bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aesthetic Reconfigurations of the Political during the Pandemic: Group Representations in Covid19 Special Programmes on German Public Television
Authors: Barnickel Christiane , Horst Dorothea
Published: November 2024

We analyse audiovisual media discourse on Covid-19 through the lens of the politicalin order to illustrate how discursive practices establish and reconfigure subject positionsand social orders in times of crisis. Drawing on Jacques Rancière’s understanding of thepolitical, we suggest that these reconfigurations can either stabilise existing (political)communities and power relations, or intervene in what is perceived as ‘normal’.Analytically, we approach these (re)configurations on the level of media-aesthetics (thetangible), language (the utterable) and audiovisual representation (the visible) todemonstrate how a sense of commonality is produced or revised through artistic mediapractice (Richard Rorty).We demonstrate our argument by means of Covid-19 ‘special programmes’ onGerman public television, as they can be considered cultural practices of making situatedsense of a global crisis. By analysing the tangible, the utterable and the visible in thebroadcast from 13 December 2020, our illustrative analysis reveals a constant strugglebetween reconfigurations of the political and stabilisations of (a new) normalcy. Weconclude with a plea for including a media-aesthetic perspective into the analysis of Covid19 discourse as it opens up a more comprehensive (multimodal) idea and experientialdimension of the discursive construction of the pandemic.
CrossFit Participation and Medication Use: Observations from a UK Population Survey
Authors: Redwood-Mills Athalie , Scott Taea , Morris Mhairi , Wilson Jennifer
Published: November 2024

Chronic diseases, responsible for 74% of global mortality, impose a substantial health burden. This study investigates the perceived effects of CrossFit, a form of functional training, on medication use in the UK population. The research aims to provide insights into how CrossFit might relate to medical interventions for individuals with long-term health conditions. The study, encompassing 1,211 UK residents (over 18yrs.) recruited via CrossFit Affiliates, involved a 14-question online survey covering information pertaining to participants’ training background, medication use, medical interventions as well as specific comments relating to the impact of CrossFit on participants overall health. Following engagement in CrossFit training, a 54% reported reduction in medication usage was observed. This included 69 participants discontinuing medication and 82 reporting significantly reducing medication use within the first 6 months. Younger age groups (20-39 years) showed greater medication reduction, with 43% of those aged 20-29 reducing medication by over half and 27% eliminating it entirely. In the 30-39 age group, 29% eliminated medication and 20% reduced it significantly. Older age groups also saw reductions, though less pronounced. A Spearman's rank correlation identified a strong positive correlation between age and reductions to medication usage r(1137) = 0.110, p = 0.001. Further analysis of CrossFit training history indicated that neither CrossFit training age, nor CrossFit training frequency impacted perceptions of medication usage (r(1137) = -0.051, p = 0.085 and r(1137) = -0.043, p = 0.150) suggesting that participants did not need to be experienced or frequent CrossFit participants to experience the perceived benefits when it came to reducing medication use. Antidepressants, asthma inhalers, and painkillers were the most common medications used. Forty percent of all participants also reported fewer medical appointments, with this figure rising to 43% among those who were on medication before starting CrossFit. CrossFit training years and training frequency did not significantly correlate with whether participants reduced medical appointments or not (r(1137) = -0.034, p = 0.248, r(1137) = -0.032, p = 0.275) indicating that neither training history nor frequency impacted the perceived benefits of CrossFit training when associated with medical intervention. Seventy-one respondents reported cancelling or postponing surgeries due to the benefits of CrossFit, of these 55% reported reduced symptoms and 31% reported no longer needing surgery. A chi-squared test was conducted to explore the relationship between session frequency and medication reduction, which suggested a potential association; however, the result was not statistically significant (χ² = 12.72, df = 12.59, p = 0.10). Overall, CrossFit participants reported reduction in medication usage, medical appointments, and surgical intervention needed.
System-Wide, Electronic Health Record–Based Medication Alerts for Appropriate Prescribing of Direct Oral Anticoagulants: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Smith Shawna N , Lanham Michael S M , Seagull F Jacob , Fabbri Morris , Dorsch Michael P , Jennings Kathleen , Barnes Geoffrey
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

While direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have improved oral anticoagulation management, inappropriate prescribing remains prevalent and leads to adverse drug events. Antithrombotic stewardship programs seek to enhance DOAC prescribing but require scalable and sustainable strategies.

OBJECTIVE

We present a pilot, prescriber-level randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of electronic health record (EHR)–based medication alerts in a large health system.

METHODS

The pilot assessed prescriber responses to alerts for initial DOAC prescription errors (apixaban and rivaroxaban). A user-centered, multistage design process informed alert development, emphasizing clear indication, appropriate dosing based on renal function, and drug-drug interactions. Alerts appeared whenever a DOAC was being prescribed in a way that did not follow package label instructions. Clinician responses measured acceptability, accuracy, feasibility, and utilization of the alerts.

RESULTS

The study ran from August 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023. Only 1 prescriber requested trial exclusion, demonstrating acceptability. The error rate for false alerts due to incomplete data was 6.6% (16/243). Two scenarios with alert design and/or execution errors occurred but were quickly identified and resolved, underlining the importance of a responsive quality assurance process in EHR-based interventions. Trial feasibility issues related to alert-data capture were identified and resolved. Trial feasibility was also assessed with balanced randomization of prescribers and the inclusion of various alerts across both medications. Assessing utilization, 34.2% (83/243) of the encounters (with 134 prescribers) led to a prescription change.

CONCLUSIONS

The pilot implementation study demonstrated the acceptability, accuracy, feasibility, and estimates of the utilization of EHR-based medication alerts for DOAC prescriptions and successfully established just-in-time randomization of prescribing clinicians. This pilot study sets the stage for large-scale, randomized implementation evaluations of EHR-based alerts to improve medication safety.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05351749; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05351749
Human Rights Violations in the Development of the Super Priority Tourism Destination Labuan Bajo
Authors: Pahlevi Muhammad Reza
Published: November 2024

Globalization offers various features such as the presence of Global Travel which continues to overgrow. However, Indonesia is still ranked at the bottom of tourist visits that compared to neighboring countries, therefore the Government plans to develop Destinasi Super Prioritas (DSP) or Super Priority Destinations. Labuan Bajo is the only one of the 5 areas that will be created. So, the author is interested in seeing the impact of the development of the DSP area in Labuan Bajo on fulfilling the human rights of the local community. In order to provide the recommendations for solutions to these issues the research method is descriptive qualitative by using the secondary data. To answer the problem formulation, the author uses the thinking framework of Peter M Burns on Tourism and Politics Global Frameworks and Local Realities, and Alyson Brisk on the Introduction: Transnational Threats and Opportunities. The results show that in the process of the Labuan Bajo DSP's social presence, various kinds of human rights violations occurred, starting from the loss of the right to work and obtain food security, the right to private property, the right to do the same before the law, the right to shelter and the environment. These conditions occur because there is a friendship relationship between the Government and Investors through regulatory support to State apparatus so that local communities is becoming the victims of this asymmetric relationship. This condition received resistance from the civil society alliances by using networks, solidarity, and social media.
Research about the Regulation of Environmental Administrative Penalty Discretion
Authors: Yangzong Zhuoma
Published: November 2024

With the rapid development of China’s social economy, environmental problems have become increasingly prominent. The construction of ecological civilization has become the focus of China’s socialist modernization construction. In the face of increasing environmental risks, it is difficult to regulate the exercise of environmental administrative penalty discretion and increase the difficulty of implementing environmental administrative penalty decisions due to the limitations of legislative regulation, negative judicial regulation and weak administrative regulation. Based on the basic theory of discretion in environmental administrative punishment, this paper analyzes the function of discretion in environmental administrative punishment, clarifies the necessity and principle of discretion in environmental administrative punishment, and puts forward the regulation path.
Sobre el rol de la simpatía en la expresión estética: Theódore Jouffroy y Sully Prudhomme
Authors: Hernández Moredo Linet
Published: November 2024

El lugar de la simpatía en la reflexión estética decimonónica es probablemente más prominente y extenso de lo que tradicionalmente han reconocido las historias de la estética. Un interés en recuperar arsenal teórico sobre el tema, que nos estimule a entender mejor las ricas implicaciones de ese fenómeno subjetivo e intersubjetivo para el arte y la comunicación estética en general, en un mundo altamente estetizado, mueve a este artículo. Se busca contribuir a divulgar y reconocer los aportes de dos pensadores de la tradición francesa poco recordados en el ámbito de la estética: Théodore Jouffroy (1796-1842), quien marca una pauta en el ámbito de la reflexión estética sobre la simpatía, y Sully Prudhomme (1839-1907), que propone una teoría de la expresión en las artes fundamentada en la simpatía. Se expone la comprensión de Théodore Jouffroy de lo estético como el ámbito de lo expresivo-simbólico, así como su visión del hecho estético, que integra simpatía y expresión en una relación entre sujeto y objeto. Asimismo, se trata la relación de la simpatía con el placer estético en la visión de este pensador. Seguidamente, se analiza la teoría de Sully Prudhomme sobre la expresión artística. Se argumenta la influencia de Jouffroy en su obra; además, se determinan algunos puntos de contacto y otros en los que Prudhomme se distingue.
Sustainability in Technology and Green IT
Authors: Gupta Sahil
Published: November 2024

For the modern acceleration pace of tech development, especially the sustainability of green IT, significantly relates to it. Green IT refers to the use of resources at the computer machine level in an environmentally friendly way for the minimization of energy usage and carbon emissions as well as adverse impacts on the environment caused by IT-related activities [Murugesan, 2008]. The rising digital services also contribute to increased energy consumption from data center and cloud services, thus emitting more greenhouse gases [Baliga et al., 2011]. The paper deals with renewable energy in IT systems, the recycling of e-waste, sustainable design of a data center, and how computing can be made more energy-efficient [Hanne & Falk, 2010; Khan & Qureshi, 2018]. The study identifies whether practical applications and examples of Green IT solutions show benefits and challenges in real life. Industrial case studies. The study found that despite so much scope for Green IT to reduce the negativity in most developments, Environmental Impact of the IT sector: All these issues, such as high cost, scalability and regulatory, should be reduced [Murugesan, 2008; Berkhout, 2014]. In order to promote sustainability across IT industries, further technological developments and global policy reforms will be essential [Murugesan, 2008; Hanne & Falk, 2010; Khan & Qureshi, 2018].
Encryption and Decryption of Messages using QR and Steganography
Authors: Chaudhary Yash
Published: November 2024

The main motive of this project is to prevent data leak in chat applications. So, to cover a protection for it we are introducing a chat application in which you can share your important details in encrypt and receive in decrypt form which are QR and Image Steganography. For preventing of data leak, we have created an application based on QR code and Image Steganography encryption and decryption where you can chat with a specified person. Whom you want to send the encrypted message through hiding the data inside a verified signature QR code created by my team so that no other QR code app can encrypt the data inside the QR code which is shared inside our app. Here, in this project we will enter confidential information inside a text box that will be visible in app. Then each character of that confidential information will be converted into ASCII equivalent, Then the RSA algorithm will be applied for each value with private key and then generate the code word for the given information by using non-binary RS code, due to this if the QR code is damaged or distorted it is retrieved. The algorithm used for Encryption and Decryption in this application provides using several layers lieu of using only LSB layer of image. Writing data starts from last layer (8st or LSB layer); because significant of this layer is least and every upper layer has doubled significant from its down layer. So, every step we go to upper layer image quality decreases and image retouching transpires. The encrypt module is used to hide information within an image so that no one can view it. This module accepts any image or message and outputs only one image file to the destination. The decrypt module is used to extract information from an image file that is hidden.
Experiencia y satisfacción del paciente con los cuidados de enfermería en el servicio de emergencias
Authors: Sánchez Quispe Diego , Ortiz Romaní Katherine Jenny , Portocarrero Reátegui Teresa , Ortiz Montalvo Yonathan Josué
Published: November 2024

Introducción: La satisfacción del paciente con el cuidado de enfermería es un predictor importante para evaluar la calidad de la atención hospitalaria. Sin embargo, en Perú, la satisfacción y la experiencia del paciente sobre el cuidado de enfermería en el servicio de Emergencias sigue siendo desconocida. Objetivo: Analizar la experiencia y la satisfacción con los cuidados de enfermería percibidas por pacientes hospitalizados en el servicio de emergencia en un hospital de nivel III de Perú. Metodología: Se aplicó el Cuestionario de Calidad del Cuidado de Enfermería que se clasifica en dos dimensiones: experiencia y satisfacción. Las variables independientes fueron factores sociodemográficos y clínicos. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi-cuadrado y la regresión de Poisson para calcular la razón de prevalencia (RP) con un p-valor menor a 0.05. Resultados: De 130 pacientes relevados, el 52,08 % percibió una mala experiencia y el 54,62 % estuvo insatisfecho con los cuidados de enfermería. La edad se asoció con las dimensiones experiencia (RPa: 1.01) y la satisfacción de cuidados de enfermería (RPa: 1.02). Además, el nivel socioeconómico medio-alto (RPa: 0.52) y los días de estancia hospitalaria (RPa: 0.65) se asociaron a una mala satisfacción. Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de los pacientes manifestaron una mala experiencia e insatisfacción con los cuidados recibidos. Esto implica la necesidad de tomar en cuenta las necesidades del paciente hospitalizado en emergencias y gestionar recursos humanos y materiales.
Managing Campus Real Estate in Malaysian Public Universities: The Plausible Role of the CREM Department
Authors: Bakhir Azmah , Nawawi Abdul Hadi , Basrah Noraliza
Published: November 2024

Aside from the real estate sector, all businesses including universities-tend to incorporate CREM knowledge into managing their resources to increase revenues and support their primary business functions. An ideal CREM department in an organisation strives to assist core business operations by aligning its physical resources with its strategic goals and fostering organisational success. The roles of the CREM Department include maximising shareholder wealth through cost minimisation initiatives and leveraging real estate as a competitive enabler to capitalise on setbacks and turn them into opportunities for organisational advantages. This study investigated the existence of CREM portfolios in Malaysian public universities and their current job functions, considering the ideal CREM department from the literature. The study adopts a qualitative approach that involves thematic extraction and analysis of secondary data from the official websites of all 20 public universities. In addition, the investigation was supported by the results from an online survey. The findings suggest that few universities have established an adequate structure for strategically managing campus real estate. Most universities have separate departments responsible for each role, making up an ideal CREM portfolio. Despite being viewed as crucial to the digital revolution of teaching and learning in higher education, the ICT Division is not included in the CREM portfolio. This paper concludes that the CREM Department must be seen as indispensable to the institution and function as a stand-alone business unit that plays a pivotal role in real estate decision-making. A better understanding of CREM knowledge has proven beneficial to organisational success and aids in empowering higher education institutions. Therefore, findings could be significant in directing public universities and government officials to manage campus real estate towards maximising the higher education sector’s overall efficacy.
Explorando las técnicas de doma tradicional en caballos cuarto de milla en la capital del Ariari
Authors: Villamizar Castro Hernando Arturo , Gutierrez Castro Litsy Luciene
Published: November 2024

Contextualización: La interacción entre humanos y caballos ha sido fundamental a lo largo de la historia, siendo la doma tradicional un aspecto crucial en el manejo equino; este estudio, se enfoca en comprender las respuestas de los caballos Cuarto de Milla a las diferentes técnicas o métodos de la doma tradicional empleada en el municipio de Granada Meta. 
Vacío de Conocimiento: A pesar de la relevancia histórica de la doma, existe un vacío en la comprensión detallada de cómo los diferentes métodos empleados durante la doma afectan el bienestar de los caballos, por lo que este estudio contribuye al campo, al explorar estas respuestas y sus implicaciones en el bienestar equino. 
Propósito: El objetivo principal es caracterizar las respuestas de los caballos Cuarto de Milla a distintos métodos usados dentro de la doma tradicional, buscando identificar el impacto de estas prácticas en el comportamiento y bienestar de los equinos. 
Metodología: Se empleó una metodología de investigación cualitativa, utilizando una Checklist diseñada específicamente para este estudio, se obtuvo información complementaria desde referentes antrópicos experimentados y en tiempo real se observaron las respuestas de los caballos a lineamientos como la monta inicial en bruto, uso de riendas sin embocaduras y entrenamiento en libertad. 
Resultados y Conclusiones: Los resultados revelaron variaciones significativas en las respuestas de los caballos a los diferentes métodos usados durante la doma y se observó que el trato suave y respetuoso, el uso de riendas sin embocaduras y las ayudas del talón sin espuelas generó una adaptación más rápida y una menor manifestación de estrés en comparación con otros métodos. Estos hallazgos destacan la importancia de considerar el bienestar animal al emplear diferentes métodos de doma tradicional y resaltan la necesidad de técnicas más suaves y progresivas para mejorar la adaptación de los caballos Cuarto de Milla.
Navigating Climate Policies Amidst the Realities of Rice Self-Sufficiency in Indonesia
Authors: Permana Ariva , Potipituk Chantamon
Published: November 2024

Rice self-sufficiency is a central goal for the Indonesian government,
providing significant political benefits. However, achieving this goal
is challenging due to the heavy reliance of rice production on water
availability, which climate change can significantly alter. Our study
investigates the relationship between Indonesia’s climate change
policies and rice prices, considering the paradox of rice
self-sufficiency. We hypothesize a correlation between climate policy
and rice prices, assuming market forces primarily determine prices. Our
findings reveal an unexpected result: there is no strong, direct
correlation between local climate policy and rice self-sufficiency in
Indonesia. This suggests that the dynamics of rice production and
pricing may be influenced by other factors, particularly government
interventions, warranting further investigation. These insights
highlight the complexities in balancing climate strategies with
agricultural goals in Indonesia.
The impact of vitamin D on breast cancer treatment: Literature review
Authors: Fedosenko Mariia
Published: November 2024

Background: Despite the progress in individualizing breast cancer therapy and achieving success in surgical and systemic treatment, the mortality remains high, which requires the search for new targets that can have a significant direct or indirect contribution to the development and prognosis of this disease. One such factor is vitamin D, which is deficient in most parts of the world, and its serum and receptor status have been extensively studied. Numerous studies have been published on the protective effects of vitamin D on breast cancer and other malignancies, risk of development, and treatment outcomes, in particular, increasing the sensitivity of tumors to systemic therapy, survival, and prognosis. Methods: The authors analyzed and systematized research data on the predictive effect of vitamin D on the prognosis and course of breast cancer, the manifestation of its ?non-classical? effects in preclinical and clinical studies, and assessed the possible practical application of the results obtained at the molecular-cellular level. The results allow us to use vitamin D as an important marker for monitoring the skeletal system?s state during and after breast cancer treatment. In addition, vitamin D and its analogues in combination with other cytostatic drugs can help search for possible new therapeutic targets. Conclusion: The presented results of vitamin D activity associated with the stages of carcinogenesis undoubtedly open up prospects for finding new possibilities for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, creating prospects for further research to improve the prognosis and survival rates for such patients. The studied cytotoxic effects expand the field of clinical research on the ?non-classical? properties of vitamin D and allow the integration of data on a potential antitumor agent for many malignant tumors.
Assessing the adoption and utilization of blockchain technology among software developers
Authors: Stojanovic Tatjana , Lazarevic Sasa , Radenkovic Milos , Naumovic Tamara , Miletic Aleksa
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to assess factors affecting the adoption and utilization of
blockchain technology among developers, extending and adapting the
traditional Technology Acceptance Model. Blockchain technology has become
increasingly popular in the last years, with the number of journal articles
and posts on social media increasing, and many conferences being organized
for sharing knowledge about blockchain, to the point where even news has
started reporting about events in the blockchain world. But still, there
remains the noticeable lag in the growth of blockchain developers relative
to the technology?s recognition. The adapted Technology Acceptance Model is
used to determine how much factors such as perceived usefulness, social
influence and personal engagement affect the intention of IT professionals
to use blockchain-based applications and finally to use blockchain for
development (or to develop it). This research dissects behavioral intention
and usage behavior into two distinct domains: application use and
development engagement, providing a nuanced understanding of developer
interactions with blockchain. Results suggest that social influence
positively affects both personal engagement and interest in blockchain
technology and perceived usefulness. Additionally, while perceived
usefulness and personal engagement strongly motivate the use of
blockchain-based application, they also have, but lesser impact on intention
to use blockchain in development. The interest in using blockchain
applications greatly influences the intention to develop blockchain
technology.
A comprehensive comparative study of machine learning models for predicting cryptocurrency
Authors: Ünvan Yüksel , Ergenç Cansu
Published: November 2024

This study aims to find the best performing model in predicting
cryptocurrencies using different machine learning models. In our study, an
analysis was performed on various cryptocurrencies such as Aave,
BinanceCoin, Bitcoin, Cardano, Cosmos, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Solana, Tether,
Tron, USDCoin and XRP. Decision Trees, Random Forests, KNearest Neighbours
(KNN), Gradient Boost Machine (GBM), LightGBM, XGBoost, CatBoost, Artificial
Neural Networks (ANN), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent
Neural Networks (RNNs) and Short Term Memory networks in Long Comparisons
(LSTM) models were used. The performance of the models is compared with Mean
Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error
(MAE). The study results show that there is no single model that
consistently outperforms others for all cryptocurrencies. Models such as
XGBoost and Random Forests show consistent and strong performance across
different cryptocurrencies, proving their robustness in this particular use
case. Deep learning algorithms, including Convolutional Neural Networks
(CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and Long Short Term Memory Networks
(LSTMs), show significant accuracy in predicting some cryptocurrencies.
Live research dialogue on the benefits, costs and utility of synthetic data for researchers
Authors: Oliver Emily , Lugg-Widger Fiona , Haaker Maureen , Magder Cristina , Gordon Emma
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To explore use cases and characteristics of synthetic data that make it useful for research.
To discuss governance frameworks essential for the routine creation, dissemination, and use of synthetic data.
Drawing on the experience of international participants, explore measures to mitigate risks to data privacy and public perception relating to synthetic data creation and use whilst maximising its utility.

ApproachPresenters provided context and insights on definitions and interpretations of synthetic data, including debates about fidelity and disclosure risk; known benefits of synthetic data and use cases; and its costs and challenges from the perspective of data owners, data providers and the public. This informed discussions in breakout groups aligned to the objectives. Participants self-identified as data service providers/processors, academic researchers, data owners, and/or ‘other’.
Results

Characteristics identified as important across a variety of use cases included accessibility, structure and format to match the real data, and documentation.
The most popular measure to mitigate risks was clear and detailed documentation (metadata, codebooks, user guides, limitations, creation methods etc).
Training was identified as an important benefit and use case of synthetic data across the participant groups.
The most popular challenge identified by data service providers/processors and ‘other’ was lack of governance and standards; whilst for researchers, this was the verification of the synthetic data and the potential for it to be incorrectly interpreted.

ConclusionsThere is a demand across stakeholder groups for synthetic data for a range of uses. Synthetic datasets should be accompanied by clear and detailed documentation and provided within an agreed governance framework.
PSICÓLOGO ESCOLAR NA EDUCAÇÃO INCLUSIVA NA PERSPECTIVA DO PROFESSOR
Authors: Oriá Rafaele Lima Batista , Matos Tereza Gláucia Rocha
Published: November 2024

Realizou-se uma revisão narrativa, com o objetivo de investigar como os professores percebem o trabalho do psicólogo escolar com estudantes que apresentam alguma deficiência. Formulou-se a pergunta norteadora com base no método PICO, que indaga: Quais as percepções dos professores em relação ao trabalho do psicólogo escolar com os estudantes com deficiências? A busca por artigos científicos foi restrita aos últimos cinco anos e realizada na base de dados Scielo, através do Portal de Periódicos CAPES e Google Acadêmico. A análise dos resultados identificou pontos de convergência e divergência entre os estudos, bem como lacunas na literatura. Os textos destacam o papel do psicólogo escolar no apoio aos estudantes, desenvolvendo intervenções e capacitações com os professores. Os psicólogos educacionais, nesse contexto, confrontam-se diariamente com uma série de desafios, buscando alinhar-se às expectativas dos professores, diretores e da própria comunidade escolar.
Method for quantitative assesment of gut microbiota: a comparative analysis of 16S NGS and qPCR
Authors: Zlobovskaya OA , Kurnosov AS , Sheptulina AF , Glazunova EV
Published: November 2024

Recently, considerable commercialization of services for quantification of gut microbiota aimed to diagnose dysbiosis, the microbial imbalance, is observed. In the context of growing interest to the personalized approaches in medicine and preventive therapy, the diagnosis of dysbiosis is becoming increasingly important. The results of such screening are used to adjust guidelines on correction of the diet, lifestyle modification, or, where necessary, drug therapy prescription. Such assessment requires a reliable and accurate method for evaluation of microbiota, since validity of further recommendations and therapeutic interventions depends on the quality of the data obtained. The paper reports the main aspects of the two approaches used for microbiota quantification: 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing (16S NGS) and real-time PCR (qPCR). The strengths (from our perspective) and weaknesses of the approaches are also provided.
Vybor metoda kolichestvennoj ocenki mikrobioty kishechnika: sravnitel'nyj analiz 16S NGS i PCR-RV
Authors: Злобовская О. А. , Курносов А. С. , Шептулина А. Ф. , Глазунова Е. В.
Published: November 2024

V poslednee vremya nablyudaetsya znachitel'naya kommercializaciya uslug po kolichestvennoj ocenke mikrobioty kishechnika s cel'yu diagnostiki disbioza — narusheniya mikrobnogo balansa. V usloviyah rastushchego interesa k personalizirovannym podhodam v medicine i profilakticheskoj terapii diagnostika disbioza priobretaet vse bol'shee znachenie. Rezul'taty podobnogo skrininga ispol'zuyut dlya rekomendacij po korrektirovke pitaniya, izmeneniyu obraza zhizni ili, pri neobhodimosti, naznacheniya medikamentoznogo lecheniya. Dlya podobnoj ocenki neobhodim nadezhnyj i tochnyj metod ocenki mikrobioty, poskol'ku ot kachestva poluchennyh dannyh zavisit korrektnost' posleduyushchih rekomendacij i terapevticheskih vmeshatel'stv. V stat'e rassmotreny osnovnye aspekty dvuh podhodov, primenyaemyh dlya kolichestvennoj ocenki mikrobioty, — vysokoproizvoditel'nogo sekvenirovaniya gena 16S rRNK (16S NGS) i PCR v real'nom vremeni (PCR-RV), a takzhe predstavleny ih sil'nye, na nash vzglyad, i slabye storony.
The use of financial mathematics from a freirean view in teaching exponenntial function
Authors:   University States of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Marta Aparecida Serpa
Published: November 2024

This research proposes the development of educational materials as an educational product for teaching exponential functions in the 1st year of high school, focusing on financial mathematics from a Freirian perspective. It aims to bring real-world problems into the classroom, providing students with an authentic environment for applying their knowledge, enabling them to understand and apply what has been developed in class in everyday situations. The proposal offers an alternative to the traditional teaching of this content, aiming for a learning environment that builds connections with the world in which the student is situated. The materials created will be available in an institutional repository under a Creative Commons license and will be evaluated through qualitative and quantitative questionnaires answered by research participants, as well as through the researcher’s observations. The choice to work with financial education, incorporating situations that are part of the students’ real-world experiences, in teaching this specific content, aims to overcome the difficulties that students often encounter in understanding it through traditional methods, providing alternatives for teachers in teaching this content.
Bezděk’s melodrama Danced like the devil and possibilities of its interpretation
Authors:   National Museum – Czech Museum of Music, Věra Šustíková ,   Academy of Performing Arts in Prague
Published: November 2024

The contribution deals with the issue of interpretation possibilities of one specific work, and in the case of melodrama it is a two-stage interpretation. The composer already performs the first interpretation of the text with his music. Interpreters must therefore respect his concept of the text set to music, which can be objectively ascertained by comparing the analysis of the text and its setting to music. Despite the learned respect for the intention of the composer, individual interpretive creations can in the end differ considerably, especially in the interpretation of the textual component, into which the reciter also brings his specific attitude, experience, etc.
New chapter for the South African Heart® Journal
Authors: Meel Ruchika
Published: November 2024

I hope this message finds you well. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Editor of the SA Heart® Journal. I am truly honoured to take on this role and contribute to the advancement of cardiovascular research in our community. On behalf of the SA Heart® board I would like to thank the outgoing editorial team for their contributions to SA Heart® Journal. I look forward to collaborating with the esteemed editorial team and authors to uphold the Journal’s reputation for excellence. Together, I believe we can foster impactful research and insights that will benefit our readers and to the cardiology field.
Prison Reform and Persistent Risks to Prison Living Conditions:
Evidence from Romania
Authors:   Researcher, PhD,
Research Institute for Quality of Life, Bucharest, Romania, ILIE Simona , MIHAIU Simona ,   Researcher, PhD,
Research Institute for Quality of Life, Bucharest, Romania
Published: November 2024

In recent years, some European countries have implemented prison reform to align prison environments with international human rights standards. However, some countries, such as Romania, have systematically failed to meet these standards and faced sanctions. This study explores the aspects of the Romanian prison environment frequently identified as non-compliant during two decades of reform. Characteristics of the living space, hygiene, social density, and relationships were observed in a survey in four large penitentiary units. The units varied in detention regimes, building characteristics, and monitoring frequency. Two aspects emerged as very important for the quality of prison life: the need to improve the built environment (as it can be aged, degraded and not up to the required standards) and the importance of its governance.
Dakwah Media Radio Jakarta Islami Center (JIC) di Era Digital
Authors: Choiri Moh. Amir , Yosepin Pipin
Published: November 2024

The development and advancement of today's technological world have helped overcome various obstacles in life.  In the digital era, the fulfilment of information needs is a necessity that cannot be denied. Da'wah through radio media radio owned by the DKI Jakarta government is one of the radios that broadcast Islamic da'wah.  Radio as a broadcasting media also has a role in its da'wah mission. Like Radio Jakarta Islamic Center by implementing da'wah programs in its broadcast content. It's broadcast content. This writing aims to describe the role of da'wah through JIC radio media in the digital era. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with interviewing informants including the head of the JIC radio da'wah program, the head of JIC radio, and two JIC radio broadcasters.JIC, and two JIC radio broadcasters. The data analysis technique is carried out by the results showed that the role of JIC radio media da'wah in the digital era is increasingly enhanced following the development of the JIC radio program. The digital era is increasingly being improved by following technological developments and the use of social media such as YouTube and others. Radio JIC uses some creative strategies when there is media convergence to improve the quality of broadcasters and can to improve the quality of broadcasters and can strive for broadcasters to present material well.
Keywords: Digital Era, Da'wah, Media Convergence, Radio JIC
Impact of weather conditions on labours’ productivity in the Nigerians’ construction industry
Authors: Usman Nuruddeen , Alaloul Wesam Salah , Turse Sati Daniel , Musarat Muhammad Ali
Published: November 2024

Weather is almost inevitable and plays an important role in determining the duration of construction projects. The construction industry ultimately thrives upon the physical input, put in by the labours. The majority of the construction projects are executed in the outdoor environment and hence face a high impact of weather conditions. This study therefore evaluated the influence of weather conditions on construction workers’ productivity in Jos, Plateau State and proceeded to make recommendations geared towards the improvement of construction workers’ productivity in Jos. The study was conducted through the direct observation method. Three hundred and ninety-six (396) works were purposively sampled in selected working sites. The outcome shows that during dry weather, there was considerably less significant productivity of manual excavation. In contrast, a large increase in blockwork and plasterwork productivity was observed with a percentage difference of 33%, 56.3% and 61%, respectively. On the other hand, during wet weather conditions, the labour productivity for manual excavation increases, whereas it decreases for block work and plasterwork with percentages difference of 58%, 40% and 47%, respectively. Besides, relative humidity and wind speed have no impact on labours’ productivity in dry and wet weather. Besides, the temperature has the most decisive impact on workers’ productivity. Moreover, wind speed and humidity have a lower influence on workers’ productivity. The construction industry stakeholder in Jos, Nigeria, would benefit from this study’s recommendations for reducing the influence of weather on the building sector. Besides, the output can be extended to other regions having similar characteristics.
OWA operators in the insurance industry
Authors: Harmati István Á. , Kovács Norbert , Fülep Dávid , Koppány Krisztián
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we examine a possible application of ordered weighted average (OWA for short) aggregation operators in the insurance industry. Aggregation operators are essential tools in decision-making when a single value is needed instead of a couple of features. Information aggregation necessarily leads to information loss, at least to a specific extent. Whether we concentrate on extreme values or middle terms, there can be cases when the most important piece of the puzzle is missing. Although the simple or weighted mean considers all the values there is a drawback: the values get the same weight regardless of their magnitude. One possible solution to this issue is the application of the so-called Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operators. This is a broad class of aggregation methods, including the previously mentioned average as a special case. Moreover, using a proper parameter (the so-called orness) one can express the risk awareness of the decision-maker. Using real-life statistical data, we provide a simple model of the decision-making process of insurance companies. The model offers a decision-supporting tool for companies.
Exploring the conflict management of international students at a Hungarian University based on the Thomas-Kilmann model
Authors: Rudnák Ildikó , Barczi András , Bajkai-Tóth Katinka , Garamvölgyi Judit
Published: November 2024

While some conflict can serve as a more sophisticated stimulus to student achievement, significant or unresolved conflict can delay or even frustrate even the best-planned curriculum. The aim of our study is to get a clear picture of the conflicts with whom and to what extent the international students studying on our campuses have conflicts that affect their performance, and how they can manage them. In our study, based on a questionnaire survey (n = 480), we revealed that the international students at our university have the most conflicts with other foreign students, and the least with Hungarians, including their teachers. On the other hand, we found that according to the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Instrument, they solve their problems by the Compromising and Accommodating style. The results obtained by detailed socio-demographic aspects show significant differences, mainly between gender, age, and country groups. Knowledge of the revealed facts and connections can offer conscious and careful solutions to understand and reduce tensions, and this can improve the understanding and management of conflict in the classroom, in collaborative projects, and even in non-teaching environments on campuses.
Influence of knowledge development and technological innovation on regional progress in Shanghai
Authors: Cai Wei , Jusoh Sufian , Rahman Radin Siti Aishah Radin A. , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Siya
Published: November 2024

This study examines the impact of education quality and innovative activities on economic growth in Shanghai through international trade and fixed asset formation. The study examines how higher education quality and innovation activities drive regional economic growth, with a focus on the mediating effects of international trade and fixed asset formation in Shanghai. The study adopts a quantitative approach utilizing panel data from 31 provinces in China covering the period from 1999 to 2022. The study incorporates variables such as education quality, innovation capacity, and GDP per capita, as well as control variables like labor, capital, and infrastructure. The methodology involves multiple regression models and robustness tests to verify the relationships between and effects of education quality and innovation with regard to economic growth. This study analyzes the direct and indirect effects of university R&D expenditure and innovation on economic growth using a regression model, based on data from 2014 to 2022 in relation to Shanghai. The model introduces variables such as international trade, capital formation, and urbanization to analyze the relationship between higher education quality and economic growth.
Compressive behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete strengthened with CFRP strips after exposure to temperature environments
Authors: Abadel Aref A. , Alharbi Yousef R.
Published: November 2024

Reinforced concrete constructions are extremely vulnerable to fire damage over their lifespan. Despite its non-flammability, concrete is nonetheless affected by fire exposure, which impacts its stress–strain characteristics and durability. Therefore, developing strengthening methods is an economical option compared to the costs of demolishing and rebuilding constructions. This article aims to experimentally and numerically examine the strengthening of fiber-reinforced concrete cylinders by using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips after exposure to 600°C. Four different concrete mixtures have been investigated. A total of 48 cylinders were subjected to axial compression testing. The testing program primarily focused on three variables: (i) exposure temperature (600°C); (ii) the effect of using various types of fibers (steel fiber, polypropylene, and hybrid fibers); and (iii) CFRP strengthening. Finite element (FE) models were created using the ABAQUS program to conduct numerical analysis of concrete cylinders in exposure to heating scenarios and strengthen them with CFRP strips. The results show that when subjected to a temperature of 600°C, the compressive strength decreased significantly, ranging from 23.7 to 53.3%. The presence of fibers significantly impacted compressive strength, regardless of the fiber type, leading to an enhanced ratio of up to 34.7% in comparison to the control cylinders (i.e., unheated and unstrengthened cylinders). The suggested strengthening procedures using CFRP strips effectively repaired the heat-damaged cylinders, surpassing the initial compressive strength of unheated cylinders. The FE prediction shows satisfactory, consistent results in comparison to experimental data.
Flexural behavior of precast concrete-filled steel tubes connected with high-performance concrete joints
Authors: Abadel Aref A. , Baktheer Abedulgader , Emara Mohamed , Ghallah Mohammed , Hamoda Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Precast concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns with connection joints are widely used in building structures, yet research on their flexural behavior when connected with various high-performance concrete (HPC) types is limited. This study presents experimental investigations on precast circular CFST columns subjected to flexural loading until failure. These CFST columns, encased in galvanized steel sheets (GSSs), are connected using HPC joints. Two types of HPC joints were tested: an engineered cementitious composite (ECC) and an ultra-high fiber reinforced concrete (UHFRC). Additionally, the study was conducted varying the development length of the reinforcement/concrete filler joint to 150, 200, and 300 mm. Results indicated that increasing the development length of the reinforcement and the connecting concrete joint enhances both the cracking resistance and load-bearing capacity of slender precast CFST columns with an intermediate joint. Moreover, the combination of GSSs with ECC and UHFRC connections enhances the load-bearing capacity, demonstrating performance comparable to that of a typical precast normal concrete control column without an intermediate connection. The experimental results revealed that ECC and UHFRC connections increased the performance by 11 and 17%, respectively, compared to the control column. Additionally, doubling the development length of the ECC joint improved the cracking force, ultimate force, elastic stiffness, and energy absorption by 20, 15, 133, and 64%, respectively, while UHFRC connections showed improvements of 10, 10, 82, and 94%, respectively.