bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Black African males towards the use of sun protection : a case study of a University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors:   , Mayeza Zamani Effort
Published: June 2022

Background Although there may be some Black African males who are informed about sun protection and may be practicing it, there is still a lack of information amongst many Black African males on sun protection. It is generally recognised that some still think that it only applies to females. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Black African males towards the use of sun protection at a University of Technology in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology This study was guided by a quantitative research design. A quantitative research approach is methodical and unbiased research that utilises numerical information from a selected sample from a universe or population to generalise the findings only to the population that is being studied. The quantitative research design was selected for this study as it the most suitable, scientific, more controllable, less biased and deals with larger samples to provide more accurate information/results. The study was conducted at a University of Technology. The participants comprised of Black African male students. The sample size of the study was 409 participants. Descriptive statistics, in the form of tables and graphs, were used to describe the data graphically. In order to test for significant trends in the data, inferential statistics were applied. These included Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, Analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Where the conditions were not met for the application of these tests, non-parametric equivalent tests or exact tests were used. Throughout, a p-value of 0.05 was used to indicate significance. The analysis was carried out using SPSS, version 26. Results Results revealed that black communities, especially males need to be taught about sun protection. A certain percentage of the participants displayed that they have knowledge about sun protection, but they do not practice it. The study showed that there is still a lot to do in terms of educating the South Africans, especially those that are dark-skinned, about the vitality of sun protection. Conclusion In conclusion, skincare sun protection is vitally important for everyone to practice. It is not made for a specific gender; therefore, it is advised to be practiced by everybody, regardless of gender and/or race. Even though black skin has its natural shield (melanin) to protect against harsh sun’s ultraviolet(UV) rays, it is still important for Black people to protect themselves from UV radiation. This will help in reducing the chances of developing skin cancer in the long run.
NEURAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AND GAUSSIAN MIXTURE MODELS IN PREDICTING ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Bundala Ntogwa
Published: June 2022

The study aimed to examine the environmental psychological impact on economic growth. Specifically, the study explored how individuals’ choices/selections influence the trade-offs of economic growth and environmental quality. The cross-sectional survey data were randomly sampled from 211 individuals in two regions in Tanzania. The data analysed by using neural network analysis and Gaussian Mixture models. This study found that the environment has a negative impact on economic growth. The study concluded that the nature of the relationship between economic growth and environmental quality is preliminary (fundamentally) determined by both levels of income (economic growth) and environmental psychological well-being of the individual imposed by the available environmental instruments such as policies and regulations. The study recommended that to achieve both environmental quality and economic growth; the government and other stakeholders should design and implement the environmental instruments that maximise the environmental psychological well-being of the individual. 
Keywords: Environmental Psychological Impacts, Economic Growth, Neural Network Analysis and Gaussian Mixture Models.
Siravedha a Para Surgical Approach in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis – A single case report
Authors: Ganatra Riddhi , Dudhamal Tukaram
Published: June 2022

Plantar fasciitis is a commonly encountered disease condition that causes medial plantar heel pain. It is a self-limiting condition with appropriate treatment and cares plantar fasciitis improves within a short duration. This case report refers to the complete cure of chronic plantar fasciitis in 42-year-old women with the help of Siravedha along with Rasna Saptak Kwatha. Siravedha was done from Sira situated at 2 Angul above Kshipra Marma in Pada. Two sittings of Siravedha were performed at intervals of 15 days. 20 ml freshly prepared Rasna Saptak Kwatha orally twice a day empty stomach was prescribed to the patient for 1 month. Windlass test of plantar fasciitis became negative after 15 days of treatment. After one month of treatment, the protocol patient had significant improvement in pain, swelling, and tenderness in the heel region. The 12 months of follow-up revealed that the heel pain didn’t reoccur during the initial few steps after rest or even after prolonged standing. This single case is an example of the practical application of Siravedha in the management of plantar fasciitis, further study is needed for confirmation and evidence-based documentation.
A Literary Review on Cosmetics from Ayurveda Perspective w.s.r. to Beauty
Authors: Sah Mithilesh Kumar , Prashant Kumar Singh Manglakanta Jha Yuga Raj Sapkota
Published: June 2022

From the ancient times to present era, through all cultures and through the span of centuries, mankind has been pre-occupied with youth and physical appearance. The increased demand of beautification is evident by number of beauty contests, beauty centers, various cosmetic items like creams, lotions, powder etc. now available in the society. Scope of Ayurveda in the field of cosmetology has been established due to its unique concept about Beauty and effective, cheaper and long lasting Beauty therapy without any adverse effect. Healthy Personality is the basis of Beauty and this could be achieved through Dhatusamyata i.e. the state of balanced Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni, and many more. The factors which determine the beauty are Prakrit, Sara, Samhanana in generalized way, Twak, Varna, Prabha, Chhaya from the general aspect, Pramana of various Angavayavas determines the organic Beauty, Dirghayu Lakshanas described in texts give the aesthetic sense and fundamental base of Personality and Beauty. The factors contributing towards beauty Dosha, Dhatu in their normal functioning status contribute to maintain the Beauty, ‘Agni’ in equilibrium state, by digestion and metabolism produces Bala, Varna, Ojas, Dhi, Dhriti, Smriti etc., Matrijadi Shad Bhavas and Panchamahabhautic combinations contribute in creating inherent Beauty, Age, Sex, Religion, Race and anthropology also have considerable impact upon the Beauty. The factors enhancing Beauty are adjuvants like – Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Achara Rasayana, Various methods in the form of internal medicines like Mahakashaya, Surgical treatment like Plastic surgery, Vaikritapaham, Diet as Hitatam, Matravat, Sadapathya dravyas, Medicines like Rasayana, Ghrita, Taila etc are useful. Hence, Safe solutions, no adverse effects, use of natural herbs, long lasting impacts etc. have made Ayurveda as choicest cosmetology.
Basics of Saveeryata Avadhi of Ayurveda Formulations- a review
Authors: Singh Prashant Kumar , Jitendra Kumar Mandal, Binod Kumar Singh Mithilesh Kumar Sah, Nirmal Bhusal
Published: June 2022

In Ayurvedic Classical texts, “Saveeryata avadhi” term is mentioned in context of shelf life of recent era which denotes the time period during which the Veerya (potency) of any drug remains unaffected. Since many centuries, Ayurvedic medicines have been used by people due to its ability to enhance immunity and prevent diseases. Due to lack of scientific standards for the Ayurvedic medicines, Ayurveda does not gain its glory worldwide. Hence, in the current scenario, its a major challenge in front of researchers from this field. Standardization of Ayurvedic formulations can be achieved by pharmacognostic identification, physical, chemical, biochemical estimation and determination of active phytoconstituents in the plant as well as in formulations. Standardization of any drug needs laborious effort because many factors directly influence the quality and purity of the drugs. stability testing is needed to ensure the quality of herbal products which is an evidence for the quality of the finished product. Hence stability testing is essential to improve the quality of the herbal products.
Teachers’ Views about Teachers’ Professional Learning
Authors: CEMALOĞLU Necati , DOLAPCI Erhan
Published: June 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı, ortaokullarda görev yapan öğretmenlerin öğretmen mesleki öğrenmesine ilişkin görüşlerini incelemektir. Nitel desende tasarlanan bu çalışma, bir olgu bilim araştırmasıdır. Araştırmaya 2020-2021 eğitim öğretim yılında Kastamonu il merkezinde bulunan ortaokullarda görev yapan 8 öğretmen katılmıştır. Araştırmada katılımcıların seçiminde amaçlı örnekleme yöntemlerinden maksimum çeşitlilik örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Veri toplama sürecinde katılımcılarla tek tek görüşülmüştür. Araştırmada veri toplamak amacıyla ilgili kavramsal çerçeveye ve uzman görüşlerine dayalı olarak araştırmacı tarafından geliştirilen yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırma verilerinin analizi ise içerik analizi yöntemi kullanılarak yapılmıştır. Araştırma bulguları; öğretmenlerin öğretmen mesleki öğrenmesi kavramını, mesleki anlamda gelişimlerini kapsayan tüm öğrenmeler şeklinde algıladıklarını göstermiştir. Öğretmenlerin, mesleki öğrenme alanlarında en çok teknoloji kullanımı ve farklı öğretim yöntem ve tekniklerini öğrenmeye ihtiyaç duydukları anlaşılmıştır. Mesleki öğrenme yollarında ise meslektaşlar arası iş birliğinin önemli olduğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca, mesleki öğrenmede sosyal medya kullanımının artan önemi dikkat çekmektedir. Mevcut araştırmanın en önemli bulgularından birisi de okul müdürünün öğretim liderliği rollerinin öğretmen mesleki öğrenmesindeki önemidir.
Oligomer formation from the gas-phase reactions of Criegee intermediates with hydroperoxide esters: mechanism and kinetics
Authors: Chen Long , Huang Yu , Xue Yonggang , Jia Zhihui , Wang Wenliang
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Hydroperoxide esters, formed in the reactions of carbonyl oxides (also called Criegee intermediates, CIs) with formic acid, play a crucial role in the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in the atmosphere. However, the transformation mechanism of hydroperoxide esters in the presence of stabilized Criegee intermediates (SCIs) is not well understood. Herein, the oligomerization reaction mechanisms and kinetics of distinct SCIs (CH2OO, syn-CH3CHOO, anti-CH3CHOO and (CH3)2COO) reactions with their respective hydroperoxide esters as well as with hydroperoxymethyl formate (HPMF) are investigated in the gas phase using quantum chemical and kinetics modeling methods. The calculations show that the addition reactions of SCIs with hydroperoxide esters proceed through successive insertion of SCIs into hydroperoxide ester to form oligomers that involve SCIs as the repeating unit. The exothermicity of oligomerization reactions significantly decreases when the number of methyl substituents increases, and the exothermicity of anti-methyl substituted carbonyl oxides is obviously higher than that of syn-methyl substituted carbonyl oxides. The –OOH insertion reaction is energetically more feasible than the –CH insertion pathway in the SCIs oligomerization reactions, and the barrier heights increase with increasing the number of SCIs except syn-CH3CHOO. For the reactions of distinct SCIs with HPMF, the barrier of –OOH insertion pathway shows a dramatic decrease when a methyl substituent occurs at the anti-position, while it reveals a significant increase when a methyl group is introduced at the syn-position and dimethyl substitutions. Compared with the rate coefficients of the CH2OO + HPMF reaction, the rate coefficients increase by about one order of magnitude when a methyl substituent occurs at the anti-position, whereas the rate coefficients decrease by 1–2 orders of magnitude when a methyl group is introduced at the syn-position. These new findings advance our current understanding on the influence of Criegee-chemistry on the formation processes and chemical compositions of SOA.
Synergistic retrieval and Complete Data Fusion methods applied to FORUM and IASI-NG simulated measurements
Authors: Ridolfi Marco , Tirelli Cecilia , Ceccherini Simone , Belotti Claudio , Cortesi Ugo , Palchetti Luca
Published: June 2022

Abstract. In the frame of Earth observation remote sensing data analysis, Synergistic Retrieval (SR) and Complete Data Fusion (CDF) are techniques used to exploit the complementarity of the information carried by different measurements sounding the same air mass and / or ground pixel. While more difficult to implement due to the required simultaneous access to measurements originating from different instruments / missions, the SR method is sometimes preferred over the CDF method as the latter relies on a linear approximation of the retrieved states as functions of the true atmospheric and / or surface state. In this work, we study the performance of the SR and CDF techniques when applied to simulated measurements of the FORUM (Far-infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring) and the IASI-NG (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer - New Generation) missions that will be operational in a few years, from two polar orbiting satellites. The study is based on synthetic measurements generated for the two missions, in clear-sky Antarctic atmospheres. The target parameters of the inversion are the vertical profiles of temperature, water vapour and ozone mixing ratios, surface temperature and spectral emissivity. We find that for exact matching of the measurements, the results of the SR and CDF techniques differ by less than 1/10 of their errors estimated trough the propagation of measurement noise. For measurements with a realistic mismatch in space and time, the two methods provide more different results. Still in this case, however, the differences between the results are within the error bars due to measurement noise. We conclude that, when applied to FORUM and IASI-NG missions, the two methods are equivalent from the accuracy point of view.
In situ Lu–Hf geochronology of calcite
Authors: Simpson Alexander , Glorie Stijn , Hand Martin , Spandler Carl , Gilbert Sarah , Cave Brad
Published: June 2022

Abstract. The ability to constrain the age of calcite formation is of great utility to the Earth science community, due to the ubiquity of calcite across a wide spectrum of geological systems. Here, we present the first in situ laser ablation inductively coupled tandem quadrupole mass
spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS/MS) Lu–Hf ages for calcite, demonstrating
geologically meaningful ages for iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) and skarn mineralisation, carbonatite intrusion, and low-grade metamorphism. The analysed samples range in age
between ca. 0.9 and ca. 2 Ga with uncertainties between 1.7 % and
0.6 % obtained from calcite with Lu concentrations as low as ca.
0.5 ppm. The Lu–Hf system in calcite appears to be able to preserve primary
precipitation ages over a significant amount of geological time, although
further research is required to constrain the closure temperature. The
in situ approach allows calcite to be rapidly dated while maintaining its
petrogenetic context with mineralisation and other associated mineral
processes. Therefore, LA-ICP-MS/MS Lu–Hf dating of calcite can be used to
resolve the timing of complex mineral paragenetic sequences that are a
feature of many ancient rock systems.
Predictive and Stochastic Reduced Order Modelling of Wind Turbine Wake Dynamics
Authors: Andersen Søren Juhl , Murcia Leon Juan Pablo
Published: June 2022

Abstract. This article presents a reduced order model of the highly turbulent wind turbine wake dynamics. The model is derived using a database of Large Eddy Simulations (LES), which cover a range of different wind speeds. The model consists of several sub-models: (1) dimensionality reduction using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) on the global database, (2) projection in modal coordinates to get time series of the dynamics, (3) interpolation over the parameter space enables prediction of unseen cases, and (4) stochastic time series generation to generalize the modal dynamics based on spectral analysis. The model is validated against an unseen LES case in terms of the modal time series properties as well as turbine performance and aero-elastic responses. The reduced order model provides LES accuracy and comparable distributions of all channels. Furthermore, the model provides substantial insights of the underlying flow physics, and how these change with respect to the thrust coefficient CT and whether the model is constructed for single wake or deep array conditions. The predictive and stochastic capabilities of the reduced order model can effectively be viewed as a generalization of LES for statistically stationary flows, and the model framework can be applied to other flow cases than wake dynamics behind wind turbines.
Simulation to reality and back: A robot's guide to crossing the reality gap
Authors:   , Collins Jack T.
Published: June 2022

Simulation is an indispensable technology within robotics; however, the reality gap prevents many simulated solutions from transferring perfectly to reality. This thesis investigates the reality gap within the context of robotic manipulation. We present studies that first quantify and then benchmark the reality gap when comparing popular robotic simulators to a real-world ground truth collected using motion capture. We then present a promising new method for overcoming the reality gap that employs an online sim-to-real approach that utilises differentiable physics to iteratively narrow the gap and improve the simulation environment using data collected from the real system.
Osteoporosis Screening: A Review
Authors: ÖZBİLGEÇ Sıtkı
Published: June 2022

Increased fragility fracture rates, increased morbidity and mortality, and a tremendous economic burden are all linked to osteoporosis and poor bone health. Osteoporosis, like many other diseases, benefits from early detection and prevention. The imaging and quantification of bone and bone mineral density are crucial in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Abdominal and thoracic CT provide a valuable opportunity for osteoporosis screening. Despite the significant prevalence and effect of osteoporosis, screening and treatment rates are still low. Apart from abdominal and thoracic CT which provide a valuable opportunity for osteoporosis screening, it is possible to perform fully automatic osteoporosis screening in routine CT scans of the spine, brain, tooth or some other body parts.
Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.): A Current Review
Authors: MART Dürdane
Published: June 2022

Lentil was first cultivated 8000–10,000 years ago and is a protein-rich crop. It is an important dietary component in many Mediterranean and Asian countries but allergic reactions to lentil intake was reported in some countries. Lentil yield is a key and difficult trait to enhance for crop genetic improvement. Several biotic and abiotic variables such as drought, high temperature, salinity, mineral deficiency and fungal diseases limit the production of lentils. Landraces and wild relatives are more tolerant to adverse environmental conditions. Molecular tools to assist breeding efforts in lentil are less well developed in comparison with other crops. Due to its excellent and balanced nutritional composition, the use of lentil flour in bakery, extruded and other products is gaining attention from food technologists and industry. In this review, some valuable information related to lentil is extracted from international articles published in last two years and presented here.
Antimicrobial Activities of Propolis Samples Collected From Different Provinces of Turkey
Authors: GÜLBANDILAR Aysel
Published: June 2022

The propolis, which is a natural product that is collected by honey bees from the plants, especially flowers and buds, by mixing it with wax and resin, is used in the hive for many purposes. Apart from the use by the bees in the hive, propolis is a versatile compound that is used in medicine, cosmetics, food industry and apitherapy and which contains a wide variety of chemical substances having antibacterial and antioxidant effects. It was determined that the antimicrobial effects of propolis samples were higher against the Gram-positive bacteria species included in the study when compared to the Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. The majority of the samples were found to be highly sensitive (16 mm and larger), while some were found to be moderately sensitive (11-15 mm). Among all strains of bacteria; it was demonstrated that the propolis sample obtained from Cankiri (Yaprakli) region performed the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus while the lowest activity was performed by the propolis sample obtained from Balıkesir region against E. coli. In addition, it was determined that the propolis sample obtained from Eskişehir region had no antifungal effect against Candida parapsilosis yeast strain. It was specified that the antimicrobial activity demonstrated by all microorganisms against the propolis samples was less effective when compared to the control compounds, except for Candida krusei.
The Inevitable Legetimacy Of The Moroccan Sovereignty Over The Western (Moroccan) Sahara
Authors: ZNIOI Fatima Zahra
Published: June 2022

This article sheds light on the Moroccan-Algerian conflict over Western Sahara that has been a perplexed conflict for decades. This issue has caused a big concern in security matters not only in the Maghreb region but also worldwide. Many attempts were initiated to solve this problem by the UN and some European states, yet, in vain. The issue's complexity derives from the long-lasting clash of positions between Morocco and Algeria that concerns the legitimate sovereignty since the decolonization of Western Sahara from Spain in 1975. Consequently, this has made the conflict frozen.  The recent consistent and continuous admissions of many European and Arab states have been and still make an immense frustration and disappointment to the neighboring country, Algeria, the biggest supporter of the self-determination plan for the Sahrawi people, and the independence of the Polisario front. Accordingly, this article will be an evaluation of the motivations behind the support Morocco has been receiving from other states and the various positions surrounding the conflict and provides a discussion on the parties involved in this conflict. The significance of this research lies in its ambitious attempt to prove the inevitable Moroccaness of the Western Sahara based on the latest updates on the case. It also proves that the international recognition is just a matter of time which automatically signifies the probability of eternal enmity between Morocco and Algeria.
ADVANTAGES AND PROSPECTS OF TARGETED THERAPY IN ONCOLOGICAL PRACTICE: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: MURINA A. , UAISOVA A. , ERGALIEVA A.
Published: June 2022

Relevance: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and is expected to be responsible for approximately 19.3 million
new cases and 10 million deaths in 2022. With an unprecedented understanding of the molecular pathways that drive the development
and progression of human cancers, novel targeted therapies have become an exciting new development for anticancer medicine. These
targeted therapies, also known as biologic therapies, have become a primary treatment modality by blocking the growth of cancer cells
by specifically targeting molecules required for cell growth and tumorigenesis. However, due to their specificity, these new therapies are
expected to have better efficacy and limited adverse side effects than other treatment options, including hormonal and chemotherapy.
The study aimed to present an overview of the advantages and prospects of targeted therapy in oncological practice.
Methods: The search was carried out in the following databases: Scopus, Medline, Cochrane, PubMed, and Science Direct for 2016-
2021. Sources were searched for the following keywords: clinical trials, immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, small molecular weight
inhibitors, and targeted therapy.
Results: This review explores the clinical development, successes, and challenges facing targeted anticancer therapies, including small
molecule inhibitors and antibody-targeted therapies. The authors describe targeted therapies to epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular
endothelial growth factor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, BRAF, T-cell mediated immune response
inhibitors, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, and programmed cell death protein-1/PD-1 ligand.
Conclusion: Over the past decade, there have been significant changes in cancer treatment, including targeted therapy, which has
become more common. However, targeted drugs show low activity in monotherapy. In addition, the selection of patients for targeted
therapy remains a difficult task since there are not enough reliable biomarkers to predict the action of most targeted agents. Therefore, it
requires a deeper study of molecular biology, namely signaling pathways that determine the pathogenesis of cancers.
PROCALCITONIN DETERMINATION IN ONCOLOGY – RESULTS AND PROSPECTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: SADYKOVA T. , KUZIKEEV M. , SARSEMBAEV B. , ORAZBEK E.
Published: June 2022

Relevance: Modern requirements for laboratory diagnostics of complicated courses of diseases provide for using particular and hightech research methods like determining the level of procalcitonin (PCT). The PCT level increases only with the generalization of a bacterial
infection and reflects the degree of abstraction. Of practical value are an increase in the PCT level and the degree of such increase, a progressive increase, or a long-term (more than 3-5 days) high level. The assessment of this data over time, in combination with the changes
in other clinical and laboratory parameters, allows for timely diagnosis and prediction of the outcome of the disease.
The study aimed to assess the feasibility of the PCT level dynamic control for timely diagnosis of the overlay or generalization of an
infectious process in the form of septic complications in cancer patients.
Methods: A thematic search was carried out by keywords in the journal Malignant Tumors and Cochrane, PubMed, Oncology.ru,
elibrary.ru, Medscape, and NCBI databases and libraries.
We analyzed the results of studies of changes in PCT dynamics in oncological patients who developed and generalized a nonspecific
infectious process that proceeded in the form of septic complications.
Results: Various research papers have confirmed the need to determine the PCT level and its inclusion in the diagnostic algorithms.
The reliability and significance of these studies correspond to the highest levels of evidence-based medicine.
PCT shows its high specificity in identifying the infectious component compared to other less informative indicators in oncological
pathologies, such as the level of leukocytosis, CRP, and others.
In some tumor processes, the initial level of PCT may be higher than the average (0.5 ng/l). Still, dynamic control will show the effectiveness of the therapeutic measures taken and the direction of development of the infectious process.
The frequency and intervals of determining the PCT level are of particular importance. In some instances, if an infectious component
is suspected in risk groups, the PCT level determination could be included in the initial examination algorithm.
Conclusion: Despite the ambiguity of the PCT study results in oncological practice, the determination of systemic inflammation biomarkers in complex antitumor therapy will allow timely setting of indications for prescribing or intensifying antibiotic treatment, predicting
the duration, and monitoring its effectiveness in oncological patients.
Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Continued Language Learning During a Pandemic: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Authors: Alamer Abdullah
Published: June 2022

The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) affected almost all countries in early 2020. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 2020), over 60% of students worldwide have been affected by school closures. In such a situation, students’ motivation may be a valuable resource to promote sustained language learning. Thus, based on self-determination theory, the present study (N = 215 Saudi undergraduates) investigated how English as a foreign language students’ basic psychological need (BPN) satisfaction relates to their ability to continue learning during the pandemic (CLDP) through the mediating role of learning behavior. Using structural equation modelling, it was hypothesized that BPN satisfaction will directly and indirectly relate to CLDP and as students seek new opportunities to practice the language and utilize alternative options; however, BPN satisfaction was expected to negatively relate to CLDP through heightened anxiety about declining language proficiency. Generally, the results support the hypothesized indirect relationship between BPN satisfaction and CLDP by showing that the total indirect effects of autonomy and competence on CLDP were significant. This study contributes to our understanding of the usefulness of satisfying students’ BPN in second language learning during difficult situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
University Students’ Motivation to Study the French Language: A Time Trend Study
Authors: Meristo Merilyn
Published: June 2022

This paper attempts to explore students’ motivation to study French at a state-funded public university in Estonia. The first set of data collection was carried out in 2008 and repeated in 2020 using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and in-depth interviews. The results of the quantitative part indicate a significant increase in students’ intrinsic motivation in the subscales of interest/enjoyment and perceived competence, and a slight increase in perceived choice as well as in pressure/tension. The qualitative data reveal clear personal goals, but in some cases weak motives, such as the desire to live in the target country without either being ready to contribute to the academic work or a weakly justified choice of discipline. In addition, some unrealistic expectations emerged, such as being able to work as a professional translator or language teacher immediately after the end of bachelor’s degree. The results indicate relatively poor learning skills, referring to a gap between students' secondary school study habits and expected study habits in university studies. Based on the results several suggestions are made to facilitate university support systems.
Empty Higher Order States in Higher Order Theories of Consciousness
Authors: Elkatip Hatipoglu Sinem
Published: June 2022

According to higher order (HO) theories of consciousness, a mental state is conscious when there is a HO state about it. However, some HO states do not seem to be about other existing mental states. It is possible to resolve this problem since targetless HO states resemble HO states that misrepresent but the assumption that HO states always target other existing mental states is at odds with the theory since HO states are not only necessary but also sufficient for phenomenal consciousness according to the theory. Given the sufficiency of the HO states for consciousness, there is a need to understand the emergence of HO states as a non-random phenomenon to avoid the difficulties caused by targetless HO states. I suggest it is possible to develop such an understanding by thinking of HO states as predictive states in accordance with the predictive processing theory of the mind.
Non-Stupidity Condition and Pragmatics in Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Borstner Bojan , Šetar Niko
Published: June 2022

Symbol Grounding Problem (SGP) (Harnad 1990) is commonly considered one of the central challenges in the philosophy of artificial intelligence as its resolution is deemed necessary for bridging the gap between simple data processing and understanding of meaning and language. SGP has been addressed on numerous occasions with varying results, all resolution attempts having been severely, but for the most part justifiably, restricted by the Zero Semantic Commitment Condition (Taddeo and Floridi 2005). A further condition that demands explanatory power in terms of machine-to-human communication is the Non-Stupidity Condition (Bringsjord 2013) that demands an SG approach to be able to account for plausibility of higher-level language use and understanding, such as pragmatics. In this article, we undertake the endeavour of attempting to explain how merging certain early requirements for SG, such as embodiment, environmental interaction (Ziemke 1998), and compliance with the Z-Condition with symbol emergence (Sun 2000; Tangiuchi et al. 2016, etc.) rather than direct attempts at symbol grounding can help emulate human language acquisition (Vogt 2004; Cowley 2007). Along with the presumption that mind and language are both symbolic (Fodor 1980) and computational (Chomsky 2017), we argue that some rather abstract aspects of language can be logically formalised and finally, that this melange of approaches can yield the explanatory power necessary to satisfy the Non-Stupidity Condition without breaking any previous conditions.
Evaluate the Effectiveness of Information Guide Sheet on Awareness regarding sex education among Adolescents
Authors: P. Sagar , J. Himanshi , S. Jayesh
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Adolescence is tinged with growth, changes, the emergence of a variety of important events and teenagers often face the risk of reproductive health because most have become sexually active. Sex education is defined as a wide program that aims to build a strong foundation for lifelong sexual health by acquiring information and attitudes, beliefs and values about one's identity, relationships and intimacy. Sexual health is considered to be a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity as defined by the WHO. Exposure to general sexual education training in schools or other community centres offers a scientific explanation for one’s changing body and desires. Courses also serve as an effective means to informed sexual decision making in adolescence. Comprehensive sex education, a specific content model, including equal focus on abstinence and family planning, is associated with numerous positive outcomes. Methods: One group pre-test post-test research design study was conducted among 120 adolescents from selected schools using a self structured questionnaires to assess the knowledge regarding sex education or sexual awareness. An information guide sheet was the intervention and unpaired t-test was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: The result showed that the mean post-test knowledge score is 25.29(70.25%) is greater than the mean pre-test knowledge score 10.7(29.72%). The enhancement in the knowledge of participants is 14.59(40.53%) supporting the post-test knowledge score is higher than the pre-test knowledge score. The data further represent that the t-value of 45.59 is significantly higher than the tabular value 2.00 at 0.05 level of significance. Conclusions: The present study concludes that an information guide sheet was significantly effective in increasing the knowledge on awareness regarding sex education among adolescents. The mean difference 14.59 between pre-test and post-test knowledge score of the adolescents was found to be significant.
Nutritional Status and Functional assessment of Anorexia, Cachexia including Quality of life (QoL) in patients with Gastrointestinal Malignancies undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Princy B. Abijah , Lucas Amalorpavamari , Deepa V. Merlin Nancy , S. Vanitha , Angel S. Shiny
Published: June 2022

Malnutrition is an overlooked domain of concern among patients with GI malignancies especially, while undergoing chemotherapy. Poor nutrition deleteriously impacts treatment outcomes, performance status and eventually the QoL. A quantitative descriptive research approach was used to assess the nutritional status and the functional assessment of anorexia/cachexia including QoL among patients with GI malignancies undergoing chemotherapy. A total of 111 adult patients were enrolled using consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected using PGSGA and FAACT questionnaires. The findings revealed that based on PGSGA, 50.5% were moderately and 23.4% were severely malnourished. 73.90% had a PGSGA point score of ≥ 9. Based on SCRINIO classification, 20.7% were symptomatically cachexic and 58.6% were symptomatic precachexic. Hemoglobin was < 11.9g/dL in 63% of patients. 45% had a performance status (ECOG) score of 1. The overall mean FAACT score was moderate (108.6822.82). Statistically significant, strong negative correlation existed between nutritional status and FAACT (r=-0.710, p-0.000). Statistically significant difference was found in the mean nutritional status based on ECOG score (p-0.000), SCRINIO classification (p-0.000), hemoglobin level (p-0.001), BMI (p-0.020), family income (p-0.035) and the duration of last chemotherapy received (p-0.035). Also, statistically significant difference was seen in the mean FAACT score based on ECOG score (p-0.000), SCRINIO classification (p-0.000), family income (p-0.001), hemoglobin level (p-0.004) and BMI status (p-0.030). The study reveals that majority of GI cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are moderately to severely malnourished and have a moderate functional status and QoL. The study emphasizes the critical need for ongoing preemptive nutritional assessment/interventions, improved symptom management and individualized dietary counseling to cancer patients.
A Descriptive Study to assess the knowledge regarding Balanced diet among mothers of pre-schooler in selected areas of kollam
Authors: John Jeena , Xavier Jency , J B Jenisha , Jerome Jereena , Suresh Sheeja
Published: June 2022

The community project undertook was “A descriptive study to assess the knowledge regarding balanced diet among mothers of pre-schooler in selected areas of kollam”. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding balanced diet, to find the association between knowledge on balanced diet among mothers of pre-schoolers and selected demographic variables, the descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted among 100 mothers of preschoolers. In order to assess the knowledge regarding balanced diet among mothers of preschoolers, the study sample was selected by non probability convenient sampling technique. The tool used for data collection consisted of demographic Performa and structured questionnaire. The analysis of the data was based on the objectives of the study using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the present study revealed that there was significant association between knowledge and demographic variable like education of mother and type of family. There is no significant aasociation between age of mother, age of child, gender of children, occupation of mothers, economic status and source of information. Based on the findings the investigator has drawn implications which were of vital concerns in the field of nursing practice, nursing administration, nursing pattern, nursing education for future development.
A Análise Pragmática em diferentes perspectivas
Authors: Albarelli Ana Paula , Santana Katiuscia Cristina
Published: June 2022

Este livro, dedicado à Pragmática, abrange, ao longo de seus 16 capítulos, discussões teóricas, metodológicas, revisões de literatura e análise de dados em diferentes perspectivas, de modo que esperamos que o leitor possa conhecer um pouco mais sobre os estudos pragmáticos.
Book Review. Time Travels in a Bilingual Lyrical Dialogue: Rodica Marian’s and Michaela Mudure’s Book of Poems/Poeme
Authors: Peiu Anca
Published: June 2022

Perhaps we may only come to understand the poems written in our mother tongue after their necessary linguistic defamiliarization, once they are rendered in another language. By this defamiliarizing (re/de)construction, doubled by translation, not only does the reader never get lost, but on the contrary, it is the translator's refreshing vision that deepens the poet's metaphorical meaning. The (memory of the) original poem becomes the new poem, and thus the reader is privileged by a kaleidoscopic view, forever in the (un/re)making, an ever more vivid image of the (same) rainbow light, unpredictably filtered through the other lenses. Poet Rodica Marian and translator Michaela Mudure are thus taking together an introspective trip in time, through the ages (and stages) of poetic conscience. The success of their lyrical dialogue/journey lies in their finding a poetic language of their own, beyond (conventional) linguistic frontiers. If we may regard Marian's verse as a Romanian version of confessional poetry, we must also rely on Mudure's choice of the poems here translated as on an astute, insightful, and scholarly confirmation.
Time and Metaphor in Emily Dickinson and Ana Blandiana
Authors: Peiu Anca
Published: June 2022

For so many years on end, my job of teaching some of the most representative American poets has rendered me nostalgic for my own memories of Romanian poetry, whether classic or contemporary. Especially whenever I have had a chance of teaching Emily Dickinson, I fell under the spell of a special affinity between her short striking poems and those of Ana Blandiana, whom I have devotedly admired as an amateur reader, ever since my adolescence. They both have enchanted me by the same playful tone and (seeming) simplicity of poetic expression while conveying metaphysical messages, by means of the most unexpected imagery, which all correspond to Paul Ricoeur's concept of the "living metaphor". This is why my paper title alludes to Ricoeur's celebrated volumes about The Rule of Metaphor and Time and Narrative, in which I have always found reliable support for approaching the best lively books of poetry and narrative of the entire world literature. I hope I will not fail either my guidance or my purpose here.
The Concentration and Sublimation of Time as Memory in Louise Glück's Poetry
Authors: Tomoiagă Ligia
Published: June 2022

The preoccupation with the mythical time of the world, of humanity, and of each individual's life comes as one of the most powerful poetic tools in Louise Glück's poems. From evoking the foundational times of the Garden of Eden, or the "immutable" hard nut represented by Greek mythology, the poet concentrates whatever may suggest an evolution in time in those initial 'moments'. Her reading of the history of human soul seems to suggest that everything stopped with the first page, or the first words. This study will come with many suggestions of poems that support this vision on Glück's use of memory or anamnesis (ἀνάμνησις) as the only path to understanding humanity.
The Struggle with Irreverent Time in Jamaica Kincaid’s Lucy
Authors: Rosca Florentina
Published: June 2022

Jamaica Kincaid’s lacunary pseudo-autobiography presents Lucy’s first year in exile and dissects its stages to such an extent that the story takes the form of a photographic slideshow. The unnamed city of exile (presumably New York) appears as a palimpsest locale, almost obliterated by Lucy’s invasive and strikingly detailed memories. This incursion of “space past” and “time past’” in the narrative present forecloses an accurate reading of the city. In the end, Lucy becomes well aware of this existential dilemma that suspends her between the past—an unhealed wound and the present—an unknown territory. Almost the entire book depicts the narrator’s efforts to reconcile two dichotomous places: the native island and the city, each with their corresponding temporal segment. The copresence of the “here’ and ‘there’ along with the tension between cyclical and linear time constitute the scope of the present paper.
Administrating and Financing the Health Care System in Bulgaria (1990-2005)
Authors: Vasilev Aleksandar
Published: June 2022

This paper provides an overview of the administration and the financing of the health care system in Bulgaria, starting with the model under communism, and continuing with the transition period.
Antimalarial preference and period prevalence of malaria among students in a University in South-Western, Nigeria
Authors: Omolade Olayinka Okwa  , Chimaroke Ihechukwu Onyeaghala  , Samiat Monisolah Baruwa  , Oluwadamilola Abidemi Olayele  , Adebukola Rahmotallah Sulaimon
Published: June 2022

Malaria is a disease that contributes to low academic performance among students. We investigated the preferred antimalarial drugs and the period prevalence of malaria at exam periods in a University. Structured questionnaires were administered to 120 students who were randomly selected of which 73% were aged 16-25 years. 84% do not use preventive drugs but Fansidar was mostly preferred among 16%. Respondents from Faculties of Science and Social Sciences opted for non-drug preventive measures. The most preferred antimalarial was Amatem (26%) while the least preferred was P-alaxin (0.83%) but 27% preferred injections. 69% did not practice self-medication but 80% used local herbs. The health center records showed that 80% of 146 students tested positive to malaria at exam periods. The prevalence of malaria was higher during exams (83%) than before exams (75 %). Malaria parasitaemia was also higher during exams (47%) than before exams (27%; p<0.05). Female students were more infected than male students before exams (23: 20, p> 0.05) and during exams (41: 33, p< 0.05). Female students had more malaria parasitaemia (26%) than the males before and during exams (26%; 21%, p> 0.05). Therefore, female students should always wear protective clothing and students should use safe and effective mosquito repellants while reading in classes at exam periods in order to avoid mosquito’s bites. Early reporting of malaria and health education on appropriate use of malaria drugs amongst students is recommended. Accessible health services and affordable Artemisinin- based combination therapies should be made available to students especially at exam periods.