bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond compliance: How ESG dashboards enable strategic sustainability management in Nigerian organizations
Authors:   Department of Procurement Management, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria, James T. Tsetim , Douglas K. Iortyom ,   Department of Business Administration, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria, Collins N. Adi ,   Department of Business Management, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria, Michael Owoicho ,   Department of Business Management, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria, Iorwuese Tyonande ,   Department of Business Management, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria, Enatto Habib E. ,   Department of Business Management, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) dashboards on sustainability management practices in Nigerian organizations, focusing on three key capabilities: Data Integration, Real-Time Monitoring and Responsiveness, and Predictive Analytics. The specific population consisted of 480 relevant personnel from organizations such as Dangote Cement, Access Bank, Nigerian Breweries, MTN Nigeria, and Oando PLC. A scientifically determined sample size of 218 respondents was drawn using Yamane’s (1967) formula, with proportional allocation across the five organizations. A total of 200 valid questionnaires were retrieved, achieving a response rate of 91.7%. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire designed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of ESG dashboard capabilities in driving sustainability efforts beyond compliance. Regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between the ESG dashboard capabilities and sustainability outcomes, with the results indicating that Real-Time Monitoring and Responsiveness had the most significant effect, followed by Data Integration and Predictive Analytics. Sector-specific findings suggest that industries such as telecommunications and financial services may benefit more from enhanced real-time monitoring, whereas sectors like cement manufacturing and oil & gas may focus more on predictive analytics and data integration. Finally, the study recommends future research to explore ESG dashboard adoption in other developing economies and investigate the long-term effects of these technologies on organizational sustainability.
Legal and regulatory aspects of telecommunication submarine cables
Authors: Monaca Aldo , Grazia Indelicato Gioia Alessia Chiara
Published: December 2024

In the growing world of telecommunication infrastructure, submarine cables serve as the foundation of global connectivity, carrying nearly 99 % of transoceanic data traffic. Despite their critical role, the regulatory landscape governing these cables remains complex and, at times, fragmented. Andrés Fígoli Pacheco's Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Telecommunication Submarine Cables stands out as a key book that clarifies these complex aspects. The book addresses the essential legal and regulatory challenges facing this critical infrastructure and offers practical solutions to enhance its security, resilience, and functionality.
General concepts on health economic evaluations
Authors: Briceño Muga Fernando , Gallegos Javier , Madrid Eva , Quirland Camila , Garnham Roberto
Published: December 2024

Health economics is an area of study that has critical tools for evidence-based healthcare decision making, among which are economic evaluations. These tools allow us to weigh the costs incurred for a given intervention in relation to its health outcomes. The main utility of these studies lies in accomplishing decision-making in healthcare and the formulation of public policies. This article is the first of two reviews on whose main purpose is to address fundamental theoretical concepts of health economic evaluations to facilitate their understanding and critical analysis. The text is part of a methodological series on clinical epidemiology, biostatistics and research methodology conducted by the Evidence-based Medicine team at the School of Medicine of the University of Valparaíso, Chile.
Kapsayıcı Liderlik
Authors: Paçal Seyran , Öztürk Mehtap
Published: December 2024

Kapsayıcı liderlik, bireylerin ve grupların farklılıklarını kabul eden, bu farklılıkları zenginlik olarak değerlendirip tüm bireylerin eşit katılımını teşvik eden bir liderlik paradigmasıdır. Bu yaklaşım, katılımcı bir ortam yaratarak ekip üyelerinin yeteneklerini, deneyimlerini ve görüşlerini dikkate alarak karar alma süreçlerini şekillendirmeyi amaçlar. Kapsayıcı liderlerin başlıca özellikleri arasında empati, açıklık, erişilebilirlik ve katılımcılık öne çıkmakta olup, bu unsurlar liderlerin çalışanlarının ihtiyaçlarını daha derinlemesine anlamalarına ve çeşitli bakış açılarını entegre ederek daha etkili stratejiler geliştirmelerine olanak tanımaktadır. Ayrıca, kapsayıcı liderler, çalışanlarının gelişimini desteklemek amacıyla mentorluk ve koçluk yaklaşımlarını benimseyerek ekip üyeleri arasında güven ve işbirliği oluşturmaktadır. Küreselleşme ve demografik değişimlerin etkisiyle artan çeşitlilik, kapsayıcı liderliğin gerekliliğini ve önemini vurgulamaktadır. Bu bağlamda, kapsayıcı liderlik örgütlerin yenilikçilik ve adaptasyon kapasitelerini artırarak bireylerin kendilerini ifade etmelerini ve katkıda bulunmalarını kolaylaştırmakta; sonuç olarak iş tatmini ve örgütsel bağlılık düzeylerini pekiştirmektedir. Kapsayıcı liderliğin ilkeleri, adalet, saygı, şeffaflık ve işbirliği gibi kavramlara dayanmaktadır ve bu ilkeler, liderlerin ekip üyeleriyle güvene dayalı ilişkiler kurmalarını teşvik etmektedir. Bu bölümde, kapsayıcı liderlik kavramı ile ilgili teorik çerçeveler, kapsayıcı liderlik özellikleri, kapsayıcı liderliğin önemi ve gelişimi, kapsayıcı liderlik ilkeleri, diğer liderlik tarzları ile karşılaştırmalar ve kapsayıcı liderliğin sonuçları ele alınacaktır.
Sıra Dışı Liderlik
Authors: Yılan Yunus
Published: December 2024

Sıra dışı liderlik, geleneksel sınırların ötesine geçerek yaratıcı, yenilikçi ve insana dayalı bir liderlik yaklaşımı sunar. Bu liderler, sürekli değişen iş dünyasında başarıyı yakalamak ve sürdürülebilir kılmak için önemlidir. Son yıllarda değişim ve yenilenme ile birlikte kaos, belirsizlik ve karmaşa sonucunda liderliğin yeniden sorgulanması sonucunda sıra dışı liderler ortaya çıkmıştır.
Tarih boyunca liderler, takipçilerini etkileyerek büyük olaylara imza atmış ve hem ülkelerin hem de dünyanın kaderini şekillendirmiştir. Siyasi, ekonomik, askeri ve dini alanlarda farklı liderlik örnekleri tarihte derin izler bırakmıştır. Günümüzde ise Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg ve Elon Musk gibi isimler, örgütlerin yönetiminde ve işleyişinde devrim yaratarak dikkat çeken liderler arasında yer almaktadır. Öte yandan, COVID-19 pandemisi gibi küresel krizler, siyasi liderlerin kararları ve uygulamaları üzerinden sıra dışı liderlik özelliklerini değerlendirmek için önemli bir zemin oluşturmuştur. Pandemi sürecindeki liderlik yaklaşımları, kriz yönetimi ve topluma rehberlik açısından liderlerin rollerini daha belirgin hale getirmiştir.
Sıra dışı liderliğin ortaya çıkmasına genellikle kriz, değişim ve kaos gibi olağanüstü durumlar zemin hazırlar. Bu tür koşullarda, liderlerin sergilediği davranışlar, takipçileri üzerinde büyük bir etki yaratır ve liderlik sürecini şekillendirir. Sıra dışı bir lider olmanın ilk adımı, liderin kendi davranışlarını değerlendirmesidir. Bu, takipçilerden beklediği davranışların kendisinin sergilediği tutumlarla uyumlu olup olmadığını sorgulamayı gerektirir. İnsanlar, liderlerin söylediklerinden çok yaptıklarına odaklanır ve liderin eylemleri, takipçilerin davranışları üzerinde belirleyici bir rol oynar. Bu nedenle, liderin tutarlı, örnek teşkil eden ve ilham verici bir duruş sergilemesi kritik öneme sahiptir.
Bu çalışmada kaos, kriz ve kaotik durumlarda ortaya çıkan sıra dışı liderlik, sıra dışı liderlik ile ilişkili kavramlar, sıra dışı liderliğin türleri ve son yıllarda yaşanan örnek olaylar kavramsal açıdan ele alınmıştır.
Demokratik Liderlik
Authors: Karaçınar Abdullah , Filizöz Berrin
Published: December 2024

Demokratik liderlik, liderin otoritesini grup üyeleriyle paylaştığı, karar alma süreçlerine tüm katılımcıları dahil ettiği bir liderlik tarzıdır. Demokratik liderlik, özellikle modern iş dünyasında, çalışanların motivasyonlarını artırmak, takım çalışmasını güçlendirmek ve organizasyonel bağlılığı sağlamak amacıyla tercih edilmektedir.
Demokratik liderliğin temel avantajı, grup üyelerinin karar alma sürecine aktif katılımını sağlamasıdır. Bu katılım, farklı bakış açılarını değerlendirerek daha yaratıcı çözümler geliştirilmesine olanak tanır. Örneğin, projenin planlama aşamasında herkesin fikrini belirtmesi, daha başarılı bir proje ortaya çıkarmaya yardımcı olabilmektedir. Ancak, demokratik liderliğin bazı zorlukları da vardır. Karar alma süreci, tüm fikirlerin alınması ve tartışılması nedeniyle zaman alıcı olabilir ve acil durumlarda verimliliği etkileyebilmektedir. Ayrıca, liderin otoritesi zayıflayabilir ve bazı durumlarda liderin kararları sorgulanabilmektedir. Çoğunluğun baskısı ve azınlık görüşlerinin göz ardı edilme riski de bulunmakta, bu da grubun potansiyelini sınırlayabilmekte ve motivasyon kaybına neden olabilmektedir. Her bireyin beklentilerini karşılamak da her zaman mümkün olmayabilir ve bu örgüt üyeleri arasında memnuniyetsizlik yaratabilmektedir. Bu nedenle, demokratik liderliğin avantajları ve dezavantajları dikkatli değerlendirilerek, organizasyonun ihtiyaçlarına en uygun liderlik tarzı belirlenmelidir.
Başarılı bir demokratik lider, hem grubun katılımını en üst düzeye çıkarmayı hem de karar alma süreçlerini etkin bir şekilde yönetmeyi başarmalıdır. Bu bölümde, demokratik liderlik kavramı, demokratik liderliğin özellikleri ile demokratik liderliğin avantajları ve dezavantajları ayrıntılı bir şekilde incelenmektedir. Demokratik liderliğin güçlü yönleri, potansiyel zorlukları vurgulanarak başarılı bir liderlik stratejisinin nasıl uygulanabileceğine dair içgörüler sunmaktadır.
Innovative Out-of-School Learning Environments in Early Childhood: Digitally Supported Discovery and Experience-Based Approaches
Authors: Doğanay Kamil , Avan Çağrı , Gülgün Cihan
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the use of digitally supported and nature-based activities in out-of-school learning environments to enhance the impact of STEM education in early childhood. Digital technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) increase children's interest in STEM fields and develop their scientific observation and problem-solving skills. Through these technologies, children can experience abstract concepts in a more concrete way, fostering positive attitudes toward STEM fields. Out-of-school learning environments like museums, science centers, and science festivals enable children to engage with science in a direct and interactive manner. These environments strengthen children's scientific attitudes and curiosity while supporting creative thinking, observation, and social skills. Science festivals, in particular, allow children to interact directly with scientists and experience the scientific process firsthand, thereby fostering an interest in STEM. Science festivals and similar activities provide opportunities to relate STEM concepts to daily life, increasing children's future interest in STEM and motivating them to pursue careers in these fields. In conclusion, digitally supported and nature-based STEM applications in out-of-school learning environments stand out as powerful tools for developing children's scientific thinking, problem-solving, and social skills. These activities strengthen children's connection to science, provide a more lasting understanding of STEM subjects, and foster a positive perspective toward STEM in their future educational and career choices.
Mental Models of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems in Preschool Children
Authors: Bilgili Pelin , Altunoğlu Bahattin Deniz
Published: December 2024

The main purpose of this study is to identify preschool children's awareness of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, describe the living and non-living components they recognize within these ecosystems, and evaluate the relationships they establish between these components. The sample consists of 60 children aged 60-72 months attending a public preschool in Van, Turkey, during the 2021-2022 academic year. The study group was formed using a convenience sampling method. The children's drawings related to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, created on blank A4 paper, were analyzed using the *Draw An Environment Test-Rubric* (DAET-R, DAME-R) adapted from an Environmental Drawing Test Rubric. Descriptive analysis was conducted to categorize the drawings into themes. Findings revealed that the most frequently depicted elements in aquatic ecosystem drawings were human figures (f=35), octopus (f=47), seaweed (f=27), shark (f=16), sun (f=37), and clouds (f=15), while in terrestrial ecosystem drawings, the most common elements were trees (f=40), grass (f=37), flowers (f=23), and butterflies (f=14). The analysis of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem drawings showed that although children included both biotic and abiotic components, they struggled to establish interconnections between components from two or more groups within an ecological system.
Biology Education in Preschool Period
Authors: Sarıbıyık Süleyman
Published: December 2024

This study addresses the importance of biology education in early childhood and explores effective teaching methods. Biology education plays a crucial role in developing children's understanding of the environment, connecting with nature, and enhancing scientific thinking skills. The fundamental teaching principles aim to help children comprehend biological concepts through concrete experiences and increase their environmental awareness. Play-based and inquiry-oriented learning methods engage children actively, making learning both fun and meaningful. The interdisciplinary teaching approach is a key method that enhances the effectiveness of biology education. When biology is integrated with fields like art, mathematics, and technology, children learn from a broader perspective and develop creative thinking skills. Art projects provide opportunities to explore biological diversity aesthetically, while mathematical activities strengthen numerical thinking and data analysis skills. The integration of technology allows children to experience biological processes in virtual environments and develop digital literacy. Conducting experiments and engaging in observation activities improve children's skills in forming hypotheses, collecting data, and analyzing information. Learning through observation deepens their understanding of ecosystems and those of the behavior of living organisms. Creative methods like storytelling and dramatization teach biological concepts through emotional connections and stimulate children's imagination. In conclusion, biology education promotes environmental awareness, healthy living habits, and scientific thinking. Interdisciplinary teaching and creative methods aim to foster curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning, preparing children to become lifelong learners.
Analysis of The Protection Needs of Witnesses and Victims in Criminal Cases
Authors: Uyun Arifatul
Published: December 2024

Witness and victim protection in the criminal justice system plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and transparent legal process. This article discusses the importance of legal protection provided to witnesses and victims, as regulated by Law Number 31 of 2014. Such protection includes physical and psychological aspects, as well as procedural rights that must be fulfilled to allow witnesses and victims to testify without fear. The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) serves as the implementer of this protection, although it still faces challenges in implementation and public trust. The research method used is literature study to identify protection procedures and mechanisms, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of LPSK. The analysis results indicate that despite a strong legal framework, the implementation of protection is often hindered by internal and external factors that need to be addressed to enhance public trust and the agency's effectiveness. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the need for improvements in protection mechanisms and the capacity enhancement of LPSK to optimally fulfill its functions.
A Numerical Study on T-Reduce Junction Flow Distribution
Authors: Haryadi Haryadi , Sugianto Sugianto , Mahmudi Ali , Kartanegara Radi Suradi
Published: December 2024

Although many manifold shapes have been studied, research on venturi-shaped manifolds with holes smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe, hereinafter referred to as T-reducer, has so far not been found. This research studies the effect of hole diameter and Reynolds number on the debit that comes out of the branch pipe. The venturi hole diameter is varied from 40% to 80% of the main pipe diameter, while the bulk velocity is varied from 2 to 10 m/s. The research started by creating a 3D T-Reducer model, followed by CFD simulation using Fluent software. From the simulation results, curve fitting is performed using multiple regression to obtain an equation which is the correlation of dimensionless numbers. The maximum difference between the flow coefficient obtained from the curve fitting equation and the CFD simulation results is 3.35%.
The impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty on firm performance in Vietnamese listed companies
Authors:   Foreign Trade University, Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Hoa Hong , Pham Tuan Kien , Ha Gia Linh , Nguyen Vu Ha Thanh , Nguyen Le Tuan , Phung Duc Anh
Published: December 2024

This study examines the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on the performance of Vietnamese listed companies from 2010 to 2022. EPU is measured by standardizing the search volume index of relevant keywords using data from Google Trends and Glimpse. The findings from regression models show a negative relationship between economic policy uncertainty and both return on total assets and return on equity in Vietnam during the period of 2010-2022. This study provides additional evidence in emerging markets to reinforce the negative impact of EPU on firm performance and supplements a new measurement of EPU in Vietnam. Furthermore, the study suggests that the government should formulate strategies to leverage economic advantages, thereby enabling firms to sustain their economic activities.
Impact of financial leverage on cash holding structure: The case of non-financial listed firms in Vietnam
Authors:   University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University,Ho Chi Minh City, Le Hoang Vinh , Trinh Ngoc Tien ,   University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University,Ho Chi Minh City
Published: December 2024

The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of financial leverage on cash holding structure represented by the proportion of cash equivalents in total cash and cash equivalents of non-financial companies listed in Vietnam. We selected a sample of 300 firms from the years 2015 to 2022, and analyzed the secondary data obtained from the audited financial statements of these companies. Through robust GLS estimation, the findings show that financial leverage has a nonlinear effect on the cash holding structure, characterized by an inverted U-shaped relationship. Specifically, financial leverage positively impacts the cash holding structure if they are maintained at low levels, however this relationship turns negative at higher levels of financial leverage. These findings suggest that firms should manage their operations differently based on their levels of financial leverage. Firms with low leverage are encouraged to maintain lower cash reserves and invest in marketable securities to optimize liquidity and profitability. Additionally, they could consider issuing debt to enhance investment and operational capabilities, thereby maximizing corporate value. Conversely, firms with high leverage are advised to hold more cash and demand deposits to mitigate the risks of financial distress and bankruptcy, as they are more susceptible to such outcomes. Policymakers may consider implementing measures to reduce the possibility of financial difficulties, such as reducing reliance on debt financing and promoting equity financing opportunities.
Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia - Edição I
Authors: Barroso L. De Freitas Guilherme , Barreto Cunha dos Santos Saulo
Published: December 2024

É com grande satisfação que apresentamos este livro, uma obra que reúne os avanços mais relevantes e as práticas consolidadas no campo da Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia. Este trabalho é fruto da colaboração dedicada de profissionais experien
Get out of the laboratory
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

The Society for General Microbiology (SGM) kindly awarded me this year’s Peter Wildy Prize Lecture, which I delivered at their Spring meeting in Liverpool just a few weeks ago. The prize is given for “an outstanding contribution to microbiology education and/or communication in order to stimulate interest and understanding in the subject”. It sounds rather grand, but please don’t be put off.
Books of the Year
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

One final look back before I turn to face 2022. Following a practice started last year, I have maintained a thread of tweet-sized reviews of the books that I read in 2021 – all of them. The Twitter thread of the books I read in 2021. Click on the image to see the high-res version. There are only eighteen in total, a singularly unimpressive tally – fewer even than I managed in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Remembering Innisfree
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I observed recently how the rise of the internet has eliminated letter writing and so caused some of the wells of correspondence that historians and biographers have relied on down through the ages to fall into disuse. But the internet is not all bad as far as reaching into the past is concerned. In fact, it can preserve and propagate memories in ways that are a huge improvement on what went before. We forget every day how lucky we are.
Transitory Mercury
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I wasn’t sure I was going to get to see today’s celestial encounter. The forecast was for blanket cover by early afternoon and the blue skies of the morning had largely filled with cloud by lunchtime, when the transit was due to start – 12:12 pm to be precise — this stuff runs like clockwork. From the bus-stop I scanned the heavens with an anxious eye.
First impressions: the DORA-HHMI meeting on research assessment reform
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

My feet have hardly touched the ground since I got back from the DORA-HHMI meeting on “Driving Institutional Change for Research Assessment Reform” in Washington DC last week, but I wanted to log a few first impressions. I can’t hope to do it justice but please be reassured that the videos of the plenary session will soon be available, and there will no doubt soon be wiser and more considered ruminations on the conference.
Parliamentary committee slams UK policy on open access
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

The UK House of Commons has its dander up. Having bloodied the prime minister over Syria in the past fortnight, the select committee of MPs that oversees the work of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has issued a report that is heavily critical of the government’s policy on open access (OA). The report was published early this morning so I have had time only to skim through the conclusions and recommendations, but it makes
Review: The Many Worlds of Albie Bright
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

After publishing my round-up of the books I’d read in 2015, the author Christopher Edge got in touch via twitter to offer a review copy of his new book,

The Many Worlds of Albie Bright

. It’s a short novel for children which has an ambitious amount of science threaded into the plot. At the beginning of the story young Albie has just lost his physicist mum to cancer.
Photos of 2022
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Another year, another two thousand or more photographs, some of which I thought were quite good. There’s a little taster below but if you want to see the full set of 55 pictures that were my favourites from this year, you need to click through to my album on Flickr. Silhouetted Robin. Louvre Reflections. Colourful Communication Barcelona Balcony The Circle of Light. No Cafe Society in Autumn.
How to look at Art?
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I was sneered at on Twitter yesterday for sneering at people taking pictures of the Impressionist paintings on display at the Musée D’Orsay in Paris. Fair enough perhaps. I had adopted an exaggerated version of the pontifical tone that comes so readily when composing tweets and not everyone saw the funny side. But behind my mock outrage was a genuine note of annoyance. I don’t have a strong objection to people taking pictures.
Ch-ch-ch-changes…
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

There’s a very real chance this could turn out to be an actual blogpost. In the original sense of the word: a web-log of what’s been happening. Posts have been rather sparse on Reciprocal Space of late. That’s not for a want of words.
UK Government to lead the world to open access?
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

The open access buzz around the internet last week was all due to the announcement by senior faculty at Harvard that journal subscription prices were rising at an unsustainable rate and the call to colleagues to devote their publishing energies to open access titles.
A day in Auschwitz
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Last week I visited Auschwitz.
Structural Biology: a beginner’s guide?
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I got impatient waiting for my latest review article to come out, so here it is. The scheduled publication date has slipped twice now without the publisher getting in touch to explain why. The latest I’ve heard, after querying the editor who commissioned the piece, is that it will be out by the end of the month. But I’ve paid my £500 fee to make the work open access and don’t see any good reason to delay further.
Key Questions for Open Access Policy in the UK
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

It’s not even two months since the tectonic plates shifted underneath academic publishing in the UK. But in the few weeks since the government’s response to the Finch report and the announcement of the new open access (OA) policy of the UK Research Councils (RCUK), the ground has settled. The contours of the new landscape can be more clearly discerned but still lack definition in places.
This is not my Brexit day
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

It is 31

st

January 2020 and as of 11 pm tonight the UK will no longer be a member of the European Union. We have arrived at Brexit day. But this is not my Brexit. I did not want it. I did not vote for it. I argued against it with as much reason and reasonableness as I could muster.
Copyright Infringement
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

This morning I received an email from a publisher inviting me to write a chapter for an ‘upcoming hardcover edited collection’ on a topic of research to which I have made a number of contributions over the years. I politely declined because of the terms of the copyright transfer agreement that the publisher was good enough to provide up front.
Impressions of Turner
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I may not know much about art but I know what I like and I like the work of Joseph Mallord William Turner — all the more so now that I have seen the Turner and the Sea exhibition at the National Maritime Museum.
A television programme about the second law of thermodynamics
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

CP Snow must be doing cartwheels in his grave. The BBC has made a beautiful, intelligent film about the second law of thermodynamics. You only have until Tuesday 30th Oct* to catch it on iPlayer and you should. Presented by Prof. Jim Al Khalili, the first episode of

Order and Disorder

is devoted to the slippery concept of Energy.
In the garden
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

What is it about living through a pandemic that has quelled the motivation to write? I suspect it may have something to do with the unstructuring of time, or rather its reduction through confinement to rhythms dulled by repetition. Whatever the reason, a quick glance through the log of posts here over the past year reveals a loss of activity – or is it a loss of discipline?
Passing By
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I was determined not to miss the transit of Venus today. Life’s too short. But this week I have relocated to St Raphael in the south of France for a conference on picornaviruses and had to leave my telescope behind. Despite this lack of equipment I roused myself from bed at 5:20 and went in search of the sunrise, hoping to be able to catch the tail end of the transit.
The Entrepreneurial State by Mariana Mazzucato
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

This is not new since Mariana Mazzucato’s breezy pamphlet,

The Entrepreneurial State

, was published a year ago, but it was new to me. I’ve just finishing reading it, having snagged one of the copies that she brought to June’s fascinating Science Question Time on economic growth.
Comet NEOWISE – catch it if you can
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Comet NEOWISE has come but not yet gone. If there is no cloud cover for the next night or two, you might be able to catch its wispy presence low in the north-west before it fades from view. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard of comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE), to give this heavenly traveller its full name. It was only discovered on March 27 this year.
Urban fruits, 3D printed frog legs and gapless genomes: 2024 was wild
Authors: Zauner Hans
Published: December 2024

It’s December again, and our teams of editors and curators are busy with the many submissions we receive at this time of year.
This week – reading, thinking and linking
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

This past week I have been doing so much reading and writing for work that there has been no time to prepare anything substantial enough for a proper blog post, even if I have been stirred by the excessive protests of Mark Walport or the over-selling of what is actually a nice piece of virology. But I have squeezed in a little additional reading on the side and thought I would take a couple of minutes to pull the links together.
ICYMI No. 9: Preprints and Embargoes
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I’m rather late getting round to this but, for the record, here is a piece I wrote for Research Fortnight in late November on the challenges that preprints pose to embargoed press releases of research reports. The tl;dr version (though the piece is only 800 words!) is that the benefits of preprints very likely outweigh the convenience of embargoes.
Passing the Baton
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

“The Queen is dead; long live the King!” is such a cliché of stories and films that it was surprising to hear it for real. Not that we did

actually

hear it for real. The secrecy surrounding the Queen’s final hours means we cannot be sure what was said at the moment of her passing or even if the new King had arrived in time.
The horror is in the detail
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I recently came across a film on YouTube called ‘Unedited footage of the bombing of Nagasaki (silent)’. It is one of the dullest and most horrific things I have ever seen. The film shows US servicemen on Tinian island performing the banal tasks needed to prepare the Fat Man bomb before it was dropped on Japan.
Jam Yesterday
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

On a grey day back in October I made my way along Albemarle Street to the Royal Institution for the filming of DemoJam, a lively and light-hearted program of science produced by Jonathan Sanderson and the rest of the gang at StoryCog for the new RI channel.
Can scientific productivity be optimized?
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

This is a repost of an article that was originally published on the Research on Research Institute website. Comments welcome!

It is a truth universally acknowledged that scientists who take greater risks are more likely to make important discoveries.
ICYMI No.8: Being Professorial
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

I was among several people who contributed to a feature in this weeks’ Times Higher Education on being a professor. My brief was (briefly): I tried my best, as did several of my professorial colleagues… though the piece didn’t go down well with everyone. 😉
Imperial debate: light and heat on the RCUK open access policy
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

It is two weeks since the meeting organised by the Imperial College Science Communication Forum to discuss the new open access policy announced by Research Councils UK (RCUK) in the light of the Finch Report. Richard Van Norden of

Nature

chaired an initial discussion between RCUK’s Mark Thorley and myself that kicked off a wide-ranging question and answer session.
Abandon the REF?
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

On Tuesday evening I was asked by Research Professional News for my views on a new report from think tank UKDayOne, which is calling for the abolition of the Research Excellence Framework, unlovingly known as the REF. The report is provocative and interesting. It has won loud support from one Dominic Cummings.
2016 in pictures
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Rather than attempt to sum up this tumultuous year in yet more words, let me share with you some of the photographs I took in 2016. The image below is an embedded album from my Flickr account. I’m not sure that it does very much so it’s probably best to click on the image. This will take you to the album on Flickr where you can click through the pictures in your own time. There are 52 in total. Happy new year!
Higher Education and Research Bill – Letter to my MP
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Science is Vital this week launched a campaign to seek amendments to the Higher Education and Research Bill 2016. The bill is a rather dry and procedural piece of legislation but hidden amongst its many sections and schedules are real threats to the autonomy and independence of UK universities and to the capacity of the research community to guide the research agenda.
Moon Boy
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

After splashdown at 4:51 pm on 24th July 1969 the Apollo 11 astronauts returning from the first moon landing  had to don full-body Biological Isolation Garments before they could leave the conical command module that was bobbing in the Pacific Ocean. Having transferred to the dingy that had come to meet them, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins then had to scrub one another’s suits with diluted bleach.
Science, art and Art
Authors: Curry Stephen
Published: December 2024

Last week I attended the award ceremony of the Wellcome Image Awards. Every time I go to this event I tell myself I’ll submit an entry for the following year, but somehow I never manage to get a submission organised. I suspect my opportunities are dwindling because the standard of entries seems to be getting higher and higher. The competition is often dominated by images from microscopy.
Ações e estratégias na produção de conhecimentos escolares e o desenvolvimento de habilidades na perspectiva do xadrez pedagógico
Authors: André de Souza Melo Adriana Soely , Malta de Azevedo Sérgio Luiz , Melo Grillo Rogério
Published: December 2024

O escopo desse estudo foi investigar como as ações e estratégias do professor propiciam a produção de conhecimentos escolares e o desenvolvimento de habilidades por meio do xadrez, em uma perspectiva do Xadrez Pedagógico. Para tanto, optou-se por uma abordagem qualitativa, na qual, as relações dialógicas entre professora e alunos foram pesquisadas no próprio lócus (projeto de xadrez extracurricular) dos sujeitos da pesquisa (alunos), isto é, na escola que estudam e que a presente professora-pesquisadora atua como docente. Observou-se e descreveu-se ações decorridas nas aulas analisadas em diário de campo, sendo que a preocupação com o processo foi maior do que com o produto. Note-se que, o propósito foi escrutinar como o problema se manifestou no decurso daos conhecimentos escolares, relacionando-as com a perspectiva teórico-prática do Xadrez Pedagógico.
The New Greek Voluntary Compliance Regime
Authors: Kalitsi M.
Published: December 2024

In this note, the author introduces the new Greek voluntary compliance regime included in the new Tax Procedure Code (Law 5104/2024) and discusses whether it can be used as an effective tax dispute prevention mechanism.
New record of Auricularia in Thailand and optimization of different agricultural substrates for the cultivation of Auricularia
Authors: Walker A , Wannasawang N , Taliam W , Luangharn T , Sysouphanthong P , Thongklang N
Published: December 2024

This study reports both the introduction of a new record and additional cultivation
results for mushrooms of Auricularia. We have collected and established a new record of the
strain MFLU24-0195 from the province of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Characterisation of this
strain was based on morphological characters and DNA sequence data. Phylogenetic analyses
indicate that the new strain clustered with Auricularia fibrillfera with a strong bootstrap,
indicating the need for a new record to be introduced. For cultivation, two different
Auricularia cornea strains and one strain of A. fibrillfera were tested on different agricultural
substrates. The results showed that both A. cornea and A. fibrillfera grew well in sawdust +
corn cob (A. cornea strain 1 (MFLUCC18-0346):290.87±17.62, A cornea strain 2
(MFLUCC18-0347): 280±16.54, and A. fibrillfera strain (MFLUCC24-0224): 265.97±17.45
g respectively). The first primordia were observed at 14±3.05, 15±3.21, and 15± 3.45 days,
respectively. Our results therefore indicate that corn cobs can be considered for the
cultivation of Auricularia.
Análisis de la participación en los planes de juventud
Authors: Cuesta Ruiz Clavijo Ana Belén , Raya Diez Esther
Published: December 2024

La juventud es una etapa de tránsito hacia la vida adulta que implica cambios significativos para la autonomía y el desenvolvimiento de la persona en la sociedad. A nivel internacional, europeo y nacional se han desarrollado diferentes instrumentos para promover políticas públicas de juventud.  La participación como condición de ciudadanía y como principio de planificación es un aspecto esencial en el diseño de políticas públicas en sociedades democráticas. Este trabajo se centra en un análisis documental de la participación en los planes autonómicos en materia de juventud desarrollados en España en el periodo 2018-2023. Entre las principales conclusiones del trabajo se destaca el bajo nivel de desarrollo de la planificación juvenil, la presencia de la participación como un elemento clave en las planificaciones estratégicas, así como, la incorporación en las mismas de las situaciones de desigualdad y vulnerabilidad en la población joven.
Evolución del tsas en las últimas décadas: procesos de cambio, retos y estrategias
Authors: Renes Ayala Víctor
Published: December 2024

El artículo analiza la evolución del Tercer Sector de Acción Social (TSAS) en las últimas décadas, destacando los cambios, retos y estrategias que han marcado su desarrollo. A lo largo del texto, se aborda la definición y misión del TSAS como conjunto de entidades privadas, sin ánimo de lucro, orientadas a la mejora de la cohesión y la inclusión social cuya misión es contribuir al desarrollo social, la defensa de los derechos y la participación ciudadana. Se incide especialmente en su vocación transformadora y rol como actor social dado que el TSAS no es solo un proveedor de servicios subsidiario, sino que tiene una vocación transformadora centrada en la inclusión social, la promoción de derechos y la participación. Cabe destacar además la participación activa de las personas y comunidades afectadas en las distintas organizaciones en la medida en la que el TSAS debe fomentar el empoderamiento tanto dentro de sus organizaciones como en la sociedad en general. El artículo se adentra también en los retos de futuro y concluye señalando la necesidad de que el TSAS continúe adaptándose a los cambios sociales, manteniendo su compromiso con la inclusión y la cohesión social, y explorando nuevos paradigmas que promuevan el bienestar colectivo basado en derechos y en una ciudadanía activa y participativa.
Estéticas del desvanecimiento y espectralización en las representaciones gais del VIH/SIDA.
Authors: Del Fresno Alvaro
Published: December 2024

El presente artículo interroga la relación entre estética y política en las representaciones de los enfermos de SIDA gais durante los años ochenta y noventa en el contexto anglosajón. En particular, haciendo uso del concepto derridiaro de espectralidad, el texto analiza las estrategias contra-narrativas que diversos artistas homosexuales adoptaron para construir un relato que escapara la lógica del debilitamiento propuesta por Jasbir Puar (2021). En el texto se recoge la obra del fotógrafo estadounidense Mark Morrisroe y la película de Blue del célebre Derek Jarman, como ejemplos de lo que denomino “estéticas del desvanecimiento”. A través de este marco conceptual, se explorarán las estrategias narrativas que permiten performar el luto y el duelo sin quedar arrojados en su totalidad a la morbosidad y la muerte.
Envejecimiento activo y enfermedad mental grave: desafíos y oportunidades socioeducativas
Authors: Rodríguez Sanz Luis , De-Juanas Oliva Ángel , Porta Antón María Ángeles
Published: December 2024

Las personas diagnosticadas con trastorno mental grave, al llegar a la vejez, se enfrentan a los cambios propios de la edad que se suman a los derivados de enfermedad. Este estudio analiza el testimonio de profesionales en dispositivos de rehabilitación psicosocial sobre el envejecimiento activo y la intervención socioeducativa para personas mayores con trastorno mental grave. Se exploraron las oportunidades y dificultades para la mejora del acceso a actividades que promueven el envejecimiento activo en este colectivo. El estudio utilizó un cuestionario abierto para recoger las valoraciones de 21 profesionales de la Red de Salud Mental de la Comunidad de Madrid.
Para el análisis de resultados se utilizó el software de análisis cualitativo MAXQDA. Los resultados evidenciaron las necesidades de las personas con trastorno mental grave durante el envejecimiento. En cuanto a las respuestas de las y los profesionales en relación con el envejecimiento activo se constató que la mayoría de los participantes están alineados con este enfoque. Se concluye en la necesidad de plantear propuestas de intervención socioeducativa individualizadas orientadas a la mejora de la calidad de la atención proporcionada a estas personas.
tercera España está aquí»: Ciudadanos y el discurso del centrismo en España (2005-2023)
Authors: Jiménez Torres David
Published: December 2024

En 2008, Albert Rivera declaró que Ciudadanos, el partido nacido en Cataluña que él lideraba y que acababa de dar el salto a la política nacional, «representa a una tercera España progresista». A partir de aquel momento, la identificación del partido con el sintagma «tercera España» fue constante, tanto en el discurso de la propia formación como en muchos análisis acerca de la misma. Esto no significa que tuviera un significado unívoco: la Tercera España llegó a adquirir varias acepciones en este contexto, aunque todas vinculadas a algún aspecto de lo que el partido planteaba como un proyecto centrista post-2008. La reivindicación de la Tercera España incluso se convirtió en un elemento de disputa tanto con otros rivales políticos como dentro del propio Ciudadanos, sobre todo durante la crisis del partido de mediados de 2019. Este trabajo analiza el uso del concepto de la Tercera España durante las fases de creación, auge y declive de Ciudadanos, centrándose en los sentidos que se dieron a este concepto en el discurso de la formación, en su función dentro de su proyecto político y en el marco de varias coyunturas concretas, y lo que este caso muestra sobre el repertorio simbólico del centrismo en la España democrática.
Coffee jellies - the nutritional, sensory, and physicochemical characterization
Authors:   Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences ”King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119A, 300645, Romania, Moldovan Camelia , Ardean Victor ,   Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences ”King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119A, 300645, Romania, Popa Viorica Mirela ,   Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences ”King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119A, 300645, Romania, Misca Corina Dana ,   Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences ”King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119A, 300645, Romania, Raba Diana Nicoleta ,   Faculty of Management and Rural Turism, University of Life Sciences ”King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119A, 300645, Romania, Borozan Aurica Breica ,   Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technology, University of Life Sciences ”King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119A, 300645, Romania, Poiana Mariana Atena ,   Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences ”King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119A, 300645, Romania, Dumbrava Delia Gabriela ,   Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences ”King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119A, 300645, Romania
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to take advantage of the benefits of coffee consumption in the form of jelly. In this regard, jelly recipes were designed using agar-agar and gelatin as gelling agents, in versions with classic coffee prepared with water and with oat "milk." All jellies showed very good acceptability after evaluating their sensory characteristics. The acidity of the gelatin jellies (0.37-0.4 degrees of acidity) was higher than that of the agar jellies (0.22-0.25 degrees of acidity), and the "espresso" jellies had higher acidity than those with oat drink. The highest total soluble solids (TSS) content was recorded in the gelatin jellies (49.6 Brix) and those with oat "milk." The water content of the gelatin jellies (36-38%) was higher than that of the agar jellies (30-33%), and the oat "milk" jellies had a higher water content than the "espresso" ones. The polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were higher in the "espresso" jellies (15.42 - 15.71%, respectively 26.8 - 27.6 mgGAE/g) than in those with oat "milk" (15.29 - 15.38%, respectively 25.3 - 26.4 mgGAE/g). The energy values of the jellies varied between 106.19 and 183.42 kcal/100 g. The jellies with oat "milk" had more calories than the others. The gelatin jellies had the highest energy values of 123.8 and 183.42 kcal, while those with agar had 110.88 and 150.59 kcal.