bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Perianal Pathology in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery. A Prospective, Multicentre Study With 12-month Follow-up.
Authors: Ferrer-Márquez Manuel , García-Redondo Manuel , Fernández-Alonso Ana Maria , Rubio-Gil Francisco , Acín-Gándara Débora , Vidaña-Marquez Elisabet , Belda-Lozano Ricardo , Reina-Duarte Ángel José
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Bariatric surgery provides good weight-loss results over the medium to long term, improving a significant number of comorbidities. Benign anal pathology is common; in addition, obesity is part of the pathophysiology of some of these diseases.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe and analyse benign anal pathology in patients affected by obesity who are candidates for bariatric surgery, as well as to assess its evolution after 12 months following weight-loss surgery.
Methodology: A descriptive, prospective, multicentre study was designed. Seventy patients who were candidates for bariatric surgery were included. At first contact, initial descriptive variables (weight, BMI, etc.) were collected, a perianal examination was performed, and quality-of-life questionnaires (SF12v2, HEMO-FISS-QoL) were completed. The second contact took place 12 months after surgery, in which the variables and questionnaires were again recorded.
Results: At 12 months from the intervention, a significant decrease in both the prevalence of symptomatic internal haemorrhoids and external haemorrhoids (p<0.001) was observed. The mean number of acute hidradenitis suppurativa flare-ups decreased significantly, to 0.22 over the preceding 6 months (p<0.001). Quality of life improved significantly, both generally and in relation to perianal pathology.
Conclusion: Patients who underwent bariatric surgery using restrictive and hypoabsorptive techniques showed an improvement in their perianal pathology, as well as a significant improvement in their quality of life. To consolidate these results more studies are required that encompass a larger number of patients and a longer evolution period.
Boiling Histotripsy Combined with Anti-SIRPα Ab Enhances Immunomodulation in YUMM1.7 Melanoma
Authors: Chandrasekar Sri Vidhya , Singh Akansha , Chamani Faraz , Ranjan Ashish
Published: September 2024

Focused ultrasound-based histotripsy (HT) rapidly lyses tumor cells and releases antigens, stimulating anti-tumor immunity. However, SIRPα-CD47 interactions inhibit macrophage-mediated phagocytosis, reducing efficacy. We hypothesized that combining HT with an anti-SIRPα antibody (anti-SIRPα Ab) would enhance immune response and treatment efficacy. In mice with poorly immunogenic YUMM1.7 tumors, the combination of HT and anti-SIRPα Ab significantly reduced tumor growth compared to monotherapies, increased antigen-presenting cells, enhanced CD8 T cell infiltration, and decreased immunosuppressive cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes. These findings suggest HT combined with anti-SIRPα Ab could improve outcomes against poorly immunogenic tumors.
Patterns of extinction across Hawaiian Lepidoptera offer lessons from a diverse, neglected, and vulnerable endemic fauna
Authors: Austin Kyhl , Rubinoff Daniel
Published: September 2024

Although insects make up the overwhelming majority of the described life on Earth, virtually nothing is known about the conservation status for all but the most charismatic taxa (i.e., butterflies, dragonflies) and many are at risk of imminent extinction. Given that island faunas are particularly vulnerable to extinction, we examined the conservation status of all 935 described species of native Lepidoptera in Hawaiʻi as a model to better understand levels of threat in poorly-known groups and how their rates of extinction might warrant actions to conserve them and inform future management. Using 100- and 50-year cut-offs for the time since each species was last recorded, we consider 269 species (28.8%) to be “presumed extinct,” 85 species (9.1%) to be “possibly extinct,” and 581 species (62.1%) to be “extant” or “likely extant,” giving an extinction rate of 37.9%. Baseline data such as these are crucial in establishing which taxa persist and which lineages may be most vulnerable to extinction in the immediate future. Continued field surveys and identification of museum specimens are critical to more precisely quantify extinction rates, focusing on taxa requiring the most immediate conservation action, and may result in the rediscovery of some “extinct” species. We discuss discrepancies in extinction rates across taxa and between islands as well as summarizing major threats and obstacles to protecting the Hawaiian Lepidoptera fauna going forward. Conservation specifically geared towards Hawaiian Lepidoptera is almost non-existent, which is inconsistent with the extreme rarity and high rates of extinction across many lineages.
Accelerometry-measured Physical Activity and Determinants in PE classes of Fourth-Grade Primary school students in China
Authors: Li Meibing , Qian Zhangzhi , Tian Chong , Han XiaoYan , Guo Haonan , Guo Haixia , Li Hongjuan
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Physical education (PE) classes provide opportunities for students to meet recommended daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study aimed to explore PA levels and determinants in PE among Chinese fourth-grade primary school students.
Methods
This cross-sectional study recruited 195 Grade 4 children (49.2% boys; aged 12 to 13 years). Accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X) were used to measure PA in PE. Physical fitness (PF) was measured by professional PE teachers during PE lessons from October 10 to October 20, 2020, following the Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standard (CNSPFS) guidelines, as established by the Ministry of Education. Students' body mass index (BMI) and fitness scores were calculated and evaluated from their PF test. We observed 10 PE lessons and recorded lesson contents. Independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to compare the differences in PA between genders, weight statuses, and PF scores among the students. The multiple linear regression model (MLR) was developed to identify the influencing factors that influence the PA levels of boys and girls enrolled in PE classes.
Results
Within 40 minutes of each PE class, children averagely accumulated 6.69 ± 4.05 minutes MVPA, equaling 16.73% of PE time. Boys were more active than girls (%MVPA: Boys 18.95%, Girls 14.56%; %Sedentary Behaviour: Boys 42.44%, Girls 49.29%; P < 0.01). MVPA was significantly affected by teaching content (Boys β = 0.613, P < 0.001; Girls β = 0.837, P < 0.001). PF (Boys β = 0.113, P = 0.246; Girls β = 0.093, P = 0.196) and BMI (Boys β=-0.069, P = 0.474; Girls β=-0.029, P = 0.690) did not significantly affect MVPA in PE.
Conclusion
The percentage of MVPA in PE was much lower than the proposed standards (50%). Teaching content significantly affects the MVPA level of elementary school students, especially for girls. PF and BMI did not significantly affect MVPA in PE. In China, there is an urgent need to design contents for improving MVPA in PE.
Mitochondrial genomes of Meghimatium pictum and Succinea arundinetorum provide insight into the gene order rearrangement within Stylommatophora (Gastropoda, Panpulmonata)
Authors: Wang Gang , Yin Chijie , Zhu Ying , Ji Qiuting , Tang Jun , Sun Xiaoli , Chen Hao , Sun Zijun , Liu Qiuning , Tang Boping , Chen Lianfu , Zhang Daizheng
Published: September 2024

In this study, we report the whole mitochondrial genomes of two species, Meghimatium pictum and Succinea arundinetorum, which belong to Stylommatophora, one of the most abundant orders of Gastropoda. The total sizes of M. pictum and S. arundinetorum mitogenomes are 14,352 bp and 15,282 bp, with surprisingly biased proportions of A + T contents that reach to 72.1% and 76.78%, respectively. The protein coding genes (PCGs) in two mitogenomes show negative AT skew values and evolved primarily under purifying selection. Compared with the ancestor of stylommatophora, the mitochondrial genes of M. pictum exhibited multiple rearrangement events while the mitochondrial genes of S. arundinetorum showed only minor differences. Moreover, the order of PCGs were conserved while the tRNA genes showed high frequency of rearrangement among the stylommatophoran species, suggesting that the latter could be one of the major driving forces of mitogenomic evolution in terrestrial molluska species. Our research lays a theoretical foundation for investigating the evolution and divergence of mitochondrial genes and provides valuable resources for studying evolutionary genetics in stylommatophoran species.
Association of Socio-demographic and Decision Making Factors with the unmet need of family planning among Married Women in Madi Municipality, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Rochana , Shah Rajani , Baral Yojana , Malla Dinesh Kumar , Thapa Kanchan
Published: September 2024

Background
Sustainable Development Goal of Nepal targets universal access to family planning (FP) services and increasing the contraceptive prevalence rate to 75% by 2030. Despite continuous efforts from the government of Nepal in the FP sector, the prevalence of unmet need for FP is high. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and decision-making factors associated with the unmet need for FP among married women of reproductive age.
Methods
This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Madi municipality, Chitwan, Nepal. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 218 married women of reproductive age using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyse the data.
Results
Nearly half (47%) were age group 25–34, 58% lived in nuclear families, 76% belonged to advantaged ethnic groups, majority of respondents (67%) and their husbands (75%) had at least secondary education. Most women (59%) were involved in agriculture, while most husbands (44%) were in foreign employment. Participants (91.3%) have heard about Depo-Provera. The overall unmet need for FP was 38%. Respondents whose husbands were involved in foreign employment were more likely [aOR: 4.408; CI: 2.068–9.399] to have an unmet need for FP than those employed within the country. The likelihood of the unmet need was higher [aOR: 3.212; CI: 1.368–8.135] among couples who did not discuss using FP methods compared to those who discussed three or more times. Women with up to two children [aOR: 5.212; CI: 1.163–23.363] and three or more children [aOR: 8.758; CI: 1.691–45.355] were more likely to have a higher unmet need for FP than women without a child.
Conclusion
A significant proportion of women had an unmet need for FP. Intervention should focus on addressing the FP needs of migrants and their spouses, promoting spousal discussion on FP and counselling on the treatment as well as side effects of contraceptives. Furthermore, empowering women would enable them in the decision-making process and in accessing FP services.
Responses of rhizosphere microbial communities and resource competition to soil amendment in saline and alkaline soils
Authors: Chang Doudou , Lu Xiaoyu , Sun Yan , Fan Hua , Wang Kaiyong
Published: September 2024

Background and aims
Soil amendments have been widely applied in the remediation of saline soil and the improvement of crops resistance to external stresses. However, the responses of soil microbial community composition, structure, function, and resource competition strategy to soil amendment in saline and alkaline soil remain unclear.
Methods
A barrel experiment was performed in a cotton field to explore the effects of soil amendment on soil microbial life history strategies under simulated saline and alkali stresses during cotton flowering stage.
Results
The results showed that saline and alkali stresses disrupted soil microbial succession and altered rhizosphere soil micro-environment. However, after the application of amendment in saline soil, the abundance of dominant bacteria (Subgroup_17) and fungi (Mortierella, Chaetomium), soil metabolic functions (biosynthesis of amino acids and fatty acid), soil K+ content and Si/N ratio significantly increased, while soil Na+ content and electrical conductivity (EC) significantly reduced. After the application of amendment in alkaline soil, the abundance of dominant soil bacteria (Aeromicronium, Rokubacteriales, RB41) and fungi (Mycosphaeralla, Aspergillus), phenylalanine metabolise and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways soil K+/Na+ ratio, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, and Si/N ratio significantly increased, while soil Na+ content, pH, and Si/C ratio significantly decreased.
Conclusions
Application of soil amendment could significantly increased soil nutrient content,the formation of different life cycle strategies of soil microorganisms, so as to alleviate the saline stress and alkali stress. This study provides reference for alleviating the saline and alkaline stresses to cotton by influencing key soil microorganisms using soil amendment.
Unlocking the Walnut Genetic Resources in Northeastern Iran for Late-Leafing and Nut Quality
Authors: Hamidirad Maryam , Nikpendar Amirhossein , Sheikhi Abdollatif , Sarikhani Saadat , Vahdati Kourosh , Roozban Mahmoud Reza , Ghahramanzadeh Sara
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to exploit the genetic diversity of walnut populations in Joveyn region, Northeastern Iran. Phenological and pomological characteristics of 135 out of 500 genotypes were evaluated for two consecutive years (2021–2022) based on UPOV and IPGRI descriptors. The results showed that nut and kernel weight and kernel percentage ranged between 6.81–17.29 g, 3.06–8.24 g, and 38–59%, respectively. The highest nut weight belonged to genotype 21KH-JC14 with an average of 16.88 g, while the lowest belonged to genotype 21KH-A88 with an average of 6.99 g, over two years. The highest kernel weight was recorded for genotype 21KH-JC16 with an average of 8.78 g over two years, while the lowest kernel weight with an average weight of 2.3 g belonged to genotype 21KH-A88. The budbreak date of the earliest and the latest genotypes were 1 and 17 days after the reference standard, respectively. The harvest date of the earliest and the latest genotypes, were 2 and 15 days after the reference standard, respectively. Based on the results of the two-year phenotypic evaluation, according to leafing date, yield, lateral bearing, nut weight, and kernel quality, five genotypes, including 21KH-JC1, 21KH-JC9, 21KH-A94, 21KH-BK66, and 21KH-J131, were selected as the superior genotypes and were re-evaluated for phenotypic evaluation. The nut weight, kernel weight and percentage of the selected superior genotypes ranged between 14.87–16.45 (g), 7.43–8.4 (g), and 47-51.09 percent, respectively. These genotypes had desired shell thickness with large nut size and light kernel color which was easily removed from the shell. Overall, these selected superior genotypes can be used in further field trials and walnut breeding programs.
Electron acceleration via vacuum bubble field in Laguerre Gaussian laser
Authors: Wang Wenpeng , Lv Zhengxing , Sun Fengyu , Shi Zhiyong , Lu Xiaoming , Li Jinfeng , Xu Rongjie , Liang Xiaoyan , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin , Xu Zhizhan
Published: September 2024

Enhancing the flux, brightness, and density of energetic electron beams is crucial for applications such as ultrafast electron diffraction, fast ignition in confined fusion, and free-electron lasers. Laser Wakefield Acceleration (LWFA) has demonstrated potential for accelerating collimated electrons up to 10 Giga-electron volts in 'bubble-like' plasma channels. However, its reliance on the plasma environment constrains the enhancement of acceleration stability and gradients. In contrast, Direct Laser Acceleration (DLA) does not depend on plasma and can achieve efficient acceleration with traditional Gaussian lasers. Nonetheless, traditional DLA often results in uncertain and divergent electron beams due to the ponderomotive force of the Gaussian laser. To overcome these limitations, our proof-of-principle experiments achieved collimated acceleration using a left circularly polarized Laguerre Gaussian (LG) laser in a DLA mechanism. Studies revealed that a novel vacuum bubble field formed by the LG laser is critical in simultaneously concentrating and accelerating electrons. This vacuum bubble field mechanism integrates the advantages of both traditional DLA and LWFA, offering significant benefits for applications such as particle collimation, high-flux particle sources, and coherent radiation sources in new relativistic regimes.
Genetic Diversity Analysis of the Innovative Black Rice RILs Developed by Interspecific Hybridization (O. sativa x O. rufipogon) Based on Agromorphology and Grain Quality
Authors: Roy Subhas Chandra , Shil Pankaj
Published: September 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important staple grain because more than half of the world's population depends on it for their livelihood. White rice contributes to the daily caloric intake (20–40%) of Asian countries, but its nutritional quality is poor compared to that of pigmented rice. Pigmented rice varieties (black and red) are gaining popularity among consumers due to nutritional health benefits. Despite having nutritional importance, pigmented rice is usually low-yielding due to the narrow genetic base that occurred during domestication and artificial selection. Considering the potentials of wild rice, two distinct RIL populations (each 100 lines) were developed through interspecific hybridization BWF (Badshabhog x O. rufipogon) and CWF (Chenga x O. rufipogon) to break the yield plateaus. In the present study, we have created novel and inventive aromatic black lines from non-black parental lines. Significant genetic diversity prevailed in the RIL lines, which were assessed through genetic variability parameters, path coefficient, Mahalanobis D2 test, and PCA using 15 agromorphological traits. High heritability (>90%), high GA and GAM were found in RIL lines, suggesting additive gene action for the characteristics. The first four principal components together accounted for 73.74% of the variability in BWF, and the first six PCs showed 71.90% cumulative variability in CWF (eigenvalue >1). Total anthocyanin content was varying at 261 mg/100 g, 253 mg/100 g, and 259 mg/100 g in BW23, CW16, and control black, respectively. The DPPH activity was highest in BWF (78.37%) compared to control black (76.29%). Amylose content varies from 7.57 to 24.59%, and protein content was recorded at 8.76 to 8.81 g/100 g in the RIL lines. RIL lines (BW23, CW16) contain high-quality essential amino acids, including anthocyanin petunidin 3-O glucoside, quantified through HR-LCMS-QTOF. The Kala4 gene-specific PCR amplification product supports the acquired mutation with neo-functionalization activity through LINE1 insertional rearrangement near the Kala4 promoter, suggesting that the Kala4 gene is activated in black lines. Moreover, the RIL lines may provide some insight into the evolutionary and domestication history of black rice origin and can be used as important genetic resources for improving black rice for food and nutritional security.
Bioelectrochemical Intercalation for Scalable Lithium Recovery
Authors: okamoto akihiro , Shimokawa Kohei , Pham Duyen Minh , Teah Heng Yi , Long Xizi , Kikuchi Yasunori
Published: September 2024

The escalating demand for large-scale rechargeable batteries to achieve sustainability goals underscores the urgent need to secure Li metal from diverse sources 1-3. Intercalation materials offer promise for selective and efficient electrochemical recovery from various sources, but the requirement of electrodes in driving intercalation reactions presents challenges for scale-up 4-6. Herein, we introduce a biologically driven method for electrochemical Li recovery, utilizing a combination of intercalation nanomaterials and dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria, specifically Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. This method couples bacterial metabolic hydrocarbon oxidation with Li intercalation into λ-MnO₂, achieving rates and selectivity comparable to electrode-based methods across different Li concentrations. Over 95% of Li was recovered from seawater within hours, with less than 1% co-intercalation of other metal ions. The efficacy of this reaction is maintained across scales by the autonomous formation of microbe/λ-MnO₂ agglomerates, in which extracellular and cell-surface cytochromes facilitate efficient electron transfer. Comprehensive techno-economic and life-cycle analyses for Li₂CO₃ production indicate that our method outperforms conventional evaporative processes, reducing on-site Li source water loss by two orders of magnitude without increasing costs. Our scalable bioelectrochemical approach could enable efficient Li recovery and offer great potential for sustainable resource management and recycling for both research and industrial applications.
Moderate levels of dissolved iron stimulate cellular growth and increase lipid storage in Symbiodinium sp.
Authors: Dellisanti* Walter , Murthy* Swathi , Bollati Elena , Sandberg Sara Prehn , Kühl Michael
Published: September 2024

Dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae are fundamental in coral reef ecosystems and facilitate essential processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, and calcium carbonate production. Iron (Fe) is an essential element for the physiological processes of Symbiodiniaceae, yet its role remains poorly understood in the context of cellular development and metabolic health. Here, we investigated the effect of iron availability (0 to 100 nM Fe(III)) on Symbiodiniumsp. ITS2 type A1 cultures and quantified cellular content using flow cytometry and holotomography. Moderate levels of dissolved Fe (50 nM) enhanced growth rates and cellular content development in Symbiodinium sp., including lipids and proteins. We observed distinct growth patterns, pigment concentrations, and cellular morphology under increasing Fe concentrations, indicating the influence of iron availability on cellular physiology. Non-destructive, label-free holotomographic microscopy enabled single cell in vivo revealing higher intracellular lipid accumulation (+57%) in response to 50 nM Fe(III) enrichment. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between iron availability and Symbiodiniumsp. growth and cellular development, with potential implications for coral health and reef resilience in the face of environmental stressors.

*Walter Dellisanti and Swathi Murthy contributed equally to this manuscript.
Human bioaccumulation of micro- and nanoplastics is primarily determined by the organs' vascular volume
Authors: Ganan-Calvo Alfonso M.
Published: September 2024

Recent studies have demonstrated the accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human organs, particularly in the brain, at an alarming rate (Campen et al., 2024, doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4345687/v1). This study examines the phenomenon of bioaccumulation in relation to up to six distinct biological and biomedical parameters pertaining to vascular structure and composition in three organ tissues: the brain cortex, kidney, and liver. As anticipated based on fundamental mechanistic considerations of bioaccumulation (washing rate), the MNP content appears to be proportional to the inverse of the capillary volume fraction ($V_c$), exhibiting no correlation with any other geometric variable, such as capillary diameter or capillary segment length. This finding is consistent with the small size spectra of MNPs in comparison to these dimensions. However, contrary to expectations, no correlation was observed between MNP content and biological composition (lipid, water, or carbohydrate content), while a likely non-causal correlation was observed between MNP content and protein content, which may be simply attributed to the non-linear correlation between protein content and $V_c$. The conclusions that point to a possibly exceedingly large number of MNP particles currently in our brains call for urgent further investigation and the revision of the published data.
Supervariate gel transforms into various biominerals in salt solutions
Authors: Tang Xinxue , Wang Chong , Cheng Yuk-Tong , Shen Junda , Long Yunchen , Li Hongkun , Yan Jie , Ren Yang , Ma Xiao , Huang Yufeng , Zhengtao Xu , Jian Lv , Yang Li Yang
Published: September 2024

We disclose that calcium-based biominerals, particularly hydroxyapatite (as in vertebrate bones and teeth), calcium carbonate (as in plankton and corals), and calcium pyrophosphate (as the cause for pseudogout), can be mineralized from the same precursor—“supervariate” gel, a stable and non-toxic amorphous gel easily prepared by mixing common water-soluble inorganic salt. When dispersed in a Na2CO3 or K2HPO4 solution, this multi-ionic, “supervariate” gel can selectively form the biomineral calcite (CaCO3) or hydroxyapatite, respectively. More remarkable reactions happen when the gel is dispersed in a CaCl2 solution under ambient conditions: dihydrate calcium pyrophosphate (Ca2P2O7·2H2O, CPP) was produced in the morphologically intact gel matrix. The resulting gel further transforms into hydroxyapatite upon drying at room temperature. Because of the ubiquity of pyrophosphate in organisms, such mild formation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (contrasting the high temperatures needed in other non-enzymatic procedures, e.g., as in condensing phosphoric acid), and its transformation into hydroxyapatite, sheds light on 1) the role of pyrophosphate in life’s origin; 2) key biomineralization mechanisms in physiological processes. We also apply this “supervariate” gel for dental repair and osteogenesis.
Extended Kitaev Models in the context of α-RuCl3 and related materials
Authors:   , Kaib David Andreas Songzi
Published: September 2024

This thesis is situated in the field of frustrated magnetism, a subfield of condensed matter physics that describes the magnetic degrees of freedom in solids. Extended Kitaev models describe a particular class of materials where spin-orbit coupling, combined with effects from crystal field theory and strong electronic correlations, leads to effective magnetic interactions that are highly anisotropic. Such interactions can give rise to exotic physics, such as the emergence of a quantum spin liquid. In this thesis, extended Kitaev models are studied theoretically, primarily using numerical methods. A heavily investigated Kitaev candidate material is α-RuCl3, where a key question has been centered on the possible existence of a magnetic-field-induced quantum spin liquid. While numerous experimental studies have uncovered various unconventional phenomena in this material and suggested different interpretations of the underlying physics, this thesis provides a comprehensive comparison and explanation of these phenomena within one consistent theoretical framework. Aside from purely magnetic properties, an additional focus lies on magnetoelastic effects, in which the coupling of the crystal lattice to the anisotropic spin system has to be considered. Beyond α-RuCl3, a number of more recently introduced Kitaev candidate materials are investigated theoretically. This includes the materials RuBr3 and RuI3, whose layered honeycomb crystal structures resemble α-RuCl3 but heavier ligands lead to different spin-orbit coupling effects, as well as NaRuO2, which realizes a triangular-lattice structure.
Linguistische Diskursethnographie als Zugriff auf das Praxisfeld Queer-Gottesdienst
Authors: Trochemowitz Jonas
Published: September 2024

German-Speaking Discourse Linguistics has long been concerned with the analysis of primarily textual data. Thus, other approaches to discourse building up on ideas from qualitative social research have often been neglected. Following Phillip Dreesen (2018), I am going to argue in this paper that ethnographic research strategies are a useful complement to traditional text-analytical approaches. Accordingly, I will illustrate what I mean by Linguistic Discourse-Ethnography and how it can connect to the already existing interdisciplinary research within Discourse Studies. In order to illustrate my arguments, I am going to investigate the phenomenon of hermeneutic speechlessness and how queer church-services help actors to resolve it. Eventually, I will argue that one of the major strengths of Linguistic Discourse-Ethnography is that it can give insight into process of subjectification i.e. that it can illustrate how actors use hegemonic linguistic resources to reconceptualize ways of becoming a subject in discourse.
Diskurspoetik
Authors: Bär Christian
Published: September 2024

This discourse linguistic short paper focuses on the heuristic concept of discourse poetics within a discourse linguistic framework. The goal is to integrate poetological considerations related to the concept of poeticity into the context of linguistic discourse analysis. From this standpoint, it explores the concept of poetics of knowledge, emphasizing the correlation between the specifics of linguistic expression and the epistemic objects they may refer to. Building upon this, discourse poetics that functions as a discourse linguistic epistemology is characterized by its focus on the poetic function of language use corresponding to the category of poeticity as a linguistic marker within discourse. It is assumed that linguistic phenomena falling under this category, can be observed and interpreted transtextually, using corpus pragmatic and hermeneutic approaches. This is illustrated by examples taken from the analysis of music discourses based on a corpus of 13,499 contemporary music reviews, previously presented by the author.
Konaklama İşletmeleri Kriterlerinin Thurstone un İkili Karşılaştırmalara Dayalı Ölçekleme Tekniği ile Ölçeklenmesi (Scaling of Accommodation Business Criteria with Thurstone s Binary Comparisons Based Scaling Technique)
Authors: ALTIN Sena
Published: September 2024

Konaklama işletmeleri, seyahat edenlerin konaklama ihtiyaçlarını karşılamak için çeşitli hizmetler sunan tesislerdir. Otel, motel, pansiyon, tatil köyü ve kamp alanları gibi farklı türleri bulunmaktadır. Bu işletmeler genellikle konfor, güvenlik, temizlik ve misafir memnuniyeti odaklı hizmet anlayışıyla faaliyet gösterirler. Bu bağlamda bu araştırma, konaklama işletmelerinde konaklayan müşterilerin konaklama işletmelerine yönelik beklentilerinin ikili karşılaştırmalara dayalı ölçekleme tekniği ile ölçeklenmesini ve önem düzeyine göre sıralanmasını amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma grubunu 19-65 yaş aralığında 217 tüketici oluşturmaktadır. Veri toplama aracı olarak kişisel bilgi formu ve konaklama işletmelerinden müşteri beklentilerine dayalı sekiz temel nedene dayalı olarak hazırlanan; konaklama işletmelerinden beklenti formu kullanılmıştır. Konaklama işletmelerinden beklenti açısından tüketiciler için en önemli nedenin temizlik olduğu görülmüştür. Bunu sırası ile yiyecek-içecek, eğlence ve aktivite, hizmet çeşitliliği, personel iletişimi, otel atmosferi, ulaşım hizmetleri ve yeşil girişim çabaları takip etmiştir. Sonuçlar kano modeline göre değerlendirildiğinde müşteri beklentisine yönelik eğlence ve dinlenme amaçlı konaklamalarda temizlik, yiyecek-içecek ve eğlence-aktivite kriterleriyle ilgili hizmetlerin temel ihtiyaçlar olduğu; hizmet çeşitliliği, personel iletişimi ve otel atmosferi kriterleriyle ilgili hizmetlerin doğrusal ihtiyaçlar olduğu; ulaşım hizmetleri ve yeşil girişim çabaları kriterleriyle ilgili hizmetlerin heyecan verici ihtiyaçlar olduğu düşünülmektedir.
Dışarda Yeme Teorisi Bağlamında The Menu (2022) Filmi Üzerine Bir İnceleme (An Analysis on The Menu (2022) in the Context of the Theory of Eating Out)
Authors: ISLAKOĞLU Ünal Gönen
Published: September 2024

Son yıllarda gastronomi temalı filmlerin sayısında artış görülmektedir. Bu filmlerden birisi olan The Menu dışarda yeme olgusunu anlatının merkezine yerleştirmiştir. Bu araştırma The Menu isimli filmde gösterilen dışarıda yeme olgusunu gastronomi disiplini çerçevesinde araştırmayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu doğrultuda nitel araştırma yöntemi benimsenmiş olup verilerin analizinde betimsel analiz kullanılmıştır. Filmde gösterilen Şef Slowik’in yemek deneyimi etik deneyimi ve hatta arınma ile ilişkili olarak dinsel deneyimi de barındıran çok boyutlu bir etkinliktir. Şef, yemek deneyimi aracılığıyla hem misafirlerini cezalandırır hem de aslında arzuladıkları ve hak ettikleri deneyimi kendilerine yaşatır. Bilginin algıya etkisi bağlamında enformasyon süreci, dışarda yeme olgusunun deneyim esnasına ilişkin yeni bir unsur olarak tanımlanabilir. Dolayısıyla enformasyon sadece restoran veya yemek seçimine etki eden bir süreç değil aynı zamanda yemek deneyimini zenginleştiren bir unsur olarak araştırılmaya açık bir alan yaratmaktadır.
Healing Journey, Health Tourist Profiles: The Case of a Public Hospital
Authors: DEMİR Yaşar , YAVUZ Erdinç
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study is to analyze the data of international patients who received health services from a public hospital in Samsun between 2019 and 2023 and to evaluate the medical tourism potential of Samsun. The descriptive study included 10,526 international patients who applied to a public hospital in Samsun between 2019 and 2023. In the study, the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients, patient categories, the branches they applied to, and the income obtained were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was found to be the lowest X̄=29.28 and the highest X̄=32.30. 50.37% (n=5302) of the patients were within the scope of health tourism and 49.63% (n=5224) were within the scope of tourist health. Patients mostly came from Iraq, Germany, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The average revenue per patient was ₺574.11. As a result of the study, it was determined that most patients came to Samsun from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Germany, where the Turkish diaspora is high. In addition, it was determined that the income obtained from patients is very low compared to the income obtained from medical tourists in Türkiye in general.
Doğu Karadeniz deki Doğal Turistik Alanlarda Aşırı Turizm Sorunu: Ayder ve Uzungöl Örnekleri (Overtourism Problem in Natural Tourist Areas in the Eastern Black Sea: Ayder and Uzungöl Examples)
Authors: MUTLU Elanur , KELEŞ Yasin
Published: September 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı, Ayder ve Uzungöl yaylalarındaki aşırı turizm sorununun çevresel, kültürel ve ekonomik etkilerini belirleyebilmektir. Araştırma, nitel bir araştırma olup veriler, görüşme yöntemi ve saha çalışmasından elde edilmiştir. Ayder ve Uzungöl’de yaşamlarını sürdüren ve çoğu yatırımcı olan toplam 22 kişi ile yarı yapılandırılmuş görüşme gerçekleşitirilmiş olup Ayder ve Uzungöl yaylalarının eski fotoğraflarının çekildiği yerlere yakın/benzer açılardan yeni fotoğraflar çekilmiş ve farklılıklar irdelenmiştir. Görüşme verilerinden elde edilen bulgular, katılımcıların aşırı turizmin ekonomik sonuçlarını olumlu bulmalarına karşın çevresel bozulmalardan rahatsızlık duyduklarını göstermektedir. Yaylaların eski ve yeni fotoğraflarının karşılaştırılması sonucunda ise önemli derecede çevresel bozulma tespit edilmiştir. Aşırı turizmin kültürel sonuçları için ise tatmin edici veri elde edilememiş olup yaylacılık faaliyetlerinin yerini turizm faaliyetlerine bıraktığı değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma bulguları özellikle, yaylalardaki betonlaşma, kaçak yapılaşma ve çöp/atık sorunlarının ön plana çıktığını, aşırı turizmin belli dönemlerde trafik sorununa yol açtığını göstermektedir. Araştırma sonucunda, konu ile ilgili taraflara aşırı turizmden kaynaklanan sorunları önleyebilmek ve sürdürülebilir turizmi geliştirebilmek için öneriler sunulmuştur.
Göbekli Tepe Kazısında Ortaya Çıkarılan Gastronomik Unsurlarının Belirlenmesi (Determination of Gastronomic Features Uncovered at Göbekli Tepe Excavation)
Authors: KARAKÖSE Sevda , ÇAVUŞ Osman
Published: September 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı modern zamanların en önemli arkeolojik keşiflerinden biri olan Göbekli Tepe kazılarında bulunan gastronomik unsurların incelenmesidir. Aynı zamanda bu çalışma kazılarda elde edilen gastronomik unsurların ne amaçla kullanıldığı, günümüzde bölge mutfak kültürünü nasıl etkilediği ve bölge mutfağı ile ilişki durumu gibi alt amaçları içermektedir. Bu amaçlar doğrultusunda nitel araştırma yönteminde sıkça kullanılan veri toplama araçlarından olan görüşme tekniğinden yararlanılmıştır. Kazıya katılan profesyoneller ve Göbekli Tepe ile ilgili bilgi sahibi olan Şanlıurfa halkı ile görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Görüşmeler sonucunda elde edilen bilgilerden hareketle gastronomi ile ilgili tema ve kodlar oluşturulmuştur. Bu çalışma ile Neolitik Dönem yeme-içme kültürünün daha net anlaşılabilmesi için Göbekli Tepe toprak parçasında yapılan arkeolojik araştırmalara gastronomi disiplininden araştırmacıların dahil edilmesi ve bölgede gastronomi alanında daha fazla araştırmanın gerçekleştirilmesi gerektiği anlaşılmaktadır. Çalışmanın önemli sonuçlarından biri tarihin sıfır noktası olarak nitelendirilen Göbekli Tepe’nin Türk mutfak kültürü için önemli bir kaynak olduğudur.
Turizm Perspektifinden Değerlendirme: Elektronik Spor Memnuniyetinin Psikolojik İyi Oluş ve Yaşam Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi (Evaluation From A Tourism Perspective: The Effect of Electronic Sport Satisfaction on Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life)
Authors: GÜVEN Yiğit
Published: September 2024

Elektronik sporlar, dünya genelinde turizm yaratma potansiyeli olan yeni bir rekreasyon faaliyetidir. Ancak, faaliyete yönelik olumsuz kamuoyu ve literatürde yer alan tek taraflı bakış açısından kaynaklı olarak çeşitli sınırlılıklarla karşılaşmaktadır. Bu durumu gidermek adına araştırmamızın temel amacı, elektronik sporlara katılan bireylerin memnuniyetinin, psikolojik iyi oluş ve yaşam kalitesi üzerindeki etkisini belirlemektir. Ek olarak öz yeterliliğin moderatör rolünü de incelenmiştir. Araştırma Eskişehir ilindeki yer alan üniversite öğrencileri üzerinde anket kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen veriler ve oluşturulan hipotezler doğrulayıcı faktör analizine ve yol analizi testleri ile ölçülmüştür. Çalışma sonuçlarına göre, elektronik spor memnuniyetinin bireylerin psikolojik iyi oluş ve yaşam kalitesi üzerinde pozitif yönlü bir etkisi olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca araştırma sonuçları, elektronik sporlarda memnuniyet ile psikolojik iyi oluş arasındaki ilişkide öz yeterliliğin düzenleyici rolünün varlığını belirlemiştir. Elde edilen bulgular neticesinde hem uygulamaya hem de akademik çalışmalara bir takım teorik ve pratik çıkarımlar sunulmuştur.
Güçlendirme Yaklaşımı Perspektifinden Kadın Girişimciler: Turizm Sektörü Üzerine Nitel Bir Araştırma (Women Entrepreneurs from the Perspective of Empowerment Approach: A Qualitative Research on the Tourism Sector)
Authors: PEKTAŞ G. Aslı , KURGUN Hülya
Published: September 2024

Bu çalışma kadın girişimcilerin değişim ajanı olarak toplumsal cinsiyet eşitsizliği ve kültürel normlar üzerinde nasıl bir etki yarattığı sorusundan hareket etmektedir. Bu doğrultuda çalışmanın amacı; ülkelerin kalkınmasında çok önemli yer tutan ancak erkek egemen söyleme sahip girişimcilik ekosisteminde istenen ve beklenen istihdamı sağlayamayan kadın girişimcilerin güçlendirme yaklaşımı bakış açısı ile ekonomik çıktıların yanı sıra toplumsal olarak yarattıkları değişimdeki önemli rollerini ortaya koymaktır. Bu amaçla, toplumsal normlar ve cinsiyet eşitsizliği ile mücadele eden kadın girişimcilerin kadının dezavantajlı olduğu girişimcilik ekosistemine girmelerinde etkili olan nedenler, karşılaştıkları engellemeler ve bu engellemeler karşısındaki motivasyonları ve yarattıkları dönüşüm, örneklem kapsamında yer alan ve turizm sektöründe faaliyet gösteren dört kadın girişimci üzerinde yapılan araştırma ile belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmada, nitel araştırma desenlerinden fenomenoloji yöntemi tercih edilmiş ve veri analizinde içerik analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, kadın girişimcilerin bölgesel kalkınmada yarattıkları önemli ekonomik gelişimin yanı sıra toplumun düşünce yapısında da değişimler yarattıkları belirlenmiştir.
Parental education, embarrassment, and sanitation facilities influence menstrual product choices among female nursing students in Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman Md. Nahid Uz , Sai Akira , Nyambe Sikopo , Yamauchi Taro
Published: September 2024

Understanding the factors that shape menstrual product choices is crucial for improving menstrual health and hygiene practices among young women in low-resource settings. This study investigates the influence of parental education, embarrassment, and sanitation facilities on the choice between hygienic menstrual products, like single-use pads, and unhygienic options, such as old clothes. A structured questionnaire was used to interview 366 nursing students in Bangladesh, with an average age of 23.3 ± 4.3 years. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression were performed using JMP Pro 17. The major products were single-use pads (61%) and old clothes (32%). Participants' family was the primary source of menstrual information, and product choices were influenced by both fathers' (p < 0.05) and mothers' (p < 0.05) education level. Additionally, the participants reported negative perceptions of the sanitation facilities, citing issues such as a lack of privacy, cleanliness, and the availability of water and soap. Embarrassment about buying (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.86 [1.16–7.07]) and privacy of bathroom facilities (AOR: 2.92 [1.12–7.63]) increased the odds of old clothes, while fear of staining blood (AOR: 2.95 [1.53–5.68]) increased the odds of having single-use pads. Better menstrual health and hygiene practices require improved parental education, reduced embarrassment, and better sanitation facilities.
Environmental impacts of cement production in Ewekoro, Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria from 2005 to 2006 on surface water quality, vegetation, and workers' health
Authors: Agbede Orisunmibare T. , Adeofun Clement O. O. , Adetunji Michael T. , Taiwo Adewale Matthew , Arowolo Toyin A.
Published: September 2024

The present study investigated the environmental impacts of cement production on surface water quality and vegetation in the vicinity of the industry. A 2-year study was conducted, covering both wet and dry seasons. Water samples were collected from the Akinbo River, where the cement industry discharges its liquid waste and effluents, and analysed for physical and chemical parameters using standard procedures. The vegetation around the factory was analysed for chlorophyll, plant density, basal areas, and heights of woody species. The study also assessed the health impacts of cement production on the factory employees and the residents living in the vicinity of the factory. The health assessment was based on hospital information obtained from two clinics in the villages near the factory. The water quality results revealed elevated concentrations of Ca and Fe. All the trees sampled around the study area had small basal areas and short heights. There was also a significant reduction in the chlorophyll contents of the vegetation. The health study showed a high incidence of upper-respiratory tract infections, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and dermatitis among factory workers. This study suggests a review of the existing dust-suppressing system put in place by the industry, to protect public health.
Synthesis and characterization of nickel cobaltite–supported film for hexavalent chromium photocatalytic reduction
Authors: Cárdenas Nataly , Alarcon Hugo , Schnabel Tobias , Mehling Simon
Published: September 2024

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a prevalent and highly toxic pollutant, posing a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. This study addresses this issue by exploring the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) using hydrothermally synthesized nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4) spinel–supported films. The research fills the gap for efficient visible light photocatalytic materials for Cr(VI) reduction, with the aim to synthesize, characterize, and assess NiCo2O4-supported films’ photocatalytic activity. Synthesis was achieved via a hydrothermal method on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) over FTO substrate. The films were characterized using several techniques and their photocatalytic activity was tested under UV-A and visible light, with Cr(VI) concentration monitored periodically up to 240 min. The NiCo2O4/TiO2 film demonstrated superior photoreduction performance under both UV and visible light radiation compared to TiO2 and NiCo2O4, achieving photoreduction of Cr(VI) by 76% under UV light with a rate constant of 5.79 × 10−3 min−1 and 60% under visible light with a rate constant of 4.74 × 10−3 min−1. In conclusion, hydrothermally synthesized NiCo2O4/TiO2 film shows promising photocatalytic performance for Cr(VI) reduction, marking a significant advancement in photocatalysis and water treatment technologies. Future research will focus on stability assessment, synthesis process optimization, and real-world water treatment application.
Entre o masculino e o feminino, a transcrição da violência na obra de Édouard Louis
Authors: De Souza Francisco Renato
Published: September 2024

Este artigo pretende analisar a elaboração ficcional da violência homossexual presente em O fim de Eddy e História da violência, de Édouard Louis, a partir de duas vertentes. Inicialmente, averígua-se a possibilidade da ambivalência das significações dadas à nomeação do narrador de O fim de Eddy se constituir como a base da violência verbal e física sofrida por ele na infância. Em seguida, a partir da enunciação híbrida que se faz entre o narrador e a sua irmã Clara em História da violência, acompanha-se a passagem da violência vivida nas duas obras para a sua transcrição em texto literário como a derivação de um movimento de escrita que retoma pela voz do feminino as ações violentas do comportamento masculino. Como base teórica deste estudo, o pensamento de Maurice Blanchot, de Gilles Deleuze, de Roland Barthes e de Hélène Cixous se farão presentes.
A Blockchain Solution for Cross-Border Payments
Authors: Charles Don
Published: September 2024

A blockchain can be described as a network of computers that is used to
digitally and immutably record transactions. Digital currencies, also referred to as
tokens, can be used on blockchain to make payments. Blockchain has the potential to
facilitate cross-border payments, as well as trace all transactions. This is an admirable
property, especially since the rise of know-your-customer (KYC), counter financing of
terrorism (CFT), and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements have been cited by
many banks as the primary reason for them terminating their correspondent banking
relationships (CBRs).
The main objective of the research paper is to explain how blockchain can be used to
facilitate cross-border payments.
Banks and money transfer organizations (MTOs) can adopt blockchain and distributed
ledger technology (DLT) to enable cross-border payments. The most practical option
would be to take the route of using a Payment as a service (Paas) provider and
outsource the payment services.
The Paas provider’s application processing unit (API) can be integrated with the
financial institutions payment systems. Therefore, when a payer attempts to may a
cross-border payment, on the bank end, the API will contact the Paas’ server to initiate
the transaction.The payer’s local currency will be converted to a token, then transferred across the
blockchain to the payee’s bank. The token will then be converted to the payee’s local
currency, and deposited in the payee’s bank account. This entire process will take a few
minutes in contrast to the traditional CBR cross-border payment process that takes 5
days or more.