the Council, this article shows how the success and continued operation of the British Council was owed not only to their forward-looking approach to cultural propaganda in the twentieth century, but also to their ability to co-opt and revitalise the institutions of traveling performance that had existed throughout Britain's imperial past.
Becoming Psyche: The Stoic Way and the Platonic Way in Till We Have Faces
Authors: Gregor Brian
Published: April 2024

In C.S. Lewis’s novel Till We Have Faces, philosophy appears not merely as an academic subject but a distinctive way of life and paideia for the formation of the soul. We see this model of philosophy in the figure of the Fox, who practises Stoicism and instructs the three sisters – Orual, Redival, and Psyche – in its way. Lewis’s novel shows the Stoic care of the soul to be insufficient for the task set to Orual by the god – that she shall become Psyche – and gestures instead toward Platonism as offering a better model of paideia and a truer conception of the soul, both its desires and its ultimate destiny of union with the Divine. In the end, however, Orual’s encounter with the Divine also points beyond Platonism, anticipating a Christian conception of divine love and grace.
‘He seems to be at the back of all the stories’: The Subtlety of Narnian Providence
Authors: Morales, OP Isaac Augustine
Published: April 2024

Towards the end of The Horse and His Boy, as Shasta wanders blindly into Narnia, he unknowingly encounters Aslan, who explains to him the various ways that Aslan has watched over him dating back even to the boy’s infancy. It is a beautiful account of Aslan’s care for Shasta. If one were to focus exclusively on this passage, however, one might conclude that Narnian providence is merely a matter of external divine intervention and that creaturely agency plays little role in the way Aslan governs Narnia. An analysis of some of Lewis’s non-fictional writings in conversation with Thomas Aquinas uncovers a more subtle understanding of providence. For Lewis, as for Aquinas, providence incorporates the acts of free agents without compromising their integrity. Virtuous, indifferent, and even vicious acts all contribute in some way to God’s plan for the universe. The same can be said for Narnia, as one can see through representative examples from The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, and The Magician’s Nephew. In these stories Lewis illustrates, to paraphrase his own words about Oedipus Rex, ‘how providence and free will can be combined, even how free will is the modus operandi of providence’.
The Unpublished ‘Mód Þrýþe Ne Wæg’ by C.S. Lewis: A Critical Edition
Authors: Cossio Andoni
Published: April 2024

As the title of this edition indicates, it provides a critical apparatus for a holistic understanding of this alliterative epistolary poem by C.S. Lewis, which has never appeared in print before. With this in mind, all points requiring clarification are addressed: a description and history of the manuscript, Lewis's relationship with the addressee, the dating of the work, the Old English phrases and connection to Beowulf, and the poem's alliterative nature. It is the editor's hope that the edition provides a solid foundation for all further work on ‘Mód Þrýþe Ne Wæg', a poem which highlights once more that Lewis the scholar and Lewis the author often operated under the same guise.
Diferencias regionales de la disolución conyugal por divorcio y separación en el norte de México
Authors: Ojeda Norma , González Raúl
Published: April 2024

This is a descriptive socio-demographic study of the marital dissolution by divorce and separation in the northern border region of Mexico. The objective is to provide a general view of the level of this type of dissolutions in the region and some of its differences among the federal entities that form it. For this purpose, we use information from the National Survey of the Demographic Dynamics 2018 (ENADID) and secondary sources of information. The analysis is based on the indicators about the dissolution of the first conjugal union of ever-married women that were calculated through the life table technique and logistic regression models. The results evidence that the northern region has one of the highest levels of marital dissolution in the country, but with interesting differences between the states located in the northwest and the northeast generating a dual pattern in the region. divorce, marital dissolution, family instability, northern border, Mexico
Remembering trauma in epistemology
Authors: Frise Matthew
Published: April 2024

This paper explores some surprising effects of psychological trauma on memory and develops the puzzle of observer memory for trauma. Memory for trauma tends to have a third-person perspective, or observer perspective. But it appears observer memory, by having a novel visual point of view, tends to misrepresent the past. And many find it plausible that if a memory type tends to misrepresent, it cannot yield knowledge of, or justification for believing, details of past events. But it is also plausible that, with respect to details of past trauma, observer memory can yield knowledge or justification. I argue for a novel set of views that offers a way out of the puzzle: observer memory does tend to misrepresent, but it still has epistemic power regarding details of the past, although with special limits; but observer memory for trauma has other epistemic powers too, in that it allows for a kind of self-awareness.
Prediction of Chronic Kidney Disease Degeneration with Machine Learning
Authors: Harrison Jamiree , Aminian Manuchehr , Berryman Anna , Brennan Georgia , Cao Zaoshu , Chang Claire S. , Jones Quindel , Kim Yena , Matsuda Kimberly , Metherall Brady , Tsiorintsoa Sandra , Varzgani Nilofar , Wagenius Per , Iyiola Olaniyi
Published: April 2024

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition during which the kidneys fail to filter blood properly. Many moderate to late-stage symptoms exist for CKD but no prominent symptoms exist for early CKD, making it historically difficult to diagnose and treat. CKD can be triggered by infections, certain medications, dehydration, drug abuse, as well as spiraling blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Still, CKD is oftentimes overlooked when these triggers are present. For these combined reasons, we provide methodologies for cleaning pertinent data sets to conduct an exploratory analysis of patient profiles. Once we analyze how patient features correlate with CKD and identify important features for diagnosis, we train various machine learning classifiers to predict what stage of CKD a patient is in without invoking the features that are explicitly indicative of CKD. We then validate our models using out-of-sample test data.
Legal Oversight of Venture Capital Investment in Russia: Inconsistencies and Conflicts
Authors: Rodionova Olga
Published: April 2024

Introduction. This article focuses on the applicable Russian laws that govern the investment in early-stage and growth-stage tech companies (venture capital), with the aim of pinpointing its inconsistencies and conflicts. Methods. The study employed a general scientific analysis method, a formal legal method, and a systemic approach. Results and Discussion. Issues have been identified in the legal regulation of venture capital investment relationships. It has been determined that these issues arise from attributing various interactions, similar in their aim of profiting from investment transactions in companies that develop and implement new high-tech products, to venture relations. Conclusion. The conclusion is that the effective growth of venture capital investment is obstructed by numerous legal barriers, with some of them related to defining the legal status of participants in venture capital investment, while others are associated with issues in ensuring the transactions that primarily benefit venture investors. Barriers in the legal regulation of venture capital investor income taxation have not been removed.
How the Assessment of Scientific Performance Impacts the Research Freedom of Scientists
Authors: Lakizo Irina , Guskov Andrey
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Poorly constructed assessment systems can disrupt the logic of scientific development and contribute to a narrow scientific principles. This is particularly facilitated by the predetermination of priority research topics and methods, limitation of funding, and access to scientific communication tools. Understanding the mechanisms of how evaluations influence allows for the improvement of evaluation tools and minimises the likelihood of negative evaluation consequences. Methods. A review of the global document flow reflecting the impact of scientific performance assessments has clarified information about the mechanisms of how assessments impact research freedom. The majority of foreign publications included in the review are from 2008—2023. Results and Discussion. Qualitative research is the main source of information on the impact of evaluation. Strong quantitative evidence of the impact of peer and hybrid assessment on the choice of topics, research areas, and approaches pertains to social sciences and humanities. The mechanism of influence varies depending on the assessment method. The influence of peer review is evident in that researchers take into account expert opinions when planning a study. The impact of quantitative assessment is that researchers consider publication prospects. Therefore, due to risk avoidance, evaluation can stimulate self-limitation, which can ultimately lead to increased uniformity in research. Scientists are required to make additional efforts to find ways to maintain research freedom. Many instances of its manifestation are due to the factors in the environment that counteract evaluation and the adaptation of scientists to the evaluation system. Conclusion. Evaluation is one of the key factors in implementing science policies. It signals which studies are prioritised, which rules they must comply with, and which ones they should not. The impact of evaluation on research freedom is most pronounced for scientifically weak subjects, when evaluation periods are insufficient for obtaining a scientific result, and when formal criteria are used without considering disciplinary specifics. During the implementation of evaluation activities, measures must be taken to preserve research freedom.
Evolution of the Regulatory and Legal Basis for Payment and Incentives for the Work of Scientific Workers in the USSR and the Russian Federation
Authors: Kostrov Anatoly , Kudryavtsev Anatoly
Published: April 2024

Introduction. The article assesses the state of development of the research subject — the evolution of the regulatory and legal framework for remuneration and motivation of scientific workers in the Soviet period (late 1920s — December 26, 1991, the date of the collapse of the USSR) and in the Russian Federation (December 26, 1991 — present); summarises and characterises the legal measures taken by the country's leadership to improve the remuneration and motivation system for scientific workers in the USSR and the Russian Federation. Methods. Using structural and legal and comparative and legal methods, an analysis was conducted of the main regulations of this base, regulating payment and incentives for the work of scientific workers. Results and Discussion. The evolution of the regulation base is systematically presented, a comparison is made between payment and incentives for scientific workers in the USSR and the Russian Federation; values are established for differentiation of payment for scientific workers in the USSR and the Russian Federation; basic norms regulating payment and incentives are analysed; changes to the regulation base in Russia are shown in connection with the adoption of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of May 7, 2012, No. 597; significant differences in payment and incentives for scientific workers in the USSR and the Russian Federation are identified using local regulations from one of the research institutes as an example. Conclusion. Recommendations are provided for improving the efficiency of scientific workers in modern conditions.
Enhancing phosphorus use efficiency and soil quality indicators in lowland paddy ecosystem through Azolla, rice straw, and NPKS fertilizers
Authors: Marzouk Said H. , Tindwa Hamis J. , Amuri Nyambilila A. , Chande Hashim H. , Semoka Johnson M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the influence of incorporating Azolla, rice straw, and NPKS fertilizers on phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and rice productivity in lowland paddy fields. Despite Azolla’s well-known role as a nitrogen-fixing aquatic fern in rice production, its specific impact on PUE remains unclear. The primary objective is to explore diverse treatment combinations to identify synergies that enhance both PUE and overall rice productivity.

Methods

The study was conducted at Mkula Irrigation Scheme in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania; the field experiment employed a randomized complete block design with 13 treatments and three replications. Treatments comprised various combinations of Azolla, rice straw, and chemical fertilizers, incorporating 50% and 100% rates of nitrogen (N) applied with phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S).

Results

The study reveals the substantial impact of Azolla application on total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium levels in the soil. Particularly noteworthy were treatment combinations involving Azolla, rice straw, and reduced rates of synthetic nitrogen, along with specific P, K, and S applications, which exhibited the highest phosphorus uptake and PUE. Specifically, combining rice straw and Azolla with reduced N rates, alongside 30 kg P ha−1 + 30 kg K ha−1 + 20 kg S ha−1, resulted in the highest phosphorus uptake (73.57 kg/ha) and PUE (46.24%).

Conclusion

Integrated nutrient management, incorporating rice straw and Azolla alongside synthetic fertilizers, demonstrates synergistic effects on phosphorus uptake and efficiency while maintaining soil quality. The study underscores the potential of such integrated strategies to optimize PUE and contribute to sustainable rice production in lowland paddy fields.
Application of pulsed electric field technology to skin engineering
Authors: Berry-Kilgour C. , Wise L. , King J. , Oey I.
Published: April 2024

Tissue engineering encompasses a range of techniques that direct the growth of cells into a living tissue construct for regenerative medicine applications, disease models, drug discovery, and safety testing. These techniques have been implemented to alleviate the clinical burdens of impaired healing of skin, bone, and other tissues. Construct development requires the integration of tissue-specific cells and/or an extracellular matrix-mimicking biomaterial for structural support. Production of such constructs is generally expensive and environmentally costly, thus eco-sustainable approaches should be explored. Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology is a nonthermal physical processing method commonly used in food production and biomedical applications. In this review, the key principles of PEF and the application of PEF technology for skin engineering will be discussed, with an emphasis on how PEF can be applied to skin cells to modify their behaviour, and to biomaterials to assist in their isolation or sterilisation, or to modify their physical properties. The findings indicate that the success of PEF in tissue engineering will be reliant on systematic evaluation of key parameters, such as electric field strength, and their impact on different skin cell and biomaterial types. Linking tangible input parameters to biological responses critical to healing will assist with the development of PEF as a sustainable tool for skin repair and other tissue engineering applications.
NOX2 and NOX4 expression in monocytes and macrophages-extracellular vesicles in signalling and therapeutics
Authors: Rathi Deepak , Rossi Claudio , Pospíšil Pavel , Ramalingam Manoharan Renuka , Talarico Luigi , Magnani Agnese , Prasad Ankush
Published: April 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a type of cytoplasmic vesicles secreted by a variety of cells. EVs originating from cells have been known to participate in cell communication, antigen presentation, immune cell activation, tolerance induction, etc. These EVs can also carry the active form of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase Hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase, which is very essential for the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and that can then modulate processes such as cell regeneration. The aim of this study is to characterize the EVs isolated from U-937 and THP-1 cells, identify the NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms, and to determine whether EVs can modulate NOX4 and NOX2 in monocytes and macrophages. In our study, isolated EVs of U-937 were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopy and immunoblotting. The results showed that the exogenous addition of differentiation agents (either phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or ascorbic acid) or the supplementation of EVs used in the study did not cause any stress leading to alterations in cell proliferation and viability. In cells co-cultured with EVs for 72 h, strong suppression of NOX4 and NOX2 is evident when monocytes transform into macrophagic cells. We also observed lower levels of oxidative stress measured using immunoblotting and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy under the EVs co-cultured condition, which also indicates that EVs might contribute significantly by acting as an antioxidant source, which agrees with previous studies that hypothesized the role of EVs in therapeutics. Therefore, our results provide evidence for NOX regulation by EVs in addition to its role as an antioxidant cargo.
Longitudinal profiles of late phonological development in children with Williams syndrome
Authors: Martínez Verónica , Pérez Vanesa , Antón María Aránzazu , Miranda Manuela , Vergara Patricio
Published: April 2024

Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by language skills above what is expected considering non-verbal intelligence. Research on phonological development is scarce, with many studies focusing on grammar in children and adolescents. In one of our previous studies transversally explored the profiles of late phonological development in Spanish-speaking WS children, adolescents, and adults, while our objective is to longitudinally determine these profiles for WS children based on present error indexes in spontaneous speech. Participants were seven WS children (aged 3;7–8;2), engaging in two spontaneous conversations within a 6-month interval. They were compared cross-sectionally with 240 typically developing (TD) children aged 3–6 years, divided into six groups. All speech samples were transcribed and analyzed with the CLAN software package of the CHILDES Project. Phonological profiles were established on the basis of phonological error indexes obtained dividing absolute frequency of errors by the total number of words produced. WS children showed a mean reduction of more than 25% in the absolute frequency of phonological errors after 6 months. As for the comparison with the normative groups, their error index was consistent with the stage of expansion in TD, however, after 6 months, this was consistent with the stage of stabilization. This atypical acceleration in phonological development could be related to lexical growth in the context of relative preservation of phonological memory. Furthermore, the trajectories of late phonological development in WS children might not be linear, as postulated by neuroconstructivist models, suggesting the need for intervention approaches specifically adapted to the phonological profiles of WS children.
A Case Report of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced fulminant myocarditis in a 15-year-old male leading to cardiogenic shock and electrical storm
Authors: Zhu Chengrui , Hu Bo , Li Xiaotong , Han Weiying , Liang Yingjian , Ma Xiaochun
Published: April 2024

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a well-recognized pathogen primarily associated with respiratory tract infections. However, in rare instances, it can lead to extrapulmonary manifestations, including myocarditis. We present a case of a 15-year-old male who developed fulminant myocarditis, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac electrical storm attributed to M. pneumoniae infection. He underwent a combination of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for cardiac support, ultimately surviving despite the intracardiac thrombus formation and embolic stroke. Following comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation, he was discharged in stable condition. This case underscores the importance of considering atypical pathogens as potential etiological factors in patients presenting with cardiac complications, especially in the adolescents. It also emphasizes the need for clinical vigilance and effective support for potential cardiac complications arising from M. pneumoniae infection.