bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability and Citizen Science in Early Childhood Education in the 21st Century
Authors: Yılmaz Adem , Güzel Sekecek Gülbahar , Şahin Atılgan Kübra
Published: December 2024

This study examines the individual and societal impacts of integrating sustainability and citizen science into early childhood education. While sustainability aims to preserve natural resources and promote social equity, citizen science encourages individuals’ active participation in scientific processes. Early childhood is a critical period for fostering environmental awareness and introducing scientific methods. In this context, sustainability and citizen science enable children to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and social responsibility skills. The first section explores the theoretical foundations of sustainability and citizen science, detailing their environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The second section focuses on sustainability approaches applicable in early childhood, such as nature-based learning, recycling education, and technology-enhanced projects. The third section investigates the integration of citizen science into children’s learning processes and its contributions to societal awareness, highlighting examples of projects where children acquire skills like data collection and analysis. The fourth section emphasizes the effectiveness of educational methods, including project-based learning, game-based learning, and storytelling, in fostering these concepts. The final section presents recommendations for expanding the role of sustainability and citizen science in education. Key suggestions include restructuring curricula, strengthening teacher training, enhancing family involvement, and integrating technology. The study concludes that instilling these concepts at an early age significantly contributes to individual development and societal sustainability.
Transformation of Islamic Criminal Law in Modern Society in Aceh
Authors: Efendi Sumardi
Published: December 2024

This study examines the transformation of Islamic criminal law in modern Acehnese society, focusing on the implementation of the Qanun Jinayat, which governs the application of hudud, qisas, and ta'zir punishments. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that officially enforces Sharia law, offering a unique case study to understand how Islamic criminal law is adapted in a modern context. This research employs a literature review method, gathering and analyzing various sources, including literature, journals, and legal documents related to the implementation of Islamic criminal law in Aceh. The findings indicate that while the enforcement of Islamic criminal law in Aceh enjoys significant support from the local population as part of their cultural and religious identity, substantial challenges remain, particularly regarding its alignment with human rights principles and national law. The study concludes that the transformation of Islamic criminal law in Aceh reflects efforts to balance the preservation of Islamic traditions with the demands of modernity. Nonetheless, continuous dialogue among stakeholders is necessary to ensure that the implementation of Sharia law in Aceh remains consistent with universal principles of justice and human rights.
Gender-Based Violence and Deconstruction Implementation of The Rights Victims on Sexual Violence
Authors: Kamilia Nur
Published: December 2024

This article examines gender-based violence (GBV) as a crucial issue in contemporary society, focusing on the implementation of deconstruction of the rights of sexual violence victims. Through an hollystic and deskriptif- analytical approach, the article explains how patriarchal norms and gender streotypes reinforce a culture of violence, as well as the challenge s faced in protecting victims’ rights. By exploring various policies and best practices, this article aims to provide insights into the strategic steps necessary to create a safe and just environment for victims and to encourage a paradigm  shift in addressing cases of sexual violence. This research is expected to contribute to collective efforts in tackling gender-based violence and supporting the recovery and empowerment of victims.   
Analysis of Restorative Justice in Gender-Based Violence Cases Within Diversion Under Law No. 12 of 2012
Authors: Romadlany Zakiah
Published: December 2024

The handling of cases involving gender-based violence against children in conflict with the law in Indonesia often remains trapped in a conventional criminal law approach that does not consider the special needs of children. This article analyzes the application of restorative justice principles in the context of diversion according to Law No. 12 of 2012 on the Juvenile Justice System. This research employs a normative approach, examining sources from various literatures, including books, laws, and other relevant literature related to the theme of this writing using the restorative justice framework. The findings of this study indicate that the restorative justice approach focuses on restoring relationships among the perpetrator, victim, and society, while promoting social responsibility. By adopting the principles of The Beijing Rules, this new law provides space for more humane and rehabilitative case resolutions. Through in-depth analysis, it is found that effective implementation of diversion can prevent negative stigma and assist in the reintegration process of children into society. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of policies that are more responsive to the rights and needs of children in the context of gender-based violence.
Legality Of The Practice Of Wiretapping Methods Against Perpetrators Of Criminal Acts Of Corruption In The Provisions Of The Law On Criminal Acts Of Corruption
Authors: Dalimunthe Aidil Putra
Published: December 2024

Corruption cases in Indonesia continue to be a primary concern, especially since the perpetrators are often high-ranking government officials. Legally, corruption is governed by Law No. 31 of 1999 in conjunction with Law No. 20 of 2001 on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, which defines this crime as unlawful acts that harm the national economy and contradict societal justice values. This study aims to explore the challenges faced in combating corruption and analyze its impact on public trust in the government. The research will employ a descriptive analysis method, focusing on literature studies from various sources related to the topic of this article. The findings indicate that, despite the government's various efforts, such as regulatory updates and the establishment of special agencies, public dissatisfaction regarding the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures remains prominent. Consequently, the government has implemented policies involving the interception of corruption offenders, which strengthens the evidence obtained for anti-corruption actions. The conclusion of this study is that while the government has strived to create justice in corruption cases, various challenges still persist in practice. Therefore, this research will propose new steps to prevent corruption offenders from proliferating further.
Financial Decision-Making and SME Growth in China: The Mediating Role of Corporate Culture
Authors:   Centre of Postgraduate Studies, Asia Metropolitan University (AMU), Johor Bahru, Malaysia., Guan Junliang
Published: December 2024

This study delves into the intricate relationship between financial decision-making and the growth of small and medium-sized private enterprises (SMEs) in China, emphasizing the mediating role of corporate culture. Through a comprehensive analysis of data collected from 405 SMEs via a questionnaire survey, this research employ multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The findings underscore the significant influence of corporate culture, which categorize into four dimensions: values, relationship culture, innovative culture, and risk culture. These cultural aspects shape financial decision-making processes, subsequently impacting SME growth as measured by profitability, development scale, and growth stage. Notably, financial stability emerges as a pivotal factor; more aggressive financial strategies are associated with higher profitability but may result in a smaller development scale and lower growth stage. This research not only contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the complex interplay between corporate culture, financial decision-making, and SME growth within the Chinese context but also offers practical insights and strategies for SME managers seeking to optimize their financial decisions and foster sustainable growth.
Exploring the Role of Self-Efficacy in the Relationship between CSR Perception and TSI among Frontline New-Generation Employees in Tourism Enterprises
Authors:   Centre of Postgraduate Studies, Asia Metropolitan University (AMU), Johor Bahru, Malaysia., Lu Ying
Published: December 2024

This study explores the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) perception, self-efficacy, and tourism service improvisation (TSI) among frontline new-generation employees in tourism enterprises. Drawing on a sample of 500 employees from various tourism enterprises, the research employs a quantitative methodology to test four hypotheses. The findings indicate that CSR perception has a significant positive impact on TSI and self-efficacy. Furthermore, self-efficacy is found to mediate the relationship between CSR perception and TSI. These results suggest that fostering a socially responsible corporate culture can enhance employees’ confidence in their improvisational abilities, leading to improved service quality and customer satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature on organizational improvisation by providing insights into the role of CSR and self-efficacy in promoting service innovation in the tourism industry. By understanding these relationships, tourism enterprises can devise strategies to empower their employees and stay competitive in an ever-changing market landscape.
The Mediating Role of Insider Identity Cognition in the Impact of Differentiated Team Atmosphere Perception on Employee Knowledge Hiding Behavior
Authors:   Centre of Postgraduate Studies, Asia Metropolitan University (AMU), Johor Bahru, Malaysia., Wang Qiang
Published: December 2024

This study delves into the intricate relationship between differentiated team atmosphere perception and employee knowledge hiding behavior within China’s communications technology service industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of insider identity cognition in this dynamic. Grounded in social information processing theory and resource conservation theory, the research encompassed a six-month data collection period, yielding 465 valid questionnaires from industry employees. The analysis revealed that a perceived differentiated team atmosphere significantly and positively impacts employee knowledge hiding behavior. Critically, this study found that insider identity cognition acts as a partial mediator in this relationship, suggesting that how employees perceive their place within the organization influences their likelihood of hiding knowledge. Interestingly, while psychological resilience did not directly moderate the link between team atmosphere perception and knowledge hiding, it did negatively moderate the relationship between team atmosphere perception and insider identity cognition. These findings offer valuable insights for managers aiming to curtail knowledge hiding and cultivate a more conducive team atmosphere within China’s communications technology service industry. By understanding these dynamics, organizations can develop targeted interventions to enhance collaboration, innovation, and overall performance.
Labor Relations Atmosphere and Job Commitment of New Generation Technical Workers in China’s Building Materials Industry
Authors:   Centre of Postgraduate Studies, Asia Metropolitan University (AMU), Johor Bahru, Malaysia., Zhang Chiyi
Published: December 2024

This study delves into the intricate relationship between labor relations atmosphere and job commitment among the new generation of technical workers in China’s building materials industry. Utilizing theoretical frameworks from social exchange theory, social cognition theory, and job-person fit theory, the study examines how different facets of labor relations atmosphere, encompassing win-win cooperation, labor-capital confrontation, and employee participation, impact the job commitment of technical workers. The findings of this study underscore the significant positive impact of a favorable labor relations atmosphere on job commitment, while also highlighting the detrimental effects of a confrontational atmosphere. Furthermore, the study reveals that career growth acts as a partial mediator in this relationship, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for career advancement to enhance job commitment. By shedding light on the role of labor relations atmosphere in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of technical workers, this study contributes to the existing literature on job commitment and organizational behavior. The implications of the findings are discussed, offering valuable insights for organizations aiming to foster a positive labor relations atmosphere and enhance job commitment among their technical workforce.
Organizational Commitment and O&M Management Quality: Roles of Tacit Knowledge and Trust
Authors:   Centre of Postgraduate Studies, Asia Metropolitan University (AMU), Johor Bahru, Malaysia., Zou Wenxiang
Published: December 2024

This study explores the intricate relationship between organizational commitment and operation and maintenance (O&M) management quality in the context of the mobile communications industry. By examining a sample of 468 O&M personnel, the research delves into the mediating role of tacit knowledge sharing and the moderating role of interpersonal trust in the relationship between organizational commitment and O&M management quality. The findings reveal that organizational commitment has a significant positive impact on O&M management quality, with tacit knowledge sharing functioning as a partial mediator in this relationship. However, interpersonal trust is found to negatively moderate both the relationship between organizational commitment and tacit knowledge sharing and the relationship between organizational commitment and O&M management quality. These results underscore the importance of nurturing organizational commitment and tacit knowledge sharing while carefully managing interpersonal trust in order to enhance O&M management quality in the mobile communications industry. The study provides valuable insights for practitioners and researchers seeking to improve O&M practices and achieve higher levels of operational efficiency and reliability.
The Impact of High-Performance Work Systems on Employees’ Subjective Well-Being: A Study in Chinese Steel Structure Enterprise
Authors:   Centre of Postgraduate Studies, Asia Metropolitan University (AMU), Johor Bahru, Malaysia., Pu Zongyang
Published: December 2024

This study delves into the intricate relationship between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and employees’ subjective well-being within the unique context of Chinese steel structure enterprises. Utilizing theoretical frameworks from work psychology, social exchange theory, and the job characteristics model, the study investigates the pivotal role of perceived decent work as a mediator and the potential moderating effect of supervisor support. A comprehensive questionnaire survey involving 447 in-service employees serves as the primary data collection method, with rigorous analysis conducted using SPSS 27.0 and Mplus 7.4. The findings reveal that HPWS exert a positive influence on job satisfaction and job engagement among employees, with perceived decent work acting as a significant mediator in this relationship. However, contrary to expectations, supervisor support does not significantly moderate the relationship between HPWS and perceived decent work. These insights provide practical implications for Chinese steel structure enterprises, emphasizing the importance of implementing effective HPWS to enhance employees’ subjective well-being. The study underscores the critical role of decent work in fostering job satisfaction and engagement, ultimately contributing to the overall performance and long-term sustainability of the organization.
The Impact of Workplace Exercise on Employee Innovative Behavior: The Mediating Roles of Vitality and Creativity
Authors:   Centre of Postgraduate Studies, Asia Metropolitan University (AMU), Johor Bahru, Malaysia., Zhang Yuantian
Published: December 2024

This study delves into the impact of workplace exercise on employee innovative behavior within the context of high-tech enterprises in Singapore. Drawing extensively on embodied cognition theory, it meticulously examines the mediating roles of vitality and creativity in this intricate relationship. Employing a rigorous questionnaire survey method, the study successfully collected data from 443 employees across 16 high-tech companies. The results unequivocally demonstrate that workplace exercise exerts a positive influence on employee innovative behavior, with vitality and creativity functioning as significant partial mediators in this process. Furthermore, the study reveals that workplace health promotion positively moderates the mediating effects of vitality and creativity. This research makes a substantial contribution to the existing literature by providing robust empirical evidence for the beneficial impact of workplace exercise on employee innovation and emphasizing the crucial role of vitality and creativity in this dynamic interplay. The findings underscore the importance for high-tech enterprises in Singapore to actively implement comprehensive workplace health promotion plans, thereby encouraging employee participation in exercise and consequently enhancing their vitality, creativity, and innovative behavior.
Reflecting Power and Identity: The Cultural Significance of Jin Dynasty Mirrors and Their Transmission Across Eurasia
Authors:   Institute of International Education, New Era University College, Kajang, Malaysia, Wang Xueqian , Sun Peng ,   School of Management, Jinan University (JNU), Guangzhou, China., Boey Teik Soon ,   Institute of International Education, New Era University College, Kajang, Malaysia.
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the origins, transmission pathways, and cultural significance of mirror culture during the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234). The Jin, founded by the Jurchen people, represents a pivotal period in Chinese history, marked by cultural exchanges and political shifts between the Jurchen, Song, Liao, and Tangut peoples. Mirrors, as both practical objects and powerful symbols, were central to the Jin’s political, religious, and social life. These artifacts not only served utilitarian functions but also conveyed profound spiritual meanings, symbolizing cosmic order, imperial power, and cultural identity. This study investigates the technological advancements and artistic developments in Jin mirror production, analyzing the materials, methods, and iconography that define these objects. Additionally, it examines the role of mirrors in political rituals, religious ceremonies, and social stratification, offering insights into the cultural and ideological landscape of the Jin court. The transmission of Jin mirrors across East Asia and into Central Asia further highlights the empire’s engagement with neighboring cultures, particularly through the Silk Road. By tracing the flow and adaptation of these mirrors in various cultural contexts, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the Jin Dynasty’s legacy and its place in the broader Eurasian world. Through this analysis, the study not only enhances our knowledge of the Jin period but also provides new avenues for exploring the intersection of material culture, identity, and power in medieval East Asia.
Enfermedades transmitidas por vectores en equinos
Authors: González-Puetate Iván , Valle-Mieles Elsa , Palacios Macías Martha
Published: December 2024

Este trabajo se centró en analizar las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores (ETV) en equinos, un problema emergente y reemergente a nivel global que afecta la salud y la industria equina debido a las pérdidas económicas ocasionadas, tanto por los tratamientos necesarios como por las restricciones en la comercialización. Las principales enfermedades de este tipo incluyen la piroplasmosis equina, anaplasmosis equina y encefalitis equina, causadas por patógenos como Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum y virus transmitidos por vectores como garrapatas, mosquitos y moscas. La metodología incluyó una revisión de estudios sobre los agentes patógenos y sus vectores, específicamente artrópodos, y los signos clínicos de cada enfermedad. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante pruebas microscópicas, PCR y pruebas serológicas, mientras que los tratamientos varían desde imidocarb y oxitetraciclina hasta cuidados de apoyo para los virus de encefalitis. Los resultados mostraron que la sanidad equina enfrenta múltiples desafíos debido a la variedad de patógenos y vectores que complican el diagnóstico y el control de estas enfermedades. Se concluye que la implementación de estrategias de vigilancia epidemiológica, el control de vectores y el tratamiento temprano son fundamentales para mitigar el impacto económico y sanitario de estas infecciones. La prevención y el manejo requieren un enfoque multidisciplinario, con sistemas de alerta temprana que anticipen brotes y activen intervenciones inmediatas para proteger la salud equina y la industria.
Neo-Kantian Question on Method, the Problem of Form and the Meaning of Variability in Gustav Shpet and Ernst Cassirer’s Philosophy
Authors: Afanasov Nikolai B.
Published: December 2024

The Kantian legacy has had a key impact on the landscape of theoretical philosophy in the first half of the twentieth century. Philosophers both in Germany and in Russia saw Immanuel Kant’s ideas as seminal for their philosophical research. The main schools of that era were formed in discussions of the problems and the solutions which were proposed by Kant. The methodological legacy of the critical philosophy effectively became the main benchmark of the thinking of a whole generation of intellectuals. Research into the unity of “form” in the structure of human cognition was also in many ways mediated by the Kantian tradition. To prove this thesis I first look at the philosophy of Gustav Shpet who creatively interpreted the German tradition and proposed an original project of his own, and then I examine the theory of Ernst Cassirer, an outstanding representative of Neo-Kantianism who in the later period of his work proposed considering the phenomena of the humanities to be symbolic forms closest to the spontaneity of the biological. The common feature of the approaches of the two philosophers is their attempt to preserve the integrity of cognition which is destroyed by mathematisation of the common denominator (ultimate categorisation) and hierarchisation of the phenomena of human life. The alternative is the metaphor of mutational change, through which the concept of “form” acquires a new meaning. In conclusion I show that the analysis of the projects of Shpet and Cassirer has heuristic value for the historical-philosophical understanding of the fate of the Kantian philosophy and for modern philosophical culture.
Open access on the conference circuit
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Having devoted a fair number of the words on this blog to open access over the past year and a half, I have found myself invited to an increasing number of meetings on the topic. Whether run by RLUK, the Royal Society or the LSE, these meetings have invariably been interesting, but they often seem to bring together many of the same people, mostly from libraries, funders, publishers and learned societies.
Blogging Challenge Inverted (2)
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Here is the second of two guest blogs from my tutorial students, completing my inverted blogging challenge. This one is from Louie Barnett, who provides an entertainingly seasonal take on the murky world of G-protein coupled receptors. Take it away, Louie:

All I want for Christmas is… a GPCR?

Louie Barnett It’s coming to that time of year when people are thinking about what they want for Christmas.
Open access: a national licence is not the answer
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

“Open Access: Is a national licence the answer?” is a proposal by David Price and Sarah Chaytor of University College London for a mechanism to provide full access to everyone within the UK to all published research.
Nature’s new open access option – a few first thoughts
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

A news article published online in Nature this morning discusses the announcement of new open access options in the Nature family of journals. The details are in the article, but the basic story (written by Holly Else) is that authors wanting to make their work OA can pay an APC of €9,500 or choose a ‘guided’ route, which is about 50% cheaper but splits the price between reviewing and publishing.
Why I don’t share Elsevier’s vision of the transition to open access
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Last week Elsevier’s VP for Policy and Communications, Gemma Hersh, published a think-piece on the company’s vision of the transition to open access (OA). She makes some valid points but glosses over others that I would like to pick up on. Some of Elsevier’s vision is self-serving, but that should come as no surprise since the company has skin in the game and naturally wants to defend its considerable commercial interests.
Grim resolve at the House of Commons on the scientific priorities for Brexit
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

On Tuesday morning last week MPs, MEPs, and representatives of various organisations with a stake in post-Brexit UK science gathered in the Churchill Committee room at the House of Commons for the launch of  the “Scientific priorities for Brexit” report, published by Stephen Metcalfe MP, chair of the Commons select committee on science and technology.
In my opinion the British Chiropractic Association is being unscientific
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I have just come home from a gathering of Skeptics in the Pub in the Penderels Oak in Holborn and I am excited and dismayed.

Simon Singh – bloodied but unbowed

This was a special meeting to discuss developments in the court case being brought by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) against the popular science author, Simon Singh.
Impact factors are clouding our judgement
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Nature

has an interesting news feature this week on impact factors. Eugenie Samuel Reich’s article — part of a special supplement covering various aspects of the rather ill-defined notion of

impact —

explores whether publication in journals such as

Nature

or

Science

is a game-changer for scientific careers. The widely-held assumption is that they are.
Impressions of Australia
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I have been struggling to write something about my trip to Australia in August, my first visit to that great continent and undoubtedly a highlight of 2014. In my determination to get away from the rather banal what-I-did-on-my-lecture-tour-and-family-holiday trope, I ended up loading the first draft with too much historical and philosophical baggage.
Hellboy oh boy!
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

As a crystallographer from County Antrim in Northern Ireland, it should come as no surprise that I am much taken by the Giants’ Causeway, an impressive basalt rock formation on the north coast that boasts some of the largest crystals in the world.

Hexaogal crystals in Co. Antrim – each column is about 60 cm across.
Scientific Spaces and Places
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

The Guardian runs an interesting ‘”Writer’s Rooms” feature in its Review section every Saturday in which a writer (or sometimes an artist) discusses a photograph of their office or workroom, pointing out significant objects. The idea (as in Desert Island Discs) is to gain an oblique insight into the subject’s mindset. Well, it’s hardly an original idea but wouldn’t be interesting to take the same approach with scientists?
Books read in 2019
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

In a kinder, happier age, when I used to write regularly for the Guardian’s science blog network, I would post summaries of the books I had read at the end of each year. Since the network closed in 2018 I have rather lost the habit. Looking back a the list of titles I got though in 2019, I realise how much I share with Robin Ince the problem of retention.
Photographs of 2020
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

My computer tells me that I took over 2,400 photographs in 2020. Here are my favourites. I’m afraid I have failed to whittle them down to fewer than seventy-five. Click on the first image, taken on a winter walk on the first of January, to go to the album on flickr. 2020 was the year of lockdown, but we still managed to get out and about on occasion.
Bluetiful!
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Quick! Look! This is a coucil flat in Southark but it’s cool and blue and rather beautiful. There was a brief report about it last night on Channel 4 News, which you can watch here. They explain how the artist Roger Hiorns created the work by flooding a derelict, sealed flat with hot, saturated copper sulphate solution.

Seizure

by Roger Hiorns. The whole of the interior is coated in deep blue crystals.
Jolly good fellows: Royal Society publishes journal citation distributions
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Full marks and a side order of brownie points for the Royal Society: they have started publishing the citation distributions for all their journals. This might seem like an unusual and rather technical move to celebrate but it matters. It will help to lift the heavy stone of the journal impact factor that has been squeezing the life out of the body scientific.
Henry Gee’s top ten reads of 2015
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

At the tail end of 2015 I reviewed the 23 books that had entertained and enlightened me over the course of the year. My friend Henry Gee, formerly of this parish, managed nearly twice that number.
Movement and Music
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

What the hell is Stanley Kubrick’s

2001: A Space Odyssey

about? I’m sure I don’t know. I’m really, really sure I don’t know.
BAMEed: the voices of the people
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

At the beginning of June I attended the first BAMEed conference. It was an unexpectedly memorable and inspiring occasion.

Final panel discussion at #BAMEed2017

Though billed as an “unconference” – a sort of self-organising gathering that fills old fogies like me with horror – the one-day meeting had in fact been meticulously planned.
ICYMI No. 3: Academic publishing on the radio
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

This is rather self-serving, even by my standards, but I made a plan with these “In Case You Missed It” posts and I’m sticking to it. I have been on the radio a couple of times in the past month talking about academic publishing. It’s not a topic that often gets aired so I was pleased to see two radio buses come along in quick succession, so to speak.
“LIVE” FROM NEW YORK, IT’S (POSTMODERN) SATURDAY NIGHT!
Authors: Howard Douglas L.
Published: December 2024

In the final act of Jason Reitman’s

Saturday Night

, Matt Woods’s John Belushi ice skates in his bee costume in an empty rink in Rockefeller Plaza, as Ella Hunt’s Gilda Radner and the iconic gold statue of Prometheus look on.
Review: Heart of the Original
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Steve Aylett’s short book on originality, creativity and individuality may conform externally to the rectilinear format of most other books but is otherwise highly elliptical. I found it maddening.

Heart of the Original – Alan Moore loved it.

It has chapters, paragraphs, and sentences – just like other books – but somehow those sentences don’t stack up into a shape that is easy to get hold of. I can’t even put my finger on it.
ICYMI No. 2: Time for positive action on negative results
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Today I had a short opinion piece in

Chemical and Engineering News

on publishing negative results, a topic that I covered about this time last year in the

Guardian

on the occasion of the publication my lab’s first paper on an experiment that didn’t work out. Basically, I think it’s a good idea.
The March for Science: advocacy masterstroke or PR misfire?
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Last night made my way to an upstairs room at The Castle pub near Farringdon to participate in a debate organised by Stempra on the forthcoming March for Science.
The fragile foundation of pre- and early-school programs for disadvantaged children
Authors: Driessen Geert
Published: December 2024

In many countries, pre- and early-school programs are the core of educational disadvantage policy. Such programs aim at preventing educational delays of children growing up under unfavorable socioeconomic circumstances. The programs provide a range of compensational stimulation activities in child care centers and kindergartens, sometimes combined with activities for parents at home. Despite the investment of billions of dollars each year, the educational gap between the rich and poor is widening. The question, then, is whether such programs are really effective. Therefore, studies into the effectiveness of such programs are significant. In this sense, this article reviews two so-called model programs, the Perry Preschool and the Abecedarian programs, which were small-scale experimental programs conducted in the 1960s and 1970s. This review critically analyzes a series of publications written by the projects’ staff and reanalyses done by Nobel laureate James Heckman and colleagues. They claim that both programs are highly effective and that their findings can be generalized to other reasonably similar programs. This review shows, however, that both experiments were hampered by several methodological shortcomings, which seriously threaten the reliability and validity of their outcomes. Furthermore, the projects were so exceptional, in terms of circumstances, target groups, budgets, and teacher qualifications, that it is not possible to generalize their results. It is concluded that not just quality research, but especially critical quality research, is imperative. That is, researchers should be more critical with regard to their own work and that of their colleagues, and they should not accept research findings at face value.
Adolfo Suárez y el suarismo: la personificación de una alternativa de centro
Authors: Magaldi Fernández Adrián
Published: December 2024

El centro político logró desempeñar un importante papel en España durante los tiempos de la Transición y los primeros años de la democracia. Ello se debió, en gran medida, al liderazgo que sobre dicho espacio ejerció Adolfo Suárez, quien alcanzó un elevado grado de identificación entre su persona y el centrismo en torno a lo que vino a conocerse como el suarismo. Primero desde Unión de Centro Democrático (UCD) y, posteriormente, desde el Centro Democrático y Social (CDS), el suarismo representó un proyecto de centro que evolucionó desde su identificación con un ecléctico espacio político de difusos perfiles ideológicos, hasta dotarse de un auténtico corpus doctrinal en torno a un centro progresista. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el proyecto de centro que supuso el suarismo para comprender su significado ideológico, sociológico e histórico.
Reseña de: Jerónimo RÍOS SIERRA y José Manuel AZCONA PASTOR, Historia de la violencia en Perú (1962-2015). Sendero Luminoso, MRTA y Terrorismo de Estado Madrid, Sílex, 2024, 222 pp.
Authors: Crespo Alcázar Alfredo
Published: December 2024

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Reseña de: Luis HORRILLO SÁNCHEZ El espionaje británico y Franco: desde Hendaya hasta Torch. Zaragoza, Prensa de la Universidad de Zaragoza, 2024, 498 pp
Authors: Muñoz Bolaños Roberto
Published: December 2024

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Reseña de: Alfonso BOTTI, Historias de las «terceras Españas» (1933- 2022). Valencia, Universitat de Valéncia, 2023, 164 pp
Authors: Núñez Bargueño Natalia
Published: December 2024

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Lisette Model: Twelve Photographs: The Limited-Edition Portfolio and the Market for Photographic Prints in the United States
Authors: Sands Audrey
Published: December 2024

The explosive growth in the recognition of photography as an art form by museums and collectors in the United States between the late 1960s and 1970s is often referred to as the photography boom. In this period, the status of the photograph evolved from functional image to valuable and collectible fine-art object. This article addresses the significance of the limited-edition portfolio during the 1970s in light of this phenomenon, considering, as a case study, the portfolio Lisette Model: Twelve Photographs. Published in 1976 by Washington, DC–based art dealer Harry Lunn, the modern portfolio features Austrian-born US American photographer Lisette Model’s street photographs and portraits from the 1930s and 1940s printed by Gerd Sander for the edition. Sander’s role as established professional printer, in which he created an object for the market, together with Lunn’s strategic capacity as photography dealer, produced rarity—a key mechanism that generated the collectability of modernist photography in the United States.
Optimizing Kindergarten Students' Reading with Picture Media and Storybooks: A Classroom Action Research at PGRI 2 Malang Kindergarten
Authors: Lutfiah Sari  , Thao Thi Vu  , Ambarin Mooznah Auleear Owodally  , Siti Salwa Binti Talib  , Mitra Samiei
Published: December 2024

This research aims to overcome boredom in classical learning at PGRI 2 Malang Kindergarten by testing the integration between learning in the classroom and outside the classroom. The approach used is qualitative approach with classroom action research method. Through two cycles of activities, teachers conduct planning, action implementation, observation, analysis, and reflection to improve children's independence in learning. The results showed that the integration of outdoor learning and indoor learning was able to increase children's independence, allowing them to learn through real, interesting and challenging experiences. It is recommended to educators and kindergarten education managers to implement this approach to provide a more meaningful learning experience for children.
Analyzing the Impact of Economic Growth, Poverty, and Unemployment on Income Inequality in Nusa Tenggara Barat Province (2018–2022)
Authors: Dewi Riskiani  , M. Irwan  , Yaya Keho  , Sikiru Adedokun
Published: December 2024

Income inequality is a problem that has implications for the welfare of people between regions, where there are differences in income between developed regions and underdeveloped regions. This study aims to determine how much influence economic growth, poverty and unemployment have on income inequality in Nusa Tenggara Barat Province in 2018-2022. This research is a quantitative study using secondary data in the form of panel data obtained from BPS. The method used is panel less square with common effect model. The results of this study show that the economic growth variable has a negative and insignificant effect on income inequality in the province in 2018-2022, the poverty variable has a negative and significant effect on income inequality in the province in 2018-2022, and unemployment has a positive and insignificant effect on income inequality in Nusa Tenggara Barat Province in 2018-2022. Simultaneously, economic growth, poverty and unemployment have a significant influence on income inequality.
Implementation of CSS Technology in Water Level Monitoring System
Authors: K Poornimadevi , S Dharani , A Jeslin Esther , V Lokitha , M Mohanapriya
Published: December 2024

By using CSS technology, with the help of NRF24L01 module implemented a wireless transmission of data without internet. By utilizing CSS technology (Chirp Spread Spectrum), the system eliminates the need for physical contact with water, reducing maintenance and increasing accuracy. The NRF24L01 transceiver module to ensure reliable, long range and energy efficient wireless transmission. The CSS technology enhances signals resistance to noise, interference and fading making the system suitable for challenging environments. The implementation highlights the advantages of CSS in optimizing communication for monitoring system.
Skin Cancer Detection Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network with Advanced Segmentation Approach
Authors: A Hariarasi
Published: December 2024

Skin cancer is a deadly disease, which require early detection to prevent and treat it successfully in its early stage. This paper address the detection of skin cancer using Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNNs) classification approach.The classification stage follows by implementing wiener filter to remove the impacts of noise and inverts the blurring in the input image .Further, Segmentation is done using k means clustering which separates the interest area from the background to isolate the region of interest. The proposed method uses, Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) for feature extraction to identify unique and reliable characteristics in an image to increase the deep learning model’s effectiveness and precision. For the accurate classification of skin cancer, a DCNNs model is analysed where the architecture combine Convolutional and Recurrent Neural Network (CNN RNN) to enhance skin cancer classification. The proposed method is developed in python software with high accuracy of 93% makes the proposed methodology to be efficient and wellbeing.
An Empirical Analysis on the Effectiveness and Challenges of Project Management Tools and Techniques in Public Sector Projects: Evidence from the Ministry of Works, Ikeja, Lagos
Authors: Akinbobola Adedotun Princess , Aladejebi Olutoye Ade
Published: December 2024

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the influence of Project Management Tools and Techniques (PMTT) on project delivery within the Ministry of Works in Ikeja, Lagos State. The focus is on understanding how these tools impact project planning, control, and overall efficiency.
Study Design: Quantitative survey research.
Place and duration of study: Ikeja LGA, Lagos State, 2022.
Methodology: A quantitative research approach was employed, using a structured questionnaire distributed to 83 employees from various departments within the Ministry. Data collection was complemented by secondary sources from relevant literature. The study utilized descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis, to evaluate the effectiveness of PMTT.
Results: Project Management Tools and Techniques (PMTT) significantly affect project delivery at the Ministry of Works in Ikeja, Lagos, according to the research. Project planning (mean rank = 3.39), progress reporting (3.51), and project review meetings (3.35) are successfully and extensively used, with frequency from 47.9% to 64.8%. Primavera and change requests are less popular (mean rank = 2.45 and 2.51, respectively). Earned Value Management (EVM) (mean rank = 2.99), Payback Period (2.87), and NPV (2.94) provide varied results. Constraints identified include lack of familiarity with tools, high costs, and adoption challenges. PMTT has a strong positive influence on project delivery, as evidenced by p-values < 0.05, deviance values ranging from 0.000116 to 0.000196, and Cox-Snell R? values ranging from 0.830565 to 0.873681.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The study concludes that while PMTT significantly enhances project delivery, overcoming barriers such as high costs and limited training is crucial. It recommends investing in comprehensive training programs, exploring cost-effective technology solutions, and addressing adoption and stakeholder engagement issues to maximize the effectiveness of PMTT.
Import CIF – Incoterms® – Insurable Rights and Risks
Authors: Tran Nguyen Thi Huyen
Published: December 2024

International trade is an indispensable activity for all countries and economies (except for countries those are closing their economies) because it will help countries buy machinery, equipment and raw materials for domestic manufacturers and sell national products to help their country’s development. That is why export becomes the core driving force for each country. Businesses themselves operate not only for national interests but also for their own interests. Increasing revenue and reducing expenses is the goal that businesses aim to create large profits for themselves. Besides, in order to maximize business benefits, businesses always pay attention to minimizing risks and damages that may arise during the transaction process. And insurance becomes one of the effective tools for this goal. However, not all businesses can use insurance as an effective tool to protect firms against risks. If firms do not understand insurance clearly, this will become a risk for themselves. Through the real situation of a business being refused compensation by insurer, this article wants to share information as well as the theoretical basis leading to that refusal, and draw some remarkable lessons as well as noteworthy study for businesses especially importers.
Economic Impact on Sesame Production and Its Main Problem: Its Commercialization due to the Existence of Intermediaries
Authors: Montufar Gilberto Rodríguez , García Antonia Hibet Ortuño , Armenta Sergio Fernando Garibay , Rodríguez Lizzett Jazmín Franco
Published: December 2024

This article refers to the economic impact generated by sesame production in Mexico. The main producing states of this crop are: Sinaloa, Guerrero, Chiapas, Sonora, Michoac?n, Oaxaca and Jalisco, which according to the Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP) in 2023, 50,812.03 tons of this seed were produced. However, most of the producers dedicated to this crop are characterized by being low-income, so they do not have advanced technology for production or adequate channels for its commercialization.
Producers dedicated to the cultivation of sesame have not been able to organize themselves to carry out the distribution of their product to foreign markets, due to the existence of intermediaries who are responsible for collecting all the crops in the region, to be delivered directly to large companies, either to be industrialized or destined for export and thus respond to the needs of foreign markets that demand increasingly larger volumes and better quality.