bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eficiencia en el sector de los servicios avanzados a las empresas: una aplicación al caso de Asturias
Authors:   Universidad de Oviedo, Martínez Argüelles Santiago R. , Quindós Morán María del Pilar ,   Universidad de Oviedo, Rubiera Morollón Fernando ,   Universidad de Oviedo
Published: February 2025

Una de las causas explicativas del aumento del sector terciario en las economías avanzadas es el creciente consumo externo de ciertos servicios empresariales. Tras este comportamiento está la búsqueda de las ventajas que proporciona la división del trabajo, especialmente relevante en aquellos servicios que tienen mayores requerimientos de tecnología y formación del personal, como es el caso de los servicios avanzados a las empresas. Ahora bien, las empresas prestadoras de estos servicios buscarán ubicarse en aquellos territorios desde los que puedan acceder a amplios mercados que les posibilite aprovechar sus economías de escala. Esto conduce a una concentración espacial del sector en ciertas zonas provocando una reducida oferta de estas actividades en el resto de regiones. Hay evidencias que apuntan que aquellas regiones con menor oferta de servicios avanzados se enfrentan, además, a una menor competitividad de las empresas existentes, lo que hace sospechar de la existencia de importantes diferencias de eficiencia en este sector entre regiones. Este trabajo se propone realizar un estudio de eficiencia técnica de las empresas de servicios avanzados ubicadas en Asturias utilizando la técnica matemática del Análisis Envolvente de Datos.
A FORMAÇÃO HUMANA INTEGRAL NO ÂMBITO DA EDUCAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL, CIENTÍFICA E TECNOLÓGICA – EPCT: COMO A PSICOMOTRICIDADE RELACIONAL PODE AJUDAR?
Authors: Moi Raysa Soares , Ferreira Bianca Isabela Acampora e Silva
Published: February 2025

This study addresses Relational Psychomotricity as an instrument to guide teaching activities and strategies through the body in which integral human formation can develop throughout the Integrated Accommodation Technician course, from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology Fluminense – IFF, within the scope of Professional, Scientific and Technological Education – EPCT. The guiding problem was: How to promote the expansion of integral human training practices through Relational Psychomotricity in the Integrated Technical Accommodation Course? Thus, the general objective of this study was to propose activities that were based on Relational Psychomotricity based on the analysis of documents in the public domain and on the IFF portal. The methodology used in this research was document analysis. The results were analyzed qualitatively, using content analysis, highlighting that the activities designed, in order to have the most positive results, can be widely disseminated to other teachers and educational institutions.
Commonality between the Rhetoric of Reverend Howard Thurman and Reverend Harold Turner
Authors: Schnell Jim
Published: February 2025

This report addresses commonality between the rhetoric of Reverend Howard Thurman and Reverend Harold Turner insofar as both of them aligned with Martin Luther King’s stated preference to avoid emotionalism with his presentations. This analysis focuses on the speaking and writing of both Thurman and Turner. The conceptual centering on rhetoric is used in this study as means to provide academic grounding for the analysis. This serves to help frame the rhetorical practices of Thurman and Turner.
The Evolving Idea of India: From Pluralism to Religious Majoritarianism
Authors:   Mangalayatan University, Bag Kalpesh
Published: February 2025

This article examines the shift in India's political landscape under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from pluralism to religious majoritarianism. Since the BJP's rise to power in 2014, India has witnessed a transformation in its national identity, moving away from the secular, inclusive vision of its founders toward a Hindu-centric narrative driven by the ideology of Hindutva. The paper articulates challenges to India’s democracy through analysing key policies, such as the revocation of Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the construction of the Ram Mandir, which reflect the BJP's agenda to marginalize religious minorities, particularly Muslims. The research argues that these developments indicate a shift towards religious majoritarianism, undermining India's pluralistic values and constitutional ideals. Although, the country continues to uphold its democratic structure.
EFFECTS OF PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORMS ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF DEVELOPMENT FINANCE INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA
Authors: EMMANUEL SENZAK SIMON  , FRANCIS OJAIDE  , EMMANUEL UMORU OKI
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the impact of public sector financial management reforms, specifically the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Electronic Payment System (EPS), on the financial performance of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in Nigeria. With the introduction of TSA and EPS, Nigeria aimed to address longstanding issues such as revenue leakages, corruption, and inefficiencies in the financial management processes of public institutions. This research employs an ex-post-facto research design, analysing data from six Nigerian DFIs—Bank of Industry (BOI), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), The Infrastructure Bank, and Development Bank of Nigeria—from 2007 to 2022. By utilizing purposive sampling and panel regression techniques with E-Views 12 software, the study evaluates the financial performance of DFIs before and after the implementation of TSA and EPS. The findings show that traditional methods of revenue generation and payment processing had limited impact on the financial performance of DFIs. However, the implementation of TSA and EPS significantly enhanced financial stability, operational efficiency, and liquidity. Specifically, the study reveals that post-TSA revenue generation positively impacted the liquidity of DFIs, while EPS improved the efficiency and security of financial transactions, leading to a notable increase in liquidity. These results underscore the critical role of TSA and EPS in enhancing transparency, financial accountability, and operational effectiveness within the public sector. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancing the integration of TSA with other financial systems for better fund management, as well as strengthening the security and transparency of EPS to further improve liquidity and operational capacity. The research contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence of the positive effects of these reforms on DFIs and offers practical recommendations for improving financial management in the Nigerian public sector.
ALLEGED VIOLATION OF WOMEN CONVICTS RIGHT IN THE NIGERIAN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND QUESTION OF WOMEN RIGHTS IN NIGERIA
Authors: YA’U HARUNA USMAN  , ZAINAB SHEKWOBAGU BASHIR USMAN  , KOLO ALFA IDRIS
Published: February 2025

Women’s biological make-up requires additional attention when it comes to Correctional Facility Services, the efforts been made by the Nigerian Correctional Facility Services in case of female correctional inmates as far as their right is concerned is questionable. Every study on correctional facility conditions in Nigeria has emphasized that Nigerian correctional facilities were built with only men on the minds of the authorities while women were not expected to go to correctional facilities. Presently, though, women are known to commit crimes for which they go to correctional facilities like men but the situations have not changed the narratives. This paper discusses on alleged violation of women convict right in the Nigerian correctional facilities, a question of women right in Nigeria. Concepts of correctional facilities in developed and developing countries as well women right and violation of women right in correctional facilities were discussed. Finally, recommendations were made such as women as all mothers in the society needs proper care, and her children, Special diets should be provided for them because the babies at birth are usually made to live on the breast milk of their mothers. All forms of discrimination against women should be eliminating from Nigerian correctional facilities.
ASSESSMENT OF BARRIERS AND DRIVERS TO ADOPTION OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN MINNA, NIGER STATE
Authors: ZUBAIRU, B  , MUHAMMAD, I. Y  , NURUDEEN, U.
Published: February 2025

This study has established that studies have not yet been applied to any sector of the economy except for few that studied hotel facility management because most studies in Nigeria have mostly been devoted to clarifying what facilities management (FM) really entails and distinguishing it from the traditionally practiced property management and maintenance management. In order to address this issue, this study assessed the barriers and drivers to adoption of FMin tertiary institutions in Minna, Niger State. The study therefore adopted a quantitative research approach with the use of questionnaire survey considering 105 respondents from the tertiary institutions in Minna, Niger State. A total of 97 questionnaires were retrieved giving a response rate of 92.38. The study analysed data collected with the use of frequency count, percentage and Relative Importance Index (RII). Findings of the study revealed that the most severe barriers to the effective adoption of FM strategies in tertiary institutions are “Training the HR in the skill demanded by project” (RII = 0.86) and “Operational problems” (RII = 0.79); the most significant drivers for the effective adoption of FM strategies in tertiary institutions in Minna are “Good organisational structure” (RII = 0.83) and “Development effective policies, process and organizational structure” (RII = 0.80).; and the most effective strategies for enhancing the adoption of FMin the maintenance of building of tertiary institutions in Minna are “Procurement Strategy” (RII = 0.78), “Maintenance Planning” (RII = 0.76) and “Maintenance Records” (RII = 0.76). It was concluded that the barriers and drivers to adoption of FMin tertiary institutions in Minna, Niger State are very significant and could lead to improvement of building conditions provided specific strategies are implemented to mitigate the barriers and enhance the drivers. The study recommended that the management of tertiary institutions in Minna should develop a mechanism for the effective implementation of the strategies for enhancing the adoption of FM in the maintenance of their buildings.
EFFECTS OF GUM ARABIC ON THE DENSITY OF LATERITIC BRICKS OF VARYING PARTICLE SIZES OF FINE AGGREGATES
Authors: DAVID, JOEL UFWAI  , BAGE, JOHN BAGE  , SAMUEL, SOLOMON KABEREH
Published: February 2025

Buildings account for over 37% of global carbon emissions, thereby making the environment unsustainable. The research gap identified is lack of establishing the required optimal content of Gum Arabic that have effect on the density of compressed stabilised earth bricks CSEB from lateritic soil of varying particle size distribution. The study aimed at exploring the effect of Gum Arabic as organic stabilizer on the density of compressed stabilised earth bricks CSEB as an eco-friendly construction material for housing delivery needs in Nigeria. The research method used for the study was experimentation and was analysed using bar charts. Results showed that at 28 days particle sizes between 75µm-600µm, have a bulk density of 2203.03 kg/m3 at 20% partial replacement above the minimum bulk density of 1810 kg/m3 specified by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), furthermore, it has a dry density of 1614 kg/m3 to 1733 kg/m3 at 10% partial replacement. This is above NBRRI minimum dry density of 1500 kg/m3. Particle sizes between 1.18mm-4.76mm have a bulk density of 2203.03 kg/m3 at 20% partial replacement above the minimum bulk density of 1810 kg/m3 specified by NBRRI. It has a dry density of 1598 kg/m3 to 1739 kg/m3 at 10% partial replacement, this is above NBRRI minimum dry density of 1500 kg/m3. It was concluded that, an increase in both bulk and dry densities of CSEB, consequently increases its strength & durability, thermal insulation, and low porosity. The study recommends that GA-based CSEBs should be utilised in building production due to its improved engineering properties.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COST AND FINANCIAL
Authors: DUO-DUO, GOD’SPOWER C.
Published: February 2025

Despite the increasing militancy pressures and agitations, the oil and gas firms operating in Nigeria have remained adamant to the discharge of their corporate social responsibility, on the inimical pretence that it constitutes a drain on their financial position. This study investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility cost and financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria from 2018-2023. Community development cost, and employee benefits cost were the proxies corporate social responsibility while net profit margin and return on investment were the proxies of financial performance. The researchers adopted expost- facto research design for the study. The study used secondary data obtained from the audited annual reports and accounts of the nine quoted oil and gas firms’ website and the Nigeria stock exchange fact book as at November 8, 2024. The research data was analyzed using basic descriptive, Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression in a cross sectional data with the aid of SPSS version 27. The findings revealed that all the CSR proxies significantly related with net profit margin and return on investment of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria in the period of this study. We thus concluded that corporate social responsibility has significant relationship with financial performance of quoted oil and gas firms in Nigeria in the period of this study. We recommended that Management of oil companies should develop a well-articulated corporate social responsibility and prioritize their spending regarding human resource development, community development, and environmental protection in order to guarantee a conflict free corporate atmosphere needed by managers and workers for maximum productivity and robust financial performance.
Communication Mechanisms and Job Productivity Among Public Secondary School Teachers in Machakos County, Kenya
Authors: Muthengi Kimanzi Bernard , Otieno Dr. Daniel , Njuguna Prof. Felicita
Published: February 2025

Purpose: The fundamental part of any school is staff communication and staff performance in teaching. When principals practice effective communication with their staff and recognize what each teacher contributes, productivity can be realized. This study aimed to determine the role of communication mechanisms in job productivity among secondary school teachers in Machakos County.
Methodology: The research used a correlation research design. The target population was the
 
5869 teachers and 396 principals in the 396 public secondary schools in Machakos County. The researcher used a simple
 
random sampling method to identify 97 teachers who formed the study sample.  Data was collected using questionnaires. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation Coefficient, while qualitative data was analysed through narrative analysis.
Results: The study findings indicated that communication mechanisms influenced job productivity. Further, correlation analysis indicated there was a significant positive relationship between communication mechanisms and job productivity (rho = 0.606, p-value < 0.05), among public secondary school teachers in Machakos County.
Implication: Training in communication process has ensured job productivity. Effective communication ensured job productivity in their schools. Lateral communication has improved the teachers’ job productivity. The study recommends that principals should shift towards a more inclusive and participatory communication model that empowers teachers to voice their opinions, share feedback, and contribute to decision-making processes.
Multipolarity myths and unipolar fantasies: New realities in crisis
Authors: Khalid Dr. Ijaz , Ahmad Zeeshan , Ahmad Dr. Bashir
Published: February 2025

The conflict between the persistent dreams of unipolar supremacy and the myths of multipolarity is becoming a more prominent feature of the global order particularly after the meteoric rise of China and the relative decline of the United State. The article explains the contrast between these two paradigms, along with how both viewpoints mask the reality of a fractured and crisis-prone international society. Although multipolarity is sometimes welcomed as a return to normalcy and balance in great power politics and international system, it is hampered by unequal power dynamics, discontinued diplomatic coordination, and instability in certain regions. On the other hand, the continued existence of unipolar fantasies—especially in the stories of waning hegemons United states—does not take into consideration how single power is eroding in a complex and disputed global order. This study makes the case that neither multipolarity nor unipolarity effectively portrays the complexity of the modern world by looking at current challenges, which range from economic rivalry and geopolitical wars to technology upheavals and climate change. The study suggests conclusive evidences that United states still is in a good position to shape it constructed world and tackle the challenges coming its way.
Atlantis as Heterotopia: On the Theoretical Simultaneity of Plato's Atlantis
Authors: Tembo Kwasu D.
Published: February 2025

This essay offers a theoretical analysis of Plato’s Atlantis. It opens with a close reading of Atlantis based on excerpts from Plato’s account of the island-continent and its city-state detailed in the dialogues of Timaeus and Critias (360 BCE). Further on, it explores the manner in which Plato portrays Atlantis as a heterotopian chronotope so as to develop a speculative theoretical profile and analysis for the mytho-historical island state, testing the Isle as a theoretical space in relation to issues and debates concerning Other spaces, that is, heterotopia and utopia. The methodology in this paper will be to compare and contrast the Platonic Atlantian narrative against two possible models of interpretation; namely, Michel Foucault’s comparison of the relationship between utopia and various types of heterotopias in “Of Other Spaces: Utopias and Heterotopias” (1984), and Frederic Jameson’s analysis of the tensions between space, time, and utopia in Archaeology of the Future: The Desire Called Utopia and Other Science Fictions (2005).
Hubungan Dukungan Keluarga Terhadap Kualitas Hidup Lansia Penderita Diabetes Melitus di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Cilandak Jakarta Selatan
Authors: Shinta Hidayati  , Rima Berlian Putri
Published: February 2025

Family support is an attitude and action of acceptance towards family members in the form of informational support, assessment support, instrumental support and emotional support. The good quality of life of elderly people with Diabetes Mellitus can be caused by family support factors. The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between family support and the quality of life of elderly people suffering from diabetes mellitus in the Cilandak Community Health Center working area. This research uses a correlational analytical design with a cross sectional approach. The sampling technique used purposive sampling technique, the sample in this study was 78 respondents. Data collection used the Family Support Questionnaire and the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) Questionnaire. The research results were obtained from 78 respondents, as many as 54 respondents (69.2%) were female, as many as 68 respondents (87.2%) were aged 60-74 years, as many as 40 respondents (51.3%) had at least a high school education, as many as 76 respondents (97.4%) did not working, as many as 53 respondents (67.95%) had a history of Diabetes Mellitus > 5 years, as many as 41 respondents (52.6%) had poor family support and as many as 44 respondents (56.4%) had poor quality of life. The results of the Chie Square Statistical Test show that the P-Value = 0.034, where p < 0.05. The conclusion of this research is that there is a relationship between family support and the quality of life of elderly people suffering from diabetes mellitus in the working area of ​​the Cilandak Health Center, South Jakarta. Nurses are expected to be able to involve families directly in improving the quality of life of elderly people suffering from Diabetes Mellitus at home and in community health centers.
Pengaruh Indeks Pembangunan Manusia (IPM) dan Pendidikan Terhadap Kemiskinan di Kota Tomohon
Authors: Yesita Lestari Bangkang  , Agnes L. Ch. P. Lapian  , Hanly F. Dj. Siwu
Published: February 2025

Poverty is a condition in which a person or a group of people does not have sufficient resources or access to basic needs to live a decent life. These basic needs include food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare. Based on existing theories and several studies that have been conducted, the problem of poverty is generally related to several factors such as the Human Development Index and School Life Expectancy. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of the Human Development Index and School Duration Expectations on poverty in Tomohon City together. Furthermore, the indirect influence of HDI and School Term Expectations in influencing the poverty level in Tomohon City will also be seen. The data used in this study is secondary data in the form of a time series obtained from the Central Statistics Agency of Tomohon City in 2005-2023. The data was processed using the analysis method multiple linear regression analysis with the help of Eviews 12 program. The results of this study show that HDI has a significant negative effect on poverty in Tomohon City. The Old School Hope has a significant positive effect on poverty in Tomohon City. Simultaneously, HDI and School Old Hope have a significant effect on poverty in Tomohon City
НАМАНГАН ВИЛОЯТИДАГИ ЯНГИ АРХЕОЛОГИК ТОПИЛМАЛАР
Authors: Саидов Мўминхон , Насриддинов Шукрулло
Published: February 2025

Сўнгги йилларда Наманган вилоятида олиб борилган археологик қазув ва қидирув ишлари жараёнида кўплаб археологик топилмажойлар аниқланди. Шулар орасида турли хил ҳудудлар, жумладан, аҳоли хонадонларида кўплар хумлар тасодуфан топилди. Мақолада Чортоқ, Поп ва Тўрақўрғон туманларида аниқланган хумлар мажмуаси тавсифи берилиб, уларни ўзига хос хусусиятлари қайд этилди. Ушбу хумлар мажмуаси шунингдек, сўнгги йилларда Самарқанд ва Сурхондарё вилоятларида аниқланган хумлар билан қиёсий таққосланиб, топилма жойлар сўнгги антик даврларга оид озиқ-овқат омбори сифатида эътироф этилди. Хумларнинг ушбу даврда кўп учраши антик даврда суғорма деҳқончилик ривожланиб, сув тегирмони, чиғир турларидан кенг фойдаланилиши, деҳқончилик майдонлари кенгайиши, қишлоқ хўжалиги маҳсулотлари етиштиришни ошиши билан изоҳланди. Айнан шу ҳолат қишлоқ хўжалиги маҳсулотларининг махсус жойларда – яъни озиқ-овқат омборларида сақланишига, бундай омборларда дон маҳсулотлари, турли хил суюқликлар, жумладан, вино маҳсулотлари сақланганлиги тўғрисида хулосага келинди. Хум қолдиқлари аниқланган барча ҳудудлар атрофида яшаш манзилгоҳлари қайд этилган бўлиб, ушбу манзилгоҳларнинг катта кичиклигига қараб хумларнинг сони ҳам шунга мутаносиб бўлган.
ТОШБУЛОҚ ЁДГОРЛИГИ – АНТРОПОЛОГИК МАТЕРИАЛЛАРИНИНГ ЎРГАНИЛИШИДА ИККИ ХИЛ МЕТОДНИНГ ҚЎЛЛАНИЛИШИ
Authors: Рашидов Ниёз , Фрачетти Майкл , Буллион Элисса , Мақсудов Фарҳод
Published: February 2025

Тошбулоқ ёдгорлиги археологик жиҳатдан Ўзбекистон ҳудудида энг кенг кўламда ўрганилган архео-логик қазишма жойларидан бири ҳисобланади. Ушбу ёдгорлик Жиззах вилоятининг тоғли ҳудудидажойлашган бўлиб, у билан биргаликда қадимги қабристон ҳам топилган. Мақолада бу ерда очилган ин-сон қолдиқлари, жумладан, бош чаноқларнинг ўрганилишида икки хил ёндашувлар – “геометрик-мор-фометрик таҳлил” ва “краниология методи” қиёслаб кўрилди. Бош чаноқлар геометрик-морфометрикжиҳатдан тадқиқ қилинган, статистик таҳлиллар эса оз сонли ўхшашликларни айтмаганда, бу ердаяшаган аҳолининг бир-бирга яқин қариндош бўлиш-бўлмаслигини кўрсатмайди. Шу сабабдан мазкурколлексияни тадқиқ этишда ҳали тадбиқ этилмаган краниология методига мурожаат қилинди. Кранио-логия таҳлиллари натижалари геометрик-морфометрик таҳлиллар натижаларини такрорлади. Хулосагакўра, икки усулнинг ҳам Ўзбекистонда жисмоний антропологияни ўрганишда камчилик ва устунликтомонлари аниқланди. Краниометрияда кичик тўпламларда, оз сонли бош чаноқларни солиштиришдақийинчилик пайдо бўлса, бу усулнинг афзаллиги – бугунга қадар Ўзбекистон жисмоний антропологи-ясига оид бўлган маълумотларнинг барчаси худди шу услубда тайёрланганлигидадир. Геометрик-мор-фометрик усулнинг камчилиги – таққослаш учун танланган коллексияни бутунлай қайта ўлчаб чиқишталаб этилишида, бу усулнинг устунлик томони эса хато қилиш эҳтимолининг камлиги ва асосий ста-тистик ҳисоб китоблар компютер дастурларида автоматик ва тезкор амалга ошириш имкониятинингмавжудлигидадир.
O direito pode mudar a lógica econômica? Revisitando a obsolescência planejada
Authors: Reusch Patricia Thomas , Schmidt João Pedro
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho aborda a viabilidade de a legislação brasileira coibir a obsolescência planejada (programada), ou seja, a limitação deliberada da vida útil de bens duráveis, disseminada internacionalmente no século passado. A obsolescência planejada, que está na base da sociedade de consumo, foi um elemento central da estratégia econômica capitalista de promoção do crescimento econômico constante no Século 20. Adotada como prática econômica internacional, é um dos principais fatores subjacentes à crise ambiental-climática. A questão investigatória que conduz o presente trabalho é: diante das evidências de obsolescência planejada, com consideráveis prejuízos ao consumidor e ao ambiente natural, no caso brasileiro o problema reside na insuficiência da legislação ou na impotência da lei para enfrentar um elemento estrutural da economia capitalista? Duas hipóteses são testadas: (i) a legislação é insuficiente ou inadequada; e (ii) a legislação e a jurisprudência caminham a passos lentos, mas coibir a obsolescência planejada requer mudanças não só legislativas, mas na lógica econômica. O texto aborda inicialmente o surgimento e a aceitação social da obsolescência planejada; em seguida, destaca a relação entre a obsolescência e a sociedade de consumo; no terceiro momento, aborda o insuficiente papel da legislação no intuito de coibir a obsolescência programada no Brasil, ilustrado no quarto momento com exemplos da jurisprudência. Na Conclusão, é reiterada a insuficiência das iniciativas limitadas ao campo jurídico e a necessidade de combinar o aperfeiçoamento legislativo e decisões na política econômica. O método é hipotético-dedutivo e a técnica de pesquisa é a revisão bibliográfica semi-sistemática.
Trabalho decente, o ODS nº 8 da Agenda 2030 da ONU e a visão de "Um mundo de três zeros" de Muhammad Yunus
Authors: Pompeu Gina Marcilio , Cruz Patrícia Moura Monteiro
Published: February 2025

Por meio do artigo que ora se apresenta tem-se como objeto a análise da meta do “desemprego zero” idealizada por Muhammad Yunus, vencedor do Prêmio Nobel da Paz, com enfoque no trabalho decente, conforme previsto no Objetivo nº 8 dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável - ODS da Agenda 2030. A partir de uma crítica ao dinamismo do mercado, em face do problema do desemprego que, no ano de 2023, condena 208 milhões de indivíduos mundialmente, Yunus defende e promove a disseminação do empreendedorismo como meio de acelerar o crescimento econômico, especialmente entre jovens e mulheres. Por meio de oportunidades oferecidas a pessoas que normalmente não se enquadrariam nas vagas tradicionais de emprego, o criador do microcrédito e idealizador do negócio social demonstra que o empreendedorismo universal estimula o desenvolvimento sustentável e a geração de novos empregos, no Brasil e no mundo. A metodologia envolve pesquisa de caráter interdisciplinar, com orientação epistemológica na teoria crítica, a congregar teoria e práxis na articulação entre o objetivo do trabalho decente e a perspectiva socioambiental de Muhammad Yunus. Como resultado esperado, verifica-se que o novo sistema econômico proposto por Yunus apresenta-se como um dos caminhos para alcançar o trabalho decente planejado na Agenda 2030, para fins de transformar a realidade da pobreza e do desemprego mundial em efetivação do progresso da sociedade por meio da capacidade criativa do ser humano.
Nuo Jucevičiaus Jūratės iki Kvapilo Rusalkos: žmogaus ir deivės meilės siužeto lietuviškos ãtmainos bei jų atspindžiai XIX amžiaus Čekijos kultūroje
Authors: Beresnevičiūtė-Nosálová Halina
Published: February 2025

Straipsnio autorė tyrinėja XIX amžiaus Lietuvos literatūros pasakojimų apie žmogaus ir deivės meilės atgarsius Čekijos kultūrinėje spaudoje ir galimą poveikį Antonino Dvořáko bei Jaroslavo Kvapilo operos „Rusalka“ libretui. Liudviko Adomo Jucevičiaus „Jūratė, Baltijos karalienė“ buvo publikuota čekų kalba. Juzefo Ignaco Kraševskio „Vitolio rauda“ ir jo libretas Stanislavo Moniuškos kantatai „Milda“ išversti nebuvo, tačiau palankiai įvertinti ir pakartotinai prisimenami čekų kultūrinėje spaudoje. Nors literatūrinių kūrinių intertekstualumą galima konstatuoti tik hipotetiškai, „Rusalkos“ libretas primena Adomo Mickevičiaus „Svitezietę“ poetinės išraiškos priemonėmis ir skirtingų įsimylėjėlių lūkesčių tematizacija, Kraševskio (galbūt tarpininkaujant Julijui Zeyeriui) įtaką galime nutuokti savižudiškame princo elgesyje.
Detecting dents in car bodies using machine learning and structured light projection
Authors: Potasz Izabela , Potasz Sławomir , Laska Michał
Published: February 2025

This article discusses feasible methods for detecting dents in car bodies caused by transportation damage, commuting collisions, and hail. The authors review existing approaches exploiting their limitations, including smartphone-based ML detection algorithms and drive-through tunnels. The paper details the setup for capturing dents using computer vision with industry-grade cameras and structured light projection, emphasizing optimized data acquisition and computer vision setup. A particular emphasis is placed on acquiring high-quality input data thanks to the proper calibration and alignment of cameras, structured light, and the synchronization between them. Challenges related to obtaining high-quality footage in real-life conditions, such as car speed, body color, and lighting conditions, are thoroughly discussed. The method covers algorithms for detecting car paint, optimizing camera parameters, and identifying dents. Data annotation methods are described in detail, ensuring robust training datasets. Validation of the method is based on comparing the results of an inspection by professional car appraisers with algorithm detection outcomes. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Additionally, the article explores future research opportunities, such as scratch detection, damage severity estimation, and integrating these systems into automated production lines. The potential for enhancing vehicle inspection processes through advanced computer vision and structured light techniques is also considered.
CryoEM structures of Kv1.2 potassium channels, conducting and non-conducting
Authors: Wu Yangyu , Yan Yangyang , Yang Youshan , Bian Shumin , Rivetta Alberto , Allen Ken , Sigworth Fred J
Published: February 2025

We present near-atomic-resolution cryoEM structures of the mammalian voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.2 in open, C-type inactivated, toxin-blocked and sodium-bound states at 3.2 Å, 2.5 Å, 3.2 Å, and 2.9 Å. These structures, all obtained at nominally zero membrane potential in detergent micelles, reveal distinct ion-occupancy patterns in the selectivity filter. The first two structures are very similar to those reported in the related Shaker channel and the much-studied Kv1.2–2.1 chimeric channel. On the other hand, two new structures show unexpected patterns of ion occupancy. First, the toxin α-Dendrotoxin, like Charybdotoxin, is seen to attach to the negatively-charged channel outer mouth, and a lysine residue penetrates into the selectivity filter, with the terminal amine coordinated by carbonyls, partially disrupting the outermost ion-binding site. In the remainder of the filter two densities of bound ions are observed, rather than three as observed with other toxin-blocked Kv channels. Second, a structure of Kv1.2 in Na+ solution does not show collapse or destabilization of the selectivity filter, but instead shows an intact selectivity filter with ion density in each binding site. We also attempted to image the C-type inactivated Kv1.2 W366F channel in Na+ solution, but the protein conformation was seen to be highly variable and only a low-resolution structure could be obtained. These findings present new insights into the stability of the selectivity filter and the mechanism of toxin block of this intensively studied, voltage-gated potassium channel.
Making sense of fossils and artefacts: a review of best practices for the design of a successful workflow for machine learning-assisted citizen science projects
Authors: Eijkelboom Isaak , Schulp Anne S. , Amkreutz Luc , Verheul Dylan , Verschoof-van der Vaart Wouter , van der Vaart-Verschoof Sasja , Hogeweg Laurens , Brunink Django , Mol Dick , Peeters Hans , Wesselingh Frank
Published: February 2025

Historically, the extensive involvement of citizen scientists in palaeontology and archaeology has resulted in many discoveries and insights. More recently, machine learning has emerged as a broadly applicable tool for analysing large datasets of fossils and artefacts. In the digital age, citizen science (CS) and machine learning (ML) prove to be mutually beneficial, and a combined CS-ML approach is increasingly successful in areas such as biodiversity research. Ever-dropping computational costs and the smartphone revolution have put ML tools in the hands of citizen scientists with the potential to generate high-quality data, create new insights from large datasets and elevate public engagement. However, without an integrated approach, new CS-ML projects may not realise the full scientific and public engagement potential. Furthermore, object-based data gathering of fossils and artefacts comes with different requirements for successful CS-ML approaches than observation-based data gathering in biodiversity monitoring. In this review we investigate best practices and common pitfalls in this new interdisciplinary field in order to formulate a workflow to guide future palaeontological and archaeological projects. Our CS-ML workflow is subdivided in four project phases: (I) preparation, (II) execution, (III) implementation and (IV) reiteration. To reach the objectives and manage the challenges for different subject domains (CS tasks, ML development, research, stakeholder engagement and app/infrastructure development), tasks are formulated and allocated to different roles in the project. We also provide an outline for an integrated online CS platform which will help reach a project’s full scientific and public engagement potential. Finally, to illustrate the implementation of our CS-ML approach in practice and showcase differences with more commonly available biodiversity CS-ML approaches, we discuss the LegaSea project in which fossils and artefacts from sand nourishments in the western Netherlands are studied.
Integrated genomic analysis of the stemness index signature of mRNA expression predicts lung adenocarcinoma prognosis and immune landscape
Authors: Lu Xingzhao , Du Wei , Zhou Jianping , Li Weiyang , Fu Zhimin , Ye Zhibin , Chen Guobiao , Huang Xian , Guo Yuliang , Liao Jingsheng
Published: February 2025

mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) has been used for prognostic assessment in various cancers, but its application in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is limited, which is the focus of this study. Low mRNAsi in LUAD predicted a better prognosis. Eight genes (GNG7, EIF5A, ANLN, FKBP4, GAPDH, GNPNAT1, E2F7, CISH) associated with mRNAsi were screened to establish a risk model. The differentially expressed genes between the high and low risk groups were mainly enriched in the metabolism, cell cycle functions pathway. The low risk score group had higher immune cell scores. Patients with lower TIDE scores in the low risk group had better immunotherapy outcomes. In addition, risk score was effective in assessing drug sensitivity of LUAD. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data showed that eight genes were differentially expressed in LUAD cell lines, and knockdown of EIF5A reduced the invasion and migration ability of LUAD cells. This study designed a risk model based on the eight mRNAsi-related genes for predicting LUAD prognosis. The model accurately predicted the prognosis and survival of LUAD patients, facilitating the assessment of the sensitivity of patients to immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Ankylosing spondylitis and kinesiophobia
Authors: Ertem Ugur
Published: February 2025

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic rheumatic disease that predominantly affects the axial skeleton, causing pain and functional impairment. Kinesiophobia, or fear of movement, is common in patients with chronic pain conditions and can significantly hinder treatment outcomes. This study aims to assess the level of kinesiophobia in AS patients and explore its relationship with demographic characteristics, disease duration, pain intensity, disease activity, and functional impairment.

Methods

This single-center study included 35 AS patients from July 2021 to July 2023. Patient demographics, disease duration, disease activity (BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index)), functionality (BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index)), pain intensity (VAS (Visual Analog Scale)), and kinesiophobia (TSK (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia)) were recorded and analyzed. Patients were categorized into low and high kinesiophobia groups based on TSK scores.

Results

Of the 35 AS patients, 15 (42.86%) had high kinesiophobia levels (TSK ≥37). Patients with high kinesiophobia had significantly higher BASDAI, BASFI, and VAS scores (p < 0.001) compared to those with low kinesiophobia. No significant relationship was found between kinesiophobia and age, gender, or disease duration (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

High levels of kinesiophobia in AS patients are associated with increased pain, disease activity, and functional impairment. Early interventions targeting kinesiophobia could improve treatment outcomes and patient functionality.
Populism – a Bane for India?
Authors: Nag Noyonika
Published: February 2025

The demographics and growth of India have made it an epicentre in emerging world economics. In the face of prevailing geopolitics, trade frictions and race for technology dominance, India’s trajectory has a meaningful impact - not only on global commerce, but also emerging world pre-eminence. This paper examines the direction of India's current fiscal course, socio-economic impact of resource alignments, and the potential fallouts of any misdirected priorities. It concludes that India’s tilting balance towards politically benefiting populism constricts the fiscal space for priming the economy to growth, thereby increasing downside risks to revenues and deficits. The only solution is better targeting of populist expenditure, to allow much needed capital infusion into development sectors.
Racial, Ethnic, and Geographic Differences in Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery in the US, 2011-2021
Authors: Chehab Rana F. , Ferrara Assiamira , Grobman William A. , Greenberg Mara B. , Ngo Amanda L. , Wang Emily Z. , Zhu Yeyi
Published: May 2024

This cross-sectional study examines racial, ethnic, and geographic differences in vaginal birth after cesarean delivery in the US, from 2011 to 2021.
Paper: State Medicaid expansion holdouts and managed care impede treatment
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2024

The expanded scope of the Medicaid program has accomplished a great deal in bolstering substance use treatment, but further progress will depend on correcting deficiencies in non‐expansion states and within Medicaid managed care entities, a newly published commentary suggests.
Electronic Skin for Health Monitoring Systems: Properties, Functions, and Applications
Authors: Yang Xichen , Chen Wenzheng , Fan Qunfu , Chen Jing , Chen Yujie , Lai Feili , Liu Hezhou
Published: May 2024

Electronic skin (e‐skin), a skin‐like wearable electronic device, holds great promise in the fields of telemedicine and personalized healthcare because of its good flexibility, biocompatibility, skin conformability, and sensing performance. E‐skin can monitor various health indicators of the human body in real time and over the long term, including physical indicators (exercise, respiration, blood pressure, etc.) and chemical indicators (saliva, sweat, urine, etc.). In recent years, the development of various materials, analysis, and manufacturing technologies has promoted significant development of e‐skin, laying the foundation for the application of next‐generation wearable medical technologies and devices. Herein, the properties required for e‐skin health monitoring devices to achieve long‐term and precise monitoring and summarize several detectable indicators in the health monitoring field are discussed. Subsequently, the applications of integrated e‐skin health monitoring systems are reviewed. Finally, current challenges and future development directions in this field are discussed. This review is expected to generate great interest and inspiration for the development and improvement of e‐skin and health monitoring systems.
Large regions of homozygosity in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Ma Di , Ye Mei , Hu Wenlong , Gao Hui , Wang Lijuan , Song Yaqin , Nie Rui , Hu Zhiyang , Guo Hui
Published: May 2024

Chromosomal microarrays (CMA) incorporate single nucleotide polymorphisms to enable the detection of regions of homozygosity (ROH). Here, we retrospectively analyzed 6288 prenatal cases who performed CMA to explored the clinical implications of large ROH in prenatal diagnosis. We analyzed cases with ROH larger than 10 megabases and reviewed the ultrasound findings; karyotype results and pregnancy follow‐up data. Cases with possible imprinting disorders were assessed by methylation‐specific multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification. In total, we identified 50 cases with large ROH and chromosomes 1 and 2 were the most affected. About 59.18% of the ROH cases had ultrasound abnormalities, with the most common findings being ultrasound soft‐marker abnormalities. There were seven fetuses had ROH which covered almost the entire chromosome and four had terminal ROH that involved almost the entire long arm of the chromosomes, which indicated uniparental disomy (UPD), of which 70% showed abnormal ultrasound findings. Ten cases with multiple ROH on different chromosomes indicated the third to fifth degree of consanguinity. In this study, we highlighted the clinical relevance of large ROH related to UPD. The analysis of ROH allowed us to gain further understanding of complex cytogenetic and disease mechanisms in prenatal diagnosis.
Recent Advances in Denitrogenative Organic Transformations of 1,2,3‐Benzotriazin‐4(3H)‐ones
Authors: Madasamy Kanagaraj
Published: May 2024

Denitrogenative organic transformations and related reactions are a class of significant approaches for carrying out unusual C−C/C‐heteroatom (C−O, C−N, C−S) bond‐forming reactions that are usually promoted by Ru, Ir, Pd, Ni, and Cu metal catalysts. In this trait, numerous methods were adopted to synthesize several pharmaceutically valuable N‐ and O‐containing heteroaromatics using 1,2,3‐benzotriazin‐4(3H)‐one as an electrophilic coupling partner. This review involves the recent achievements related to the metal/organo‐catalyzed thermal and visible‐light mediated denitrogenative approaches with 1,2,3‐benzotriazin‐4(3H)‐ones towards the synthesis of imperative N‐heteroaromatic compounds. In addition, metal and oxidant‐free ortho‐functionalization of benzotriazinones by using suitable nucleophilic partners have been discussed. In particular, the most novel methods employing Ni and Pd metal catalysts that have emerged are exhibited. Specific attention has been paid to offering the detailed mechanistic pathway to explain the role of metal catalysts and the mechanism in the absence of metal catalysts in the denitrogenative reactions under a thermal/visible light medium.
Structure and Chemical Reactivity of Y‐Stabilized ZrO2 Surfaces: Importance for the Water‐Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Chen Shuang , Pleßow Philipp N. , Yu Zairan , Sauter Eric , Caulfield Lachlan , Nefedov Alexei , Studt Felix , Wang Yuemin , Wöll Christof
Published: May 2024

The surface structure and chemical properties of Y‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) have been subjects of intense debate over the past three decades. However, a thorough understanding of chemical processes occurring at YSZ powders faces significant challenges due to the absence of reliable reference data acquired for well‐controlled model systems. Here, we present results from polarization‐resolved infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) obtained for differently oriented, Y‐doped ZrO2 single‐crystal surfaces after exposure to CO and D2O. The IRRAS data reveal that the polar YSZ(100) surface undergoes reconstruction, characterized by an unusual, red‐shifted CO band at 2132 cm−1. Density functional theory calculations allowed to relate this unexpected observation to under‐coordinated Zr4+ cations in the vicinity of doping‐induced O vacancies. This reconstruction leads to a strongly increased chemical reactivity and water spontaneously dissociates on YSZ(100). The latter, which is an important requirement for catalysing the water‐gas‐shift (WGS) reaction, is absent for YSZ(111), where only associative adsorption was observed. Together with a novel analysis Scheme these reference data allowed for an operando characterisation of YSZ powders using DRIFTS (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy). These findings facilitate rational design and tuning of YSZ‐based powder materials for catalytic applications, in particular CO oxidation and the WGS reaction.
Bowen theory, culture and therapeutic applications to Asian families
Authors: Chan Peggy
Published: May 2024

This paper attempts to address the uncertainty of some non‐Western learners about the applicability of Bowen theory to Asian culture, as the theory was developed out of research on Western families and stresses defining self. Scepticism is due to the commonly held view that Asian families are collectivistic while Western families are more individualistic. This paper reviews the basic tenets of Bowen theory and its underlying premise that families are regulated by emotional processes that also operate in all living beings, that is, biological and universal. Bowen theory studies the emotional processes of families and how they react to anxiety. Viewed in this way, the theory certainly can be a useful framework for understanding family and enhancing family functioning, regardless of culture, ethnicity, and geography. The paper further discusses the use of Bowen theory in working with Asian families and Asian women, with case illustrations in enhancing mature and flexible practice of cultural values and increasing differentiation of self.