bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of Expression of GnRH gene in Fed, Starved, and Refed Clarias Gariepinus (African Catfish)
Authors: Minari Joseph , Josephine Oshio AYOKHAI  , Balikis Olabisi SHOLAJA
Published: March 2024

Inadequate nutritional status impairs gonadal activities, which may induce reproductive difficulties in Clarias gariepinus. This research was aimed at evaluating the influence of starvation and subsequent refeeding on the expression of GnRH gene in Clarias gariepinus. One hundred and eighty (180) healthy juvenile Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) used in this study were randomly placed into two groups in triplicates. Fish in the control group were fed to satiation while fish in the treatment group were starved and refed and the fish in the control group were continuously fed. Brain tissue samples were collected after 7 days and 14 days of starvation, histopathology, and gene expression studies were done. The histological sections of brain tissue of week one starved and fed, C. gariepinus show neuronal cells on a background of neuropil while week two starved reveal badly distorted morphological architecture and degenerated neuronal cells. However, the week two re-fed, C. gariepinus brain tissue shows vacuolation of neuropil while the week two continuous fed shows no abnormalities. No mortality was recorded during starvation and the entire experimental period. In the second week of starvation, a decrease in the fold change (1.7) was observed when compared to week one while the fold change (1.2) observed in week three (week one of re-fed) is lower than the fold change observed in week one and two of starvation.  The fold change (1.7) observed in week four (week two re-fed) is higher than the fold change observed in week three. The highest fold change (2.13) was observed in week one of starvation while the lowest fold change (1.24) was observed in week one of re-feeding. This study reveals that exposure of C. gariepinus to prolonged food deprivation alters the expression of GnRH, which might lead to impairment in the reproductive success of Clarias gariepinus.
Buddhist Vihares - Their Temporalities, Modes of Succession to the Office of Viharadhipathi: A Review of Buddhist Ecclesiastical Law
Authors: De Silva S.S.M.
Published: March 2024

This study examines the Buddhist Ecclesiastical Law in its historical perspective and the current law in relation to Buddhist Vihares and the mode of succession 10 the of lice of Viharadhipathi. In this exercise relevant legislation and the case law are analvzed. Buddhist Ecclesiastical law in Sri Lanka has evolved through the past centuries to become a living force, which reveals through examination the inextricabte link between Sinhalese culture and Buddhism and the role played by the religion in the growth of the laws and customs of the country. On account ofthe enormous service rendered bv the Buddhist monks toward the stability and progress of the country, the educational and moral enlightenmentof the people,prosperity and happiness of the society, the kings bestowed extensive tracts of lands, on the temples for their maintenance and upkeep, which is evident from the Mihintale slab inscription of King Mahinda IV and the Mahavansa. The apointment of chiefs and priests of temples was a prerogative of the king of Kandyan Kingdom. In keeping with the ancient tradition, according to article 5 of the Kandyan Convention of 1815, the British government undertook to maintain and protect Buddhism and Buddhist temples. However, later the withdrawal of the British Government from temples affairs plunged the Buddhist temples into a deep crisis, There appeared on the scene, during the 19' century, in addition to patriotic laymen a few Buddhist monks of heroic cnaracter intent on revivinsr the notion and its religion. One of such eminent Buaahist scholar was Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero who estahlishcd in 1873 the Vidyodaya Pirivena of Maligakanda which gave to birth to our University of Sri Jayewardenenpura. Temple property and the rights of Viharadhipathi have been regulated by successive Buddhist Temporalities Ordinances passed in 1889. 1905 and 1931 The statute now in force is chapter 396 as amended by the Buddhist Fcrnporalities (Amendement) Ordinance No, 22 of 1980. The infiltration made by the English law of Trust into Sanghika property has hindered the growth of the Sasana and made the Buddhist priest a trustee which subsumes the lay concept of 'possession '. Since a temple exists for the `spiritual 'welfare of the community, it is imperative that the temple becomes a corporate entity so that endowments be madefor the benefit of the Sangha and not to an individual bhikkhu . Doubts, difficulties and impediments may have been encountered by Viharadhipathis, Trustees and the Commissioner of Buddhist affairs in the working of an Ordinance which has- been in existence for more than 75 years. Therefore, it is recommended that the subject befully examined either by a Commission of Inquiry appointed under the Commissions of Inquiry Act or a Presidential Committee.
A Review of Trends in Suicide and Deliberate Self Harm in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kathriarachchi S.T.
Published: March 2024

Sri Lanka is a unique country with an alarmingly high suicide rate overlapping with deliberate self harrn. More lives have been lost as a result of suicide than due to ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, during the last two decades. Over the past few decades scientists from medical and sociological disciplines have examined the causes, impact, and preventive measuresfor this phenomenon. This article aims at reviewing trends in suicide and deliberate self harm in Sri Lanka with special reference to the methods used. Information was gathered from the libraries of the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Sri Lanka Medical Association and the University of Sri Jayawardenepura and a collection of articles by the author. Findings show that suicide in Sri Lanka had been documented in the early civilization and reports are mainly of prominent people in the society who took their lives. The methods used to commit suicide were violent. During British rule reporting of suicides were more organized and methods used gradually transformed from hanging to drowning and self poisoning. During the period from J 950 to J 995 the suicide rate has rapidly increased by eight fold. Sri Lanka was rankedfirst in the world in J 995for the highest suicide rate of 47/ J 00,000 and since then a gradual decline in suicides has been noted. Methods used were determined by the availability: agrochemicals remained the first choice and other substances including therapeutic substances emerged as other tools to commit suicide. Methods used showed a geographical variation. Suicides among the youth were common in the second half of the ur century and in 2007, the same was true for females whilst in males the age at suicide increased to 45 - 50 years.
Late Quaternary Environmental History of the Horton Plains, Central Sri Lanka
Authors: Prematilake T.R. , Epitawatta D.S.
Published: March 2024

Pollen and mineral magnetic analyses performed on two peat sequences from the elevated area at 2300 m above sea level (a.s.l.)in the central part of Sri Lanka provide an almost continuous succession of data on the vegetation, climate and land-use history of the area since 18,000 BP. An amelioration of the arid Late Pleostoceme environment is indicated by the development of herbaceous and summer forest communities. Xerophytic woodlands predominated at the termination of the Pleistocene, about 13,000 BP. At the very end of the Pleistocene an incerase in precipitatin is indentified by the predominance f a montane rain forest (12,000 - 11,000 BP). The Holecene vegetation changes reflect two significant phases of expansion and diversification in the rain forest, in addition an arid climatic phase from 6000 to 5000 BP was observed, and a short wet phase around 600 BP. The first indications of human impact in the pollen diagram, dated to approximately 14,000 BP, may be the result if severe deforestation, forest clearance and grazing. A pre-farming/pastrol culture existed from 14,000 to 10,000 BP, and changes in both human subsistence strategies and climate, and be recognized around 9000 BP, with the start of the first agricultural land-use (Hordeum sp.and Avena sp.). These activities continued until 6500 BP, whereas only limited agricultural activities and be identified during the period 6500 to 3000 BP. Thereafter, the area was abandoned until small-scale triticum cultivation started around 800 BP, lasting until 200 BP.
Causal Models and Fertility Behaviour ; The Case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Attanayake Chandra
Published: March 2024

Causal Models and Fertility Behaviour ; The Case of Sri Lanka
මහාපරාක්‍රමබාහු රජතුමාගේ තුන් නිකා සමගිය
Authors: Dhammavisuddhi Rev. Yatadolavatte
Published: March 2024

මහාපරාක්‍රමබාහු රජතුමාගේ තුන් නිකා සමගිය
Attitude Towards Family Size, Sex Preference, Decision-Making and Family Planning in Sri Lanka
Authors: Bandaranayake A.
Published: March 2024

Attitude Towards Family Size, Sex Preference, Decision-Making and Family Planning in Sri Lanka
Correcting Errors The Relative Efficacy of Different Forms of Error Feedback in Second Language Writing
Authors: Jayathilake Chitra
Published: March 2024

Error correction in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes has been a focal phenomenon in SLA (Second Language Acquisition) research due to some controversial research results and diverse feedback practices. This paper presents a study which explored the relative efficacy of three forms of error correction employed in ESL writing classes: focussing on the acquisition of one grammar element both for immediate and delayed language contexts, and collecting data from university undergraduates, this study employed an experimental research design with a pretest-treatment-posttests structure. The research revealed that the degree of success in acquiring L2 (Second Language) grammar through error correction differs according to the form of the correction and to learning contexts - immediate and delayed contexts. While the findings are discussed in relation to the previous literature, this paper concludes creating a cline of error correction forms to be promoted in Sri Lankan L2 writing contexts, particularly in ESL contexts in Universities.
An Assessment of the Method of Adult Mortality Estimation from Information on Widowhood
Authors: Silva S.A.C.S.
Published: March 2024

In less developed countries, both traditional and non-traditional methods of mortality estimation have not been successful in providing complete and accurate information on mortality. To substitute these methods Demographers have tried to develop indirect methods of mortality estimation. For estimating adult mortality two methods based on orphanhood data and widowhood data are being developed. There is a fair literature on the theoretical background and practical application of these methods and by critically reviewing this scattered literature, the suitability and applicability of them can be assessed. The information for the method of widowhood can be collected by asking the simple question “Is your first husband/ wife alive”. The proportion can be converted to life table probabilities using model schedules of mortality, fertility, and nuptiality. The robustness of the method depends largely of the assumptions of the method. Some assumptions are not crucial. However the assumption on the independent of the mortality risks of respondent and spouse should be examined critically. Further development of the method should be carried out using computer simulation rather than depending on plausible estimates achieved by application of the method.
Processing of Active Sentences with Different Accusative Markers /ta/ Accusatives vs. /va/ Accusatives in Spoken Sinhala language
Authors: Kanduboda A. B. Prabath
Published: March 2024

This paper examines whether active sentences with different accusative markers illustrate identical circumstances when processing canonical ordered sentences and scramble ordered sentences. Specifically, this study focuses on Double Object Markers (DOM) phenomenon in Sinhala language with relation to sentence processing. Sinhala language is said to possess DOM for active sentences consisting of transitive verbs (/ta/ and /va/). Previous studies in experimental linguistics in Sinhala language have examined the canonical word order in active sentences consisting of transitive verbs with /ta/ accusatives, and have provided evidence that the canonical word order is decided based on the information provided by grammatical functions (Subject-Object-Verb). Since /va/ and /ta/ accusatives accompany different verbs, it is important to examine the sentences with /va/ accusatives in order to ascertain the fact that the canonical word order is constructed according to the grammatical information (i.e., Subject-Object-Verb) in all active sentences consisting of transitive verbs in the spoken form of the Sinhala language. Thus, this study conducted two experiments (EX#1 with /va/ accusatives, and EX#2 with /ta/ accusatives) using the nature of scrambling effects to seek whether SOV word order remains canonical and grammatical functions still provide necessary information to determine the canonical word order. A series of one-way ANOVAs was conducted on reaction times and error rates of the responses. The results show that the canonical order remains Subject-Object-Verb for active sentences consisting of transitive verbs with /va/ accusatives which in turn suggest that the information of grammatical function is still applicable regardless of different accusative types in active sentences of the Sinhala language.Key words - /ta/ Accusatives, /va/ Accusatives, Scrambling effects, Canonical order, Scrambled order
Querying the Queer: A Study of the Queer Identity in the Sri Lankan English Novel
Authors: Siriwardena D.
Published: March 2024

Employing the insights gleaned from queer theory, this paper engages with the literary representation of tabooed sexualities by scrutinizing the depiction of the queer character in the postIndependence Sri Lankan novel. The methodology of the study is based on a textual examination. The primary texts under scrutiny are three texts by the two pioneers of the Sri Lankan English novel, Punyakanthi Wijenaike (Giraya and Amulet) and James Goonewardena (An Asian Gambit); in which one finds the earliest appearance of the queer character in Sri Lankan English fiction. In a nutshell, the paper examines how these authors negotiate with what the feminist critics term, “the perceptual screen provided by our patriarchal cultural conditioning” by attempting to see if the works of these authors hold any subversive potential. This end is achieved by examining whether the depiction of the queer character in the novels of these authors is employed as a means of tracing a redefinition or a reaffirmation of the patriarchal social institutions such as love and family. In the exploration it becomes evident that especially in Wijenaike’s work there is a critical recognition the discriminatory aspects of certain patriarchal institutions. Nevertheless, the study unearths that in spite of the authors’ ostensibly radical move of engaging with tabooed sexualities in the Sri Lankan society in their novels, their depiction of the queer character is predominantly governed by homophobic, heterosexist undercurrents. It is hoped that this paper will throw new light on the preoccupations of the Sri Lankan English writers, enable new readings of old texts, and illuminate a previously unexplored area of experience in Sri Lankan English fiction.Key words: Sri Lankan novel, queer, homosexuality, identity, gender studies
Intention to Use Halal-Certified Bakery Ingredients among Online Muslims Entrepreneurs: Application of Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) Model
Authors: Rosi Hasna Sari  , Ahmad Anis Najiha , Beta Kartika
Published: March 2024

The development of halal food industries has created more business opportunities for Muslim entrepreneurs. These Muslim entrepreneurs must ensure that only halal ingredients are used in their food products. Although there is a growing literature on halal management and consumerism, empirical studies on certified bakery ingredients and online entrepreneurs are limited. To fill this gap, factors influencing the intention to use halal-certified bakery ingredients among online entrepreneurs are being investigated. The data was obtained from 165 online Muslim entrepreneurs in Malaysia using convenience sampling. The adopted questionnaire was used as a research instrument, grounded by the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The TPB model was extended in this study by including additional components to measure self-identity, moral obligation, and barriers. The results obtained based on the path analysis showed that the attitude and subjective norm of the entrepreneurs are both statistically significant in influencing the intention to use halal-certified bakery ingredients. In contrast, entrepreneurs' perceived behaviour control, self-identity, and moral obligations had no significant influence on the intention to use halal-certified bakery ingredients
A Mini Review of Healthy Bars – Purchasing Motives and Challenges: Towards Halalan Toyyiban Approach
Authors: Mohd Noor Nurul Auni , Hazahari Noor Yuslida , Shahidan Norshazila
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, the consumption of healthy bars has increased worldwide due to the nutritional values and versatility of the products. The latest study explains these different healthy bars, their typical ingredients, and consumers’ growing awareness on food safety and quality simultaneously demanding halal-certified products. This review article compares different healthy bars that influence consumers’ purchasing motives and elaborates on the obstacles producers encounter while producing these healthy bars using halal and toyyib. The review was carried out by going through information from 98 publications related to four types of nutritious bars: (i) cereal-based bars, (ii) energy bars, (iii) fruit-based bars and (iv) vegetable-based bars. Meanwhile, the packaging attribute is the most crucial component influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions. Manufacturers discovered the most challenging tasks are keeping up with the demand for unique ingredients in healthy bars and not forgetting consumers’ demand for halalan toyyiban food products.
Examining Potential Threats of Eavesdropping in TCP Stream of Personal Interactive Transmission Session
Authors: Abubakar Adamu , Muhammed Najmuddin Nadhirah , Mohd Alwi Rabiatul Adawiyah , Mohamad Faizal Nur Amirotul Izzah
Published: March 2024

This study establishes that Personal Interactive Transmission Sessions conducted using TCP streams provide exceptional convenience and immediacy. However, they also provide noteworthy challenges and considerations, especially in terms of security, integrity, and performance. This study investigates the security weaknesses present in potential eavesdropping threats on TCP Streams during personal interactive transmission sessions. An experimental analysis was carried out, by doing a comprehensive analysis of network traffic using Wireshark. The investigation reveals a notable vulnerability in the management of user-provided data, together with the possible risks of eavesdropping, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security measures. The findings underscore the need of proactive cybersecurity strategies, such as frequent security audits, vulnerability assessments, and the implementation of robust encryption methods, to safeguard user privacy and ensure data integrity. To enhance risk mitigation, data protection, and user confidence in the digital environment, organizations should prioritize addressing potential eavesdropping threats during transmission sessions that involve sensitive personal data.
التكييف الفقهي لإشتراطات الواقف وموقف التشريع الجزائري -دراسة تحليلية تأصيلية-
Authors: حياة سي عمار  , أسماء أكلي صوالحي
Published: March 2024

تبحث هذه الدراسة عن حقيقة إشتراطات الواقف بالتكييف الفقهي لها، ومعرفة الضوابط التي تنبني عليها هذه الإشتراطات ليتسنى للواقفين اتباعها ولإدارة الأوقاف السير عليها، تبرز مشكلة البحث في معرفة  المراد بالتكييف الفقهي ونطاق تطبيقه على إشتراطات الواقفين،بالإعتماد على آراء الفقهاء الأربعة حولها من الحنفية والمالكية والشافعية والحنابلة ومدى موافقة التشريع الجزائري لها، متبعين المنهج الإستنباطي والإستقرائي والتحليلي، خلصت الدراسة أن عملية التكييف الفقهي لاشنراطات الواقفين مهمة للغاية فهي تحدد مصير الوقف وتعزز الثقة للواقفين في معرفتهم لها حينما يوقفون أملاكهم وتساعد إدارة الأوقاف لمعرفة حدودها وضوابطها، كما نوصي بضرورة إثراء قانون الأوقاف الجزائري بتفاصيل هذه الإشتراطات وحيثياتها وعلم الجمهور بها .
Research lift coefficient on the distance between the revolving cylinders a turbulent stream
Authors: Tanasheva N.K. , Dyusembaeva A.N. , Shuyushbayeva N.N.
Published: March 2024

In this paper the possibilities of using a system of revolved cylinders as part of a wind turbine are considered. The aerodynamic forces in the cross-flow of a cylinder and a system of two cylinders have been measured. A method for determining the optimal distance between the cylinders in their cross-flow has been developed. We experimentally determined the conditions under which the Magnus effect contributes to the largest increase of a lift force and, correspondingly, to the increase of the wind turbine efficiency. This can be used to create multi-bladed wind turbines of a new generation based on the Magnus effect. The aerodynamic characteristics of the cylinders with diameters 10 cm in diameter, that is the rotary motion, is determined by the maximum value with the coefficient of lifting force and the frontal impedance coefficient. These results are useful for us in practice, as these results can be used in smaller wind speed engines. In the local economy, the use of local wind power is a convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly, with a minimal wind speed engine focused on reducing the deficit of electricity, which is one of the key issues in rural areas.
Artistic transformations of the image of father in the Ukrainian cinema during the Stalinist era
Authors: Nykonenko V.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of the article is to study the peculiarities of artistic interpretations of the image of father in Ukrainian cinema during the Stalinist era, with special attention to the socio-cultural and political factors of the period, which fundamentally influenced the trends in the interpretations of the screen image of father.

The methodology. On the example of the films “Ivan” (1932), “Wonderful Garden” (1935), “Aerograd” (1935), “Guerillas in the steps of Ukraine” (1942), “Third strike” (1948) historical factors were analyzed that fundamentally determined the peculiarities of the screen character of father during the years of Soviet repressions. In the article, a definition of the concept of paternalism in the context of the theory of law and statecraft is provided. Also in the article Ukrainian films of the Stalinist era were studied, in which the paternal concept “The state is father of its citizens” was fully manifested. Socio-cultural analysis of films, in which the figure of the genetic father was relegated to the background by Soviet ideology, and the role of the main educator of children was taken over by representatives of the Russian imperial authorities, was carried out. The paternal figure is considered in the broadest symbolic context — when the paternal role for a citizens can be played by an entire social institution or the apparatus of state power.

The results. The period of Joseph Stalin turned out to be one of the most difficult in Ukrainian history. In those years, the Ukrainian nation faced numerous political cataclysms: industrialization, the Holodomor, deportation to remote regions of the USSR, repressions and World War II. However, the cinematography presented a completely transformed picture of reality, according to which the Bolshevik government was a kind and caring father for Ukrainians, but not a cruel tyrant. Nevertheless, even in such a tragic historical period, national directors were able to reflect in propagandistic films the longing of Ukrainian society for the traditional family system, and by biological parents in particular.

The scientific novelty. The main attention is focused on the essential characteristics of the archetypal image of father and it makes it possible to analyze many Ukrainian classic films in a new scientific context.

The practical significance. The article can contribute to further research in the field of several humanitarian disciplines: film studies, cultural studies, art studies, sociology and History of Ukraine.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THERMAL INSULATION OF MULTI-LAYER WALLS
Authors:   Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University, Rachinska A. , Tsarenko O. ,   Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University
Published: March 2024

In today's conditions, the problem of insulation of surfaces is very relevant for wide circles of the population of Ukraine. Everyone knows that surface insulation allows to reduce heat transfer due to the use of materials with low thermal conductivity. In the absence of permanent heating, the issue of thermal insulation of cylindrical pipes is very relevant. The issue of insulation selection and structural design requires a complex and professional approach. To calculate the problem of thermal insulation, a specialist needs to have a toolkit for calculating the temperature field and saving the obtained results for further analysis. The work presents the developed information technology that allows a specialist to calculate the temperature field for multilayer cylindrical pipes. The object-oriented programming language C# and the Microsoft Visual Studio integrated development environment were used to build the IT toolkit. It should be noted that when making calculations, there is no need to specify the characteristics of pipe and insulation materials, since all data is stored in the IT database. The object-relational database management system - PostgreSQL was used to build the data module. After the calculations, all the built calculation models and the received numerical models of the results are also stored in the database. This allows you not to recalculate if necessary, but to use the data that is already available. To analyze the results, the developed toolkit allows you to plot temperature changes of a multilayer wall. At the same time, the user selects the necessary calculation models independently from IT database data. The DirectX three-dimensional graphics development tool package is used for visual representation of numerical model calculations. The authors developed an algorithm for constructing a color temperature field according to the calculations. Red is chosen for the highest field temperature, and blue for the lowest temperature. A feature of the proposed information technology is that its functionality allows three users with different levels of access to work with the toolkit: a database administrator, a mathematical model construction engineer, and a numerical model analysis specialist.
Measuring the Impact of Technology Innovations and Renewable Energy Consumption for Enhancing Environmental Sustainability in India: Empirical Evidence from ARDL Approach
Authors: Ghosh Raktim , Kumar Ghosh Priyajit , Bagchi Bhaskar , Paul Biswajit
Published: March 2024

Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at a breakneck pace is a serious problem for sustainable development. To ensure climate-protected sustainable development, we have to promote safe and sustainable energy for the future. Here, the production and consumption of renewable energy is having a vital role. Apart from this, technological innovation is also crucial to taste the benefits of renewable energy and reduce the emission of different harmful gases. Against this backdrop, the present study intends to investigate the contribution of technological innovation along with the use of renewable energy in ensuring environmental sustainability in India using the ARDL model. Further, the Granger causality test is also performed in this study to check the direction of causality among the variables. The results of this study reveal that renewable energy consumption reduces CO2 emissions in India in both the short and long run. This means that using renewable energy would help India to bring environmental sustainability through reducing CO2 emissions. However, a positive relationship is noted between technological innovation and CO2 emissions. This may imply innovation in technology in India is unable to act as an instrument to bring environmental sustainability.
АЕРОТЕХНОГЕННІ ЗМІНИ ЛІСІВ ЗЕЛЕНОЇ ЗОНИ М. РІВНЕ
Authors: Ворон В. П. , Фізик І. В. , Івашинюта С. В. , Грицюк І. І. , Ціпан Ю. Р.
Published: March 2024

Наведено теоретичні узагальнення та результати змін лісівзеленої зони м. Рівне, що піддаються дії аеротехногенногозабруднення. Дослідження базувалися на принципахпорівняльної екології та проведені за загальноприйнятими влісівництві, лісовій таксації, ґрунтознавстві. Визначено тенденціїй маркери забруднення снігового покриву та ґрунтів у зонахзабруднекння викидами SO2, NOх, NH4, і цементних виробництв.Виявлено аномалії накопичення в ґрунтах важких і лужнихметалів у зоні цементних виробництв. Вивчено динамікунадходження опаду й формування лісової підстилки та змінибіокругообігу в лісових екосистемах в умовах аеротехногенногозабруднення. Оцінено вплив техногенного забруднення насанітарний стан сосняків і виявлено особливості змінгоризонтальної та вертикальної структури лісових насадженьунаслідок дії техногенного забруднення.
Konwencja stambulska a płeć i liczba małżonków
Authors: Barszcz Tomasz
Published: March 2024

W artykule wykazuję, że koncepcja małżeństwa zawarta w Konwencji Rady Europy o zapobiega­niu i zwalczaniu przemocy wobec kobiet i przemocy domowej, sporządzonej w Stambule dnia 11 maja 2011 r., nie obejmuje rozstrzygnięć co do liczby osób w małżeństwie i odnośnie do płci małżonków. Podejmując się tego tematu, w pierwszej kolejności badam tekst Konwencji z perspektywy podstawowych reguł wykładni pra­wa, dekodując w ten sposób atrybuty małżeństwa expressis verbis ulokowane w tekście Konwencji. W dalszej części, angażując okoliczności zewnętrzne wobec tego tekstu, uzasadniam tezy: poligamiczność jest wykluczo­na z zakodowanego w Konwencji pojęcia małżeństwa (1); w Konwencji jest złożona koncepcja małżeństwa, z której wyłączono realizowanie się między osobami tej samej płci (2) oraz pojęcie małżeństwa z Konwencji denotuje związki poligamiczne lub homoseksualne (3). Następnie zaś każdą tezę – (1), (2) i (3) oraz ich uzasad­nienia oceniam według wymogów prawidłowej wykładni prawa.
Awaken the Awareness of Transcendence: New Strategies for Catholic Schools in the Netherlands to Deal with Secularization
Authors: Van der Zee Theo
Published: March 2024

Secularization poses serious challenges for religiously affiliated schools. Catholic schools in the Netherlands find themselves embarrassed regarding their educational endeavor because they are unable or lack the inspiration to talk about this subject in religious terms. This article aims to explore new ways of overcoming this embarrassment. Firstly, an overview is presented of the current situa­tion and of the embarrassment of Catholic schools, in terms of their problematic choice of actions. Based on a critical-dialogical convergence of theological and pedagogical considerations, a Catholic vi­sion on the educational endeavor is subsequently developed that is understood in terms of interrup­tion, the other, and transcendence. From this vision of the educational endeavor, new strategies are presented – at the community level of Catholic schools, and at the individual level of teachers, school leaders, and governors – to promote an openness to receiving new, unexpected insights and possibili­ties. The receipt of these insights and possibilities is closely related to an awareness of transcendence, in both a secular and a religious sense. The initial findings of recent empirical research on the impact of these strategies are presented.
Preparing Catholic Educators for Flourishing in a Secularized Society: A Case Study
Authors: Roberts Amy , Kilbane Clare , Rook Rebecca
Published: March 2024

As culture experiences secularization, and the importance of religion and prevalence of people holding religious worldviews diminishes, the work of forming Catholics who can live out their profes­sional and Christian vocations as teachers in different types of schools becomes simultaneously more crucial and more complex. This article explores the importance of preparing Catholic teachers for em­ployment in contemporary educational settings in the United States to respond to accelerating seculari­zation. It argues that the Catholic Church’s vision for education can be implemented within the limita­tions of US education policy, especially through the careful preparation of Catholic teachers in Catholic Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs). First, it presents the unique context of US education, illustrating the setting in which such programs function and the associated challenges. Next, it shares the Church’s vision for well-prepared Catholic educators, identifying three key anthropological conflicts linked to sec­ularization and explaining how the Church’s teaching on Catholic education as presented by Archbishop Michael Miller’s “Five Essential Marks of Catholic Schools” provides needed guidance for EPPs located in Catholic universities. Next, it offers a case study presenting one EPP’s efforts to respond to secu­larization through its program redesign according to a framework that integrates Miller’s Five Marks. Finally, it explains the difficulties facing Catholic EPPs as they integrate their mission with the demands of professional preparation.
Katecheza w ponowoczesności – przestrzenie dialogu
Authors: Frejusz Kamilla
Published: March 2024

Katecheza zawsze odbywa się w konkretnych warunkach i w konkretnych czasach. Nie może być oderwana od rzeczywistości, nie może „rozmijać” się z problemami przeżywanymi przez ka­techizowanych. W tym znaczeniu ponowoczesność i cechujący ją sekularyzm stawiają katechezę w no­wych warunkach, w sytuacji, która wymaga rozpoznania, a następnie rozeznania, jak w tej nowej rze­czywistości możliwe jest głoszenie katechezy, jak możliwe jest dotarcie z Ewangelią do współczesnego człowieka. Artykuł podejmuje namysł nad możliwościami dialogu katechetycznego z człowiekiem żyją­cym w ponowoczesności, którą charakteryzuje zjawisko sekularyzacji. Refleksja przeprowadzona będzie w dwóch punktach. Najpierw ukazany zostanie kontekst, w którym zarysowuje się współczesny dialog katechetyczny. Następnie wyartykułowane zostaną konkretne zagadnienia, które mogą stanowić swo­istą przestrzeń spotkania (konieczną do zaistnienia dialogu) z człowiekiem ponowoczesności. Całość za­kończy krytyczne podsumowanie.
Przemiany religijności w społeczeństwie polskim
Authors: Mąkosa Paweł , Adamczyk Tomasz
Published: March 2024

Przedmiotem analiz w niniejszym artykule są przemiany religijności polskiego społeczeń­stwa w odniesieniu do autodeklaracji wyznaniowych, praktyk religijnych, zasad moralnych ukazanych w kontekście procesu sekularyzacji. Artykuł prezentuje analizy empiryczne oparte na danych pozyska­nych z instytucji badawczych i projektów indywidualnych, ukazując różnice między ogółem społeczeń­stwa a środowiskiem młodzieży. Wyniki badań potwierdzają, że przyspieszona sekularyzacja dotyczy przede wszystkim młodzieży. Przedmiotem refleksji jest również pytanie o możliwość wypracowania adekwatnej odpowiedzi Kościoła na zdiagnozowane wyzwania sekularyzacyjne. Kwestia ta pozostaje jednak otwarta.
Effect of fiber content on flexural fracture parameters of high-performance steel fiber-reinforced concrete
Authors: Vuong Thi-Ngoc-Han , Nguyen Duy-Liem , Nguyen H.T. Tai , Nguyen Tri N. M
Published: March 2024

This study deals with the effect of fiber content on fracture parameters of high-performance steel-fiber-reinforced concretes through a bending test program. All the high-performance steel-fiber-reinforced concretes flexural specimens were tested under configuration of three-point loading. The fracture parameters were hardening energy, softening energy and length of cohesive crack. Two steel fiber types were employed in the studied high-performance steel-fiber-reinforced concretes, including 35 mm long hooked fiber and 13 mm short smooth fiber. The high-performance steel-fiber-reinforced concretes were produced from the same matrix but added different fiber contents as follows: 0.0 vol.%, 0.5 vol.%, 1.0 vol.%, and 1.5 vol.%. The experimental resultsdemonstrated that two parameters, including the hardening energy and softening energy, were observed to increase with increasing of fiber content, regardless of fiber type. The hardening energy was lower than thesoftening energy at any fiber content. The short smooth fibers generally produced the higher fracture energyparameters than the long hooked fibers. The highest total fracture energies of the high-performance steel-fiber-reinforced concretes were observed at 1.0 vol.% as follows: 58.25 kJ/m2 for using short smooth and 59.16 kJ/m2 for using long hooked fibers. Besides, the addition of reinforcing fibers considerably improved the length of the cohesive crack of the high-performance steel-fiber-reinforced concretes: from 0.58 mm using no fiber to 519.85 mm using short smooth fibers 0.5 vol.%.
Understanding the correlates of construction safety of high-rise buildings: A Bayesian perspective
Authors: Duc Nguyen Anh
Published: March 2024

Safety in high-rise building construction is a critical concern, particularly in the densely populated urban areas of Vietnam. Understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing safety on construction sites is essential for reducing accidents and enhancing overall project outcomes. This study aims to identify and analyze key factors impacting safety in high-rise construction projects. Utilizing Bayesian Poisson Regression, the research investigates the relationship between various safety-related factors and the occurrence of non-fatal accidents. The study adopts a comprehensive approach, selecting potential safety factors from the existing literature and developing a rating system validated by site safety managers. Data were collected from 48 high-rise buildingprojects in Vietnam, constructed between 2019 and 2022. Bayesian Poisson Regression was employed to analyze the impact of 15 variables on safety outcomes, including management commitment, worker participation,training programs, emergency preparedness, and safety inspections. The findings underscore the multifacetednature of construction safety and the need for a holistic approach that involves strong safety training, engagedmanagement and workers, protective measures, and proactive safety audits. This research provides actionableinsights for practitioners and contributes to the academic discourse on construction safety, emphasizing theutility of Bayesian methods in unraveling complex safety dynamics in high-rise construction.
Spatial Frequency Analysis by DWT of CXR in the COVIDGR Dataset
Authors:   Dept. of Biomedical engineering, Graduate school of Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Korea, Lee Giljae , Jin Gyehwan ,   Dept. of Radiology, Nambu University, Gwangju, Korea, Lee Taesoo ,   Dept. of Biomedical engineering, Graduate school of Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Korea
Published: March 2024

In this study, chest X-ray images from the “COVIDGR Dataset” were formalized, and both normal images and disease severity images (mild, moderate, and severe) were extracted by the discrete wave transform (DWT) method. The characteristics of Approximation, Horizontal, Vertical, and Diagonal were analyzed as normal, mild, and vector frequencies. The standardized pixel was a format of 512 x 512 images and was intended to include all lung fields, except the original image, did not include the apex of the lung. The standardized images were extracted by DWT for the characteristics of Approximation, Horizontal, Vertical, and Diagonal and stored as COVID-19 Feature Data. These data were entered into an Excel file to calculate the sum, and the average value was obtained and confirmed as the “Feature value of images by disease.” Experiments showed that images of severe disease had little or no Approximation, high Diagonal content, and similarity between the Horizontal and Vertical characteristics. Normal images had the largest the proportion of Approximation because there was no change in frequency due to the absence of disease, while mild and moderate images were similar in Approximation, Horizontal, and Vertical but had a one-sided bias in small areas for Diagonal. It is hoped that the results of this study can be used as an important parameter in an automatic identification system of chest X-ray images to allow timely diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 and other lung conditions.
Evaluation of Brain Glioblastoma Images Using Podoplanin-targeted Manganese Ferrite in 9.4T MRI
Authors:   Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea, Yang, Seung-Hyun , Huh Yong-Min ,   Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea, Lee Hwunjae ,   Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea,   YUHS-KRIBB Medical Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea,   3Graduate Program of Nanoscience and Technology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
Published: March 2024

To detect brain glioblastoma, which is difficult to treat and has a very poor prognosis, a method for early detection on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using podoplanin (PDPN), a biomarker for glioblastoma, is proposed in the present study. Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-PDPN was prepared using manganese (Mn) iron targeting PDPN. Axial and coronal images of 3 brain model (GSC11_G19_No.4) mice were acquired with a 9.4T high-magnetic field MRI and an experiment were conducted. The mean value and standard deviation were larger in the image after the contrast agent (MNP-PDPN) was injected, confirming that injection of the contrast agent improved the image of the brain glioblastoma area. In addition, the area of the segmented image using the region of interest was large in the image obtained after the injection of contrast agent (MNP-PDPN). PSNR evaluation showed values from 13.77 dB to 20.09 dB. In conclusion, in the present study, the MNP-PDPN contrast agent was shown useful for the early detection of brain glioblastoma. Future research is needed to develop a theragnostic technology to diagnose and treat glioblastoma simultaneously using MNP-PDPN.
Grading Classification of Tongue Cancer in Oral Images Using CNN Transfer Learning
Authors:   Researcher in Konkuk University Medical Center, Kang Chung Hwan , Lee Tae Soo ,   Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
Published: March 2024

- Oral cancer is one of the top 10 diseases in cancer incidence worldwide and its prognosis is not good as early diagnosis is not made and so the survival rate from it has not been improved greatly. Oral cancer occurs most commonly in tongue, floor of mouth, and lower lip and 5-year survival rate is very low at 50% and if diagnosed early, the average time of survival becomes longer. Therefore, to improve the survival rate of oral cancer patients, early diagnosis and discovery and patient habit improvement including smoking are very important. Oral cancer can be diagnosed with imaging equipment like CT and MRI or through invasive biopsy, but it is not easy to make an approach and generally difficult to discover early. Therefore, to identify if early diagnosis would be possible using the intraoral images obtained through ordinary camera, the reliability of tongue cancer grade classification was evaluated by applying deep learning analysis. The collected images of oral cavity were classified into four groups: normal, inflammatory lesion, pre-cancerous lesion, and malignant tumor depending on clinical importance and three (3) types of image pretreatment were applied. In case of deep neural network, Inception-ResNet-v2 was used and 70%(1,307 images) of the pretreated images were used as training data and after image enhancement processing, transfer-learned with SGDM technique. As test data, the remaining 30% data (561 images) were used. In confusion matrix, it appeared that sensitivity was 90.37%, specificity 95.03%, accuracy 93.21%, positive predictability 92.06%, and negative predictability 93.93%, and in ROC curve, AUC was normal because normal was 0.9781, inflammatory lesion 0.9102, precancerous lesion 0.8944, and malignant tumor 0.9688, and the classification performance of inflammatory lesion or pre-cancerous lesion was inferior to that of malignant tumor. The accuracy depending on pretreatment did not show a statistically significant difference in HE-1 and HE-2 compared to standard image. The performance of the diagnostic classifier applying deep learning into intraoral images showed accuracy at the average rate of 82.9% and so showed more excellent performance than the precedent studies using different RGB images. Deep learning study using such RGB images tends to be rapidly commercialized as it has disclosed big data whose images were easy to obtain and that were preclassified and so noninvasive data can be easily obtained unlike biopsy or blood test. Intraoral image does not have preclassified and disclosed big data yet, but have a distortion in an artifact or lesion in obtaining an image and so if we can standardize the image acquisition and organize big data through correct preclassification in cooperation with clinicians although this is limited, it will be helpful for early diagnosis of tongue cancer.
Review: Application Trends of Contrast Media in PET/MRI
Authors:   Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand city, 18 Amir Temur str, Uzbekistan, Park Gippeum
Published: March 2024

Research on medical imaging contrast agents to improve diagnostic performance and optimize treatment strategies has been ongoing for a long time. Recently, hybrid imaging technology in which two different devices such as PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and PET/MRI are fused is emerging as a new trend in medical imaging. The high spatial resolution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and the high-sensitivity molecular-level information of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) by these convergence devices are leading to the development of new hybrid imaging technologies along with hybrid contrast agents. To create a hybrid contrast agent for simultaneous PET-MRI devices, the radiotracer for PET should be combined with the MRI contrast agent. The most common approach to achieve this is to coat radioisotopes to the surface of small superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles. These contrast agents are used for pH change monitoring, non-invasive angiography, and early imaging diagnosis of atherosclerosis. In addition, tumor detection and cardiovascular imaging are becoming important research areas for the development of simultaneous PET/MRI imaging systems and hybrid contrast agents. Therefore, tumor detection and cardiovascular imaging are major areas for development of simultaneous PET/MRI imaging systems and hybrid contrast agents. The goal of developing hybrid contrast agents for this purpose is to combine high spatial resolution, high sensitivity, and morphological and functional information. The future prospect is considered to be the development of a multimodal hybrid contrast agent that detects diseases early, provides information before and after surgery for treatment, and provides treatment prognosis.