bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FOREIGN EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES
Authors: Boyko Yakiv 
Published: April 2023

The article deals with the advantages of using certain digital technologies when learning English for specific purposes. The article is devoted to the problem of information and communication technologies, describes their positive impact during English language classes for specific purposes, and provides some effective digital tools that their students can also use in their work and study, such as Skype, a word processor, e-mail, virtual conference platforms, simulation software, mobile technology and the Internet as a source of authentic material and communication.Additionally, the author examines the potential possibilities of using such a digital tool as Skype, which refers to free software in its basic version, and lists 14 advantages of using information and communication technologies in the process of learning English for specific purposes according to the researcher Butler-Pascoe.The implementation of digital technologies in language education is one of the promising directions of informatization of the educational process, which allows users to gain access to authentic material.Modern information and communication technologies contribute to the active, creative mastery of new material by students, contribute to its presentation at a new, qualitatively higher level. In the organization of the educational process, their integration opens fundamentally new opportunities.The Skype tool is used in various forms for formal and informal language learning. Searching the Skype community platform shows the number of existing language courses, chat groups or conversation clubs.In addition, digital technologies can also provide effective support to the teacher when there is a lack of experience in various aspects of the subject and their use opens up fundamentally new opportunities in the organization of the learning process.
Keywords: information and communication technologies; digital technologies; Internet; feedback; computer programs; Internet resources; English; digital technologies; English for Specific Purposes; authentic communication.
Using Direct Observation to Examine the Relationship between Smoking and Consumption Patterns in a Middle Eastern Food Services Setting
Authors: Heiens Richard A. , Pleshko Larry P. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Despite the widespread implementation of tobacco control efforts, tobacco use persists in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), which is projected to experience the smallest decline in worldwide smoking rates. Although researchers have never explicitly examined the relationship between smoking and consumption behaviour, the two phenomena may be interrelated, especially in social settings. Utilising unobtrusive observational research, the current study examines the influence of smoking and social interaction on food and beverage purchases in one specific EMR country, Kuwait. The findings indicate that smokers tend to congregate in larger parties, purchase more items, spend more overall, and exhibit longer dwell time in comparison to their non-smoking counterparts. One explanation is that smoking and social interaction remain entwined in the social and cultural traditions of the region.
Mobile Phones, Farmers, and the Unsettling of Geertz's Moroccan Suq/Bazaar Economy
Authors: Ilahiane Hsain 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this article, I first examine the ways Moroccan smallholder farmers deploy mobile phones to revise their relationships with markets and roving middlemen. Second, based on a mixed method of participant observation and survey data, I claim that mobile phone use has transformed farmers’ economic behaviour, resulting in deeper market participation and the gradual undoing of the role of middlemen in the agricultural value chain. Finally, I contend that farmers’ use of mobile phones to synthesise market information from different marketplaces does not only unsettle Clifford Geertz's arguments on information search strategies in the suq economy, but it also renders the centrality of his notions of intensive bargaining and clientilisation far less important than it used to be before the onset of mobile phones.
Stem bark methanolic extract of Bauhinia thonningii (Schum) demonstrates gastroprotective properties against in vivo ethanol-induced injury
Authors: Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan , Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Mariod Abdalbasit , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Nordin Norazie , Jayapalan Jaime Jacqueline , Hashim Onn Haji 
Published: April 2023

Background: Stomach ulcer is one of the diseases that many patients suffer from all over the world, and it causes damage to the intestinal wall. Some research has shown that Bauhinia thonningii extract, which has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach ulcers, has powerful antioxidant and mucus-increasing properties. Objective:This research is aimed at studying the mechanism(s) through which methanolic (MBST) and chloroform (CBST) extracts of B. thonningii stem bark protects against ethanol-induced stomach damage in rats. Material and Methods: MBST and CBST were evaluated in vivo for their cytoprotective qualities employing stomach acidity, mucus content, macroscopic and microscopic methods, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, mass spectroscopy, 2D gel electrophoresis, and biochemical indicators. These extracts were tested in vitro on lipopolysaccharide/interferon-stimulated rat cells. Additionally, in-vivo, and in-vitro toxicity investigations were conducted. FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC tests were used to determine the antioxidant activity of MBST and CBST. Chemical and spectroscopic approaches were used to analyze the phytochemistry of MBST and CBST.Results: The gross and histological characteristics of B. thonningii proved its anti-ulcerogenic effects. MBST has gastroprotective effects by modulating lipid peroxidation and proteomics indicators [heat shock protein (Hsp60), disulfide isomerase (ERp60), protein disulfide-isomerase, creatine kinase B, cytosolic malate dehydrogenase, peroxiredoxin-6, and ATP synthase]. MBST and CBST have substantial impacts on nitric oxide both in-vitro and in-vivo. In comparison to CBST, methanolic extract (MBST) demonstrated greater gastroprotective properties, polyphenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The plant extracts did not show any toxicity in-vitro or in-vivo. MBST shows anti-ulcer action, which may be ascribed to its ability to reduce ethanol-triggered oxidative injury, to intervene in proteomic mechanisms, and to modulate nitric oxide.Conclusion:The present study found that stem bark extracts of Bauhinia thonningii Schum have cytoprotective activities against in vivo ethanol-induced damage due to its powerful antioxidant and mucus-increasing capabilities. Bauhinia thonningii warrants more attention since it may provide an exciting novel medication for the treatment of acute erosive gastropathy.Keywords: Bauhinia thonningii Schum;polar and non-polar extraction; peptic ulcer; nitric oxide; proteomics
Parkinsonian Hand or Clinician’s Eye? Finger Tap Bradykinesia Interrater Reliability for 21 Movement Disorder Experts
Authors: Williams Stefan , Wong David , Alty Jane E. , Relton Samuel D. 
Published: April 2023

Background: Bradykinesia is considered the fundamental motor feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is central to diagnosis, monitoring, and research outcomes. However, as a clinical sign determined purely by visual judgement, the reliability of humans to detect and measure bradykinesia remains unclear. Objective: To establish interrater reliability for expert neurologists assessing bradykinesia during the finger tapping test, without cues from additional examination or history. Methods: 21 movement disorder neurologists rated finger tapping bradykinesia, by Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and Modified Bradykinesia Rating Scale (MBRS), in 133 videos of hands: 73 from 39 people with idiopathic PD, 60 from 30 healthy controls. Each neurologist rated 30 randomly-selected videos. 19 neurologists were also asked to judge whether the hand was PD or control. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for absolute agreement and consistency of MDS-UPDRS ratings, using standard linear and cumulative linked mixed models. Results: There was only moderate agreement for finger tapping MDS-UPDRS between neurologists, ICC 0.53 (standard linear model) and 0.65 (cumulative linked mixed model). Among control videos, 53% were rated > 0 by MDS-UPDRS, and 24% were rated as bradykinesia by MBRS subscore combination. Neurologists correctly identified PD/control status in 70% of videos, without strictly following bradykinesia presence/absence. Conclusion: Even experts show considerable disagreement about the level of bradykinesia on finger tapping, and frequently see bradykinesia in the hands of those without neurological disease. Bradykinesia is to some extent a phenomenon in the eye of the clinician rather than simply the hand of the person with PD.
Effects of Very Low- and High-Frequency Subthalamic Stimulation on Motor Cortical Oscillations During Rhythmic Lower-Limb Movements in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Bosch Taylor J. , Cole Rachel C. , Bezchlibnyk Yarema , Flouty Oliver , Singh Arun 
Published: April 2023

Background: Standard high-frequency deep brain stimulation (HF-DBS) at the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is less effective for lower-limb motor dysfunctions in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. However, the effects of very low frequency (VLF; 4 Hz)-DBS on lower-limb movement and motor cortical oscillations have not been compared. Objective: To compare the effects of VLF-DBS and HF-DBS at the STN on a lower-limb pedaling motor task and motor cortical oscillations in patients with PD and with and without freezing of gait (FOG). Methods: Thirteen PD patients with bilateral STN-DBS performed a cue-triggered lower-limb pedaling motor task with electroencephalography (EEG) in OFF-DBS, VLF-DBS (4 Hz), and HF-DBS (120-175 Hz) states. We performed spectral analysis on the preparatory signals and compared GO-cue-triggered theta and movement-related beta oscillations over motor cortical regions across DBS conditions in PD patients and subgroups (PDFOG–and PDFOG+). Results: Both VLF-DBS and HF-DBS decreased the linear speed of the pedaling task in PD, and HF-DBS decreased speed in both PDFOG–and PDFOG+. Preparatory theta and beta activities were increased with both stimulation frequencies. Both DBS frequencies increased motor cortical theta activity during pedaling movement in PD patients, but this increase was only observed in the PDFOG + group. Beta activity was not significantly different from OFF-DBS at either frequency regardless of FOG status. Conclusion: Results suggest that VL and HF DBS may induce similar effects on lower-limb kinematics by impairing movement speed and modulating motor cortical oscillations in the lower frequency band.
The administration of bovine hydroxyapatite-alendronate implant accelerates bone defect healing in an osteoporotic rat
Authors: Aryani Toetik , Budiatin Aniek Setiya , Samirah  , Maulidina Aulia , Firdaus Aulia Intan , Gani Maria Apriliani , Nisak Khoirotin , Khotib Junaidi , Syukriya Alvi Jauharotus 
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: Bone fracture is the main consequence of osteoporosis, which may become a neglected disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to fabricate bovine hydroxyapatite-gelatine (BHA-GEL) based bone-implant with alendronate (ALE) in vivo. METHODS: Wistar rats were used for an osteoporotic animal model induced by ovariectomy. There were three groups: negative control, BHA-GEL implant, and BHA-GEL-ALE implant. Each group performed a defect by drilling the femur (diameter of 2.2 mm and depth of 2 mm). Observations on the closure of bone defects were performed by X-ray radiography at the second and sixth week after surgery. The mechanism of bone healing was observed by using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical technique with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and anti-alkaline phosphatase (ALP) antibodies. RESULTS: The radiograph examination showed the implanted group had accelerated bone growth. In addition, the osteoblast, osteoclast and osteocyte had accelerated migration to the defect area. Moreover, the immunoreactive score (IRS) of VEGF at the sixth week in the BHA-GEL-ALE group was lower than the other groups. Meanwhile, the IRS of ALP in BHA-GEL-ALE was higher compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: The BHA-GEL-ALE implant accelerates the healing of bone defect in the osteoporotic rat by increasing the ALP expression and the total number of cells.
Electronic Communications in Information and Analytical Activities
Authors: Varenko Volodimir 
Published: April 2023

The goal of the work. The scientific problem is highlighted with the aim of systematizing and summarizing the known and new knowledge about electronic communications in information and analytical activities from the point of view of the present and the prospects of their use. The research methodology consists in the application of methods of description, information diagnostics, review and analysis, generalization and system approach. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the generalization and systematization of known and new knowledge about electronic communications in analytics from the point of view of the present and the prospects of their use within one study. Conclusions. The article highlights the current opinions of researchers and the author's position on the use of electronic communications in information and analytical activities, and in this connection reveals new opportunities and advantages of modern online (operational) analytics, while pointing out the existing threats and dangers associated with with digitization and automation of information processes. The works of domestic researchers were analyzed: O. Adler, I. Vinnikova, V. Glowatskyi, O. Kalita, O. Oksentiuk, P. Pucenteilo, I. Khvalchyk., L. Voloshchuk, K. Shaposhnikova and others. Their modern views on the use of electronic communications in information and analytical activities formed the basis of the presentation of the main material. It is emphasized that we have an objective process of development of electronic information technologies and it depends on our choice whether we will have competitive advantages, using them with maximum benefit. Separate information technologies, their advantages and possibilities of application in information and analytical activities are described. Based on the studied material, the logic of the information-analytical process, the author suggests the use of certain electronic communications depending on the subject of analysis and other factors. The methodology is based on the systematic use of electronic technologies in the information and analytical process. The practical use of these technologies clearly affects the speed and quality of management decision-making, which will contribute to the efficiency of any activity.
Keywords: information and analytical activity, digitalization, electronic communication, electronic resources, information technologies, management decision.
Ônus da prova nas infrações e nas sanções administrativas: contratações diretas da Nº lei 14.133/2021
Authors: Pereira  Jerffleson Luiz 
Published: April 2023

A Nova Lei de Licitações e Contratos Administrativos, nº 14.133, de 1º de abril de 2021 (NLLCA) (BRASIL, 2021), unificou e simplificou os processos licitatórios mais utilizados pela Administração Pública para aquisição de bens e serviços. Todavia, teve um desempenho abaixo do esperado em alguns pontos. A Advocacia-Geral da União (AGU), conforme Lei Complementar nº 73, de 10 de fevereiro de 1993, tem por atribuição, entre outras funções, realizar examine prévio e conclusivo sobre texto de editais e seus anexos; sobre processo de inexigibilidade; e sobre dispensa de licitação. Em razão desses encargos, a AGU disponibiliza diversos modelos, em conformidade com o Novo Diploma, para serem utilizados pelos órgãos assistidos. No que tange ao processo de responsabilidade administrativa, a lei determinou à AGU atuar, compulsoriamente, apenas na sanção de declaração de inidoneidade para licitar ou contratar. Em relação à sanção de impedimento de licitar e contratar, o legislador ordenou criar uma comissão composta por servidores do órgão, que for prejudicado pela inexecução contratual, para analisar e emitir juízo de valor nos processos sob sua responsabilidade. No entanto, em relação à sanção de multa, pouco falou e à sanção de advertência, ficou em silêncio. Observa-se ainda, concernente ao processo de apuração de responsabilidade, a lei apenas editou as diretrizes basilares do processo. Logo, os membros do órgão/comissão devem se socorrer de todas as leis e normas no ordenamento jurídico sobre o tema e os melhores métodos de hermenêutica. Mister se faz destacar que este estudo versa sobre contratação direta, porém as premissas apresentadas nos capítulos abaixo, podem, mutatis mutandis, ser utilizadas nos contratos oriundos de outras modalidades de contratação da NLLCA, bem como não foram analisadas as questões recursais, em razão da delimitação do tema.
Desarrollo local y diseño organizacional municipal
Authors: Castillo Peñaherrera Cristian , Bravo Blandín Daniel 
Published: April 2023

Este artículo analiza la relación entre el diseño organizacional del sistema de instituciones que son parte del Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal del cantón Cuenca, en Ecuador, y los Planes de Desarrollo y Ordenamiento Territorial del mismo cantón de los periodos 2009 - 2014 y 2014 - 2019. La investigación basa sus reflexiones en la discusión teórica entre la perspectiva del rol de los Estados y gobiernos locales y las teorías del diseño organizacional en el ámbito público, con lo cual se pone en valor la importancia de diseñar y consolidar sistemas de organizaciones públicas para llevar a la práctica planes de desarrollo. Este estudio es de enfoque cualitativo de alcance descriptivo que utilizó como métodos entrevistas, revisión bibliográfica y análisis de cuerpos normativos expedidos por las autoridades competentes, así como los informes de rendiciones de cuentas de las autoridades locales. La investigación revisa los planes de desarrollo y ordenamiento territorial y los relaciona con los diseños organizacionales aplicados en los mismos periodos. La hipótesis de la investigación es que la planificación territorial del largo plazo tiene un correlato con el diseño organizacional de los sistemas institucionales de los gobiernos locales.Palabras Clave: Administración local, administración pública, estructura administrativa, gobierno municipal, políticasJEL (español): H1 Estructura y ámbito del sector público
AbstractThis article analyzes the relationship between the organizational design in a local Government with the Development and Land Management Plans for the period 2009 - 2014 and 2014 - 2019. The research bases its reflections on the theoretical discussion between the perspective of the role of States and local governments and the theories of organizational design in the public sphere, which values the importance of designing and consolidating systems of public organizations to carry out development plans into practice. This study is of a qualitative approach of descriptive scope that showed methods of interviews, bibliographic review, and analysis of normative bodies issued by the competent authorities, as well as the reports of accountability of the local authorities. The research reviews the development and territorial planning plans and relates them to the organizational designs applied in the same periods. The research hypothesis is that long-term territorial planning correlates with organizational design of the institutional systems of local governments.
Keywords: Local administration, public administration, organizational structure, municipal government, politics JEL (inglés): H11 Structure, Scope, and Performance of Government.
Strategies and values towards co-responsibility in care in European countries
Authors: Martínez-Tola Elena , De la Cal Barredo Mª Luz 
Published: April 2023

Work-life balance policies are one of the most influential factors in the equal sharing of care between women and men. However, for far-reaching changes to take place in the gender-based division of work in societies, those policies must be accompanied by a new framework of social values, so that care tasks cease to be associated with families and with women.
This study links work-life balance models in European countries with predominant social values in regard to gender equality in care and employment. The sources of information used are previous studies on work-life balance plus data from the OECD, Eurostat and the European Values Study. A high degree of consistency is observed between the work-life balance models in place and the values held concerning gender equality in those countries with the most extreme models, both the most advanced and the most traditional.
The main conclusion drawn is that the traditional values that predominate in numerous countries may be holding back policies that could firmly foster co-responsibility on the part of women, men and public administrations on matters of care.
European workers´health and well-being: Do gender gaps persist between 2010 and 2015?
Authors: Merino Llorente Maria Cruz , Somarriba Arechavala Noelia , García Prieto Carmen 
Published: April 2023

After the 2008 crisis, gender gaps in workers' health and well-being have persisted in different EU countries. Using 2010 and 2015 data from the European Working Conditions Survey, this paper estimates synthetic indicators by gender, considering workers' health status as well as environmental, organisational and psychosocial factors at work, by means of the P2distance measure.
The study attempts to answer questions such as which countries evidenced the largest and smallest gender gaps in both years and where these gaps widened or narrowed in addition to what mechanisms support these results.
Policies aimed at preventing and addressing occupational risks –in particular, psychosocial risks–would therefore be desirable to reduce these gaps.
Uncertainty quantification of semi-destructive testing for chloride content assessment for a concrete bridge in maritime environment
Authors: Schoefs Franck , Awa Zahui Raissa Keita , Bonnet Stephanie , O’Conor Alan John 
Published: April 2023

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures in harbors are designed for long life (50–70 years) and are subjected to chloride-induced corrosion. Diagnosis of these structures usually relies on inspections which consist of ponding salt in the concrete cover with semi-destructive testing (SDT). Uncertainties in inspection result in bad diagnosis, and consequently in bad decisions. This study aims at developing a methodology for quantifying the uncertainty of measurements taken on-site where the random properties of concrete play a role. This assessment was performed through multiple measurements by three operators from two laboratories on the same cores extracted from a 27-year-old existing bridge located in Ireland. A total of 566 measurements are available. The effect of the operator, laboratory, and protocols are highlighted and then modeled. It is shown that the error of assessment is a function of the chloride content and follows a student distribution. The standard deviation of this error reached approximately 15% of the chloride content. This error is further propagated through the Fick law parameters for measuring its effect on the diagnosis: a 17% change of the probability of corrosion initiation is shown. This is the first study of this type with in situ inspections and the work is partly transferable to other coastal or offshore structures.