bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
David Bradshaw “The Mind and the Heart in the Christian East and West”
Authors:   Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University, Sokolov Ivan A. , Bedina Natalya N. ,   Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University
Published: November 2024

Having moved from Protestantism to Orthodoxy at a conscious age, David Bradshaw begins to scrupulously explore the Orthodox Church multifaceted teachings. The theological and philosophical categories of mind and heart are one of the aspects of church doctrine. Philosopher indicates that his research interest is focused on understanding the parallels and the division between the Greek-speaking (Eastern) and Latin-speaking (Western) branches of Christianity, as well as between the three great monotheistic traditions of the Middle Ages — Christian, Jewish and Islamic. The book ‘Aristotle in East and West: Metaphysics and the Division of the Christian World’ (2004) ‘examines these East-West differences through the lens of ‘energeia,’ a Greek term lying at the root of both the concept of the divine energies (in the East) and that of God as pure act (in the West)’ [30]. This book was translated into Russian in 2012. The philosopher’s subsequent works continued this comparative study in the context of such theological issues as Divine freedom, time and eternity, predestination and election, etc. In the study ‘Mind and Heart in Understanding the Christian East and West’ David Bradshaw attempts to consider the paradigms of Eastern and Western understanding of mind and heart, starting from their common origins in biblical and classical antiquity. Special attention is paid to the psychosomatic holism of the biblical perception of environment. The philosopher defines it as both the central core and one of the conditions for the interaction of mind and heart in the position of the Eastern Christian Church. Speaking about the interpretation of the mind and heart in the texts of the West and the East, David Bradshaw emphasizes the importance of the connotative field of their perception, and the different interpretation of concepts determines the level of their relevance. Actualizing the position of Eastern Christianity in relation to the bodily state of man, David Bradshaw speaks about the internal dependence of holism on the concept of ontological dualism of mind and heart, which is very unexpected from the traditional Western philosophy’s point of view. Nevertheless, based on the logic of the development of Eastern Christian theological thought, such dependence seems consistent and convincing. Moreover, the author concludes his reflection saying: ‘…it seems both coherent and plausible, at least given Christian presuppositions; and it offers real hope that the mind and the heart need not always stand apart, but can in fact be reunited.’ Since the text of David Bradshaw’s paper uses a series of quotations from Holy Scripture and patristic writings as an illustration, we decided to follow the Old and New Testaments in Synodal Translation. While translating other texts we use existing translations into Russian. References to the used publications are noted in the comments.
Proletarian vs Soviet Literature, (How the Party Directed Literature)
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Bystrova Olga V.
Published: November 2024

The paper analyzes the process of formation and introduction into practice of party control over the literary process. The correlation/opposition of the terms “proletarian literature” and “Soviet literature” in the first decade of Soviet power is considered through the prism of increasing party influence on society. The first manifestation of party control is the decree “On Proletkult” (1920), after which the organization entered the structure of the People’s Commissariat of Education. Adopted in 1925, the resolution “On the party’s policy in the field of fiction” clearly pointed to the only possible way of development: literature can and should develop within the framework of Soviet ideology. The resolution of 1932 “On the restructuring of literary and artistic organizations” demonstrated to the literary community that RAPP did not have the capabilities of a “state administrative organization”. Only a party that can and should use literature as an ideological tool has such opportunities. The restructuring of literary organizations has changed the status of fiction, which overnight became “Soviet”. The first All-Union Congress of Soviet Writers in 1934 finally consolidated the concept of “Soviet” for the country’s fiction, which made it the bearer of party ideology. The prerequisites for such strict guardianship of the state are connected with the peculiarities of the historical development of the Bolshevik Party, the nature of which was the suppression of dissent. An analysis of the development of relations between the party leadership and literary organizations in the USSR during the period under study indicates that the actions of the party in its desire to control are associated with the desire to turn literature into an ideal propaganda tool.
Linguistic Analysis of the Poem “Black Man” by S.A. Esenin: Internal Structure and Reading Context
Authors:   Moscow International University, Buzinova Lyudmila M. , Zhuravleva Darya A.
Published: November 2024

The paper is to study the linguistic potential of a poetic text by the example of S.A. Yesenin’s poem “The Black Man.” The poetic text is considered as a multidimensional structure, the main feature of which is its unity, namely the interaction of all its components (sound and syntactic organization of the text, variability and versatility of the use of lexical meanings). The authors look at the poetic text as a complex interdependent structure, which characterizes the relationship between the phonological, syntactic and lexical organizations of the text. Each level of language or their close interaction can be dominant in the formation of the main idea of the work. The sound side directly affects the form and content, giving the work of S.A. Yesenin the necessary meaning and tonality. Phonetic stylistic techniques create a certain mood: assonance and alliteration. In order to evoke painful and gloomy feelings in the reader, epithets with negative stylistic coloring, metaphors, contextual antonyms, personifications and comparisons are used at the lexical level. As for the syntactic means of expression, the main techniques in this case are refrains, inversion, silence, exclamation and rhetorical question. Thus, the proposed format of the analysis of the poetic text allows you to more clearly reveal the drama of the main idea and feel a special gloomy atmosphere that affects the emotional and psychological perception of the poem by the reader.
Image of Power in the Tragedy on the Slavic History’s Plot “Venceslas” (1647) by J.De Rotrou
Authors:   Pushkin Library, Simonova Larisa A.
Published: November 2024

The example of the tragedy “Venceslas” is instrumental in defining the nature of the late work of J. Rotrou. The paper analyzes he play the context of classicist poetics, taking into account the evolution of Rotrou’s dramatic writing and ideological polemics with the Corneille theater of the 40s, whose influence largely initiated the overcoming of Rotrou’s dependence on mythological models, conditioned by the connection with ancient and humanistic drama especially noticeable in early tragedies, and bringing political issues to the fore. It is the specifics of revealing the image of power that most clearly shows the originality of Rotrou’s thinking. In discussing the power’s image, the author proceeds from the peculiarity of unfolding of the discursive-rhetorical structure of the play and semantic mobility of signs and images associated with the manifestation of power. The multiplicity and active interaction of meanings that organize the statements of the main actors and define them in a political, role-playing and at the same time personal, relative, sets the contradiction, mobility, uncertainty of their characters and relationships. The need for official implementation together with the right to personal, the significance of the state interest along with the actualization of the individual — such value-semantic ambiguity is observed throughout the dramatic action, not excluding the finale. Rotrou managed to deeply connect the authority of impersonal power and vulnerability, the “imperfection” of the private, to show the inevitable presence of the human, giving dubious relativity to any absolute meaning.
“A Precious Gift to the Dear Friend” (a Dish Presented to the French President E. Loubet on Behalf of the City of Moscow)
Authors:   Research Institute of Theory and History of Fine Arts of the Russian Academy of Arts, Yudin Mikhail O.
Published: November 2024

The paper addresses a unique monument of political rapprochement between Russia and France at the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century — a silver dish presented by the city of Moscow to the French President Emil Loubet during his visit to Russia in 1902. Along with its memorial and historical significance, the dish has outstanding artistic merits. The second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries is rightly considered the period of the highest rise of domestic jewelry art, its triumphant entry into the international art market. The works of Russian silverware masters of this time combined the highest technical and artistic level of execution. The involvement of professional artists in the production of such goods greatly contributed to the latter. A vivid example of this is the dish under study. It was made at the Ovchinnikov`s firm — one of the most famous domestic gold-silver enterprises — according to the sketch of V.M.Vasnetsov. The study provides a detailed art history analysis of this work, drawing on documentary and material sources. It also examines a number of other works by V.M.Vasnetsov, which not only allowed for a detailed examination of a little-studied page in the work of a famous Russian artist but also identified a number of trends characteristic of the entire decorative arts of the period under review.
On the Issue of Preserving the Traditions of Russian Dance in the Scenic Forms of Choreographic Art
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Culture, A.N. Kosygin Russian State University, Usanova Natalia S. , Nikitin Vadim Y. ,   Institute of Slavic Culture, A.N. Kosygin Russian State University
Published: November 2024

The paper examines the issue of preserving the traditions of Russian folk dance in choreographic art. It addresses the directions of choreographic art, in which Russian dance is used in various interpretations: characteristic dance, ballet, folk-stage dance, folk-modern and post-folk. Basing on historical aspects, the authors reveal the sequence of development of the emergence of various types of dances in Russia. The study analyzes Russian ballet in detail focusing on the period of the “Soviet” and then the Russian ballet, when many choreographers turned to the Russian theme, not always using the vocabulary of folk dance, but embodying the idea with the artistic techniques of classical ballet, preserved the Russian flavor and character of the images. The authors look at the historical facts of the emergence of folk stage dance and conclude that the direction was created artificially, thanks to the cultural policy of the Soviet leadership. The paper highlights the actual problem of the terminological apparatus of research in this field.
Reconstruction of the Traditional Architectural and Planning Environment of Pomor Settlements of the 19th — Early 20th Century (Using the Example of the Village of Tamitsa, Onega District, Arkhangelsk Region)
Authors:   Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Zhigaltsova Tatiana V.
Published: November 2024

The study recreates the traditional architectural and planning environment of the Pomor village of Tamitsa, the Onega District of the Arkhangelsk Region, in the 19th — early 20th century (layout and boundaries of the area, church, public and administrative, economic and residential buildings, agricultural land, partially toponymy). It is necessary to reconstruct the history of such heritage objects as the village church ensemble with the cemetery and the churchyard (“pogost”), the parish clergymen houses, situated in the vicinity of the church ensemble, and the parish school building, because these objects were physically lost. The paper reveals some new, previously unpublished archival data on the village layout and the construction plans of the buildings. The study of the historical reconstruction of the traditional architectural and planning environment of the village of Tamitsa discovered its heterogeneity: three architectural layers were identified, partially preserved to this day, dating from 1851–1881, 1882‑30s of the 20th century, and 30–40s of the 20th century. Reflecting on the prospects of this research, the author concludes that the creation of a comprehensive database of knowledge of the heritage objects and traditional culture may become a source for strengthening local identity and authenticity of the territory, which ultimately contributes to the sustainable development of this area, and the Arctic territories of the Russian Federation.
Patient satisfaction of computer guided reduction of Zygomatico-Maxillary Complex (ZMC) fractures using Patient Specific Guide (PSG) versus conventional reduction: a randomized clinical trial
Authors:   Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, College of Oral and Dental Surgery, MUST University, Giza, Egypt, Morad Ahmed , Mounir Mohamed ,   Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt, El Dakrory Usama ,   Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Sinai University, Arish branch, Sinai, Egypt, Amin Hany ,   Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, Mounir Ragia ,   Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Published: November 2024

Background and objectives. This study was conducted to evaluate of the patient satisfaction of computer guided reduction of Zygomatico-Maxillary Complex (ZMC) fractures using Patient Specific Guide (PSG) Versus Conventional reduction. Materials and methods. In this clinical trial patients were classified into two groups; each group consist of eight patients where the study group represented the use of patient specific guide for reduction and fixation of zygomatic fracture while the Control group represents conventional reduction and fixation of zygomatic fracture. The primary outcome is patient satisfaction while intraoperative time is the secondary outcome. Results. There was no statistical significancy in the overall satisfaction level between CR and GR, also there was no significancy between time consumed in CR and GR as guided reduction technique could save only about 8 minutes. Conclusions. Patient-specific guided reduction is an satisfactory technique for the reduction of zygomatico-maxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. Moreover, this technique decreased the operation time without a statistically significant difference from the conventional technique.
Determining biologic width and its relevance in periodontics – a review
Authors:   AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India, Sain Deeksha , Ramesh Amitha ,   Department of Periodontology, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India, Murthy Pranav ,   Department of Periodontology, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India, Nair Karthika ,   Department of Periodontology, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India, Gupta Ayush ,   Department of Periodontology, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Published: November 2024

The length from the root surface of a tooth to the junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment is termed as biological width (BW). It protects the tooth from diseases and infections by acting as a natural seal. On an average it is 2.04 mm. In clinical practice the BW is determined by periodontal probe. The calculation of BW can be done by several methods. An identification of BW breach is confirmed when the length is observed to be less than 2 mm at multiple locations or at a single location. When we are considering the prolonged health benefits of any restoration or a natural tooth, the health of the gingiva is of prime importance. An excess of BW breach leads to innumerable adverse effects, which are talked about in this review article. The article sheds light on BW in association to implants and conservative procedures and its evaluation clinically, and also a discussion about the procedures that can be used to rectify BW breaches in routine practice.
Design and FPGA Implementation of a Hyper-Chaotic System for Real-time Secure Image Transmission
Authors: A. Al-Hussein Abdul-Basset , Rahma Tahir Fadhil , A. Al-Suhail Ghaida
Published: November 2024

Recently, chaos theory has been widely used in multimedia and digital communications due to its unique properties that can enhance security, data compression, and signal processing. It plays a significant role in securing digital images and protecting sensitive visual information from unauthorized access, tampering, and interception. In this regard, chaotic signals are used in image encryption to empower the security; that's because chaotic systems are characterized by their sensitivity to initial conditions, and their unpredictable and seemingly random behavior. In particular, hyper-chaotic systems involve multiple chaotic systems interacting with each other. These systems can introduce more randomness and complexity, leading to stronger encryption techniques. In this paper, Hyper-chaotic Lorenz system is considered to design robust image encryption/ decryption system based on master-slave synchronization. Firstly, the rich dynamic characteristics of this system is studied using analytical and numerical nonlinear analysis tools. Next, the image secure system has been implemented through Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) Zedboard Zynq xc7z020-1clg484 to verify the image encryption/decryption directly on programmable hardware Kit. Numerical simulations, hardware implementation, and cryptanalysis tools are conducted to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed system.
Exile and Inner-Exile in Euclides da Cunha
Authors: Bernucci Leopoldo
Published: November 2024

In this essay, I analyze the relationship between literature and exile from the point-of-view of the renowned Brazilian engineer and writer Euclides da Cunha (1866-1909). I chose this author for his unique use of the concept of exile pertaining to his own human condition, but also for his paradoxical perspective on the Amazonian rubber tappers during the 1900s. Da Cunha himself did not experience personal displacement in the conventional sense of being expatriated. However, his work and ideas often touched upon the notion of exile, especially in the context of cultural, emotional, and intellectual separation. As a writer, sociologist, and journalist in Brazil, Euclides da Cunha was always critical and provocative. He also held various academic and governmental positions, as his work continued to explore themes related to Brazilian society, history, and culture. And while not a traditionally exiled individual during two dictatorial regimes, his ideas and perspectives sometimes put him at odds with the predominantly intellectual and political norms of fin-de-siècle Brazil. His analytical and critical approach to Brazilian society, as evident in his magnum opus Rebellion in the Backlands (1902), challenged prevailing beliefs and led to conflicts with established authorities. His book exposed the brutality of the government’s military campaign against Canudos and raised questions about the treatment of marginalized communities in Brazil. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2024 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]
Arab-Latin American Literary Perspectives on the Palestinian Exile
Authors: Chavolla Hugo , López-Calvo Ignacio
Published: November 2024

Latin America has been deeply involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with some countries taking a firm stance for one side or the other. While some countries have been vocal in their support, common threads run through the region’s perspective on the conflict: believing in the importance of a two-state solution and focusing on human rights. But beyond the political and economic support provided to the Palestinian cause, Latin American countries have also served as cultural exclaves and safe spaces for Palestinian communities across Latin America. In this essay, we aim to delve into the functions of these cultural exclaves for Palestinian exiles and safe spaces for Palestinian diasporic communities, as well as their impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as reflected in the following texts: Miguel Littin’s documentary film Crónicas palestinas: caminos de la ira (2002) and his drama film La última luna (2005), Alberto Nazal’s Beit Jala Forever (2006), and the collections of Arab and Jewish short stories in Spanish complied in the books Caminos para la paz (2007), edited by Ignacio López-Calvo and Cristián H. Ricci, and Delta de las areas (2013), edited by Rose Mary Salum. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2024 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]
Book Review: Derek S. Jeffreys, America’s Jails: The Search for Human Dignity in an Age of Mass Incarceration. New York University Press. 2018.
Authors: Ustupski Carl
Published: November 2024

In America’ Jails: The Search for Human Dignity in an Age of Mass Incarceration, Derek Jeffreys attempts to primarily focus on the human dignity of inmates in U.S. jails. He draws from his experience volunteering in a prison chapel, visiting various jails and prisons in Wisconsin and overseas, and his access that was granted to him inside the Cook County Jail by Sheriff Thomas J. Dart. Jeffreys states that he was freely able to speak with both inmates and staff inside the jail. He does his best to bring about many disturbing abuses inside the jail system but resists the temptation to portray those working in corrections as evil and to blame. Throughout the book, Jeffreys discusses a long common practice of placing those thought to be insignificant or in a powerless position in mental hospitals, jails, prisons, or other institutions. Jeffreys discusses his ideas of proposed policy changes that may assist in preventing abuse and neglect of inmates in jail and how to reduce the populations of those incarcerated.
SARS-CoV-2-associated encephalitis: a case report
Authors: Argirova Petya , Todev Angel , Kalchev Yordan , Zlatanova Simona , Stoycheva-Vartigova Mariyana
Published: November 2024

COVID-19 presents with respiratory symptoms and signs in the majority of cases. The central nervous system can be affected directly or indirectly, which is demonstrated by a number of neurological abnormalities and complications. The aim of this study is to present a clinical case of SARS-CoV-2-associated encephalitis and highlight the severity of this neurological illness over the course of COVID-19. Etiological diagnosis methods include examination of the nasopharyngeal swab and cerebrospinal fluid by PCR.

A 45-year-old man with fever, altered consciousness, and tonic-clonic seizures was admitted to the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, St George University Hospital, Plovdiv. The diagnosis of COVID-19 encephalitis is based on typical clinical and laboratory data, positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR, and exclusion of other likely causative agents into the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient was discharged two weeks after admission without neurological sequelae. The case confirms the clinical variety of COVID-19 and the possibility of severe neurological manifestations. Encephalitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Physicians should be aware of encephalitis in SARS-CoV-2 patients with neurological symptoms.
Giant cystic lymphangioma as a rare cause of acute abdomen in infancy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Mariorakis Chrysovalantis , Boutouridou Eleni , Pegios Athanasios , Magaliou Vasilki , Polydoridou Marianna , Georgakis Ioannis , Chochliourou Elpis , Chatziioannidis Ilias , Anestiadou Elissavet , Papouis Georgios
Published: November 2024

Lymphangioma, a benign mass of lymphatic origin, primarily affects the head, neck, and oral cavity, with the abdomen being an uncommon location. Clinical presentation is defined by site of origin and size. We present the case of a 10-month-old male infant with no previous medical history, admitted to our department with diffuse abdominal pain and distension. Physical examination revealed a huge, palpable mass arising from the left abdomen, abdominal tenderness, guarding, and rigidity. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a multilocular, non-measurable mass with both cystic and solid components that were suggestive of a giant cystic lymphangioma. Multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to estimate the size and extension of the tumor for preoperative planning. Moreover, an elevated alpha-fetoprotein level further supported the neoplastic origin of the tumor. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and a mass measuring approximately 13.9×16.7×15.4 cm was identified and completely excised in negative margins. Histopathological findings confirmed the initial diagnosis. Our patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and recovery, with no signs of recurrence on a 6-month follow-up. Giant abdominal lymphangiomas in infants are extremely rare and close attention for complications is vital. Surgical intervention with complete resection is considered the optimal management.
A review of alternative measurements in strain imaging for ventricular arrhythmia prediction
Authors: Kitov Spas , Vladimirova-Kitova Lyudmila
Published: November 2024

Global longitudinal strain has been established as a reliable tool to assess global left ventricular function and a marker of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction unrecognized by the ejection fraction. On the other hand, ventricular arrhythmias are the most common cause of sudden cardiac death. Their early detection is a challenge. Possible prognostic markers for the risk of ventricular arrhythmias are discussed in the literature – electrocardiographic, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography, radionuclide imaging, and markers from new echocardiographic techniques. Of the latter, at this stage of knowledge, several markers have been discussed as informative for predicting ventricular arrhythmias – global longitudinal strain, radial strain and mechanical dispersion, and most recently, myocardial work. As far as we are informed, global longitudinal strain is particularly useful in patients with normal echocardiographic parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, left ventricular wall thickness, and aortic root. The relationship between mechanical dispersion and ventricular arrhythmias has been widely studied. The relationship has been studied more in some patient populations – heart failure, ischemic heart disease, long QT syndrome and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease. The role of mechanical dispersion as a predictor of ventricular arrhythmias in metabolic syndrome is scarce.
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on trimethylamine-N-oxide levels in 30 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Spasova Natalia , Somleva Desislava , Krastev Bozhidar , Tropcheva Rositsa , Svinarov Dobrin , Kundurzhiev Todor , Kinova Elena , Goudev Assen
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite produced by intestinal microbiota. It is well recognized as an independent risk marker for cardiovascular and renal diseases and mortality.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum GLP3 supplementation on TMAO levels in 30 patients with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease after 12 weeks of treatment.

Materials and methods: Thirty consecutive male patients with a history of clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were randomized in the study. TMAO levels were evaluated in human plasma samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry and results were presented as the median (interquartile range). ﻿Microbiome sequencing analysis, focusing on bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus, was performed in 21 patients.

Results: Patients receiving probiotic treatment showed a significant decrease in the TMAO levels [from 284 (139) µg/L to 202.5 (96.7) µg/L; p=0.044], with no significant change apparent in the placebo group after the treatment [from 176 (120) µg/L to 178 (150) µg/L; p=0.258]. Lactobacillus spp. % in the probiotic group was significantly increased after the interventional procedures [0.6 (0.14) before and 0.79 (0.6) after the treatment; p=0.041].

Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum GLP3 reduced the TMAO levels in very high-risk patients for cardiovascular diseases.
Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis Forest Alliance
Authors: Zhang Yutong , Sui Yuzhu , Jin Guangze , Wang Hongfeng
Published: November 2024

The Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forest is a unique pine forest type in Northeast China. The species grows normally under extremely adverse conditions because it has a strong tolerance to poor soils and drought. It also benefits the ecological environment significantly through water conservation, soil improvement and windbreak and sand fixation, thus making it an important pioneer species for improving site conditions. This paper systematically analyzes the geographical distribution, ecological and community characteristics, species composition and classification of Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests in China through field surveys and literature review. The main findings are:

(1) Based on the dominant species of each layer, Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests can be divided into two categories of associations: Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis - Rhododendron dauricum - Carex callitrichos association and Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis + Quercus mongolica - Lespedeza bicolor - Carex caespitosa association.

(2) According to sample plot surveys, a total of 134 vascular plant species, belonging to 59 families and 104 genera, were recorded in natural Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests. Amongst them were one fern species, two gymnosperm species and 131 angiosperm species.

(3) The composition of life forms in Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests is dominated by terrestrial herbs, with fewer woody plants and with vines making up the smallest proportion.

(4) The Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests located on the hillocks of Xingkai Lake are in decline. If the soil in this area continues to increase in wetness, this community may eventually evolve into a broad-leaved mixed forest.
Carrierea leyensis, a new species of Salicaceae from limestone areas of Guangxi, China
Authors: Lu Zhao-Cen , Liu Zhi-Rong , Mo Ming-Lin , Chang Shi-Li , Xu Wei-Bin
Published: November 2024

Carrierea leyensis Z.C.Lu & W.B.Xu, a new species of Salicaceae was discovered from limestone areas of Guangxi, China. The morphology of C. leyensis is similar to C. dunniana, but differs by its evergreen nature; shorter petioles, only 3–8 mm long, and tomentose or glabrous when old; elliptic leaf blade with cuneate base; shorter inflorescence (1.8–4.5 cm long); smaller flowers; and smaller capsules (1.7–2.7 cm long, 5–9 mm in diam.).
Application of sustainability indicators for the evaluation and selection of robust organic-rich wastewater treatment technology for resource recovery
Authors: Paschal Chrisogoni , Rwiza Mwemezi J. , Njau Karoli N.
Published: November 2024

A comparative study was conducted to compare the performance of waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) with an upflow operation type advanced facultative pond integrated with constructed wetland (AFP-CW) technologies. Our aim was to address gaps in economic, environmental, and social aspects identified in traditional WSPs. Economic, environmental, and social sustainability indicators were used in a mathematical model to select a sustainable technology for organic-rich wastewater treatment for resource recovery. The results showed that for the AFP-CW, economic, environmental, and social indicators were weighted at 10.18%, 51.11%, and 38.71%, respectively, while for WSPs, the percentages were 14.55, 48.39, and 37.06, respectively. The composite sustainability indicator (CSI) for AFP-CW was 42.14% and for WSPs was 39.27%, with the global sustainability indicator (GSi) reaching 21.54% for AFP-CW and 18.88% for WSPs. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the maximum global sustainability indicator was 22.34% for AFP-CW and 19.54% for WSPs. Overall, the AFP-CW was considered a more sustainable technology for wastewater treatment, with lower economic but higher environmental and social sustainability indicators compared to WSPs, which showed higher economic but lower environmental and social sustainability indicators. The sustainability of AFP-CW is supported by its small construction area, nutrient recovery in sludge, biogas recovery, reduced global warming impact, as well as nutrient and water recycling for irrigation.
A novel two-grid Crank-Nicolson mixed finite element method for nonlinear fourth-order sin-Gordon equation
Authors: Zhou Yanjie , Leng Xianxiang , Li Yuejie , Deng Qiuxiang , Luo Zhendong
Published: November 2024

A new nonlinear fourth-order sin-Gordon equation with actual physical background is first created. Then, by introducing an auxiliary function, the nonlinear fourth-order sin-Gordon equation is decomposed into the nonlinear system of equations of second-order derivatives of spatial variables. Subsequently, the time derivative is discretized by using the Crank-Nicolson (CN) scheme to construct a new time semi-discretized mixed CN (TSDMCN) scheme. Thereafter, the spatial variables in the TSDMCN scheme are discretized by using a two-grid mixed finite element (MFE) method to construct a new two-grid CN MFE (TGCNMFE) method with unconditional stability and second-order time precision, which consists of a system of nonlinear MFE equations defined on coarser grids and a system of linear MFE equations defined on finer grids with sufficiently high precision, and is very easy to solve. The existence, stability, and error estimates of the TSDMCN and TGCNMFE solutions are strictly proved theoretically, and the superiorities of the TGCNMFE method and the correctness of theoretical results are verified by two sets of numerical experiments.
Animals in Focus: Creative and Social Imagination
Authors: Golež Kaučič Marjetka
Published: November 2024

Placing animals in focus through imagination and reality, we are thinking about their position in new ontological paradigms in a multidisciplinary way. The article presents the relationship between man and animal through folklore, literature, film, language, and photography. The authors derive their research from the theoretical discourses of ecocentrism, new animism, ecocriticism, semiology, antispeciesism, cognitive ethological studies, and critical animal studies.
Bears and Humans
Authors: Nagy Zoltan
Published: November 2024

This paper concerns the relationship between bears and humans among the Khanty people: in particular, what is meant by their claim that the bear is ‘half man, half animal, half god’. Within this focus, it introduces the Khanty concept of a "more-than-human" society and examines the interconnections between its constituent parties. It explores the worldview in which the dividing lines between human and natural, and human and divine, are not as sharp as Cartesian logic would have them.
Representations of Nonhuman Animals in Bulgarian Literary Education
Authors: Zahova Kalina
Published: November 2024

Through an educational perspective, the paper traces the attitudes towards nonhuman animals, the human-nonhuman relations, and the ideologies included in the literature curriculum developed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Sciences. Comparing the official programmes with certain literary textbooks, I examine various representations of nonhuman animals in the latter. I study which authors who wrote about nature and nonhuman animals are included in the curriculum, which of their literary works are studied in school, what interpretational directions are offered, what approaches to human-nonhuman relations are chosen, and what types of thinking are encouraged and cultivated.
Analyse contrastive des positionnements énonciatifs dans les écrits d’étudiants en sciences biomédicales et biologiques en anglais langue maternelle et langue étrangère
Authors: Hamilton Clive E. , White Paul
Published: November 2024

Cette étude vise à caractériser le positionnement énonciatif adopté par les étudiants de niveau licence rédigeant des essais en anglais, qu’il s’agisse de leur langue maternelle (corpus BAWE) ou d’une langue étrangère (corpus CarDiBioMed). L’accent est mis sur la position auctoriale des étudiants vis‑à‑vis du lecteur, du contenu et de la communauté universitaire. L’utilisation de ressources contractives d’engagement est observée comme un moyen de construire une voix assertive, tandis que l’emploi de ressources expansives et les références aux travaux externes signalent une ouverture à l’interprétation du lecteur et une reconnaissance des positions ou voix alternatives. Sur la base de l’analyse des catégories de la théorie de l’évaluation, les résultats révèlent que les écrits des étudiants en langue étrangère tendent à utiliser davantage la dénégation et la réfutation, souvent de manière superfétatoire, tandis que les textes du corpus BAWE montrent une intégration convenable et conventionnelle des voix externes, avec une fréquence d’utilisation plus élevée de catégories approbation et reconnaissance. Les implications pédagogiques soulignent l’importance d’enseigner les différentes fonctions d’engagement et l’intégration des voix externes pour développer une posture d’auteur équilibrée.
Morphometric analysis of cavernicolous adult Idiophlebotomus asperulus Quate and Fairchild, 1961 female sand flies in Southern Thailand
Authors: Lau Kam Sheng , Chowdhury Md Shahariar , Chia Chin Hua , Kongchouy Noodchanath , Buatong Jirayu , Maneeroth Nattapong , Khositharattanakool Pathamet , Somwang Puckavadee , Pengsakul Theerakamol
Published: November 2024

Sand flies are potential carriers of various diseases that are transmittable to humans and animals. In this study, United States Centers for Disease Control light traps were set up in four tourist caves in the Thai provinces of Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Satun, and Chumphon to capture Idiophlebotomus asperulus sand flies. Over a period of three months, April to June, in 2017, a total of 181 female Idiophlebotomus asperulus sand flies were captured during nightly operations. The sand flies were dissected into 23 external and internal parts to identify their morphological characteristics. Statistical analysis was then conducted on these morphological characteristics, involving both univariate analysis (one-way analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis test) and multivariate analysis (canonical discriminant analysis). Levene’s, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov, and Box’s M tests were used for the preliminary statistical screening of the data. The test results revealed significant morphological differences in the sand flies from the four provinces with regard to their antenna segments 5, palpal segments 3, pharynxes, hindlegs, femurs, and spermathecae. These morphological differences in the southern Thai Idiophlebotomus asperulus sand fly population suggest the possibility that at least three morphologically different populations are found in this region.
New left ventricular thrombus and embolic events in left ventricular dysfunction postmyocardial infarction
Authors: Youssef Ali A. , Al-Omani Shaima , Alrefae Mustafa A. , Suliman Ahmad , Hassan Reem , Saleh Omar , Khalifa Zizi S.
Published: November 2024

Background: We aimed to assess the incidence and evolution of new left ventricular thrombus (LVT), and the incidence of manifest systemic embolism, in patients with severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction postacute anterior myocardial infarction (MI) who had been discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy. Methods: We prospectively included consecutive patients with postacute anterior MI and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% or apical aneurysms or large infarctions with LVEF ≤40%. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) confirmed no LVT before hospital discharge, and a second TTE was performed at 30 days and a third one at 3 months. All TTE studies were prespecified to assess LVT, and the patients were screened for the development of clinically manifest systemic embolisms. Results: Two hundred and two consecutive patients (males 93%; mean age 55.2±6.4 years; mean LVEF 29.5±5.0%) were included. At 30 days (interquartile range: 2837 days), a new LVT was detected in 12 (5.9%) patients. Oral anticoagulant was added to all patients with LVT, and aspirin was continued in 5 (42.7%) patients for a month. The 3month TTE showed favorable evolution of LV size, LVEF and apical wall motion score index compared to the baseline. At 3 months, the LVT disappeared in 7 (58.3%) patients and 5 patients still had a mural LVT of smaller size, and none got new LVT. Among the group without LVT, one patient had a stroke, and another had a myocardial infarction and died. Conclusions: In contemporary practice, and using routine TTE, the incidence of new LVT in patients with severe LV dysfunction postacute anterior MI is low. They have a favorable LVT evolution with minor risk for clinically manifest systemic embolism.
Developmental expression of calretinin in the mouse cochlea
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Zhang Yongchun , Liang Cheng , Jiang Xuefang
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the expression of calretinin (CR) in the mouse cochlea from embryonic day 17 (E17) to adulthood through immunofluorescence. At E17, CR immunoreactivity was only detected in the inner hair cells (IHCs). At E19, the IHCs and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) begin to express CR. At birth, CR immunoreactivity was confined primarily to the IHCs and the majority of the SGNs, as identified by TUJ1, both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of SGNs exhibited CR positivity. At postnatal day 2 (P2), auditory nerve fibers reaching the IHCs were stained for CR. CR continued to be expressed in the IHCs, whereas only single row of outer hair cells (OHCs) were positive for CR. By P5, CR expression was evident in IHCs and the three rows of OHCs, with SGNs soma and their neurite projections also displaying CR immunoreactivity. From P8 through adulthood, CR expression persisted in the SGNs and their afferent neurite projections to the IHCs, as well as in IHCs and OHCs. Dual labeling of CR with afferent nerve marker neurofilament 200 (NF200) demonstrated that NF 200-positive SGN somas were encompassed by CR-labeled plasma membrane of SGNs, and NF 200 was co-localized with CR in the afferent nerve fibers innervating the IHCs. We also described the expression of peripherin, a marker for type II SGNs, in the mouse cochlea at various postnatal stages. Peripherin showed a distinct spatio-temporal expression compared to CR in auditory nerve fibers. No co-expression of peripherin and CR was detected in adult. Dynamic expression patterns of CR in the embryonic and postnatal cochlea supported its roles in cochlear development.
Sense of coherence in students while studying abroad
Authors: Mayer Claude-Hélène , Larsen Jeff
Published: November 2024

Background: In the 1970s, medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky developed the concept of salutogenesis, which is the study of health and development focusing on sense of coherence (SOC). Although salutogenesis has been well researched in higher education contexts, the concept has not been studied in depth in intercultural and cross-cultural settings, such as the one provided by semester at sea (SAS), which is a United States (US) study-abroad programme.Aim: The aim was to investigate and compare levels of SOC in students in the SAS study-abroad programme.Setting: The research was conducted during a selected voyage at sea over a period of 106 days.Methods: The authors used a quantitative cross-sectional correlational design and investigated mean score differences in three SOC sub-scale scores measuring meaningfulness, comprehensibility, and manageability. The authors compared US students’ SOC scores to those of students from other countries and compared the scores of women to men. Measurement invariance was firstly established before investigating mean score differences. Data were collected in the form of a survey, using Antonovsky’s 29-item Life Orientation Questionnaire.Results: The study shows that overall scores in meaningfulness were the highest, followed by manageability and comprehensibility, which potentially supports the idea that the motivational component in life of these students is the most important. Finally, women scored higher in meaningfulness than men.Conclusion: The study can provide insights in SOC in students and might provide implications for interventions regarding SOC results across diverse student populations in SAS.Contribution: This article contributes to SOC research in study-abroad programmes.
Frequency and factors associated with focused antenatal care in Guinea: Analysis of the DHS 2018
Authors: Baldé Maimouna , Loua Jean B.D. , Sidibé Tiany , Barry Fanta , Camara Bienvenu S. , Diallo Ramata , Toure Madeleine , Keita Kaba S. , Camara Sadan , Balde Mamadou D.
Published: November 2024

Background: In Guinea, despite women’s recourse to antenatal care (ANC), little remains known about the use of focused antenatal care (FANC), contained in the ANC package.Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the frequency and factors associated with FANC, using data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2018.Setting: This study was conducted in Guinea.Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from the DHS conducted in 2018 in Guinea. It included all women who achieved at least one ANC visit in the last 2 years prior to the survey. Multivariate logistic regression was received to identify factors associated with FANC. Stata 16 software was used for the analysis.Results: This study shows that in Guinea, between 2016 and 2018 only 33% of women undergoing ANC received a FANC. The most commonly used service was blood pressure measurement (93%), while the least commonly used service was deworming (42%). Factors associated with FANC were living in the Kindia region (odds ratio = 1.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.04–2.97); not intending to become pregnant for this pregnancy; belonging to a poor household; and having made 3, 4 or more ANC visits.Conclusion: This study reports a low proportion of women receiving the full package of ANC.Contribution: In order to improve this indicator, greater efforts need to be made in certain regions of the country to target pregnant women who achieve fewer ANC visits, carry pregnancies that were not intentional or belong to poorer households.