bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of natural sweetener Stevia rebaudiana in the medical field
Authors: Ahmad Adnan , Haneef Mohammad , Ahmad Nabeel , Kamal Azhar , Jaswani Samriddhi , Khan Fariya
Published: September 2024

Steviol glycoside sweeteners have been isolated and produced for hundreds of years in Bertoni, a South American Asteraceae plant prized for its sweetness. Stevia is becoming more popular among consumers and food manufacturers as a result of diabetes, rising obesity rates, and other related comorbidities, as well as global public policies calling for a reduction in intake of sugar to help control these issues. Low-calorie as well as no-calorie sweeteners, such as Stevia, have this appeal because they are plant-based, have no calories, and have a sugary flavour that is 50 to 350 times sweeter than table sugar, making them an excellent as well as suitable choice for use in foods as well as beverages with lower sugar and calorie content. This plant yields steviol glycoside sweeteners, which are isolated and processed. Current studies on Stevia rebaudiana extract, metabolism, tolerable intake, and safety, steviol glycoside extraction and purification, side effects, as well as the toxicity of Stevia extract are discussed in detail.
Profit and chemical analysis of Lavandula dentata L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils and the influence of factors stressors
Authors: Müller Bruna Tomasi , Kleibert Karine Raquel Uhdich , Sartori Cesar Oneide , Lautenchleger Francine , Colet Christiane de Fátima
Published: September 2024

The anatomical, physiological, and environmental changes of plants can alter the production of essential oil. The present study aims to characterize the profit and chemical constituents of Lavandula dentata L and Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils (EO), grown under conditions of stress by solar, water and soil radiation. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used in triplicate. The biomass analysis showed that in both plants, the best results were obtained when it was subjected to lighting, shading and 100% fertilization, but there was the lowest profit of EO. The portion that had the lowest biomass, showed the highest profit of EO. In the EO of Lavandula dentata L there were as major compounds: nerol, linalol and Myrcene, respectively, as the product with the lowest profit, eucalyptol stood out, followed by camphor and fenchone. The EO of Rosmarinus officinalis L with the lowest profit showed alpha-pinene as the major constituent, followed by camphor, 1.8 cineol, alpha-Terpinolene and linalol, and the EO with the highest profit was caryophyllene. The constituents of the EO showed different results when comparing the products obtained from the highest and lowest profit, both qualitatively and quantitatively, which shows that plants under different stress conditions affect the production of these secondary compounds, which may indicate differences in pharmacological actions.
Women and medicinal plants: a systematic review in the field of ethnobotany
Authors: Mantuan Victoria , Sannomiya Miriam
Published: September 2024

This study delves into the intricate relationship between women and medicinal plants, underscoring their historical and cultural roles mainly in 11 different countries. By specifically examining the impact of social impositions on gender in healthcare and the use of medicinal plants, the research critiques the perspectives that have marginalized both women and nature. To address these issues, ethnobotanical studies should promote research that encompasses the gender. Conducting a systematic review on Women and Medicinal Plants, the research explores key aspects in ethnobotanical studies: botanical knowledge, transmission of knowledge, medicinal plants used in women’s reproductive health, access to healthcare, and the primary knowledge holders. The bibliographic survey, utilizing the Capes database, reveals 205 plant species with 32 medicinal uses for women's health. Rute chalepensis L. (rue) was mentioned four times for abortion, labor contraction, facilitating childbirth, and placental expulsion. In relation to women’s reproductive health, different plants have been used by women and traditional practitioners worldwide. The use of medicinal plants can be associated with social vulnerability in marginalized communities by society which do not have easy access to public health, so they rely on alternative methods such as homemade remedies. Although knowledge about medicinal plants is an intellectual task developed by women, in some societies, such as capitalist societies, gender roles will evolve into specific knowledge, such as the task of family health care. The triple workload is not beneficial to women. Traditional knowledge, when allied with sustainability, can promote gender equality by transmitting intergenerational botanical knowledge without gender distinction and by reclaiming cultivation practices beneficial to the environment, biodiversity, and human health. The study invites ethnobotanical researchers to investigate gender dynamics within their studies. The results of this work can contribute to future research on women and medicinal plants.
Morphometric study of ostrich kidneys Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758
Authors: Estruc Thais Mattos , Nascimento Renata Medeiros do , Santos-Sousa Carlos Augusto , Souza Junior Paulo , Stocco Anieli Vidal , Pereira Letícia Victal , Abidu-Figueiredo Marcelo
Published: September 2024

In recent years, avian medicine has advanced in the recognition of kidney diseases, but little is known about the morphology and renal morphometry of the common ostrich Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758. This study aimed to describe the morphometry and location of kidneys in the common ostrich. Twenty-six cadavers, aged one to seven days, which died of natural causes on a farm in the municipality of Magé, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were donated to the Department of Animal and Human Anatomy at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The specimens were identified, sexed, and fixed in a 10% aqueous solution of formaldehyde. The kidneys and renal divisions were measured using a precision digital caliper. The kidneys of S. camelus are elongated, and lobular, and have three renal divisions (cranial, middle, and caudal). The average length of the right kidney was 6.69 ± 0.83 cm, and the left kidney was 6.87 ± 0.81 cm. The body length correlated positively and significantly with the lengths of the right kidney (r = 0.8273, p = 0.0017) and left kidney (r = 0.8534, p = 0.0008) in females. The renal cranial limit was observed at the eighth lumbar vertebra (L8) in 22 kidneys (42.3%), and the caudal limit, at the eighth sacrocaudal vertebra (Sc8) in 11 kidneys (21.2%), and the second caudal vertebra (C2) in 11 kidneys (21.2%). The morphometric dimensions and skeletopy of the ostrich kidney contribute to the field of comparative avian anatomy and assist in the interpretation of imaging techniques.
Conflitos antropológico-existenciais e sofrimento humano em sobreviventes da Covid-19 que passaram por internamento na UTI de um hospital público do norte gaúcho
Authors: Nogaro Arnaldo , Carpes Maiara Gonçalves , Camera Fernanda Dal Maso
Published: September 2024

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar os dilemas e conflitos antropológico-existenciais enfrentados por sobreviventes da Covid-19 que estiveram em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) em um hospital público no norte do Rio Grande do Sul. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, na qual participaram pacientes sobreviventes da Covid-19 que passaram por Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) em um Hospital Público do Norte do Rio Grande do Sul, que repercutiram em sofrimento humano, emergência da consciência da finitude, ocorrência de angústia e crise existencial após a sua internação e passar pela doença. O universo são seis indivíduos que frequentavam o centro de reabilitação pulmonar de uma Universidade do Norte do RS. A adesão foi voluntária. A coleta de dados foi por entrevista. A análise de dados é de conteúdo. O referencial teórico ampara-se em autores como Barros, Marini e Reali (2022), Becker (2022), D’Assumpção (2011), Franco (2021), Gawande (2015), Gadamer (2006), Santos (2021), Santos (2009), Nuland (1995), dentre outros. Os resultados demonstram que houve sofrimento humano intenso. Os entrevistados enfrentaram crise existencial diante da evolução da doença, do desamparo a seus familiares e medo da morte. Expressaram que davam muita importância a cada pequena melhora que ocorria. Sentiram solidão, apegaram-se à espiritualidade como forma de manter a esperança. Revelaram que passaram a ver a vida de outro modo e a valorizar mais as pessoas que fazem parte de sua família.  Essa pesquisa indica a necessidade de atentar e ampliar o cuidado para amenizar o sofrimento das pessoas que foram acometidas pela Covid-19.
O ciberativismo indígena da comunidade Amarelão Potiguara em meio a pandemia da covid-19
Authors: Pereira Mara  Dantas , Brito Lorenna Medeiros Toscano de , Siqueira Mariana de
Published: September 2024

A pandemia da Covid-19 exacerbou as vulnerabilidades da Comunidade Potiguara Amarelão, que dependia do turismo e da venda de castanhas de caju. Em resposta, a comunidade se reinventou através do uso das redes sociais digitais, especificamente o Instagram (@aca.amarelao), para ampliar a comercialização de suas castanhas e se manifestar em defesa de seus interesses. Este estudo teve o objetivo investigar como a Comunidade Amarelão Potiguara está utilizando o ciberativismo como uma ferramenta para responder aos desafios apresentados pela pandemia da Covid-19, através de uma análise descritiva qualiquantitativa das postagens no Instagram. O perfil @ac.amarelao revelou uma série de imagens denunciando questões ambientais, descrevendo a sobrevivência da comunidade e solicitando auxílio financeiro. A venda de castanha de caju, antes fonte principal de renda, tornou-se inexistente devido ao impacto da pandemia no turismo local. Observou-se uma insatisfação notável entre os membros da comunidade em relação às políticas atuais, evidenciando uma busca intensiva por maior reconhecimento e visibilidade. A adoção do Instagram emergiu como uma estratégia para alcançar esses objetivos. No entanto, a utilização indiscriminada desta plataforma provou ser insuficiente, dada a ausência de orientação adequada na disseminação das informações. Conclui-se que, diante da invisibilidade de seus direitos e da inércia institucional, a comunidade indígena recorre ao ciberespaço para exigir ação governamental, mobilizando a sociedade para reconfigurar o cenário sociopolítico e instigar mudanças favoráveis.
Indivíduo e comunidade: a conduta ética em Peirce e Freud
Authors: Bortolotti Ricardo Gião
Published: September 2024

Este artigo tem por objetivo abordar as teorias de Peirce e de Freud com o intuito de esclarecer o que denominamos de ‘conduta ética’. Não estabelecemos uma correspondência biunívoca entre ambas as teorias, dado que possuem preocupações e caminhos distintos, mas partimos da concepção de que o indivíduo isolado, encerrado em sua crença dogmática, cujo comportamento neurotizado o define, é fonte da ignorância, em termos da falta de pensar socialmente ou em termos de ignorar a astúcia de seu inconsciente. Para tal, utilizamos os textos do denominado primeiro pragmatismo, dado que a discussão de Peirce possibilita a comparação com o indivíduo problemático em Freud. Em relação ao psicanalista, trabalhamos os textos de suas Obras Completas, selecionados aqueles que se adequavam ao nosso intento, ou seja, que serviam para uma aproximação de dois modos de conceber o indivíduo isolado. Com efeito, para Peirce, o indivíduo deve ceder à opinião da comunidade de seres que pensam através de signos, assumindo, assim, uma atitude lógica, racional, e em conformidade com o método científico. Por sua vez, o foco na psicanálise conduz nossa atenção para o indivíduo improdutivo, incapaz de assumir uma atitude madura, orientando-se pelo princípio de realidade. Em suma, trata-se do indivíduo preso nas teias do desenvolvimento da libido no estágio pré-genital e sem a superação do complexo de édipo, superação que o tornaria pronto para existir como pessoa, agindo conforme o princípio de realidade e conhecendo suas limitações.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Sousa André Luiz Cruz , Sita Patricia Coradim
Published: September 2024

Editorial volume 46(2) de 2024.
Huanglongbing vector insect counting (HLB) by GAMLSS
Authors: Pedroso Mateus Silva , Guedes Terezinha Aparecida , Oliveira Willian Luís de , Valim Werica Bruna da Silva , Nunes William Mario de Carvalho , Janeiro Vanderly
Published: September 2024

Citriculture is one of the most important agricultural activities globally, with Brazil being one of the leading world producers. Thus, such activity is essential for the country's economy and the producers who depend on it. In this sense, the fight against Huanglongbing, one of the most devastating citrus diseases caused by vector insects, is essential to guarantee the quality of the fruit and avoid economic losses. The present work analyzed the counting of insect vectors in a commercial orange orchard in an observational study carried out in the municipality of Paranavaí, state of Paraná, Brazil, using the methodologies of generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) and generalized additive models for location, scale, and form (GAMLSS), with Negative Binomial probability distribution. Data were obtained by counting insects trapped in sticky traps at twelve fixed points in the orchard at three different heights and collected over seven fortnights. The results indicated that the GAMLSS model presented better results by including the linear predictor for modeling the scale parameter associated with the study factors based on the AIC criterion and diagnostic analysis tools.
Exploring the characteristics of the cadets’ learning network under military education
Authors: Lin Keng-Yu , Chen Long-Hui , Chen Ching-Wen , Chang Kuei-Hu
Published: September 2024

Military academy education is a part of university education. This study aims to explore the characteristics and achievements of the learning network for military academies students in Taiwan order to understand the main reasons for the differences and to identify special students. Moreover, this study analyzed the social network to explain the patterns of the students’ learning network. The findings are as follows. (1) An extensively connected learning network exists among the students of different classes. Students who comply with social norms have close relationships and interact frequently with each other. (2) Different cognition of social norms is the main reason leading to differences among students in their learning network and performance. Compliance with social norms is effectively conducive to the access and sharing of knowledge and improvement of learning performance. (3) The academic performances of those who have aloof relationships with their peers are polarized with either extreme good or extreme poor, and most of them comply with no notice or reflect the behavior of rejecting social norms. The academic contribution can support administrator as an important reference for planning education strategy.
Influence of Water Concentration on the Water/Vapor/ Oil Separation Process in a Vacuum Oil Filter: Modelling and Simulation
Authors: Bin Chen , Ge Liu
Published: September 2024

The vacuum oil filter (VOF) is widely applied in the oil-water emulsion demulsification separation due to the phase separation by using vacuum evaporation; however, the micro-dynamic characteristics of oil, water and vapor three phases and the influencing factors of separation efficiency are rarely studied. Therefore, the fluid flow and phase separation characteristics of water-in-oil emulsions were numerically analysed by ANSYS software. The demulsification conditions of water/oil emulsion were simulated by using the two-fluid model and the water evaporation model, and the turbulence effect was considered by using the Reynolds stress model. The results show that the established model could provide a convenient way to study the effects of the different water concentrations in oil; the turbulence intensity in VOF increases with the increase of water concentration in oil; The separation efficiency has been influenced by the inlet water concentration reaching values between 20.65-22.62% in the center axis, while 33.18-42.24% in the plate column; the vapor concentration ranged from 0 - 23.64% in the center axis, while 0 - 41.02% in the plate column. The relative volume fraction of water concentration decay tending with the water concentration increases, and the water concentration has a great influence on the separation efficiency.
Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-consume liquid infant milk treated with Ohmic Heating
Authors: Kahraman Hatice Ahu , Rugji Jerina , Bektaş Tuğçe , Erol Zeki , Tutun Hidayet , Keyvan Erhan
Published: September 2024

Ohmic heating is a promising alternative method to conventional heating for microbial inactivation. This study aimed to inactivate Listeria monocytogenes and assess some quality parameters in ready-to-consume liquid infant milk treated with different voltage gradients of ohmic heating. Different ohmic heating voltage gradients (5, 10, and 20V cm-1) were applied to the samples inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 13932) for 5 minutes. The application of 20 V cm-1 ohmic heating induced inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes at 4 minutes and resulted in approximately 5.34 log reduction; however, there was no significant reduction for the 5 and 10V cm-1 groups. Moreover, 20V cm-1 ohmic heating application did not cause any changes in pH, L*, and b* values. A significant decrease in a* value and an increase in hydroxymethylfurfural value was noted in this group.  In conclusion, the effectiveness of ohmic heating in pathogen inactivation depends on the applied electric field intensity and the application time. As a result, the ohmic heating conditions must be carefully determined for the infant milk to inactivate pathogens and ensure public health protection. The results of this study contain significant and beneficial data that can be disposed of the listeriosis risk associated with the consumption of infant milk in infants.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cu2O/ CuO Quantum Dots as Photocatalyst for Lignin Depolymerization via Reactive Oxygen Species: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Pratama Paundra Rizky , Hutomo Farhan Aryo , Pramata Azzah Dyah
Published: September 2024

Lignin is a type of polymer with diverse functional groups that can be transformed into biofuels and various high-value chemicals. By utilizing light energy and operating at low temperatures, photocatalysis via Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) becomes a promising strategy to develop further. However, the revelation of photocatalyst mechanisms in ROS production to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of lignin transformation is still limited. This study aims to determine the effect of Cu2O/CuO quantum dots (QDs) concentration in the photocatalyst system on lignin depolymerization via ROS. The wet chemical method was used to synthesize Cu2O/CuO QDs. The property determination of absorbance, crystallinity, and particle morphology is characterized using uv-vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) instrument. The ROS production was measured using a UV-vis instrument by varying the Cu2O/CuO QDs concentration (1, 3, and 5 μM). The depolymerization sign was observed using a Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) instrument. The result shows that the synthesized material has a Cu2O/CuO phase with an average particle size of 8 nm and a band gap value of 2.35 eV. The optimum ROS production activity was achieved at the Cu2O/CuO QDs 3 μM concentration, reaching ten mM/sec. The FTIR result also confirms that the functional group transformation occurred. Overall, this study provides brief insight for further optimization of the lignin depolymerization photocatalysis process.
Development and Implementation of an Algorithm for Predicting the Intensity of Sorption of Hazardous Gaseous Materials
Authors: Lesko Andrei , Kulakov Oleg , Melnichenko Andriy , Katunin Albert
Published: September 2024

An algorithm for predicting the intensity of sorption of gaseous materials released into the atmosphere as a result of an accident is proposed. The algorithm consists of three hierarchical levels: monitoring the parameters of gaseous material emission, predicting the consequences of gaseous material emission before and after sorption, and making a management decision. The first hierarchical level includes 4 blocks: obtaining information from the chemical reconnaissance group and the facility representative on the type, amount of hazardous gaseous materials, release intensity and scale of the accident; obtaining information from the hydrometeorological service on temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind direction and speed in the accident area; processing the information received; information on the availability of forces and means for sorption of hazardous gaseous materials. The second hierarchical level also includes 4 blocks: readiness of forces and means for sorption of hazardous gaseous materials; calculation with sorption; calculation without sorption; determination of the boundaries of the chemical damage zone according to the established criteria. At the third hierarchical level, there is 1 block: making a management decision. The software implementation of the proposed algorithm was carried out. The use of the developed algorithm and its software implementation will increase the speed and accuracy of predicting the consequences of the release of hazardous gaseous materials in an accident.
The Investigation of Phase Transformation Process of Nano-Citrogypsum via Recycling Saline Solution
Authors: Seeyangnok Samitthichai , Boonsuwan Navin , Sirimahasal Thanakit , Pranee Siriporn , Trongsiriwat Nisalak
Published: September 2024

Because citric acid may be used to preserve food, the citric acid business has grown to play a significant role in the food and beverage sector. Environmental problems with gypsum waste, or citrogypsym, resulted from the manufacture of citric acid. Calcium sulfate dihydrate (DH), with low material physical characteristics, is the primary component of gypsum. As a result, the goal of this research is to examine the phase transformation process of citrogypsum using the hydrothermal process, which is a method of recrystallizing an example solution in an appropriate setting. To do this, a recycling calcium chloride solution was used, and it was heated to 95°C for five hours under atmospheric pressure to form alpha calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α-HH). The present of -OH at 1600 cm-1 wave numbers in the FT-IR spectra of α-HH, indicates that CaSO4 has 0.5 water molecules in its crystal. Moreover, the DSC thermograms of α-HH reveal endothermic peaks at 151.2°C and 183.14°C, respectively, which correspond to the loss of 0.5 water molecules in CaSO4. The TGA thermogram of α-HH also shows a crystal water content of 4.5 wt%. Furthermore, SEM images validate the hexagonal structure of α-HH morphology. In addition, because chloride ions have an impact on corrosive materials, the saline solution can be recycled at least four times to save money and the environment.
Study of Polymer Ceramic-Inorganic Composites for Electromagnetic Radiation Absorption
Authors: Lebedev Vladimir , Riabchenko Maksym , Shestopalov Oleksii , Tykhomyrova Tetiana
Published: September 2024

The aim of the presented work is to study polymer ceramic-inorganic composites for electromagnetic radiation absorbing. Epoxy-based polymer composites modified with ceramic-inorganic graphite-ferromagnetic (CIGF) fillers were first obtained: silicon carbide, chromium oxide Cr2O3, graphite, humic substances and potassium titanate. As polymer matrix epoxy resin based on Epikote Resin MGS LR 285 and Epikure Curing Agent MGS LH 285 was studied. Primary research was directed to study humic substance, silicon carbide SiC, chromium oxide Cr2O3, graphite and potassium titanate nanoparticles introduction impact on polymer ceramic-inorganic composites strength and technological properties. Complex of technological and strength characteristics were researched and compositions with humic substances 0.5 wt%, a higher silicon carbide SiC – 10 wt% content were studied, while chromium oxide Cr2O3, graphite content in 5–25 % wt. range was optimized. Results shows, that addition of humic substances, silicon carbide SiC, chromium oxide Cr2O3, graphite and potassium titanate nanoparticles into the epoxy resin up to 20 wt% filler content increases the composite impact strength and breaking stress during bending. The CIGF fillers complex system using advantage is proven by studying the nature of modification effect on ceramic-ferromagnetic-graphite polymer composites for electromagnetic radiation absorption.
Understanding the Intellectual Approaches of the Archaeology of ‘Rōhaṇa’ from the 1840s to 1960s: A Literature Review
Authors: Koshalee K. V. J.
Published: September 2024

The archaeology of Rōhaṇa entails a focus on comprehending ‘Rōhaṇa’ from material perspectives. Originating in the mid-19th century CE, this approach evolved with diverse theoretical, methodological, and technological dimensions in alignment with the scholarly context of its time. This paper constitutes an investigation into the available sources explaining the progression of archaeological studies on Rōhaṇa from the 1840s to the 1960s, highlighting the contributions of individuals often identified as British Colonial Officers, Antiquarians, and Archaeologists. While extant research has predominantly centred on elucidating Rōhaṇa, it has overlooked an exploration of the intellectual practices of the scholars involved. Consequently, this paper aims to comprehend the intellectual approaches employed in existing scholarly works on Rōhaṇa. This study uses qualitative methods in secondary research to analyse sources such as published accounts and reports by British officers, archaeological field reports and other significant studies by local scholars. Examining the methodologies, findings, and conclusions of these selected studies reveals their collective contribution to the intellectual understanding of Rōhaṇa from a material perspective. In conclusion, antiquarian methods initially identified Rōhaṇa as the southern administrative division, with Māgama serving as its capital. Subsequently, archaeological initiatives expanded this knowledge through field methods, providing insights into regional settlement patterns. Over time, inquiries into the historicity of Rōhaṇa emerged, evolving the understanding of this region by the mid-20th century.
Struggle for the Legacy: Sino-India Rivalry over Energy Sources in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Nishantha H. A. A. , Abeyrathne G. D. R. U. U. , Sumanarathna B. M.
Published: September 2024

Global economic power has shifted from the Atlantic waters to the Indo-Pacific waters. China and India are robust rising powers competing for ultimate regional and global politico-economic opportunities. Energy has become a common factor for both nations, leading to overlapping spheres of influence, strategic responses, and national interests. This article addresses the puzzle of the absence of military confrontations over the issues of energy sources in circumstances that carry enormous potential for conflict. This study aims to contribute to filling the research gap in interpreting the rivalry between China and India over energy resources. The analysis extends through an eclectic approach, incorporating assorted through assorted debates from different realist thought strands. It treats the theories of international relations as emphasising the structure of international relations. However, there is a complex interplay with the perceptions of those structures by the foreign policymakers of a country. The tentative hypothesis of this study has been that “energy rivalry between rising military powers in the Indian Ocean has increased tension, though not to the extent of violent confrontation”. They bargain for regional hegemony, but a deterrent effect prevents an armed conflict between two rising powers. The findings suggest that the tentative hypothesis is supported by substantial evidence regarding energy-based rivalry. Amidst aspiration to dominate, especially over security and energy affairs, neither China nor India would entrench towards a “Mutually Assured Destruction” (MAD). Besides acquiring defensive and offensive military capabilities, they are also concerned with diversifying its energy policies, including land routes for energy supply. The possibility of mutually assured destruction provides an incentive for deterrence, preventing violent confrontation over energy issue in the Indian Ocean.
The Impact of Business Uncertainty on the Performance of Small Enterprises During the Economic Crises in Sri Lanka
Authors: Priyanath H. M. S. , Samarathunga S.R. M.
Published: September 2024

Small enterprises often regarded as the backbone of economies, are currently confronted with unprecedented challenges due to the uncertain conditions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the study attempts to assess the impact of uncertainty in the business environment on the business performance of small enterprises in Sri Lanka during the economic crisis. The study is a deductive and explanatory approach in quantitative design. The primary data was collected for a structured questionnaire from 185 owners of small enterprises in Kalutare district, Sri Lanka. The data was analyzed by using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling. The results revealed that demand uncertainty, supply uncertainty, price uncertainty, policy uncertainty, and behavioral uncertainty have negatively affected business performance while technological uncertainty does not have a significant impact on business performance. Thus, the study empirically exposed that the business performance of small enterprises is severely blocked by business uncertainty during the economic crisis. Therefore, small enterprises should plan business activities to make rational business decisions based on reliable information to achieve better business performance by avoiding uncertainty during the economic crisis.
The story of Christian Eriksen. To close the loop
Authors: Giusti Gian Domenico , Ramacciati Nicola
Published: September 2024

Dear Editor,
On June 12, 2021, Christian Eriksen's life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a match.1Thanks to the swift and skilled actions of medical personnel who administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Eriksen's life was saved. This harrowing incident marked the beginning of an extraordinary comeback story, culminating in Eriksen's emotional goal in the 18th minute of Denmark's match against Slovenia on June 15.2
This case highlights a crucial lesson for healthcare professionals: the vital role of the human factor in the chain of survival. It underscores the potential need to revisit and implement the "revised Utstein formula of survival".3[...]
#Godisinit! Nelson Chamisa’s theology to address the sociopolitical crisis in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mujinga Martin
Published: September 2024

The Bible presents God journeying with the weak and the poor. God’s involvement in the affairs of the less privileged was because of God’s nature of being just, compassionate, eternal, omnipresent and unchangeable. These attributes gave the weak hope as God intervened in their circumstances. Although in perpetual suffering, one would expect God’s nature to remain unchanging, unfortunately, the oppressed people grapple with the Doctrine of God in the context of different sociopolitical and economic traumas. For example, Zimbabwe suffered a sociopolitical ordeal for more than two decades resulting in the weak and the oppressed questioning God’s divine justice, the just and the omnipotence of God. To invite God to be on the side of the oppressed, the leader of the opposition party, Nelson Chamisa coined a mantra titled #Godisinit to involve Godself in the Zimbabwean sociopolitical crisis. The hashtag became a slogan and a campaigning strategy inviting God to arbitrate on the side of the weak. Moreover, the hashtag represents the decoloniality of theology where the elite apply it to empower the weak of the society suffering different forms of socioeconomic challenges. In addition, the hashtag remained the hope of the people as they believed that God would intervene in the Zimbabwean sociopolitical and economic crisis. This literature research used secondary sources and the Internet to explore how Nelson Chamisa used #Godisinit to invoke the Doctrine of God in the Zimbabwean sociopolitical environment.Contribution: The contribution of this study lies in its clarification of the role of hashtags, its analysis of how Nelson Chamisa utilised #Godisinit to engage the Doctrine of God within Zimbabwe’s sociopolitical sphere, and its demonstration of how the infinite nature of God is intertwined with the struggles of the weak and oppressed.
The development of pre-service teachers’ competence to teach mental calculation strategies
Authors: Vale Pamela , Westaway Lise
Published: September 2024

Background: There is a concern in South Africa that pre-service teachers do not have the required knowledge to teach mathematics in primary school and to develop learners’ number sense. In this study, pre-service teachers taught the mental strategy of bridging through ten through a structured teaching sequence from the Mental Starters Assessment Project (MSAP) materials as a work-integrated learning opportunity.Aim: We ask the question: How do the MSAP materials support pre-service teachers in competently teaching mental mathematics?Setting: Thirty-eight Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase) third-year preservice teachers from an Eastern Cape university participated in this study.Methods: Participants taught the strategy during their Teaching Practice, quantitatively analysed the results of their classes and reflected on the experience in a questionnaire and focus group interviews.Results: Results indicate that the teachers were relatively successful in their teaching of the strategy; however, all indicated that they taught the sequence for a more extended period than recommended. Qualitative responses provide evidence of the teachers’ development in their knowledge of learners and their characteristics, general pedagogical knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge and knowledge of educational contexts.Conclusion: This study offers evidence of the professional learning of pre-service teachers that resulted from taking an integrated approach to facilitating a mathematics teaching methodology course through requiring a work-integrated learning component.Contribution: We argue that such an approach is necessary for pre-service teachers to be adequately prepared for the challenges of teaching mathematics in the South African classroom.
Comparison of MRI and High-Resolution Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Nerve Diseases
Authors: Raj Ankita , Chogule Vaibhav T , Singh Cheena , Bajoria Atul Anand , Jain Amol , Mahabob Nazargi
Published: September 2024

Context:

Correct diagnosis of peripheral nerve lesions helps in accurate guidance for managing patients. The diagnostic procedure involves history taking, clinical examination, and electrodiagnostic tests. However, sometimes clinical and electrodiagnosis may not be definitive.

Aim:

This research aimed to assess ultrasound (US) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of pathologies of peripheral nerve.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred patients diagnosed with peripheral neural pathologies were selected after obtaining ethical committee approval. Sensitivity and specificity were examined between US examination and MRI in a subset of patients.

Results:

Compared to MRI, US was found to have a greater sensitivity and specificity for detecting peripheral diseases.

Conclusion:

The study found that, in comparison to MRI, ultrasonography is a more effective auxiliary method for diagnosing peripheral nerve abnormalities.
Oral Health Status and Barriers among Children with Cerebral Palsy in Maintaining Oral Hygiene: An Interventional Study
Authors: Kumar V V Harish , Mahajan Ankit , Upadhyay Meenakshi , Rajguru Jagadish P. , Gupta Shivangi , Dixit Anshika , Kumar Santhosh
Published: September 2024

Context:

Cerebral palsy is a neuromuscular disorder that hampers proper maintenance of oral hygiene leading to the development of periodontal diseases and progression of dental caries.

Aim:

The present study aimed to analyze the oral health status and barriers to maintaining oral hygiene among children with cerebral palsy using intervention (brushing technique).

Materials and Methods:

A total of 100 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy were selected from an academic institution for special needs children. The groups studied were: a) Group A with children aged between 6 and 10 years, b) Group B had children aged from 11 to 15 years, and c) Group C with children aged range from 16 to 18 years of age. Parental education level status was classified into a) Upper class (Code 1): Parents with a college education, b) Middle class (Code 2): Parents with education till secondary school level, and c) Lower class (Code 3): Parents with primary school level or no education. Oral examinations were performed using a mouth mirror, explorer, and torch light illumination to assess DMFT index (permanent dentition), DMFT index (primary dentition), and OHI-S for gingival and periodontal health. Fone’s technique for tooth brushing was demonstrated to children’s caregivers and/or parents. After this, an oral examination was conducted at the baseline and at three months. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis using SPSS software.

Result:

Statistically significant improvement in dental caries index and oral hygiene status was seen following demonstration of proper brushing technique.

Conclusion:

The training of caregivers/parents helps in improving the oral hygiene status in cerebral palsy-affected children.
Constructing a nomogram to predict overall survival of colon cancer based on computed tomography characteristics and clinicopathological factors
Authors: Hu Zhe-Xing , Li Yin , Yang Xuan , Li Yu-Xia , He Yao-Yao , Niu Xiao-Hui , Nie Ting-Ting , Guo Xiao-Fang , Yuan Zi-Long
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The colon cancer prognosis is influenced by multiple factors, including clinical, pathological, and non-biological factors. However, only a few studies have focused on computed tomography (CT) imaging features. Therefore, this study aims to predict the prognosis of patients with colon cancer by combining CT imaging features with clinical and pathological characteristics, and establishes a nomogram to provide critical guidance for the individualized treatment.

AIM

To establish and validate a nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with colon cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the survival data of 249 patients with colon cancer confirmed by surgical pathology between January 2017 and December 2021. The patients were randomly divided into training and testing groups at a 1:1 ratio. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors associated with OS, and a nomogram model was constructed for the training group. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the nomogram model in the training and testing groups.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis on CT, perineural invasion, and tumor classification were independent prognostic factors. A nomogram incorporating these variables was constructed, and the C-index of the training and testing groups was 0.804 and 0.692, respectively. The calibration curves demonstrated good consistency between the actual values and predicted probabilities of OS.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram combining CT imaging characteristics and clinicopathological factors exhibited good discrimination and reliability. It can aid clinicians in risk stratification and postoperative monitoring and provide important guidance for the individualized treatment of patients with colon cancer.
Uninvolved liver dose prediction in stereotactic body radiation therapy for liver cancer based on the neural network method
Authors: Zhang Huai-Wen , Wang You-Hua , Hu Bo , Pang Hao-Wen
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The quality of a radiotherapy plan often depends on the knowledge and expertise of the plan designers.

AIM

To predict the uninvolved liver dose in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for liver cancer using a neural network-based method.

METHODS

A total of 114 SBRT plans for liver cancer were used to test the neural network method. Sub-organs of the uninvolved liver were automatically generated. Correlations between the volume of each sub-organ, uninvolved liver dose, and neural network prediction model were established using MATLAB. Of the cases, 70% were selected as the training set, 15% as the validation set, and 15% as the test set. The regression R -value and mean square error (MSE) were used to evaluate the model.

RESULTS

The volume of the uninvolved liver was related to the volume of the corresponding sub-organs. For all sets of R -values of the prediction model, except for Dn0 which was 0.7513, all R -values of Dn10-Dn100 and Dnmean were > 0.8. The MSE of the prediction model was also low.

CONCLUSION

We developed a neural network-based method to predict the uninvolved liver dose in SBRT for liver cancer. It is simple and easy to use and warrants further promotion and application.
Long noncoding RNA steroid receptor RNA activator 1 inhibits proliferation and glycolysis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: He Ming , Qi Ye , Zheng Ze-Mao , Sha Min , Zhao Xiang , Chen Yu-Rao , Chen Zheng-Hai , Qian Rong-Yu , Yao Juan , Yang Zheng-Dong
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The clinical effects and detailed roles of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) steroid receptor RNA activator 1 (SRA1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain ambiguous. In the present study, the complementary sites between lncRNA SRA1, miRNA-363-5p, and phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) predicted via bioinformatics analysis stimulated us to hypothesize that miRNA-363-5p/LHPP axis might be required for SRA1-mediated ESCC progression.

AIM

To investigate the molecular events of SRA1 in the malignant behavior in ESCC.

METHODS

Thirty-eight ESCC tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues were acquired. SRA1 expression was detected in ESCC tissues and cell lines using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting Kit-8 assay, transwell invasion assay, glycolysis assay, and xenograft tumor model were performed to address the malignant biological behaviors of ESCC cells after the introduction of SRA1. The t -test and the χ 2 test were used for comparison between groups. Survival curve analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

SRA1 downregulation was identified in ESCC. ESCC patients exhibiting a low SRA1 expression faced shorter overall survival than those with a high SRA1 expression. The introduction of SRA1 inhibited cell proliferation, glucose uptake, and lactate production in ESCC. In vivo , the growth of ESCC was hindered by SRA1 overexpression. Then, SRA1 overexpresses the LHPP by inhibiting miRNA-363-5p. Lastly, the introduction of small interfering RNA si-LHPP or miRNA-363-5p mimic could abrogate the inhibition roles triggered by SRA1.

CONCLUSION

SRA1 inhibits the oncogenicity of ESCC via miRNA-363-5p/LHPP axis. The SRA1/miRNA-363-5p/LHPP pathway may be a therapeutic target for ESCC.
Conversion therapy in advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma based on patient-derived organoids: A case report
Authors: He Yong-Gang , Zhang Ling-Yu , Li Jing , Wang Zheng , Zhao Chong-Yu , Zheng Lu , Huang Xiao-Bing
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have been demonstrated to predict the response to drugs in multiple cancer types. However, it remains unclear about its application in cholangiocarcinoma.

CASE SUMMARY

A 59-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital due to upper abdominal pain for over 8 months. According to relevant examinations, she was diagnosed as perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) with intrahepatic metastasis and perihilar lymphatic metastasis. After multidisciplinary team discussion, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage was performed to relieve biliary obstruction, and puncture biopsy was conducted to confirm the pathological diagnosis. Transarterial chemoembolization with nab-paclitaxel was used in combination with toripalimab and lenvatinib, but the levels of tumor markers including alpha fetal protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 15-3 and cancer antigen 125 were still raised. The PDO for drug screening showed sensitive to gemcitabine and cisplatin. Accordingly, the chemotherapy regimen was adjusted to gemcitabine and cisplatin in combination with toripalimab and lenvatinib. After 4 cycles of treatment, the tumor was assessed resectable, and radical surgical resection was performed successfully. One year after surgery, the patient was still alive, and no recurrence or occurred.

CONCLUSION

PDOs for drug sensitivity contribute to screening effective chemotherapy drugs for advanced pCCA, promoting conversion therapy and improving the prognosis.
Queer Transformation and Intersectional Identities: Analysing Race and Sexuality in Randall Kenan’s A Visitation of Spirits
Authors: Binczycka-Gacek Elżbieta
Published: September 2024

This article offers an in-depth examination of Randall Kenan’s A Visitation of Spirits, contextualizing its narrative within the frameworks of Queer theory and African American cultural studies. Set against the backdrop of a rural North Carolina community, the novel focuses on the experiences of Horace Cross, a young African American grappling with his homosexuality amidst the constraints of a Christian Fundamentalist society. The analysis explores how the novel navigates themes of race, sexuality, and identity, particularly through Horace’s quest for self-transformation. This study underscores the novel’s intricate exploration of these themes, positing queer transformation as a pivotal element that provides insight into the complexities of identity and community within the African American context. Additionally, the article examines the novel’s integration of popular culture references, revealing their role in bridging the discussions of racial and sexual identity. The aim is to shed light on Kenan’s narrative as a significant contribution to the discourse on intersectionality in literature, highlighting its impact in the broader fields of Black and queer studies.
Inne kobiety: lethal lesbians i lesbian chic – oblicza i ewolucje wizerunku homoseksualnych kobiet w hollywoodzkich thrillerach lat dziewięćdziesiątych
Authors: Snoch Marta
Published: September 2024

The article showcases different images and aspects of lesbian characters in 1990s, with special focus on the media landscapes and Hollywood neo-noir thrillers. Stereotypical themes like lethal lesbians and their impact in American cinema are tied with early 90s trends of media portrayal of lesbian chic. The author also highlights the various restrictions of lesbian characters in mainstream cinema, that allows only the visually attractive images of homosexual body to be shown on the screen. Whole article also depicts evolutions of homosexual’s images in 90s media and cinema, the role of male gaze and society fears after the previous homophobic decade in these cultural constructions.