bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sesmarias e sesmeiros: a distribuição e o beneficiamento de terras na Amazônia colonial
Authors: Lima João Antônio Fonseca Lacerda , Santos Marília Cunha Imbiriba dos
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo propõe-se a compreender a lógica de distribuição e beneficiamento de terras na Amazônia colonial, inserindo-a em dinâmicas que engendraram relações locais e demandas globais. Para tanto, será utilizado um vasto aporte documental, como a coleção Sesmaria do Instituto de Terras do Pará, Cartas de Concessão e Requerimentos, presentes no Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, e Registro de Mercês do Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, pelos quais será possível compreender a dimensão das propriedades, culturas empregadas, bem como os indivíduos que as beneficiavam.
Informantes nativos e os limites do domínio português no Brasil colonial tardio
Authors: Langfur Hal
Published: February 2024

Ao longo de sua história colonial, grande parte do território escassamente povoado da América portuguesa não foi completamente colonizado, principalmente a província de indígenas autônomos e semiautônomos. Em uma mudança de política após 1750, cujas implicações permanecem mal compreendidas, a Coroa portuguesa intensificou os esforços para controlar as muitas fronteiras internas do Brasil. Este artigo foca em uma dessas regiões, as serras íngremes que separam as capitanias do Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais. Explorando as relações entre o estado transatlântico centralizador de Portugal e os povos indígenas da região, o texto enfatiza a importância da informação sobre o território coletada junto aos Coroado, Coropó e outros indígenas por oficiais que lideraram uma expedição militar para conter o fluxo de contrabando de ouro e diamantes. No artigo, argumenta-se que os ocupantes indígenas dessa região estratégica definiram, em grande parte, os limites do poder do Estado enquanto asseguravam sua própria sobrevivência e independência.
Análise do Regime Internacional de Controle sobre Drogas a partir da perspectiva da Teoria Crítica das Relações Internacionais
Authors: Gonçalves Higor de Souza , Martinez Elias David Morales
Published: February 2024

O regime internacional de controle sobre drogas vigente desde 1961 a partir das convenções sobre drogas da ONU tem se mostrado ineficaz em concretizar seus objetivos e gerado inúmeros impactos sociais, econômicos e ambientais. Através de um breve levantamento histórico é possível perceber o contexto e os interesses adjacentes sob os quais esse regime se construiu, sendo a política externa dos EUA permeada pelo moralismo de suas elites internas uma das principais razões que levou o regime a adotar uma abordagem criminalizante. Analisando-se o tema a partir da Teoria Crítica das Relações Internacionais é possível perceber que as Ideias possuem um papel central na definição do papel social das drogas e que as Instituições e Capacidades Materiais representam importantes instrumentos para enraizar Ideias no sistema que sejam compatíveis com os interesses do poder hegemônico. Novas Ideias sobre o papel social das drogas, conflitantes com o regime criminalizante, têm ganhado força atualmente e colaborado para a construção de um regime mais coeso, contudo, para gerarem mudanças mais efetivas precisam se inserir com mais força nas Instituições internacionais.
The Brazilian Mathematics Educator Ubiratan D’Ambrosio in vídeos
Authors: Neves Fraz Joeanne , Barbosa de Moura Ellen Michelle , Gomes dos Santos Karla Vanessa , Moreira Geraldo Eustáquio
Published: February 2024

The aim of this article, of a qualitative approach and descriptive-exploratory nature, was to analyze the contribution of audiovisual material made available on the YouTube platform with the participation of Ubiratan D'Ambrosio on Ethnomathematics. The procedure was a survey and selection of audiovisual material on YouTube with a speech by D'Ambrosio that included the subject of Ethnomathematics and with more than 5,000 views. Six videos, which were made available between 2013 and 2020, were selected. They have a duration varying  between  five  minutes  and  two  hours.  The audiovisual material available contains conceptualization and discussion of Ethnomathematics, in addition to the possibility of access and comprehension in a distinctive manner utilizing digital media. According to the theorist, and based on the video analysis, Ethnomathematics is a cultural construction carried out by different groups in their daily lives in the search for survival and transcendence. The importance of digital media as a means of access to information and democratization of knowledge is also emphasized.
Percepções de licenciandos em matemática acerca da resolução de problemas
Authors: Novello Tanise , Felcher Carla Denize Ott
Published: February 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as percepções de licenciandos em Matemática acerca da resolução de problemas como tendência metodológica para o ensino. Os registros foram produzidos em uma turma do primeiro semestre do curso de Licenciatura em Matemática de uma Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, matriculados na disciplina de Introdução à Educação Matemática. Esses registros foram analisados a partir da Análise Textual Discursiva de Moraes e Galiazzi (2007). Da análise, emergiram duas categorias que envolvem a resolução de problemas: potencialidades e desafios. Como potencialidades destaca-se entendimentos e percepções dos professores; elaboração dos problemas e a mediação pedagógica e formação inicial, já como desafios romper com o ensino tradicional; aprendizagem Matemática e as particularidades dos estudantes. Por fim, destaca-se que a resolução de problemas perpassando a formação inicial é fundamental para que os licenciandos possam se apropriar e, por conseguinte, levar para a prática pedagógica.
Relación entre capacidad funcional locomotora y grados de obesidad en mujeres adultas argentinas
Authors: Sacerdoti Alina , Frechtel Gustavo , Farinola Martin
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Individuals with obesity experience a decrease in their locomotor functional capacity compared to those without overweight. It is not clear whether, in people with obesity, this capacity is related to the degree of obesity. Objective: To analyze the relationship between obesity degrees according to different anthropometric indicators and locomotor functional capacity. Methodology: Fifty-three voluntary adult women (46.3±8.0 years old) with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 participated in the study (n=20 with obesity grade I; n=17 with obesity grade II; n=16 with obesity grade III). Weight, height and waist circumference were measured and the 6-minute walk test, and timed up-and-go test were taken. Results: Statistically significant associations were found between different obesity indicators and locomotor functional capacity, especially in the 6-minute walk test and BMI. These correlations remained significant even in individuals without diabetes, without metabolic syndrome, and who had not reached menopause. Conclusions: In adult women with obesity, locomotor functional capacity decreases as the degree of obesity increases, even in individuals without metabolic disorders or advanced age. Therefore, any reduction in the degree of obesity is advisable, even in individuals who may not achieve a non-obese situation.
Health in All Policies and intersectorality in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2011 - 2021: a scoping review
Authors: Escobar Díaz Fabio Alberto , Rodriguez Corredor Zuly Andrea
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Intersectoriality, since the Alma Ata Conference in 1978, has become a fundamental part of the political discourse on public health, social determinants, and health promotion to address health problems in society. Following the above, it is important to identify the research carried out in Latin America and the Caribbean on this topic in the last decade.
Metodology: A scoping review was carried out on the scientific evidence published between 2011 and 2021 in countries of the Latin American region on experiences and intersectoral actions between health and other sectors to address joint public health problems.
Results: 15 studies were included; mostly from Brazil, with predominantly qualitative designs and local character. In addition, some analyses highlight the hegemony of the biomedical model, as well as the conflicts and tensions at the ideological level in certain health issues and traditional practices that limit effective intersectoral collaboration. Conclusions: Intersectoriality is not a strictly technical issue, but ideological elements converge that determine its scope and limitations. Studies in countries such as Colombia should be expanded to have evidence that allows an understanding of the barriers and facilitating aspects of intersectorality.
Investigación Traslacional y Salud Pública. ¿Una realidad posible?
Authors: Mukdsi Jorge Humberto
Published: February 2024

Public health (PH) research focuses on pillars that investigate, analyse and explainon the pillars that investigate, analyse and explain the determinants of thedeterminants of the health status of the population,as well as determinants and the complex responsesand the complex responses arising from the social network, with theto provide solutions to health problems, from a collectivehealth problems from a collective point of view. The vision of theresearch processes in SP address two main areas: generating theareas: generating the necessary knowledge to understand the causes andunderstanding the causes and factors that influence health conditions from ahealth conditions from a population perspectiveand to evaluate and explain the effect of different policies, interventions anddifferent policies, interventions and mechanisms for organising systems andand mechanisms for organising health systems andhealth service delivery.
صورة المخادع في رواية كين كيسي "أحدهم طار فوق عش الوقواق"
Authors: محمد سعد قاسم م.م. , رؤى علي محمود العزاوي م.م.
Published: February 2024

يتناول البحث أهمية شخصية المخادع في أدب ما بعد الحداثة، مع التركيز بشكل خاص على رواية كين كيسي الشهيرة "أحدهم طار فوق عش الوقواق" (1962). تحتل شخصية المخادع مكانة بارزًة في الأدب، حيث يمثل التمرد والدهاء والانشطة الثورية. ويعرض البحث أهمية دور المخادع في تحدي السلطة وتحقيق التغيير داخل إطار مشفى عقلي من خلال تحليل كيسي لشخصية المخادع. وتتجسد شخصية المخادع في رواية "أحدهم طار فوق عش الوقواق"، في شخصية راندل مكميرفي، الشخصية المتمردة التي تتحدى السلطة القمعية للممرضة راتشد والنظام المؤسسي. يسلط البحث الضوء على الطبيعة المتناقضة لمكمورفي كشخصية مخادعة مع بُعد نبيل. بالرغم من استخدامه لتكتيكات متنوعة مثل الفكاهة والتمرد والتلاعب، فإن هدفه النهائي هو تمكين المرضى واستعادة هويتهم. ويوضح تصوير كيسي لشخصية المخادع أهميتها في الأدب المعاصر بوصفها وسيلة لانتقاد الأنظمة القمعية وإعطاء الإلهام للتغيير الثوري.
Robust estimations from distribution structures: III. Invariant Moment
Authors: Li Tuobang
Published: February 2024

Descriptive statistics for parametric models are currently highly sensative to departures, gross errors, and/or random errors. Here, leveraging the structures of parametric distributions and their central moment kernel distributions, a class of estimators, consistent simultanously for both a semiparametric distribution and a distinct parametric distribution, is proposed. These efficient estimators are robust to both gross errors and departures from parametric assumptions, making them ideal for estimating the mean and central moments of common unimodal distributions. This article also illuminates the understanding of the common nature of probability distributions and the measures of them.
The potential of Burkholderia sp. form Zea mays roots as Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria
Authors: Hafsan
Published: February 2024

The improvement of crop productivity has become a primary focus in modern agriculture, with ongoing research aimed at identifying effective strategies. In this context, the study aims to explore the potential of L-tryptophan (L-TRP) supplementation in enhancing the effectiveness of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Burkholderia sp. in promoting the growth of maize plants. The research background elucidates the crucial role of PGPR in enhancing plant health, while Burkholderia sp. has been identified as a promising PGPR for maize plants. However, the potential of adding L-TRP to enhance the performance of PGPR in the context of plant growth has not been fully explored. The research methodology involves the rejuvenation of Burkholderia sp. bacterial cultures followed by testing the influence of PGPR on maize plant growth in controlled pot experiments. Three treatment groups were formed: PGPR + L-TRP, PGPR without L-TRP, and a control group. Observations were made on plant growth and the concentration of plant hormones such as auxin and gibberellin, as well as siderophore activity. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate differences between treatment groups. The research findings indicate that L-TRP supplementation in PGPR Burkholderia sp. significantly increases plant auxin production. The PGPR + L-TRP treatment resulted in higher auxin concentrations compared to the PGPR without L-TRP treatment and the control group. Additionally, both PGPR treatments showed higher gibberellin concentrations than the control, although there was no significant difference between the two PGPR treatments. The findings suggest that PGPR, especially with L-TRP supplementation, also yield higher siderophore concentrations, indicating increased iron availability for plants. The novelty of this research lies in the revelation that L-TRP supplementation can enhance auxin production and siderophore availability by PGPR, providing important insights into the interaction between soil microbes and their host plants. The conclusion drawn from this study is that the combination of PGPR with L-TRP supplementation can be an effective strategy for enhancing agricultural yields, particularly in increasing maize crop productivity. The practical implications include the potential for developing optimized PGPR formulations with L-TRP supplementation to improve agricultural yields sustainably. The significance of these findings lies in uncovering new potential for enhancing crop productivity through the use of a combination of soil microbes and nutrient supplementation, laying the foundation for the development of more effective and environmentally friendly microbial-based agricultural strategies, focusing on the integration of PGPR with L-TRP supplementation in agricultural systems. This could provide innovative solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity sustainably while reducing reliance on expensive and potentially environmentally damaging chemical inputs.
Information seeking without metacognition
Authors: Edwards-Lowe Georgina , La Chiusa Elisa , Olawole-Scott Helen , Yon Daniel
Published: February 2024

Humans and other creatures seek information to improve their cognition and behaviour. Theories in cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology and animal cognition tend to assume a strong connection between information seeking behaviour and explicit metacognition – conscious introspection about our mental states and subjective metacognitive feelings like confidence or uncertainty. However, recent developments in computational neuroscience have stressed that metacognition and uncertainty are not equivalent, and many forms of uncertainty may be monitored in the brain without generating subjective metacognitive feelings. Here, across a series of experiments in adult humans, we show that information seeking and subjective confidence are controlled by distinct forms of uncertainty. In particular, information seeking (but not confidence) is controlled by uncertainty in sampled sensory evidence while confidence (but not information seeking) is controlled by uncertainty caused by decision boundaries. This double dissociation suggests that separate computations in the mind and brain shape confidence and information seeking: undermining the idea that information seeking behaviour always depends on conscious introspection into our own states of mind.
The Effects of Climate Action Interventions along Cultural Individualism-Collectivism
Authors: Goldwert Danielle , Bao Yun Evelina , Doell Kimberly C , Van Bavel Jay Joseph , Vlasceanu Madalina
Published: February 2024

As the climate crisis demands global engagement, it is crucial to understand how interventions influence individuals across cultural backgrounds. Are interventions more effective when aligned with the cultural values of a target population? To investigate, we evaluated eleven behavioral interventions aimed at stimulating climate change mitigation, along cultural individualism and collectivism orientations, in a large sample (N=59,440) spanning 63 countries. At baseline, we found the more individualistic a nation, the less its residents believed in climate change, supported mitigation policy, and intended to share information, but did not plant fewer trees in an online task. Critically, while some interventions were more effective in individualistic (decreasing psychological distance), and some in collectivistic nations (emphasizing social norms), others were effective in both (writing a letter to the future generation). These results reveal that individualism is a significant barrier to climate mitigation, and the efficacy of interventions hinges on cultural contexts.
Valuing different forms of knowledge predicts belief in epistemically suspect claims: Development and validation of the Foundations of Knowledge Questionnaire
Authors: Robson Samuel Gebhard , Faasse Kate , Martire Kristy
Published: February 2024

In an era where polarisation, alterative facts and conspiracy theories pervade public discourse, understanding differences in the way people conceive of truth and knowledge is key to unravelling contrasting worldviews. In this paper, we develop and validate the Foundations of Knowledge Questionnaire, a psychometric tool to measure trust in various ways of knowing. In Study 1, we identify six distinct factors or knowledge foundations—Expert authority, Reason, Intuition, Personal experience, Faith, and Culture. In Studies 2 and 3, we demonstrate that this factor structure provides good fit, and provide evidence for strong internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity for these factors. Scores on each factor also moderately predict how individuals rate the persuasiveness of arguments, but there was mixed evidence as to how well they predict general behaviour and problem solving. Most interestingly, in Study 4, these knowledge foundations (factors) correlated with belief in epistemically suspect claims, with each adding unique explanatory power. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed. This questionnaire offers insights into the diverse knowledge foundations underpinning human cognition and belief systems, with implications for understanding reasoning and decision-making.
Detecting social biases using mental state inference
Authors: Asaba Mika , Davis Isaac , Leonard Julia , Jara-Ettinger Julian
Published: February 2024

Social biases are prevalent in everyday social interactions, but they are often expressed in subtle ways that can make them difficult to detect. Yet, intuitively, people can often recognize when they are the subject of a bias, even in the absence of any overt behavior. How do we do this? While much research has focused on the negative consequences of being the subject of a bias, less is known about the cognitive mechanisms that allow people to explicitly detect biases in the first place. In this paper, we propose an account of bias detection which is grounded on mental state representations. We propose that people infer biases by detecting a gap between expected unbiased behavior and observed real-world behavior, which in turns reveals the hidden biases influencing other people's beliefs. We present a formal computational model of this account and, across three preregistered studies (n=720 total), we show that this model captures participants' inferences about an observer's prior beliefs (Experiment 1), general social biases (Experiment 2), and specific real-world biases (Experiments 3a--3c). Moreover, our model captures key patterns of variance in participant responses which simpler alternative models fail to capture. These findings highlight the role of Theory of Mind in social bias detection, and broaden our understanding of the human capacity to detect and reason about implicit prejudices.
Structural explanations lead young children and adults to rectify resource inequalities
Authors: Vasil Ny , Srinivasan Mahesh , Ellwood-Lowe Monica E , Delaney Sierra , gopnik alison , Lombrozo Tania
Published: February 2024

Decisions about how to divide resources have profound social and practical consequences. Do explanations regarding the source of existing inequalities influence how children and adults allocate new resources? When 3-6-year-old children (N=201) learned that inequalities were caused by structural forces (stable external constraints affecting access to resources) as opposed to internal forces (effort), they rectified inequalities, overriding previously-documented tendencies to perpetuate inequality or divide resources equally. Adults (N=201) were more likely than children to rectify inequality spontaneously; this was further strengthened by a structural explanation but reversed by an effort-based explanation. Allocation behaviors were mirrored in judgments of which allocation choices by others were appropriate. These findings reveal how explanations powerfully guide social reasoning and action from childhood through adulthood.
The Power of Effect Size Stabilization
Authors: Kowialiewski Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Determining an appropriate sample size in psychological experiments is a common challenge, requiring a balance between maximizing the chance of detecting a true effect (minimizing false negatives) and minimizing the risk of observing an effect where none exists (minimizing false positives). A recent study proposes the use of effect size stabilization, a form of optional stopping, to define sample size without increasing the risk of false positives. In effect size stabilization, researchers monitor the effect size of their samples throughout the sampling process and stop sampling when the effect no longer varies beyond predefined thresholds. This study aims to improve our understanding of effect size stabilization properties. Simulations involving effect size stabilization are presented, with parametric modulation of the true effect in the population and the strictness of the stabilization rule. Results indicate that optional stopping based on effect size stabilization consistently yields unbiased samples over the long run, as previously demonstrated. However, simulations also reveal that effect size stabilization does not guarantee the detection of a true effect in the population. Consequently, researchers adopting effect size stabilization put themselves at risk of increasing type-2 error probability. Instead of using effect size stabilization procedures for testing, researchers should use them for their intended purpose: Reaching accurate parameter estimates.
Wizerunek kryzysu migracyjnego na granicy Białorusi z Unią Europejską w „Gazecie Wyborczej”, „Rzeczpospolitej” i „Dzienniku Gazecie Prawnej” w perspektywie framing analysis
Authors: Leśniczak Rafał
Published: February 2024

Celem podjętych badań jest rekonstrukcja wizerunku kryzysu migracyjnego na granicy Unii Europejskiej z Białorusią w ogólnopolskich dziennikach opinii – w „Gazecie Wyborczej”, „Rzeczpospolitej” i „Dzienniku Gazecie Prawnej”. Podjęto próbę wskazania dominującej ramy, przez którą były relacjonowane wydarzenia kryzysu migracyjnego w przywołanych tytułach prasowych. Posłużono się metodą analizy ramowania (framing analysis) oraz pomocniczo metodą analizy dyskursu. Odnotowano, że dominującą ramą w artykułach prasowych była rama odpowiedzialności oraz rama ludzkich spraw. Poddane analizie publikacje najrzadziej były przypisywane do ramy moralnej i ramy ekonomii. Artykuł zwiększa wartość poznawczą w obszarze mediatyzacji polityki i badań nad wizerunkiem kryzysów migracyjnych w polskiej prasie opinii.
Les formes de persuasions dans le discours de Greta Thunberg [Formy perswazji w przemówieniu Grety Thunberg]
Authors: Martinez Christine
Published: February 2024

Artykuł analizuje formy perswazji w dyskursie Grety Thunberg oraz krytykę jej przemówienia w tekstach dziennikarskich dostępnych online. Wyróżnia się trzy poziomy dyskursywne: logos, ethos i pathos, a także cztery elementy dyskursu perswazyjnego, tj. exordium, narrację, potwierdzenie i zreasumowanie. Analizując przemówienie w wersji tekstowej oraz nagrania wideo (w celu zbadania języka niewerbalnego), pokazujemy brak równowagi między trzema składnikami triady perswazyjnej. Poddane analizie zostają także elementy przemówienia, w których znajdziemy formuły patosu. W podsumowaniu potwierdzamy, że pomimo kontrowersji i mieszanego odbioru dyskurs Grety Thunberg jest perswazyjny dzięki pewnym jego komponentom.
Dostępność wydarzeń naukowych organizowanych przez polskie uczelnie w perspektywie udziału osób niepełnosprawnych oraz innych osób ze szczególnymi potrzebami
Authors: Paluszek Karolina
Published: February 2024

Dostępność uczelni w Polsce wzrasta w ostatnich latach. Liczne projekty w zakresie dostępności architektonicznej, cyfrowej oraz komunikacyjno-informacyjnej są realizowane w wielu ośrodkach akademickich. Niemniej, z reguły dotyczą one zapewnienia dostępności odbiorcom kształcenia (a więc studentom, słuchaczom studiów podyplomowych, doktorantom), natomiast potrzeby nauczycieli akademickich oraz badaczy są w nich marginalizowane bądź pomijane.

Uczestnictwo w wydarzeniach naukowych stanowi jedną z podstawowych aktywności podejmowanych w ramach działalności naukowej. Czynny udział podejmowany już przez studentów, ale przede wszystkim przez pracowników naukowych, daje możliwość konfrontacji poglądów z innymi osobami, wymiany doświadczeń oraz dyskusji o pomysłach, a tym samym umożliwia rozwój nauki.

W niniejszym artykule omówiono wyzwania związane z uczestnictwem w wydarzeniach naukowych osób ze szczególnymi potrzebami. Autorka analizuje prawne aspekty zagadnienia oraz przedstawia wyniki przeprowadzonego badania dostępności wydarzeń organizowanych przez polskie uczelnie. W pracy zawarto ponadto praktyczne wskazówki dla ich organizatorów, zainteresowanych spełnieniem wymagań dostępności.
O etycznych, prawnych i społecznych konsekwencjach stosowania systemów sztucznej inteligencji w państwach członkowskich Unii Europejskiej. Uwagi na tle projektu rozporządzenia w sprawie sztucznej inteligencji
Authors: Namysłowska Monika , Bieda Roman , Budrewicz Piotr , Lubasz Dominik , Nowakowski Michał , Pająk Robert , Świerczyński Marek , Więckowski Zbigniew , Wochlik Ireneusz , Wróblewski Mirosław
Published: February 2024

The subject of this paper is the ethical, legal and social implications of the use of artificial intelligence systems. The problem of regulating the operation of AI systems is an important research issue, particularly in the context of their increasing use and the numerous risks involved, such as those related to discrimination and the protection of fundamental rights. Research in this area was made possible by the European Commission’s presentation of a draft regulation on artificial intelligence. It was necessary to explore and examine it in the light of the methodological instruments classically used in the discipline of legal sciences, with particular emphasis on the formal-dogmatic method and with an assessment of the practical dimension of the institutions analysed in the project. In order to ensure the clarity of the study, essential parts of the considerations were separated, such as general and specific issues, within which specific elements of the draft act were analysed. The aim of the research was to determine whether the draft regulation provides effective protection of fundamental rights and the creation of safe, reliable and ethically sound mechanisms of artificial intelligence. This issue has not yet been comprehensively analysed in the Polish literature. The article is a valuable contribution of the Polish doctrine to the analysis of the draft act and proposes necessary directions for changes.
https://ps.sejm.gov.pl/journal.nsf/PS.xsp?documentId=378999E8131102CEC1258AC100773F3D&lang=PL Pozycja prawna Centralnej Komisji Wyborczej Republiki Litewskiej
Authors: Pyrzyńska Agata , Malužinas Martinas
Published: February 2024

The aim of the paper is to analyse the legal position of the Central Electoral Commission in the electoral law of the Republic of Lithuania. The considerations focus, firstly, on defining the status of this body, and secondly, on identifying the tasks imposed by the legislator on the CEC. In the second case, the analysis focuses only on the general outline of the Commission’s tasks, as their detailed analysis would require the preparation of a separate study. The analysis also aimes at verifying whether the Lithuanian legislator, when shaping the regulations concerning the Commission, took into account the European standards for the organisation and functioning of central electoral bodies, as defined by the Venice Commission. On the basis of the conducted research work, an attempt was made to determine to which of the electoral administration models the Lithuanian model should be included, taking into account the location and tasks of the CEC. It should be added that the analysis of the above issues seems justified, as so far this issue has not been comprehensively discussed in the Polish legal or political science literature, and moreover, it has rarely been discussed in the Lithuanian literature. In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the formal and legal method was used and the doctrinal work was analysed. In addition, a comparative legal method was used to show the differences and similarities between the central authorities of other countries, and an empirical method was used to outline the practical aspects of the functioning of the CEC.
Regulamin Rady Państwa Republiki Słowenii
Authors: Pogłódek Andrzej
Published: February 2024

The National Council was provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia of 23 of December 1991. The second chamber of the Slovenian Parliament, together with the State Assembly, forms part of the legislature. However, it differs significantly from it, particularly with regard to the way in which its composition is determined. The National Council is in the body representing social, economic, professional and local interests. Therefore, elections to this body are neither universal nor direct. Nevertheless, this body is not a typical representative authority because its members are elected on the basis of functional representation. The Council of State has both “soft” powers related to the expression of opinions, as well as “hard” powers allowing it to effectively influence the work of National Assembly and the law-making process in the Republic of Slovenia. The latter powers include, for example, the right of legislative initiative and the right of suspensive veto. The presented Rules of Procedure contain provisions on the exercise of the powers granted to the National Council.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEPENGARUHI PENDAPATAN NELAYAN DI DESA BAJO KECAMATAN TILAMUTA KABUPATEN BOALEMO
Authors: Imbran Harijono , Ishak Sahrul
Published: February 2024

This study aims to determine the factors that influence fishermen's income in Bajo Village, Tilamuta District, Boalemo Regency. This study uses a quantitative research approach. The data source was obtained through a questionnaire instrument and used 40 respondents and the analytical tool used was multiple linear regression. The results showed that there was a significant influence between the production factors X1, (Capture) X2, (Experience) X3, (Technology) and X4 (Operating Costs) on the income (Y) of fishermen in Bajo Village, Tilamuta District, Boalemo Regency. The results of multiple regression analysis produce a multiple regression equation Y = -2,446,683.31 + 0.887x1+ 0.657x2+ 0.761x3 – 0.061x4. The magnitude of the influence is indicated by the R squre value of 0.955 or 95.5 percent, meaning that both the values X1, X2, X3, and X4 greatly affect the Y value (Fishermen's Income) of 0.955 or 95.5 percent while the remaining 4.5 percent in influenced by other factors outside the research.
PENGEMBANGAN KAWASAN PEDESAAN BERBASIS KOMODITI UNGGULAN DI KECAMATAN PINOGU
Authors: Paramata Sri Hantuti , Lopo Asmiati
Published: February 2024

This study aims to map the Pinogu District area as an isolated and difficult to reach area. Identifying the economic potential of Pinogu Subdistrict to increase significant economic growth. Pinogu Subdistrict, which has five villages with an area of 405.96, is an economic area that has the potential for commodities to develop, especially agricultural commodities, plantations and fruits. Based on the results of the analysis, it shows that the leading commodities for the development of rural areas are rice, plantation products, and coffee. The various leading commodities are spread across five villages in Pinogu District. The economic growth of Pinogu District is classified as very slow to grow, this is due to the high cost economy which causes the economic turnover to be very slow. Based on the results of the analysis, the cause of this is because transportation access to enter and exit goods and people in the Pinogu area is very difficult because the only transportation owned in this region is two-wheeled (motorbikes/motorcycle taxis).
Dynamics of Odonata in an Agroecosystem: Effects of Paddy Cultivation Phases on the Diversity of Dragonflies and Damselflies
Authors: Priyadarshana P.H.M.G.C.  , Ranaweera S.R.D.  , Shafa S.M.R.  , Gunawardena M.P.
Published: February 2024

Wetlands represent a major part of biodiversity and provide habitat to many species which cannot succeed in other ecosystems. Man-made wetlands like Paddy fields represent a greater percentage of wetland ecosystems in Sri Lanka. However, there are only a few studies that observed the Odonata diversity in man-made wetland ecosystems in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was conducted to observe the effect of cultivation phases of a paddy-field ecosystem on the diversity of Odonata. The paddy culture period chosen for the study was started in June 2022 and ended in September 2022 and the study covered the Seeding, Tillering, Booting, Flowering, and Harvesting phases. Fixed-radius point count method was used for the data collection purpose and ten circular plots of 5m radius were laid maintaining a 50 m distance between two plots in the study area which had a total area of 785m2. At all five successive stages of the cultivation cycle, the number of Odonata species and their abundance were recorded once a week in each plot. Data was recorded each day from 8.00 am to 10.00 am and from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Odonata diversity was calculated separately at each of the stages of the paddy cultivation cycle using Simpson‘s index (D) and Shannon- wiener index (H‘). According to results, 592 individuals were recorded belonging to 14 species of Odonata in 02 families. Among the total recorded species, 64% of species belonged to the family Libellulidae. Sri Lankan Orange-faced Sprite (Pseudagrion rubriceps ceylonicum) was the only endemic Odonata species that were recorded during the study. The overall H‘ and D diversity indexes were 1.71 and 0.75, respectively. Values of H‘ and D diversity indexes for these five stages (Seeding, Tillering, Booting, Flowering, and Harvesting) were 1.36 & 0.65, 1.59 & 0.72, 1.72 & 0.76, 1.81 & 0.79 and 1.59 & 0.78, respectively. The study revealed that among the index values of each cultivation phase, the flowering stage had the highest diversity, while the seeding phase showed the lowest diversity. Therefore, it is evident that the transformation of land use/habitat in different stages plays a major role in the diversity of Odonata. and this study can be used to depict the impacts on biodiversity due to the degradation of wetlands. 

Keywords: Odonata, Paddy cultivation phases, Biodiversity, Man-made wetland
Life Cycle Assessment of Conventionally and Organically Grown Pineapple in Gampaha District
Authors: Gunawardena M.A.  , Lokupitiya E.Y.K
Published: February 2024

Pineapple is one of the major commercial fruits grown in Gampaha and Kurunegala districts of Sri Lanka. Most cultivations are under conventional practices which generate significant environmental impacts while there are few organic cultivations (~1%). There is lack of published on the environmental impacts related to cultivation of pineapple in Sri Lanka. This study therefore aimed to quantify and compare environmental impacts of conventionally and organically grown pineapple in Gampaha District. Environmental impacts were compared using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool which evaluates the potential environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of a product or a process. According to ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 guidelines, LCA methodology has four main phases such as goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory analysis (LCI), life cycle impact assessment (LCIA), and life cycle interpretation. The system boundary for the study was from cradle to farm gate. All the environmental impacts were estimated for a functional unit of one tonne of pineapple. Primary data for the LCA was gathered using a pre-tested structured questionnaire conducted among twenty conventional- and six organic farms. Input and output inventories were prepared during LCI phase. Under LCIA phase, impact categories such as global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication, human toxicity, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and freshwater ecotoxicity were considered. Results indicated that conventional cultivation system has significantly higher impacts compared to the organic cultivation system. Global warming potential of conventionally cultivated one tonne of pineapple was 182.23 kg CO2 eq. It was 26.72 kg CO2 eq for organic cultivation indicating 7 times lower impact. Eutrophication potential was 6.63 kg PO43- eq for conventional cultivation while that for organic cultivation was 0.81 kg PO43- eq (8 times lower). Pesticide use has resulted in 2,279.12 kg 1,4 DB eq of human toxicity, 18,331.71 kg 1,4 DB eq of freshwater ecotoxicity and 1,624,494.37 kg 1,4 DB eq terrestrial ecotoxicity for conventional cultivation while organic cultivations have resulted in no toxicity. The results highlight significant contribution of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides towards all five impact categories of the LCA. The results could provide implications for promoting organic cultivation in order to reduce the impacts on the environment in the long run. 

Keywords: Life cycle assessment, Pineapple, Conventional cultivation, Organic cultivation, Environmental impacts
Comparative Study of Bisphenol-A and its Analogue Bisphenol-S on Growth and Condition Factor of Juvenile Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Dulanthi M.L.Y.  , Rajapaksa R.P.G.K.
Published: February 2024

Bisphenol-A is a synthetic estrogen highly used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins in plastic industry world-wide. Bisphenol-A presents as a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in all ecosystems. Bisphenol-A is an endocrine disruptor which affects the growth, development and physiology of living organisms. Therefore, bisphenol-S has been introduced as a safe alternative to bisphenol-A and it has become the widely used bisphenol-A substitute. Bisphenol-S has also been identified as an endocrine disruptor and emerging environmental contaminant. Therefore the safety of bisphenol-S substitution has become questionable. Thus, this study was carried out to comparatively assess the impacts of bisphenol-A and bisphenol-S exposure on growth and condition factor of zebrafish (Danio rerio). After 7-days acclimatization period, twenty juvenile zebrafish of 67 dpf (days post fertilization) of age were treated 35 days with 10 μg/L and 100 μg/L of bisphenol-A, bisphenol-S and with treatment control in triplicate tanks. Mean body length, weight, specific growth rate and condition factor of fish were evaluated. Mean body weight increment of zebrafish under 100 μg/L of bisphenol-S and bisphenol-A were significantly different from the treatment control (p<0.05, One way ANOVA, Tukeys pairwise Comparison). The mean body length increment and specific growth rate were not significant under both concentrations of bisphenol-S and bisphenol-A with treatment control (p>0.05). However, the condition factor of fish under both concentrations of bisphenols were significantly less than control (p<0.05). The condition factor of fish under comparable concentrations of bisphenol-S and bisphenol-A were not statistically significant. Therefore, it can be concluded that exposure to environmental concentrations of both types of bisphenols could affect the wellbeing of juvenile zebrafish. Based on the findings, bisphenol-S cannot be recommended as a safe substitution to bisphenol-A. Yet, more comprehensive studies are recommended to evaluate relative effect of bisphenol-S on freshwater ecosystem health. 

Keywords: Body length, Body weight, Condition factor, Bisphenol-A, Bisphenol-S, Zebrafish, (Danio rerio)
Chemical Analysis of Kitchen Waste for Developing Formulae for Compost Fertilizer
Authors: Ranasinghe S.D.  , Prashantha M.A.B.  , Godakumbura P.
Published: February 2024

The rapid growth of the global population and changes in food consumption patterns have resulted in issues relating to food insecurity. Improved strategic solutions are needed to allow easy access to food and also to manage large volumes of waste efficiently. From this research, a microeconomic- level solution to manage the aforementioned issues is addressed. Common kitchen waste such as peels and discarded parts of fruits and vegetables can be combined to produce compost fertilizer. Producing compost fertilizer in this manner can be considered a microeconomic-level waste management strategy. Compost fertilizer produced using kitchen waste can subsequently be used in home gardening. Many vegetables and fruits can easily be cultivated in small, confined spaces such as in home gardens. This study analyzed chemical parameters such as total carbon and other total nutrient levels (N, P, Ca, Mg and K) in ten kitchen waste and two supplementary samples using standard methods. The kitchen waste samples consisted of peels and discarded parts of fruits and vegetables. The two supplementary samples- Tithonia diversifolia (Wild sunflower), and Gliricidia sepium were chosen because they are nutrient-rich organic fertilizers. The analysis results were then fed to a computer program developed for this study. It was based on the simulated annealing algorithm. The program generated different formulae for producing 100 g mixtures of raw materials for composting, by mixing the 10 kitchen waste and 2 supplementary samples in 24 different combinations. The nutrient levels of these mixtures were expected to match or exceed a calculated ―target nutrient level‖. It was calculated based on local compost fertilizer standards and the chemical analysis results. The target nutrient level calculated as the minimum required level by dry mass of each material was 25.00% Carbon, 1.25% Nitrogen, 0.63% Phosphorus, 1.25% Potassium, 0.88% Calcium, and 0.63% Magnesium. The program was able to generate mixtures of raw materials in which most of the levels matched or exceeded the target level. However, the phosphorus levels of all formulae fell below the target phosphorus level and in some mixtures, the magnesium level also was less than the targeted level. The actual nutrient level of one of the 100 g mixtures (combination C3) containing 0.19 g banana stem, 0.21 g discarded tea grounds, 0.41 g discarded scraped coconut, 0.57 g banana peel, and 97.34 g Gliricidia leaves was (% by dry mass), 85.68% Carbon, 2.20% Nitrogen, 0.25% Phosphorus, 1.32% Potassium, 2.24% Calcium and 0.71% Magnesium. This promising method can further be developed by adding more nutrient-rich raw materials to the program. The program could be a useful tool for compost fertilizer manufacturing, especially for small-scale horticultural purposes. 

Keywords: Compost, Waste management, Nutrient analysis, Kitchen waste
Microplastics Trophic Transfer in Seafood Varieties Caught from the Coastal Waters off Negombo
Authors: Gammanpila G.D.N.P.  , Ranatunga R.R.M.K.P.
Published: February 2024

Microplastics are a pervasive global pollutant that poses risks to marine organisms including commercially important species and poses threats even to humans. However, the trophic transfer of microplastics is yet to be understood. The present study was to study the occurrence of microplastics in five species used as seafood and in zooplankton, representing different trophic levels and feeding habits caught within coastal waters off Negombo. The Negombo coastal environs are known for high ecological diversity still subjected to massive anthropogenic activities as a major fishing and tourism hub in Sri Lanka. The same area was subjected to contaminating microplastics after the MV X-Press Pearl ship disaster which caught fire and spilled the largest point source of microplastic nurdles pollution in the world. Field sampling was carried out from October to-December 2021 in Negombo, Sri Lanka. The study included zooplankton, some fish (Sardinella gibbosa (n=10), Hemiramphus archipelagicus (n=10), and Ephipphus orbis (n=10)), crustaceans (Scylla serrata, (n=10)) and a bivalve (Perna perna, (n=10)). The samples were subjected to wet peroxide oxidation and acid digestion. Microplastic identification was conducted microscopically and confirmed with Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Nile red staining techniques. Microplastics were present in all the species studied except zooplankton samples. Four polymer types were identified and confirmed as Polyamide (PA), Polystyrene (PS), Polypropylene (PP), and Polycaprolactone (PCL). According to the literature, this is the first recorded PCL contamination in marine species in Sri Lanka. Fibers were the most abundant microplastic type recorded followed by fragments, films, spheres, and flakes. Red, green, blue, yellow, black, and transparent microplastics were recorded while blue colour was the most prominent. The mean number of microplastics recorded was 0.93±0.29 for S. gibbosa, 0.97±0.17 for H. archipelagicus, 0.53±0.09 for E. orbis, 0.36±0.16 for S. serrata and 1.13±0.29 items/g for P. perna. Investigation of microplastic concentrations at different trophic levels suggests that organisms at lower trophic levels are at greater risk of microplastics. 

Keywords: Microplastics, Trophic transfer, Marine organisms, Seafood, Negombo