bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representasi "Melayu Baharu": Kajian terhadap Filem Terpilih Arahan Rahim Razali
Authors: Md. Zin Zulhairi
Published: February 2025

Filem merupakan medium terbaik sebagai perakam sejarah atau latar masa sesebuah masyarakat atau negara. Era 80-an menyaksikan pengarah Rahim Razali sebagai salah seorang figura cendekiawan seni kontemporari tempatan yang menggunakan latar ideologi pembangunan negara khususnya kepada Melayu dan mengangkat realisme sosiobudaya dan politik bangsa sebagai tema dalam filem-filemnya. Pembentukan identiti Konsep Melayu Baharu melalui Dasar Ekonomi Baru (DEB) dan Dasar Bersih, Cekap dan Amanah (BCA) menjadi tema naratif filem-filem beliau. Oleh itu, kajian ini akan menganalisis representasi wajah Melayu Baharu yang lahir hasil daripada implikasi pelaksanaan DEB dan BCA menerusi filem Abang (1981) dan Matinya Seorang Patriot (1984). Kajian ini menggunakan analisis kandungan kualitatif untuk mengupayakan operasi analisis wacana kritis dan analisis pembingkaian terhadap kedua-dua buah filem tersebut. Dapatan analisis menunjukkan bahawa filem Abang adalah signifikan sebagai perakam sosial, politik dan budaya masyarakat Melayu kesan daripada proses modenisasi masyarakat Melayu yang terbentuk daripada implikasi perlaksanaan DEB pada ketika itu. Sutradara Rahim Razali turut mengemukakan pertentangan antara amanah dan korupsi di dalam dunia korporat Melayu dalam Matinya Seorang Patriot. Kesimpulannya, kajian ini mendapati bahawa Rahim Razali telah menjalankan tanggungjawabnya kepada masyarakat dengan menyampaikan ideologi dominan dan kritikan dari segi sosial, sosio ekonomi dan sosio politik dalam usaha memberi pencerahan kepada penonton tanpa menghidangkan filem yang berlandaskan hiburan semata-mata.
Dynamic Carpool Matching for Employees: Leveraging Telematics and User Preferences
Authors: Psaraftis Konstantinos , Ntalianis Klimis , Mastorakis Nikos
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a carpool matching framework designed to optimize the formation of efficient and feasible carpool groups. The framework incorporates various factors, including schedule compatibility, geographic proximity and user preferences such as cost savings, safety, and eco-friendliness, along with telematics data. Our approach dynamically forms carpool groups while allowing users to assign weights to specific criteria, ensuring that individual preferences are reflected in the final groupings. The experiments evaluate the framework’s performance across multiple dimensions: computational efficiency, scalability, and group quality. A synthetic dataset was generated to simulate urban commuting scenarios, incorporating employee home and work locations, work schedules, preferences, vehicle capacities, and driving behaviors. Execution time analysis demonstrates that the framework scales well, with acceptable computation times even for large datasets. We also assess the framework’s ability to form feasible carpool groups that meet logistical constraints and align with user preferences. Results indicate that the proposed framework significantly outperforms baseline methods, such as random matching and geographic proximity-based matching, in terms of feasibility rate, matching rate, and user satisfaction. This study demonstrates the potential of the carpool matching framework to support user-satisfying and sustainable carpooling solutions in large urban environments, while also providing insights into optimization areas for future work.
Re-vitalizing VET and Continuing Education through Best Practices: The Albanian Case
Authors: Jaupaj Artur , Shumeli Arjan
Published: February 2025

Recent studies related to education, training, and employment in Albania argue about the skills gap about the main sectors of the Albanian economy as the former basis of the once-centralized economy, i.e., Vocational Education Training (VET) and Continuing Education (CE) lost their momentum and eventually collapsed due to the eventual failure of industrial production in the early 1990s. Nevertheless, thanks to concerted efforts over the past two decades on the part of international donors and governmental initiatives, VET and CE are projected to play an important role in the economic development of the country amidst various challenges ranging from funding, certification, market relevance to the legal framework, to name a few. This paper intends to first provide a short description of the current situation about VET and CE and, then, promote theoretical models such as the application of Post-Secondary VETs and the creation of a National VET Fund and a VET levy as well as the analysis of two successful cases studies: Murialdo Social Center-Fier and Skills for Jobs (S4J). It further concludes by highlighting the importance of such successful models in a knowledge-based economy, thus filling the current skills gap and securing sustainable economic growth.
Replicating Europe’s Normative Power: Challenges and Pathways for South Asia's Regional Integration
Authors: Adeel Kazmi
Published: February 2025

European nations attained stability and integration by overcoming a turbulent history marked by deeply entrenched conflicts and the profound devastation of two world wars.  Europe has evolved into a ‘normative power’ and the European Union into a ‘community of practice’ by overcoming statism and establishing responsive institutions and systems of accountability. Europe’s transformation reflects the practical application of normative principles. In contrast, South Asia grapples with political instability and geo-strategic challenges that impede regional integration. This paper identifies the key obstacles to political connectivity and adopting normative practices in South Asia. It further explores potential pathways, enabling the region to draw lessons from Europe’s experience and develop into a community of practice and a normative power.
Reevaluating Conventional Strategies: Harnessing Traditional Structures to Counter Violent Extremism in Pakistan
Authors: Sardar Jehanzaib Ghalib
Published: February 2025

Civil-military relations constitute a complex area of international relations through the interaction of military institutions, civil society, and other governmental bureaucracies. Civil-military relations investigate the dynamics of engagement between the military and the general public, as well as the obligation of society to scrutinize the foreign and military strategies of the government. Traditional structures, including informal associations, ethical standards, and communal conventions, have played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s efforts to quell violent insurgencies. These structures have substantially contributed to effectively eliminating extremist ideologies in cooperation with the military. The article explores the significance of a collaborative partnership between traditional structures and military organizations in combating insurgency and, ultimately, successfully eliminating terrorism. Three fundamental groups compose the traditional political system in Pakistan: the Jirga, the Lashkar, and the Clergy. Since 2012, this structure has been employed by the military across multiple tiers to suppress insurgencies, predominantly in the FATA, Swat region, Dir, and other districts where the authority of the state is at risk. The strategic alliance between the military and traditional structures is critical for combating insurgency.
Analyzing Psychological Operations: A Case Study of Indo-Pak Hostility (2010-2024)
Authors: Jannat Naseeb
Published: February 2025

Psychological manipulation refers to the strategic effort to influence and alter the attitudes and behaviors of a target audience. This study examines India's use of Psychological Operations (PSYOP) and information warfare since 1947, highlighting how these tactics have jeopardized Pakistan’s sovereignty, national security, and international reputation. Framed through the lens of neo-imperialism, the research evaluates India’s intelligence and cyberspace operations, which have employed persuasive techniques to influence Pakistan’s decision-making, including its nuclear program, during critical incidents. The study identifies diverse methods used by Indian nationalist movements and propaganda campaigns to manipulate international perceptions of Pakistan. These include media and publications, support for separatist movements, counter-propaganda initiatives, and deception operations—all aimed at undermining Pakistan’s global image and influencing the international community. The findings emphasize that exploiting an adversary’s vulnerabilities is central to the success of PSYOP campaigns. India’s strategic use of these tactics underscores the effectiveness of psychological operations in achieving targeted outcomes. The study’s results have significant implications for understanding the mechanisms underpinning PSYOP and provide a foundation for assessing current and future PSYOP capabilities in South Asia. Overall, this research offers valuable insights into the efficacy of PSYOP in influencing audiences and contributes to the broader understanding of persuasion theory in the context of modern information warfare and national security.
The Conflict in Mali: Causes, Actors, and Challenges
Authors: Wardah Shahid
Published: February 2025

The Republic of Mali, a resource-rich yet conflict-ridden nation in the Sahel, has faced persistent instability since its independence in 1960. Characterized by ethnic diversity, Mali has been plagued by poor governance, armed insurgencies, religious extremism, and climate hazards, ranking 154th in the 2024 Global Peace Index. Historical grievances, particularly among the Tuareg in the north, have fueled recurrent violence, exacerbated by the involvement of jihadist groups like Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and foreign actors such as France, the UN, and Russia’s Wagner Group. Despite international interventions, including peace agreements and counterterrorism efforts, Mali remains trapped in a cycle of violence, with severe humanitarian consequences: millions face food insecurity, displacement, and human rights abuses. This essay examines the interconnected roles of local, regional, and international stakeholders in perpetuating the conflict, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to address root causes, rebuild governance, and foster sustainable peace through coordinated humanitarian, security, and developmental efforts.
The influence of norms of sowing seeds and rates on grain yield in combination sowing of forage crops
Authors:   Doctor of agricultural sciences, professor, Tashkent State Agrarian University, Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdumannobovich Iminov Abduvali
Published: February 2025

The article presents data on the effect of seeding rates and ratios on grain yield when intercropping vetch, barley, and triticale in the conditions of pasture gray soils of the Andijan region. Intercropping triticale with vetch provided a higher grain yield of 6.1-9.7 q/ha compared to the option planted alone, intercropping barley with vetch provided a higher grain yield of 4.0-7.1 q/ha compared to the option planted alone, and intercropping vetch with barley provided a higher grain yield of 3.1-5.4 q/ha compared to the option planted alone.
Activities of educational system in Turkestan during Russian empire
Authors:   Doctoral student (DSc) of Bukhara State University, Uzbekistan, Buriyev Zavkiddin
Published: February 2025

This article examines the influence and significance of schools and educational institutions established during the Russian Empire’s occupation on the development of Uzbekistan’s education system, based on historical evidence. In the introduction, the challenges arising during the Russian Empire's conquest of Central Asia and the resulting need for a structured education system are analyzed. A comparative analysis approach was applied in evaluating the sources.

The study investigates the issue using a chronological sequence, comparative analysis, and regional approach, drawing on archival materials from the republic and regional archives. Specifically, the study focuses on the provinces of the Turkestan General-Governorship, with the Caspian region serving as a primary example.

In conclusion, the article discusses the impact of the Turkestan General-Governorship’s education system on the current education system, offering solutions to the challenges that emerged as a result of this historical influence.
Improving the self-sufficiency of English teachers in learning trough metacognitive strategies
Authors:   Senior teacher, Tashkent Pediatric medical institute, Uzbekistan, Shorasulovna Latipova Dilnoza
Published: February 2025

The effect of metacognitive techniques on improving English instructors' capacity for independent learning is examined in this paper. The study presents a paradigm that incorporates metacognitive strategies including self-regulation, reflection, and strategic planning in recognition of the critical role that self-directed learning plays in professional development. A mixed-methods approach was used, using qualitative interviews to acquire a deeper understanding of instructors' experiences and quantitative surveys to evaluate changes in autonomous learning habits. The application of metacognitive techniques considerably enhanced teachers' capacity to assess their own learning processes, establish reasonable objectives, and modify their pedagogical approaches, according to the results.
Opportunities for Developing the Activities of Institutional Investors in The Bond Market
Authors:   Associate Professor, Tashkent State University of Economics, Uzbekistan, Nasrullayevich Xasanov Xayrullo
Published: February 2025

This scientific article describes the role and importance of institutional investors in developing the capital market of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The dynamics of the development of the corporate bond market are analyzed. Practical data on corporate bonds placed by institutional investors, their interest rates, nominal value and maturity dates are analyzed. Conclusions are presented on ensuring macroeconomic stability through developing the bond market in Uzbekistan.
The Pedagogical Characteristics of Implementing Problem-Based Learning Technologies in Teaching English Methodology
Authors:   PhD student at Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute, Uzbekistan, Ravshanovna Bakhronova Zulfiya
Published: February 2025

This article theoretically analyzes the formation, pedagogical characteristics, and components of problem-based learning technology. And the article discusses methodologies for effectively applying problem-based learning technologies in the process of teaching English.
Instructing Beyond Verbal Communication: Integrating Sociolinguistic Proficiency in Language Education
Authors:   PhD student, Uzbek State World Languages University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, qizi Ra’no Solikhova Qahramon
Published: February 2025

The main priority of language education is linguistic competence, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation –the primary building blocks of interaction. However, effective interaction goes beyond these aspects, including sociocultural and pragmatic elements of language usage. This research paper investigates key aspects of sociolinguistic proficiency within language education, underscoring its significance for successful intercultural interaction. Furthermore, sociolinguistic proficiency entails the capability to make language that relates to cultural anticipations, such as politeness strategies, conversational norms, as well as nonverbal clues. Analyzing pedagogical theoriesand practical implementations in classrooms showing approaches for combining sociolinguistic awareness into language instruction. The outcomes highlight the necessity for a balanced curriculum, which deals with linguistic and sociolinguistic competencies to equip students to guide various cultural norms, enhancing interactive success in a global context. Additionally, this research paper deals with the importance of sociolinguistic competence within language education, as well as the methodologies that maybe combined into an instructing process. Then, it contributes to the continuous organization of holistic language teaching methods, which train students for authentic interaction through directing theoretical and practical reflections.
Analisis Klasifikasi UKT Mahasiswa Berdasarkan Tingkat Penghasilan Orang Tua Menggunakan Algoritma C4.5
Authors: Wulan Nadia Nursafitri  , Naufal Shabir Ramadhan
Published: February 2025

UKT (Single Tuition Fee) is a payment system for State University tuition fees where each PTN has its own regulations. To make it easier for PTNs to determine UKT prices, a data cluster technique called classification is needed. Classification is a systematic arrangement into groups or groups according to established rules or standards. With classification, it will make it easier for PTNs to know how data should be grouped so that they can get a fairly relative picture of students' socio-economic conditions. In the research conducted, the data mining classification algorithm used was the c4.5 algorithm. This algorithm is a classification of data with a relatively large number of attributes. To prove the effectiveness of the c4.5 algorithm, a classification validation test was carried out. The research results show that the c4.5 algorithm can classify students into groups with appropriate UKT based on the characteristics of their parents' income. This shows that the c4.5 algorithm can be used to make it easier for PTNs to determine UKT prices. Apart from that, the results of this research can also help in efforts to increase the accessibility of higher education for students from various economic backgrounds.
ABSTRAK
UKT (Biaya Pendidikan Tunggal) merupakan sistem pembayaran biaya pendidikan perguruan tinggi negeri dan setiap PTN mempunyai peraturan tersendiri. Untuk membantu PTN dalam menentukan harga UKT diperlukan suatu teknik clustering data yang disebut klasifikasi. Klasifikasi adalah pengelompokan sesuatu secara sistematis ke dalam kelompok atau kelas menurut aturan atau kriteria yang telah ditetapkan. Kategorisasi membantu PTN memahami cara mengelompokkan data dan memberikan pemahaman relatif mengenai status sosial ekonomi siswa. Penelitian yang dilakukan menggunakan algoritma c4.5 sebagai algoritma klasifikasi data mining. Algoritma ini mengklasifikasikan data dengan jumlah atribut yang relatif banyak. Uji validasi klasifikasi dilakukan untuk menunjukkan efektivitas algoritma c4.5. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa algoritma c4.5 mampu mengelompokkan siswa ke dalam kelompok dengan UKT yang sesuai berdasarkan karakteristik pendapatan orang tuanya. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa dengan menggunakan algoritma c4.5, PTN dapat dengan mudah mengetahui harga UKT. Lebih lanjut, hasil penelitian ini juga akan membantu meningkatkan akses terhadap pendidikan tinggi bagi siswa dari latar belakang ekonomi yang berbeda.
Penerapan SDLC Agile dalam Pembuatan SIRUMA (Sistem Informasi Rumah Makan)
Authors: Ganjarrintana Adrian Ramadhan , Fitriawati  , Adi Ivani Yusuf  , Vernanda Dwi , Herdiawan Tri
Published: February 2025

Rumah Makan pada umumnya saat ini masih menggunakan pemesanan secara manual dengan menggunakan kertas dan masih banyak terjadi kesalahan yang tumpang tindih, baik saat melakukan pemesanan maupun saat pembayaran seperti salah saat pencatatan menu atau saat perhitungan total yang harus di bayar. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengembangkan sistem informasi yang dapat memberikan kemudahan dalam proses reservasi atau pemesanan tempat di rumah makan, yang cepat, efisien, dan mudah digunakan oleh pelanggan. Metodologi yang digunakan adalah Agile, yaitu metodologi populer dalam pengembangan perangkat lunak karena fleksibilitas dan efisiensinya. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan iteratif dan inkremental, Agile memungkinkan tim pengembangan untuk merespon kebutuhan dan perubahan proyek dengan cepat. Hasil penelitian Pembuatan SIRUMA (Sistem Informasi Rumah Makan) diharapkan dapat mendukung kerja seluruh pegawai dan manajer Rumah Makan dengan memberikan informasi yang diperlukan, sehingga dapat memberikan pelayanan kepada pelanggan dengan lebih baik, serta mengatasi kesalahan yang terjadi sebelumnya.
Validitas Instrumen Soal Literasi Sains pada Konteks Batik Madura Materi Unsur, Senyawa, dan Campuran
Authors: Darmawati Vita Dwi , Wulandari Ana Yuniasti Retno , Putra Dwi Bagus Rendy Astid , Sulastri Endang
Published: February 2025

Mengukur literasi sains penting dilakukan untuk menilai pencapaian peserta didik terhadap pemahaman konsep sains yang dipelajarinya. Tingkat literasi sains peserta didik Indonesia berdasarkan hasil skor PISA 2022 mengindikasikan masih rendah.  Pengintegrasikan kearifan lokal, seperti batik Madura ke dalam instrumen soal literasi sains merupakan langkah tepat menangani permasalahan tersebut. Aspek literasi sains yang diukur adalah kompetesi, mencakup indikator menjelaskan fenomena ilmiah, mengevaluasi dan merancang penyelidikan imiah, serta menafsirkan data dan bukti ilmiah. Salah satu materi IPA yang cukup sulit bagi peserta didik adalah unsur, senyawa, dan campuran. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu menghasilkan produk instrumen soal literasi sains pada konteks batik Madura materi unsur, senyawa, dan campuran yang valid serta mengetahui respons peserta didik pada produk yang dikembangkan. Penelitian ini mengadopsi model pengembangan ADDIE, yaitu analisis, desain, pengembangan, implementasi, dan evaluasi. Namun, penelitian ini tidak melalui tahap implementasi. Instrumen soal divalidasi oleh ahli materi, yaitu dua dosen IPA dan dua guru IPA, kemudian produk diujicobakan. Hasil rata-rata validasi dengan rumus Aiken's V adalah 0,87 yang menunjukkan instrumen termasuk dalam kriteria valid. Angket respons peserta didik pada uji coba one to one memperoleh hasil 84% kriteria sangat baik, sedangkan pada uji coba small group memperoleh hasil 80% kriteria sangat baik. Saran untuk penelitian selanjutnya adalah penelitian dilengkapi dengan tahap implementasi dalam pembelajaran di kelas, sehingga benar-benar terbukti dapat mengukur tingkat literasi sains peserta didik.
Methodological Accounting of the Ecosystem Services Benefits of Community-based Restoration
Authors: Baral Sony , Regmi Aayoush Raj , Joshi Khagendra P. , Atreya Kishor
Published: February 2025

Ecosystem services are important for human well-being; yet, their valuation poses significant challenges, particularly in the context of benefit–cost analyses (BCA) for ecosystem restoration. This is because most ecosystem services are not bought or sold directly on the market. This study systematically reviews the cost and benefit parameters used in BCA and highlights the limitations in accounting for the social benefits of community-based forest restoration programmes. Of a total of 500 research articles, 41 met our inclusion criteria, with only 11 focusing on community-managed projects. The analysis reveals that transaction costs are often underrepresented, while timber resources and carbon sequestration are prioritized. Common valuation methods include the direct market price approach (46%) and benefit transfer (63%). The economic analysis shows a higher median benefit–cost ratio for general forest management projects (2.24) compared to community-managed programmes (1.65). These findings underscore the need to refine BCA variables and enhance economic efficiency in community forest restoration efforts.
Prevalence of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Among Male Bodybuilders
Authors: Javed Anam , Tariq Saad , Qurat-ul-Ain  , Naeem Maria , Bukhari Syeda Ayyma , Khan Daulat
Published: February 2025

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of shoulder impingement syndrome among bodybuilders.
Study design: It was a Cross-Sectional Study.
Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at the selected gymnasiums of Islamabad (Power Hub Gym, Get Fit Gym, and Ishaq Gym) from July  to November 2023.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on male bodybuilders with ages ranging from 21-45 years. The consent was taken from each participant prior to the study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which included Demographics, a Visual analog scale, Hawkins Kennedy Test, Neer’s Impingement test, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and individual risk factors related to bodybuilders. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Results: Statistical data showed that 68% of total participants had positive Hawkins-Kennedy and Neer’s Impingement test , 52% of participants had moderate pain, 24% had mild pain, and a similar percentage had no pain. In terms of disability, 52% experienced moderate disability 48% had mild disability. 52% of subjects who use to have shoulder workout two to four days a week had positive results on the Hawkins-Kennedy test.
Conclusion: The present study concludes that shoulder impingement syndrome is prevalent among bodybuilders with functional limitations as well which affect their quality of life.
Otra forma de conocer la infestaci�n por broca en un cafetal
Authors:   Centro Nacional de Investigaciones de Caf�
Published: February 2025

Para realizar la evaluaci�n de la manifestaci�n de broca en un cafetal tiene como diferencia b�sica que los frutos de las ramas no se cuentan sino que se cosechan y luego se traen fuera del cafetal.
Gumibot és razzia. A szocialista rendőrség és a szegénység felügyelete
Authors: Horváth Sándor
Published: February 2025

Analyzing police reports, the author provides on overview of the rhetoric used by the police in controlling public places in general and targeting beggars and poverty in particular.
A terrorizmus és az iszlám
Authors: Sárkány István
Published: February 2025

Analyzing the Hungarian National Security Strategy, the author scrutinizes how Muslim religion can be approached from a law enforcement perspective.
University Students’ Expectations of their Lecturers’ Support Regarding Extensive Reading – A Case Study of first-year English major students at a South African University
Authors: Cekiso Madoda , Olifant Florence
Published: February 2025

Despite the importance of extensive reading in higher education, limited research has explored university students’ expectations of their lecturers’ support in this area. This qualitative case study investigated the expectations of 65 first-year English Majors students at a South African university regarding their lecturers’ support for extensive reading. The respondents were purposively selected and open-ended questionnaires were used to collect data, which was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that students expected lecturers to provide guidance on digital reading, encourage reading groups, improve access to diverse reading materials, consider students’ reading interests, expose them to newspapers and magazines, and promote the use of social networks for extensive reading. The study highlights the importance of considering students’ perspectives in shaping reading instruction pedagogy and offers practical implications for lecturers to effectively support and facilitate extensive reading.

Keywords: Extensive Reading, University Students, Lecturers’ Support, Reading Instruction, Student Expectations
Implementation of Blended Learning in Southern African Marginalised Higher Education Eclectic Contexts
Authors: Muhuro Patricia , Kang’ethe Simon Murote
Published: February 2025

Unequivocally, even though blended learning is lauded for being useful in enhancing online and face-to-face learning in institutions of higher learning, little attention has been paid to interrogating its implementation in marginalised higher education contexts. Marginalised contexts include slums, rural areas, remote locations, and zones characterised by resource limitations. If contextual realities are not well considered in such settings, the implementation of blended learning may result in more marginalisation and digital exclusion. This paper therefore explored the implementation of blended learning in Southern African marginalized eclectic contexts. The study adopted the digital inclusion framework by Helsper using constructs of access, proficiency, and opportunity. The study employed a literature review method using 20 relevant studies extracted from major databases. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that blended learning can be implemented successfully when: policies are blended-learning friendly, resources are robustly usable and accessible, capacity building to facilitate functional blended learning proficiencies and curriculum design are instituted, and delivery facilitates digital inclusion. The study will be of benefit to academics, administrators, and policymakers who are looking for ways to increase blended learning delivery in their spaces.

Keywords: Digital inclusion, digital divide, marginalized contexts, blended learning
Taxi Violence in South Africa: A Review of Literature and Critical Analysis
Authors: Modipa Mmakwena
Published: February 2025

The taxi industry plays an important role in society by transporting commuters from point A to point B daily. This industry contributes to the economic growth of South Africa. However, it is faced with challenges of violence where taxi associations fight amongst each other due to profitable routes and other factors. Taxi operators, commuters, and community members lose their lives due to this infighting between rival taxi associations. To address taxi violence, law enforcement agencies, taxi associations and all major stakeholders need to execute their functions by ensuring that commuters and community members are safe in the taxi environment. The inability of law enforcement agencies to combat taxi violence is a major problem in South Africa and more should be done to counteract it. This study therefore set out analyse the causes of taxi violence in South Africa. This qualitative article adopted the non-empirical research design: Systematic review. This study was conducted using purely secondary data. A systematic review was done in detail for the collected literature. Key findings indicated that law enforcement agencies are unable to deal with the scourge of taxi violence in South Africa. The findings further revealed that the deregulation of the taxi industry is the cause of taxi violence in South Africa. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made. It is recommended that law enforcement agencies should be equipped with resources to combat taxi violence in South Africa. The Department of Transport should regulate the taxi industry and fortify partnerships in the taxi industry.

Keywords: Taxi Violence, Law Enforcement Agencies, Commuters, Deregulation, South Africa.
A Refined Astrometric Approach Based on the Precision Premium and its Application to the Jupiter’s Satellite Himalia
Authors: Zheng Z. J. , Peng Q. Y. , Lin F. R. , Li D.
Published: February 2025

Since the advent of Gaia catalog, positional precision of a ground-based telescope can be greatly improved by correction of more subtle errors, including positional biases induced by atmospheric turbulence, and some instrumental factors such as geometric distortion and the charge transfer efficiency. In our previous work, the correlation of positional precision as a function of two objects’ separation is studied and found to be effectively modeled by a sigmoidal function, which provides a good description of this rule. Based on our understanding of the physics of the precision premium, we further refine the astrometric approach in this paper, which determines a target's position in a small region through a weighting scheme. Based on the reductions of the observations of several open clusters and Himalia, Jupiter's largest irregular satellite, the refined approach has demonstrated substantial improvements in positional precision, particularly in scenarios where a sufficient number of reference stars are present in dense fields. We suspect that the contributing factor might be the refined approach's ability to mitigate not only turbulence effects but instrumental effects as well, prevalent among closely spaced star images, given that the approach focuses on localized measurements within a confined area.
Hydrogen Cyanide in Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) from 3.4 mm Wave Spectra
Authors: Li Juncen , Shi Jianchun , Ma Yuehua , Sun Jixian
Published: February 2025

The composition inside a comet nuclear can be detected through the molecular rotational emission lines at millimeter or submillimeter wavelengths. We observed a long-period comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) using the Purple Mountain Observatory 13.7 m radio telescope at 3.4 mm during mid January and early February in 2023. From the observed spectra, the hydrogen cyanide (HCN)(J = 1–0) spectra lines was detected. The mean production rate of HCN is (8.30 ± 1.14) × 1025 molec. ​s−1 in mid January and (3.91 ± 0.84) × 1025 molec. ​​​s−1 in early February. we also estimated the upper limit of the production rate of HCO+. We obtained the abundance of HCN relative to water, (0.13 ± 0.02)% in mid January when C/2022 E3 (ZTF) got close to the Sun at 1.11 au, and (0.13 ± 0.03)% in early February at 1.16 au. Our conclusion leans toward E3 being similar to most comets, with the abundance of HCN remaining stable during our two observation periods.
Study of Long-term Spectral Evolution and X-Ray and γ-Ray Correlation of Blazars Seen by HAWC
Authors: Alfaro R. , Alvarez C. , Andrés A. , Arteaga-Velázquez J.C. , Avila Rojas D. , Ayala Solares H.A. , Babu R. , Belmont-Moreno E. , Bernal A. , Caballero-Mora K.S. , Capistrán T. , Carramiñana A. , Carreón F. , Casanova S. , Cotti U. , Cotzomi J. , Coutiño de León S. , De la Fuente E. , Depaoli D. , Di Lalla N. , Diaz Hernandez R. , Dingus B.L. , DuVernois M.A. , Durocher M. , Díaz-Vélez J.C. , Engel K. , Espinoza C. , Fan K.L. , Fraija N. , Fraija S. , García-González J.A. , Garfias F. , Gonzalez Muñoz A. , González M.M. , Goodman J.A. , Groetsch S. , Harding J.P. , Hernández-Cadena S. , Herzog I. , Huang D. , Hueyotl-Zahuantitla F. , Iriarte A. , Joshi V. , Kaufmann S. , Kieda D. , Lara A. , Lee W.H. , Lee J. , León Vargas H. , Linnemann J.T. , Longinotti A.L. , Luis-Raya G. , Malone K. , Martinez O. , Martinez-Castellanos I. , Martínez-Castro J. , Matthews J.A. , Miranda-Romagnoli P. , Montes J.A. , Moreno E. , Mostafá M. , Nayerhoda A. , Nellen L. , Nisa M.U. , Noriega-Papaqui R. , Omodei N. , Osorio M. , Pérez Araujo Y. , Pérez-Pérez E.G. , Rho C.D. , Rosa-González D. , Ruiz-Velasco E. , Salazar H. , Salazar-Gallegos D. , Sandoval A. , Schneider M. , Serna-Franco J. , Smith A.J. , Son Y. , Springer R.W. , Tibolla O. , Tollefson K. , Torres I. , Torres-Escobedo R. , Turner R. , Ureña-Mena F. , Varela E. , Villaseñor L. , Wang X. , Watson I.J. , Whitaker K. , Willox E. , Yun-Cárcamo S. , Zhou H. , de León C. ,   HAWC collaboration, Falcone Abraham D. , Hancock Fredric
Published: February 2025

The HAWC Observatory collected 6 yr of extensive data, providing an ideal platform for long-term monitoring of blazars in the very high energy (VHE) band, without bias toward specific flux states. HAWC continuously monitors blazar activity at TeV energies, focusing on sources with a redshift of z ≤ 0.3, based on the Third Fermi-LAT Catalog of High-Energy sources. We specifically focused our analysis on Mrk 421 and Mrk 501, as they are the brightest blazars observed by the HAWC Observatory. With a data set of 2143 days, this work significantly extends the monitoring previously published, which was based on 511 days of observation. By utilizing HAWC data for the VHE γ-ray emission in the 300 GeV–100 TeV energy range, in conjunction with Swift-XRT data for the 0.3–10 keV X-ray emission, we aim to explore potential correlations between these two bands. For Mrk 501, we found evidence of a long-term correlation. Additionally, we identified a period in the light curve where the flux was very low for more than 2 yr. On the other hand, our analysis of Mrk 421 measured a strong linear correlation for quasi-simultaneous observations collected by HAWC and Swift-XRT. This result is consistent with a linear dependence and a multiple-zone synchrotron self-Compton model to explain the X-ray and γ-ray emission. Finally, as suggested by previous findings, we confirm a harder-when-brighter behavior in the spectral evolution of the flux properties for Mrk 421. These findings contribute to the understanding of blazar emissions and their underlying mechanisms.
Baryon Pasting the Uchuu Light-cone Simulation
Authors: Lau Erwin T. , Nagai Daisuke , Farahi Arya , Ishiyama Tomoaki , Miyatake Hironao , Osato Ken , Shirasaki Masato
Published: February 2025

We present the Baryon Pasted (BP) X-ray and thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (tSZ) maps derived from the half-sky Uchuu light-cone simulation. These BP-Uchuu maps are constructed using more than 75 million dark matter halos with masses M
500c
≥ 1013
M
⊙ within the redshift range 0 ≤ z ≤ 2. A distinctive feature of our BP-Uchuu light-cone maps is their capability to assess the influence of both extrinsic and intrinsic scatter caused by triaxial gaseous halos and internal gas characteristics, respectively, at the map level. We show that triaxial gas drives substantial scatter in X-ray luminosities of clusters and groups, accounting for nearly half of the total scatter in core-excised measurements. Additionally, scatter in the thermal pressure and gas density profiles of halos enhances the X-ray and SZ power spectra, leading to biases in cosmological parameter estimates. These findings are statistically robust due to the extensive sky coverage and large halo sample in the BP-Uchuu maps. The BP-Uchuu maps are publicly available online via Globus (https://app.globus.org/file-manager?origin_id=cf8dadb7-b6e9-4e2c-abc1-0813877efc13).
Solar Modulation of AMS-02 Daily Proton and Helium Fluxes with Modified Force-field Approximation Models
Authors: Zhu Cheng-Rui , Wang Mei-Juan
Published: February 2025

As galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) propagate through the turbulent plasma environment within the heliosphere, they undergo a process of diffusion, drift, and energy loss, leading to a notable reduction in their flux. This is the solar modulation impact. Recently, the cosmic-ray experiment AMS-02 published daily fluxes of proton and helium for the period from 2011 May 20 to 2019 October 29 in the rigidity interval from about 1 to 100 GV, exhibiting fine time structures that correlate with solar wind properties on a daily basis. In this work, we employ three different modified force field approximation models to fit the data. By fitting to the daily proton and helium fluxes, we get the time series of solar modulation potential. We find good agreement of data and model predictions for both proton and helium with the same parameters in two modified force field approximation models. The results in this study verify that the modified force-field approximation model is a valid parameterization of the GCR spectrum also at daily timescales.
Species discovery in Southern African bee flies (Diptera, Bombyliidae): A new species in the revised genus Enica Macquart, 1834
Authors: Rollinson Lisa , Cabrero Allan
Published: February 2025

The Bombyliidae genera Enica Macquart, 1834 and Nomalonia Rondani, 1863, restricted to South Africa, are synonymized. Currently, one species of Enica is known from South Africa, Enica longirostris (Wiedemann, 1819), and six Nomalonia species are newly combined with Enica: Enica clavicornis (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov.; Enica eremophila, (Hesse, 1975), comb. nov.; Enica henicoides (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov.; Enica imitata (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov.; Enica sporanthera (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov.; and Enica syrticola (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov. A new species, Enica adelphesp. nov. from the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape of South Africa, is described. All Enica species are redescribed and a dichotomous key with photographic references is provided for ease of identification. Specimen occurrence data and photographs are provided for each species. Each species of Enica occurs in at least one of three biodiversity hotspots in South Africa, i.e., Succulent Karoo, Cape Floristic Region, and Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany, with E. longirostris occurring in all three.
Freshwater fungi in the karst plateau wetlands from Guizhou Province, China: taxonomic novelties in Melanommataceae (Pleosporales)
Authors: Liu Ling-Ling , Liu Yong-Xiang , Chen Ya-Ya , Gou Jiu-Lan , Chi Feng , Liu Yi , Gu Xiao-Feng , Wei Quan-Quan , Zhang Meng , Liu Zuo-Yi , Zhou Si
Published: February 2025

Three isolates of interest were collected during an investigation of freshwater fungi from wetlands in the karst regions of Guizhou Province, Southwest China. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS, LSU, SSU, and tef-1α gene regions have revealed the placements of these isolates in Melanommataceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). Based on the morphological and phylogenetic evidence, three new species are introduced: Byssosphaeria chishuiensissp. nov., Camposporium guizhouensesp. nov., and C. aquaticumsp. nov.Byssosphaeria chishuiensis is sister to B. villosa and forms a basal branch of Byssosphaeria within Melanommataceae. Byssosphaeria chishuiense is similar to B. villosa in ascal size but differs in the ascomata and ascospore sizes, and the ascospores lack appendages. Camposporium aquaticum is sister to C. guizhouense, and they form a distinct lineage within the genus. Morphologically, C. aquaticum resembles C. guizhouense in its conidial shape but differs in conidial size. Additionally, PHI analysis is performed to further reveal that C. aquaticum and C. guizhouense have no significant recombination with related taxa. Neobyssosphaeria is synonymized under Byssosphaeria, and accordingly, Byssosphaeria clematidiscomb. nov. is proposed to accommodate Neobyssosphaeria clematidis. The descriptions, illustrations, and notes of the novel taxa are provided along with an updated phylogenetic tree of Melanommataceae. Two synopses of the species in Byssosphaeria and Camposporium are also provided.
Recent progress in pharmaceutical excipients as P-glycoprotein inhibitors for potential improvement of oral drug bioavailability: A comprehensive overview
Authors: Darusman Fitrianti , Rusdiana Taofik , Sopyan Iyan , Rahma Hanifa , Hanifa Millati
Published: February 2025

Pharmaceutical excipients such as P-glycoprotein inhibitors can also increase the solubility and affinity of drugs to the intestinal membrane, enhance paracellular pathways and endocyte uptake, and activate lymph transport pathways, thereby increasing the bioavailability of oral drugs. This review aims to review and assess the performance of pharmaceutical excipients as P-glycoprotein permeability inhibitors in improving oral drug bioavailability in drug formulations by evaluating meta data from P-glycoprotein efflux in permeability and pharmacokinetics studies. The review results are pharmaceutical excipients that have proven effective as P-glycoprotein inhibitors from the surfactant and polymer groups, namely TPGS and Poloxamer 188, respectively. All nanosystems incorporating pharmaceutical excipients as P-gp inhibitors show potential in enhancing the permeability and bioavailability of oral drugs when compared to conventional formulations. The effectiveness of these systems has been evaluated through in vitro (Caco-2 cells), ex vivo (everted gut sac), in situ (SPIP), and in vivo (AUC) methods.
Revision of the Chinese endemic genus Megadrypta Sciaky & Anichtchenko, 2020 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Dryptini), with description of a new species
Authors: Chen Jia-Heng , Shi Hong-Liang , Liang Hong-Bin
Published: February 2025

The species of the genus Megadrypta Sciaky & Anichtchenko, 2020 are reviewed. A new species M. maozhouisp. nov. is described from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, China (type locality: Tiantaishan, Qionglai City, Sichuan). New provincial records of M. mirabilis Sciaky & Anichtchenko, 2020 are reported as well. A key of the genus Megadrypta is provided.
La maladie d’Alzheimer au fil des siècles
Authors: Folliot C.
Published: February 2025

La maladie d’Alzheimer est aujourd’hui la démence sénile la plus fréquente dans les pays développés, et cette maladie neurodégénérative est liée notamment au vieillissement de la population actuelle dont l’espérance de vie a presque doublé depuis 1900. Bien qu’elle ait été découverte en 1906 par le psychiatre et neurologue allemand Aloïs Alzheimer, elle a fait l’objet, au cours des siècles passés, de nombreuses superstitions, magies et croyances, s’interposant aux recherches rationnelles. En parcourant les 2500 ans de son histoire, on constate que le concept de démence sénile a évolué et sa découverte n’est pas une suite linéaire d’évènements, car au fil des siècles, l’intérêt porté à cette maladie et à sa compréhension est très disparate. Aujourd’hui, elle est bien définie au plan clinique, pathologique et social, mais de nombreuses interrogations persistent encore dans la compréhension de cette démence sénile inguérissable.
Conduite à tenir et prise en charge d’un patient présentant une gastroentérite à Escherichia coli entérohémorragique
Authors: Mariani Pascale , Cointe A. , Bonacorsi Pascal
Published: February 2025

Le pathovar (ou pathotype) Escherichia coli producteur de shigatoxine (Stx) ( Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, STEC), dont il existe deux types (Stx1 et Stx2), est un pathogène zoonotique transmis à l’Homme essentiellement par l’alimentation (viande bovine hachée et lait cru) et est dénommé E. coli entérohémorragique (EHEC) en pathologie humaine. Il est responsable d’infections principalement sporadiques, mais parfois d’épidémies majeures, dont les symptômes sont variables, allant de la diarrhée aqueuse à la colite hémorragique et pouvant se compliquer, par diffusion de l’exotoxine à partir du foyer infectieux digestif, d’un syndrome hémolytique et urémique (SHU). Le SHU associe une anémie hémolytique mécanique, une thrombopénie et une atteinte ischémique d’organes (principalement les reins et le cerveau). Il frappe surtout les jeunes enfants, les sujets âgés et/ou immunodéprimés avec une létalité allant de 1 à 20 %. La détection rapide d’un EHEC par PCR, lors d’une diarrhée sanglante ou d’un SHU débutant, est primordiale pour une prise en charge médicale adaptée, certains antibiotiques étant contre-indiqués. La généralisation du recours aux PCR multiplexes, incluant les gènes stx , facilite le diagnostic d’infection à EHEC. Cependant, il n’existe pas de critères fiables permettant de prédire une évolution péjorative, même si la toxine Stx1 est moins souvent responsable de SHU que la toxine Stx2. La détection d’un EHEC doit être systématiquement signalée au médecin prescripteur par le biologiste, et un commentaire sur le compte rendu de l’analyse indiquera le risque de survenue d’un SHU et les éventuelles mesures d’éviction. Les selles ou les souches productrices de Stx seront toujours adressées au Centre National de Référence associé à des fins épidémiologiques.
La basocytose : une anomalie de l’hémogramme incomprise
Authors: Depasse F. , Feriel J. , Geneviève F.
Published: February 2025

La basocytose, également appelée basophilie, est généralement définie par la présence sanguine d’un nombre de polynucléaires basophiles supérieur à 0,1 x 10 9 /L ou 1 % des leucocytes totaux. Cette anomalie rare de l’hémogramme peut être artéfactuelle, reliée surtout à l’inexactitude mais aussi à l’imprécision du compte de ces granulocytes par les automates d’hématologie cellulaire, la présence de cellules anormales interférant parfois avec leur identification. De nombreuses situations pathologiques peuvent être associées à une basocytose réactionnelle ou néoplasique. Si l’association d’un excès de polynucléaires basophiles dans le sang et d’une hémopathie myéloïde, en particulier la leucémie myéloïde chronique, est clairement établie, en revanche, les causes réactionnelles de basocytose sont moins consensuelles.