Poetry from Ms. Kim Sun Young

The Vegetative Nature of Longing

Even when erased,

Even when erased again,

It reappears like a crescent moon,

Grows beyond a half-moon,

Becomes a full moon.

Like a face

Drifting as a full moon,

People hang

The space of longing

In their hearts.

Love,

Even when one tries to forget,

Has a terrifying vegetative nature—

It reveals itself, it grows.

That is why tonight is a full moon.

그리움의 식물성

지워도

지워도

생기는 초승달같이

반달에서 더 자란

만월같이

만월로 둥실

걸린

얼굴같이

사람들은 그리움 공간을

가슴에 걸어 두지요

사랑은 

잊으려 하여도

드러나고 자라나는 무서운 

식물성이 있어요

그래서 오늘밤 만월이에요

Poet Kim Sun-Young was born on May 17, 1938, in Kaesong, Gyeonggi Province. She graduated from Sudo Women’s Teachers College and later served as a teacher at Sudo Girls’ Middle School and as a professor at Sejong University. In 1962, she made her literary debut in Hyundae Munhak(Modern Literature) after her poems Bluebird, Echo, and Graffiti of the Seasons were recommended for publication. She was also an active member of the literary coterie Cheongmi (靑眉). Since the publication of her first poetry collection, Saga (思歌), in 1969, she has published 15 poetry collections, including The Shoe Store of Emptiness (1972), Wildflower Ritual (1976), Atmosphere of Fantasy (1976), Words Written at Night (1982), God Who Lives in the Lilac Tree (1983), Song of Longing (1987), and To Shatter (2008). She has received numerous literary awards, including the Contemporary Poetry Award and the Korean Literature Award. She has also served as an advisory board member of the Korean Poets Association and the Korean Women Writers’ Association, as well as a member of the International PEN Korea Center.

Poetry from Graciela Noemi Villaverde

That Letter I Don’t Write 

A bridge of words that never crosses the river, 

White sheets stored in drawers of silence, 

Ink frozen in the heart of the pen, 

A message that sails between 

what is said and what is felt. 

Memories folded like old paper, 

Voices that whisper in each empty line, 

Distance, an ocean without ships, 

Hands that imagine what the envelope will look like. 

Phrases that are born and die in the throat, 

Time that is written on invisible margins, 

Feelings, stones that sink into the soul, 

A letter, a tree that grows where there is no soil. 

Eyes that weep letters that never form, 

An embrace that travels in each written sigh, 

Truth that waits on the threshold of the page, 

Words that sleep in the pocket of memory. 

GRACIELA NOEMI VILLAVERDE is a writer and poet from Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Rios) Argentina, based in Buenos Aires She graduated in letters and is the author of seven books of poetry, awarded several times worldwide. She works as the World Manager of Educational and Social Projects of the Hispanic World Union of Writers and is the UHE World Honorary President of the same institution’s Activa de la Sade, Argentine Society of Writers. She is the Commissioner of Honor in the executive cabinet in the Educational and Social Relations Division of the UNACCC South America – Argentina Chapter.

Essay from Choriyeva Oynur

Choriyeva Oynur

Uzbek State World Language University, Faculty of English Philology, 2nd-year student

The Impact of Music on Study Efficiency

Choriyeva Oynur

Uzbek State World Language University

English Philology Faculty, 2nd-year student

Annotation.

This article explores how music influences students’ study efficiency. It discusses the positive effects of listening to music—such as improved concentration, reduced stress, and enhanced mood—and examines how different types of music affect learning outcomes. The article also highlights potential disadvantages, including distraction and decreased focus when listening to high-tempo or lyrical music. The aim is to identify how students can use music as a supportive tool to improve academic performance.

Key words: music, concentration, study efficiency, cognitive skills, learning, memory, productivity, supportive tool,academic performance.

Introduction.

Music plays a deeply influential role in the everyday lives of young people, particularly students who rely on it not only for entertainment, but also as a powerful tool for relaxation, motivation, and emotional balance. In academic settings, many students turn to music to create a comfortable study environment, improve their mood, or reduce stress during demanding learning tasks.

Scientific research supports these observations, showing that music can activate several key regions of the brain involved in attention, memory formation, and emotional regulation. For example, certain types of music stimulate neural pathways that enhance concentration and support cognitive processing, allowing learners to engage more effectively with their academic work.

Main Body.

Music is a universal language that connects people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Beyond serving as a source of entertainment, it also functions as an effective therapeutic tool, influencing human emotions and cognitive processes. Researchers note that music activates the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for generating attachment-related emotions, which allows music to support social bonding and emotional connection (Koelsch, 2014). Additionally, music encompasses a wide range of genres, each with its own structure, rhythm, and characteristics. Because every genre appeals to different preferences, the influence of music varies from one individual to another.

The impact of music on students’ concentration and attention span has long been debated. Although many students believe that listening to music makes studying more enjoyable, psychological research suggests that music may sometimes be more distracting than beneficial (Mercer, 2021). However, due to the widespread use of music among high school and university students, understanding its role in learning has become increasingly important.

This research emphasizes the relationship between music and concentration, exploring how musical preferences, cultural background, and genre differences shape students’ study habits. The findings highlight that the effects of music are not universal—what helps one student focus may distract another. Therefore, evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks of listening to music during study sessions is essential for improving concentration and academic performance. Since current evidence across studies remains inconclusive, further research is needed to draw clearer conclusions about how music influences learning efficiency.

1. Positive Effects of Music

Many students say that music helps them during their study sessions. One of the main reasons is that it can improve concentration. Soft and slow music in the background reduces outside noise and helps students stay focused on their tasks for a longer time.

Music can also lower stress and anxiety, which is very common among students, especially during exams or when deadlines are close. Calming music makes the study environment more comfortable and helps students feel more relaxed.

Another important benefit is that music can boost mood and motivation. When students listen to songs they enjoy, they often feel more energetic and willing to continue studying. A good mood usually leads to better productivity.

Some studies also suggest that certain types of music can support memory and learning. For example, instrumental tracks can help students stay calm, which may make it easier to remember information.

2. Negative Effects of Music

However, music does not always help. In some cases, it can even make studying more difficult. The biggest problem is that songs with lyrics can be distracting. When a student is reading or writing, the words in the music compete with the text, and this reduces comprehension.

Another issue is loud or fast music, which can interrupt concentration. High-energy music makes it harder to focus on tasks that require deep thinking or careful analysis.

Finally, some students become too dependent on music while studying. This can cause problems later in situations where they are required to work in complete silence, such as during exams or in quiet classrooms.

3. Best Types of Music for Studying

Researchers generally recommend types of music that are calm and do not include lyrics. These include:

Classical music, especially gentle piano pieces

Lo-fi beats, which have a steady rhythm and are not distracting

Instrumental piano music

Nature sounds, such as rain or ocean wave

Ambient or meditation music, which helps create a peaceful atmosphere

These styles help students stay focused while avoiding unnecessary distractions.

Conclusion.

When used wisely, music can significantly boost study efficiency. Soft, instrumental tracks help students stay focused, improve attention, and feel calmer during study sessions. They can also reduce stress and create a more comfortable learning environment. On the other hand, loud or lyric-heavy music may distract students and make it harder to concentrate on tasks that require deep thinking. By selecting the right type of music for their needs, learners can enhance productivity, retain information more effectively, and achieve better academic results.

References:

1. Hallam, S. (2010). The Power of Music.

2. Jäncke, L. (2008). Music, Memory, and Emotion.

3. University of Maryland Medical Center – Stress Reduction Research.

4. Stanford University School of Medicine – Music and Brain Studies.

Poem and art from Jacques Fleury

A Goddess Intervenes 

In Honor of My Mother, International Women’s Day and the #MeToo Movement 

by Jacques Fleury

[From Fleury’s Boston Globe featured book Sparks in the Dark: A Lighter Shade of Blue, A Poetic Memoir]

Through my senses, 
I see sadly her unaffected gazes 
Her intrigue’s absences 
Her relationship to relationships 
Slowly and softly bending 
Like two birds sharing a stem 
The thin branch softly bending 
Sighs with her burden; 
Trapped in discontentment 
Like Winter’s malevolence, 
But she found in her a weather of resilience, 
The sounds of her heels on the stoical pavement echoes like 

her laughter in the desert paths of remembrance 
She throws her head back and laughs 
As young men beg for a chance to kill her lack of chance 
Her essence glowing like the moon in starless skies 
She like a picturesque whirl like a slow-moving storm, 
Slowly rushes into a room 
Smiles in recognition of her adulation 
Then sways her hips ever so lovingly 
Among the artful debris 
And cocks her head as if to hear the dead 
Extending her left ear to face the light 
Oblivious to the presence of a challenge 
Waiting to hear words to confirm her rights 
And a tear from the moon falls into her eyes 
Then in her benediction glows 
Then in her benediction grows 
So she opens her mouth and blows a hue of winter, 
But sometimes she opens her mouth and blows a hue of summer, 
Depending on the noisiest weather! 
One day she opened her eyes in horror 
To see the moon a reddish color! 
To see her world of beauty in fury 
crumbling around her like a fallen deity 
So then she crumbles too; 
Having been made of snow, 
The wrath of the wind broke through her window, 
then there she lies like the ashes of winter, 
succumbed to the intemperate weather, 
Then I watch her die, beautifully die. 

Young adult Black man with short shaved hair, a big smile, and a suit and purple tie.
Jacques Fleury

Jacques Fleury is a Boston Globe featured Haitian American Poet, Educator, Author of four books and literary arts student at Harvard University online. His latest publication “You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self” & other titles are available at all Boston Public Libraries, the University of Massachusetts Healey Library, University of Wyoming, Askews and Holts Library Services in the United Kingdom, The Harvard Book Store, The Grolier Poetry Bookshop, Amazon etc… He has been published in prestigious publications such as Spirit of Change Magazine, Wilderness House Literary Review, Muddy River Poetry Review, Litterateur Redefining World anthologies out of India, Poets Reading the News, the Cornell University Press anthology Class Lives: Stories from Our Economic Divide, Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene among others…Visit him at:  http://www.authorsden.com/jacquesfleury.–

Silhouetted figure leaping off into the unknown with hand and leg raised. Bushes and tree in the foreground, mountains ahead. Book is green and yellow with black text and title.
Jacques Fleury’s book You Are Enough: The Journey Towards Understanding Your Authentic Self

Essay from Jorakulova Gulshoda Uchqun qizi

DETECTION OF DISEASES THROUGH THE ANALYSIS OF RED AND WHITE BLOOD CELLS, HEMOGLOBIN, AND OTHER COMPONENTS IN BLOOD AND LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS

Jorakulova Gulshoda Uchqun qizi

3rd-year student, Faculty of Medical Biology

Bukhara State Medical Institute named after Abu Ali ibn Sina

E-mail:gulshodajoraqulova819@gmail.com

Abstract:

This article highlights the possibilities of identifying various diseases in the human body through laboratory analysis of blood composition. In particular, the diagnostic significance of red blood cells, white blood cells-leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, and other biochemical indicators is thoroughly analyzed. The article substantiates that blood tests enable early detection of anemia, infectious diseases, inflammatory processes, immune system disorders, and functional changes in internal organs. Furthermore, the role of laboratory diagnostics in modern medicine, as well as its importance in disease prevention and improving treatment effectiveness, is discussed. This topic plays a crucial role in early disease detection, maintaining public health, and strengthening preventive measures.

Keywords: 

Blood analysis, erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, laboratory diagnostics, anemia, infection, inflammation, immune system, biochemical analysis, early disease detection, medical examination, body condition.

INTRODUCTION:

Blood is a vital biological fluid in the human body that performs essential life-sustaining functions. It plays a key role in delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues, removing metabolic waste products, and ensuring immune protection. Therefore, changes in blood composition provide important information about physiological and pathological processes occurring in the body.

In modern medicine, laboratory diagnostics is considered one of the most reliable and rapid methods for disease detection. Blood tests, in particular, allow early diagnosis of diseases, assessment of their progression, and monitoring of treatment effectiveness. The components of blood, including erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, and various biochemical indicators, serve as important markers of human health.

Today, many diseases such as infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, anemia, diabetes mellitus, and others are widespread, making early detection a pressing issue. Laboratory blood analysis plays a crucial role in identifying these conditions at an early stage and preventing complications.

Moreover, advances in laboratory diagnostics have improved analytical methods, enabling more accurate and rapid results. This greatly assists physicians in making correct diagnoses and determining effective treatment strategies.

The aim of this article is to study the possibilities of disease detection through the analysis of key blood indicators such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, and others, and to highlight the importance of laboratory diagnostics in medicine.

          MAIN PART:

1. Erythrocytes and Their Diagnostic Significance

Erythrocytes are one of the main cellular components of blood, responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs. Their quantity and quality are important indicators in assessing the general condition of the body.

A decrease in erythrocyte count may be associated with anemia, blood loss, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or impaired bone marrow function. Conversely, an increase in erythrocyte count may occur due to dehydration, heart and lung diseases, or adaptation to high-altitude conditions. Therefore, erythrocyte levels help evaluate oxygen exchange and detect disorders of the hematological system.

2. Hemoglobin and Its Importance

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein within erythrocytes that is responsible for oxygen transport. It reflects the level of oxygen supply in the body.

A decrease in hemoglobin levels is commonly associated with iron deficiency anemia, chronic diseases, or poor nutrition. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. Elevated hemoglobin levels may indicate blood thickening, dehydration, or hypoxia (oxygen deficiency). Thus, hemoglobin is a key parameter in clinical diagnosis.

3. Leukocytes and the Immune System

Leukocytes are the primary cells responsible for protecting the body against infections and foreign agents. They are an essential part of the immune system.

An increase in leukocyte count (leukocytosis) is usually observed in bacterial infections, inflammatory processes, injuries, or stress. A decrease (leukopenia) may indicate viral infections, weakened immunity, or bone marrow dysfunction. Differential analysis of leukocyte subtypes (such as neutrophils and lymphocytes) helps determine the type and cause of disease.

4. Platelets and the Blood Clotting System

Platelets are blood components that play a crucial role in clotting. They are produced in the bone marrow and are responsible for stopping bleeding and repairing damaged blood vessels.

When a vessel is injured, platelets adhere to the site and form a clot, releasing biologically active substances that activate clotting mechanisms.

A decrease in platelet count may occur in viral infections, as a result of certain medications, bone marrow suppression, or autoimmune diseases. Symptoms include nosebleeds, hematomas and gum bleeding.

An increase in platelet count may be associated with inflammatory diseases, tumors, or postoperative conditions. This increases the risk of excessive clotting and thrombosis. Therefore, platelet count and function are essential for evaluating the clotting system.

5. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate 

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate  is an important laboratory indicator that measures how quickly erythrocytes settle in plasma over time. It indirectly reflects the presence of inflammation or pathological processes.

Under normal conditions, erythrocytes settle slowly. However, during inflammation, plasma proteins such as fibrinogen increase, promoting aggregation of erythrocytes and accelerating their sedimentation.

Elevated ESR is observed in bacterial and viral infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and oncological processes. It may also slightly increase in physiological conditions such as pregnancy.

Decreased ESR is less common and may be associated with increased blood viscosity or elevated erythrocyte count. Although ESR does not provide a specific diagnosis, it serves as an important indicator of underlying disease and is interpreted alongside other tests.

6. Biochemical Blood Analysis

Biochemical blood analysis is widely used to assess the function of internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

For example:

Glucose level is used to diagnose diabetes mellitus

Creatinine and urea assess kidney function

ALT and AST evaluate liver function

These indicators help detect even latent diseases.

Glucose reflects blood sugar levels; elevated levels indicate diabetes, while low levels suggest hypoglycemia.

Creatinine and urea are key markers of kidney function, and their elevation may indicate renal failure.

ALT and AST indicate liver cell damage and are elevated in hepatitis, cirrhosis, or toxic injury.

Bilirubin is important in assessing liver and bile duct function, and its increase leads to jaundice.

Cholesterol and lipids play a key role in evaluating cardiovascular disease risk.

Additionally, biochemical analysis allows detection of subclinical conditions and monitoring of disease progression and treatment effectiveness. Therefore, it is one of the most important and widely used diagnostic tools in modern medicine.

7. Role of Blood Tests in Early Disease Detection

Blood tests are among the most effective and convenient methods for early disease detection. Many diseases do not present clear clinical symptoms in their initial stages, but changes occur in blood composition.

For example:

Decreased hemoglobin and erythrocytes indicate anemia

Changes in leukocytes indicate infections

Glucose levels reveal diabetes

Biochemical parameters indicate liver and kidney diseases

Blood tests are also important for preventive purposes. Regular examinations in healthy individuals help detect latent diseases and prevent their progression.

During treatment, blood tests are used to:

Evaluate treatment effectiveness

Monitor drug effects

Track disease progression

Early diagnosis simplifies treatment, reduces costs, and prevents serious complications.

8. Modern Importance of Laboratory Diagnostics

Laboratory diagnostics is an integral part of modern medicine, playing a key role in disease detection, evaluation, and treatment monitoring.

Advances in science and technology have significantly improved the accuracy, speed, and reliability of laboratory tests. Automated analyzers allow rapid processing of multiple parameters while minimizing human error.

It also plays a major role in personalized medicine, where treatment is tailored based on individual patient characteristics. Modern immunological, molecular-genetic, and biochemical tests enable the detection of complex diseases.

Overall, laboratory diagnostics significantly improves healthcare quality and patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION:

Laboratory analysis of blood composition is one of the most important and reliable methods for detecting physiological and pathological processes in the human body. Blood components such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, and biochemical indicators provide valuable information for assessing overall health, evaluating internal organ function, and diagnosing various diseases.

Changes in these indicators enable early detection of anemia, infectious diseases, inflammatory processes, immune disorders, and cardiovascular and internal organ diseases. This facilitates timely treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

Moreover, advances in laboratory diagnostics have improved the accuracy and speed of analysis, assisting physicians in making accurate diagnoses and implementing effective treatments.

In conclusion, blood tests are indispensable in maintaining human health, enabling early disease detection, and ensuring effective treatment, making them an essential part of modern medicine.

Laboratory analysis of blood is one of the most reliable diagnostic methods. It provides essential information about health status and helps detect diseases at early stages. Advances in laboratory diagnostics have improved accuracy and efficiency, making it indispensable in modern medicine.

           REFERENCES:

1-Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Elsevier; 2021.

2-Hall JE. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. Elsevier; 2020.

3-McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. Elsevier; 2021.

4-Hoffbrand AV, Moss PAH. Essential Haematology. Wiley-Blackwell; 2019.

5-Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. Elsevier; 2020.

6-Burtis CA, Bruns DE. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Elsevier; 2018.

7-Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics Guidelines. Tashkent; 2020.

8-Sadikov AS. Human Physiology. Tashkent; 2019.

9-Akhmedov UA. Fundamentals of Hematology. Tashkent; 2018.

10-Tortora GJ, Derrickson B. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Wiley; 2021.

Poetry from Siyoung Doung

Like a Single Word

The sky and the earth are the lips of eternity.

There,

we live like a single word.

Like a ring worn without knowing

whose hand placed it,

people live, fitted into the world.

Today,

I do not know where I am.

Just standing—

Hands engraving handprints, 

feet engraving footprints.

Life is finding a path in the void.

Birds know

that the void is eternity.

Living is the breaking of one boundary after another.

Life grows colder as it goes on.

The time they wrote

abandons them in the end.

On a spring day when cherry blossoms befriend the wind,

mountain-like buildings,

valley-like alleys,

water-like people.

People, worn by strangeness,

save it sparingly, fearing they might grow used to it.

An angel slips between their lips,

and they take out a single smile.

한 마디 말처럼

하늘과 땅은 영원의 입술

거기,

한 마디 말처럼 우리는 산다

누구의 손에 끼웠는지 

모르고 사는 반지처럼

세상에 끼워 사는 사람들

오늘은 

어디 있는지 몰라

그냥 서 있는 곳

손으론 손자국 판화

발로는 발자국 판화

삶은 허공에서 길 찿기

새들은 안다

허공이 영원이라는 걸

사는 건 경계가 경계를 허무는 것

목숨은 갈수록 쌀쌀한 남

그들이 쓴 시간이 그들을 버린다

벚꽃이 벗하는 봄날

산 같은 빌딩

계곡 같은 골목

물 같은 사람들

사람들은 낯섦이 닳아

익숙해질까 봐 아껴 쓰고 있다

입에 드나드는 천사

웃음 하나 꺼내 본다

Poet Siyoung Doung graduated from the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Dongguk University and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Korean Language and Literature from Hanyang University. She further expanded her academic pursuits by studying humanities at Regensburg University in Germany. Her teaching career includes positions as a professor at Korea Tourism University and Jilin University of Finance and Economics in China.

Her literary journey began in 2003 with her poetry debut in the literary magazine Dacheung. Since then, she has published numerous poetry collections, including Future Hunting, In Search of a Strange God, The Phone Call from God, The Eyes of November, The Carnival of Time (Anthology), Was It You, Was It Me, or Was It Longing?, The Scent of Secrets, Aria of Everyday Life, The River Flowing Under the Pen, The Magic Letters, and The Horizon Never Gets Wet. In addition to poetry, Doung has contributed significantly to literary research with works such as Roh Cheon-myung’s Poetry and Semiotics, Korean Literature and Semiotics, and Semiotics of Modern Poetry. Her exploration of literature extends into travel writing, with essay collections like Encountering Culture Through Travel and Encountering Travel Through Literature. Her literary excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Park Hwa-mok Literary Award (2010), Poetry and Poetics Young Poet Award (2011), the Grand Prize at the Korean Buddhist Literature Awards (2018), the 32nd Dongguk Literary Award (2019), the Yeongrang Literary Award for Criticism (2020), and the 7th Woltan Park Jong-hwa Literary Award by the Korean Writers’ Association (2021). Most recently, she received the Literary Youth Work Award in 2024. In recognition of her contributions to literature, She was also a recipient of a creative grant from the Arts Council Korea in 2005.

Poetry from Priyanka Neogi

Young South Asian woman in a crown, red dress, and pageant sash

Myself

Me is my strength, 

I have no weakness. 

I’m a number one fan of myself, 

I’m the first advocate for myself. 

I’m the best well wisher for myself. 

I’m one crore soulder for me. 

I have determination for me.

Amb. Dr. Priyanka Neogi is from Coochbehar. She is an administrative controller of United Nations’ PAF, a librarian, a CEO of Lio Messi International Property & Land Consultancy, international literacy worker, sports & peace promoter, dancer, singer, reciter, live telecaster, writer, editor, researcher, literary journalist, host, beauty queen, international co-ordinator of the Vijay Mission of Community Welfare Foundation of India.