bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Social Work Informed Casework Training Curriculum for Paraprofessionals in Non-Profit Social Service Agencies
Authors:   , McCormick Mindy
Published: October 2024

This work presents a comprehensive study of the effectiveness of a social work informed casework training curriculum specifically developed for use with paraprofessionals, those without a four-year degree, working in a social service agency. Many studies have been written outlining the benefits of paraprofessional support in social service agencies, but little exists in how to properly train and support those paraprofessionals in their job roles. This study was designed to evaluate a new training curriculum to be utilized in meeting that need within the field. Multiple inferential analyses were conducted using pre-/post-test scores of 143 participants working in a national non-profit agency across multiple states. There were two primary research questions explored for this study. Does this training curriculum increase participants’ knowledge of best practice interventions for service delivery to vulnerable individuals and adults? Does this training curriculum increase paraprofessional participants’ knowledge of best practice interventions for service delivery to vulnerable individuals and adults? Inferential analyses found that there was a significant difference between pre-/post-test scores of paraprofessionals and professionals trained utilizing the Social Work Informed Casework Training Curriculum. This study has led to recommendations of evaluation of current new-hire training, and on-going training and support programs within social service agencies utilizing paraprofessionals to provide support to vulnerable populations. This study recommends an evaluation, and possible future study, around on-going training, and supervision for professionals within social service agencies. An evaluation of the transfer of evidence-based and best practice knowledge the field could prove valuable to social work programs preparing professionals for leadership roles within agencies.
"We Are Forgotten." Framing Disaster via Twitter in the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria: Implications for Social Work Policy Practice
Authors:   , Fogarty Barbe
Published: October 2024

This work presents a comprehensive study of the disaster discourses generated by key social media user groups in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria, the third most destructive hurricane in American history, resulted in billions of dollars in damage and the loss of nearly 3,000 lives. Disasters result in widespread geophysical impacts as well as social, political, and economic upheavals for individuals, families, communities, and nation-states in the storm’s wake. The discourses that emerge on social media are significant in how they frame public narratives in the aftermath of disaster. The social construction of disaster points to the contested nature of these frames as they vie for dominance in the public sphere, including social media communicative spaces. The literature suggests that there are numerous key interpretive communities and narratives present at any given time. The current study explores six of these communities (individuals, government, military, media, nonprofits, and others) and their corresponding disaster narratives as communicated via Twitter. By utilizing a social constructionist/critical theoretical framework, the prevalent frames embedded in the disaster discourses are identified. These frames include the political frame, destruction frame, victim/hero frame, military/humanitarian aid frame, and counter-narratives.
Awareness of and Value Placed on School Social Work
Authors:   , Marshall Jen
Published: October 2024

Social workers have been a part of the school community for over 100 years and, although they have proven integral in the lives of students and families, their roles and functions are not clearly understood by their chief school administrators. Administrators’ awareness of the role and function of school social workers holds implications for the delivery of these services. This study explored administrators’ level of awareness and the level of value placed on the role and function of school social workers based on the three components of the School Social Work Practice Model developed by the School Social Workers Association of America: to provide evidence-based educational, behavioral, and mental health service; to provide a school environment conducive to student learning; and to maximize access to school-based and community-based resources. This study also explored the relationship between the level of awareness and the level of value placed on the role and function of school social workers. Findings from this study showed Pennsylvania public school administrators are aware and do value the role and function of school social workers. Further findings showed a significant positive relationship between the level of awareness and the level of value placed on the role and function.
Food Processing and Its Effects on Allergenicity of Food Allergens
Authors: Pak Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

A food allergy is a medical condition in which the body’s immune system overreacts to a specific protein in an ingested allergen. When the allergen is ingested and the protein is released in the blood, the protein binds to antibody Immunoglobulin E (IgE), causing a wide array of uncomfortable and painful symptoms. Food allergies can be treated in a variety of ways, including the administration of antihistamines and, most recently, immunotherapy. Immunotherapy relies on exposing the patient to slightly growing increments of an allergen over time to build immunological tolerance against the allergen. Despite certain successes, neither antihistamines nor immunotherapy are foolproof treatments. Food processing, including thermal and chemical treatments, is now considered a safer new approach to overcome food allergies. These treatments reduce the allergenicity of some food, but did not render the food entirely non-allergic. Food treatment, combined with other approaches of treatment, opens a new avenue for safer, more convenient, and more efficient food allergy handling. In this review, we will discuss the available methods of food treatment and how this affects the nature of the allergens in the food.
PENYULUHAN TENTANG PENGGUNAAN RAMUAN HERBAL PADA IBU HAMIL DI KECAMATAN MANE KABUPATEN PIDIE
Authors: Yuliana Yuliana , Idawati Idawati , Warni Eka
Published: October 2024

Prevalensi penggunan obat herbal meningkat di seluruh dunia, terutama di kalangan ibu hamil. Di daerah pidie masih sangat kental dengan budaya dan kepercayaan penggunaan ramuan yang di racik sendiri untuk Kesehatan ibu baik sebelum hamil dan bahkan sedang hamil. Literatur yang diterbitkan menunjukkan prevalensi penggunaan obat herbal bervariasi antara 22,3-82,3% selama kehamilan. Ramuan yang paling umum digunakan adalah pepermin, jahe, timi, kamomil, sage, adas manis, fenugreek, dan teh hijau. Alasan paling umum tujuan penggunaan yaitu untuk pengobatan gangguan gastrointestinal dan gejala pilek dan flu. Mayoritas penggunaan selama trimester pertama kehamilan tanpa konsultasi ke dokter atau bidan. Mayoritas ibu hamil di sarankan oleh keluarga dikarenakan lebih efektif dan memiliki lebih sedikit efek samping dari pada pengobatan modern terutama selama kehamilan. Banyak ibu hamil yang belum mengetahui resiko terhadap penggunaan ramuan herbal bagi kehamilannya, sehingga kegiatan pengabdian pada masyarakat ini perlu dilakukan bertujuan dapat memberikan pengetahuan bagi ibu hamil tentang penggunaan herbal saat hamil. Metode yang akan digunakan dalam kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini yaitu penyuluhan yang melibatkan ibu hamil, wanita usia subur, keluarga dan perangkat desa. Hasil yang di peroleh dari penyuluhan ini ibu hamil antusia mengikuti kegiatan dan aktif dalam bertanya menunjukkan bahwa informasi yang di sampaikan oleh pemateri menambah pemahaman dan pengetahuan ibu hamil tentang penggunaan ramuan herbal yang selama ini sudah menjadi tradisi yang berlaku di dalam keluarga dan masyarakat.
PUBLIC RELATION DALAM MEMELIHARA CITRA PONDOK PESANTREN
Authors: Nur Faifatur R M. Kurma
Published: October 2024

Strategi Pondok Pesantren Nurul Wafa dalam memelihara citra pondok pesantren ialah, memiliki ciri khas dan fokus memberikan pelayanan yang maksimal kepada santri dan juga mengutamakan kebutuhan masyarakat. Citra yang dimiliki Pesantren Nurul Wafa adalah citra perusahaan karena dilihat dari sejarahnya yang banyak memberikan kontribusi terhadap masyarakat sekitar, kualitas pelayanannya yang baik hingga kualitas alumninya. Pesantren Nurul Wafa telah melakukan pencitraan dengan kualitas pendidikanya, hubungan yang baik dengan pelangganya, memiliki kepemimpinan yang kuat, serta telah membangun media profil melalui media sosial yang dimiliki. Strategi Pondok Pesantren dalam memelihara citra yaitu melalui kegiatan promosi di media sosial, pemberitaan tentang prestasi dan kegiatan pesantren, dan personalselling melalui alumninya. Pesantren telah melakukan kegiatan pemasaran yang dapat meningkatkan citra pesantren diantaranya yaitu memberikan informasi kepada konsumen/masyarakat berupa prestasi dan kegiatan pesantren, mengembankan akses informasi melalui media sosial, serta melakukan isyarat terbuka terhadap seluruh masyarakat secara luas.
FOSTERING TOLERANCE THROUGH RELIGIOUS MODERATION: STRATEGIES IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION
Authors: Mukhsin
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The development of the globalization era, marked by social diversity and the spread of foreign ideologies, has made religious moderation an urgent necessity in the education system. This study aims to identify the strategies employed by teachers at SMA Negeri 1 Kencong to instill values of tolerance and moderation in students, particularly in a context with diverse religious, cultural, and social backgrounds. The research uses a qualitative approach with a case study design, involving teachers and students in Islamic Religious Education. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman (1994) method, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that instilling values of tolerance and moderation through innovative methods such as group discussions and simulations successfully enhances students' empathy toward differences. The integration of materials in the PPKn and Indonesian language curricula, along with parental and community involvement, also contributes to the improvement of tolerance attitudes. Academic recommendations from this study include the development of specialized learning modules focusing on values of tolerance and moderation to further strengthen students' character in a diverse society.
PENGARUH CITRA MEREK KOPERASI, BAGI HASIL PRODUK SIMPANAN DAN KUALITAS PELAYANAN TERHADAP LOYALITAS ANGGOTA KOPSYAH MUI JATIM CABANG SEKAPUK
Authors: Khusniati Nia , Harahap Syamsir Alamsyah
Published: October 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi pengaruh citra merek koperasi, bagi hasil produk simpanan, dan kualitas pelayanan terhadap loyalitas anggota di Desa Gedangan, Kecamatan Sidayu, Kabupaten Gresik, baik secara parsial maupun simultan. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif dengan teknik probability sampling. Populasi penelitian ini berjumlah 250 anggota, dengan 50 responden yang terlibat. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, kuesioner, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan regresi linear berganda dan program SPSS 20.0. Validitas data diuji dengan korelasi, sedangkan reliabilitas menggunakan metode Cronbach Alpha. Uji normalitas dilakukan melalui model regresi, dan multikolinearitas diuji dengan Variance Inflation Factor (VIF). Uji autokorelasi dianalisis menggunakan nilai Durbin Watson test, sedangkan uji heteroskedastisitas dilakukan dengan analisis Scatterplot. Uji hipotesis mencakup uji t, uji f, dan uji R². Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa citra merek koperasi, bagi hasil produk simpanan, dan kualitas pelayanan memiliki pengaruh signifikan baik secara parsial maupun simultan terhadap loyalitas anggota. Dalam uji parsial, citra merek koperasi (X1) menunjukkan t hitung sebesar 2.092 dengan taraf signifikansi 4%, sementara bagi hasil produk simpanan (X2) memperoleh t hitung sebesar 3.381. Temuan ini mengindikasikan pentingnya faktor-faktor tersebut dalam membangun loyalitas anggota koperasi.
PERAN BRAND AWARENESS, BRAND ASSOCIATION, PERCEIVED QUALITY DAN BRAND LOYALTY TERHADAP LOYALITAS PELANGGAN
Authors: Hidayat Wisnu , Widjaya Lindawati , Sutrisno Gono
Published: October 2024

ABSTRAK
Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis  pengaruh elemen-elemen ekuitas merek (Brand Equity) di Café Roti Bakar 88 terhadap loyalitas pelanggannya. Elemen-elemen ekuitas merek yang di analisis dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari kesadaran merek (Brand Awareness), asosiasi merek (Brand Association), persepsi kualitas (Perceived Quality), dan loyalitas merek (Brand Loyalty).Penelitian ini adalah Asosiatif dengan Metodelogi sample pengunjung roti Bakar 88 dengan pengambilan sample  mengunakan random sampling.Variabel yang paling berpengaruh dominan adalah variabel Brand Association dengan koefisien 0,263, lalu diikuti oleh variabel Brand Loyalty dengan koefisien 0,244, dan diikuti juga oleh variabel Perceived Quality dengan koefisien 0,108, dan terakhir adalah variabel Brand Awareness dengan nilai koefisien 0,084.Pengaruh Keempat dimensi ekuitas merek terhadap Loyalitas pelanggan Café Roti Bakar 88. Berdasarkan hasil uji F diperoleh hasil nilai signifikansi lebih kecil dari 0.005 (0,000 < 0,005). Hal ini dapat dikatakan bahwa Ekuitas Merek yang meliputi Brand Awareness (Kesadaran Merek) (X1), Brand Association (Asosiasi Merek) (X2), Perceived Quality (Persepsi Kualitas) (X3), dan Brand Loyalty  (Loyalitas Merek) (X4), secara bersama-sama berpengaruh terhadap Loyalitas pelanggan Café Roti Bakar 88 cabang GOR Tangerang.
UTILIZING LED USAGE ON FORTIMANAGER DEVICE AS A SOFTWARE MONITORING INDICATOR FOR FORTINET ACCESS POINTS
Authors: Alfaujianto Moh
Published: October 2024

In today's digital era, stable connectivity and fast troubleshooting are crucial to support corporate, academic, and research activities. One important component in network infrastructure is the access point (AP) which functions to provide a wireless connection. With the large number of Access Points (AP) provided by campuses or offices, it is required to be easy to monitor and troubleshoot all Access Point (AP) devices.
Fortigate, as a solution provider, offers access point and switch monitoring features using LED Usage. This study aims to explain how access point monitoring can be implemented effectively through the FortiManager device and is important to ensure that network devices are functioning properly.
FortiManager devices can monitor switches that are connected with active or inactive status, how many active access points are on each switch are monitored, all of which clients are connected to the network can be monitored. Thus, FortiManager devices are very much needed by administrators and network technical teams to facilitate monitoring and troubleshooting.
Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Gang Participation Among Youth in Mombasa County, Kenya: From the Perspective of Household Challenges
Authors: Hussein Salma Ahmed , Musili (PhD) Dr. Phelista Marura
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Gang participation has become a universal phenomenon attracting increasing attention in both developed and developing countries. Previous research denotes strong evidence that early life adverse traumas and events heighten the risk of delinquent behaviour among young people. This study aimed to find out whether there is a relationship between household challenges and gang participation among youth gang members in Mombasa County. This study was guided by the Interactional Theory by Terrence Thornberry (1987).
Methods: This study employed a correlational research design within the context of Ex-post facto research. The study population consisted of alleged, convicted, and reforming gang members in Mombasa. They were drawn from a database accessed by the Nyali District Peace Committee (DPC) which has 358 members aged between 15-31 years. Purposive, and snowball sampling techniques were used to gather data from the sample. Descriptive statistics namely, frequencies, percentages, and measures of central tendency were used. Inferential statistics namely the Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient, linear, and regression was then employed to establish the relationship between household challenges and gang participation.
Results: The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between gang participation and household challenges (r = 0.876, p < 0.01).
Implication: The findings of this study will guide the formulation of programs and interventions for the rehabilitation and reintegration of these gang members. These can be of help to Civil Society Organizations, law enforcement agencies, and probation officers.
“Soldados!... Sed virtuosos y subordinados”. Las series documentales del Servicio Histórico del Ejército. Argentina (1850-1890)
Authors: Codesido Lucas
Published: October 2024

In this article we propose to give an account of the interest in examining the documentary series of books of General Orders and of the Corps and of register of admissions, discharges and dispatches, 1850 to 1890, located in the Historical Service of the National Army in Argentina. In the introduction we describe the provenance of these documents and highlight some specific characteristics that distinguish these sources from others that contain information about military policy or include details of military activities. In the development of the work we point out the ways of inserting this material in our research work based on its analysis and the possibilities of approach that this material can provide to other investigations.
La historiografía conservadora mexicana: los héroes en los libros de texto de civismo lasallistas (1953-1989)
Authors: González Martínez Larisa
Published: October 2024

This paper reviews Bernardo Zepeda Sahagún’s elementary and middle school civics textbooks (1953-1989). The selection of dates is due to the fiscal foundation of the Lasallian publishing house Enseñanza and the publication in 1989 of the Letter to the Lasallian Family. The latter is important because it is linked to the discussions and reflections that the de la Salle religious held on the need to train their laity. The civicpolitical formation was a fundamental aspect of these ideas, so this circumstance defined the closing ofthe time frame. Methodologically, aspects of Fairclough’s three-dimensional model are taken up for the textbook revision. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the history and the heroes of these books are tools to form virtue and elements in accordance with the conservative historiography in Mexico.
El Archivo de la Memoria de la Universidad Nacional del Sur: formación, desarrollo y colecciones
Authors: Marcilese José
Published: October 2024

Since 1999, the Archivo de la Memoria has been operating at the Universidad Nacional del Sur. Its purpose is to record and preserve oral testimonies of residents of Bahía Blanca. These records are for public use and are available to those interested in learning about or investigating the history of the city. Likewise, the dependency fulfills the function of being the historical archive of the Casa de Altos Estudios, by preserving its institutional documentation.
Indígenas, criollos e inmigrantes. Fuerza de trabajo, baqueanía y diplomacia en la Comisión Argentina de Límites con Chile (Chubut, 1895-1945)
Authors: Chávez Matías Rodrigo , Magallanes Julieta
Published: October 2024

This article analyzes the experiences of indigenous, criollo and immigrant inhabitants who participated, with different roles and hierarchies, in the tasks of the Eighth Limits Subcommission in the west of the National Territory of Chubut from the end of the 19th century to the first decades of the 20th century. It is argued, on the one hand, that the diplomatic mediations of Tehuelche and Mapuche leaders were essential for the commission parties to be able to access regions over which the Argentine State did not exercise effective sovereignty, even in a context of increasing subalternization of local groups. At the same time, it is argued that indigenous people and criollos were the main work force among the commissioners, acting as baqueanos and contributingfundamental knowledge on topography, resources and traditional technologies. In turn, the commission staff was completed with internal and external migrants who actively participated in the definitions and practices of national sovereignty in frontier areas.
El rescate de la memoria en tiempos de pandemia. Los proyectos de cooperación internacional en archivos documentales y orales gestionados por el Lugar de la Memoria (Perú, 2019-2022)
Authors: Abanto Chani Julio , Príncipe Yupanqui María Elena
Published: October 2024

The Place of Memory, Tolerance and Social Inclusion (LUM) is a national memory space located in Lima and has the purpose of dignifying the victims of the period of violence (1980-2000). The leading role that archives have as historical sources for the study of this era was a reason for the LUM to articulate efforts and initiatives to finance international cooperation projects. The support obtained was vital because Peru was in the midst of a pandemic context and difficulties due to its current political and economic situation. In this sense, the experiences with the German Gerda Henkel Foundation will be presented to carry out a comprehensive redesign of the virtual platform of the LUM Documentation and Research Center and the drive to rescue 12 testimonies from the Narrators of Memories project as oral sources for research, both linked to the tireless task of promoting greater reflection and historical memory.
Digital Dalam Manajemen Pendidikan Islam : Peluang Dan Tantangan
Authors: Moh Adzkiyaunuha
Published: October 2024

Transformasi digital dalam manajemen pendidikan Islam menawarkan peluang besar untuk meningkatkan efisiensi, efektivitas, dan kualitas pendidikan Islam. Beberapa peluang ini meliputi penggunaan teknologi dalam pembelajaran, manajemen data, dan pengembangan kurikulum. Namun, dalam mengadopsi transformasi digital, ada pula tantangan yang perlu diatasi seperti biaya, keahlian teknis, dan tantangan sosial dan budaya. Oleh karena itu, perlu strategi yang tepat dalam mengadopsi transformasi digital dan meningkatkan kesadaran dan keterampilan digital di kalangan pengelola pendidikan Islam. Dengan mengatasi tantangan dan memanfaatkan peluang, manajemen pendidikan Islam dapat mencapai efektivitas dan efisiensi yang lebih baik dalam mengembangkan kurikulum dan meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan Islam secara keseluruhan.
Intercultural education and mother tongues of immigrant children: The case of Slovenia
Authors: Kožar Rosulnik Klara , Vižintin Marijanca Ajša
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE. Intercultural education has become an important topic and one of the priorities for schools and education systems worldwide. Teachers should acquire knowledge about inclusion and intercultural education during their university education, but despite evidence that principals, teachers and schools feel ill-equipped to teach and engage in intercultural education, it in many countries, including Slovenia, this is not the case. For this reason in this paper, we present an intercultural model of education that offers teachers concrete support in the inclusion of migrant children.
 
APPROACH. In addition to the comprehensive model of intercultural education, the article also presents some changes in legislation based on an analysis of educational regulations on inclusion and the development of intercultural education in Slovenia in recent years, which have a direct impact on the inclusion of immigrant pupils and students. The article also points out that teaching of mother tongues and cultures lessons for immigrant children is a very important part of intercultural education. Mother tongue and culture lessons in schools can be an opportunity to develop intercultural dialogue, and intercultural competence of all students, teachers and parents. Figures in Slovenia show that the number of schools offering mother tongues and cultures for children with a migrant background is slowly growing, but there are fewer languages to choose from.
 
FINDINGS. Teachers do not feel competent in the area of inclusion of migrant students, intercultural education and teaching in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. This article therefore presents an intercultural model of education that offers teachers concrete support and actively involves all stakeholders in the integration process: Teachers, students, parents, migrants and their organizations, and local communities.
 
KEY MESSAGE. As classrooms are becoming more culturally and linguistically diverse as a result of migration, systemic solutions and a holistic approach are needed to integrate immigrant pupils into the education system. The article focuses on the case of Slovenia, but the proposed holistic model is also transferable to other national contexts.
Sammensatte læringsrum og pædagogisk praksis
Authors: Bergsøe Mie Marie Norsker , Cordsen Sofie Buch , Nøhr Liv , Misfeldt Morten
Published: October 2024

Artiklen undersøger, hvordan undervisningen orkestreres i det hybride undervisningsrum sammenlignet med andre sammensatte undervisningsrum baseret på en anden infrastruktur. I overensstemmelse med et post-digitalt perspektiv på undervisning skelner vi ikke mellem digitale og ikke-digitale undervisningsrum (Fawns, 2022), men skelner gennem et kommunikationsteoretisk blik mellem affordances i forskellige digitaliseringer af læringsrum (Hutchby, 2001), der på Københavns Universitet blev kategoriseret som hhv. online-, HyFlex- og campus-baseret undervisning. Artiklens empiri omfatter underviseres 4.676 besvarelser på en longitudinal spørgeskemaundersøgelse, som i perioden fra foråret 2020 til efteråret 2022 blev distribueret af fem omgange. Vi ser ingen sammenhæng mellem undervisernes relation til digitale undervisningsformer og brug af undervisningsaktiviteter (dialog, gruppeopgaver, individuelle opgaver, studenteroplæg, underviseroplæg) i HyFlex-formatet. Til gengæld ser vi signifikante sammenhænge mellem brugen af flere undervisningsaktiviteter og kommunikationsinfrastrukturer. Underviseroplæg anvendes signifikant mere i HyFlex-formatet sammenlignet med campusformatet, imens studenteroplæg, dialog, gruppeopgaver og individuelle opgaver anvendes i signifikant mindre grad. I undervisernes refleksioner over deres brug af HyFlex-undervisning finder vi refleksioner om affordances i forhold til deres pædagogiske valg. Artiklen afsluttes med en diskussion af spørgsmålet om, hvorvidt og hvordan tilgængelige og anvendte kommunikationsinfrastrukturer skal medtænkes i planlægning af undervisning på universitetet.
Risk Analysis of Level Crossing Element Failures in a Fuzzy Environment
Authors: ILIĆ Milivoje , MAKSIMOVIĆ Đorđe , PAVLOVIĆ Norbert , BELOŠEVIĆ Ivan
Published: October 2024

The concept of risk analysis is especially important because it examines and analyses in a detailed manner the factors that affect the normal functioning of a system. In this paper, the level crossing is considered as one system, composed of several elements. The failures of those elements were analysed with the aim of showing which are the most frequent and most critical failures. A multi-methodological approach was used in the analysis. The failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) method was used to determine risk factors, after that a multi-criteria model was created in a fuzzy environment, and as output, it gave a ranking list of critical failures in the system. Through the discussion of the results, a comparison of the basic model with two other similar ones was made, and the comparative results were analysed. The main aim of this paper is to present one of the possible ways to analyse the risk of the system of level crossings with the aim of improving traffic safety at the crossing.
College Students’ Cognition and Attitude Towards Connected and Autonomous Vehicles in China: an Exploratory Study
Authors: LI Wei , LI Tian’ai , MENG Yongying , XU Xuecai , MA Zhifeng
Published: October 2024

This study intended to explore college students’ cognition and attitudes towards connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) in China. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and distributed in Mainland China, and after collecting and processing the data, Bayesian multivariate analysis was presented to evaluate the six dimensions of cognition, consciousness, safety, privacy, liability, education and acceptance. By analysing each dimension, the results show that gender and status are significant for consciousness, safety, privacy and education, but location plays a significant role in safety and liability. It is found that each dimension reveals a specific thought of college students, and the potential users’ cognition and attitude should be paid more attention to. Some empirical suggestions are presented to enhance the systematic improvement of CAVs and possible ethics issues.
Age-related development trajectories of components of mental functions in children 4-17 years old
Authors: Khokhlov Nikita A. , Vasyura Elizaveta V.
Published: October 2024

The present paper is dedicated to the problem of age-related changes in features of neuropsychological development. The sample consisted of 922 conditionally healthy subjects ranging from 4 to 17 years of age, comprising 603 boys and 319 girls. The study participants underwent neuropsychological diagnostics using the psychometric battery “Multifactorial Investigation of Neuropsychological Development” (MIND). The assessment was conducted in two psychological centres in Moscow, Russia. Trajectories of growth for 22 components of mental functions and the general level of development were obtained. This article examines the peculiarities of curve fitting using polynomials, Gompertz, Verhulst, and Schmalhausen-Brody functions. The study reveals that components of mental functions develop at different rates. Some of them complete their growth during the adolescence, while others continue to increase after the age of 18.
Oviductin sets the species-specificity of the mammalian zona pellucida
Authors: de la Fuente Daniel , Maroto Maria , Cajas Yulia N , Cañón-Beltrán Karina , Fernandez-Gonzalez Raul , Munoz-Maceda Ana , Sanchez-Puig Juana M , Blasco Rafael , Cots Paula , Aviles Manuel , Rizos Dimitrios , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso
Published: October 2024

The zona pellucida (ZP) is vital for species-specific fertilization as this barrier mediates sperm-oocyte binding. Here, we determined whether sperm from distant mammalian orders (Carnivora, Primates, and Rodentia) could penetrate bovine oocytes by examining the role of bovine oviductal fluid and species-specific oviductal glycoprotein (OVGP1 or oviductin) from bovine, murine, or human sources in modulating the species-specificity of bovine and murine oocytes. Sperm from all the species were found to penetrate intact bovine ovarian oocytes to form hybrid embryos. However, contact with oviductal fluid or bovine, murine, or human OVGP1, conferred the ZP species-specificity, allowing only the penetration of the corresponding sperm regardless of the ZP’s origin. Glycolytic and microstructural analyses revealed that OVGP1 covers the pores present in the ZP and that OVGP1 glycosylation determines sperm specificity. This suggests specific fertilization capacity is acquired in the oviduct through the ZP’s incorporation of specific oviductin.
Miljöorganisationerna försvarar de mänskliga rättigheterna: granskning av klimaträttegångar i Finland, Sverige och Norge
Authors: Raikas Terhi Talvikki
Published: October 2024

I klimaträttegångar som miljöorganisationerna inlett har man i Finland, Sverige och Norge behandlat de utmaningar för de mänskliga rättigheterna som klimatförändringen medför. I artikeln granskas ländernas klimaträttegångar i ljuset av rättsdogmatiken och rättsjämförelsen. I den nordiska rättspraxisen har barns och kommande generationers rättigheter, rätt till miljö och sporadiskt även andra mänskliga rättigheter lyfts fram. Klimaträttegångarna är en starkt antropocentrisk fråga och dessutom medför de på grund av sin politisktjuridiska karaktär utmaningar också med tanke på den tredelade maktfördelningsläran, men ändå har de blivit en viktig del av miljöorganisationernas klimatpåverkan i de nordiska länderna. Resultatet av artikeln ger ett mångsidigt perspektiv på den nordiska rättspraxisen om klimaträttegångar och på vad miljöorganisationerna kan göra för de mänskliga rättigheterna.
Employing deep learning in crisis management and decision making through prediction using time series data in Mosul Dam Northern Iraq
Authors: Khafaji Khalid MK , Ben Hamed Bassem
Published: October 2024

Specifically, Iraq is threatened in its second-largest northern city, Mosul, by the collapse of the Mosul Dam due to problems at the root of the dam, causing a wave of floods that will cause massive loss of life, resources, and public property. The objective of this study is to effectively monitor the level of dam water by predicting the level of water held by the dam In anticipation of achieving flood stage and breaking the dam, and supporting its behavior through formation 14-day time series data to predict seven days later. Used six deep learning models (deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), convolutional neural network long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM), CNN-LSTM-Skip and CNN-LSTM Skip Attention) that models were trained to predict the water level in the dam; these levels of being under surveillance and prepared In case of danger, alert people to potential flood threats depending on the dam’s water level. These time series were created from the actual data sets of the dam; it’s a fundamental historical reading for 13 years (1993–2006) of the water level stored in the Mosul dam and was adopted in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources and the Centre for Research on Dams and Water Resources at Mosul University. The methodology applied in this study shows the model’s performance efficiency and the prediction results’ low error rate. It also compares those practical results to determine and adopt the performance-efficient model and a lower error rate. The comparison of these results proved the accuracy of its results, and superior to the CNN-LSTM model, it has the highest ability to perform through high accuracy with MAE = 0.087153 and time steps = 0 s 196 ms/step and loss = 0.00067. The current study demonstrated the ability to predict the water level in Mosul Dam, which suffers from foundation problems and may collapse in the future. Therefore, the water level in the dam must be monitored accurately. It also aims to test the effectiveness of the six models proposed in this study after evaluating their performance and applying the prediction process within a scenario to obtain predictive values after 14 days. The results showed the practical effectiveness of the hybrid CNN-LSTM model in correctly and accurately obtaining predictive values within the integrated framework of the required scenario. The study concluded that it is possible to enhance the ability to monitor and identify the potential risk of Mosul Dam at an early stage, and it also allows for proactive crisis management and sound decision-making, thus mitigating the adverse effects of crises on public safety and infrastructure and reducing human losses in areas along the Tigris River.
Prognostic and therapeutic potential of gene profiles related to tertiary lymphoid structures in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yu Jinglu , Gong Yabin , Huang Xiaowei , Bao Yufang
Published: October 2024

The role of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in oncology is gaining interest, particularly in colorectal carcinoma, yet a thorough analysis remains elusive. This study pioneered a novel TLS quantification system for prognostic and therapeutic response prediction in colorectal carcinoma, alongside a comprehensive depiction of the TLS landscape. Utilizing single-cell sequencing, we established a TLS score within the Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME). Analysis of tertiary lymphoid structure-related genes (TLSRGs) in 1,184 patients with colon adenocarcinoma/rectum adenocarcinoma (COADREAD) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases led to the identification of two distinct molecular subtypes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) further segregated these patients into gene subtypes. A TLS score was formulated using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and its efficacy in predicting immunotherapy outcomes was validated in two independent cohorts. High-scoring patients exhibited a ‘hot’ immune phenotype, correlating with enhanced immunotherapy efficacy. Key genes in our model, including C5AR1, APOE, CYR1P1, and SPP1, were implicated in COADREAD cell proliferation, invasion, and PD-L1 expression. These insights offer a novel approach to colorectal carcinoma treatment, emphasizing TLS targeting as a potential anti-tumor strategy.
Rotating cell culture system-induced injectable self-assembled microtissues with epidermal stem cells for full-thickness skin repair
Authors: Zhang Min , Huang Meng , Dong Xixi , Wang Yibo , Zhang Luyue , Wang Zhaoxiang , Cao Junkai
Published: October 2024

Epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) are crucial for wound healing and tissue regeneration, and traditional culture methods often lead to their inactivation. It is urgent to increase the yield of high quality EpSCs. In this study, primary EpSCs were isolated and cultured in a serum-free, feeder-free culture system. EpSCs are then expanded in a dynamic 3D environment using a rotating cell culture system (RCCS) with biodegradable porous microcarriers (MC). Over a period of 14 days, the cells self-assembled into microtissues with superior cell proliferation compared to 3D static culture. Immunofluorescence and qPCR analyses consistently showed that the stemness of the 3D microtissues was preserved, especially the COL17A1 associated with anti-aging was highly expressed in RCCS induced microtissues. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the group treated with 3D microtissues loaded with EpSCs showed enhanced early wound healing, and the injectable 3D microtissues were more conducive to maintaining cell viability and differentiation potential. Our study provides valuable insights into the dynamic 3D culture of EpSCs and introduces an injectable therapy using 3D microtissues loaded with EpSCs, which provides a new and effective approach for cell delivery and offering a promising strategy for guiding the regeneration of full-thickness skin defects.
Empowering Women through Sericulture: Transforming Defective Cocoons into Opportunities
Authors: S. M Kishore , Patil Chaitanya B. Police , Prasanth S. , Kathula K. Vishnu Priya , K.V.L Supraja , Saini Ankit , Srivastav Shubham , G Harideep
Published: October 2024

In South Asia, particularly India, women face significant challenges stemming from gender discrimination, poverty, and caste-based inequalities. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a pivotal approach to women's empowerment, promoting both economic independence and social awareness. This review paper explores the role of sericulture, specifically the crafting of handicrafts from silk cocoons, as a means of enhancing women's livelihoods in rural areas. By utilizing cut and pierced cocoons, artisans can create a diverse array of decorative and functional products, contributing to both personal income and community development. This innovative use of by- products in handicrafts not only fosters creativity but also promotes self-employment, allowing marginalized women to gain economic agency. Moreover, engaging in cocoon crafting serves as a therapeutic activity, improving mental well-being and providing a sense of purpose. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating bio-crafts into the broader sericulture industry. This integration not only enhances sustainability by making use of waste materials but also provides a reliable income stream for women and their families. The potential for value addition through skilled craftsmanship transforms what would otherwise be discarded into valuable products, contributing to the local economy. Ultimately, these initiatives improve women's economic status and contribute to their social empowerment, offering a multifaceted solution to entrenched gender inequalities in South Asia. By equipping women with skills and resources, fostering community support, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices, the crafting of silk cocoon handicrafts exemplifies a holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by women in rural areas. Through this innovative model, women can achieve greater independence, enhance their social standing, and participate actively in their communities, paving the way for a more equitable and empowered society.
Critical Evaluation of the Impact of Training and Development Programs on the Performance of Employees in the UK Food Retail Sector
Authors: Yirenkyiwaa Ntow, Rebecca , Paul Igwe, Chijioke , Enonuya Omagbemi Toritsemotse , Peter Igwe, Ejikeme
Published: October 2024

This research is a quantitative evaluation of the impact of training and development programs on the performance of employees in the UK food retail industry. The study assesses the impact of various training programs in the UK food retail businesses on the performance of employees. In essence, the study evaluated the context of the training programs, the most effective training programs, the environmental specific factors that influence training, and the impact these training programs have on the performance of employees. The study utilized the simple random sampling method under probability sampling in order to give a chance to all persons in the target population. As such a questionnaire was designed with a five-point Likert scale and 384 participants responded to these questions which were administered online with Google forms. In analyzing the data, the descriptive analysis was done using the SPSS, and a PLS-SEM analysis was made using SmartPLS. The findings of the study revealed that coaching and mentoring have no statistically significant relationship with employee performance, contrary to initial hypotheses. However, E-training has a significant positive relationship with employee performance, aligning with existing literature. Conversely, on-the-job training showed a significant negative relationship with employee performance, suggesting potential issues with its effectiveness or perception among employees. The study also revealed that environmental specific factors like political stability, sustainability, technological advancement, legal compliance, social trends and economic fluctuations influences training programs which in turn affects performance of employees. The results of this study provide valuable knowledge to managements of food retail businesses in the United Kingdom, it also in practice identifies the various training programs effective for performance in the food retail sector.
Evaluating the Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Land Productivity, Crop Residue Decomposition and Abundance of Soil Organisms in a Banana Plantation in Sri Lanka
Authors: H.P.S.R. Premarathne , W.S. Dandeniya , T.R. Haputhantri
Published: October 2024

The fertilization practices heavily influence the decomposition rate of organic materials added to soil. Hence, the nutrient management strategies that aim to improve crop yields may not necessarily support organic carbon accumulation in soil and overall soil fertility. This study investigated how land productivity, crop residue decomposition and diversity of soil organisms were affected by the combined use of chemical fertilizers (CF) and poultry manure (PM) in a banana plantation in Buttala, Sri Lanka. Banana yield, soil properties and decomposition of crop residues were studied in six treatments as, CF1+PM1, CF1+PM2, CF1+PM3, CF2 +PM1, CF2+PM2, and CF2+PM3. CF1 and CF2 correspond with 75% and 100% of recommended CF application rate. PM1, PM2 and PM3 correspond with PM application rates of 0, 2.5 and 5 kg/plant. Crop residue decomposition was assessed using litter bags containing two litter materials as banana pseudo-stem pieces and banana leaves and placed at two depths (surface and at 7.5 cm depth). Litter bags were recovered at 17, 31 and 45 days after placement (DAP) and weight loss of crop residues was determined. The application of poultry manure significantly increased (P<0.01) banana yield at first harvest and decreased (P<0.1) bulk density. Type of material and time of exposure to decomposition had significant effects (P<0.05) on litter decomposition but depth of placement and nutrient management strategy had no significant effect (P>0.05) on decomposition. By 45 DAP pseudo-stems were degraded more than leaves (67.47±13.99 % and 46.90±5.76 %, respectively). The abundance of culturable bacteria and cellulose decomposers in soil and the abundance of soil fauna in decomposing litter were significantly (P<0.1) increased with the PM application to soil. In conclusion, in the studied banana plantation, incorporation of PM in nutrient management increased land productivity and had positive impact on some soil properties, which are important determinants of soil fertility but did not register any effects on crop residue decomposition during the study period.
Trend Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature in the Kharun Watershed: Implications for Climate and Water Management
Authors: Mishra Vipin Kumar , Khalkho Dhiraj , Pandey Vinay K. , Banwasi Rakesh
Published: October 2024

Rainfall and temperature are critical meteorological variables for understanding climate change and its potential impacts on water resources.  Rainfall and Temperature are the most important for climatic parameters. The result of this study will help to take necessary steps and measures for agricultural production.  This study focuses on analyzing rainfall and temperature trends in the Kharun watershed, Chhattisgarh, using the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's slope (SS) estimator. The analysis covers seasonal (summer, winter, and monsoon) and annual trends across key stations. Results for precipitation trends reveal mixed outcomes. At Dhamtari, a significant increasing trend in summer rainfall (z = 3.21, p < 0.01, Sen's slope = 0.77) was observed, though the annual trend remains insignificant. In Patharidih, summer rainfall also shows a significant upward trend (z = 2.04, p = 0.04), while Raipur exhibits a significant decline in both annual and summer precipitation (z = -1.04, p = 0.03, Sen's slope = -0.27). Temperature trends indicate no significant changes in maximum temperature across most stations, though slight positive trends are observed in summer and monsoon seasons. However, minimum temperature trends show a significant decline during winter at Dhamtari and Raipur (z = -2.12, Sen's slope = -0.04). These findings highlight localized seasonal variability in rainfall and temperature, underlining potential challenges for water resource management and climate adaptation in the region.