bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods and Means of Analyzing Application Security via Distributed Tracing
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Faizulin Oleh , Nazarkevych Mariia ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: December 2024

The article describes methods and means of digital security that are utilizing distributed tracing to detect, investigate, and prevent security incidents. The described methods and means are applicable to solutions of any scale – from large enterprises to pet projects; of any domain – healthcare, banking, government, retail, etc. The article takes a comprehensive approach to digital security including identification, alerting, prevention, investigation, and audit of existing security incidents. Described approaches to application security via tracing are focused on general purpose applications, but they can be extended to cover a domain specific use-case. All Approaches are production tested and utilized in existing distributed IT systems in one way or another, however certain examples and use-cases are intentionally simplified for the demonstration purposes and ease of understanding. Nevertheless, it must be understood that methods and means described in the article complement existing security practices and cannot replace all of them, however they may improve overall security of the system by decreasing incident detection time, decreasing resources and efforts needed to investigate breaches or passing a security audit.
The Feasibility of Using Reccurent Neural Networks as a Tool for Improving the Scrum Sprint Planning Process
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Hud Oleksa , Kunanets Nataliia ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: December 2024

The study substantiates the feasibility of using machine learning technology to improve the iteration planning process in IT projects implemented using the Scrum methodology. The problem of productivity planning in teams is set. The subject and object of the research are formulated. The expected scientific novelty and practical significance of the research results are described. A range of potential issues related to task planning in IT projects, particularly the accuracy of team productivity forecasting, is considered. Key factors influencing the planning process are identified, and possible solutions are analyzed. The success of applying machine learning technologies in project management is analyzed. An evaluation of machine learning technologies for forecasting the implementation of tasks in Scrum project iterations is conducted. The focus is on the use of recurrent neural networks in these processes. The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model is selected for predicting the productivity of IT project teams. The goals, objectives, and tasks of the research are formulated. Historical project performance data is collected and analyzed. The performance of the developed model is analyzed depending on the specified parameters and input data format. Three model variants with different numbers of complete algorithm training cycles are proposed. The data is normalized to optimize the model. It is established that Long Short-Term Memory models can accurately predict future performance based on normalized historical data from previous sprints. The prediction results are analyzed. Ways to further improve the model are identified. The feasibility of using the recurrent neural network approach in sprint planning is proven. Methods of using recurrent neural networks for IT project task planning are proposed. The limitations of this approach are identified. An alternative option for applying recurrent neural networks in case of non-compliance with the limitations is proposed. Prospects for further research are outlined. Conclusions were drawn regarding the course and results of the conducted research.
Analysis of the Use of HS and HTS Codes in Customs Classification Systems: Challenges and Opportunities of Integration of IT Technologies
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Krupa Stepan , Kunanets Nataliia ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: December 2024

The peculiarities of the use of the harmonized system of description and coding of goods, the harmonized tariff system of codes in modern customs classification systems are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the challenges that arise when applying these codes, in particular due to the complexity of the product nomenclature, as well as the variety of product descriptions. In addition, the possibilities of integrating IT technologies, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods to automate and optimize customs classification procedures are being explored. Prospects for increasing the accuracy and efficiency of the work of customs authorities due to the implementation of innovative solutions are considered. It is also important to note that classification systems may differ between countries, making it difficult to unify the process internationally. This becomes a serious obstacle to effective customs activity. Thanks to machine learning and analysis of large volumes of data, customs authorities can more effectively detect discrepancies and optimize work with commodity codes. The implementation of such innovative solutions will help to improve the accuracy and speed of work of customs services, which, in turn, will contribute to the transparency and efficiency of international trade.
Access to Essential Medicines in India: The role of innovations, patents, and intellectual property rights
Authors: Tulasi A Prassanna , Mphil Imteyaz Ahmad , Dehury Ranjit Kumar , Behera Manas Ranjan
Published: December 2024

The role of essential medicines is to smoothen life and overall improvement of health in society. However, increased demand for medications and the role of patent rights are forcing a lack of access to essential medicines. Innovations in crucial times helped solve many population issues. Despite the availability of medication technology, there is a shortage or non-availability of essential medicines in various parts of the world. This is indirectly attributed to the existing patent laws and intellectual property rights. This paper argues in favour of and against the pharmaceutical sector’s patent laws in the context of access to medicines. Further, access to medicine is discussed in the context of the non-availability of medications among the vulnerable population in India and the world. The Indian setup helps in acquiring world technologies in various business negotiations. There is also a need for support in terms of resources and ecosystems in India for further development. Given that multi-national companies are interested in the Indian market, many things can be done quickly. However, the gain in the patent rights may not help solve the issues of access to essential medicines. Public financing for research can be much more useful for access to medicine. Overall, patent rights must not be a hurdle for addressing public health issues in the process of increasing access to medicines.
Penerapan Metode Finger Painting untuk Mengembangkan Kreativitas Seni Rupa pada Anak Usia Dini di TK Pertiwi 14.06.03 Setrojenar Buluspesantren Kebumen
Authors: Khasanah Nurul , Mulyani Novi
Published: December 2024

Application Of The Finger Painting Method To DevelopArt Creativity In Early Children At Pertiwi Tk 14.06.03 Setrojenar Buluspessantren Kebumen.In applying the fingerpainting method to develop artistic creativity in children. Need a way so that children feel they have the ability to be creative as they wish. By implementing this strategy, researchers must use methods that can make children feel curious and challenged with the methods that researchers apply. This research used descriptive qualitative research method. The research location is Pertiwi Kindergarten 14.06.03 Setrojenar Village, Buluspesantren District.With the research subjects B2 grade children, teachers, and school principals. The results of the research on the application of the finger painting method to develop creativity in early childhood art in TK Pertiwi 14.06.03 Setrojenar Buluspesantren that is application of finger painting method in developing visual arts creativity for early childhood in TK Pertiwi 14.06.03. Setrojenar Bulus Pesantren Kebumen has increase and the application of the finger painting method in developing artistic creativity in early childhood at Pertiwi Kindergarten 14.06.03. Setrojenar Bulus Pesantren Kebumen has increased.
Analyzing Viewer Engagement with Historical Content on YouTube: Insights from Perjalanan Jalur Rempah Nusantara
Authors: Ramli Arwin , Abdull Rahman Zainatul Shuhaida
Published: December 2024

In the digital era, historical education has evolved from traditional methods to embrace digital platforms like YouTube, revolutionizing public engagement with historical narratives. This study investigates viewer interactions with historical content on YouTube by analyzing comments on the video Perjalanan Jalur Rempah Nusantara. Through thematic analysis, four primary themes were identified: visual and narrative quality, historical accuracy, educational value, and personal connections. These findings highlight the importance of well-produced, accurate, and educationally valuable content that resonates personally with viewers. The insights derived provide valuable guidelines for educators and content creators aiming to enhance digital history education.
La Patagonia fantástica: el pangolín de Ramón Lista, el mamífero misterioso de Florentino Ameghino, y la comparsa del plesiosaurio de madera
Authors: Pérez Leandro Martín , Toledo Nestor , Vizcaíno Sergio Fabián , Tonni Eduardo Pedro
Published: December 2024

The discovery of megafaunal remains in the “Cueva del Milodón” (Última Esperanza Province, Chile) in 1895 marked a milestone in the knowledge of the South American Pleistocene fauna. The arrival at the Museo de La Plata in 1898 of a fragment of mummified sloth hide from this site, brought by Francisco P. Moreno opened a new chapter in the paleontology of the time. Immediately after this discovery, Florentino Ameghino's publication of “Première Notice sur le Neomylodon listai...” unleashed a widespread furor in the scientific community and society at large by proposing the survival of ground sloths in southern Patagonia. Several unsuccessful expeditions followed during the late 19th century to trap the supposed animal (the “mysterious quadruped”). With the signing of the arbitral award with Chile in 1902, the Última Esperanza region became definitively Chilean territory. Ameghino insisted on information about monstrous beings inhabiting Patagonia. Later, in the early 20th century, letters and rumors that reported sightings of mysterious beings associated with bodies of water in southern Patagonia renewed interest in the supposed survival of extinct beings, promoting an expedition organized by Clemente Onelli in 1922 with the participation of the Museo de La Plata. Although for the general public, this expedition was about hunting a supposed marine reptile, Onelli intended to continue the search for the sloth described by Ameghino. Efforts to find extinct animals in Patagonia continued well into the early 21st century. In this work, we document the effects and the reach of Ameghino's claims, from the 19th to the 21st century, about the existence of ground sloths still living in Patagonia. In addition, we discuss the changes in the perception of prehistoric animal survival, both from academic and public perspectives. In conclusion, we highlight the success of Ameghino in persuading the community of most prominent national and international researchers of the time and the broad public, about the existence of a “mysterious quadruped” living in the southern tip of South America.
"De cristal y suelo pegajoso: trascendencia, género y vulnerabilidad en el campo laboral de las docentes de la Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT)"
Authors: Olarte Ramos Carlos Arturo , Morales Zárate Carlos Mario
Published: December 2024

This document explores the reality that the teachers of the Bachelor of Languages experience as workers at the Juárez Autonomous University of Tabasco, considering that there are factors that limit their growth and stagnate them in spaces stigmatized by gender roles. They are violated by what is known as the glass ceiling and walls, that is, invisible rules that hinder their vertical and horizontal promotion; as well as the belief that they can only develop in lower positions, tying them to a sticky ground. In-depth interviews were conducted with teachers –men and women– from a higher institution located in the Mexican southeast. It was identified that the work of women has promoted the opening of spaces to develop professionally, for which they have had to overcome limitations caused by the patriarchal system so deeply rooted in educational centers, however, work with a gender perspective is necessary to promote spaces and opportunities for growth under equal conditions.
Encrucijada del cambio generacional de los académicos en la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM)
Authors: Leyva Piña Marco Antonio , Rodríguez Lagunas Javier
Published: December 2024

In the social context of a dominant dehumanized vision of old age that has penetrated public universities, coupled with the intensification of the advance of information technologies in teaching processes, partly derived from the irruption of COVID-19, and university policies that denigrate academics to mere objects of economic mediation, we present a series of reflections on the generational change of academics at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. In this framework of reflections, we expose citizenship as a possible perspective of generational change of academics as an issue that links social interactions with public relational goods to make retirement a zone of construction of social relations open to the participation of the entire university community.
Brecha generacional de docentes y estudiantes en la formación de profesionales de medicina y cirugía
Authors: Ramírez González Karen
Published: December 2024

The objective of the analysis is to identify the incidence of the generation gap of the teachers in the medicine and surgery career of a public institution of higher education in Hidalgo, in teaching and communication with the students of the 2021-2022 school year. Through quantitative methodology, 214 surveys were applied that made it possible to analyze the sociodemographic profiles of teachers and students, pedagogical practices, and the values transmitted by teachers in the classroom. It is concluded from the empirical evidence collected, that despite the permanent contact with young generations and the access to new technologies for the teaching process, the majority of teachers have not generated educational spaces free of violence, making communication and generational bonding impossible.
Evaluación virtual del uso emergente de TIC como herramientas de enseñanza-aprendizaje remotas en Taller de Diseño Arquitectónico de la UMB Jiquipilco
Authors: Balderas Vieyra Diana Violeta
Published: December 2024

Quantitative research, that analyzes differences between virtual tools for presential and emerging online models, for courses on the Architectural design workshop class, to Universidad Mexiquense del Bicentenario (UMB) Jiquipilco, from the student’s perspective, collecting and interpreting data from a virtual survey about the use and courses design during the COVID-19 pandemic, allow the pedagogical strategies reconsideration and improving education, Meet was the most used tool, Facebook and Classroom allowed the best educational performance, and the later allowed fortification of skills and basic dexterities on the students, also, all used tools allowed a medium supervision level, feedback and support, also self-regulation and review of learning, by the students of the eight semester with a cooperation and explanation style.
Aprendizaje situado en la plataforma MyELT para el aprendizaje del inglés: Estudio de caso en la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP)
Authors: Fernández Cuevas Héctor , Carrillo Valdés José Luis
Published: December 2024

The main objective of this study is to propose situated learning methodology as an alternative to improve teaching practice, significantly impacting the learning of english as a foreign language at a university level. Thus, a literature review was carried out on the concepts that characterize this area of the present research proposal, including its application. Finally, the application of this methodology showed a meaningful integration of theoretical and practical knowledge of English using real contexts, which promotes student motivation and meaningful learning.
Tipologias de desmatamento e desenvolvimento no Ceará: uma análise exploratória
Authors: Bento José Alex do Nascimento , Campos Kilmer Coelho
Published: December 2024

O estudo descreve a relação entre dinâmica do desmatamento, do desenvolvimento e da saúde humana para os 184 municípios do estado do Ceará no ano de 2018. Construiu-se uma tipologia para os municípios por meio da Análise Fatorial (AF) e de Cluster. Como resultado, encontraram-se quatro grupos bem definidos que exibem interações distintas entre perda florestal, níveis de desenvolvimento humano e saúde. Por fim, apresentaram-se as implicações para as políticas públicas que buscam promover a recuperação florestal e a conservação em longo prazo por meio de práticas de desenvolvimento local e regional ligadas à convivência com a região semiárida.
Palavras-chave: Desenvolvimento local sustentável. Métodos multivariados. Políticas públicas.
Los sentimientos y la creación de culturas
Authors: Castro Nogueira Laureano , Castro Nogueira Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2024

Desde la publicación de El error de Descartes, la influencia de Damásio no ha hecho otra cosa que crecer. A partir de una revisión de sus tesis acerca del papel de los sentimientos, nos proponemos contribuir a la construcción de las cadenas causales que median entre las emociones y los sentimientos, de una parte, y la acumulación de las representaciones y prácticas culturales, de otra. Para ello, subrayamos la importancia de la aparición en nuestro linaje de las primeras formas de enseñanza y lo que ello revela acerca de nuestra asimétrica percepción del mundo y sus consecuencias cognitivas y prácticas.
Creación de Empleo: un Análisis Comparativo entre las Diferentes Estructuras Organizativas de las Empresas Familiares y No Familiares a través del Ciclo Económico
Authors: Ortiz Javier , Gargallo-Castel Ana
Published: December 2024

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar el efecto de la propiedad familiar de la empresa y la separación entre propiedad y gestión, en el rendimiento empresarial medido en términos de creación de empleo. Para ello se comparan las diferencias entre empresas familiares y no familiares, así como entre aquellas empresas dirigidas por profesionales externos a la propiedad y aquellas en las que las tareas de dirección son asumidas por los propietarios. Aprovechando la estructura de panel de la muestra, el trabajo se completa con el estudio de la influencia del ciclo económico, en función de las distintas combinaciones de estructura de propiedad y gestión. Una de las principales conclusiones del estudio cuestiona que las empresas familiares superen de forma generalizada a las no familiares en términos de creación de empleo. Aunque esto se aplica a las empresas no profesionalizadas, que representan la mayoría de las empresas familiares, no se observa en las empresas profesionalizadas. Al diferenciar el efecto del ciclo económico en función de sus fases, se observa que, entre las empresas no profesionalizadas, no aparecen diferencias entre empresas familiares y no familiares tanto en la fase recesiva como en la de recuperación. Sin embargo, entre las empresas profesionalizadas, las familiares sufren más los efectos de la fase recesiva y muestran una mayor capacidad de recuperación del empleo en la fase de recuperación.
Calcium chloride regulates cellular calcium metabolism during the postharvest senescence of ripe passion fruit
Authors: Wei Ting , Wang Hai , Chen Shurou , Li Jing , Li Xia , Xin Ming , Dong Xinhong , Khoo Hock Eng
Published: December 2024

The impact of calcium chloride (CaCl2) treatment and water soaking on the postharvest senescence of the ripened passion fruit was investigated. The physicochemical indexes including weight loss, color change, membrane permeability, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid content, peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and distinct forms of calcium of the fruit were determined using the established methods for analysis. The correlation and principal component analyses were also conducted on the experimental data. The results demonstrated that the calcium ions were effective in maintaining the appearance and color of the fruit peel, enhancing its antioxidant capacity, and regulating its nutrient content. This treatment significantly increased the calcium content of the passion fruit peels, extending the fruit’s freshness beyond four days. The correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the mass loss rate of the passion fruit and the majority of the physicochemical properties examined. The findings indicated that the calcium chloride treatment could effectively maintain fruit storage quality and prolong the shelf life of postharvest passion fruit by several days. It seems reasonable to posit that calcium chloride will become the preferred method for postharvest fruit preservation in the near future.
Development of a capsid protein-based ELISA for the detection of PCV2 antibodies in swine serum
Authors: Wang Y.B. , Li P. , Gao Y.C. , Hao P.F. , Feng J.W. , Hu N.Y. , Cao J. , Hu J.H. , Ding K. , Wang L.
Published: December 2024

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the major causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome which leads to significant economic losses in the global swine industry. In China, there is a widespread dissemination of PCV2 infection in the pig population. Serologi­cal diagnosis of the disease is considered as an effective control measure. Here, we developed a capsid protein (Cap)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Cap-ELISA) for the detection of PCV2 antibodies in swine serum using a nuclear localization signal-truncated capsid protein produced in Escherichia coli. The Cap protein was expressed as water-soluble and purified using nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) chromatography. After the optimization of the working conditions of the Cap-ELISA using chessboard titrations, a total of 649 serum samples were tested using the Cap-ELISA and a commercial ELISA kit. The diagnostic sensitivity (DSN), diagnostic specificity (DSP) and accuracy of the Cap-ELISA were determined to be 96.7%, 94.1% and 99.5%, respectively. Cross-reactivity analysis indicated that the Cap-ELISA was PCV2-specific and possessed no cross-reactions with antibodies against other common swine pathogens including porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and pseudorabies virus (PRV). Repeatability of the experiment showed that Cap-ELISA was highly repeatable with the intra- and inter-plate coefficients of variation less than 10%. Hence, the Cap-ELISA has the potential for the swine industry to monitor PCV2 epidemiology and to evaluate PCV2 vaccine efficacy.
Effects of caponization and age on the histology, lipid localization and fibre diameter in muscles of Rhode Island Red cockerels
Authors: Gesek M. , Michalska K. , Murawska D.
Published: December 2024

Poultry scientists are constantly studying different breeds of cockerels that would be suitable for capon meat production. Capon meat, although not yet very popular, is characterized by exceptional taste qualities that could appeal to many customers. Obtaining the appropriate palatability, structure and tenderness of capon meat is possible thanks to the reduction in androgen levels following the castration of roosters. Surgical or chemical castration affects the metabolism of fats, thus increasing their accumulation in the abdominal cavity, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. The main aim of our research was histological evaluation and analysis of the concentration and distribution of adipose tissue in muscles in Rhode Island Red cockerels and capons. In addition, we analysed the diameter of the pectoral muscle fibre. The experiment was performed on 200 Rhode Island Red cockerels; the testes were removed at 8 weeks of age. At 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 weeks of age, 6 cockerels and 6 capons were slaughtered, and samples from the pectoral and thigh muscles were evaluated. Differences in the accumulation of adipose tissue with muscular atrophy (p<0.05) were observed in thigh muscles, with higher amounts in capons than in cockerels. All examined locations in the pectoral and thigh muscles of capons (around the blood vessels, in the perimysium, in the endomysium, and in the sarcoplasm) showed much higher concentrations of lipids compared to the levels in cockerels. The diameters of the pectoral muscle fibres were different (p<0.05) at 12 and 16 weeks of age, and the diameters of the giant fibres were different (p<0.05) at 12 and 20 weeks of age, with higher values in cockerels. The high concentration of lipids in the skeletal muscles of Rhode Island Red capons is impressive. These dual-purpose cockerel breeds can be a source of high-quality meat.
An isothermal recombinase polymerase assay coupled with lateral flow dipstick for differentiation of pseudorabies virus wild isolates and gE-deleted vaccine strains
Authors: Ma L. , Wang Y. , Wang X. , Zhang M. , Zhu M.
Published: December 2024

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is one of the most important infectious diseases which leads to significant economic losses in the global swine industry. The gE-deleted vaccine is widely used to prevent susceptible pigs from PRV infection. There is no report of the differentiation of PRV wild strain and vaccine strain by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with a lateral flow dipstick (LFD) method. In the present study, the gD and gE gene-targeted primer-probe sets were designed. The RPA-LFD assay could discriminate between the PRV wild strain and the vaccine strain. The RPA reaction conditions were also evaluated. The optimal reaction temperature and reaction time for the RPA-LFD assay were 37℃ and 20 min. The detection limit was 10 genome copies per reaction for PRV wild strain and gE-deleted vaccine strain. The assay did not have cross-reaction with other common swine viral pathogens. The effectiveness of the RPA-LFD assay for detecting the clinical samples was evaluated by testing 80 samples. The result of the assay was compared with that of the conventional PCR. The positive rate of PRV wild strain by the RPA-LFD assay was 20%, whereas the positive rate of PRV wild strain by the PCR assay was 18.8%. The assay therefore provides a novel alternative for differentiation of PRV wild strain and vaccine strain.
Innervation of the female internal genital organs in 12-week-old porcine foetuses
Authors: Franke-Radowiecka A. , Demus N.V. , Bossowska A.
Published: December 2024

This is the first study aimed to investigate the innervation of the internal genital organs in 12-week-old female pig foetuses using single and double-labelling immunofluorescence methods. Immunostaining for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP, general neural marker) revealed that the most numerous PGP-positive nerve fibres were found in the mesenchyme of the uterovaginal canal height. Numerous nerve fibres were distributed in the uterine segment, less in the tubal segment of paramesonephric ducts (PD), and they usually occurred at the edge of the mesenchyme. A low number of fibres was visible in the developing ovary cortex and medulla. Many fibres expressed dopamine β-hydroxylase (DβH) and/or vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in the studied period. Most DβH-positive nerve fibres were observed in all segments of PD. VAChT-positive were mainly distributed in the uterovaginal canal of PD. DβH/VAChT-positive nerve fibres were observed in the mesenchyme of all segments of the PD, but they were most common in the uterovaginal canal and the uterine segment of PD. In the ovary, nerves were mainly DβH-positive and single nerve fibres containing VAChT.
Non-invasive methods for diagnosing pregnancy in cows and their real value
Authors: Jaśkowski J.M. , Wozniak G. , Kaźmierczak P.
Published: December 2024

Proper management of cattle reproduction has a major impact on the efficiency and profitability of dairy production. Ultrasound examination and transrectal palpation or the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) test are currently the most commonly used methods for pregnancy diagnosis. However, alternative methods to those mentioned above are constantly being sought in order to minimise stress during the examination, the cost of veterinary services and to reduce the rate of errors in pregnancy diagnosis. Non-invasive methods of pregnancy diagnosis in cows are being improved, which include the barium chloride test, sulphuric acid, seed germination test, measurement of progesterone, interferon-tau or interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), PAG, early pregnancy factor (EPF), estrone sulphate, thermography and electrocardiography. Over the past few decades, these methods have been extensively described. Some of these tests require blood, milk or urine for the diagnosis of pregnancy, while others require prolonged contact with the animal in order to take the appropriate measurements. Despite their advantages in terms of simplicity and lower cost compared with traditional methods of pregnancy diagnosis, they are sometimes problematic because of the difficulty of collecting material for testing. They allow the determination of a pregnancy without determining its age or pathology on the part of the development of the fetus and the reproductive system. They are also generally characterised by lower accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, which can have a negative impact on reproductive management and translate into the economics of dairy production. In the context of the above information, it appears that non-invasive methods of pregnancy diagnosis need to be further improved to minimise or eliminate the disadvantages cited.
Cholera Epidemic in 1831 in Zemplín County and Measures Against its Spread
Authors: Annamaria Konyova
Published: December 2024

Following the recent Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a renewed interest in the study of historical epidemics within the field of historical science. Beyond well-known facts, this renewed research aims to deepen our understanding of the course, spread, and combat of past epidemics, utilizing new archival sources and reassessing older interpretations. The goal of this study is to examine the first cholera epidemic in Hungary, specifically in the area of present-day eastern Slovakia, focusing on Zemplín County, one of the first regions affected by this disease. The study will primarily focus on the presentation and analysis of the measures and anti-cholera procedures implemented by the state, county leadership and other stakeholders. The research will specifically draw from archival materials housed in the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplín County Archives in Sátoraljaújhely, where documents related to the cholera epidemic of 1831 are preserved in a special collection (1). In addition to archival sources, the paper paper will incorporate works from both older and more recent Slovak and Hungarian historiography on the subject. Among the older works, Daniel Rapant’s three-volume work The Peasant Uprising in Eastern Slovakia while not directly about cholera, is notable, as well as syntheses on the history of medicine and healthcare in Slovakia by Mária Bokesová-Uherová and Ján Junas (2, 3). Among the more recent scholars focused on cholera epidemics, Anton Liška stands out for his work on cholera and its death toll in the Prešov Eparchy (4, 5, 6, 7, 8). Additionally, studies by Peter Kónya (9) and Jana Dziaková (10, 11, 12) will be considered. Beyond merely presenting the anticholera measures, this study will aim to assess their dissemination among the population, the level of compliance, and their overall effectiveness. The performance of the anti-cholera commission within Zemplín County will also be evaluated.
Phenomenological Perspectives in Dialectical Leadership: Influence of Aesthetic Experiences on Managing Organisational Complexity and Paradoxes
Authors: Szostak Michał
Published: December 2024

Through a critical literature review, the study analyses the influence of leaders’ sensory and emotional experiences on shaping their capacity to navigate contradictions and tensions inherent in complex organisational environments. By engaging with concepts of embodied perception, multisensory engagement, and aesthetic judgment, the article highlights how these factors contribute to leaders’ decision-making processes and their ability to foster creative resolutions in paradoxical situations, offering a phenomenological perspective that emphasises the importance of leaders’ subjective experiences in managing organisational complexity. The article answers the following research questions: 1) How do subjective aesthetic experiences (including sensory perceptions and emotional responses) influence leaders’ decision-making processes and ability to manage organisational paradoxes and complexity? 2) How do embodied perception, multisensory engagement, and aesthetic judgments enhance the efficiency of dialectical leadership in resolving tensions and fostering creativity within organisations? The article concludes by underlining its limitations and proposing future research directions.
Discursive Leadership and Material Concerns: The Union Context
Authors: Fairhurst Gail T. , Hall Spencer G.
Published: December 2024

This paper explores discourse-material relationships in union leadership contexts. We searched several databases and journals across the social sciences, focusing on the negotiative, relational, material, and cultural aspects of union leader and rank-and-file discourse and communication. We found 33 discursive leadership studies and conducted a thematic analysis to find three material themes broadly reflected in the literature: economics (wages, benefits), bodies (gender, race), and technology (surveillance, social media, automation). We address the implications of these findings in terms of the relevancy of retaining the term ‘discursive leadership’ and the necessity for further studies on discourse -material pairings in union contexts.
Assessing the Status of Soil Seed Bank in Parthenium Hysterophorus - Invaded Land Use Types and Its Social Aspects In Lower Hare Watershed, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Minase Tademe , Shiferaw Wakshum , Tsegaye Genaye
Published: December 2024

In Ethiopia, Parthenium hysterophorus (P. hysterophorus) is an invasive alien plant affecting various ecosystems. P. hysterophorus displaces native plant species and causes a serious threat to biodiversity. With this background, we aimed to assess the soil seed bank of P. hysterophorus under major land use types and assess the perception of the community toward the effects of P. hysterophorus on social aspects in the lower Hare watershed. For this study, 210 soil samples were collected from 15 transect lines in grassland, cropland, and forest land use types. Statistical analysis using three-way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the difference in density of P. hysterophorus among various land uses soil depths and sites (P < 0.05). For assessing the perception of local communities regarding the effects of P. hysterophorus, a total of 117 respondents were enrolled and semi-structured and close-ended questionnaires were used for data collection. It was found that all factors, that is, land use, site, and soil depth, significantly affected the soil seed bank density in the lower Hare watershed (P < 0.05). Results indicated that the mean density of seeds was the highest in croplands among the land use types. Meanwhile, the highest mean density of seeds was identified in 0–10 cm soil depth, but the lowest mean density of seeds was identified in 10–15 cm soil depth. The highest seeds were identified at Chano Cheliba, but the density of seeds the lowest in Kola Shera. Moreover, 38.5% of households in Kola Shera and 21.4% of households in Kola Cheliba, but 8.5% of households in Kola Doriga said that it had effects on ecosystem services such as crop yield and livestock production. There should be a need for increased awareness about the density of P. hysterophorus in various land uses and its impacts on native plant species. Seeking for possible solutions such as mechanical control methods in terms of abortion of its seed set and weeding in early vegetative period are among the local people, researchers, and extension workers can use for the management of its invasion, and appropriate control measures can be designed to combat its further invasion and impacts on different land uses of the region.
Impact Of Reduced Tillage On The Preservation of Soil Fertility And Macrofauna In Semi-Arid Conditions
Authors: Issaoun Djamila , Metahri Mohammed Said , Annabi Mohamed , Setbel Samira
Published: December 2024

Cereals and pulses are an important part of agricultural production in Algeria, particularly in semi-arid regions that are affected and influenced by climatic, geographic, and agronomic factors. Maintaining a reliable and sustainable agricultural production system has become one of the primary concerns of arid and semi-arid producers. Conservation agriculture is recommended by researchers as an effective technique for limiting soil degradation, preserving soil fertility and biodiversity, and ensuring long-term agricultural production, while protecting natural resources and the environment. This study is part of a Technical Institute of Field Crops (ITGC) project in Sétif that aims to assess the effect of conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) on the chemical and biological quality of Sétif›s soils. The pH of these soils ranged from 7.34 to 7.83, indicating that they were moderately basic to alkaline. An analysis of variance revealed that tillage type had no effect on pH, whereas crop type and depth had a significant effect. According to the findings, NT improves organic matter levels compared to CT. The fauna inventory uncovered a total of 2089 individuals representing 14 different species. There were 1329 individuals in the NT subplot. This number is higher than the 760 individuals recorded in the conventionally seeded subplot. Shannon–Weaver had a high diversity index value. More efforts are required to promote conservation agriculture in these areas.
Assessment of the Health Status of Oak Trees in the Zouagha Forest (North-East of Algeria)
Authors: Chouiter Norhane , Rached-Kanouni Malika , Boucif Ouarda El Wahida
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study is to assess the health status of the Zouagha forest in Algeria, which is composed of oak trees (Quercus suber, Q. canariensis, and Q. afares), and to estimate its biodiversity potential through field observations using the ARCHI, DEPEFEU, and IBP methods on individuals of each species. The adopted methodology relies on a visual evaluation of the tree crowns of the main species in this forest. The results indicate that the health of tree crowns is moderate, as is the biodiversity carrying capacity according to the IBP rating scale. Within the ARCHI protocol, two distinct types can be observed: ARCHI type R (Resilient), characterized by proportions of 42.72% for Q. suber, 40.7% for Q. canariensis, and 45% for Q. afares, and the ARCHI type S (Healthy), with slightly different proportions, namely 38.18% for Q. suber, 38.05% for Q. canariensis,and36%forQ. afares. Regarding the DEPEFEU protocol, it is important to note that the average health condition class has percentages of 37.27% for Q. suber, 32.74% for Q. canariensis, and 39% for Q. afares. Therefore, it is imperative to implement appropriate forest management strategies to ensure the sustainability of forest ecosystems. These strategies should aim to preserve the ecological integrity of the Zouagha forest in Algeria, with a focus on the regeneration of oak species (Q. suber, Q. canariensis, and Q. afares) and the restoration of their health.
The Impacts of Climate Change on Vegetable Production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Osuji Emeka , Igberi Christiana , Olaolu Michael , Ben-Chendo Glory , Tim-Ashama Akunna , Osuji Maryann , Nwose Roseline , Umeh Ngozi , Nwachukwu Esther , Ezirim Kelechi , Osang Emmanuel , Anyanwu Uchechi , Offor Evelyn , Nzeakor Felix , Iwezor-Magnus Doris , Ugwunali Emeka
Published: December 2024

The impacts of climate change on vegetable production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, were investigated. With the use of questionnaire, 286 vegetable producers were chosen using multi-stage sampling. Primary sources were used for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, probit, beta and multiple regression methods. The study reveals that the vegetable growers were female (62.6%), married (75.9%), and in their prime age (47%). With greater mean outputs and a higher percentage of vegetable producers, fluted pumpkin (6943.63 kg), green pepper (6011.20 kg), garden egg (5976.52 kg), and okra (5874.53 kg) dominated vegetable cultivation. The outputs of vegetables were favorably influenced by age (P< 0.05), farm size (P< 0.01), and education (P< 0.01). Some of the adaptation measures utilized by vegetable producers were planting improved vegetable seeds (99.7%), modifying planting and harvesting dates (98.6%), and effective staking methods (100%). Age (P< 0.01), education (P< 0.01), household size (P< 0.01), farming experience (P< 0.05), and extension contacts (P< 0.01) served as important predictors of climate change adaptation. Vegetable production was negatively impacted by temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity, while sunshine fared well with vegetable yield. The study concludes that climate change poses negative impacts on vegetable production and advised vegetable producers to practice climate smart agriculture to mitigate climate change impacts on vegetable crops.
Determinants of Environmental Quality in Africa
Authors: Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu , Chidiebere-Mark Nneka Maris , Ejike Roseline Daberechi , Chikezie Comfort , Uhuegbulem Ifeyinwa Josephine
Published: December 2024

Africa has diverse ecosystems and abundant natural resources crucial for its growth and development. Unsustainable use of natural resources can increase the ecological footprint and lead to environmental deterioration on the continent. Several factors influence ecological footprint – a proxy for environmental degradation. However, literature on the determinants of ecological footprint in Africa is mixed and without any evidence on the effect on different quantiles/groups. Therefore, this paper explored the impact of agricultural production, renewable energy, rule of law, natural resource dependence and foreign investments on ecological footprint in Africa controlling for economic growth. We used data from 44 countries in Africa spanning a period of 21 years (2000–2020) and applied fixed effects and method of moment quantile regression models for analysis. Our findings show that GDP per capita, livestock production and foreign direct investments had significant positive association with ecological footprint for most of the quantiles. In contrast, renewable energy consumption, crop production index, rule of law, urbanisation and natural resource rents all reduced ecological footprint in Africa for most of the quantiles. Continuous law enforcement in Africa combined with investment in renewable energy, sustainable crop production practices and sustainable management of natural resources would reduce the continent’s ecological footprint and environmental degradation.
Comparison of different developmental stages of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) fruit and identification of Hub genes
Authors: Li Yalan , Ren Tian , Qu Siyu , Hao Qing , Fan Dingyu , Alimire Alimu
Published: December 2024

Ziziphus jujuba is one of the oldest cultivated and economically important nut trees and its development and ripening processes involve numerous physiological and biochemical changes. This study conducted a fruit transcriptomic analysis during the fruit expanding (FE) stage, white-mature (WM) stage, early red (ER) stage and full red (FR) stage. The expression of mRNAs was then compared at four different stages. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis was performed on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in each group. The relationships among DEGs within each group were assessed and hub genes were identified using the degree algorithm of Cytohubba. Finally, the expression levels of these hub genes were compared across the four stages. Based on the results, a total of 3448 unannotated novel genes were identified. The number of DEGs in the four group comparisons WM vs FE, ER vs WM, FR vs ER and FR vs FE groups were 1576, 8561, 1073 and 7884 DEGs, respectively, and mainly involved in biological processes such as stimulation, defence, immunity, ADP binding, DNA-binding transcription factor activity, secondary active transmembrane transporter activity, etc. In total, 20 hub genes were gained. The expression of 4 hub genes was not significantly different among four stages, namely LOC107409707, LOC107416546, LOC107415777 and LOC107414679, and the expression of the remaining hub genes was markedly different. Our study provides a transcriptional level reference to reveal further the dynamic developmental process of winter jujube fruits and a theoretical basis for improving the quality of winter jujube fruits.
Recent Changes in the Occupation Milieu of the EU27 Member States’ Labor Markets
Authors: Iordan Marioara , Chilian Mihaela-Nona
Published: December 2024

The first two decades of the third millennium experienced an unprecedented swarm of economic, social and political changes that impacted virtually all the countries in the world. Under the increased pressures of demographic transitions, technological changes and environmental needs, the labor markets, on the one side, and the employees, on the other side, faced significant challenges as components of the national economic systems, in the first case, and as key agents of both the economic systems and the labor markets, in the latter, which resulted, among others, in a faster changing occupational milieu. In such a context, the paper aims to present an analysis of employment by occupation and age group and its quite recent changes in the EU27 member states. Such results reveal whether there is increased national specificity of the EU27 countries’ labor markets and their occupational composition or we may find some convergence patterns across countries, age groups or groups of occupations. These highlight not only certain necessary policy actions that might have to be enforced, especially in areas such education, labor market regulation, company regulation and so on, but also the imperative of an increased, better, and more efficient cooperation between the government and private economic actors in order to deal with and alleviate the already existing gaps, misallocations, misalignments, inefficiencies, etc. and to prevent as much as possible the occurrence of newer and (possibly) more hazardous ones for the European economies and societies.