bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Adsorbent from Calcium Carbide Residue to Reduce Exhaust Emissions of Two-wheeler
Authors: Tira Hendry Sakke , Wirawan Made , Rahman Samsul , Sukjit Ekarong , Sudirman Sudirman
Published: February 2023

The performance of calcium carbide residue in reducing two-wheel exhaust emissions has been studied. To perform this experiment, the carbide residue was first converted into adsorbent and then mounted in the exhaust gas line. Two-wheeler used are vehicles commonly used among Indonesian motorcyclists. The test was carried out by varying the adsorbent dimensions and engine transmission. Engine emission tests and adsorbent performance investigations were performed both before and after the exhaust emissions made contact with the adsorbent. The results showed that upon direct contact with the carbide adsorbent, the emission of two-wheeled engines decreased. Carbon-based emissions were reduced significantly in the early stages of the experiment. Moreover, emissions reduction benefits are seen in all adsorbent and transmission engine configurations. The greater the adsorbent's surface area, the better the emission reduction. A significant emissions reduction is also achieved when the first engine transmission condition is applied compared to the neutral transmission. However, the adsorption efficacy declined over time in all research variations. The presence of channels and pores in the adsorbent, and the high temperature attained by the adsorbent, keep improving the adsorbent's adsorption capabilities. However, as saturation increases, the adsorbent's adsorption, and oxidation capability decline.
Effects of Eugenol and Cineol Compound on Diffusion Burning Rate Characteristics of Crude Coconut Oil Droplet
Authors: Riupassa Helen , Suyatno Suyatno , Nanlohy Hendry Y. , Sanata Andi , Trismawati Trismawati , Subagyo Rachmat , Adiwidodo Satworo , Rizza Muhammad Akhlis , Yamaguchi Masaki , Tomidokoro Takuya , Sarikoc Selcuk
Published: February 2023

The burning rate of coconut oil droplets has been investigated experimentally by adding bio-additives of clove oil and eucalyptus oil. Tests were carried out with single droplets suspended on thermocouples at room atmospheric pressure, and room temperature and ignited with a hot wire. The addition of clove oil and eucalyptus oil as bio-additives into coconut oil was 100 ppm and 300 ppm, respectively. The droplet combustion method was chosen to increase the contact area between the air and fuel so that the reactivity of the fuel molecules increases. The results showed that the eugenol compounds contained in clove oil and cineol compounds in eucalyptus oil were both aromatic, and had an unsymmetrical carbon chain geometry structure. Furthermore, this factor can potentially accelerate the occurrence of effective collisions between fuel molecules. Therefore the fuel is combustible, as evidenced by the increased burning rate, where the results show that without bio-additives, the burning rate of crude coconut oil (CCO) is about 0.7 seconds. These results are 0.15 to 0.2 seconds slower than CCO with bio-additive, which is around 0.55 to 0.6 seconds. Moreover, from the observations, it was found that the highest burning rate was achieved in both bio-additives with a concentration of 300 ppm.
In principium erat Verbum Creación, ley natural y conciencia según Joseph Ratzinger/Benedicto XVI
Authors: Sarto Pablo Blanco
Published: February 2023

Abstract: In the present study, we first present the different meanings of the term logos in the thought of the Bavarian theologian. The “creative Logos” will be the foundation of the logos of reality and the human logos (reason and relationship at the same time), understood as an analog reality and not as a Neoplatonic emanation. God leaves his divine imprint on the nature of all things and, especially, on the human person. The correlation between nature, natural law, reason and consciousness enables dialogue not only with other religions, but also with non-believers. All these internal connections make it possible to reach a Weltethos, which in Ratzinger presents a particular meaning.
A VOZ DA CRIAÇÃO: OS INSTRUMENTOS MUSICAIS COMO EXPRESSÃO DA LITURGIA CÓSMICA EM JOSEPH RATZINGER/BENTO XVI
Authors: Assunção Rudy Albino de , Macêdo Filipe Gonçalves , Pereira Rodrigo Rêmulo Leite
Published: February 2023

Joseph Ratzinger developed a liturgical theology that encompasses the historical dimension of worship, its rootedness in salvation history, and, of course, its eschatological dimension. But he did not fail to show that Christian liturgy encompasses matter and corporeality. In this article, therefore, an approach to Ratzinger’s theology of sacred music is sought to highlight the cosmic character of the liturgical celebration, exemplified by the use of instruments in it. That is, the various musical instruments – especially the organ – represent and exemplify how sacred music is connected to the logic of the Incarnation – to the fact that the Logos became incarnate and, in the resurrection, assumed and transformed matter – and, with nature, they participate in the praise that the whole Church intones in its celebrations.
Cirugía del Uruguay
Authors: Rodríguez Temesio Gustavo
Published: February 2023

Editorial
INNOVATIVE PRINCIPLES OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Odessa State Environment University, SEBOV Nikolay , IRTYSHCHEVA Inna ,   Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding, PAVLENKO Olena ,   Odessa State Ecological University
Published: February 2023

About two-thirds of the world’s population may experience water shortages within several decades. Yet, in many countries, there is still a tendency to solve water scarcity problems by increasing water supply, increasing the storage and distribution of surface and groundwater through the creation of new infrastructure, desalination of saline or brackish water, reuse of wastewater, or recharge of aquifers. This trend should prevail over the focus on reducing water demand, for example, by stopping losses in transport and distribution systems, implementing adequate tariff systems aimed at reducing the level of water demand, changing water use technologies, and, in general, increasing the efficiency of water use in household, industrial trial and irrigation systems; in other words, seeking to improve overall water productivity. However, it is possible to overcome the water shortage through efficient and rational use while using innovative solutions that will significantly modernize the water resources infrastructure. Therefore, using creative principles of freshwater resource management in the context of sustainable development should become a perspective for the next ten years. The article aims to research the current state, regional features, and prospects for developing the innovative potential of freshwater resources in Ukraine. It has been proven that in Ukraine, the share of state budget expenditures for environmental protection of total spending ranges from 0.57 to 1.11%. It was determined that the largest share of state budget expenditures on environmental protection in total spending was observed in 2011 – 1.11%, and the smallest in 2020 was 0.57%. It is noted that in 2020, the volume of expenses for environmental protection was significantly reduced compared to the previous year by UAH 675 million. The analysis showed that during the research period, the largest share of expenses was allocated to preventing and eliminating environmental pollution. Therefore, it was determined that the item of budget expenditures for the prevention and elimination of environmental pollution for 2010-2020 increased from UAH 2,255 million to UAH 6,507 million. However, the structure of total expenses decreased slightly from 78.52% to 71.85%, respectively. Accordingly, in the form of costs, the reduction occurred in the following items of budget expenses: preservation of the nature reserve fund from 7.64% in 2010 to 6.78% in 2020, fundamental and applied research and development in the field of environmental protection from 2.06 % to 1.85%, respectively.
IMPROVING THE PRACTICE OF BUSINESS PLANNING IN THE INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISE
Authors: MALTUZ Viktoriya , MALTUZ Оleksander ,   Zaporizhzhya National University
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the study of directions for improving the practice of business planning in domestic industrial enterprises. The content of the concept of “business planning” is considered. Taking into account the fact that business planning combines elements of strategic and operational planning, and one of its most important tasks is to focus attention on key tasks that lead to the success of the enterprise, the development of strategic maps is proposed as a tool for improving the practical aspects of business planning, and a strategic card for PrJSC “Ukrhydroenergo”. The feasibility of introducing a system of compliance control of business processes at domestic enterprises using a risk-oriented approach, which aims to minimize the risk of legal and regulatory sanctions, antimonopoly prosecution, financial losses or loss of reputation as a result of the enterprise’s failure to comply with legislative acts, market standards, as well as standards and internal documents of the enterprise itself. The methodology of step-by-step integrated business planning is considered as an alternative to traditional methods of business planning. Automation (computerization) of the business planning system, which makes it possible to create several types of plans, is also proposed as a means of improving the business planning system at an industrial enterprise; standardization, which will allow optimizing the parameters of building a business planning system, unifying its excessively diverse components.
RESOURCE PROVISION OF HOUSEHOLDS IN THE CARPATHIAN REGION OF UKRAINE: THE ASPECT OF SOCIAL VULNERABILITY OF THE POPULATION
Authors: MAKHONIUK Oleksandr , BIDAK Volodymyr ,   SI “Institute of regional research named after M.I. Dolishniy of NAS of Ukraine”
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the study of aspects that affect the social vulnerability of the population of the Carpathian region. The resource provision of domestic households in the focus of social vulnerability was analyzed, which included the analysis of such indicators as wages, income from entrepreneurial activity, protected resources of the social sphere in monetary terms. A review of the available statistical data made it possible to formulate the negative trends that occurred over the last decade in the structure of resource provision of domestic households. The increase in the share of wages in the incomes of households in the Carpathian region is negatively perceived, which is substantiated by relevant explanations. In particular, the general reduction of state social payments to the population was critically assessed, in connection with which significant attention was paid to the definition of the living wage, which serves as the basis for calculating these payments and other state charges. Attention is paid to the issue of preschool education in the Carpathian region; formulated how households with children of preschool age constitute one of the most socially vulnerable groups of the country’s population. The protracted processes of external migration, which are characteristic of the Carpathian region, and which lead unequivocally to destructive demographic distortions in it, are also emphasized. Based on the given data, we can talk about the existence or development of “unhealthy” socio-economic processes that affect the way of life of the local population of the Carpathian region and that will determine the development trends of the region in the nearest medium-term perspective. It is noted that today the issue of social vulnerability of Ukrainians is exacerbated even more by the full-scale war with Russia, so the request to develop a better toolkit for analyzing resource provision and population needs becomes urgent.
REDUCTION OF CORRUPTION RISKS AS A NECESSARY CONDITION FUNCTIONING OF ROAD INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES
Authors:   Poltava State Agrarian University, PANASENKO Natalia
Published: February 2023

The relevance of the issue of diversification of the tools of economic cooperation of territorial communities in Ukraine has been revealed. The purpose of the study is to determine the directions of diversification of the toolkit of economic cooperation of territorial communities. It has been established that the real state of affairs on the ground is evidence that domestic regional policy is still low effective, and it has been proven that one of the leading reasons for this is the low initiative and capacity of local self-government bodies, in particular the use of such a tool as inter-municipal cooperation. It is noted that the use of this tool allows you to combine, attract, replace capital and assets, opportunities and potential, to weaken your own weaknesses and positions due to cooperation. The concept of the life cycle development algorithm of inter-municipal cooperation of the territorial community is proposed and developed. A toolkit for expanding inter-municipal community cooperation in the field of local economic development has been developed. In addition, balanced, rational and full-fledged inter-municipal cooperation is able to significantly expand and diversify the toolkit for stimulating local economic development of communities – participants in cooperation. In particular, it is advisable to try to implement as wide a range of economic instruments as possible, in particular in the following areas: financial and investment, budgetary, credit, grant, socio-economic. The practical significance of the research results lies in the expansion of the set of tools that local self-government bodies can use to intensify inter-municipal community cooperation in the field of local economic development. The scientific novelty of the research results lies in deepening the means of public management of local economic development.
Determinantes del portafolio de inversión de los fondos de pensiones en Colombia
Authors: Salazar Gutiérrez Yohana Andrea , Romero Villanueva Adriana
Published: February 2023

El presente trabajo analiza los determinantes de la composición del portafolio de inversión de los Fondos de Pensiones en Colombia, específicamente el rendimiento y el riesgo, encontrando en primera lugar que el comportamiento de las inversiones de los fondos en renta fija tiene con la relación positiva entre rentabilidad y riesgo; segundo, que las Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones no están haciendo inversiones con altos niveles de riesgo y, por último, la participación de las Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones es bastante activa en TES (Títulos de tesorería).
Centrales de riesgo y la ley habeas data en el sistema de créditos bancarios en el periodo 2008 - 2009 en la ciudad de Pereira
Authors: Gonzalez Gonzalez Christian Felipe , Hernández G Jhon Harold , Sierra Rincón Andres
Published: February 2023

El trabajo que se presenta a continuación tiene como objetivo determinar las incidencias de la Ley Habeas Data en la ciudad de Pereira como una posible medida de política económica en el sistema de créditos bancarios en los períodos 2008-2009. Con este estudio se pretende diagnosticar la relación existente entre las políticas económicas monetarias asumidas por el gobierno para hacer frente a la crisis financiera, y la Ley Habeas Data que se constituyó para mejorar el sistema crediticio del sector financiero. Dicho estudio concluye que la Ley Habeas Data no es una Politica Economica adoptada por el gobierno para ayudar a solucionar la crisis económica; simplemente fue una medida ó instrumento auxiliar que ayudó a solventar un llamado del pueblo a exigir unos derechos fundamentales consagrados en la institución.
Banca en colombia: estructura de mercado, concentración y estabilidad bancaria 1998 - 2009'
Authors: Florez Gallego Jonathan , Echeverry Restrepo Jaime Alberto
Published: February 2023

El presente artículo es el resultado de un estudio que utiliza indicadores como el ratio de concentración (C), concentración de Herfindahl (H), Herfindah y Hirschman (H111), y el índice de estabilidad de concentración (IE), con el objetivo de determinar la estructura de mercado de la banca Colombiana durante el periodo 1998 —2009. Para ello, se determinó inicialmente el grado de concentración y el tipo de mercado que componen el sistema bancario Colombiano, definiendo posteriormente las condiciones microeconómicas que permiten finalmente, concluir que el sistema bancario Colombiano, evidencia una estructura oligopólica, y se observa una gran estabilidad, con leve grado de concentración, y al parecer sigue un enfoque de la agencia anti monopólica propuesta por los Estados Unidos.
Efectos de la guerra en las representaciones sociales de un grupo sobre su territorio: Las palabras de las víctimas
Authors: Polanco Jiménez Jenny Paola , Ramírez Parra Diego Armando
Published: February 2023

El presente artículo se cuestiona por los efectos directos que ha tenido la guerra en Colombia, efectos que van ligados a la forma como los grupos representan socialmente el territorio donde habitan, y están relacionados con las maneras de conocerlo, entenderlo, percibirlo, creerlo, hablarlo, sentirlo e interpretarlo. De este modo, se parte de una conceptualización teórica de la representación social, sus características y los elementos que la conforman. Posteriormente se realiza un acercamiento a las representaciones sociales que tienen los habitantes sobre su territorio tomando como base para ello sus propias enunciaciones y discursos, donde es posible evidenciar el cambio significativo en el modo en que estos perciben, interpretan y piensan su espacio antes y después de un suceso de guerra, lo que involucra también modificaciones en las relaciones y lazos que establecen con los demás, consigo mismos, con el territorio que dejaron y con el lugar donde actualmente viven, donde la verdad sobre lo sucedido se convierte en el principal pedido por parte de quienes se consideran las víctimas de estos trágicos sucesos, quienes por otro lado no han recibido por parte del Estado ni de la Comisión Nacional para la Reparación y la Reconciliación una respuesta clara y precisa, muestra de lo que sucede en un país donde la verdad sigue siendo un asunto cada vez menos preciso
Relaciones de la chatarrería y fundición industrial en Pereira y Dosquebradas con sus proveedores
Authors: López Suárez Jhon Alexander , Duque Arcila Jessica , Segura Álvarez Sandra Janeth , Vélez García Miladys
Published: February 2023

La presente es una investigación que se realizó en las ciudades de Pereira y Dosquebradas con el fin de identificar las relaciones entre las Chatarrerías y Fundidoras Industriales con sus proveedores locales y nacionales y proponer un modelo de proveedores que mejore el desempeño de estas empresas.
La inversión extranjera directa en Argentina entre 1988 y 2008
Authors: Castrillón Valderrama Catalina , Dussán Osorio Juliana , Kenguan Henao Cristian
Published: February 2023

El presente trabajo describió y analizó los montos, la procedencia y los destinos de la IED en Argentina en el periodo 1988 – 2008.Apartir de la consulta de pronunciamientos oficiales del gobierno y las cifras de la CEPAL se halló que Argentina es un receptor de IED proveniente de Estados Unidos, España y Brasil, la IED se dirige a manufactura y algunos servicios tecnológicos (recientemente). La presencia de IED en Argentina desde los noventas es consecuencia de las reformas que redujeron el tamaño del estado y ampliaron el mercado, trayendo consigo crecimiento económico.
Ecodiseño como estilo de vida. Dejando huella desde el sector del calzado.
Authors: Marín Raga Luisa María
Published: February 2023

Se describe un proceso de rediseño de producto utilizando la rueda estratégica del ecodiseño, aplicada al sector del calzado; obteniendo un diagnóstico de las baletas, a partir del cual se plantea la necesidad de un cambio a nivel cultural balanceando la cantidad de productos consumidos en corto tiempo frente a la cantidad de desperdicios a largo plazo. Se propone la implementación de insumos amigables con el medio ambiente y de retales industriales para la fabricación de accesorios, permitiendo la customización de las baletas y de esta forma no depender de modas pasajeras, prolongando su ciclo de vida útil. Además, se busca reflejar el concepto ecológico desde el Nivel Estructura de Producto en el packaging, utilizando bolsas ecológicas reutilizables, que sirven además como agentes comunicadores y fortalecen la marca.
La responsabilidad social del diseñador
Authors: Gómez Barrera Yaffa Nahir I.
Published: February 2023

El mundo real demanda de los diseñadores respuestas ajustadas a las problemáticas prioritarias de la sociedad que adolecen varias regiones de nuestro país y que a la vez se constituyen en oportunidades para diseñar. Es urgente que los diseñadores asuman su responsabilidad frente a tales problemas, a través de procesos de investigación y de participación, de tal manera que puedan contribuir al mejor desarrollo de la población comprometida. Este documento pretende alimentar la reflexión frente a dicho compromiso. En la asignatura de Diseño Social se adelantan proyectos que atienden las necesidades de las personas o comunidades.
La virtualización como herramienta de sostenibilidad.
Authors: Atuesta Reyes Juan David
Published: February 2023

La responsabilidad actual del diseñador frente a la crisis de recursos materiales y energéticos para la producción de objetos ha propiciado que se replantee la noción de la sostenibilidad. La crisis de la sociedad de consumo empieza a provocar que cada esfuerzo producido aumente el impacto en la vida cotidiana. Por esto, se hace necesario desde la formulación de proyectos basados en la responsabilidad del diseñador sean apoyados en la virtualidad como una condición intrínseca en el objeto por medio de la significación, el aumento de valores y de emocionalidad y no solo a nivel representacional. La apropiación de valores sociales aplicados por el diseñador permitirá dar respuestas completas donde la receptividad de los resultados brinde el camino hacia un diseño sustancial, enriquecido y compenetrado con la realidad de las comunidades afectadas.
De la arquitectura al habitar: contexto = ciudad = ciudadano = construcción
Authors: Augusto Noreña Jorge
Published: February 2023

Hablar sobre el significado y la conformación de la vivienda nos lleva a reflexionar sobre los nuevos proyectos urbanísticos y la percepción de ciudad en el campo de vivienda. Día a día los campos económicos y políticos influyen en la vivienda, generando la imposibilidad de un diseño pensado en el habitar y el bienestar.
Estrategias y entorno de los biocombustibles, una realidad regional
Authors: Segura Álvarez Sandra Janeth , Duque Arcila Jessica , López Suaréz Jhon Alexander
Published: February 2023

El mundo de hoy está sujeto a cambios e innovaciones aceleradas y a un proceso de globalización cada vez más marcado, en el que se ven involucrados todos los sectores de la economía, la sociedad y la cultura. Como estudiantes de Administración de Empresas es importante saber que el departamento de Risaralda no es ajeno a estos procesos, ya que éste es un territorio que brinda oportunidades y posee condiciones a nivel nacional para atraer inversiones y obtener ven-tajas competitivas en las diferentes industrias a nivel global, como lo es el caso de la industria azucarera. Una evolución de los ingenios azucareros hacia la diversificación de productos lo constituye la producción de biocombustibles. Dicha situación con-lleva a plantear la presente investigación para estudiar el Ingenio Risaralda como una industria nueva en este proceso, ya que los biocombustibles que allí se producen con caña de azúcar están tomando importancia en la economía colombiana debido a su rápida evolución y posicionamiento en el mercado. Este ingenio, acogiéndose a la Ley 693 de 2001, vio en la posibilidad de producir alcoholes carburantes, una oportunidad para contribuir con el desarrollo de la economía local y nacional.
Serum IL-17 and postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: AL-Tai Tharwa H.
Published: February 2023

Background: Osteoporosis is a bone condition that makes bones thininer and more fragile because of reduced bone density and it puts people at risk of fractures, especially of the hip, spinal vertebrae and wrist.Objective: This study will highlighted the role of IL-17 in postmenopausal osteoporosis.Patients and methods: This study applied on 84 includes subjects (42 postmenopausal osteoporosis patient and 42 of healthy control group), conducted from December 2014 to March 2015 to measure the IL-17 serum level by using ELISA kit.Results: In osteoporotic postmenopausal women the mean of serum IL-17 was (0.49pg/ml) and it is significantly higher than that of healthy group (0.09pg/ml).Conclusion: Serum IL-17 was significantly elevated in osteoporotic postmenopausal women when compared to healthy postmenopausal women.
Relationship of Pruritus with Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in Haemodialysis Patients (A Single Center Study).
Authors: Ghassan Ban , Jaffar Alalsaidissa Jaffar N. , Hashim Al-Saedi Ali J. , Alawchi Sabah N.
Published: February 2023

Background: Pruritus often constitutes a major problem for patients with end stage renal disease. The pathophysiological mechanism of chronic kidney disease -associated pruritus is poorly defined.Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of uremic pruritus in dialysis patients and their correlation with the laboratory and clinical parameters in some Iraqi patients with chronic renal disease.Patients & methods: This analytic, descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 103 patients on haemodialysis. Blood urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone were determined. Complete blood count was also performed.Results: Of the 103 patients included in the study the, 79 patients (76.7%) had pruritus of whom, 27 (34.1%) had mild pruritus, 30 (38%) had moderate and 22 (27.9%) had severe pruritus. No significant association (p> 0.05) was found between pruritus and each of age and haemodialysis duration. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, neutrophils, eoisinophils, basophils mean values among patients who had no pruritus, mild, moderate and severe pruritus. A significant positive correlation (p > 0.05) was found between severity of pruritus in pruritic patients and each of age, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.Conclusion: Our study showed that age, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels had a significant positive correlation with the severity of pruritus in pruritic patients.
The Impact of Body Mass Index and Some Trace Elements in Iraqi Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Al-Saady Rana K.
Published: February 2023

Background: Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease globally. Trace elements such as copper and zinc have a role in many biochemical reactions as micro source, their metabolism is profoundly altered in neoplastic diseases especially breast cancer which is ranked as the first of female cancersObjective: The aim of the present study is to study the impact of body mass index and some trace elements in Iraqi women with breast cancer.Patients and methods: The group of the study consisted of 25 breast cancer patients; their age range was (25–65) years recruited from the Al-Kadhimia Teaching Hospital and 25 apparently healthy women age matched, over a period of 6 months from January 2015 until June 2015. After the diagnosis was made using a histopathological examination for the malignant tumor, blood was obtained from all patients and control, centrifuged and serum samples without blood hemolysis were separated and stored at – 20 until assayed.Results: There was a significant increase in body mass index in breast cancer women as compared to control group. Copper and zinc levels were significantly different between the patients and controls group with higher level of copper, zinc. Also copper/zinc ratio in patients was higher than in the control group.Conclusions: The excess copper and zinc in breast cancer women in comparison to healthy control highlights the role of these trace elements in the initiation or promotion of breast cancer. It is recommended to use trace elements and the copper/zinc ratio as biomarkers for breast cancer disease and its progression.
Delivering Script Therapy for people with aphasia in EVA Park: Two single case treatment studies
Authors: Marshall Jane , Devane Niamh , Berraondo Jude , Talbot Richard , Temponera Panagiota , Clegg Katie , Wilson Stephanie
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: There are few applications of virtual reality (VR) in aphasia rehabilitation. EVA Park is an online VR platform developed with and for people with aphasia. Our research is testing its potential to host aphasia therapies. OBJECTIVE: Two case studies evaluated if delivery of Script Therapy in EVA Park is feasible and acceptable to participants, whether it improved production of trained scripts and promoted generalisation to untrained scripts, narrative speech and functional communication. METHODS: Two participants with aphasia received 20 hours of Script Therapy in EVA Park. Feasibility was assessed through session attendance, completion of practice and ratings of treatment fidelity. Acceptability was explored via post therapy interviews. The impact of therapy on script production, narrative production and functional communication was assessed through measures administered twice before therapy, immediately post therapy and at 5 weeks follow up. RESULTS: Participants attended at least 85% of sessions. Compliance with practice was good for one, but not the other. Fidelity ratings indicated that over 80% of core treatment components were fully present in recorded sessions. Participants expressed positive views about the intervention. Therapy significantly improved the production of words in trained scripts, with maintenance for one participant. Neither participant improved in the production of untrained scripts or personal narratives. One improved on the assessment of functional communication, but the margin of change was small. CONCLUSIONS: The study adds to the evidence that EVA Park can host a range of interventions and that this platform is acceptable to its intended user group.
Dynamic learning rates for continual unsupervised learning
Authors: Fernández-Rodríguez José David , Palomo Esteban José , Ortiz-de-Lazcano-Lobato Juan Miguel , Ramos-Jiménez Gonzalo , López-Rubio Ezequiel
Published: February 2023

The dilemma between stability and plasticity is crucial in machine learning, especially when non-stationary input distributions are considered. This issue can be addressed by continual learning in order to alleviate catastrophic forgetting. This strategy has been previously proposed for supervised and reinforcement learning models. However, little attention has been devoted to unsupervised learning. This work presents a dynamic learning rate framework for unsupervised neural networks that can handle non-stationary distributions. In order for the model to adapt to the input as it changes its characteristics, a varying learning rate that does not merely depend on the training step but on the reconstruction error has been proposed. In the experiments, different configurations for classical competitive neural networks, self-organizing maps and growing neural gas with either per-neuron or per-network dynamic learning rate have been tested. Experimental results on document clustering tasks demonstrate the suitability of the proposal for real-world problems.
An elitist seasonal artificial bee colony algorithm for the interval job shop
Authors: Díaz Hernán , Palacios Juan J. , González-Rodríguez Inés , Vela Camino R.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a novel Artificial Bee Colony algorithm is proposed to solve a variant of the Job Shop Scheduling Problem where only an interval of possible processing times is known for each operation. The solving method incorporates a diversification strategy based on the seasonal behaviour of bees. That is, the bees tend to explore more at the beginning of the search (spring) and be more conservative towards the end (summer to winter). This new strategy helps the algorithm avoid premature convergence, which appeared to be an issue in previous papers tackling the same problem. A thorough parametric analysis is conducted and a comparison of different seasonal models is performed on a set of benchmark instances from the literature. The results illustrate the benefit of using the new strategy, improving the performance of previous ABC-based methods for the same problem. An additional study is conducted to assess the robustness of the solutions obtained under different ranking operators, together with a sensitivity analysis to compare the effect that different levels of uncertainty have on the solutions’ robustness.
Slovenian version of the scoliosis research society instrument-22 revised (SRS-22r) in adolescents and adults: Psychometric properties and some implications
Authors: Rojc Marina , Sršen Katja Groleger , Mohar Janez , Vidmar Gaj
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE: This study aimed to provide a reliable and valid translation of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22r) questionnaire, compare it with the EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire, and analyse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in Slovenia in order to potentially improve their rehabilitation processes. METHODS: A matched-case-control study was performed to assess internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and discriminative validity. The questionnaire was returned by 25 adolescent IS patients, 25 adult IS patients, and 25 healthy controls (87%, 71%, and 100% response rate, respectively). RESULTS: Internal consistency was high for all four scales in the adult IS group, but lower among the adolescent patients. Test-retest reliability of the SRS-22r was high to very high in both patient groups. Correlations between SRS-22r and EQ-5D-5 L were low or close to zero among adolescent patients and moderate or high among adult IS patients. SRS-22r domain scores were statistically significantly different between adult patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: The study proved that the Slovenian version of SRS-22r has the psychometric properties needed to measure HRQoL, whereby it appears to be more reliable for adults than adolescents. When used with IS adolescents, SRS-22r is affected by a severe ceiling effect. It could be used for longitudinal follow-up of adult patients after rehabilitation treatment. Additionally, some important issues that adolescents and adults with IS are faced with were identified.
Psychosocial risk factors identification in Mexican workers and RGIII validation
Authors: Cano-Gutiérrez Julio César , Olguín-Tiznado Jesús Everardo , Camargo-Wilson Claudia , López Barreras Juan Andrés , García-Rivera Blanca Rosa , García-Alcaráz Jorge Luis
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: Since 2018, NOM-035-STPS-2018 has been applied in Mexico, focused on measuring psychosocial risk factors (PRFs) in workers and the Reference Guide III (RGIII) has been presented, however, research focused on its validation has been scarce, in very specific sectors and with small samples. OBJECTIVE: Determine the levels of PRFs of five work centers and reliability and validity aspects of RGIII. METHOD: The RGIII was applied to 1458 workers (806 women and 652 men) from five workplace in the industrial sector of Ensenada (Mexico), and the level of risk of the PRFs was analyzed, as well as their reliability and validity through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). RESULTS: The PRFs with medium, high and very high-risk levels are Workload, Lack of control over work and Workday. The RGIII presents adequate reliability with Cronbach’s α, Alpha ordinal RHO and Omega of 0.93, 0.95 and 0.95, respectively. The EFA shows all five subscales maintain factor loadings greater than 0.43, although Leadership and relationships at work has better saturation values, and Work environment ended with only three items. The CFA indicates Leadership and work relationships with a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) goodness of fit index of 0.072. CONCLUSION: The RGIII allows the identification and evaluation of the level of risk of PRFs. It complies with sufficient internal consistency. It does not have a clear factorial structure, because it does not meet the minimum values of goodness-of-fit indexes that would allow confirming the structure proposed in RGIII.
Comparative analysis of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus through whole genome sequencing in the largest tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Authors: Ullah Aman , Khan Muhammad Arif , Saira  , Ullah Ikram , Tara Tanveer , Ahmad Daud , Zeb Muhammad Asif
Published: February 2023

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a globally disseminated antibiotic-resistant pathogen and causes mild to severe infections. The population structure of MRSA is highly clonal and individual genetic clones harbor specific plasmid, and determinants for antibiotic resistance and virulence, therefore, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of five MRSA isolates of the predominant genetic lineage was performed to gain insight into the most prevalent endemic strains. Sequencing libraries were arranged in accordance with the Nextera XT DNA Library Prep Guide (Illumina). WGS was performed on Illumina NextSeq 500 platform with 2×151bp using a NextSeq Mid-Output Kit. The sequenced genome was characterized for spa type, MLST type, SCCmec type, plasmid, antibiotic resistance gene, and virulence gene by publicly available bioinformatics tools on the website of the Center for Genomic Epidemiology. All the isolates were characterized as ST8/t064-SCCmecIVa(2B) clones of MRSA and, A total of 13 resistance genes, 11 virulence genes, and 6 types of plasmids were identified in the sequenced isolates of MRSA, furthermore, the sequenced isolates showed a similar pattern of distribution for antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes. WGS revealed that the isolates are genetically closely related and showed a similar pattern of distribution for different genetic markers, therefore, these strains could be an accidental case cluster or cluster of an outbreak.
FEATURES OF DIAGNOSIS AND ADVERSE COURSE OF NEONATAL JUVENILE XANTHOGRANULOMA: CASE REPORT
Authors: Dorosh O. , Dudash P. , Petronchak O. , Gulеi R. , Kiseliova M. , Hera O. , Masynnyk Yu. , Dushar М. , Tsymbalyuk-Voloshyn I. , Makukh Н. , Kitsera N. , Skalecka N.
Published: February 2023

The work describes a case of rare neonatal systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma with an initial damage of the scalp, limbs, back and abdomen, multiple damages of the parenchyma of both lungs, spleen and liver with the development of a severe form of congenital cholestatic hepatitis. The diagnosis was established on the basis of histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the skin nodules. The child on the background of therapy under the Langerhans cell histiocytosis III program achieved a partial response, which was manifested by a reduction of granulomatous formations on the skin, elimination of liver failure, but retained hepatosplenomegaly, specific lesions of the lung parenchyma, liver, and left kidney. Against the background of cytostatic therapy, the patient developed secondary pancytopenia, perianal ulcerative-necrotic dermatitis with lesions on buttocks, stomatitis, protein-energy deficiency, acute liver failure. coagulopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, acute renal failure, respiratory failure of III degree, cardiovascular insufficiency of III degree, pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, cerebral coma of II–III degree, enterocolitis, intestinal paresis. Despite multicomponent intensive care, the child’s condition progressively deteriorated, and the patient died. The aspects of differential diagnosis of neonatal systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma are discussed.
Applying English proficiency test using Google Form and Zoom
Authors: Wardhani Norita Prasetya , Anggoro Satrio Priyo , Hardono Hardono
Published: February 2023

English proficiency tests are one of the requirements for graduation on many campuses in Indonesia. The scores of these tests can also be used for job applications. Tests can be conducted both offline (paper-based) and online (internet-based), with the latter allowing participants to take the test from any location. Online tests require a laptop with a webcam, mouse, headset, and phone. This study used Google Form and Zoom Cloud Meeting as the test platforms, and qualitative research methods were used to understand the benefits, obstacles, and problems that arose. Data was collected through investigation, questionnaires, and interviews, and the researcher recorded everything that happened during the study. Some benefits, obstacles, and problems were found when using Google Form and Zoom Cloud Meeting.

Keywords: English proficiency test; internet-based test; Zoom Cloud Meeting,; Google Form
The Relationship between Academic Support and Well-Being in Students through Mediation of Resilience
Authors:   Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran, Mahmoodimehr Ebrahim , Hafezi Fariba ,   Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran., Bakhtiarpour Saeed ,   Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran., Johari Fard Reza ,   Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.
Published: February 2023

Background: Resilience is considered as one of the normal structures and concepts in positive psychology to better adjust to stressful situations and achieve well-being. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between academic support and academic well-being in students. Materials & Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all high school studentsof Khorramabad city in the school year 2020-21, among which, 353 students were selected through multistage cluster random sampling. The research instruments included Academic Support Scale, Academic Well-Being Questionnaire, and Academic Resilience Inventory. Data were analyzed using the SEM technique. Results: There was a positive relationship between academic support and academic well-being (β=0.33; P<0.001) in the students. There was a direct relationship between academic resilience and academic well-being in the students (β=0.55; P<0.001). There was also a positive relationship between academic support and academic resilience in the students (β=0.23; P<0.001). Academic resilience had a mediating role in the relationship between academic support and academic well-being in high school students (P<0.001). Conclusion: Accordingly, the model had a good fit to the data. School principals and teachers should improve students’ well-being by increasing academic support and resilience.
The pattern of self in women with borderline personality disorder in the context of their life narratives: A qualitative study
Authors:   PhD Candidate in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran, Ahangi Akram , Eskandari Hosein ,   Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran., Borjali Ahmad ,   Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran., Asgari Mohammad ,   Associate Professor, Department of Assessment & Measurement, Allameh Tabataba’I University, Tehran, Iran
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Although self-disturbance is considered as an essential aspect of borderline personality disorder, there is little knowledge about its nature in affected individuals. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the patterns of self in women with borderline personality disorder. Method: This study was a basic research with a qualitative approach. The statistical population consisted of women with borderline personality disorder in Mashhad and psychologists and psychiatrists in Mashhad and Tehran, Iran, in 2021. Fifteen women with borderline personality disorder were selected by convenience sampling using Leichsenring's Borderline Questionnaire (1999) from Ibn Sina Hospital in Mashhad, and eight specialists were selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and coded through thematic analysis. Results: In the data analysis, five main themes, including self-knowledge, self-agency, loneliness, self and injury, and self and emotions, were identified. The self-knowledge theme has two sub-themes, namely, lack of self-awareness and instability. Self-agency included two external and internal themes. Loneliness was also divided into three themes of rejection, being misunderstood, and avoidance. Self and injury contained the themes of self pathology and self-harm, and finally, the main theme of self and emotions was divided into positive and negative emotions. Conclusion: In women with borderline personality disorder, under the influence of adverse and harmful experiences from early relationships and due to the accumulation of unprocessed emotions that cause impulsive behaviors, the self is incoherent, unstable with low self-awareness, and weak agency in facing life difficulties. Therefore; the extracted themes can provide a more comprehensive understanding of these individuals.
The effectiveness of emotion focused therapy on mental pain, experiential avoidance, and forgiveness in women with depression, who experienced a romantic relationship breakup
Authors:   PhD Student, Department of Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran., Ertezaee Behnaz , Neissi Abdolkazem ,   Professor, Department of Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran, Hamid Najmeh ,   Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran., Davoudi Iran ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Depression and love trauma syndrome are characterized by changes in mood and emotions and disruptions in performance. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotion focused therapy on mental pain, experiential avoidance, and forgiveness in women with depression, who experienced a romantic relationship breakup. Method: In the present study, a semi-experimental, pretest-posttest, control group design with a threemonth follow-up was employed. The statistical population consisted of all females, aged 18-35 years, who experienced a romantic relationship breakdown in Isfahan, Iran, in 2021. Thirty participants were selected via available sampling and randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of emotion focused therapy (90 minutes per session). For data collection, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), Love Trauma Syndrome Questionnaire (1999), Beck Depression Inventory (1996), Heartland Forgiveness Scale (2005), Orbach & Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale (2003), and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (2004) were used. Descriptive and inferential data were analyzed in SPSS Version 24, using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results indicated significant differences in the mean scores of mental pain, experiential avoidance, and forgiveness between the experimental and control groups (P<0.001). Regarding these variables, 73.1%, 39.7%, and 80.1% of the variance between the groups in the post-test, and 76.2%, 41.8%, and 77.1% of the variance between the groups in the follow-up were attributed to the effects of intervention, respectively. Conclusion: The emotion focused therapy was effective in improving the mental pain, experiential avoidance, and forgiveness of women with depression and who experience relationship breakdown. Therefore; this method can be used to improve the emotional health of these women