bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Pozzolanic Activity of Buffalo Dung Ash to Utilize as Cement Replacement Material in Concrete
Authors:   Faculty of Architecture & Town Planning, Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design & Heritage, Sukkur 65200, Pakistan, Rehman Mashood , Ali Shaikh Fahad ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Sindh 76020, Pakistan, Rehman Abdul ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Sindh 76020, Pakistan, Hussain Talha ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Sindh 76020, Pakistan, Manan Abdul ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Sindh 76020, Pakistan
Published: November 2023

Increasing construction activity around the globe has raised the demand for cement to 4.4 giga-tonnes/year, making it costlier, and its consumption second to water. Meanwhile, a tonne of clinker produces a tonne of CO2 on a large consumption of natural resources of raw materials and energy of 10–11 EJ/year, which is why an affordable and environmentally sustainable substitute for cement is needed today. Pakistan possesses more than 30 million buffalos. Each can produce up to 15 kg of dung per day, resulting in 450 million kg of dung produced in Pakistan alone. This research aims to investigate the pozzolanic activity of Buffalo dung ash and determine the optimum conditions for developing the ash, along with the optimum dosage as cement replacing material in Normal concrete. For this purpose, five buffalo dung ash samples were prepared by calcining the dung in a muffle furnace for a 1-hour duration at 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, and 800°C, and after cooling, sieving through a No. 100 sieve. The Strength Activity Index was determined as per ASTM C311. The results showed that developed ash at 600oC has a maximum Strength Activity Index of 94.2%, meeting the ASTM C618 standards for pozzolanic material, which was further confirmed by X-ray Fluorescence analysis. Furthermore, when 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of this ash were used as cement substitutes in concrete, the compressive strength increased by 11.2% on 10% substitution compared to the control mix. Based on the parameters investigated, it was found optimal to replace 10% of the cement in the concrete with buffalo dung calcined at 600°C for 1 hour.
Assessing the Levels of Traffic Noise in Selected Schools in Bandar Baru Bangi
Authors:   Department of Mechanical & Material Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, Rui Wen Hoo , Mat Tahir Mohd Faizal ,   Department of Mechanical & Material Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, Ariffin Azli ,   Department of Mechanical & Material Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, Mohd Rasani Mohd Rasidi ,   Department of Mechanical & Material Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, Meor Ahmad Meor Iqram ,   Department of Mechanical & Material Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, Nuawi Mohd Zaki ,   Department of Mechanical & Material Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Published: November 2023

Traffic noise during school hours can disrupt students’ learning focus especially in the classroom and can affect communication between teachers and students. This study was conducted to asses traffic noise levels for four selected schools along few main roads in Bandar Baru Bangi and analyse the data using the guideline recommended by the Malaysia Department of Environment (DOE). Data was collected using 01dB SOLO sound level meters using the decibel A-weighted (dBA) for LAeq, L10, L50, L90, LAeqmax dan LAeqmin. The measurement was collected during the respective peak hour on school days which are 7.00am -9.00am for morning session, 12.00pm-2.00pm for noon and 5.00pm -7.00pm for evening session. The measured noise then analysed and compared with the recommended standards set by the DOE. From the measurement, it was found that traffic near the Greenview Islamic International School recorded up to 76.3dB(A) for LAeq, 110.3 dB(A) for LAmax, L10 = 78.4 dB(A) and L90 = 67.6 dB(A) during the period of 12.00pm to 1.00pm. All the measured traffic noise at the respective school also logged a high noise level for their LAeq measurement. In conclusion, the study showed that the traffic noise level pollution experience by the schools along the main roads in Bandar Baru Bangi district were alarming which are exceeding the recommendation from DOE. This finding can help policymakers and stakeholders used as reference in sense of noise pollution management for better acoustics comfort at school area.
Development of Social Entrepreneurship Competencies and Complex Thinking in an Intensive Course of Open Educational Innovation
Authors: Vázquez-Parra José Carlos , Alcantar-Nieblas Carolina , Glasserman-Morales Leonardo David , Nuñez-Rodríguez Xiomara
Published: November 2023

This article aims to show the results of implementing a training methodology in a group of participants within an intensive course on educational innovation. The motivation for this course was to promote innovative ideas that could be scaled into possible open educational entrepreneurship projects. Based on descriptive statistical analysis, that included a multivariate statistical analysis, an analysis of means and nonparametric tests of the data comparison of medians and ranges and Spearman's correlation, this article considered the SEL4C methodology, which was intended to support the ideation process and develop the participants' perceived achievement of social entrepreneurship and complex thinking competencies. The proposed methodology was validated to develop social innovation ideas even in a limited time and improved the participants' perception of achieving both competencies. This article contributes to the validation studies of this methodology and the academic approaches that seek efficient tools for acquiring and developing transdisciplinary competencies.
Russia's Clashing Ambitions: Arctic Status Quo and World‐Order Revision
Authors: Pedersen Torbjørn , Steinveg Beate
Published: November 2023

Moscow explicitly challenges what it depicts as a Western-led world order amid shifts in the global balance of power. However, while Russia has emerged as a fundamentally revisionist power in the global system, it has sought to maintain the status quo in Arctic regional governance, that is, to preserve the institutions and arrangements that have cemented its status as a great regional power on top of the world. This study, challenging the notions of Arctic exceptionalism and a distinct Arctic regional order, points out an obvious inconsistency in Russia’s approach. It argues that Moscow’s attempt at dismantling the world order while maintaining the status quo in the Arctic seems bound to fail simply because the current rules-based, liberal international order has also been the order of the Arctic. In conclusion, this study finds that Russia so far has been more successful in diminishing its own Arctic status and isolating itself from formal as well as informal arrangements than revising them.
Subjective Well‐Being of NEETs and Employability: A Study of Non‐Urban Youths in Spain, Italy, and Portugal
Authors: Mazzocchi Paolo , Agahi Omeed , Beilmann Mai , Bettencourt Leonor , Brazienė Rūta , Edisherashvili Natalia , Keranova Dilyana , Marta Elena , Milenkova Valentina , O’Higgins Niall , Pizzolante Federica , Prieto-Flores Òscar , Rocca Antonella , Rodrigues Ricardo Borges , Rosa Miriam , Simões Francisco , Yurukov Borislav
Published: November 2023

Subjective well-being is of paramount importance when support is offered to young individuals seeking employment and social inclusion in general. The present study looks at different dimensions of youth well-being and the growing demands for skills to enable labour market integration. Based on survey data, this article examines the relationships between the role of public employment services in providing support and their impact on the subjective well-being of youth. Specifically, 1,275 not in education, employment, or training (NEET) rural youths from Italy, Portugal, and Spain participated in the survey. Drawing upon Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model, the current study sets up a model which includes different factors at the micro-, meso-, exo-, and macro-system levels. The results show that non-urban NEETs’ subjective well-being is associated positively with public employment services availability, while the relationship with public employment services interaction and public employment services support is non-significant. A positive and significant relationship emerged also with self-efficacy and social support. Some recommendations for policymakers are discussed.
AN ATTEMPT OF HISTORICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF UKRAINIAN YOUTH'S ETHNO-NATIONAL SELF-AWARENESS FEATURES IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURIES
Authors:   Institute for Social and Political Psychology, NAES of Ukraine, Vasiutynskyi V. O. , Martyniuk O. A. ,   Private higher education institution «University of Modern Knowledge»
Published: November 2023

Based on the method of historical and psychological reconstruction, an attempt was made to reveal the social and psychological features of Ukrainian youth's ethno-national self-awareness in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. According to the reviewed artistic and journalistic literature of that period, 195 fragments were selected which had reflected various aspects of the ethno-national consciousness of the Ukrainians at that time. The psychological and historical content of these fragments was assessed by experts – 35 psychology scientists and 116 history teachers. As a result of successive reduction of the number of fragments to 15 and factor analysis, five aspects were determined that reflected the researched process: enlightenment, activity, traditions, unity and involvement. The obtained indicators were projected on the current state of Ukrainian youth's ethno-national self-consciousness. The online survey covered 2,202 students from 35 universities in different regions of Ukraine. Students evaluated the fragments from the point of view of their reflection of Ukrainian youth's ethno-national self-awareness in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the importance of their content for the respondents themselves and for modern Ukrainian youth in general. The applied procedure provided grounds for determining the following social and psychological features of Ukrainian youth's ethno-national self-awareness in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries: understanding the importance of enlightenment, joint organizational activity, psychosocial empowerment with traditions, unity with the people around, involvement in the space of collective existence.
A UKRAINIAN-LANGUAGE ADAPTATION AND PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE CONSPIRACY MENTALITY QUESTIONNAIRE
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Danyliuk I. V. , Yahiiaiev I. I. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kurapov A. O. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Malysheva K. O. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Loshenko O. A. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Lytvyn S. V. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2023

Conspiracy theories among the population of Ukraine are a significant problem, especially as we deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the events related to Russian military aggression. The complex socio-political landscape in Ukraine, shaped by its historical context and recent geopolitical tensions, could potentially contribute to the spread of such conspiracy theories. Given the current situation, this aspect is extremely relevant. Objectives: The study aim was to assess the psychometric characteristics of the Conspiracy Mindset Questionnaire (CMQ) adapted in Ukraine. It is vital to adapt internationally recognized instruments to the local cultural and linguistic context to ensure accuracy and relevance in implementation of the corresponding assessments. Methods: The questionnaire was evaluated on a sample of 392 respondents. The used analysis methods included: internal consistency assessment using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, factor analysis, and correlation analysis. The selection of a diverse group of participants is crucial in such studies to ensure a broad representation of the population as a whole. Results: Cronbach's alpha was 0.87. This is considered a good indicator of reliability, indicating that the questionnaire consistently measures what it is intended to measure. There was high consistency across all scale items and a uniform distribution of responses. The one-factor model of the questionnaire is less acceptable for use, as its indicators do not meet the normative values. The complexity of conspiracy beliefs cannot be adequately represented by a one-factor model. In a two-factor model, all covariances between scale items are clear. In the two-factor model, TLI = 0.973, CFI = 0.989, RMSEA = 0.083. Conclusions: The Ukrainian version of the CMQ demonstrates acceptable psychometric characteristics. Given its reliability and cultural adaptation, researchers and professionals can use this instrument to gain a deeper understanding of the conspiracy mentality prevalent in Ukraine. It can be effectively used to determine the level of conspiratorial mindset of Ukrainians and Ukrainian-speaking respondents.
Estimation of Site Effects and Equivalent Source Parameters of Wenchuan Earthquake Based on Generalized Chaotic Particle Inversion Technique
Authors: Chen Ke-Lin , Chen Xue-Liang , Lan Jing-Yan , Qiu Li-Jun , Zhu Yi-Ling
Published: November 2023

Based on the advantages of the chaos particle swarm optimization algorithm and the generalized inversion technology, this article estimates the source parameters and site effects of the Wenchuan earthquake. We used 440 sets of strong-motion records obtained from 43 aftershocks, and the area covered by the records was divided into subregions A and B. Initial separation of source, path, and site from the seismic spectra of subregions A and B using generalized inversion technique and then the source-site optimization model is established using chaotic particle swarm technology. From path-corrected records, we obtained absolute site effects for 33 stations and equivalent source parameters for 43 earthquakes. We made the following conclusions: (1) The moment magnitude Mw was lower than the local magnitude MLdetermined by China Earthquake Network Center. The self-similarity of the Wenchuan earthquake was confirmed. The stress drop averaged 2.31 MPa, and it was independent of the magnitude size and focal depth. (2) In the frequency 1–10 Hz, the quality factor values in subregions A and B are 110.9f0.6 and 116.1f1.2. The decay rate of the crustal medium in the western region of the west Sichuan plateau is significant compared to the eastern part. (3) Bedrock stations 51MXT and L2007 have site effects within a certain frequency. The effect of slope topography on site predominant frequency is not apparent, and the site effects increase with the increase in elevation. The shape of the site amplification curve is more similar in the middle- and low-frequency bands, and different attenuation phenomena will appear in the high-frequency band.
Incorporation of Combination Immunotherapy into the Treatment Paradigms of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Kratz Jeremy D ,   Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA,   University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA,   William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Health System, Madison, WI, USA,   Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA, Uboha Nataliya V ,   Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA,   University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
Published: November 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors allow innate immune cells to recognize and attack tumour cells by removing inhibitory signals associated with tumours and their microenvironment. These agents can induce durable responses and they have transformed the management of many cancer types. There have been great efforts to incorporate immunotherapy (IO) into the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. However, most of the GI cancers, except for microsatellite unstable tumours, are largely resistant to IO, especially when used as monotherapy. Increased efficacy has been observed when these agents are combined with other drugs, including chemotherapy, other immune checkpoint inhibitors, or targeted drugs. This review will summarize recent advances in the management of GI cancers with the incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors into current treatment paradigms. It will review pivotal studies that led to these practice updates and highlight potentially practice-changing ongoing clinical studies that involve IO agents.
Narrative harmony: Empowering students through the national anthem in social studies education
Authors: Wiyanarti Erlina , Mutiani Mutiani , Abbas Ersis Warmansyah , Holilah Mina , Salman Nola Fibriyani Bte
Published: November 2023

This study explores the integration of the national anthem into social studies education. It is essential, considering that the coverage of IPS material is related to the fighting spirit of citizens. The article describes the relevance of the national anthem and the material in social studies learning. The article was prepared by utilizing 20 pieces of literature. The literature is devoted to studies relevant to the national anthem used in learning. The research results show that social studies education's relevance in integrating the National Anthem plants the seeds of lifelong civic responsibility. This study argues that once used only in classrooms, national anthems now serve as a guiding force, empowering students to contribute to their nation's ongoing narrative actively. The Indonesian national song "Dari Sabang to Merauke" examines its geographic and nationalist meaning. Using this song as a resource will increase meaningful social studies learning, including aspects of Indonesia's geography, history, and cultural diversity. This study identifies the impact of integrating the national anthem on student engagement, emphasizing the instillation of civic responsibility.
The effectiveness of differentiated learning in Geography subject, anthroposphere material, for grade X at SMAN 4 Sidoarjo
Authors: Widanti Ni Nyoman Sri , Rindawati Rindawati , Muzayanah Muzayanah , Chanthoeurn Dock
Published: November 2023

Students play a crucial role in the learning process at school, and creating a fun and engaging learning environment that can positively impact their interest and active participation. However, accommodating the diverse learning styles and needs of students can be a challenge for teachers. To address this, differentiated learning activities are considered appropriate, as they focus on meeting the individual needs of students and allow educators to respond effectively in the classroom. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of differentiated learning in improving the activity and learning outcomes of Grade X Geography students, specifically focusing on the Anthroposphere material at SMAN 4 Sidoarjo during the academic year 2022/2023. To investigate the effectiveness of differentiated learning, a one-shot case study experimental design was employed. The study involved 40 students and utilized the one-shot case study model. The results revealed that the implementation of differentiated learning effectively improved the activity and learning outcomes of Grade X-C Geography students in relation to the Anthroposphere material at SMAN 4 Sidoarjo during the academic year 2022/2023.
Cigarette Smoke Extract Contributes to the Inception and Aggravation of Asthmatic Inflammation by Stimulating Innate Immunity
Authors: Kim Yujin , Kim Jeonghyeon , Mo Yosep , Park Da Eun , Lee Hyun-Seung , Jung Jae-Woo , Kang Hye-Ryun
Published: November 2023

Purpose: Smoking is a risk factor for the development of asthma and worsens the long-term prognosis of asthma. This study investigated the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on innate immune cells such as innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and macrophages in a murine model of induced asthma. Methods: Six-week-old female BALB/C mice were exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) via an intranasal route with or without CSE for 8 weeks to establish a chronic murine asthma model. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway inflammatory cells from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the population of CD4+ T cells, ILCs, and macrophages in the lungs were studied to evaluate the effect of chronic CSE exposure on asthma. Results: Mice intranasally exposed to CSE along with OVA treatment (CSE/OVA) had significantly enhanced AHR, eosinophilic inflammation, increased IL- 13 and IL-17 producing CD4+ T cells compared to mice intranasally exposed to OVA only. On the contrary, the frequency of Foxp3+ in CD4+ T cells was reduced in the CSE/ OVA group. CSE enhanced the dendritic cell (DC) population, especially MHCII+ DC with antigen-presenting capacity. Among ILCs, the CSE/OVA group showed a significant increase of IL-13-producing type 2 ILCs, but not interferon-γ+ ILC1s and IL-17+ ILC3s. Among macrophages, alveolar macrophage and Ym-1 and FIZZ1 positive M2 macrophage populations were significantly induced by CSE exposure alone and when combined with OVA treatment. Conclusion: In this study, we showed that long-term exposure to cigarette smoke contributes to the inception and aggravation of asthmatic inflammation by enhancing DCs, ILC2, and M2 alveolar macrophage populations in the mouse model.
Psychological, socioeconomic burdens and coping mechanisms of caregivers of children with bronchoasthma in Kakamega County, Kenya
Authors: Mwangi Lucy Ruth W. , Aduda Dickens S. Omondi , Mbagaya Catherine V.
Published: November 2023

Background: Childhood bronchoasthma consistently pose diverse caregiving burdens yet, magnitude of these and coping mechanisms adopted by caregivers are infrequently assessed during routine care only focused on index patients.
Methods: A partially mixed descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for a minimum of 408 respondents. The results were presented in form of tables and text.
Results: A total of 408 caregivers were surveyed, with a mean age of 33 years (SD=9.86). Majority (78.7%) were actual parents of whom 73.5% were married. Primary-level education was the highest attained by 64% of caregivers while those earning <10,000 KES per month were 76% with about 3 out 4 being self-employed. Significant psychological concerns include sleep disturbance on the night previous to the interview, caregivers’ concern about the child's asthma medication and side effects. Work absenteeism; reduced total annual income; lost job; discontinued child schooling and delayed family investment/cut budgets were significant social/economic burdens. Most caregivers used escape-avoidance coping mechanisms with a significant majority being involved in substance abuse (72.3%); feeling helpless or downplayed the severity of symptoms because of myths and stigma. Young age (p=0.002); being widowed (p=0.040), and being of low level of education (p<0.001) were associated with poor coping mechanisms.                                                                                                                      
Conclusions: There was considerable prevalence of psychological burden and socio-economic status among caregivers with significant majority using adversarial coping mechanisms, particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged.
Enhancing blood safety: the utility of NS-1 antigen capture ELISA for detecting acute dengue infections among blood donors during peak transmission periods and the potential to curtail dengue spread
Authors: Ravi Preethika , S. Deepa , B. S. Manjunath
Published: November 2023

Background: Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes and affects millions of people worldwide. It can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, particularly during peak transmission periods.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study which was conducted over a two-month period (June 2022 to July 2022) at a tertiary hospital blood bank. A total of 180 nonrepetitive serum samples were collected from voluntary blood donors and analyzed using the dengue NS-1 Ag Microlisa ELISA kit.
Results: Among the 180 samples two samples tested positive for the dengue virus NS-1 antigen using the NS-1 antigen capture ELISA, indicating a prevalence of acute dengue virus infection among blood donors during the peak transmission period of 1.2% (2/180).
Conclusions: The use of NS-1 antigen testing was shown to be useful for dengue virus detection. Routine screening of blood donors for dengue virus is not universally implemented in many countries, partly due to the lack of sensitive and specific screening tests. However, the use of serological tests, such as ELISA for dengue antibodies or NS-1 antigen, can effectively detect dengue virus in blood donors. Interventions made during peak transmission periods can help in curtailing the spread of dengue infections.
Gap between awareness and practices of cosmeceuticals among young adults of Panjab University
Authors: Mitali  , Walia Dinesh Kumar , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Prashar Savita
Published: November 2023

Background: Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that contain bioactive ingredients with pharmaceutical properties. These products are designed to improve skin health and appearance by providing functional benefits beyond traditional cosmetics. However, there exists a noticeable gap between the awareness of these specialized formulations and their practical application by consumers.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 171 students. The data was collected by conducting personal interviews using an interview /survey schedule designed specifically for this study. Descriptive and analytical statistics were utilized to get the necessary results.
Results: The study included 171 participants, with (24.6%) males and (75.4%) females. Notably, a high level of awareness (100%) and utilization (60.8%) was observed for essential skincare products where females tend to use cosmeceuticals more frequently. Also, the cleansers (100%), moisturizers (100%), and sunscreen (100%) were most valued and were daily incorporated into skincare routines.
Conclusions: The findings revealed the prevalence of cosmeceutical awareness and usage, with cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen being the most recognized and adopted products. However, a notable gender discrepancy in the usage of certain products suggests variations in preferences and concerns among males and females. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of cosmeceutical usage patterns, and knowledge gaps. Future efforts should focus on exploring these gaps and promoting responsible and well-informed consumer practices, ultimately fostering a healthier approach to skincare and cosmeceutical products.
A cross sectional study on knowledge, attitude, and practice of road safety measures among medical students at GIMS-Kalaburagi, Kalyana, Karnataka
Authors: Dhadave Meenakshi M. , V. K. Manjunatha , Kumar G. Ajay
Published: November 2023

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an accident is defined as an “unpremeditated event resulting in recognizable damage”. The eighth leading cause of death in the world. Most common among children and young ages. Being the young generation in the community, medical students will be able to communicate better regarding precautions related to road safety measures which helps to prevent RTA hence current study was taken. Objectives were to determine the sociodemographic profile of undergraduate medical students at GIMS Kalaburagi. To find the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards road safety measures among medical students.
Methods: Undergraduate medical students of GIMS Kalaburagi were selected as study participants. By using convenience sampling, a semi-structured, pretested questionnaire in the form of Google forms was circulated among all medical students out of which 405 responded.
Results: A total of 405 students were interviewed, among them 63.2% were males,32.1% majority belonged to phase-3 part-1 95.8% of students had 2-wheeler vehicles whereas only 40% were present with a permanent license. Knowledge about traffic signal and road safety measures were 90.4% and 85.7% respectively. Only 10.6% had a good attitude related to no use of horns in no horn zone areas. The majority 84.2% use PUC-certified vehicles whereas 83.7% always use indicators while taking turns and 77.5% always the use rear mirror while driving.
Conclusions: Road traffic accidents are avoidable by proper sense of road safety measures like wearing a helmet, wearing a seatbelt, following all traffic signal rules, avoiding drink and driving which should be encouraged, and also providing IEC and awareness programs among medical students and common people.
Tributação da renda na economia digital: ações mundiais e implementação no Brasil
Authors: Guiotti Garcia Aline , Santana Hadassah Laís de Sousa , Angelotti Meira Liziane
Published: November 2023

O propósito do presente artigo é analisar as iniciativas de tributação da renda das grandes empresas de tecnologia. Para tanto, foi  implementada pesquisa na literatura a fim de observar análises e expectativas dos governos em relação à tributação.  Este estudo aborda a situação hodierna do Sistema Tributário Brasileiro, notadamente no que diz respeito à tributação internacional da renda em comparação com outros países, considerando as diretrizes da OCDE. Apresentam-se ainda as iniciativas brasileiras que objetivam a tributação das novas tecnologias, bem como analisam-se as dificuldades de implementação das diretrizes internacionais pelo Brasil, dadas as suas peculiaridades. O tema mostrou-se bastante amplo e com possibilidades para novas pesquisas, que poderão se aprofundar na questão da conciliação do cenário internacional e do imposto digital com os desígnios soberanos brasileiros.
Visible Pancreatic Tail Pseudocyst on Abdominal Transplenic Scan
Authors: Kim Daejin , Ryu Hanjun , Kim Hyunsoo , Park Changkeun , Jung Jaekwon , Kim Jongmin , Song Jeonghoon , Kim Jeongin
Published: November 2023

Chronic pancreatitis is the end result of a continuous, prolonged, inflammatory, and fibrosing process that affects the pancreas. Pseudocyst is a common sequela of acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis. It is difficult to detect pancreatic disease on abdominal ultrasonography, especially when it is located in the pancreatic tail. A 56-year-old male visited with upper abdominal pain. We could visualize a pseudocyst on abdominal transplenic scan in the right oblique position. We confirmed a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and pseudocyst on computed tomography. Abdominal transplenic scan is useful for visualizing pancreatic tail disease.
Solitary Eosinophilic Liver Abscess Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Song Jeong Eun
Published: November 2023

A 63-year-old male patient who presented with a hypoechoic solitary nodule on abdominal ultrasound was suspected of having hepatocellular carcinoma following additional imaging examinations of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. To confirm the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, a liver tissue biopsy was conducted, and eosinophilic liver abscess was diagnosed. Eosinophilic liver abscess can present with various radiological findings and, in Korea, is not an uncommon condition. It may be beneficial to assess peripheral blood eosinophil counts before conducting additional imaging studies in cases where a solitary lesion is identified on abdominal ultrasound, as this can aid in the diagnosis.
The effects of online learning self-efficacy and attitude toward online learning in predicting academic performance: The case of online prospective mathematics teachers
Authors: Bütüner Suphi Önder , Baltacı Serdal
Published: November 2023

This study aims to discover if Online Learning Self-Efficacy (OLSE) and attitude toward online learning (AOL) significantly predict the academic performance (AP) among Turkish prospective mathematics teachers. Unlike the studies conducted in the literature, online learning self-efficacy and attitude towards online learning as predictor variables were included in the study and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The study included 1075 prospective mathematics teachers’ responses in the analysis. The Pearson correlation was employed to determine how strongly OLSE, AOL, and AP are related. Results indicated that OLSE and AOL influenced the level of AP. Also, the multiple regression aimed to predict AP based on OLSE and AOL, and this model explained 44.6% of the variance in AP. The beta weights demonstrated that OLSE and AOL (OLSE β = .36, t(1072) = 9.705, p < .001, and AOL β = .34, t(1072) = 9.176, p < .001) significantly contributed to the model. The results showed that the level of academic performance can be predicted by online learning self-efficacy and attitude toward online learning. In addition, this study revealed the factors that have favorable and adverse effects on the academic performance of prospective mathematics teachers to gain more extensive information. Under the theme of negative factors, there were 7 codes. The results obtained from the study can be a guide for practitioners, policy makers and teachers to take the necessary precautions for the effective execution of the distance education process.

Received: 4 October 2021Accepted: 27 June 2023
The early years
Authors: Ryan Paul D.
Published: November 2023

Setting up an international academic journal is no easy task. This article reviews the planning stages and the publication of the first issues of the Tuning Journal for Higher Education. The need for such a journal and its role in supporting the objectives of the Tuning Academy are outlined.
Tuning in Higher Education: Ten years on
Authors: González Ferreras Julia María , Wagenaar Robert
Published: November 2023

When the first issue of the Tuning Journal for Higher Education was published in November 2013, the Tuning initiative had become of global significance, running projects in all continents. These all focussed on curriculum reform backed up by an internationally defined approach based on the paradigm of outcome based, that is, student-centred and active learning, in addition to agreed reference points. Around the same time, the Tuning aims and objectives were extended. This reset followed societal and technical developments. More emphasis was put on social inclusions, the involvement of students, identifying relevant topics, and to the development of practical tools. Also, more attention has been given to staff development responding to the notion that the modernisation of the higher education sector as well as the reform of degree programmes proved to be rather slow and a bit disappointing. To boost the process, Tuning – very recently - developed general Qualifications Reference Frameworks for all learning cycles as well as a Guideline to use these for Quality Assurance. For five disciplinary fields it also developed transnational diagnostic tests as a means to identify shortcomings in degree programmes, pushing for change. As a result, Tuning has reinvented itself to stay highly relevant for the years to come.
Bir “Ölü Doğum” Hikâyesi: 1875 Adalet Fermanı ve Meclis-i Âlî-i İcrâât’ın Faaliyetleri
Authors: Fettahoğlu Kübra
Published: November 2023

Bu çalışmada, Sadrazam Mahmud Nedim Paşa zamanında Hersek İsyanı’nın yayılmasından sonra genel idareyi düzenlemek için ilan edilen 1875 Adalet Fermanı ve yeni kararları uygulamak için kurulan Meclis-i Âlî-i İcrâât’ın faaliyetleri ele alınmış- tır. Adalet Fermanı ile Tanzimat ve Islahat Fermanları karşılaştırılıp aradaki farklılık ve benzerlikler ortaya konulmuştur. Böylece, Tanzimat döneminin üç önemli metni olan bu fermanların, 1839-1875 yılları arasındaki süreçte bürokratik açıdan nasıl bir dönüşüm geçirdiği ve devletin uluslararası imajı bağlamında ne tür tepkiler aldığı sorgulanmıştır. Ayrıca dönem literatürüne hâkim olan, Sadrazam Mahmud Nedim Paşa’nın Rusya Sefiri Ignatyev’in etkisiyle sadece ve tek başına ülkeyi felakete götüren işler yaptığı söylemi, arşiv belgeleri, gazete ve hatırat türü kaynakların mukayeseli kullanımıyla tekrar gözden geçirilmiştir. Bu bağlamda yeni reformları uygulamak üzere Mahmud Nedim Paşa tarafından kurulan Meclis-i Âlî-i İcrâât’ın faaliyetleri de ilk defa ayrıntılı şekilde anlatılmıştır. Sonuç olarak Adalet Fermanı ve Meclis-i Âlî-i İcrâât’ın o dönemin önemli bir kurtuluş çabası sayılması ve teleoloji yapmadan yakın dönem tarihinde yeniden değerlendirilmesi gerektiği çıkarımına varılmıştır.
Reinforcement learning for finance: A review
Authors: León Nieto Diego Ismael
Published: November 2023

Este artículo ofrece una revisión exhaustiva de la aplicación del aprendizaje por refuerzo (AR) en el dominio de las finanzas, y arroja una luz sobre el innovador progreso alcanzado y los desafíos que se avecinan. Exploramos cómo el AR, un subcampo del aprendizaje automático, ha sido instrumental para resolver problemas financieros complejos al permitir procesos de toma de decisiones que optimizan las recompensas a largo plazo. El AR es una poderosa técnica de aprendizaje automático que se puede utilizar para entrenar a agentes a fin de tomar decisiones en entornos complejos. En finanzas, el AR se ha utilizado para resolver una variedad de problemas, incluyendo la ejecución óptima, la optimización de carteras, la valoración y cobertura de opciones, la creación de mercados, el enrutamiento inteligente de órdenes y el robo-asesoramiento. En este artículo revisamos los desarrollos recientes en AR para finanzas. Comenzamos proporcionando una introducción al AR y a los procesos de decisión de Markov (MDP), que es el marco matemático para el AR. Luego discutimos los diversos algoritmos de AR que se han utilizado en finanzas, con un enfoque en métodos basados en valor y políticas. También discutimos el uso de redes neuronales en AR para finanzas. Finalmente, abordamos los resultados de estudios recientes que han utilizado AR para resolver problemas financieros. Concluimos discutiendo los desafíos y las oportunidades para futuras investigaciones en AR para finanzas.
Stimulating Education about Standardization – Activities and perspectives of National Standards Bodies
Authors: Catalani Gabriel Lucas , de Vries Henk J. , Cleeland Belinda
Published: November 2023

Standardization is essential for business and society. However, many people remain unaware of this. Education about Standardization (EaS) would be one solution to increase awareness. EaS has been a topic of research for several decades. Literature suggests that National Standards Bodies (NSBs) can play a core role in stimulating EaS – but is this actually the case? This research aims to investigate what NSBs do in stimulating EaS and hear their perspectives on EaS. Based on the literature and insights from experts in the field, a survey was prepared and sent to NSBs. Next, stories behind the data were revealed during in-depth interviews with NSB experts. The results from 90 NSBs all over the world show that they believe there is a need for EaS and most of them have activities in this field. They also share insights about what should be achieved in the following years, potential solutions to reach their objectives, and the future of EaS. This article advances knowledge in the field of EaS, with a focus on the role, actions, and perspectives of NSBs. This work also provides suggestions on how NSBs can foster EaS together with other stakeholders. This is one of the first studies with a focus on NSBs in fostering EaS.
Implementing the HEVC standard in software
Authors: Lundell Björn
Published: November 2023

Implementation and use of an IT standard in software involves legal, technical and societal challenges. This paper addresses how an organisation can, and should, determine the conditions for implementation and use of the HEVC standard in software. The investigation considers the availability of the standard’s complete technical specification and the extent to which an organisation can access the information necessary to assess the licence conditions for standard essential patents impinging on the standard. Through an action case study approach the investigation analyses declarations in patent databases relevant to the standard and seeks to obtain patent licences from each declarant permitting implementation of the standard in software, where that software is to be provided under one (or several) of three specific open source software licences, and alternatively to be provided as an online service. Our analysis of legal and licensing conditions for use of the standard shows significant obstacles. We find that it is impossible to obtain licences from patent holders that would allow for implementation and use of the standard in open source software. The paper illuminates significant challenges related to conditions for use of the standard under (F)RAND terms and identifies that references to the standard in public procurement projects lead to anti-competitive effects.
Linking constraints in idea generation theory with standardisation in product and service innovation
Authors: Navarro Gonzalez Ivan
Published: November 2023

From the literature it is known that standards may positively impact innovation, but how? This paper focuses on the role of standards in the creativity part of the innovation process. Standards put constraints, and this might hinder creativity. Applying the theory of constraints, it is argued that the opposite can be the case: standards may stimulate creativity. Standards may set input constraints, process constraints or output constraints, and may influence innovation via different routes: the motivational route, the cognitive route and the social route. Standards can be both internal standards, defined by the company itself, and external standards. These may apply both to products and to services. Current literature tends to focus on output constraints only: by providing requirements for products or services, standards steer the creativity in the preferred direction and may trigger the development of solutions that meet the requirements. But standards may provide input and process constraints as well. In the product case this can be understood using the concepts of component commonality, platforms, modularity and postponement. For services, standards may apply to, for instance, service delivery, service results, precautions, and ethical codes for employees. But also for services modularity may apply: services can be assembled in service packages.
Civic participation in Paweł Starosta’s research
Authors: Murawska Agnieszka , Marks-Krzyszkowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2023

Research on the condition of democracy in post-socialist countries focuses primarily on issues of civic participation. This article, which provides an analytical overview, presents civic participation in light of the achievements of Professor Paweł Starosta. The text has the character of an analytical overview study. Particular attention is focused on the social context, the aims and directions of the research, the definition and determinants of public participation, and the main results of the observations made by Starosta. Starosta’s contribution, visible in the analysed works, extends the perception of public participation beyond the behavioural dimension and constructs theoretical concepts to explain political involvement based on the criterion of subjectivity. It also distinguishes ideal types of political involvement at the local level. In conclusion, Starosta’s research has considerable application potential in the context of the methods used to measure and explain participation at the local level. The comparative value may be particularly useful for researchers of local systems, especially rural systems (rural studies), who come from various scientific disciplines, including political sociology, rural or urban sociology, and socio-political geography.
Fajbuś Opatowski – szadkowski kupiec i człowiek sukcesu z początku XIX wieku
Authors: Marszał Tadeusz
Published: November 2023

Pierwsza połowa XIX wieku to okres szybkiego rozwoju gospodarczego na ziemiach polskich, stwarzającego duże możliwości poprawy bytu tak całych społeczności lokalnych, jak i pojedynczych osób. Postacią, która odniosła sukces w wymiarze ekonomicznym, jest szadkowski mieszczanin wyznania mojżeszowego, Fajbuś Opatowski – osoba z inicjatywą, przedsiębiorcza, innowacyjna i niebojąca się podejmowania ryzyka. Początkowo prowadził interesy w rodzinnym Szadku, zajmując się handlem (głównie solą). Z czasem poszerzał zakres działalności, aby ostatecznie skoncentrować się na handlu wełną i suknem. F. Opatowski utrzymywał szerokie kontakty z coraz liczniejszą grupą zduńskowolskich sukienników. Organizował produkcję sukna w systemie nakładczym – zaopatrywał tkaczy w wełnę i odbierał od nich wyprodukowaną tkaninę. W połowie lat 20. przeniósł się z rodzinnego Szadku do szybko rozwijającej się Zduńskiej Woli. Wkrótce stał się największym przedsiębiorcą handlującym wyrobami włókienniczymi w powiecie szadkowskim i dorobił się dużego majątku.
Szadkowianie w powstaniu styczniowym
Authors: Rodziewicz Piotr Hubert
Published: November 2023

Bieżący rok stanowi 160 rocznicę wybuchu powstania styczniowego: największego, pod względem zasięgu i czasu trwania zrywu narodowego. Autor, na podstawie źródeł archiwalnych, podjął się próby przedstawienia życiorysów dwóch żołnierzy powstania, urodzonych w Szadku. Czytając artykuł, można przenieść się w czasie, chociaż przez chwilę poczuć dramat oraz grozę powstania styczniowego.
Jak zostaje się osobą z internetu? Twórcy internetowi w perspektywie (technologicznej) koncepcji pokoleń
Authors: Dopierała Renata
Published: November 2023

W artykule przedstawiono, w jaki sposób przebiegało kształtowanie się twórców internetowych, czyli osób zajmujących się wytwarzaniem autorskich treści zamieszczanych w mediach społecznościowych, na stronach internetowych itp. Rozpatrując uwarunkowania indywidualne i społeczne tego procesu, szczególną rolę przypisano kontekstowi technologiczno-medialnemu, znacząco wpływającemu na ich dorastanie oraz tworzenie. Jako ramę teoretyczną wykorzystano koncepcję sieciowych imigrantów/tubylców, a rozważania oparto na sześciu autobiograficznych wywiadach narracyjnych z twórcami internetowymi reprezentującymi zróżnicowane obszary zainteresowań. Ich analiza dowiodła, że doświadczenia z technologiami informacyjno-komunikacyjnymi „nie mieszczą się” w proponowanej typologii, gdyż narratorzy stosują zindywidualizowane strategie uczenia się ich oraz ich użytkowania.
Pamiątkowe żetony z Uniejowa
Authors: Czyżewski Bartłomiej
Published: November 2023

Na przestrzeni wieków w Uniejowie nigdy nie działała żadna mennica, nie doszło także do produkcji miejscowego pieniądza zastępczego. Dopiero w XXI w. pojawiły się w Uniejowie pamiątkowe żetony. Pierwsze uniejowskie numizmaty zostały wybite w 2006 r., a ostatnie pochodzą z 2019 r. W ciągu tych 13 lat mieszkańcy Uniejowa, turyści oraz kolekcjonerzy mogli zgromadzić aż 10 uniejowskich numizmatów.