bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical, Pathophysiological and Electrodiagnostic Aspects of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
Authors: Fanine de Souza Felipe , Petry Trevisani Julia , Ibiapina dos Reis Felipe
Published: May 2023

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is characterized by an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction, which, through a reduction in nerve terminal acetylcholine release mediated by antibodies against functional voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) of the P/Q in presynaptic nerve terminals, leads to proximal muscle weakness, in addition to autonomic dysfunction and areflexia, constituting the classic triad of symptoms. The syndrome presents itself in two forms: the paraneoplastic form—resulting mainly from small cell lung carcinoma—and the underlying autoimmune form. With clinical suspicion of the disease, the diagnosis can be made through serological and electrophysiological tests, which present typical findings and reflect the existence of a presynaptic transmission defect. Treatment is based on early screening and removal of the etiological agent, which in the most common case is the treatment of the underlying cancer. In patients whose symptoms affect their daily activities, some medications can intervene in the search for a better quality of life, such as amifampridine, pyridostigmine and 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP). It must be remembered, however, that LEMS has a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities and therefore warrants timely diagnosis and adequate treatment in itself.
Track Condition Monitoring Based on In-Service Train Vibration Data Using Smartphones
Authors: Tsunashima Hitoshi , Honda Ryu , Matsumoto Akira
Published: May 2023

Although track maintenance is important, many operators of regional railway with limited financial resources are unable to conduct sufficient track inspections. In response to this problem, a track condition diagnosis system using car-body vibration sensors has been developed. In this study, a track condition monitoring system using a smartphone for general use has been developed. A technique for identifying train location using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) speed is proposed. The results of field testing shows that track condition diagnosis is possible using a smartphone-based monitoring system.
Quality of Life, Medication Adherence, and Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Children with Basal Bolus Regimen During COVID-19 in Limited Resources Setting
Authors: Rochmah Nur , Hisbiyah Yuni , Perwitasari Rayi Kurnia , Rosaningrum Jeny , Wicaksono Garindra , Kusumastuti Neurinda Permata , Arif Sampurna Mahendra Tri , Utamayasa I Ketut Alit , Faizi Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that requires complicated therapies. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused lockdown restrictions, compromising access to medical care, including T1DM management. Poor medication adherence may affect the quality of life (QoL) and glycemic control. Objectives: This study analyzed the association among QoL, medication adherence, and glycemic control in T1DM patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study recruited T1DM patients aged 5 - 18 who regularly visited the pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic. The PedsQL 3.2 and the diabetes management questionnaire (DMQ) were used to measure QoL and medication adherence. In addition, glycemic control was measured based on HbA1c levels. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 17, and correlations between variables were analyzed using Spearman or Pearson correlation tests. Results: Twenty-five children and adolescents with a mean age of 141.1 months (± 36.7) were included in this study. The mean HbA1c level was 10.7 mg/dL (± 2.4). Around 19 (76%) participants had already experienced diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). There was no significant correlation between QoL and medication adherence or HbA1c level (P = 0.220, r = - 0.254; P = 0.753, and r = - 0.066, respectively). Conclusions: Our study’s QoL and medication adherence of T1DM children was relatively good even though the HbA1c was still high. However, numerous factors affect QoL and medication adherence in T1DM children other than HbA1c level.
Investigating the Effects of Curcumin and Low-power Laser Therapy on Colorectal Cancer Cells of the Caco2 Cell Line
Authors: Ahmadi Mehrnoosh , Moradzadegan Atousa
Published: May 2023

Background: Colorectal cancer is the most common malignancy in humans, and it is predicted that 145,600 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States by 2019. The bioactive properties of curcuminoids and their synthetic analogs, especially their performance with an anticancer approach in different cancer cell line models, are of interest. In vivo and in vitro studies show their anticancer activity against colon cancer cell lines. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, colorectal cancer cells of the Caco2 cell line were cultured in DMEM medium containing 10% FBS at 37°C and 5% CO2. After calculating the IC 50, the cells were exposed to logarithmic concentrations of curcumin (curcumin) 10, 100, and 500 µg/mL for 24 hours. Finally, the effect of the toxicity of materials and low-power laser combined with melanin was measured by the MTT assay test. Results: The changes in the survival rate of colorectal cancer cells show the effect of curcumin on cell proliferation that is completely dependent on concentration and time. Calculating the survival percentage of cancer cells after treatment with different concentrations for 24, 48, and 72 hours showed that the decrease in viable cells compared to the control sample was significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results showed that the use of curcumin either alone or together with a low-power laser could improve the treatment efficiency against colon cancer. The present review highlights the mechanism of synergistic effect and new delivery methods to improve curcumin's therapeutic potential.
In Vitro Culture of Ovine Spermatogonial Stem Cells: Effects of Grape Seed Extracts and Vitamin C
Authors: Zolfaghari Kami , Zandi Mohammad , Sanjabi Mohammad Reza , Ghaedrahmati Annahita
Published: May 2023

Background: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transmit genetic information to the next generation. For the successful transplantation of these cells, the culture medium of these cells must be optimized. Objectives: This study investigated the natural antioxidant of grape seed extract (GSE) in comparison to vitamin C in the culture medium of SSCs. Methods: A Soxhlet extractor was used to prepare ethanolic and acetonic extracts, and the Clevenger apparatus was used to prepare aqueous extracts of grape seeds. Then, their antioxidant capacities were determined using the DPPH method. The SSCs were extracted from lamb testicular tissue by a two-step digestion method, and different concentrations of GSE and vitamin C were investigated for survival, colony formation, and expression of apoptotic-related genes. Results: The results showed that the acetonic extract in the concentration of 400 µg/mL showed about 90% antioxidant properties based on the DPPH test; nevertheless, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts had only 50% of their antioxidant properties at this concentration. The acetonic extracts significantly decreased the viability of SSCs without any colony formation when used in a culture medium. The highest survival rate was obtained from the ethanolic extracts of grape seeds at the concentration of 50 µg/mL, and a significant difference was obtained with ethanolic extracts (100 to 1000 µg/mL) (P < 0.05). The viability of SSCs treated with vitamin C (50 µg/mL) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control and 5 - 25 µg/mL of vitamin C groups. Conclusions: Aqueous, ethanolic, and acetonic extracts of grape seeds should not be used in the culture of SSCs. However, the use of 25 - 50 µg/mL of vitamin C is recommended in the culture of SSCs.
Transarterial Chemoembolization for Refractory Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Anti-angiogenic Therapy Combined with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Retrospective Single-center Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qimin , Xu Jiajia , Xiong Mengye , Tan Yiqing
Published: May 2023

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates around the world, ranking the sixth most common malignant tumor and the second cause of cancer-related mortality. Most patients are diagnosed in the advanced stage, and therefore, there are limited therapeutic options. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), anti-angiogenic therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the research hotspots in HCC treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the treatment efficacy and safety of TACE for refractory HCC patients after anti-angiogenic therapy combined with ICIs. Patients and Methods: In this study, patients with HCC, who progressed after anti-angiogenic therapy combined with ICIs, were included from July 2019 to October 2022. The progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the tumor response was determined based on the modified immune response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (iRECIST). The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 were also used to assess the adverse events. Results: A total of 34 patients were evaluated in this study, with a median PFS of five months (95% CI: 3.7 months, 6.3 months). The univariate analysis suggested that the level of aspartate aminotransferase was significantly associated with PFS (P < 0.05). The objective response rates within three and six months were 26.4% and 14.6%, and the disease control rates were 58.8% and 55.9%, respectively. During the follow-up, one or more types of adverse events were reported in 10 (58.8%) patients after treatment with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, while severe adverse events beyond grade III did not occur in any of the patients. Conclusion: The TACE may improve the survival of HCC patients, whose disease progresses after anti-angiogenic therapy combined with ICIs. However, the lack of a control group is one of the limitations of this study.
Examining the Outcome of Osteosarcoma: 10-Year Experience in a Referral Center South of Iran
Authors: Solooki Saeed , Mansoori Yaser , Gerami Mohammad Hadi , Moein Seyed Arman , Jamali Jamshid
Published: May 2023

Background: Osteosarcoma is a primary and malignant bone tumor. Currently, using neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy, long-term survival of more than 70% can be expected for patients affected by this disease. Therefore, the combination of different treatment methods increases the chances of saving the limb. Objectives: In this study we intend to share our 10-year experience in the management of osteosarcoma in Shiraz as the referral center of south of Iran. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 56 patients with osteosarcoma who were referred to Chamran and Namazi hospitals between 2008 and 2017, were included. Age, sex, site of involvement, presence of metastasis, treatment procedure, treatment outcomes, and survival time were studied. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Log rank test was applied for comparison of survival time according to sex. SPSS software version 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, US) was used for statistical analysis. Significance level considered P-value less than 0.05. Results: Among these patients, 33 were men 23 were women, with an average of 10 to 68 years old. In our study, distal femur was the most common site for osteosarcoma. Moreover, 44.6% of the patients undergone amputation. The best treatment results are in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery. Finally, 77% of patients had a 2-year survival rate, and 57% had a 5-year survival rate. Conclusions: There has been a significant advancement in the treatment of osteosarcoma. A multifaceted approach to this disease, including surgery and chemotherapy has increased the possibility of better prognosis for this disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in the form of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery with appropriate margin removal, and adjuvant chemotherapy are suggested for this tumor.
Professionalising teachers in guiding reflection
Authors: Mittendorff Kariene , Eshuis Elise , Daggenvoorde Heleen
Published: May 2023

The contemporary knowledge society of the 21st century requires students, among other things, to have the ability to think analytically and reflectively. Research into the disappearance of technical employees from the technical labor market also shows it is important to guide students in their professional identity development, in which reflection of students is crucial. Various studies show however that educational programs and teachers experience difficulty with the effective use of reflection in education. In the project ‘Strengthening reflection in technical higher education programs’, six technical higher professional education programs of two Dutch higher education institutes are working on the improvement of reflection in their programs. Teachers from these teams are also trained in guiding and assessing reflection activities of students. In this current research, the following research questions will be answered: 1. How do teachers guide students during reflection activities or conversations? 2. How do teachers assess students’ reflection activities? 3. Does the offered training contribute to an increase in skills of teachers with regard to guiding reflection activities of students? A selection of teachers of the participating teams will be interviewed before and after the training. To assess teachers pedagogical and didactical knowledge and skills, video vignette interviews are used. Vignettes were designed to provide teachers with multiple authentic situations that are prototypical in their teaching context and which are depicted in video captions. Interview protocols were used to elicit teaching interventions and teachers’ rationales and thoughts behind these interventions in the depicted situations.
Nivel de riesgo psicosocial en carga de trabajo y tipo de contrato en trabajadores de H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
Authors: Ramírez Hernández Dania Yozari , Ruiz Ramos Lucia , Velázquez Narváez Yolanda , Monreal Aranda Oscar
Published: May 2023

The objective of the work was to identify whether there is a difference between the level of psychosocial risk associated with the workload, and the type of contract of the workers of a factory in the city of H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The following work of investigation is merely descriptive, transversal, correlational and non-experimental. The sample was 1240 workers distributed in administrative positions, indirect personnel of confidence, indirect unionized and direct unionized personnel. The instrument used was a questionnaire to identify psychosocial risk factors and evaluate the organizational environment in workplaces, generated by the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security, through the Official Mexican Standard 035 of 2018. The results show that trusted personnel, both base and indirect, have a high prevalence of psychosocial risk associated with the workload.
Mejores Prácticas de economía circular como referentes para las Pymes sector manufactura en Tijuana, Baja California, México
Authors: Solis Quinteros Maria Marcela , Avila Lopez Luis Alfredo , Zayas Márquez Carolina , Galván Mendoza Oscar
Published: May 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación es identificar las mejores prácticas empresariales, acciones y leyes de Economía Circular a nivel nacional e internacional en empresas de manufactura, que sirvan como referente para adoptarlas a las Pymes en el ámbito local. Es una investigación cualitativa y descriptiva por el análisis documental para recolectar datos en libros, revistas científicas, boletines y periódicos, sobre gestión ambiental en detección y evaluación de desperdicios, desechos y residuos generados en la cadena de producción. Se analizaron los principales países que han implementado Economía Circular, encontrando como resultado leyes y reglamentos que son una guía, por las buenas prácticas que implementaron algunas empresas. En México las grandes empresas han iniciado acciones y prácticas relevantes; estos hallazgos aportan información que podrá ser útil para acciones de sensibilización y asistencia técnica para el desarrollo de capacidades de las Pymes en Tijuana, Baja California hacia su transición a la Economía Circular
Test para evaluar físico funcional y clasificar pacientes parapléjicos y paraparéticos por lesión medular.
Authors: Galarraga Triana Edgar Ney , Garza González Kristhel Judith , González Macías Mirvana Elizabeth , Arrayales Millán Emilio
Published: May 2023

Para evaluar pacientes lesionados medulares se necesitan más investigaciones que permitan realizar ese propósito. El objetivo de este trabajo es validar un test que evalúe físico funcional y clasifique el grado de validismo de sujetos parapléjicos o paraparéticos por lesión medular. La prueba se confeccionó a través del criterio de expertos, solicitando la opinión a 31 especialistas que tenían al menos cinco años trabajando con esta lesión, para ello se utilizó el coeficiente de concordancia entre los expertos. Para hallar la validez del test se utilizó la correlación producto momento de Bravais Pearson, correlacionando el test elaborado con el Índice de Barthel y también se determinó su confiabilidad a través del análisis de varianza. La muestra estuvo constituida por 105 pacientes, de ambos sexos y con edades comprendidas entre los cinco y 54 años. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran la excelente confiabilidad y validez que presenta el test que se propone.
Determinantes del hermanamiento entre ciudades chinas y mexicanas: un análisis documental
Authors: Ávila-López Luis Alfredo , Zayas-Márquez Carolina , Solís-Quinteros María Marcela , Galván-León Jorge Alfonso
Published: May 2023

La globalización es un proceso que desde sus inicios plantea una interacción económica, política y social, uno de esos escenarios se ha alcanzado con el hermanamiento de las ciudades.  El objetivo es identificar las mejores prácticas en materia de hermanamientos nacionales e internacionales que sirvan como referente para encaminar y adoptar este tipo de prácticas al hermanamiento entre ciudades chinas y mexicanas a través de un enfoque cualitativo, no experimental con diseño transversal y con análisis documental para recolectar datos en libros, revistas científicas, boletines y periódicos, utilizando un análisis FODA que concentre las oportunidades y amenazas. Como resultado se encontró que la única determinante es el tamaño de la economía local.  Como conclusión se determina la existencia de un potencial en el hermanamiento debido a factores como la situación geográfica, conectividad y entorno económico, sin embargo, es necesario incrementar las instituciones que apoyen a estos procesos
Microbiological control of water quality for the production of biological p
Authors: Moldagulova S. U. , Kalimolda E. Zh. , Sadikaliyeva S. O. , Tokkarina G. B. , Voronina E. P. , Espembetov B. A. , Nurpeisova А. S. , Kasenov М. М. , Shorayeva K. A.
Published: May 2023

one of the main criteria for the biological safety of immunobiological preparations is their sterility. This article presents the results of the evaluation of two methods of direct seeding and membrane filtration. The results of sterility control of the inactivated vaccine against Covid-19 «QazCovid-in®, series № 0400721, № 0410721, № 0420721 are also presented. Evaluation of the sterility of the tested samples of the three vaccine series showed that after incubation, the nutrient medium remained clean both in direct seeding samples and membrane filtration samples, as well as accounting and evaluation of the obtained research data in accordance with the State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Kazakhstan. To assess the sensitivity of two methods for determining sterility, samples of immunobiological preparations were experimentally infected with cultures of test strains of St. aureus, C. albicans and C. sporogenes. As a result, the methods of membrane filtration and direct seeding showed the same sensitivity when detecting yeast and anaerobic organisms in all studied concentrations of test strains (10, 1, 0.1 CFU/ml). And for the detection of aerobic microorganisms, the membrane filtration method turned out to be more sensitive compared to the direct seeding method, which is proved by positive results in all samples of test strains with membrane filtration (3/3 in all concentrations) and negative results when setting the direct seeding method (in concentrations of 1 and 0.1 CFU/ml). Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate these two methods used to determine the sterility of immunobiological preparations using two methods: direct seeding and membrane filtration
Theodor Vasilescu – The Dancer Who Took the Romanian Folklore all over the World
Authors: Theodorescu Ana ,   Zeta Books
Published: May 2023

The main theme of the proposed paper concerns the professional training and artistic activity of Theodor Vasilescu, choreographer and dancer, specialized in folk dance, with a rich international activity during the communist regime. The analysis will focus on illustrating how the artist’s biography was influenced by a new trend in the satellite states of the U.R.S.S., namely that of transforming traditional dance into art with a political substratum. Also, the main thread of the article will consist in revealing the specific type of relationship between the artist and the regime, dominated by a permanent awareness of the mutual benefits of this partnership: for the dancer Theodor Vasilescu it was the chance to develop a successful career, which for the propaganda apparatus implied a strong image campaign for Romania, abroad. Regarding the temporal framework, the analyzed period will focus on the regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu, 1965-1989, relevant in Theodor Vasilescu’s career path, as well as in the dissemination of his work results. There are three important aspects that will be analyzed in this article: first, the recovery of an important cultural trend in Romanian history, when, through the influence on the Soviet chain, folklore and traditional dance became an art form strongly subsumed to an ideology. This aspect led to the foundation of many Folk Ensembles with a specific type of artistic manifestations, including folk dance. At the same time, it will be illustrated how the regime was involved in financing and promoting this type of dance, by including it in the development of the most important national performances, by encouraging research in this field and creating professional opportunities through training and also by organizing an International Folklore Festival, “Romania 69”. This approach definitively changed the professional career of Theodor Vasilescu. The last aspect consists in presenting the international career of the choreographer, as a direct result of the increased interest that the communist regime had in promoting Romania’s image abroad. This made the Romanian folk dance very popular in countries such as Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Germany. Also, the frequent tournaments con-tributed to the increase of the Securitate’s interest in his daily activity. The main categories of sources for documentation will consist of: my personal archive which contains two interviews with Theodor Vasilescu, documents in the funds and collections of the National Archives of Romania (The Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party, Propaganda and Agitation Section, Organizational Section), also those of the National Council for Studying the Securitate Archives.
Picturing the West – A Slideshow of a Private Production in Communist Romania
Authors: Irian Ana-Cristina , Maier Valentin ,   Zeta Books
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present and analyse the biography of a passionate 20th century Romanian tourist who lived in Bucharest and travelled across Europe, bringing his (subjective) travel experiences of Western countries to private and public audiences curious about the unknown “abroad” during the 1980s. This case study is about the life and travel experiences of Vasile A. Marinescu, and deals with their visibility and interpretation during the communist era. The research is based on unpublished sources – visual and audio sources, as well as manuscripts (between 1970 and 1980), interviews – and other already published archive materials. The research describes, in particular, how the West was perceived and presented in those semi-private shows, and how (and which of) those unofficial sources influenced the imagination of Romanians, aside the official propaganda.
From Mexico to Moscow via Madrid
Authors: Zoffmann Rodriguez Arturo ,   Zeta Books
Published: May 2023

This article traces the steps of Mikhail Borodin, the first Comintern representative in Mexico and Spain, in 1919-20. He helped create the Mexican and the Spanish communist parties. In order to do this, he latched onto pre-existing networks of transnational activism and recruited a posse of young, committed, and cosmopolitan cadre. Through them, Borodin tried to mobilise the widespread euphoria for Bolshevism that existed among sectors of the Mexican and the Spanish left. However, the potential for vigorous communist movements remained largely untapped due to the recklessness of Borodin and his aides. The Borodin mission is a telling episode in the formative months of the Communist International, pointing to the importance of contingency, individual agency, and transnational activism in the establishment of the international communist movement.
Anti-Fascist Exile, Political Print Media, and the Variable Tactics of the Communists in Mexico (1939–1946)
Authors: Neugärtner Sandra ,   Zeta Books
Published: May 2023

This article deals with the role of the political print media popular with communists in Mexico when anti-fascism became the code for the behaviour of democratic forces in the face of the provocation of Hitler’s fascism. Under the facade of anti-fascist unity, the German-speaking communist exiles established a publishing culture, from which Hannes Meyer and Lena Meyer-Bergner, who had come to Mexico from Soviet exile and who committed themselves to proletarian internationalism, soon separated or were excluded. Independent of the group, they developed strategies in accord ance with their anti-imperialist mission, from propaganda media for the Soviet state to the implementation of a sign language that would enable communication across borders: the International System of Typographic Picture Education (Isotype). The goal of my analysis is to provide a starting point for classifying Meyer and Meyer-Bergner’s work in print media, beyond the extensively researched Taller de Gráfica Popular context, but within the polarization of international opposition to fascism and totalitarian regimes during the Second World War.
The Permanent Suspicion. The Romanian Communist Party and its International Cadres
Authors: Bosomitu Ştefan ,   Zeta Books
Published: May 2023

This article attempts to explore the relations between the Romanian Communist Party and its “international” cadres after the end of the Second World War and its accession to power. Beyond a simply descriptive exegesis, the present study tries to capture the evolution of those relationships, and especially how the power relations between the two entities unfolded in the context of a paradigm shift: the legalisation of the party, its transformation into an important force of the political scene and, finally, its accession to power. Those transformations imposed a structural reorganisation of the movement, forced to centralise its entire diffuse network of activists, many of them spread across Europe. After 1945, the Communist Party pursued a consistent policy of repatriating activists, whether they were in the Soviet Union or in Western European countries. But, as we will detail later, the party sought to control that infusion of “qualified personnel” through strict selection and nominal repatriation. Similar efforts were made to control and subordinate this political corpus of “internationals” to a party leadership that did not have flawless legitimacy. Within and as a result of those tangled interactions, complex relationships would emerge and develop between individuals and groups who disputed an informal primacy and whose claimed legitimacy had distinct origins and evolutions.
Mihail Ralea between the Ministry of Arts and the Romanian Communist Cultural Diplomacy
Authors: Vasile Cristian ,   Zeta Books
Published: May 2023

Mihai Ralea was a university professor and prominent representative of the Romanian interwar literary intelligentsia. M. Ralea taught psychology, sociology and aesthetics, and was at the same time the director of a reputed literary magazine (Viaţa românească-Romanian Life). Ralea was also a politician, initially an important member of the National Peasant Party, representing its centre left wing. In his case, one may notice the contradiction between his moral arguments in public and his deeds after he reached positions of power (Minister of Labour under the royal dictatorship, Minister of Arts under the pro-communist Petru Groza government, etc.). Ralea was also called “the moralist without morals”, and the compromises he made – manifested through his adherence to anti-democratic regimes – can be documented by numerous archival documents. Due to strong political connections, Ralea survived in the high ranks of cultural bureaucracy even during cultural Stalinism. He maintained important positions both at the University of Bucharest and with humanities research institutes of the post-1948 Soviet-style Romanian Academy of Sciences. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he also gained posi-tions of international cultural representation with the Romanian branch of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNES-CO) and the Romanian Institute for the Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries (IRRCS, the Romanian VOKS). His survival (as a professor of psychology after 1948) had a significant price – Ralea’s collaboration with the Stalinist regime. Using open sources and also newly declassified archival documents, the article is an attempt to approach M. Ralea’s case of survival in the high cultural bureaucracy in the East European context.
‘A New Era’ is always Dawning. A Linguistic Biography of a Border Crosser and Doppelgänger from Bukovina in the Second Half of the 20th Century
Authors: Bopp-Filimonov Valeska ,   Zeta Books
Published: May 2023

This article argues that it was not only physical borders that challenged people’s biographies in the 20th century, but also shifts in ideology, discourse and predominant languages. I shall explore the biography of a man called Cornel, a native of Bukovina who was a communist cultural official in Romania’s capital Bucharest in the 1960s and who became a priest in the 1970s. I shall show that not only obvious breaks such as the beginning and end of communist rule, but ideological shifts too within Romanian communism prompted Cornel to thoroughly reassess himself. For Cornel, it was the ‘mini-cultural revolution’ of 1971 under the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu that quickly convinced him to leave his job at the Romanian Ministry of Culture and reinvent himself as an Orthodox priest. But was his self-reinvention successful? A thorough analysis of his biography shows that his linguistic biography—oscillating between Romanian, Ukrainian and Russian—contains crucial elements of productive adaptation and continuity that enabled him repeatedly and successfully to circumvent borders imposed by newly emerging policies. His “third” identity as a writer has given him continuity and self-assurance.
Defining ‘Baltic Germanness’ in Post-Soviet Latvia and Estonia
Authors: Lamy Lucie ,   Zeta Books
Published: May 2023

This article, based on interviews conducted in 2019 with Latvian and Estonian citizens ethnically defining themselves as “Baltic Germans”, aims to analyse the way this self-identification is shaped by the experience of the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, and by the ideological polarisation between East and West. Studying this hybrid ethnic belonging allows taking a look at individual life paths through a transnational lens and paying attention to all forms of mobility that play a role in its construction. By integrating the interviewees’ migratory experience, their discourses on other ethnic groups, and their perception of Germany, Latvia, Estonia, Russia and the USSR, this article intends to apprehend “Baltic Germanness” as a transnationally and trans-ethnically shaped category, to which the interviewees resort in order to make sense of their lives outside the framework of the nation-state.
How can an educational chatbot’s feedback influence human attention?
Authors: Sylvester Francesca , Le Nguyen-Thinh , Soekadar Surjo R.
Published: May 2023

Educational chatbots have been shown to be useful assistants in computer-supported learning settings. However, how does feedback of an educational chatbot impact on the learner’s attention? Thus, this paper proposes a study to measure changes in human attention when learning by using an educational chatbot Liza that is intended to improve human reasoning ability. In total, 18 participants participated in the study and had a conversation with Liza. During the interaction with Liza, the attention of the study participants was measured using a mobile electroencephalogram (EEG) device. Three findings have been determined based on statistics methods. First, it was found that there was a significant attention effect occurring in 54% of the times, after the educational chatbot showed feedback and the attention measurement took place over the length of a task. Second, when differentiating the type of feedback, positive feedback had a significant effect in 71 of these 137 cases (51.82%) and negative feedback had a significant effect in 66 of the 137 cases (48.18%). Third, statistical results showed that there was no significant difference in attention at the significant level of 0.05 during the 10 seconds before, and 10 seconds after positive feedback is received. Similar is the case for negative feedback.
Pengaruh Intesitas Naungan dan Jenis Pupuk Kandang Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Jahe di Lahan Gambut
Authors: Hazizah Hazizah , Radian Radian , Wasi’an Wasi’an
Published: May 2023

Tanaman jahe membutuhkan berbagai jenis unsur hara dalam jumlah yang cukup untuk pertumbuhan dan perkembangannya, baik tergolong unsur hara makro maupun mikro. Pertumbuhan dan perkembangan tanaman jahe dipengaruhi oleh berbagai faktor diantaranya faktor tanah dan faktor lingkungan (intensitas cahaya). Tanah gambut memiliki tingkat kesuburan rendah yang ditandai dengan kandungan unsur hara makro dan mikro yang rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari jenis pupuk kandang, intensitas naungan yang paling baik serta interaksi antara intensitas naungan dan jenis pupuk kandang terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil jahe di lahan gambut. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Petak Terbagi. Sebagai petak utama adalah Intensitas naungan (N) terdiri dari 6 taraf perlakuan dan Jenis Pupuk Kandang (P) sebagai anak petak (Sub Plot) yang terdiri dari 3 taraf perlakuan. Setiap kombinasi perlakuan diulang sebanyak tiga kali dengan 6 tanaman sampel setiap bedengan. Perlakuan yang dimaksud adalah : faktor intensitas naungan (N) terdiri dari : n1 = naungan 50%, n2 = naungan 60%, n3 = naungan 70%, n4 = naungan 80%, n5 = naungan 90%, n6 = naungan 100%. Faktor kedua jenis pupuk kandang (P) terdiri dari : p1 =  pupuk kandang sapi, p2 =  pupuk kandang ayam, p3 =  pupuk kandang kambing. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa perlakuan naungan hanya berpengaruh nyata terhadap tinggi tanaman umur tanaman 1 BST,dan perlakuan pupuk hanya berpengaruh nyata terhadap berat kering tanaman umur 4 dan 5 BST. Tidak terjadi interaksi antara perlakuan naungan dan jenis pupuk kandang di semua perlakuan variabel pengamatan.
Pemanfaatan Limbah Kulit Pisang Kepok Sebagai Bahan Dasar Dalam Pembuatan Pupuk Cair (Kajian penambahan EM4 dengan metode an aerob)
Authors: Kalsum Syarifah Umi , Nopriyanti Marisa
Published: May 2023

Pupuk cair merupakan pupuk yang bahan dasarnya berasal dari hewan atau tumbuhan yang sudah mengalami fermentasi dan bentuk produknya berupa cairan. Kulit pisang kepok salah satu bahan dasar yang dinggunakan untuk pembuatan pupuk cair karena mengandung unsur makro N, P dan K. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui unsur hara yang terkandung dalam pupuk cair dari kulit pisang barangan. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan mencampurkan gula merah, air, dan Efektivitas Mikroorganisme (EM4) dengan variabel tetap yang digunakan adalah kulit pisang. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan mencampurkan gula merah 80 gram, air 1 liter, dan Efektivitas Mikroorganisme (EM4) dengan variasi komposisi 200 ml, 300 ml dan 400 ml dengan variabel tetap yang digunakan adalah kulit pisang. Parameter yang diamati adalah nilai pH, rendemen dan N total. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pupuk cair yang dihasilkan memiliki pH 4 pupuk cair, rendemen yang diperoleh dari 3 perlakuan adalah 2,4%, 2,5% dan 2,6%. Sedangkan kadar N total dari proses analisa adalah 1,26%, 2,38 dan 4,48.
Studi Eksperimen terhadap Model Pembelajaran PAI MI dengan Quantum Learning di SDN 1 Jati Datar
Authors: Nana Suyadi
Published: May 2023

This study aims to find out (1) How is the application of the PAI learning model with Quantum Learning at SDN 1 Jatidatar. (2) How much student learning outcomes in PAI subjects withQuantum Learning at SDN 1 Jatidatar before applying the Quantum Learning learning model (3) How much student learning outcomes in PAI subjects withQuantum Learning at SDN 1 Jatidatar after applying the Quantum Learning learning model (3) How to increase student results in PAI subjects byQuantum Learning at SDN 1 Jatidatar. This research is experimental research using The One-Group pretest-posttest design involving the dependent variable, namely the learning outcomes of PAI, and the independent variable, namely the learning model. Quantum Learning. The population in this study were all fourth-grade students at SDN 1 Jatidatar in the odd semester of the 2018/2019 school year with a sample of 24 students. The research instrument used was the PAI learning achievement test. The results of the descriptive analysis show the average value of PAI learning outcomes for fourth-grade students before being taught using the learning modelQuantum Learning of 10.66 and a standard deviation of 2.74 and after being taught using a learning modelQuantum Learning of 15.54 and a standard deviation of 3.48 with an average Normalized Gain value of 0.32 in the medium category. From the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the learning model Quantum Learning can improve PAI learning outcomes for class IV students at SDN 1 Jatidatar.
Implementation of the Sabaq Sabqi Manzil Method in Improving the Quality of Memory of the Qur'an
Authors: Fathur Rozi M. Asep , Mufron Ali , Sofi’a Laila Tufa
Published: May 2023

Reading and studying the Quran is an obligation that must be done by Muslims. Reading and memorizing it is a worship that is worth a great reward. The Qur'an is the first source of law in Islam, the way of life for Muslims. This study takes the formulation of the problem regarding the application of the sabaq sabqi manzil method and the problems in improving the quality of memorizing the Qur'an at the Imam Syafi'i Islamic boarding school, Tulungagung. The researcher uses a qualitative research type, by taking data sources from the boarding school caregivers as resource persons and also documentation owned by the Islamic boarding school. Data were taken using in-depth interviews, observation and documentation studies. Researchers found that the method of memorizing the Qur'an greatly affects the quality of memorizing students if it is done regularly. This is proven by the number of students who read and memorize the Qur'an properly and correctly. The quality of the students' memorization has increased, as evidenced by when the students deposit their sabaq sabqi manzil they can do it well and smoothly. Because in essence the students are not just memorizing, but with this method the students will be required to repeat the memorization so that it becomes more imprinted and stronger.
Les pesanteurs ou contraintes sur l’effectivité des activités du cadre permanent de concertation économique à Lubumbashi : une évaluation de l’effectivité
Authors:   Institut Supérieur Pédagogique de KAHEMBA/RD Congo, MPOO MOKUBA Alliance David
Published: May 2023

This publication is an analysis of the functioning of the permanent framework of economic consultation, abbreviated as CPCE, which is a state structure created since 2001, by presidential decree n° 008/01 of February 23, 2001, with the aim of improving the business climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, through its activities in the field in accordance with the objectives and mission assigned to it by the law. As a consultation framework, the CPCE is a neutral body that receives the claims of economic operators, organizes consultations on socio-economic issues between the public sector (government) and the private sector (economic operators), including representatives of consumer associations and civil society, especially with regard to the stability of prices of basic necessities (foodstuffs, petroleum products ...) and the maintenance of the market exchange rate of foreign currency. Etc. in order to reach a consensus likely to improve the business climate and the living conditions of the population. Since 2020, no activity has been carried out on the ground and the population has only been subjected to pressure from economic operators, it is clear that there is a gap between the requirements of the law and the practices of the actors concerned. This is a problematic situation that has motivated our research on the evaluation of CPCE activities, based on the constraints that can influence the effectiveness of CPCE activities, while setting some evaluation indicators.
Risk factors for arterial hypertension in women with abdominal obesity and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the history
Authors: Zaharko A. Yu. , Statkevich T. V. , Podgornaya A. S. , Murashko O. V.
Published: May 2023

The article provides data from epidemiological studies on the correlation between hypertensive disorders in pregnant women and the risk of cardiovascular diseases in later life, describes possible pathophysiological determinants for the occurrence of arterial hypertension after complicated pregnancy. The most informative predictors of the development of arterial hypertension in women with abdominal obesity are described, which were indicators of waist circumference, uterine artery resistance index, N-terminal fragment of the brain natriuretic peptide and highly sensitive C-reactive protein; a mathematical model was calculated to predict the probability of developing arterial hypertension in women with abdominal obesity and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy one year after delivery.
Assessment of the quality of life of patients who have had COVID-19 infection, in mild and moderate forms
Authors: Nikiforova O. L. , Galinovskaya N. V. , Voropaev E. V.
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 infection pandemic is characterized by high morbidity, unclear prognosis of complications and a decrease in the quality of life of patients. The article presents the results of a prospective single-center cohort study of the quality of life of 134 patients who suffered from COVID-19 infection in mild and moderate forms. 99 patients reported the presence of any disorders at the time of the survey, 35 patients reported the absence of problems. 53,7% of respondents were concerned about moderate pain and/or discomfort, 41,8% of patients experienced a feeling of anxiety and/or depression and moderate mobility disorders. The median for EQ-VAS in patients with no symptoms was significantly higher compared to the median for EQ-VAS in patients with any problems (80 points versus 65 points, respectively). After a COVID-19 infection, mild to moderate forms of pain and/or discomfort, anxiety and/or depression, impaired mobility are present in half of the subjects, which leads to a decrease in the quality of life of patients.
MEMBANGUN PAPUA DENGAN “HATI”
Authors: ACHMADY LA
Published: May 2023

Development in the land of Papua has been conducted by the government, both physical and non-physical development, but until now still we hear at various occasions about the statements as follows that the government failed to “ Indonesianize” the indigenous Papuans, or “Papuans ohave not felt as part of Indonesia”. Papua has been a part of the Unitary Sate of the Republic of Indonesia for 57 years, but in reality the expression of the above statement is happening and increasing in line with events lately. Of course the situasion is a huge question in ous minds : Why does it happen? The condition should be a torment with maturity and create corrections for improvement, especially a non-physical development approach that is assessed by various parties less concerned if not tobe said to ignore.

Some approaches are intentionally expressed as input to local and central stakeholders or anyone living in the land of Papua. These approaches are the records  of the task of a community servant, experience, obsevations in various places, discussions and from various references.

Intergroup handling approach “ Migrants and indigenous Papuans”. Should prioritize “win-win”, The desired leadership of Papua natives, leadership with “Heart”, Anthropological approach according to local customs/wisdom begins with lifting/empowering what the indigenous Papuans have. Moreover, a religious massage of a pastor in the past uttered : “Whosoever work in this land faithfully, honestly, and lend-an-ear-to, then he will walk from one sign of wonder to others” (Izaak Samuel Kijne, 1947)
Yam Production with or without Trellisingi
Authors: Bayogan Emma Ruth , Baldoz Necito
Published: May 2023

A 72 m2 area in Don Martin Marundan, Mati, Davao Oriental was planted to pre-treated and pre-sprouted yam setts arranged in a randomized complete block design to compare the tuber yield and costs when yams are grown with or without trellis. On a 6 m2 area, mean tuber yields of non-trellised and trellised (single strand and double strands of tie wire tied on posts   6 m apart) were not significantly different. With computed tuber yields per hectare however, differences of up to 54 tons may easily be translated to profits. Bulbil yields represented from 16 to 27% of the total yield (tubers + bulbils). Cost and return analysis gave 13.7 and 24.9 % differences   in profits when plants were trellised and yam tuber price per kilogram was pegged at P7.5C
"DIE ABTEILUNG FÜR MODERNE ANGEWANDTE SPRACHEN DER „TRANSILVANIA“ UNIVERSITÄT – EINE BILANZ NACH DER ERSTEN BACHELOR GENERATION "
Authors:   Transilvania University, Diaconu Ioana
Published: May 2023

Ich möchte in meinem Beitrag zeigen, wie es an der Philologiefakultät aus Kronstadt gelungen ist, die vom Bologna – Prozess aufgezwungenen Änderungen zum Vorteil der Abteilung für moderne angewandte Fremdsprachen zu unternehmen, ohne aber die negativen Aspekte außer acht zu lassen. Die von der Reduzierung der Stundenanzahl ausgehenden Überlegungen betreffen nicht nur die Lehrpläne auf globaler Weise, sondern haben auch zum Umdenken der Inhalte geführt. Dieser Aspekt wird an den Inhalten des Faches „Kommunikationstechniken“ verdeutlicht.
PR CHALLENGES IN PROMOTING THE CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION DANUBE-CRIS-MURES-TISA (DKMT)
Authors:   Politehnica University Timişoara, Cernicova-Bucă Mariana
Published: May 2023

The cross-border cooperation is viewed in Europe as an important tool for unifying the once divided continent and for dismantling historic rivalries between states. In the border region of Romania, Hungary and Serbia the Euro-regional cooperation known as DKMT (Danube-CrisMures-Tisa) develops as a model for Romania. The elected officials at the regional level from the three states involved agree to develop projects and try to asses DKMT as part of the “big Europe”. The paper looks into the PR practice of the administrative bodies of DKMT and analyzes some of the current problems in delivering Euro-regional information to the general public.