bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reportages créés : des déclinaisons de la fiction pour témoigner du réel de la guerre et de la sphère médiatique
Authors: Delahaye Maud
Published: April 2024

En apparence antinomiques, fiction et journalisme de guerre sont toutefois liés. Déclinée sous plusieurs formes et adoptant différentes fonctions, l’incursion de la fiction dans le reportage – et plus encore dans le photoreportage – interroge. La conception classique du journalisme est associée à une mission et à une éthique spécifiques, à savoir la quête de vérité, l’instantanéité et le témoignage. Il convient d’analyser la fonction métaphorique des éléments fictionnels au sein du domaine journalistique. Quelles réalités représentent-ils ? En quoi révèlent-ils des bribes du réel de la guerre et du réel du travail de l’information ? À la lumière des apports de la psychologie, de la psychanalyse, de la philosophie et de l’histoire du journalisme, articulés à trois cas publics de révélation de reportages créés et à des entretiens menés dans le cadre d’une recherche à propos des enjeux psychiques et psychopathologiques chez les journalistes de zones à risques, il s’agira d’analyser la place et les fonctions de la fiction dans le processus journalistique. Dans cette perspective, la quête de l’aura (Benjamin, 1931) dans le règne de l’information sera évoquée, suivie d’une analyse du recours à la fiction lorsqu’elle est présentée comme vraie dans les reportages truqués et fabriqués. Sera ensuite abordée l’esthétisation de la violence en tant que fiction et son rapport au réel. Enfin, la thématique de la fiction en négatif – de la fiction créée par la suppression d’éléments clefs dans une scène – sera étudiée afin de tenter de saisir ce qu’elle révèle de son créateur et du contexte individuel et collectif dans lequel il évolue.
Accompagner l’applicabilité et la transférabilité du programme « Sortir Ensemble & Se Respecter » en Frances
Authors: Cherrier Chloé , Akhras-Pancaldi Charlotte , De Pietro Josefin , Rusch Emmanuel , Vieira Gildas , Potard Catherine , Fillol Amandine , Courtois Robert
Published: April 2024

Introduction : La prévention des violences dans les relations amoureuses (VRA) chez les jeunes est un enjeu fort des politiques publiques. Néanmoins, il existe peu de programmes de prévention ayant fait la preuve de leur efficacité en France. « Sortir Ensemble & Se Respecter » (SE&SR) est une adaptation suisse de « Safe Dates » , un programme d’intervention américain qui a montré des résultats en matière de réduction des comportements violents tant du côté des jeunes victimes que des auteurs. L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser l’applicabilité et la « potentielle transférabilité » de SE&SR en France. Méthodes : L’approche adoptée consistait à décrire l’intervention SE&SR en explicitant la théorie d’intervention, les fonctions clés (soit les « ingrédients » permettant que le programme SE&SR fonctionne) et en proposant des commentaires d’applicabilité en vue d’une transférabilité adaptée au contexte français. L’outil ASTAIRE et la démarche FIC ont été utilisés. Résultats : La théorie d’intervention a mis en évidence différents facteurs, agissant au niveau individuel (i.e. connaissances, croyances/représentations, compétences psychosociales) et au niveau des milieux de vie (i.e. structures accueillant les jeunes, familles, politiques publiques/réseaux d’acteurs), qui peuvent prévenir les VRA chez les jeunes. Dix fonctions clés ont été identifiées, dégageant le « squelette » de l’intervention suisse. À la suite de ces résultats, des commentaires d’applicabilité en vue d’une transférabilité ont permis de préciser les éléments de contexte à prendre en compte avant la mise en œuvre de SE&SR en France. Conclusion : Cette étude souhaite rendre accessibles les process d’applicabilité en vue d’une transférabilité d’un programme probant en contexte français.
Après la pilule. Le choix contraceptif des jeunes femmes à l’épreuve du rejet des hormones
Authors: Thomé Cécile
Published: April 2024

Introduction : Si la pilule demeure, en France, le moyen de contraception le plus utilisé par les jeunes femmes, on remarque depuis les années 2000 une diminution de cette utilisation et un questionnement quant à sa centralité dans la norme contraceptive. Ces remises en cause s’inscrivent dans une montée de ce que l’on peut qualifier de climat de défiance envers les méthodes hormonales. But de l’étude : À partir de l’analyse d’un corpus de 21 entretiens portant sur le choix en matière de contraception menés auprès de femmes ayant entre 20 et 28 ans, cet article vise à renseigner les modalités d’expression du rejet des hormones et à déterminer ses effets concrets sur leur choix contraceptif. Résultats : L’enquête montre la prévalence parmi les jeunes femmes interrogées d’une méfiance à l’égard des hormones, qui s’ancre rarement dans leur expérience contraceptive mais semble, à l’exception de certains cas, plus diffuse. Elle est surtout mobilisée par les femmes lorsqu’il s’agit de justifier l’arrêt de la pilule, dont la prise en charge matérielle devient de plus en plus pesante pour elles au fil des années. Finalement, les femmes qui rejettent l’utilisation des hormones continuent très majoritairement à utiliser une contraception médicalisée, y compris une contraception hormonale, à partir du moment où son usage est jugé plus facile que celui de la pilule. Conclusions : En remettant en cause la contraception hormonale, et plus précisément la pilule, c’est surtout le manque de choix que dénoncent les jeunes femmes : il ne s’agit pas de revendiquer moins de contraception, mais une contraception plus adaptée à leurs besoins .
Analyse économique d’un programme de renforcement du système de santé en République démocratique du Congo
Authors: Tchouaket Éric , Sia Drissa , Karemere Hermès , Kapiteni Woolf , Robins Stephanie
Published: April 2024

Introduction : Face à l’accès limité aux soins et à la précarité des structures sanitaires en République démocratique du Congo, l’Union européenne par l’intermédiaire de Memisa Belgique avait mis en œuvre le Programme de renforcement de l’offre et développement de l’accès aux soins de santé (PRO DS) dans les provinces du Kongo-Central et de l’Ituri. Ce programme se caractérisait par une approche holistique d’équité d’accès et de lutte contre la malnutrition. Méthodes : Pour mesurer le retour social sur investissement du programme et estimer son coût par habitant et son efficacité par euros investis (efficience), une évaluation coûts-efficacité avec une perspective sociétale de 61 mois (1 er juillet 2017 au 31 juillet 2022) a été réalisée. La méthode de double différence, qui compare les résultats des zones PRO DS et des zones non PRO DS, a été utilisée. Le retour social sur investissement a été évalué par le biais du rapport entre l’efficacité et les coûts. Résultats : Les analyses ont montré que le programme coûtait par année et par habitant entre 3,72 et 3,96 euros (2022) au Kongo-Central, et entre 3,12 et 3,36 euros en Ituri. De plus, il était coût-efficace dans plusieurs domaines, telles la santé de la reproduction, la nutrition, l’utilisation des services de santé et nutritionnels. Conclusions : L’efficience du programme pourrait s’expliquer par sa vision holistique avec un fort volet « Nutrition ». PRO DS se démarque d’autres programmes qui agissent uniquement sur une problématique ou population spécifique. Malgré ses quelques imperfections, le gouvernement mériterait d’y investir.
Génesis y consolidación de la identidad catalana medieval
Authors: Palomo Reina Cristian
Published: April 2024

A partir de la producción historiográfica especializada de las últimas décadas, en el artículo se ofrecerá una exposición sintética sobre el origen y la consolidación de la identidad colectiva de los catalanes entre el siglo XII y los albores del XVI, examinando la evolución histórica de sus variantes, es decir, tanto de la catalanidad que se circunscribía estrictamente a los cristianos naturales de Cataluña, como de la catalanidad que englobaba a todos los cristianos catalanófonos, siendo la gran mayoría de ellos naturales del principado de Cataluña y de los reinos de Valencia y de Mallorca con sus islas adyacentes, sin olvidar aquella otra catalanidad nominal que podía abarcar a todos los súbditos de la Corona de Aragón. Además, se analizan los principales rasgos lingüísticos, religiosos, políticos, jurídicos e institucionales, así como de alteridad con otros colectivos, de la identidad catalana de la época, determinando la influencia de estos factores en las diferentes modalidades de catalanidad.
La identidad cultural que deviene elemento de identificación de pertenencia. Calas en la literatura (de ficción y de ideas) en lengua catalana medieval
Authors: Martines Vicent
Published: April 2024

La realidad quiere emular a la ficción cuando esta aporta modelos edificantes, también en cuanto a la construcción de la identidad colectiva. Analizamos varias calas de la literatura catalana medieval y del Renacimiento, y muestras de la tradición clásica en las que se constata cómo la palabra, en especial la «palabra historiada», la que cuenta historias, contribuye significativamente en el proceso de toma de conciencia de la identidad colectiva. Analizamos el poder de la palabra que confiere identidad con la explicación y gestión de conflictos. Atendemos a las miradas en contraste que nos transmiten vencedores y vencidos. Realizamos una reflexión sobre los límites de la mímesis historiográfica. Finalmente, atendemos a la toma de conciencia sobre la necesidad (y dignidad) de la propia lengua romance frente al latín para la expresión de todo lo que su gobierno y sociedad puedan desarrollar: questione della lingua, síntoma inequívoco de Humanismo. Se trata tanto de abrir el conocimiento, como de facilitar el gobierno, ser compañera del imperio.
Oráculos de la nación catalana. El poder y la representatividad política de las instituciones catalanas en el paso del siglo XVII al XVIII
Authors: Martí-Fraga Eduard
Published: April 2024

Es conocido cómo las Cortes de 1701-‍1702 y 1705-‍1706 pusieron de manifiesto la existencia de un constitucionalismo muy vivo en el Principado, con fuerte dinamismo político, económico y social. Esto se explica en parte por la capacidad que tenían las instituciones catalanas de representar y dar voz a grupos sociales amplios. Consell de Cent, Diputación, Brazo Militar, Conferencia de los Tres Comunes, comisiones y juntas menores se convirtieron desde el último tercio del siglo XVII y la primera década del siglo XVIII en auténticos «oráculos de la nación» en palabras del marqués de Gironella. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar, a partir de la documentación oficial y los últimos estudios, cómo evolucionaron las instituciones catalanas durante esos años para permitir que tanto los intereses de la nobleza, como de la burguesía y sectores artesanos se hicieran presentes e influyeran en los grandes debates políticos del momento. Un universo social y político poco común en la Europa de esos años que se perdió en 1714.
Negociando la sucesión. La lucha familiar por el control de la Casa de Osuna a la muerte de Pedro Girón y Velasco, III conde de Ureña (1531)
Authors: Martín Humanes José María
Published: April 2024

En la primavera de 1531, la muerte de Pedro Girón y Velasco, III conde de Ureña, sumió a la Casa de Osuna en una profunda crisis sucesoria. Pese a que el mayorazgo familiar señalaba como sucesor del linaje a su hermano menor, Juan Téllez Girón, su viuda, Mencía de Guzmán, se oponía a tal desenlace. La condesa defendía que los derechos sucesorios correspondían a su única hija, María Ana Girón, y que ella misma había sido nombrada usufructuaria vitalicia de los principales señoríos del mayorazgo.
Las aspiraciones de Mencía chocaban frontalmente con las pretensiones de su cuñado. Juan rechazaba cuanto reclamaba Mencía y, amparándose en el mayorazgo de su padre, decía ser el único y legítimo sucesor a la casa. Ante tal escenario, la vía judicial se mostraba como la única solución posible; sin embargo, el temor a que una sentencia dividiera el patrimonio familiar o a que se adoptaran medidas cautelares que secuestraran sine die los bienes del linaje, llevó a las partes a buscar una salida negociada a la disputa.
El texto que presentamos a continuación analiza la negociación por la sucesión emprendida por Juan Téllez Girón y Mencía de Guzmán a inicios de la década de 1530, y el impacto que esta tuvo en los primeros años de gobierno del IV conde de Ureña. Una serie encadenada de acontecimientos que se prolongaron hasta 1540 y que marcarían el destino de una de las casas nobiliarias más relevantes de la Historia de España.
La Philosophie de la Révolution, une philosophie hégélienne de l’histoire : de la patrie à la nation
Authors: Inowlocki Didier
Published: April 2024

Principalement consacré aux deux premiers articles de La Philosophie de la Révolution, ce chapitre adopte la méthode de l’anthropologie historique pour analyser les concepts de « patrie » et de « nation » à l’œuvre dans le texte. On constate que dans son ouvrage Nasser témoigne de sa croyance dans l’existence d’une patrie égyptienne éternelle et de sa volonté de la mobiliser contre les tyrans qui oppriment l’Égypte depuis la période des pharaons. Ce faisant, il use d’une vision téléologique de l’histoire qui se rattache directement aux Leçons sur la philosophie de l’histoire de Hegel. On découvre alors un texte aux véritables accents philosophiques mais qui, pour rester accessible au plus grand nombre, se présente comme un simple voyage dans l’histoire avançant et reculant sur l’inexorable chemin de la modernité. Au sein de ce voyage, la Palestine a le rôle d’accélérateur c’est-à-dire la raison qui précipite la fin de l’histoire : l’avènement d’un État-nation égyptien souverain et moderne.
La Philosophie de la Révolution de Gamal Abdel Nasser : édition critique bilingue français-arabe
Authors: Inowlocki Didier
Published: April 2024

Traduction originale en français de la première publication de La Philosophie de la Révolution sous forme de trois articles de presse parus dans le journal égyptien Aâkhir sâ‘a le 12 août 1953, le 16 septembre 1953 et le 6 janvier 1954. Si elles impactent la traduction, les modifications intervenues entre cette version et celles de 1954 et 1956 – lorsque le texte devient un texte emblématique du nouveau régime – sont signalées. L’apparat critique ajoute en outre un commentaire linguistique et historique. Dans le texte, de manière à la fois historique et introspective, Nasser part à la recherche des germes de la Révolution du 23 juillet 1952. Le récit marque des pauses pour raconter les étapes décisives de l’histoire de la Révolution : la guerre de Palestine de 1948, les Mamelouks, la crise du club des Officiers, le sionisme, les Ottomans, l’arrivée de la modernité, la tentation de l’assassinat politique… L’objectif du texte est, d’une part, de convaincre que les Officiers libres n’ont fait que jouer le rôle que le destin leur a dévolu. D’autre part, Nasser affirme que leur prise de pouvoir est une révolution destinée à bouleverser les structures sociales du pays, notamment agraires. Dans le futur, l’Égypte est présentée comme un véritable État moderne indépendant appartenant à trois cercles : arabe, islamique et africain : l’Égypte civilisera l’Afrique ; le pétrole arabe sera la nouvelle arme économique et l’islam aura un rôle de haute culture à la fois ancestrale et moderne.
La citationalité, la tradition et le problème des origines
Authors: Risk Laura
Published: April 2024

Au Québec, le genre « folklore » gagne en popularité au début du vingtième siècle, avec les premières veillées publiques, ou performances publiques, évoquant des rassemblements musicaux communautaires. Les veillées publiques étendent le répertoire du folklore et promeuvent le récit originel d’une musique qui aurait été apportée par les colons en Nouvelle France, où elle serait restée pratiquement intacte tout en absorbant quelqu’essence intangible du territoire. En s’appuyant sur la théorie des genres musicaux, et plus spécifiquement sur les travaux de David Brackett sur la citationalité, cet article pose les années 1919 et 1920 comme un tournant pour le folklore québécois, et les veillées publiques comme catalyseurs de ce changement. En tant que méthodologie décrivant l’émergence des catégories musicales, la citationalité permet d’analyser la tradition comme processus, tout en reconnaissant l’influence démesurée des récits d’origine dans la formation de ce processus. Cet article propose également une critique de la dichotomie entre « tradition inventée » et « tradition authentique » de Hobsbawm. L’article explore deux cadres d’analyse proposés par Mark Salber Philips, ici appelés « tradition-comme-origine » et « tradition-comme-processus ». En somme, cet article fait entrer le Québec dans les conversations académiques sur le mouvement du folklore en Amérique du nord et en Europe, et les veillées publiques dans les recherches sur la mise en scène du folklore au début et au milieu du vingtième siècle.
Supporting Literacy Across Disciplines Using the Cultural Wealth Model
Authors: Dyess Maizie
Published: April 2024

The chapter provides readers with cross-disciplinary activities that facilitate restorative literacy practices centered around the cultural wealth model. This model is used in instruction and curriculum to aid in meeting students where they are academically, linguistically, and culturally. When students' personal values are placed at the center of instruction, it affirms and validates their own identities, and cultural capital, within the space. Each tenet of the model is briefly described and accompanied with practices to develop reading proficiency, fluency, comprehension, and writing skills while advocating for the restoration of student well-being, strengthened relationships, the analysis of acquired wealth and proficiencies, and student applications of intersectionality. The activities presented are aimed at middle, high, and undergraduate ages but can be modified to support younger learners, with the intention of strengthening literacy skills and cultural dialogue across grade levels and discipline areas.
“The Students Are . . . the Knowers”
Authors: Rainey Emily C. , Morales Gianina
Published: April 2024

This chapter reports on teachers' disciplinary literacy planning within an online university-based disciplinary literacy course offered annually to preservice and practicing teachers working across subject areas and grade bands. Authors designed and taught the course and collected participants' work and reflections over 3 years (n=40). Results show that teachers productively engaged with conceptual and pedagogical tools of the course to develop disciplinary literacy approaches in their instructional planning. Compellingly, as teachers appropriated features of disciplinary literacy in their planning, they also tended to de-center themselves as the primary knowers of the classroom and more regularly positioned their students as knowers, underscoring the potential power of disciplinary literacy for teacher education. These findings are illustrated through a representative case of one early career preschool teacher.
Exploring Interdisciplinary Literacy Practices Supporting Youth Creativity, Critical Literacy, and Climate Change From an Interdisciplinary Perspective
Authors: Bean Thomas W.
Published: April 2024

Norfolk, Virginia endures frequent tide- and rain-impacted flooding with king tides and flooding neighborhoods. The heavy rainfall envelops parking lots at the naval airbase, and plans are underway to create barrier sea walls that can be adjusted based on conditions. Given various dire predications for future sea level rise, Old Dominion University has created a “Maritime Consortium” aimed at bringing together interested faculty and students from a range of fields (e.g., oceanography, engineering, education, and other fields). At this stage the focus is on compiling a directory of interested parties. So far regular meetings have been held to learn about ongoing initiatives (e.g., using drones to study coral reefs and their health).
Disaster Preparedness and Response in Higher Education
Authors: Halupa Colleen
Published: April 2024

There is a paucity of literature on disaster preparedness and response in higher education. The purpose of this chapter is to apply the lessons learned over several decades in healthcare and apply appropriate lessons to higher education institutions. Topics covered include disaster mitigation, disaster planning, disaster response, and recovery. By applying lessons from healthcare, university leaders can craft robust emergency plans and conduct effective exercises that can reduce injury, loss of life, and property damage during an actual disaster.
The Global Citizens in Global (Un)certainties
Authors: Islam Md. Tariqul
Published: April 2024

In the era of globalization, neoliberal free trade regards higher education as a private good that facilitates international mobility for and of higher education. Similarly, HEIs establish an economic image of overseas higher education that encourages young people to invest in global mobility to pursue higher education. In this context, following a qualitative research methodology, the chapter analyzes the (un)certainties of 18 physically mobile young Bangladeshi (Southern) students. It discusses their consciousness issues and confidence level regarding consuming higher education in Australia (North). To analyze their perceptions, they were considered global citizens (i.e., economic and moral actors in the globalized world). Based on the empirical data, the identified features of young Bangladeshi students and their areas of concern provide the scope to identify them as conscious and confident neoliberal consumers in the global education market who came to Australian universities with neoliberal aspirations.
The Impact of War on Higher Education
Authors: Kayyali Mustafa
Published: April 2024

This chapter investigates the far-reaching consequences of conflict on higher education systems in Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. It dives into the issues that these countries face, including the destruction of academic infrastructure, displacement of professors and students, curriculum changes, and gender inequities. Despite these adversities, professors and students demonstrate tremendous perseverance. International collaborations and support play an essential role in protecting education opportunities. The chapter underlines the continuing importance of education in building stability, peacemaking, and growth in war-torn communities, offering hope for a brighter future.
Impact of Armed Conflicts on Higher Education Northwestern Syria Context
Authors: Alkol Mahdi Khaled
Published: April 2024

The conflict in Syria is almost entering its 14th year, and its negative effects have been clearly reflected in all economic, educational, health, service, and other sectors across Syria, including the education and higher education sectors, where many young people were deprived of completing their university education as a result of repeated displacement and instability. Some negative effects of the conflict on the higher education were the migration of competencies, experiences, minds, and those with advanced degrees.
Understanding Digital Health Innovations to Improve the Quality of Services in Healthcare Systems
Authors: Chaturvedi Vijit
Published: April 2024

The chapter highlights developments in the healthcare industry, opportunities and challenges behind the role of various stakeholders in establishing a well pronged healthcare infrastructure, role of technology in shaping digital healthcare systems, and the shift in digital healthcare innovation from a clinician-centric to a patient-centric approach. The chapter also emphasized measures and strategies to avoid digital inequality, which may happen due to varied external and internal geographic, political, socio economic, technological, and regulatory reasons. Another important aspect that needs attention whenever innovations in digital healthcare is discussed is advancement in digital research. How digitalization in healthcare is transforming prevention to management of health conditions is shown, and the role of digital therapeutics (DTx) is also discussed.
Diabetes Prediction Using Novel Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Saikia Sagar , Deuri Jonti , Deka Riya , Nath Rituparna
Published: April 2024

Diabetes is a prevalent and chronic health condition affecting millions globally. Diabetes is caused by a combination of many factors including obesity, excessive blood glucose levels, abnormal cholesterol levels, family history, physical inactivity, bad food habits, and other causes. Frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, and loss of weight are the common symptoms of diabetes. A person having diabetes has heavy risks of heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, diabetic retinopathy, brain stroke, foot ulcer, etc. These risks factors can be reduced by early detections of disease. The big challenge for the health care industries nowadays is to give a more precise result which could easily predict whether a patient is having or diagnosed with such disease.
Central Load Balancing Policy Over Virtual Machines on Cloud
Authors: Pramanik Sabyasachi
Published: April 2024

The spread handling viewpoint is a fiscally smart reaction for running business applications using virtualization movements, very adaptable streamed figuring, and information association methods, and a compensation as-you-go evaluating model. It additionally offers preferred taking care of cutoff points with respect to applications to manage complex issues. Overhauling asset use is essential for accomplishing cost attainability. Low use has for quite a long time been an issue in server farms. Servers in an ordinary server farm are worked at 10% to 50% of their most ludicrous use level. Ten to twenty percent usage is customary in server farms. For a server farm or a subset of servers in a server farm that by and large handles applications taking care of necessities and runs equivalent organizations, generally speaking, the issue can be essential. With this chapter, the current concept for task load balancing in a distributed computing environment is extended to virtual machines (VMs).
Embarking on the Digital Frontiers of Metaverse
Authors: Kritika
Published: April 2024

The rapidly evolving technological space in 21st century traces to the development of novelty of the metaverse, a term first coined in 1992 by Neal Stephenson. Metaverse is defined as a 3D virtual cyberspace blending the physical and digital world, facilitated by the convergence between the internet and web technologies and extended reality (XR). The chapter aims to highlight the importance of metaverse by dividing into several sections dealing with introduction, history, pillars from the perspective of tech, socio-cultural, ethical, and environmental aspects, visionaries like Meta, Google, etc., learning environment, challenges, and future trends.
Unlocking the Metaverse and Navigating Legal Implications in the NFT Landscape
Authors: Sharma Nitika , Manohar Sridhar
Published: April 2024

The problem of intellectual property and legality in NFTs has gotten little attention thus far and requires additional research because of the increasingly digital nature of financial investments and the rapid growth of technology. Because NFTs are dynamic and ever-evolving and have an array of outcomes and impacts on digital ownership, technology, law, and various other aspects of society—both positive and negative—this chapter aims to examine NFTs in the context of the metaverse. The implications for digital intellectual property rights law will play a major role in this chapter. Research is required since previous studies have not sufficiently covered the rights of ownership of NFTs through digital intellectual property.
Effect of Recycled Waste PET Bottle Fibers on Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Mixtures Containing Crushed Waste Glass Sands
Authors: Ualiyev Dulat , Galymzhankyzy Anel , Manap Islambek , Omarova Zhaniya , Temirbekov Doszhan , Tukaziban Aizhan , Artyk Zhanbolat , Shon Chang Seon , Zhang Di Chuan
Published: April 2024

This research focused on evaluating geopolymer mixture made of ASTM class F fly ash (FFA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), plastic fibers obtained from recycled waste pet bottles, and crushed waste glass bottle sand (WGS) from household waste. A total of 9 mixtures were designed: 3 mixtures with long fibers (5% of aggregate weight) and without WGS, 3 mixtures with shorter non-twisted fibers (2% of aggregate weight) and WGS, and 3 mixtures with shorter twisted fibers (2% of aggregate weight) and WGS. All geopolymer mixtures contained GGBFS, FFA, WGS, plastic fibers, and 10 M of alkali-activated solution. Mechanical properties of geopolymer mixtures were evaluated at 7, 14, and 28 days. Test results indicated that PET fiber-reinforced geopolymer mixtures have lower compressive strength than non-reinforced ones. The increased length of PET fiber and extended air-curing time also decrease compressive strength. Increasing WGS content generally tends to decrease the compressive strength, but 15% replacement shows improvement compared to the reference mixture. Adding PET fibers to the geopolymer mixtures significantly increases flexural strength due to better crack resistance and good strain-hardening effect. Non-twisted fibers concrete’s flexural strength was noticeably higher than that of twisted one, while the length of fibers did not have an impact. The introduction of fibers does not increase ultimate tensile strength. However, the strain coefficient was substantially increased. Non-twisted fibers geopolymer mixtures performed better than twisted ones in terms of tension resistance. The geopolymer mixture with 30% WGS showed the highest results.
Analysis of the Behavior of Bricks Using Finite Elements
Authors: Zúñiga-Suárez Alonso , Zúñiga-Torres Berenice , Gualpa-Guzmán Guido Giuliano , Hernández-Olivares Francisco
Published: April 2024

The mechanical behavior of brick elements depends on the properties of its components. The same ones that can be obtained through experimental tests or with numerical methods, both methodologies provide excellent results. Consequently, the aims of this work to analyze the behavior of bricks by applying the finite element method. For this, a methodology based on the physical, mechanical, chemical properties of fired bricks and ecological was established, with which the mechanical behavior of different geometric sections of the bricks was calibrated and analyzed. As results, the numerical model was calibrated, obtaining maximum stresses and deformations at simple compression of 6.91 MPa, in the G5 form, defined by the Ecuadorian standard INEN 293 as solid brick in a mixture of soil-cement with gypsum; and the maximum flexural resistance is obtained at 1.65 MPa, in the same geometric section in the mix of Catamayo fired brick; concluding that exists a reliability in the results of the computational simulation analysis applied to different mixtures and geometries whose correlation is 0.99.
Improvement of Production Processes of Seamless Steel Pipes for Oil and Gas Production
Authors: Mammadov Arif , Babayev Aqil , Ismayilov Nizami , Huseynov Muxtar , Guliyev Faiq
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the features of improving the technological processes of electric smelting, out-of-furnace processing, continuous casting and heat treatment of steel pipe blanks used for oil and gas production. To this end, ways to improve steel processing processes in electric furnaces and non-furnaces were shown, processes for the production of continuous casting pipes with special properties for oil and gas production were studied, the design of an alloying-refining lance (LRF) was developed, refining processes by blowing magnesium-based powders were studied, heat treatment modes for continuously cast billets during pressure treatment of pipe billets have been developed. The conducted research created the basis for the development of measures to organize the production of high-quality pipes for oil and gas production in the conditions of Baku Steel Company LLC. It has been established that blowing liquid steel with inert gases (for example, argon) in an intermediate furnace or treating it with a special composition of synthetic slag, the use of LRF in an electric furnace, the correct setting of the cooling system on a continuous casting machine (CCM), the use of a vacuum system on a continuous caster, the process of refining steel by blowing Powders based on magnesium oxide instead of lime are considered more effective means of improving the quality of steel. Based on the application of these measures, low-carbon low-alloy steel 13HFA was developed and seamless pipes with a ferrite-pearlite structure were obtained from it using continuous casting technology. The strength characteristics of this steel after casting and heat treatment fully comply with the requirements of the European standard. After heat treatment (hardening and high-temperature tempering), the surface of the pipes becomes harder (troostite + sorbitol), and the core has a soft, i.e., viscous (perlite + sorbitol) structure. This “layered” structure allows the pipes to operate successfully in difficult oil and gas production conditions.
Study of the Dependence of the Friction Force and Coefficient of the Abrasive in the Metal Contact Zone on Various Factors
Authors: Emenov Yehya , Kerimov Savalan , Baghirova Samaya
Published: April 2024

In the article, the interaction of the coefficient of friction for friction pairs operating under conditions of abrasive wear is considered, depending on a number of factors. Thus, the friction coefficient is one of the main indicators characterizing the performance of friction nodes. Analytical expressions obtained based on the calculation of the results of the conducted tests using mathematical statistical and mathematical methods allow to determine the coefficient of friction and allow the designer to effectively choose the material and oils before designing.
Impact of Financial Literacy on Financial Decision Making of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) during Crisis
Authors: Kalapriya K.
Published: April 2024

The current economic crisis in Sri Lanka makes the MSME sector even more vulnerable. This study intends to identify the level of financial literacy among MSME entrepreneurs and understand the impact of the current economic crisis on the financial decision-making of entrepreneurs of the MSME sector in the Northern Province. Based on a questionnaire-based survey of 150 MSMEs, the study reveals that the financial literacy rate of these MSME entrepreneurs is below 35% in the Northern province, which hurts financial decision-making and financial performance during a crisis. It was also identified that financial literacy is a better predictor of the financial behavior of MSMEs. Factors such as liquidity of the business, debt level, turnover, and profit have been negatively affected during the crisis, resulting from lack of financial knowledge, poor financial attitude, and financial behavior of the MSMEs. This study contributes to the existing literature on behavioral finance, which incorporates the level of financial literacy to the Prospect Theory, relating the two different stages of decision specifically to the MSME sector.
A Life Saving Exchange: A Case of Severe Direct Hyperbilirubinemia And Liver Failure in Leptospirosis Successfully Treated with Plasma Exchange
Authors: Alahakoon A. M. B. D. , Jayanaga W. W. L. A.
Published: April 2024

Leptospirosis is an infection with multiorgan involvement and a high mortality rate. Extreme hyperbilirubinemia in leptospirosis has been reported to exert multiple cellular toxic effects on kidney and liver cells. We describe a young man with leptospirosis who had extreme hyperbilirubinemia, acute liver injury, coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, and pulmonary haemorrhages. Early initiation of therapeutic plasma exchange (PEX) dramatically improved patient’s clinical and biochemical parameters. We conclude that, in addition to the mortality benefit provided by PEX in severe pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome in leptospirosis, PEX is also beneficial in reducing systemic toxic insults of hyperbilirubinemia.
Double, Distally Based, Axial Pattern, Distal Perforator Thenar Flap; A Case Report
Authors: Rafique A. , Arshad A.
Published: April 2024

The provision of the glabrous skin with acceptable sensation is the main objective of any fingertip reconstruction. Thenar flaps can be medially based, laterally based and proximally based. However, all of them are randomly based. A distally based, axial pattern thenar flap could provide stable, like-with-like, palmar skin to the fingertip of an injured distal phalanx. We present a double, distally based axial pattern thenar flap, which we used to simultaneously reconstruct two fingers.
Emergency medicine residents in the war zone: organizing humanitarian expeditions to train healthcare personnel during the conflict in Ukraine
Authors: Cappa Giovanni , Mauri Valeria , Negrello Erika , Barcella Bruno , Resta Flavia , Angeli Valentina , Marconi Stefania , Tiraboschi Lorenzo , Minzioni Paolo , Pietrabissa Andrea , Auricchio Ferdinando , Perlini Stefano
Published: April 2024

Dear Editor,
When faced with a crisis, particularly when it involves humanitarian aid, emergency medicine (EM) practitioners push themselves to question, “How can we help?” and “To the best of our knowledge and skills, what can we truly do?”. The mindset of EM personnel is presumably one of "How can I help in these situations?" and, more crucially, "How can I help the most effectively?". To answer these questions, we present our experience in Ukraine. [...]
Efficacy of Prostatic Artery Embolization in Symptomatic Benign Enlargement of Prostate (>100 cc): A Hospital-based Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Nath Rohan , Barua Sasanka Kumar , Baishya Priyanka Priyadarshini , Bagchi Puskal Kumar
Published: April 2024

Background:

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) has recently emerged as an effective minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of patients with symptomatic benign enlargement of prostate (BEP).

Aim and Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of PAE in BEP patients.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective observational clinical study was conducted at tertiary care hospital over 1-year from April 2022 to March 2023. This study included patients with lower urinary tract symptoms indicative of BEP and a prostate volume of 100 cc or more. The primary endpoints of the study were determining the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Q-max, prostate volume, intraprostatic resistive index, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

Results:

A total of 21 patients, with a mean age of 72 years were included in the study. After a 6-month follow-up, 15 patients were catheter-free, while 6 patients required adjunctive surgical treatment in the form of transurethral resection of prostate or holmium enucleation of prostate. The mean IPSS significantly decreased from 22 to 8 after PAE (P= 0.0394 Mean Q-max significantly increased from 8 mL/s to 16 mL/s (P= 0.05), while prostate volume decreased significantly at 6 months’ follow-up (122.0 cc vs. 58.0 cc,P= 0.0334). Intraprostatic resistive index showed a statistically significant increase after embolization of unilateral/bilateral prostatic arteries. 0.62 versus 1.34,P= 0.0317, and serum PSA values were comparable pre- and post- PAE.

Conclusion:

PAE effectively treats symptomatic BEP with a prostatic volume of 100cc or more, achieving a success rate of 71.5% with improvements in IPSS, increased Q-max values, and reduced prostate size.
Incidence and Management of Congenital Vascular Malformations – An Institutional Experience
Authors: Duraichi B Vella , Kumar S Prathap , Ramya M , Ravichandran Sasikumar , Ilayakumar P , Sritharan Narayanan , Jayachander K , Babu R Ranjith
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Congenital vascular malformations (CVMs) are malformed vessels developed due to arrested development at various stages of embryogenesis. Arterial venous malformations (VMs) are complex primitive networks of arterial and venous channels (a nidus) that bypass the normal capillary bed. The management of CVM remains challenging because of their unpredictable behavior, high recurrence rate, and need for multidisciplinary management. In this study, we report on the incidence and management of CVM in our institution and its outcome.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of CVM patients who were admitted in our institute from January 2010 to June 2023. In this study, 321 patients who presented with CVM are considered. Once a CVM was diagnosed, all underwent angiographic confirmation as a roadmap for treatment. Embolization, sclerotherapy, and surgical procedures were instituted by the multidisciplinary team with periodic follow-up.

Results:

Out of the 321 patients analyzed, VM predominates with 202 cases (62.9%), out of which 105 (51.9%) were treated with sclerotherapy, 66 (28.21%) were treated with excision, 40 (19.8%) were managed conservatively. Among 108 arteriovenous malformation (33.64%), 33 (30.55%) patients were treated with excision followed by repair and flap cover/split skin graft, 32 (29.62%) were treated with glue Embolization, 7 (6.48%) were treated with embolization followed by excision, one patient presented with life-threatening bleeding was treated by emergency ECA ligation followed by elective excision, 21 (19.44%) were managed conservatively and 13 (12.03%) patients were not willing for surgery. Seven (2.1%) lymphovenous malformation and 4 (1.24%) lymphatic malformations patients were also treated.

Conclusion:

Diagnosis and management of CVMs by a multidisciplinary approach that integrates surgical therapy with embolization and sclerotherapy appear to improve the results and management.
Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation, and Validation of a Gujarati Version of a Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire in People with Intermittent Claudication
Authors: Gohil Megha Nishith , Muruganantham Balaganapathy , Raval Manish , Bearne Lindsay Mary
Published: April 2024

Background:

To assess an individual’s cognitive and emotional representation of illness, a translated, culturally adapted brief illness perception questionnaire (B-IPQ) is needed.

Objective:

This study assessed the content validity and face validity of a Gujarati version of a B-IPQ questionnaire.

Materials and Methods:

A forward–backward translation of the 9-item B-IPQ was applied using a standardized approach. The translated versions were compared with the original questionnaire, and 10 experts rated each item according to the following criteria: clarity, semantic equivalence, appropriateness, and cultural relevance. Data were analyzed by calculating the content validity and universal agreement (UA) between experts. Face validity was assessed using a think-aloud approach with 10 patients with intermittent claudication. This cognitive interviewing approach asked participants to describe their thoughts while completing the questionnaire to explore the comprehensibility and clarity of the translated questionnaire. Responses were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis.

Results:

There was a complete agreement between experts for 8/9 items (I-CVI = 1.00), leading to an overall agreement (S-CVI/Ave) of 0.98. There was an excellent agreement between experts (UA = 0.88). For face validation, our participants encountered only minor problems understanding some of the questions, and the Gujarati B-IPQ was considered to have good face validity.

Conclusion:

B-IPQ questionnaire had excellent content validity and good face validity and will enable illness perception to be assessed in people with IC.
Cross-sectional pilot study of clinical and histopathological features of periorbital dark circles in South Asians
Authors: Rao Tara , Wang Allison L. , Polyak Ildiko , Bhawan Jag , Pandya Amit G.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Periorbital dark circles are common in all races. Proposed causes include increased vasculature, tear-trough deformity, pigmentary demarcation lines, spongiotic dermatitis, lichenoid dermatitis, acanthosis nigricans, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and heredity.

Aims:

To evaluate the clinical features and histopathological features of dark circles compared to nearby unaffected skin in South Asians.

Methods:

Clinical evaluation, skin biopsies, and narrow-band reflectance spectrophotometry of periorbital dark circles and nearby unaffected skin were performed on all subjects.

Results:

There was a positive correlation between the clinical severity of dark circles and increased melanin based on spectrophotometry. Histological evaluation showed increased dermal melanin content in dark circles compared to normal skin.

Limitations:

Single-center pilot study.

Conclusion:

Dark circles in this cohort of South Asians are associated with increased dermal melanin. Other contributing factors may include exaggerated tear trough depression, translucency of eyelid skin, and pigmentary demarcation lines.
Pigmentary changes associated with endocrine and metabolic disorders
Authors: Arora Pooja , Mathachan Sinu Rose
Published: April 2024

Pigmentary changes in skin can act as an interface to diagnose and monitor various systemic diseases. Endocrine and metabolic disorders can directly or indirectly affect melanin synthesis pathway, thus affecting melanogenesis and skin color. Moreover, these disorders can affect the vascularity of skin and the amount of endogenous nonmelanin pigments that are responsible for skin color. Pigmentary changes can also occur in mucosa, hair, and nails and provide a clue to underlying disease. In this review, we discuss the clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment of pigmentary changes associated with various endocrine and metabolic disorders. It is imperative for the dermatologists to be aware of these cutaneous manifestations, recognition of which can help in diagnosis and management of underlying condition.