bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of 6LoWPAN Generic Header Compression in the Context of a RPL Network
Authors: Vandervelden Thibaut , Deac Diana , Van Glabbeek Roald , De Smet Ruben , Braeken An , Steenhaut Kris
Published: December 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates the integration of diverse devices, leading to the formation of networks such as Low-power Wireless Personal Area Networks (LoWPANs). These networks have inherent constraints that make header and payload compression an attractive solution to optimise communication. In this work, we evaluate the performance of Generic Header Compression (6LoWPAN-GHC), defined in RFC 7400, for IEEE 802.15.4-based networks running the IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL). Through simulation and real-device experiments, we study the impact of 6LoWPAN-GHC on energy consumption and delays and investigate for which scenarios 6LoWPAN-GHC is beneficial. We show that all RPL control packets are compressible by 6LoWPAN-GHC, which reduces their transmission delay and as such their vulnerability to interference. However, for the devices under study transmitting at 250 kbit/s, the energy gain obtained from sending a compressed packet is outweighed by the energy needed to compress it. The use of 6LoWPAN-GHC causes an energy increase of between 2% and 26%, depending on the RPL packet type. When the range is more important than the bandwidth and a sub-GHz band is used at 10 kbit/s, an energy gain of 11% to 29% can be obtained, depending on the type of RPL control packet.
Enhancing Data Freshness in Air-Ground Collaborative Heterogeneous Networks through Contract Theory and Generative Diffusion-Based Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Sun Zhiyao , Chen Guifen
Published: December 2023

Mobile edge computing is critical for improving the user experience of latency-sensitive and freshness-based applications. This paper provides insights into the potential of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) convergence with heterogeneous air–ground collaborative networks to improve system throughput and spectral efficiency. Coordinated resource allocation between UAVs and MEC servers, especially in the NOMA framework, is addressed as a key challenge. Under the unrealistic assumption that edge nodes contribute resources indiscriminately, we introduce a two-stage incentive mechanism. The model is based on contract theory and aims at optimizing the utility of the service provider (SP) under the constraints of individual rationality (IR) and incentive compatibility (IC) of the mobile user. The block coordinate descent method is used to refine the contract design and complemented by a generative diffusion model to improve the efficiency of searching for contracts. During the deployment process, the study emphasizes the positioning of UAVs to maximize SP effectiveness. An improved differential evolutionary algorithm is introduced to optimize the positioning of UAVs. Extensive evaluation shows our approach has excellent effectiveness and robustness in deterministic and unpredictable scenarios.
Estimation Method of Regional Tank-Washing Wastewater Quantity Based on Multi-Source Data
Authors: Xu Yong , Zhu Kaize , Zhong Huiling
Published: December 2023

The growing demand for petrochemicals has led to an increase in the number of ships carrying hazardous goods, making the effective regulation of ship tank-washing wastewater collection and discharge more important. To attain this objective, it is crucial to conduct quantitative analyses of the quantity of tank-washing wastewater generated and its geographical spread in the region. However, current estimation methods are plagued by issues such as unreliability and inaccuracy. This study presents a methodology for estimating the quantity of regional tank-washing wastewater, which is based on multi-source data. Using this method to estimate the quantity of tank-washing wastewater generated in the Pearl River Delta region, it was found that in the first quarter of 2018, the demand for tank washing by dangerous goods ships accounted for approximately 7.4% of the total number of berthing events in the study area. If all of these demands were fulfilled, about 15,000 tons of tank-washing wastewater would be generated. A more precise estimation of tank-washing wastewater was achieved, and the geographical dispersal of quantity was identified. Estimating the quantity of tank-washing wastewater in the area forms the foundation for developing facilities for collecting and disposing such wastewater, as well as for the design and site selection of tank-washing stations.
Methamphetamine Shows Different Joint Toxicity for Different Types of Microplastics on Zebrafish Larvae by Mediating Oxidative Stress
Authors: Xu Jindong , Yang Wenqi , Wang Dongyi , Wang Zhenglu , Liu Chuang , Li Jiana
Published: December 2023

The coexistence of polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PVC) microplastics (MPs) and methamphetamine (METH) in aquatic systems is evident. However, the joint toxicity is unclear. Here, zebrafish larvae were exposed to single PS and PVC MPs (20 mg L−1) and combined with METH (250 and 500 μg L−1) for 10 days. The results indicated that acute exposure to PS and PVC MPs induced lethal effects on zebrafish larvae (10–20%). Treatment with MPs markedly suppressed the locomotion of zebrafish, showing as the lengthy immobility (51–74%) and lower velocity (0.09–0.55 cm s−1) compared with the control (1.07 cm s−1). Meanwhile, histopathological analysis revealed pronounced depositions of MPs particles in fish’s intestinal tract, triggering inflammatory responses (histological scores: 1.6–2.0). In the coexposure groups, obviously inflammatory responses were found. Furthermore, the up-regulations of the genes involved in the oxidative kinase gene and inflammation related genes implied that oxidative stress triggered by MPs on zebrafish larvae might be responsible for the mortality and locomotion retardant. The antagonistic and stimulatory effects of METH on the expression changes of genes found in PVC and PS groups implied the contrary combined toxicity of PS/PVC MPs and METH. This study for the first time estimated the different toxicity of PS and PVC MPs on fish and the joint effects with METH at high environmental levels. The results suggested PS showed stronger toxicity than PVC for fish larvae. The addition of METH stimulated the effects of PS but antagonized the effects of PVC, promoting control strategy development on MPs and METH in aquatic environments.
Neutralizing Antibody Response following a Third Dose of the mRNA-1273 Vaccine among Cancer Patients
Authors: Dukes Christopher W. , Potez Marine , Lancet Jeffrey , Kuter Barbara J. , Whiting Junmin , Mo Qianxing , Leav Brett , Wang Haixing , Vanas Julie S. , Cubitt Christopher L. , Isaacs-Soriano Kimberly , Kennedy Kayoko , Rathwell Julie , Diaz Cobo Julian , O’Nan Wesley , Sirak Bradley , Dong Ning , Tan Elaine , Hwu Patrick , Giuliano Anna R. , Pilon-Thomas Shari
Published: December 2023

Cancer patients are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection and have a decreased immune response to vaccination. We conducted a study measuring both the neutralizing and total antibodies in cancer patients following a third dose of the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Immune responses were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neutralization assays. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to evaluate the association between patient characteristics and neutralization geometric mean titers (GMTs), and paired t-tests were used to compare the GMTs between different timepoints. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the correlation between total antibody and neutralization GMTs. Among 238 adults diagnosed with cancer, a third dose of mRNA-1273 resulted in a 37-fold increase in neutralization GMT 28 days post-vaccination and maintained a 14.6-fold increase at 6 months. Patients with solid tumors or lymphoid cancer had the highest and lowest neutralization GMTs, respectively, at both 28 days and 6 months post-dose 3. While total antibody GMTs in lymphoid patients continued to increase, other cancer types showed decreases in titers between 28 days and 6 months post-dose 3. A strong correlation (p < 0.001) was found between total antibody and neutralization GMTs. The third dose of mRNA-1273 was able to elicit a robust neutralizing antibody response in cancer patients, which remained for 6 months after administration. Lymphoid cancer patients can benefit most from this third dose, as it was shown to continue to increase total antibody GMTs 6 months after vaccination.
Acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among General Men and Men with a Same-Sex Orientation and Its Influencing Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shen Fang , Du Yuxia , Cao Kexin , Chen Can , Yang Mengya , Yan Rui , Yang Shigui
Published: December 2023

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine reduces the prevalence of genital warts and the cancers they are associated with in males. However, the vaccination of males has always been neglected. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehend the acceptability of the HPV vaccine in men and the factors impacting vaccination intentions. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, CNKI, and Wan Fang up to 5 July 2023 for studies that reported HPV vaccine acceptance among men. A random effects model was used to obtain the pooled acceptance rate, and subgroup analysis was performed. Then, the influencing factors of HPV vaccination in males were analyzed. A total of 57 studies with 32,962 samples were included in the analysis. The overall acceptance rate of the HPV vaccine in general men was 47.04% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 39.23–54.93%), and 62.23% (95% CI: 52.93–71.10%) among those whose sexual orientation contained men. HPV vaccine acceptance rates differed significantly between the two populations (p = 0.01). The population with a medical background (46.23%, 95% CI: 40.28–52.24%) was more willing to be vaccinated. In comparison to the employed population (66.93%, 95% CI: 48.79–82.81%) and the unemployed (68.44%, 95% CI: 52.82–82.23%), vaccination acceptance rates were lower among students (47.35%, 95% CI: 37.00–57.81%) (p = 0.04). The most significant barriers to vaccination were perceived low risk of infection for themselves (45.91%, 95% CI: 31.73–60.43%), followed by vaccine cost (43.46%, 95% CI: 31.20–56.13%). Moreover, the recommendations from medical professionals (60.90%, 95%CI: 44.23–76.37%) and sexual partners (60.09%, 95%CI: 27.11–88.67%) were significant factors in promoting vaccination. Overall, acceptance of the HPV vaccine among general men was at a lower level, despite being slightly higher among men with a same-sex orientation. Popularizing knowledge about diseases and vaccines, encouraging medical professionals to recommend vaccines to men, or reducing the cost of vaccines may promote HPV vaccination.
The impact of strain and cage type on the welfare of laying hens in different seasons
Authors: KABA Sema , BOZKURT Zehra
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of strain and cage type on the welfare of laying hens in commercial flocks over different seasons. A 2 x 2 x 3 factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of strain (white and brown layers) and cage type (conventional and enrichable battery cages) on the welfare of laying hens over three seasons (winter, spring and summer). The Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol for Poultry was used to assess the welfare of laying hens. The strain and cage type significantly affected the welfare of the laying hens, which varied according to the season. Hens from the brown strain exhibited higher occurrences of FPD, keel bone abnormalities, and feather loss on the head and neck. White strains displayed a greater percentage of hens with abnormalities in the toe, comb, and beak, along with pecking wounds on the comb and extensive feather loss on the back, rump, and belly. A higher prevalence of comb abnormalities was observed in conventional cages. Hens in enrichable cages had higher rates of FPD, toe, comb and beak abnormalities, as well as pecking wounds on the comb and extensive feather loss. As a result, it was concluded that enrichable cages have a more adverse impact on the welfare of laying hens, with welfare losses in enrichable cages being more pronounced in brown hens compared to white hens and with interactions between strain and cage type varying seasonally.
Economic potential of recovery and recycling of silicone photovoltaics cells and non-ferrous metals as part of the transition towards a circular economy
Authors: Niekurzak Mariusz , Brelik Agnieszka , Lewicki Wojciech
Published: December 2023

The article aims to assess the economic recovery and recycling of silicon PV cells and the non-ferrous metals contained in them, taking into account the analysis of costs, benefits and factors: legal, ecological, technical, technological and social. The research methodology was based on statistical measures related to the analysis of PV structure and changes in individual years of operation. For the designated structures, the current state of knowledge and legal status in the field of recycling methods of exploited PV installations were defined. In addition, an analysis of the Polish market about selected developed countries concerning the recycling sector was performed, and the identification of key factors and barriers to the development of the analysed sector was presented. On this basis, the possibilities and directions of support for the PV recycling sector were indicated, and a SWOT analysis of possible methods of its support was made.
Social assessment of the paradigm of multifunctional rural development – A case study of the Mazowieckie voivodeship
Authors: Sobolewska-Mikulska Katarzyna , Bielska Anna , Sajnóg Natalia
Published: December 2023

The objective of the paper is the identification of priority directions of activities for multifunctional rural development, followed by their social assessment in the context of the paradigm of the multifunctionality of such areas. Consequently, the current assumptions of the idea were confronted with reality, and expectations were confronted with need. The analysis also covers the activity of respondents in the scope of activities for multifunctional development. According to the obtained results, progress and activities in the scope of the economic (development and modernisation of technical infrastructure, technological progress, innovativeness) and social function (development and modernisation of social infrastructure) are of key importance. The paper is based on the results of a survey conducted in 2021. The survey covered residents of rural areas in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.
Circular economy and its restriction
Authors: Bartoszczuk Paweł
Published: December 2023

The paper discussed both the benefits and limitations of the circular economy. Furthermore, we discuss that this concept is ambiguously defined.. A circular economy seems to be a satisfactory remedy for expanding environmental pollution and waste overproduction The benefits of the circular economy are believed to ever exist. Conversely, some premises to believe that rebound effects may offset such social benefits have merged in current literature to date by increasing overall consumption or “growing the pie”. We want to check if the circular economy positively contributes to the business model. Therefore, we applied the method of systematic literature review. This paper's value is important since it argues that we must integrate circularity across supply chains rather than limiting them to waste management. Moreover, indicators of the Circular Economy are not yet commonly agreed upon, and data are limited to waste. The paper recommends for further review of the circular concept.
Tiempo y espacio cotidiano. Un análisis de la cotidianeidad escolar en contextos de pandemia (2020-2021)
Authors: Pavesio María Victoria
Published: December 2023

En este artículo se analizan las transformaciones que la pandemia ha generado en la cotidianeidad escolar durante los períodos 2020 y 2021 focalizando en el tiempo y el espacio cotidiano. Se busca describir y contrastar sus reconfiguraciones, no sólo a nivel de las normativas oficiales sino en relación con las concretas condiciones de existencia de las escuelas y los sujetos particulares implicados en tales procesos. Planteamos que si bien el contexto pandémico ha transformado el tiempo y el espacio escolar cotidiano en múltiples sentidos, se trata de aspectos que en la realidad social se encuentran en permanente cambio. Lo que varía es, según los períodos históricos, el ritmo con que algunos cambios se nos presentan. Tales avances se desprenden de una investigación socioantropológica en curso, iniciada en el año 2016, centrada en el análisis del trabajo docente en escuelas primarias públicas insertas en contextos de pobreza de la ciudad de Rosario. Dicho estudio se realiza desde un enfoque teórico-metodológico relacional y en base a un trabajo etnográfico intensivo y de larga duración que combina diversas estrategias investigativas: entrevistas en profundidad a docentes y equipos directivos, observaciones escolares así como una modalidad de co-investigación denominada Taller de Educadores.
Teresia Berteologi Tentang Maria dalam Bentuk Puisi
Authors: Anton Pareira Berthold
Published: December 2023

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IMPLICIT ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: Efendioğlu Kübra , Emir Öksüz Elif
Published: December 2023

People with disabilities (PWDs), one of the important minority groups, are exposed to certain attitudes and prejudices causing some problems in social life. Therefore, it is important to examine the causes and consequences of prejudices and attitudes toward PWDs. Our attitudes determine how we evaluate events or people. Our ideas and behaviors about a group or person are also affected by our explicit and implicit attitudes. People have different attitudes and behaviors, either negative or positive. PWDs are considered dependent, needy, incompetent, trustworthy or innocent. They can be perceived in different ways and exposed to both positive/negative attitudes and labeling. Prejudices toward PWDs are generally not shown explicitly due to social approval, but they exist implicitly and still affect the lives of the disabled through negative behaviors they cause. Implicit biases toward PWDs, caused by existential or evolutionary factors, are often not consciously noticed. Implicit biases that are not noticed cannot be intervened and intervention strategies cannot be developed. Hereby, this review aims to examine the attitudes and prejudices toward PWDs within the scope of explicit and implicit processes and to discuss the differences between explicit and implicit prejudices as well as the social-psychological effects of implicit prejudices and different ways to measure them.
Service for Verification of Electronic Document’s Certificates
Authors: Tolokh I. O. , Mikhnevich S. Yu. , Siankevich A. Yu.
Published: December 2023

The legislation of the Republic of Belarus currently establishes the same legal force for identical documents on paper and in electronic form, which have a mandatory requisite - an electronic digital signature. The article considers the system for managing public keys of electronic digital signature in the Republic of Belarus, as well as the concepts and definitions associated with this system. The technical normative legal acts in the field of cryptographic protection of electronic documents are analyzed. The necessity of verification of certificates of public keys of electronic digital signature is substantiated. Possible variants of the procedure for verifying public key certificates are described, their advantages and disadvantages are shown. An online service for checking public key certificates has been developed using open cryptographic libraries and public tools.
Erosão da democracia em face dos novos imperialismos
Authors: Alves Pedro de Oliveira , Lira João Guilherme Amorim Rodrigues de , Batista Kamilly Cristiane Ferreira Ribeiro
Published: December 2023

O presente artigo analisa a categoria dos novos imperialismos como forma de observar práticas recentes no séc. XXI, que se portam como uma possível ameaça à noção de soberania dos povos, favorecendo a não concretização da democracia nos termos discutidos por Hans Kelsen e Norberto Bobbio. Utilizando-se dos Estados Unidos, da Rússia e da China como exemplos, demonstramos, ao longo do trabalho, como as manifestações políticas desses países têm afetado a autoafirmação dos Estados Nacionais submissos e causado uma ruptura no cenário internacional. Para isso, começamos discorrendo brevemente acerca das características do regime político democrático. Logo depois, pontuamos as ideias existentes acerca do novo imperialismo e suas principais expressões. Por fim, problematizamos a forma pela qual o imperialismo causa a erosão da democracia.
Transformable Pantographic Structures Built on Surfaces with Different Curvatures
Authors:   Georgian Technical University, Medzmariashvili Elguja
Published: December 2023

The possibilities to design expandable-foldable structures on various curvature surfaces are considered in the given paper. The presented geometrical layouts are unfolding structures with closed and open contours. The transformable designs are made by an interconnected set of elementary pantographic structure. The elementary transformable structure consists of two levers connected by a transverse cylindrical joint. The considered designs of transformable structures can be effectively used in space structures, in particular deployable space reflectors, also in ground-based transformable structures.
Formation of Sustainable Development of the City of Aghdam – Regional Center of the Revived Karabakh Zone of Azerbaijan
Authors:   Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Isbatov Ilgar
Published: December 2023

The results of a study on the urban environment of Karabakh in the post-war period are presented. The purpose of the study is to develop promising methods for the development of Karabakh, considering all the characteristics of the city. Objective prerequisites for the formation of new models of residential buildings and multifunctional complexes have been identified. The article analyzes the development of the city's planning structure, its status, and specific features. Project proposals from various years and the current concept of city development is examined. Based on the approved modern concept for the development of Karabakh, the proposed models can effectively address the issue of housing development for the region's residents.
Peculiarities of the Research Methodology of the Theory of National Security
Authors:   Georgian Technical University, Kuprashvili Henri
Published: December 2023

The complex of concepts describing unified system of national security, threats, risks, challenges, and the resisting counter-system, is the most problematic aspect of the methodology of ensuring and studying national security. It should be clarified what sphere is given to the theory of national security in the system of scientific knowledge. It is important to determine its relationship with both the specialized theories of security and social, humanitarian, natural science, etc. It should be specified: which field of scientific knowledge does the theory of national security belong to, which sciences are its philosophical and methodological foundations, which sciences does it interact with, and for which it acts as an ideological and methodological landmark. It is of great importance to fully understand the general theory of national security, because it allows to clearly outline the mechanisms and processes specific to the field of national security of Georgia.
Support Services for Children and Families with Children in Local Governments
Authors:   Georgian Technical University, Tsereteli Mari
Published: December 2023

This article is written on the basis of the assessment-research of social programs of selected 7 municipalities in 2021-2022. The purpose of conducting research was to extent self-governmental social programs, responded to the needs of children and families with children in the second-third year after the adoption of the "Child's Rights Code". As a result of the research, it was revealed that the analysis of social security programs shows that the emphasis in the social security programs of the population, including families with children, is on one-time financial assistance, or on covering the costs of medical and social services. At the municipal level, at this stage of the development of children and family services, it is important to pay more attention to such an important direction as non-monetary support for families and, in particular, support for positive parenting.
Oscillations in the Rope-pulley System and Their Influence on the Sliding Process
Authors:   Georgian Technical University, Zviadauri Victor , Tsotskhalashvili Mirian ,   Georgian Technical University, Sarishvili Nana ,   Georgian Technical University
Published: December 2023

An important role in the operation of mine lifting devices is assigned to the process of interaction of the rope with the pulley, during which it is possible to change the force of friction, slipping of the rope on the pulley and violation of normal operation. Longitudinal, transverse and rotational vibrations, which occur in the rope system and, therefore, in the masses, can have a significant effect on the friction between the surfaces of the rope pulleys. On the basis of this, the article presents the system of differential equations of the mutually weighted spatial oscillatory motion of the mine hoist as a three-mass system (ascending and descending shafts and pulleys) and the methodology of its adoption. The system of equations can be reduced to motion of any complexity (linear, plane, rotational). For the purpose of studying the influence of oscillations on the sliding process, mathematical modeling is carried out and the nature of the influence is shown in the form of a graphic solution.
Statistical Higher-Order Correlation Attacks against Code-Based Masking
Authors: Cheng Wei , Ming Jingdian , Guilley Sylvain , Danger Jean-Luc
Published: December 2023

Masking is one of the most well-established methods to thwart
side-channel attacks. Many masking schemes have been proposed in the
literature, and code-based masking emerges and unifies several masking
schemes in a coding-theoretic framework. In this work, we investigate
the side-channel resistance of code-based masking from a non-profiling
perspective by utilizing correlation-based side-channel attacks. We
present a systematic evaluation of correlation attacks with various
higher-order (centered) moments and then present the form of optimal
correlation attacks. Interestingly, the Pearson correlation coefficient
between the hypothetical leakage and the measured traces is connected to
the signal-to-noise ratio in higher-order moments, and it turns out to
be easy to evaluate rather than launch repeated attacks. We also
identify some ineffective higher-order correlation attacks at certain
orders when the device leaks under the Hamming weight leakage model. Our
theoretical findings are verified through both simulated and real-world
measurements.
Changing Conceptions of Social Purpose Higher Education: The Legacy of University Adult Education
Authors: Slowey Maria
Published: December 2023

Lalage Bown was an inspirational adult educator who worked tirelessly to bring university education to people of all ages and sectors of society. For her, this was not a one-way process of ‘knowledge transmission’ but rather a partnership to the mutual benefit of both higher education and society at large. In this chapter I illustrate one university’s engagement with its wider community though a social-historical account of the emergence of Glasgow University’s Department of Adult and Continuing Education – from which Lalage Bown retired as Director in 1992.The chapter then explores different interpretations of ‘university adult education’ in Britain and the wider European context – both conceptually and in practical terms. Finally, the question is posed as to whether the time may have passed for the values and ideals espoused by this tradition? Or whether, alternatively, they are interpreted anew through, for example, universities’ commitments to widening access, social responsibility, the Sustainable Development Goals and other forms of outreach and civic engagement?
Adult Learning and Education for Poverty Alleviation in Africa. Challenges and Opportunities for Women
Authors: Nwizu Stella Chioma , Avoseh Mejai Bola M.
Published: December 2023

This chapter examines the contributions of Adult Learning and Education (ALE) towards empowerment and poverty reduction amongst women in Africa. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasise the need for countries of the world to ensure that poverty in all its forms is ended everywhere. SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 especially connect to the focus of this chapter. Despite the implementation of various programmes by African governments towards SDGs attainment, a substantial number of African women still live in poverty in many countries. ALE as an instrument for poverty alleviation has the potentials to provide inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for women. However, ALE in its efforts to empower women for development is confronted with numerous challenges. The chapter highlights the opportunities provided by ALE in facilitating poverty alleviation and promoting active citizenship among African women. The chapter concludes with a brief acknowledgement of the role of Lalage Bown in the history of women empowerment in Africa.
Enhancing Adult Education through Institution Building: The Nigerian Experience
Authors: Halliru Samir , Aganah Audu Semiu
Published: December 2023

Adult Education as a humanitarian discipline is critical for ensuring social justice, human capital development and social transformation in different walks of human life. The role of Adult Education in achieving the above objectives could only be visible in Africa with the institution building. The decolonisation process of adult education played a vital role in ensuring such institution building in Africa. The early inception of Adult Education in Africa has received enormous contributions of great scholars and educators, who established and strengthened institutions of indigenous education for proper entrenchment of Adult Education. One of such great scholars was Professor Lalage Bown of blessed memory, who contributed to Adult Education discourse across many African countries. This chapter uses primary and secondary sources of data to establish ways of enhancing Adult Education, while reflecting on the works and legacies of Bown. It discusses the legacies of Lalage in the light of personal reflection of the author, who was privileged to meet Bown at a conference as a student at the University of Glasgow. The chapter draws from the experience of the people who worked or had encounters with Professor Bown in Nigeria and beyond. It examines publications and activities of Bown in the promotion of indigenous knowledge. It offers policy directions arising from the discussions of Bown’s legacies in order to provide solutions to the current economic, social and political development challenges facing Africa.
Tracing Longitudinal Impact of Professor Lalage Bown: International Master in Adult Education for Social Change
Authors: Slade Bonnie , Dagar Preeti
Published: December 2023

Adult education is recognised globally as a critical element in addressing challenges pertaining to climate justice, migration, employment, education and inequality. This chapter will explore the development, delivery, and impact of the International Master in Adult Education for Social Change (IMAESC n.d.), a European-funded joint master’s degree, that can proudly trace its lineage to the work of Prof. Bown at the University of Glasgow. IMAESC is jointly delivered by the Universities of Glasgow, Malta, Maynooth, Tallinn and the Open University of Cyprus. Students complete three mandatory mobility periods and choose between two study tracks ‘Community Engagement and Education’ or ‘Critical Issues, Policy and Curriculum’. Additionally, this two-year programme has a summer school in Malaysia (Universiti Sains Malaysia) focused on sustainability and peace studies. The first cohort of IMAESC students started in 2016 and there have been 118 graduates over the past seven years from over 60 countries. Adult Education takes place in many different sites – Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, higher education, community-based, workplace, and political struggle – and our students’ experiences reflect that diversity. We examine what impact IMAESC graduates have made nationally and internationally, drawing from an empirical qualitative research project, ‘Decolonising Higher Education: A case study of Erasmus Mundus master’s programme IMAESC’, undertaken in 2021-22. This research included interviews with 19 IMAESC graduates from the Global South. Through critical engagement with theory, policy and action, graduates have contributed to improving their communities, cities, civil society, nations, and international relations.
Minimizar las barreras para la inclusión en un CEIP de Cáceres :
Authors: Sánchez Rodríguez Sonia
Published: December 2023

Este trabajo presenta los resultados obtenidos del análisis de barreras para la inclusión que se dan en un centro educativo, concretamente en la etapa de Educación primaria, considerando el punto de vista de profesionales y alumnos, además de mostrar la propuesta de mejora creada respecto a las barreras encontradas. Para esto se realizó una investigación cualitativa de estudio de caso. La muestra estaba constituida por 21 alumnos y 13 profesionales de la etapa de Educación Primaria del Centro CEIP Leandro Alejano de Cáceres. Se pasó un cuestionario a profesionales y un cuestionario a alumnos del “Index for Inclusion” y se completó la información con una entrevista de preguntas abiertas para los profesionales.
АНАЛИЗ МЛАДЕНЧЕСКОЙ СМЕРТНОСТИ В ЧЕЧЕНСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКЕ ЗА ПЕРИОД 2010-2022 ГГ.
Authors: Хасханова Л.Х. , Авдуев И.С. , Керимова З.М.
Published: December 2023

В статье рассматривается проблема младенческой смертности, привлекающая к себе внимание медицинских и общественных организаций во всем мире. Проводится анализ младенческой смертности в Чеченской Республике (ЧР), сравнение аналогичного показателя в общем по стране, определяются основные причины смертности новорожденных.
TRABALHO EM PLATAFORMAS DELIVERY: PERCEPÇÕES E VIVÊNCIAS SOBRE AFETAÇÕES NA QUALIDADE DE VIDA
Authors: Lima Brunno Ewerton , Lima Carla Fernanda de , Costa Dinara das Graças Carvalho
Published: December 2023

A propagação da COVID-19 atingiu proporções pandêmicas, espalhando-se exponencialmente em todo o mundo. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender a dinâmica dos trabalhadores nas plataformas delivery, visando identificar as afetações psicossociais dessas ocupações na qualidade de vida desses profissionais. Para isso, seis profissionais foram entrevistados por meio da técnica de bola de neve snowball, utilizando um questionário sociodemográfico e um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada. A análise dos dados foi realizada através de análise descritiva e da Análise de Conteúdo Temática proposta por Laville e Dionne. Os resultados indicaram que a nova realidade de isolamento e distanciamento social colocou esses trabalhadores na linha de frente, sendo considerados essenciais, mas sem vínculos formais, o que resultou em uma maior vulnerabilidade e precarização de suas condições laborais. A invasão do trabalho na esfera pessoal, as duplas jornadas trabalhistas, a sobrecarga de trabalho, o estresse e o medo de contaminação emergiram como fatores que afetam negativamente a qualidade de vida desses profissionais. Assim, os achados baseados na auto narração de importantes atores laborais na contemporaneidade mostra um cenário de precarização junto a necessidade de uma regulamentação com leis que oportunizem melhores direitos trabalhistas, no apoio e suporte jurídico para essa classe laboral essencial e, ao mesmo tempo, vulnerável e invisibilizada.
Attitudes of secondary school chemistry teachers towards the use of digital education in government schools (Amman-Jordan)
Authors: Alhabarneh Tahani Hussein
Published: December 2023

The study aimed to identify the attitudes of secondary school chemistry teachers towards the use of digital education in public schools in Amman, Marka District. The researcher used the (descriptive approach), through the use of the (electronic) questionnaire survey method, and the questionnaire was designed to collect study data, by distributing it to the study sample. The study population consisted of all secondary school chemistry teachers in public schools in the capital, Amman - Marka district. For the second semester of the academic year (2021/2022).The study sample consisted of (447) male and female teachers, and the study sample was chosen randomly. The researcher developed the study tool to measure the attitudes of chemistry teachers at the secondary stage towards the use of digital education, which consisted of (20) items that are consistent with the nature of the study objectives, in addition to the personal variables, which consisted of (gender, educational qualification, teaching experience). The five-point Likert scale was used to build the study tool.In order to answer the questions of the study, the following statistical methods were relied upon: arithmetic means and standard deviations. Iterations, stability coefficient (Cronbach Alpha). The results of the study showed that the attitudes of secondary school chemistry teachers towards the use of digital education in government schools, from their point of view, were (low). The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences at the level of significance (0.05α≤) in the attitudes of secondary school chemistry teachers towards the use of digital education in government schools
The Music Must Play On: The Music Therapy Sessions that Should not Have Stopped
Authors: Dassa Ayelet
Published: December 2023

Seventy-six-year-old Rose was referred to me for music therapy with a diagnosis of residual schizophrenia. Rose was very passive and only wanted to listen to French chansons. After two years, I ended the therapy out of a belief that our music therapy sessions were not meaningful for her. About a year later, I took on more work hours and Rose surprisingly returned to the therapy room and requested to listen to music. I now realize that I was wrong to believe that the absence of active participation indicated a lack of meaning. A receptive state is not a passive state, and a relationship with a client can also be formed by listening to music together.
THE EFFECT OF CRYOGENIC TREATMENT ON THE INCREASE OF PROPERTIES OF A PLASTIC MOULD STEEL
Authors:   ", KŐRÖSI Gábor ,   Material Science Department, Bánki Donát Faculty of Mechanical and Safety Engineering, Óbuda University,  8. Népszínház Str.,   1081, Budapest, Hungary", TÓTH László ,   "Material Science Department, Bánki Donát Faculty of Mechanical and Safety Engineering, Óbuda University,  8. Népszínház Str.; 1081, Budapest, Hungary"
Published: December 2023

The article presents experiments aimed at increasing the properties of a plastic mould tool steel with a special heat treatment technology called shallow cryogenic treatment. Our chosen steel grade was Böhler M340 ISOPLAST. We would like to show how cryogenic treatment affects the wear and corrosion properties of this particular steel grade. We can conclude with tests and calculations that the cryogenically treated specimen showed at least 40% better wear and corrosion resistance properties, then the one treated with conventional heat treatment. Based on these findings, we expect that the tool life will also be longer using this heat treatment technology.
EFFECT OF pH ON OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF NANOSTRUCTURED Cu-DOPED ZnS THIN FILMS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC APPLICATIONS
Authors:   Department of Physics, University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh, SHAHJAHAN Mohammad , KABIR Rafiul ,   Department of Physics, University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh, HOSSAIN Mohammad Sajjad ,   Industrial Physics Division, BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka -1205, Bangladesh, HAQUE Mohammad Asadul ,   Department of Physics, University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh, PAUL Deba Prasad ,   Department of Physics, University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh
Published: December 2023

Using the simple Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) method, Cu-doped thin films of zinc sulfide (ZnS) were deposited on glass substrates in a concentration range of 0.05-0.1% Cu. These films were made to be used as a buffer or window layer in solar cells. Different deposition conditions were investigated to find the optimal growth conditions; after that, the conditions were deployed to deposit the required films. XRD graphs confirmed a hexagonal structure, and SEM images indicated that the incorporation of Cu stabilises small grain growth in the films. The appearance of the sample surface was dense, with an ordered granular shape, and free of any cracks. The optical and surface properties of the prepared films have been analysed using state-of-the-art instruments. The effect of pH on such properties has also been investigated. The transmittances of the films were about 20–85%, and the incident wavelength range was 300–1100 nm. The transmission line shows a sharply increasing tendency. After that, it increases slowly and goes to a stable state above 400 nm. A film of pH 10.0 showed a high transmission coefficient (85%). Also, the absorbance of the ZnS thin films rapidly decreases up to 360 nm. After that, it decreases slowly and becomes stable above 400 nm. The band gap is in the range of 3.58–3.62 eV, which indicates that it absorbed the UV portion of the electromagnetic wave and could be used as the UV filter.
BIOFUNCTIONALIZATION OF TITANIUM ALLOYS: METHODS AND APPLICATIONS
Authors:   Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Faculty of Engineering, Galati, Romania, BALTATU Iustinian , BENEA Lidia ,   Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Faculty of Engineering, Galati, Romania, VIZUREANU Petrica ,   Technical Sciences Academy of Romania, Dacia Blvd 26, 030167 Bucharest, Romania, BALTATU Madalina Simona ,   “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Iași, Romania, NABIALEK Marcin ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Production Engineering and Materials Technology, Czestochowa University of Technology, al. Armii Krajowej 19, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
Published: December 2023

Titanium alloys have long been esteemed for their exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility, making them a cornerstone material in various biomedical applications. However, to harness their full potential in implantology, orthopedics, and dentistry, biofunctionalization plays a pivotal role. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the techniques and applications involved in biofunctionalizing titanium alloys.
BUDGET AND TAX INSTRUMENTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL PROJECT “TOURISM AND THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY”
Authors:   Sochi State University, Sochi, Russian Federation, Tsepilova Elena S. , Fesenko Olesya P. ,   Sochi State University, Sochi, Russian Federation
Published: December 2023

The relevance of the paper is due to the need to improve budgetary and tax instruments for the implementation of the goals of the national project “Tourism and the hospitality industry”. The purpose is the scientific search for new tools for the development of tourism and the hospitality industry through budget financing and industry taxation. The structure includes an analysis of the budget support of the national project “Tourism and the hospitality industry” for 2023 and the planning period 2024-2025, the characteristics and projected consequences of the introduced in 2022-2023 VAT tax benefits for tourism industry entities, assessment of resort tax indicators and author’s proposals for its improvement. As a result, it was revealed that budget support for the hospitality industry will be drastically reduced from 2025, so industry business and local authorities need to find their own sources of financing, one of which is the resort tax.
THE STATE AND PROSPECTS OF TRADE BETWEEN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND CHINA IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AT THE PRESENT STAGE
Authors:   Vladikavkaz Institute of Management, Vladikavkaz, Russia, Dzhioeva Madina A. , Aydarova Nelly G. ,   North Ossetian State University after K. L. Khetagurov, Vladikavkaz, Russia
Published: December 2023

The article considers the current state of trade turnover between Russia and China in the sphere of agriculture through the prism of the current macroeconomic state of both countries. It is noted that the dynamics of trade between Russia and China is increasing not only in the sphere of agro-industrial complex, but also in general. Negative sides of agricultural trade turnover are pointed out, which should be considered by the governments of both countries and search for solutions.
IDENTIFICATION OF TYPES OF REGIONAL LABOUR MARKETS
Authors:   Stavropol Institute of Cooperation – Branch of the Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law, Glaz Viktor N. , Glaz Yuliya A. ,   Stavropol Institute of Cooperation – Branch of the Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law, Salpagarov Ruslan U. ,   Stavropol Institute of Cooperation – Branch of the Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law
Published: December 2023

The article presents a methodology for identifying types of regional labor markets, which contributes to the creation of a reliable information base for the regulatory impact on the development of regional labor markets. The criteria for the typification of regional labor markets are determined taking into account the basic elements of its structure, namely the demand, supply and price of labor, as well as the levels of employment and unemployment as the leading determinants that form the trend of labor market development. Using this method, the type of labor market is identified in three possible variations (developing, stagnating, degrading) in accordance with the proposed gradations of the values of the advance coefficients.