Bridging Linguistic Gaps through Translation of COVID-19 Terms from English into Albanian

During the critical period of the global COVID-19 outbreak, Albania, like many other nations, faced the urgent need to communicate vital public health information effectively. The selection of appropriate terminology was paramount to ensuring that the public understood the nature of the virus, the measures necessary to prevent its spread, and the overall health strategies implemented by the government. Henceforth, this study aims to identify the COVID-19 terminology used by the Albanian Health Authorities to describe the virus and to analyse the strategies employed in translating these terms from English into Albanian. The research focuses on the period from March 1, 2020, to July 27, 2020, which coincided with the global COVID-19 outbreak. 30 COVID-19-related terms in English and their Albanian equivalents were examined for this purpose. Data for this research was collected from two primary sources: the COVID-19 Terminology Collection from the European Union Terminology Database (IATE) and the Albanian equivalents obtained from news reports published by the healthcare authorities on the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania’s website. The study employed several theoretical frameworks to analyze the translation strategies. Vin and Darbelnet’s translation model, the sociolinguistic model, and the metaphor translation method were utilized to achieve the research objectives. Vin and Darbelnet’s model provided a structured approach to analyzing translation techniques, such as borrowing, calque, literal translation, transposition, modulation, equivalence, and adaptation. The sociolinguistic model helped to understand how social and cultural factors influenced the choice of terminology and its reception by the public. The metaphor translation method was particularly relevant given the widespread use of metaphorical language in describing the pandemic and its effects. The findings offer insights into the most effective translation methods for accurately conveying selected COVID-19 terms in Albanian while preserving the intended stylistic essence of the original terms. The research emphasizes the importance of making controlled linguistic choices during translation rather than freely creating and adopting COVID-19 terminology for public use. Standardizing terminology is essential for clear and consistent communication, particularly during a public health crisis. The study highlights the potential risks of using inconsistent or poorly translated terms, which can lead to confusion, misinformation, and reduced public compliance with health guidelines. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the importance of making controlled linguistic choices during translation rather than freely creating and adopting COVID-19 terminology for public use

Power in International Relations: Insights from Realist and Liberal Theories

The concept or factor of power has been given great importance in the social sciences in general and in the fields of political science and international relations in particular. However, the concept of power is a vague and controversial concept and has been defined in various ways, despite being mixed with other concepts and terms such as authority, purpose, ability, oppression, influence and other concepts close to the meaning of power. Due to its significance, the concept of power has been explored through numerous studies and theories since ancient times. Above all, both realism and liberalism have interpreted the concept of power and its importance in the international arena. Realism and its thinkers emphasize military strength and strategic alliances for the survival and hegemony of the state, while liberalism and its thinkers emphasize economic dependence, institutional cooperation and adherence to international norms and values ​​in order to achieve state security and influence. Based on the perspectives of the two major schools of international relations and political science, this study aims to interpret the concept and types of power in international relations. Simultaneously, it compares the perspectives of both schools and their thinkers and theorists on the concept of power and its significance in international politics

The Relationship Between Intrinsic Religiosity and Resilience Among Tunisian Female University Students

This study examines the relationship between intrinsic religiosity and resilience among Tunisian female university students. To achieve this objective, a sample of 244 participants was selected using a self-report method. Participants completed measures assessing intrinsic religiosity and resilience, and the data were analyzed using correlation and linear regression analyses. The results showed a statistically significant, albeit modest, positive correlation between intrinsic religiosity and resilience (p < .001). Furthermore, linear regression analysis showed that intrinsic religiosity accounted for a small but meaningful proportion of the variance in resilience scores (R² = 0.055, p < .001). Based on these findings, it is reasonable to conclude that an increase in intrinsic religiosity contributes to fostering resilience, although this relationship remains modest and is influenced by other unexamined factors. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of the cultural and religious contexts in Tunisia, highlighting the need for further research to explore additional psychological and social factors that may influence this relationship. Finally, this study contributes to the growing body of research on psychological resilience in non-Western, predominantly Muslim contexts, where religiosity may function as a culturally relevant coping mechanism

The Role of BRICS in Reshaping the Global Order: Confronting Western Hegemony in a Multipolar World

This study examines the role of the BRICS group in reshaping the structure of the global order. The scientific significance of the research lies in its contribution to understanding the mechanisms of global systemic transformation and its historical trajectory. Practically, the study aims to explain the factors behind the redistribution of power within the international system and the implications of this shift. The central research problem is framed by the following question: What is the role of the BRICS group in transforming the structure of the global order? From this, several sub-questions emerge concerning the current state of the global system, the nature and institutional structure of BRICS, the group’s vision of the international order, and its influence on global power dynamics. The study is based on the central hypothesis that the increasing global influence of BRICS signals a redistribution of power within the international system, potentially leading to a decline in the hegemonic role of the United States of America (U.S.A.). The research employs a historical approach to trace the evolution of international relations and power structures, as well as a descriptive approach to examine the characteristics, goals, and strategic behaviour of the BRICS countries. The study tracks the development of BRICS from its emergence as an economic concept in 2001 to its evolution into a politically and economically significant bloc. It analyses the group's stance on Western hegemony and its initiatives aimed at restructuring global financial and governance systems. The findings indicate that BRICS plays an increasingly influential role in challenging the United States (U.S.)-led unipolar system. The group has made notable progress in building institutional alternatives to traditional Western-dominated financial bodies, supporting efforts to curtail American financial dominance. Despite internal divisions and geopolitical disparities, BRICS is emerging as a significant force promoting a transition toward a multipolar world order, though its role remains complex and not without contradictions

Arte Sonoro y Metaverso

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo principal indagar críticamente en las potencialidades del arte sonoro en entornos como el metaverso, desde una perspectiva que explora las nuevas configuraciones de la esfera pública digital y su relación con el sonido. A través de una metodología de escritura ensayística no lineal, relacional y performativa, el texto propone una reflexión situada que entrelaza teoría crítica, estética, política y prácticas artísticas contemporáneas. El metaverso es abordado como un espacio emergente, rizomático y no neutral, donde el arte sonoro puede devenir en práctica crítica, expandida y multisensorial. El ensayo propone que el sonido en el metaverso no solo ambienta, sino que reconfigura la percepción, el espacio y la subjetividad, siendo un agente ontológico capaz de subvertir lógicas hegemónicas. Una posible lectura como interrogante a futuro podría ser la relectura del arte sonoro como forma de net sound art en una nueva línea de práctica que articula espacios virtuales, interacción en red y producción sonora y funciona como dispositivo político y estético. En conclusión, se sugiere que el arte sonoro, al operar en el metaverso, no solo amplía el campo de acción de la práctica artística contemporánea, sino que ofrece herramientas para repensar la esfera pública digital desde la escucha, la resistencia y la colectividad. This work aims to critically explore the potentialities of sound art within environments such as the metaverse, adopting a perspective that investigates the new configurations of the digital public sphere and its entanglement with sound. Through a non-linear, relational, and performative essayistic methodology, the text offers a situated reflection that weaves together critical theory, aesthetics, politics, and contemporary artistic practices. The metaverse is approached as an emergent, rhizomatic, and non-neutral space, where sound art may unfold as a critical, expanded, and multisensory practice. The essay argues that sound within the metaverse does not merely serve an ambient function but actively reshapes perception, space, and subjectivity, operating as an ontological agent capable of subverting hegemonic logics. One potential line of inquiry for future exploration is the redefinition of sound art as net sound art: a practice that integrates virtual spaces, networked interaction, and sonic production, functioning simultaneously as a political and aesthetic dispositif. In conclusion, the essay suggests that sound art, when enacted within the metaverse, not only expands the scope of contemporary artistic practice but also offers conceptual and experiential tools to rethink the digital public sphere through listening, resistance, and collective experience

Perceptions des producteurs sur l’importance et les effets de l’agroécologie en maraîchage au Sud du Bénin

La préservation des ressources naturelles en milieu agricole est devenue un défi dans le contexte où l’agriculture conventionnelle est dominante dans les systèmes de production. L’objectif de cette étude est d’analyser les perceptions des producteurs sur l’importance et les effets de l’agroécologie en maraîchage au Sud du Bénin. À cet effet, une démarche méthodologique focalisée sur des enquêtes a été réalisée auprès de 130 maraîchers dans les villes de Cotonou, Sèmè-Kpodji et Porto-Novo. L’analyse descriptive des données a permis de caractériser les variables qualitatives relatives aux pratiques agroécologiques. L’analyse des correspondances multiples a fait ressortir les corrélations entre les variables occultées dans l’analyse descriptive. Les résultats de l’étude indiquent que les producteurs ont une bonne appréciation de l’agroécologie et approuvent  l‘efficacité pour la protection du sol contre l’érosion. Le faible taux d’adoption est dû au manque de formation, l’inexistence de grandes zones dédiées à l’agriculture et l’insécurisation foncière. Les pratiques adoptées sont le choix de variétés résistantes, l’installation de pépinières en hors sols, l’usages de biofertilisants, de système d’irrigation goutte à goutte et de rotation culturale. Sur le court terme, l’agriculture conventionnelle est plus rentable que l’agroécologie compte tenu du : coût de production élevé, longueur du cycle de production et inexistence de marchés plus rémunérateurs. Les enquêtés sont prêts à investir pour une production saine et à dépenser entre 2 000 F. Cfa - 5 000 F. cfa (3,30 USD - 8,25 USD) par repas par jour, pour se nourrir des produits du label agroécologique. Pour mieux valoriser les produits issus de l’agroécologie, il est  nécessaire de sécuriser des périmètres agricoles dédiés et d’informer les commerçants et consommateurs sur la qualité sanitaire des produits issus de pratiques agroécologiques. The preservation of natural resources in agricultural environments has become a major challenge, especially in a context where conventional agriculture remains dominant within production systems. The objective of this study is to analyze farmers' perceptions regarding the importance and impacts of agroecology in market gardening in southern Benin. To achieve this, a methodology based on field surveys was implemented among 130 market gardeners located in the cities of Cotonou, Sèmè-Kpodji, and Porto-Novo. Descriptive data analysis was carried out to characterize qualitative variables related to agroecological practices. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to highlight correlations among variables that were not apparent in the descriptive analysis. The results of the study reveal that farmers hold a positive view of agroecology and recognize its effectiveness in protecting soil from erosion. However, the low adoption rate is primarily due to a lack of training, the absence of large areas dedicated to agriculture, and issues related to land tenure insecurity. The most common practices adopted include the use of resistant varieties, the Establishment of nurseries using soilless systems, the application of biofertilizers, the use of irrigation systems, and crop rotation. In the short term, conventional agriculture remains more profitable than agroecology due to higher production costs, slightly longer production cycles, and the lack of more lucrative markets. Despite these challenges, the surveyed producers expressed a willingness to invest in healthier production and reported being ready to spend between 2,000 to 5,000 XOF (approximately USD 3.30 to USD 8.25) per meal per day for agroecologically labeled food products. To enhance the value of agroecological products, it would be necessary to secure dedicated agricultural zones and to raise awareness among traders and consumers about the sanitary quality and benefits of agroecological practices

Injections du plasma riche en plaquettes (PRP) dans la gonarthrose : expérience d'un service de médecine interne/rhumatologie en Afrique subsaharienne

Introduction : Le plasma riche en plaquettes (PRP) se définit comme une fraction plasmatique issue du sang autologue qui possède une concentration en plaquettes au-dessus de la normale. Ces dernières années, le recours aux injections de PRP pour traiter la gonarthrose a considérablement augmenté. L’objectif de cette étude préliminaire et transversale était d’évaluer les résultats du traitement de11 patients ayant la gonarthrose par des injections de PRP. Patients et méthode : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive sur une période de 6 mois allant du 1er   janvier 2023 au 30 juin 2023. Elle portait sur les patients suivis au service de Médecine Interne / Rhumatologie du CHN Dalal Jamm pour gonarthrose chez qui une injection de PRP était indiquée. Résultats : Le nombre de patients recruté était de 11. Huit (8) cas étaient bilatéraux. L’âge moyen des patients était de 53 ans avec des extrêmes de 28 et 80 ans. Le sexe masculin prédominait avec un sex-ratio de 1,2. Les patients hypertendus étaient au nombre de 5 et le diabète était retrouvé 4 fois. La gonarthrose était de siège fémero-tibial interne (FTI) dans 63% des cas. La gonarthrose évoluait en moyenne depuis 5 ans avec un écart type 1.21. Les patients avaient reçu 1 à 2 injections de PRP. Aucun incident ou accident n’a été noté. Amélioration de la douleur après injection du PRP a été noté sur L’EN moyenne 3.5/10 avec l’écart type de 1.32 versus 7,7/10 avec l’écart type  3.21  avant traitement et 3,5 sur 10. Conclusion : Le PRP est une thérapie qui a fortement émergé ces dernières années en raison de sa réussite en améliorant la douleur et fonction articulaire. Ses indications se sont vite étendues au traitement de la pathologie arthrosique, notamment la gonarthrose. Des études plus larges sur les populations permettrons de mieux définir sa place dans la stratégie thérapeutique de la gonarthrose. Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is defined as a plasma fraction derived from autologous blood that has an above-normal platelet concentration. In recent years, the use of PRP injections to treat knee osteoarthritis has increased significantly. The objective of this preliminary, cross-sectional study was to evaluate the results of treating 11 patients with knee osteoarthritis with PRP injections. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study over a 6-month period from January 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. It included patients treated at the Internal Medicine/Rheumatology Department of the Dalal Jamm CHN for knee osteoarthritis for whom a PRP injection was indicated. Results: Eleven patients were recruited. Eight (8) cases were bilateral. The mean age of the patients was 53 years, ranging from 28 to 80 years. The male sex predominated, with a sex ratio of 1.2. Hypertensive patients were present in five cases, and diabetes was present in four cases. Knee osteoarthritis was located in the medial femoro-tibial (MT) region in 63% of cases. The knee osteoarthritis had been progressing for an average of five years. Patients had received one to two PRP injections. No incidents or accidents were noted. With PRP injections, the mean NE decreased from 7.7 to 3.5, and an improvement in function was noted in all patients. Conclusion: PRP is a therapy that has emerged strongly in recent years due to its success in improving pain and joint function. Its indications have quickly expanded to the treatment of osteoarthritis, particularly knee osteoarthritis. Larger population studies will help better define its role in the treatment strategy for knee osteoarthritis

Modelling Growth and Yield Components of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) and Ayoyo (Corchorus olitorius (L.)) Using Multiple Regression

Multiple regression was employed to model the relationship between growth and yield components of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) and ayoyo (Corchorus olitorius (L)), with the aim of generating a predictive model. Data on growth parameters and yields of okra and ayoyo crops were collected and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Ten (10) plants were tagged in each stream, and a metre rule was used to measure their heights at two-week intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks). The mean was calculated to obtain the average height per plot/experiment/stream. Data were also collected on the number of leaves per plot, leaf area index per experiment, leaf spread per experiment, and fresh and dry weight per plot. Total nitrogen content was determined using the Kjeldahl method, while phosphorus (P) levels were analyzed using the Bray-P solution method. Additionally, potassium (K) concentrations were measured using the flame photometer method. Results showed an average infiltration rate of 160.25 mm/h, suggesting that the site’s soils belong to hydrologic soil group A/B.  Group A consists of sand, loamy sand, or sandy loam soil types. Group B comprises silt loam or loam with moderate infiltration rates, low runoff potential, and high infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted. Due to their moderate to high water transmission rates, these soils are suitable for drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Notably, there is a strong positive correlation between plant height and leaf area (0.889), and between leaf area and leaf area index (0.981). This suggests that as plant height increases, so does the leaf area, and a similar positive relationship exists between leaf area and the leaf area index. Furthermore, the correlation between the number of leaves and other growth parameters such as leaf area (0.966) and leaf area index (0.988) is also strongly positive. This indicates that an increase in the number of leaves is associated with increases in both leaf area and leaf area index. These correlations, ranging from 0.582 to 0.807, indicate a high degree of association. The high R2 value suggests a strong correlation between predicted and observed yields of okra, indicating reliable predictive capability when the growth parameters of okra are provided. Similarly, for ayoyo, a model equation was developed through regression analysis, yielding an R2 value of 0.941. The yield of ayoyo can thus be predicted during cultivation, provided its growth parameters are known. Hence, this study is focused on establishing a multiple regression model for the growth and yield of okra and ayoyo under different irrigation stream systems

Analyse des actions publiques d’identification et maintien du risque d’apatridie dans le Département de Téhini (Côte d’Ivoire)

Dans les Etats modernes, les documents d’identité sont essentiels pour accéder à des droits fondamentaux. En Côte d’Ivoire, la fin de la crise post-électorale de 2010, a été marquée par une volonté manifeste des nouvelles autorités à apporter une réponse à la question identitaire qui jusque-là cristallisait des tensions dans le pays. Dans cette optique, l’Etat, parfois soutenu par des partenaires au développement ont mis en œuvre un ensemble de mesures de facilitation des populations à l’accès des documents d’identité. Malgré ces actions, une étude de cartographie des personnes à risque d’apatridie en Côte d’Ivoire en date de 2019 montre que le département de Téhini abrite le nombre de risque d’apatridie le plus élevé du pays estimé à 15 884, près de 36,14% de la population de la localité. Ainsi, à travers une approche qualitative combinant, l’observation, la recherche documentaire et l’analyse thématique des corpus de textes issus entretiens transcrits, cette étude examine la structuration de la persistance de la citoyenneté locale sans document d’identité juridique dans ce département. Les résultats révèlent que les actions publiques de lutte contre le risque d’apatridie, l’asymétrie d’information sur les procédures d’audience foraine et la marginalisation territoriale dans la mise en œuvre des actions publiques de facilitation à l’accès des documents d’identité structurent le maintien du recours à la citoyenneté locale sans document d’identité dans le département de Téhini.   In modern states, identity documents are essential for access to fundamental rights. In Côte d'Ivoire, the end of the post-electoral crisis in 2010 was marked by a clear determination on the part of the new authorities to find a solution to the question of identity, which until then had crystallized tensions in the country. With this in mind, the State, sometimes supported by development partners, implemented a series of measures to facilitate access to identity documents for the population. Despite these actions, a mapping study of people at risk of statelessness in Côte d'Ivoire dated 2019 shows that Téhini department is home to the highest number of stateless people in the country, estimated at 15,884, nearly 36.14% of the locality's population. Thus, through a qualitative approach combining observation, documentary research and manual thematic analysis of text corpora from transcribed interviews, this study examines the structuring of the persistence of local citizenship without legal identity documents in this department. The results reveal that public actions to combat the risk of statelessness, asymmetric information on mobile court procedures and territorial marginalization in the implementation of public actions to facilitate access to identity documents structure the continued use of local citizenship without identity documents in Téhini department

Chronic Noise Exposure with Normal Hearing is Related to Adverse Quality of Life and Burnout

Aims and scope: Occupational noise exposure is a well-known factor of hearing loss and other health-related problems. Its contribution to burnout and health-related quality of life, particularly when there is no hearing loss is less well studied. Herein we aim to study the effect of noise on the responses of normal-hearing industrial workers on validated instruments. Methods: 384 industrial workers from three pharmaceutical companies with normal hearing were stratified into two groups: a noise-exposure group (n=195) and a non-exposure group (n=125). In addition to basic demographic characteristics, factors such as smoking, and BMI were examined alongside responses to the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and SF-36 questionnaire. Findings: The noise-exposure group exhibited a higher prevalence of smokers (p<0.01), a slightly elevated median BMI (p=0.04), and reported more pronounced exhaustion as measured by the OLBI (p=0.03). Furthermore, they exhibited poorer responses in various dimensions of the SF-36 questionnaire, particularly in bodily pain (p<0.01), physical functioning (p=0.03), physical role functioning (p=0.02), and emotional role functioning (p<0.01) scales. Conclusion: Occupational noise exposure, even in the absence of hearing loss, is associated with a higher prevalence of burnout symptoms and an overall reduced health-related quality of life among industrial workers. These insights underscore the need for proactive measures to mitigate noise exposure's adverse impact on employee well-being and productivity in noisy work environments, independently of the findings in their audiometric results