bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of training and satisfaction level among epidemiology and public health graduates in Tamil Nadu, South India: a descriptive cross-sectional survey
Authors: Sundar Jasmine S. , A. S. Hemapriya , S. Valarmathi , S. Kalpana , A. Arul Paul , K. Narayanasamy , G. Srinivas
Published: February 2025

Background: Epidemiology and public health are foundational to public health science, with educators playing a critical role in preparing future professionals to influence health policy and programs. The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University offers a master of science in epidemiology and public health to ensure high-quality training for its graduates. This study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction levels of graduates from these programs and assess the overall quality of training provided.
Methods: An online survey was conducted from May to June 2024 among graduates from Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University. The survey, administered via Google forms, included questions on course content, faculty effectiveness, and training impact. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis to identify key components influencing student satisfaction.
Results: Of the 54 respondents, most were aged 23-33 years and predominantly female. The majority had graduated after 2020, with significant representation in government positions. The results revealed high satisfaction with course content and faculty effectiveness. Key components contributing to satisfaction included effective course materials, enthusiastic and supportive faculty, and valuable peer learning experiences. The affordability and academic rigor of the programs were also positively highlighted.
Conclusions: This study highlights the positive impact of epidemiology and public health programs at Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University. Graduates reported high satisfaction with course content, faculty effectiveness, and instruction quality. The programs' affordability and academic rigor were also appreciated, confirming success in preparing graduates for professional careers and highlighting their value in the field.
A study to assess the knowledge and skills of accredited social health activists in home based newborn care
Authors: Bishnoi Subhash , Devi Shyama , Behera Priyamadhav
Published: February 2025

Background: Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) is a community-based approach adopted by the Government of India (GoI) to decrease the neonatal and maternal mortality rate through a series of home visits provided by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs).  Therefore, ASHAs adequate knowledge and skills regarding HBNC are crucial to bring positive health outcomes. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of ASHAs in HBNC and the challenges faced during its implementation.
Methods: A study was conducted in CHC Mendhasala of Khordha District from October 2021 to March 2022. ASHAs trained for HBNC, having HBNC visits during the research period, and willing to participate in the study were included in the sampling frame. Consecutively 50 ASHAs were taken for conducting the study in CHC Mendhasala. Participants were assessed for knowledge regarding HBNC and the problems faced during its implementation. Skills were observed during the scheduled day of home visits.
Results: Eighty-two percent of ASHAs had an average level of knowledge regarding HBNC. Domain-wise ASHAs had good knowledge of the HBNC concept, breastfeeding, immunization, and family planning while less knowledge of high-risk newborns and referral services. The majority of ASHAs had performed newborn care and examined the mother during home visits. Personal, social, and administrative challenges affect the implementation of HBNC services.
Conclusions: The majority of ASHAs had good knowledge and skills regarding HBNC but need to strengthen more on high-risk newborn and referral services domains. Besides this ASHAs face several challenges while implementing HBNC services.
Prevalence and pattern of smokeless tobacco use among rural women in Odisha, India
Authors: Sussan Baby Renju , Parida Rekha , Jacob Jaison , Mahata Soumita , A. Sreelekshmi , Roy Sudipta , Rajak Sushma , Biswas Susmita
Published: February 2025

Background: India is one of the world's largest producers and second largest consumers of tobacco, much of it in smokeless forms. It was recognized that SLT use among women is an increasing problem that needs to be addressed through social, behavioural, and policy-level approaches. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of smokeless Tobacco use and to identify the correlates of SLT use among rural women in Odisha.
Methods: The research design used for the study was cross-sectional, and a convenient non-probability sampling technique was used to select the subjects. Sociodemographic and tobacco profiles were the tools used to assess the prevalence of the disease. The standardized tool Fagerstrom Nicotine Assessment scale was used to determine the dependency among SLT users. Inferential statistics (chi-square) were used to analyze the data.
Results: From the data collected from 234 women in Bhatakhuri village, Odisha, a significant number of women were consuming smokeless tobacco, ie.94(40.17%). The majority of them are low to moderately dependent on SLTs (70%), but it is important to note that 20% of women were significantly reliant on SLT tobacco use. As well as there is a significant correlation between SLT use among women with age and marital status.
Conclusions: The study's findings revealed that a substantial number of women were using SLT; its use became part of their lives and is culturally acceptable among women. From the study, we can determine the significant correlation of SLT use with age and marital status.
Knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among women of reproductive age group in Palakkad district of Kerala: a cross-sectional study
Authors: P. A. Raseena , Suresh Salabha Sindhu , Pushparani Joy Patricia , M. Jeshela , A. S. Nada Parveen , Chandran Athira T.
Published: February 2025

Background: In India, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are estimated to be 63% of all deaths, and cancer is one of the leading causes (9%). In 2022, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 deaths globally. Breast cancer mortality rates are primarily due to inadequate knowledge about the disease's risk factors, warning signals, and breast self-examination (BSE).
Methods: A Hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 106 reproductive age group women excluding those diagnosed with breast cancer by nonprobability sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge of breast cancer and BSE. Data was analyzed using SPSS  20 with inferential statistics using chi-square test.
Results: Breast cancer knowledge was good in 70 (66%). 79 (74.5%) of the respondents had heard about BSE and out of them only 31 (29.2%) of respondents had practiced BSE. Not knowing the correct method was the most frequently reported reason for non-performance in 59 (55.7%). Only 8 (7.5%) of the women had received information about breast cancer from health professionals while a majority 53 (50%) stated that their source of information was family and friends. Higher educational level was found to be significantly associated with knowledge of breast cancer (p=0.003). A significant association was observed between knowledge and practice of BSE. (p=0.003).
Conclusions: A two third of the Participants had good knowledge of breast cancer; however, the practice of BSE is still lacking. Therefore, BSE practice needs to be promoted among women for early detection of breast cancer and prompt management.
Translation, validation and adaptation of the revised hearing handicap inventory in Assamese language
Authors: Akhtar Hanifa , Jamil M. , Shunyu Neizekhotuo B. , Joshi Tishya , Nair Nithin P. , Barman Ellora , Barman Bhupen
Published: February 2025

Background: The revised hearing handicap inventory (RHHI), a short questionnaire, effectively evaluates the psychosocial effects of hearing loss in adults, regardless of age. As RHHI is available only in English, its use is limited at the regional level for people who don't understand and can't read English. The aim of the study was to translate, validate, and adapt the RHHI in Assamese language as this is not available in local language.
Methods: The translation procedure followed a traditional translation, back translation, and content validity as per Beatons’s recommendation. The pre-finalized version was administered on sixty-three (63) adults with hearing loss at an interval of one month. Internal consistency of the translated tool was done by Cronbach’s Alpha, reliability testing was done by percentage of agreement by kappa statistics and intraclass coefficient (ICC). Validity testing of the tool was done by Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results: Assamese version of RHHI had good internal consistency, good reliability. The overall Cronbach alpha was 0.944; value of corrected item-total correlations ranged from 0.494 to 0.772, indicating the strength of the relationship between each item and the total scale score. Test-retest reliability by kappa statistics revealed significant agreement among the measurements, with p values <0.001. Pearson correlation coefficients test values suggest validity of Assamese version of RHHI.
Conclusions: The Assamese version of the RHHI is a reliable screening tool for hearing impairment in Assamese-speaking adults. Despite limitations of study, findings suggest its potential to understand the handicap and difficulties due to hearing impaired population and for improving healthcare access and outcomes in northeastern India.
A cross-sectional study: assessment of undernutrition and anaemia prevalence among early adolescents of Bhandarahalli village, North Karnataka, India
Authors: M. Chandana , Hiremath Netravati
Published: February 2025

Background: Adolescence is one of the critical periods in the life cycle phases in which each individual undergoes various physiological and psychological changes. Hidden hunger and undernutrition during adolescence are associated with growth impairment, poor cognition, lower immunity and higher susceptibility towards degenerative diseases in later periods. The purpose of the study was to assess undernutrition and anaemia prevalence among early adolescents in a rural area of Bhandarahalli, Karnataka.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on government rural school children to assess their nutrition status including anaemia prevalence. Both male and female children (n=115) aged between 11 to 14 years were screened with the prior parent consent of participation acceptance. Anthropometric measurements and haemoglobin levels were measured by using standard tools and protocols. Screened adolescents were categorised based on the world health organisation's body mass index Z score.
Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of anaemia among screened subjects where 59.26% of girls and 44.44% of boys are anaemic with a haemoglobin level of below 11 g/dL. Body mass index Z score for age revealed a higher prevalence of undernutrition among both genders.
Conclusions: The notably higher prevalence of anaemia and underweight among adolescents negatively affects the overall academic performance, productivity, and general well-being of adolescents; therefore, effective strategies need to be implemented to address these nutritional problems.
Exploring the impact of mud pack therapy on blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes: a case series
Authors: Chidambaram Yogapriya , Soundarapandiyan Sabeetha , Mujeebullah Alkousar T. , Suresh Abinaya , Natarajan Kathiresan , Kuppusamy Maheshkumar
Published: February 2025

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by persistent high blood sugar levels, which occur due to disruptions in insulin secretion, function, or both, leading to chronic hyperglycemia. Numerous pharmacological treatments are available to manage and treat diabetic individuals, however complete remission from diabetes has not yet been documented. Mud is a naturally occurring substance that contains varying proportions of organic and inorganic components. This case series aims to bring out the immediate effects of abdominal mud pack on patients with diabetes mellitus and its impact on RBGL. Three cases of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients were included and underwent a single session of mud pack intervention for 20 minutes. Random blood glucose levels (RBGL) were measured before, and immediately after the intervention. Applying mud pack over the abdomen and eyes has effectively reduced the RBGL in patients with diabetes mellitus. In case one the RBGL has reduced from 189 mg/dl to 165 mg/dl, in case two the RBGL has reduced from 152 mg/dl to 137 mg/dl, in case three the RBGL has reduced from 217 mg/dl to 198 mg/dl after 20 minutes of mud pack over the abdomen and eyes. Mud-pack therapy has been shown a potentially effective and supportive treatment for lowering blood glucose levels in patients with T2D.
The silent crisis: a review on epidemiology of burns and home safety challenges in Eastern India
Authors: Sahu Ranjit Kumar , Jena Harapriya , Sahu Pragati , Sahu Sabita
Published: February 2025

Burns can represent some of the most severe injuries globally, posing a significant public health issue and sparking widespread health concerns, especially in low- and middle-income nations. This review examines the epidemiology of burns and the related home safety issues in Eastern India, an area characterized by varied socio-economic and cultural factors. Burns rank among the primary causes of illness and death, with a disproportionate impact on women, children, and the elderly. The research investigates the occurrence, risk factors, and socio-cultural influences of burn injuries, emphasizing the shortcomings in preventive strategies and access to healthcare. Living conditions in Eastern India, marked by hazardous cooking methods, cramped spaces, and inadequate fire safety knowledge, significantly increase the incidence of burn injuries. The review additionally examines current policies, health interventions, and community-centered initiatives focused on burn prevention and treatment, identifying critical areas for improvement. Highlighting the importance of a multi-sectoral strategy, this paper promotes improved public health initiatives, such as community awareness, infrastructure enhancements, and reinforced healthcare systems, to address the unnoticed crisis of burns in Eastern India.
Passive Cooling of EV Batteries Using Phase Change Material: A Simulation Study
Authors: Kurhade Anant Sidhappa , Siraskar Gulab Dattrao , Dalvi Sagar Arjun , Kharat Pallavi Vishnu , Jadhav Nilesh Ambaji , Shelkande Varsharani Dilip , Murali Govindarajan , Waware Shital Yashwant , Yadav Rahul Shivaji
Published: February 2025

The escalating global concerns regarding environmental degradation and climate change are accelerating the shift towards renewable energy sources. Traditional gas-powered vehicles, significant contributors to air pollution and global warming are being increasingly replaced by Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a more sustainable transportation solution. However, one significant challenge associated with EVs is the thermal management of their batteries. To address this issue, this study employed computer simulations to evaluate a passive cooling system for EV batteries, utilising a special material known as a Phase Change Material (PCM). The system's performance was assessed under three different power discharge rates. The results demonstrated that the PCM-based cooling system effectively reduced the maximum temperature increase in the battery by 1-2% compared to an unprotected battery. This indicates that the system efficiently dissipates heat from the battery, thereby improving its overall performance and lifespan.
Major Findings: 1. Effective Thermal Management: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a PCM-based cooling system in reducing the maximum temperature rise in lithium-ion battery cells, particularly under high discharge rates. 2. Improved Battery Performance and Lifespan: By effectively dissipating heat, the PCM cooling system contributes to improved battery performance and extended lifespan. 3. Potential of Parallel Cell Configurations: The study suggests that parallel cell configurations may offer superior thermal performance compared to series configurations, although further research is needed to validate this finding.
Effectiveness of Coconut Shell Ash for Corrosion Control in Concrete – An Experimental Approach
Authors: Patil Shilpa , Patil Vaishali , Modi Aakash , Yadav Rahul , Nema Anurag Ashokkumar , Borage Maheshwari , Rajput Vikramsinh Pradipsinh
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the performance of coconut shell ash as a corrosion-controlling agent in concrete. Reinforced concrete specimens with different dosages of coconut shell ash were cast and further exposed to an accelerated corrosion process. The corrosion activity was monitored with the help of the most commonly adopted electrochemical techniques viz - half-cell potential and Tafel extrapolation technique. The test results indicated that adding 5% coconut shell ash by the weight of cement in concrete hindered the corrosion activity and resulted in a decreased corrosion rate. The compressive strength of concrete with coconut shell ash was also enhanced compared to concrete without coconut shell ash. Thus, using coconut shell ash as an additive in concrete can be considered an eco-friendly solution as it helps resolve the issue of disposal of agricultural waste material and controls the corrosion activity in concrete.
Major findings: The experimental results indicate that incorporating 5% Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) by weight of cement into concrete effectively reduces corrosion and enhances compressive strength. As a waste agricultural byproduct, CSA offers an environmentally friendly solution for agricultural waste disposal while mitigating corrosion in concrete.
Concept of STEM as a Method Supporting Inquiry-Based Learning in Lower Secondary Schools in Slovakia
Authors: Tomková Viera
Published: February 2025

Since 2008, the Slovak education system has undergone several reforms aimed at improving the quality of education for elementary school students, with the goals of achieving better scores in international PISA assessments and enhancing students' employability. The proposed education concepts were intended to create space for better preparation for future careers and to engage students more actively in their education. However, none of the reforms have yielded the desired results. Starting in the 2023/2024 school year, a new educational reform titled "Education for the 21st Century" is being tested in selected schools. This reform aims to develop students' ability to think in complex contexts and to teach them critical thinking skills. Teachers are expected to act as facilitators in education and to implement innovative teaching methods. The aim of this article is to highlight the potential of applying STEM as a concept that supports inquiry-based learning (IBL) at the lower secondary level of elementary schools in Slovakia (ISCED 2). Results from the pilot research presented in the article indicate that the biggest barrier to implementing STEM in elementary education is the lack of teachers' knowledge about this concept. It was demonstrated that the abitity to applicate the STEM concept in teaching is not related to the length of respondents' teaching experience. The findings from the pilot research serve as a basis for incorporating the topic of the STEM concept into the study plans of future teachers, as well as for the preparation of training courses and workshops for practicing teachers.
K-12 STEM Teachers’ Experiences with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Azzam Antoine , Charles Tendai
Published: February 2025

This research examines K-12 STEM educators' viewpoints on incorporating ChatGPT within their teaching practices. The study is grounded in two theoretical models: the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. Through semi-structured interviews with nine K-12 STEM teachers in the UAE, the research identifies three main themes: ecosystem support, ease of use, and job enhancement through ChatGPT. Teachers generally appreciate ChatGPT's potential to offer personalised learning experiences, enhance their instructional practices, and reduce logistical burdens. However, the study also uncovers several barriers, including misconceptions about ChatGPT's capabilities and a significant need for professional development in AI education. Educators also raised issues regarding data privacy, the accuracy of responses, and the possibility of reducing students' ability to think critically. The research highlights the importance of developing comprehensive training initiatives to prepare educators to successfully incorporate ChatGPT into their instructional methodologies. The recommendations suggest designing extensive professional development initiatives and conducting additional research to assess the long-term effects of ChatGPT on both teaching and learning processes. By tackling these challenges, the study seeks to support the responsible and efficient implementation of AI tools in K-12 education.
Influence of Higher Education on IoT Acceptance through Hands-On Learning
Authors: Varela-Aldás José , Junta Christian , Choque Elias , Palacios-Navarro Guillermo
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) applications are pervasive across various sectors; however, there remains some resistance to its adoption. Education 4.0 promotes the full integration of new technologies, both as tools for learning and instruments for professional development. This work studies the influence of higher education on the willingness towards IoT adoption after hands-on learning experiences. The primary objective is to determine whether a correlation exists between IoT adoption and the education of university students from three distinct professional degrees. The methodology employed involves a practical class where students engage in developing applications for manual data collection. These applications are designed to send data to the Internet, which is then visualized through a web interface. Tailored to each respective degree, three similar applications are developed. For this research, M5 Stack Core2 kits are utilized, along with UIFLOW programming language and the ThingSpeak platform, operating under the MQTT protocol. Following the training, students complete a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) survey for IoT. The analysis of the influence of higher education on IoT acceptance employs ANOVA to identify differences between group means. The results reveal statistically significant differences in IoT acceptance between students in Industrial and Architecture degrees.
Enhancing Student Success in Engineering Programs through the Innovative Teaching Model
Authors: Mišútová Mária , Mišút Martin
Published: February 2025

The paper describes the research aimed at increasing the success rate of technical university students through a mathematics teaching model which uses digital technologies and emphasises the development of selected cross-cutting competencies. The innovative teaching model, whose impact was first verified in Mathematics I, offered in the first-year winter semester of bachelor's studies in 2022/2023, has yielded significant results. This paper presents the second part of the ongoing research, where the model's influence on students' Mathematics II and Physics success in the 2nd semester, was closely monitored. The findings, which indicate a statistically significant effect on students' achievements in Physics, underscore the importance of this research. Based on these results, the innovative model was further modified, extending it with recommendations for the broader application of math software in mathematics teaching and strategies to increase the success rate of women in technical universities. The extended model of teaching mathematics was then applied to teaching Mathematics I in the academic year 2023/2024, with a natural pedagogical experiment confirming its didactic effectiveness.
Special features speech portrait of an autistic child in Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time translated into Russian
Authors:   Moscow City University, Bakanova Anastasia S.
Published: February 2025

The article deals with the issue of studying the speech characteristics of a literary character, which is no doubt of significant interest.
The speech portrait of a literary character is one of the key components in forming an image in a literary text. However, the speech of child characters, especially those with developmental disorders, has not received much attention. The source material for the study is the modern novel
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003) by Mark Haddon and its translation into Russian made by A. Kukley (2003). The paper’s
main purpose is to enumerate, classify, and analyze the complex speech portrait of a child with an autism spectrum disorder and to examine
the methods used for translating these characteristics. The study draws upon the classification that focuses on the impairments in socialization,
communication, and imagination, which are central to autism research. The author’s methodology, based on the use of the continuous sampling
method, classification method, comparative analysis method, and quantitative method, allowed to reach some conclusions and observations. The
author claims that the majority of the speech characteristics typical of a teenager with autism are preserved in the translated text. According to the
author, the translator carefully conveys these characteristics into another language, sometimes making changes considering the context, nuances
of a language structure, and cultural differences, which requires certain adaptations in order to render meaning and emotions more precisely.
Z. N. Gippius’s letters in diary discourse of S. P. Kablukov
Authors:   Kursk State University, Krivolapova Elena M.
Published: February 2025

The article analyzes Z. N. Gippius’s correspondence with the secretary of the St. Petersburg Religious and Philosophical Society
S. P. Kablukov. The material for the article contains Z. N. Gippius’s letters of 1909, received by Kablukov and rewritten by him in a diary.
Since the folder with Z. N. Gippius’s letters was not preserved in the S. P. Kablukov’s archive, this documentary evidence is of apparent
interest and allows us to get an idea of the nature of the correspondence between Gippius and the author of the diary. The subject range of
Z. N. Gippius’s and S. P. Kablukov’s epistolary communication is diverse, but the diary author focuses on issues of religious nature, since
he was an Orthodox Christian. At the same time, Kablukov was sympathetic to the supporters of a “new religious consciousness” and often
assessed the current events precisely from their point of view. The letters also discuss literary problems, Z. N. Gippius’s stories “Mass” and
“Overheard Words”. Z. N. Gippius’s and S. P. Kablukov’s letters provide an opportunity to penetrate the atmosphere of the era of the early
20th century, to identify features of the religious renovation movement, to see the crisis state of the historical Church, and also to assess the
role of the Russian intelligentsia in the attempts to reform it. Gippius’s letters are distinguished by a special tonality that encourages her
correspondent to be sincere. They manifest her subtle humor, self-irony, imparting an intonation of trust to the text. Her letters feature a
genuine interest in people, the desire to understand an individual person, to penetrate his soul. Thus, Z. N. Gippius’s and S. P. Kablukov’s correspondence reveals new facets of the personality of the “first Russian decadent”, allows one to get an idea of her epistolary strategies.
Insect symbolism in the oeuvre of B. Poplavsky: Cicadas and grasshoppers
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Technical University, Mamatov Gleb M. , Tyryshkina Elena V. ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University
Published: February 2025

Analyzed in the study is the symbolic meaning of the images of a cicada/grasshopper in the prose and poetry by Boris Poplavsky in
the context of classical antiquity and of the Silver Age art. These insects are often understood as one image, which is the poet’s homage to the
antique tradition; the image of a cicada/grasshopper is liminal, implying mediation between the two worlds and connection between the past
and the present, which allows one to experience the condition of harmonic unity with the Universe and the feeling of natural primeval being.
Both the cicada and the grasshopper are related to music, but the cicada is to a greater extent an Apollonian and sacral creature, a votary of
the muses, whose singing is heard against the background of a bucolic summer landscape. Whereas the image of the cicada is closer to the
pole of the Apollonian, the image of the grasshopper, in the case when they differ, tends to the pole of the Dionysian, the exuberant creative
element and the energy of inspiration. The grasshopper turns into a fantastic chimeric creature, the visible personification of other living
(a grasshopper among gnomes and elves, the horse-automobile-grasshopper and the grasshopper-train associations). A special case is the
symbolization of sounds produced by a cicada and a grasshopper as a force of its own: this chirr/rattle represents certain natural buzz, the thundering proto music of inspiration over which the poet has no power. While the holistic image of these insects in the spirit of antiquity was
the sign of experiencing the integrity of being and their chirr was enchanting, here the exponentially intensified startling sounds contribute
to the description of the Poet’s “muse” as having the appalling features of a giant insect, and his poetic oeuvre becomes not only the blessing
but also a curse, in which B. Poplavsky shows his affinity to A. Blok.
Speech-genre characteristics of everyday omens
Authors:   Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, Moscow State Linguistic University, Karasik Vladimir I.
Published: February 2025

The paper deals with everyday omens as a special speech genre within the framework of prognostic
discourse. Calendar and meteorological omens to a great extent reflect recurring objective circumstances, while
everyday omens record mostly random coincidences of events. From the positions of scientific and religious
worldviews, everyday omens are qualified as superstitions. The function of everyday omens is to build a
simple picture of the world with prescriptions and explanations of mystical nature. The discursive formula of a
household omen includes the following components: 1) action, 2) consequence, 3) explanation, 4) prescription,
5) correction. The obligatory components of this genre are action and prescription, the other parts of the formula
can be optional. The explanation of a household omen is often mystical in nature, as irrational explanations are
well remembered. Omens are characterized by a high degree of ethno-cultural uniqueness. An omen appears as
an iconic sign and later becomes an indexical sign. In new omens ancient magical attitudes of behaviour are repeated in a different manifestation. Modern interpretations of omens show that this speech genre to a great
extent fulfils not so much explanatory as entertaining function.
Czy dziewictwo może być problemem? Wizyty ginekologiczne osób nieaktywnych seksualnie z perspektywy socjologicznej
Authors: Stefaniak Kamila
Published: February 2025

Wizyta ginekologiczna rozpoczyna się od wywiadu, w którym pada pytanie o ini­cjację seksualną. Od odpowiedzi pacjentki zależy przebieg wizyty. Artykuł pokazuje, jak róż­ne strategie są przyjmowane przez lekarzy ginekologów, kiedy na wizytę przychodzi tak zwana dziewica. Jakościowej analizie zostały poddane indywidualne wywiady pogłębione (z 11 osobami) oraz wypowiedzi na forach internetowych. Strategie badania dziewic przyjmo­wane przez lekarzy przeczą naukowej wiedzy na temat błony dziewiczej, jak również reko­mendacjom wobec pierwszej wizyty ginekologicznej. Jednym z powtarzających się doświad­czeń nieaktywnych seksualnie pacjentek jest ograniczenie badań do wykonania wywiadu lekarskiego. Niniejszy artykuł pokazuje, że dziewictwo jest wartościowane i stawiane wyżej niż zdrowie pacjentek. Ginekolodzy aktywnie uczestniczą w kreowaniu seksualności poprzez wyrażanie swojej opinii na temat seksualnego statusu pacjentek. Te natomiast w pełni poddają się medycznemu dyskursowi, przekazując władzę nad swoją cielesnością lekarzom.
The Incantation against Snakebite from Norov’s Psalmbook – Linguistic and Historical Aspects
Authors: Saldzhiev Hristo
Published: February 2025

The paper explores the linguistic and cultural patterns behind an oral incantation against snakebite that appears on the last page of a Middle Bulgarian book of psalms. The manuscript dates back to the 14th century, and was created in the Eastern regions of Medieval Bulgaria, observing the orthography of the Tarnovo Literary traditions. The Russian traveller Norov found the book of psalms during a trip to the Holy Land at the beginning of the 19th century and brought it to Russia. The incantation contains a significant number of words of unclear origin. Yatsimirskiy – the first researcher of this incantation – offers two possible explanations about the source language that allude either to its derivation from an Oriental tongue, or to local folklore practices. Modern Russian researchers maintain the hypothesis about its folklore origin and emphasise its opening words sarandara/marandara as an example of ritual nonsense speech – in their view, this could have been a popular phenomenon in the ethnic religious practices of Slavic communities. After a linguistic analysis of the text and its unclear words, I hypothesise that the words belong to one of a range at used the incantation.
Effect of Foliar Spraying with Stearic Acid on Growth Characteristics for Two Varieties of Bread Wheat
Authors: Baqir H.A.A. , Zeboon N.H.
Published: February 2025

Background: As a result of the excessive use of mineral fertilizers, it has led to an increase in the accumulation of pollutants in the soil and an imbalance in the elements present in it, leading to a decrease in crop growth, productivity and quality, in addition to serious health problems for humans and animals, Therefore, attention in recent research has focused on the use of safe and environmentally friendly materials, including stearic acid. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, during the winter season of 2022-2023. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) within split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. The experiment included two factors, the first within the main plots represented two varieties of wheat (Buhooth 22 and Adana), while the second factor in the sub-plot represented spraying with stearic acid at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg L-1, in addition to the control treatment. Result: The results revealed that Buhooth 22 resulted in significant increase plant height, chlorophyll content, number of total tillers, plant dry weight and crop growth rate with an increases in percentage of about 4.04%,7.87%, 9.42%, 2.26% and 2.19%, respectively. The results also exhibited significant with concentration 200 mg L-1 in plant height, dry weight, crop growth rate. The concentration of 300 mg L-1 resulted in significant increase of flag leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content and total of tillers.
Promoting Sustainability and Climate Resilience in Agriculture Through Circular Economy: A Review
Authors: Barman Bikram , Munshi Sahin Aktar , Mondal Indrajit , Quader S.K. Wasaful , Das Abhijit
Published: February 2025

Global issues such as scarcity of resources, pollution of the environment and growing population that leads to high demand for food are some of the issues affecting the agricultural sector. Services and processes resulting in effective utilization of resources and organisational and environmental consideration are essential for a sustainable life. As to the problem, circular innovation proposes a quite effective solution to redesign the existing agricultural systems according to the circular economy concept. Circular innovation is therefore a break from the cycle and a look at practices that are cyclical in nature. They are techniques such as resource management, reduction of waste generation, utilization of by-products and the use of cyclic systems. This approach least on input dependency increases the utilization rate of resources and disperses adverse effects on the environment. Promoting the use of renewable energy and modern technology like the use of solar energy in irrigation as well as precision farming increases productivity and at the same time decreases the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides. On the same note, circular innovation also looks at waste as input whereby materials such as wastes from agriculture are recycled into, for example, biofuel and fertilizer through composting and bioconversion. Also, circular innovation creates a relationship between the players involved in the food chain thereby encouraging pro-activity between players consisting of farmers, processors, retailers and consumers. This promotes closed-loop supply chains, local food systems and food traceability, minimizes food loss and waste and conserves sustainable and resilient food systems.
Agronomic Response of Pole Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Drip Fertigation
Authors: Nair A.K. , Hebbar S.S. , Kalaivanan D.
Published: February 2025

Background: Fertigation with water soluble fertilizers, unlike traditional fertilizer application in bulk quantity in few splits, improves quality and quantity of produce in pole beans. Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design consisting of ten treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of different levels of nutrient doses applied at varying frequencies through fertigation using water soluble fertilizers compared with soil application of nutrients through traditional fertilizers. Result: The higher values for yield attributes viz; fresh weight of 5 pods (73.05 g), pod length (23.17 cm), pod girth (3.26 cm) and pod yield (34.67 t ha-1) were recorded with application of 100% nutrient dose through fertigation on bi-weekly basis. However, fertilizer use efficiency (179.60 kg kg-1) and benefit cost ratio (1.74) were higher with 75% of the nutrient dose of fertilizer through water soluble fertilizers at bi-weekly intervals.
La Construction d’un Modèle Théorique sur les Fondements Psychologiques Derrière les Décisions Financières des Entrepreneurs-Dirigeants en Temps de Crise
Authors: El Fartakh Yassine , Boungab Souad
Published: February 2025

Dans un contexte de crises économiques fréquentes et perturbatrices, les décisions financières des entrepreneurs-dirigeants jouent un rôle crucial dans la survie et la résilience des entreprises. Cet article propose un modèle intégratif pour analyser les déterminants psychologiques influençant ces décisions en période de crise. Basé sur une revue approfondie de la littérature, ce modèle explore comment la perception de la crise influence le capital psychologique et social des entrepreneurs, impactant ainsi leurs comportements financiers. Le cadre théorique repose sur quatre axes principaux : la perception de la crise, le capital psychologique et social, les approches de gestion de crise et la classification des comportements financiers des entrepreneurs-dirigeants. En s'appuyant sur des modèles reconnus (Suder, 2023 ; Wang et al., 2022 ; Lux et al., 2020 ; Sahin et al., 2015 ; Ajzen, 1991), cet article propose une approche originale visant à approfondir la compréhension des mécanismes psychologiques sous-jacents aux décisions financières en période de crise. Ce modèle, enrichi par des hypothèses vérifiables, apporte une contribution significative à la littérature existante en intégrant des perspectives psychologiques et sociales dans l’étude des comportements financiers en situation de crise. Enfin, des implications pratiques sont proposées pour guider les chercheurs et les praticiens, accompagnées de pistes pour de futures recherches dans ce domaine.
 
In the context of frequent and disruptive economic crises, the financial decisions of entrepreneur-managers play a crucial role in the survival and resilience of companies. This paper proposes an integrative model to analyze the psychological determinants influencing these decisions in times of crisis. Based on a thorough review of the literature, this model explores how the perception of crisis influences entrepreneurs' psychological and social capital, thus impacting their financial behaviors. The theoretical framework is based on four main axes: the perception of the crisis, psychological and social capital, crisis management approaches, and classification of financial behaviors of entrepreneur-managers. Based on recognized models (Suder, 2023; Wang et al., 2022; Lux et al., 2020; Sahin et al., 2015; Ajzen, 1991), this article proposes an original approach to deepen the understanding of sub-psychological mechanisms under financial decisions in times of crisis. This model, enriched by verifiable assumptions, significantly contributes to the existing literature by integrating psychological and social perspectives into studying financial behaviors in crises. Finally, practical implications are proposed to guide researchers and practitioners, along with leads for future research in this field.
How do Travel Bloggers Influence Generation Z‘s Travel Decisions? An Exploratory Study through Five Italian Famous Travel Bloggers
Authors: Rancati Elisa , D’Agata Alessandro
Published: February 2025

The increasing adoption of new communication channels such as social networks among Generation Z has created new professional job roles over the last decade, including travel bloggers. This paper focuses on understanding the influence of travel bloggers on Generation Z’s travel decisions. A mixed qualitative and quantitative survey design was employed for this study. Empirical data were drawn from 475 Generation Z travelers in Italy using a purposive sampling technique. The quantitative component involved a structured questionnaire consisting of four sections and thirty questions, including demographic information, travel habits, and perceptions of travel bloggers’ influence. Responses were collected via face-to-face interviews and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests to compare sample means, and Likert-scale evaluations to measure the frequency of social media usage in travel decision-making. Findings reveal that travel bloggers play a moderately relevant role in Generation Z’s travel decisions, particularly in the realm of social and mobile business. This study contributes to the literature in several ways. First, it enriches Generation Z travel decision-making theory by providing empirical evidence on factors leading to increased influence sharing among travelers. Second, it expands knowledge on the role of influencers, particularly regarding video and photo content in online tourism communities. From a managerial perspective, the study highlights key drivers of travel decision-making in Generation Z within social networks, and it provides strategic guidelines for travel bloggers to effectively promote tourism destinations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to empirically investigate the impact of travel bloggers on the tourism decision-making process of Generation Z travelers in the hospitality and tourism literature.
Les perceptions des enseignants au sujet de la situation déclenchante en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre (SVT) au Maroc
Authors: Kouchou Ihsane , Ousinsi Faska , Essalih Soukaina , Ifqiren Sara
Published: February 2025

Dans cette recherche nous visons explorer les perceptions des enseignants marocains en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre (SVT) concernant les situations déclenchantes et leur utilisation dans leur pratique pédagogique. À travers un questionnaire administré à 138 enseignants des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre. Les résultats montrent que les situations déclenchantes sont principalement perçues comme des outils pour amorcer l'apprentissage et susciter le questionnement, mais leur mise en œuvre est entravée par des difficultés liées à la gestion du temps, à la planification et à la compréhension de leur intérêt didactique. Bien que la majorité des enseignants adhèrent aux courants constructivistes et socioconstructivistes, des divergences persistent dans la manière dont ils définissent et utilisent ces situations. L'étude souligne la nécessité d'une formation continue pour les enseignants afin d'optimiser l'utilisation des situations déclenchantes et de mieux intégrer ces méthodes dans une séquence d'apprentissage plus large, incluant la structuration et l'évaluation des connaissances.
In this research, we aim to explore the perceptions of Moroccan teachers in Life and Earth Sciences (SVT) regarding triggering situations and their use in their teaching practice. A questionnaire was administered to 138 teachers of Life and Earth Sciences. The results show that triggering situations are mainly perceived as tools to initiate learning and provoke questioning, but their implementation is hampered by difficulties related to time management, planning, and understanding their didactic interest. Although the majority of teachers adhere to constructivist and socio-constructivist currents, divergences persist in the way they define and use these situations. The study highlights the need for continuous training for teachers in order to optimize the use of triggering situations and to better integrate these methods into a broader learning sequence, including the structuring and assessment of knowledge.