bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urbanization and its Impact on the Cultural Values in the Life Cycle Rituals of the K’Ho Ethnic Group in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Nhu Thi
Published: October 2024

Urbanization significantly affects the cultural values embedded in the life cycle rituals of ethnic communities. This paper explores the transformation of cultural values within the life cycle rituals of the K’Ho ethnic group in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, focusing on weddings and funerals. Utilizing urbanization as a phenmenon, it examines how these rituals evolve in response to the pressures and opportunities of urban life, highlighting the dynamic
interplay between tradition and modernity in a rapidly urbanizing context. The research employs a sociological framework, combining primary data collection through detailed surveys and in-depth interviews with 26 individuals, and secondary document analysis. The survey included 477 household questionnaires, focusing on K’Ho households in Ta Nung commune and Lac Duong town. Document analysis involved examining books, scientific reports, statistical data, and other relevant sources to provide comprehensive insights into the effects of urbanization on K’Ho life cycle rituals. The study concludes that urbanization significantly impacts the cultural values and practices of the K’Ho ethnic group, leading to the professionalization and simplification of traditional rituals. Traditional practices are increasingly infused with modern elements, reflecting broader socio-economic transformations and the integration of new cultural norms. These findings underscore the importance of detailed, context-specific analyses to understand the unique cultural heritage and socio-economic conditions of ethnic communities in the face of urbanization.
Vernacular Heritage and Craft Traditions: The Case of Handcrafted Athangudi Tiles in Chettinad, India
Authors: Ramanathan Raammnath , Dhakshinamoorthi Jayanthi , Kamal Mohammad Arif
Published: October 2024

India is renowned for its diverse traditional building crafts, passed down through generations. These traditional building crafts have a rich heritage and craftsmanship. However, they are encountering challenges due to declining artisan communities, modernization and economic pressures favoring
mass-produced materials. Athangudi tiles, a 100-year-old traditional building craft from southern India, exemplify this trend. The craft's quality is declining due to the shortage of experienced craftsmen caused by urbanization and modernization. Hence, this study investigates the processing techniques involved in Athangudi tile making, the relevance of these tiles to heritage and the present condition of the craftsmen
community. The research employs field observations to document the processing techniques and a questionnaire survey to identify the problems faced by the tile manufacturers and craftsmen. The
sample included 150 people: 110 natives and 40 from the neighboring villages. Data was collected from January to March 2022, using both in-person and online questionnaires. Findings show that very few native people are currently involved in manufacturing Athangudi tiles. A significant percentage of these craftsmen also belong to the retiring age group. Migration of Athangudi residents to other jobs and urban
sectors is reducing the labor force and continues to have an impact on tile manufacturing. However, manufacturers report that there is a demand for Athangudi tiles in most parts of India as well as in Southeast Asian and European countries. This study therefore recommends actively procuring a Geographical
Indication (GI) tag for the Athangudi tiles to encourage the involvement of native people and thus support the progress of this centuries-old craft and its craftsmanship.
Urbanization and the Emergence of Small Towns: Rural Urban Transformations and the Formation
of Urban Vernacular Settlements in East Kazakhstan
Authors: Ualtayeva Altyn S. , Margulan Aida S. , Apendiyev Timur A. , Berkinbayev Olzhas U. , Sain Emir D.
Published: October 2024

Urbanization is a global phenomenon and is influenced by complex processes in the society. In Kazakhstan, the formation of towns was based on the implementation of a policy of the Russian Empire, which put in motion the processes of urbanization there. This policy was later continued in the Soviet times too. It began with the discovery of rich deposits of minerals on the sites of small Kazakh vernacular settlements, and their extraction. Gradually, these settlements turned into towns: infrastructure was built; population
increased. Invariably, the living conditions of people engaged in industrial production also improved. However, at the end of the 20th century, these small towns are still experiencing a deep social and
economic crisis. Although the modern independent Kazakhstan has begun to address them, this issue is still urgent. This paper examines the process of the formation of urban vernacular settlements in Kazakhstan with a case study of East Kazakhstan. The research employs archival documents containing objective information. It uses comparative historical analysis to identify the causes and reveal the processes of transformation of vernacular settlements into towns. It concludes that the emergence of some settlements in East Kazakhstan has been associated with the colonial policy of the Russian Empire. The towns are an important and inevitable part of urbanization. It is easier for the migrants and the villagers to adapt to
the towns. This is because towns lack tensions and survival problems of the big cities, but retain all of their symbols and infrastructure.
Wastewater treatment, greenhouse gas emissions, and our environment
Authors: Anazonwu Ifeoma Anne , Fahmi Mochamad Zakki
Published: October 2024

The reclamation and reuse of wastewater is a vital process that helps to address water pollution and scarcity problems. Nevertheless, wastewater treatment is also a significant source of greenhouse gases (methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide). Methane, the most significant greenhouse gas is majorly emitted during anaerobic process, carbon dioxide from aerobic processes while nitrous oxide is associated with nitrification and denitrification processes. The increase in the level of these greenhouse gases is the main cause of global warming and climate change and has resulted in change in weather patterns, severe weather events, habitat loss and loss of wildlife. The adjusting of operating conditions, conversion of methane to fuel for energy production, carbon dioxide capturing are some highlighted methods to minimize the release of these heat-trapping gases from wastewater treatment plants. Also, methods of monitoring these GHG as well as the direct and indirect effects of climate change on the management of wastewater are also discussed in this review.
Ensuring the implementation of the principle of legality by the prosecutor during the application of preventive measures
Authors: Kolot Nataliia
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the work is to study the problematic issues of ensuring the implementation of the principle of legality by the prosecutor during the application of preventive measures.
The methodological basis of the scientific research was the following general scientific and special methods: analysis, synthesis, generalization, analogy, structural-logical, systemic-structural, and comparative-legal methods.
The results. The article examines the problematic issues of ensuring the implementation of the principle of legality by the prosecutor during the selection of a preventive measure. It was established that the stage of choosing a preventive measure consists in the joint work of the investigator, the prosecutor and the investigating judge, however, the key role is played by the prosecutor, who, exercising his powers, must check the materials that substantiate the suspicion and are the basis of the petition, in order to prevent arbitrariness on the part of law enforcement agencies. The basis for the application of a preventive measure is the existence of a well-founded suspicion that a person has committed a criminal offense. Having analyzed the opinions of scientists regarding the concept of “reasonable suspicion” in the context of choosing precautionary measures, it was concluded that this term is a more meaningful standard than the sufficiency of evidence, and is different from a written notification of suspicion. That is why the request for the selection of a preventive measure should be based on more substantial evidence of the person’s involvement in the commission of a criminal offense than that contained in the paper document “notification of suspicion”. Attention is drawn to the fact that before sending the petition to the investigating judge, the prosecutor must check the evidence and facts indicated in it, and in case of discovery of illegal evidence, the prosecutor must provide an assessment of the entire body of evidence through the prism of the doctrine of “fruit of the poisoned tree” and the rule of “inevitable discovery”, and “independent source” to form a conclusion about the legality or illegality of the suspicion as a whole.
Conclusions. In the event that the prosecutor establishes illegal evidence, he must provide an assessment of the entire body of evidence through the prism of the doctrine of “fruit of the poisonous tree” and the rules of “independent source”, “inevitable discovery” in order to form a conclusion about the legality/illegality of the suspicion as a whole. If the prosecutor concludes that the suspicion is illegal, he does not have the right to initiate the question of applying a preventive measure before the court by drawing up or agreeing to the appropriate motion.
Criminal procedural means of examining evidence in investigating judge`s proceedings
Authors: Kovalenko Artem
Published: October 2024

The article is dedicated to clarifying the criminal procedural means of proof used in the proceedings of the investigating judge in Ukrainian criminal procedure.
It is emphasized that the investigating judge is authorized to resolve a number of significant criminal procedural issues within the framework of exercising the function of judicial control during the pre-trial investigation. All decisions made by this entity are procedural and must therefore be based on the results of the examination and evaluation of the evidence presented to them.
The author argues that the current criminal procedural legislation does not establish a separate procedure for the proceedings of the investigating judge and contains a number of gaps and contradictions regarding the mandatory nature and procedure for the examination of evidence by this entity. Instead, the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine regarding the rules for trial in the court of first instance are applied to investigating judge`s proceedings by analogy. To ensure legal certainty principle it is proposed to amend the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine to clarify the procedural status and powers of the investigating judge. The amendment should explicitly establish that judicial reviews conducted by the investigating judge follow the general rules outlined in Articles 318–380 of the Code, while considering any specific features defined by the Code.
Based on the analysis of 100 rulings by investigating judges of first instance courts issued between 2020 and 2024, the author demonstrates that in the vast majority of cases (92 %) investigating judges, while exercising their powers, examine written evidence (procedural documents) that substantiated the motions, applications, and complaints submitted to them, as well as the objections against them. At the same time, the interrogation of witnesses and the examination of physical evidence by Ukrainian investigating judges are practically not conducted.
Based on the review of judicial practice, the author concludes that the procedural opportunities for examining evidence in the proceedings of the investigating judge are not fully utilized.
Determining the group nature of a criminal offense during the crime scene inspection
Authors: Kovalenko Volodymyr
Published: October 2024

The article is dedicated to highlighting the features of determining the group nature of a criminal offense during the crime scene inspection.
It is noted that forensic specialist is the universal member of the investigative-operational teams conducting crime scene inspections. Specialists from other fields may be involved as needed, at the discretion of the investigator.
Author states that during the search actions at the crime scene, the involved specialists must identify potential locations where traces of the criminal offense may be localized. This includes detecting and documenting traces of forced entry, hand and foot prints, vehicle tracks, and so on. The presence of multiple individuals involved in the commission of a criminal offense can be indicated by a significant number of handprints left on various objects by the same fingers but with different types of papillary patterns. Determining which finger of which hand left a trace, and even more so, identifying the type and kind of papillary pattern directly at the crime scene, can only be done by an experienced forensic specialist, who must be involved in the investigative (search) action.
It is recommended to pay attention to the presence of fuel and lubricants, brake fluid or coolant at the crime scene, which may remain if they have leaked from the components and units of multiple vehicles at the location where they were parked.
A promising direction for further research, as identified by the author, is the development of scientifically grounded forensic recommendations on the use of specialized knowledge during other investigative (search) actions to establish and prove the group nature of criminal offenses.
Academic success centers at us universities as an effective factor in ensuring the quality of higher education
Authors: Tsymbaliuk Svitlana
Published: October 2024

The aim of the work is theoretical analysis of the peculiarities of the activity of the Academic Success Centers in the U.S. universities.
The methodological basis of the study are official websites of Academic Success Centers, scientific articles by Ukrainian and American researches and analytical reports.
Results. The article is devoted to a review of the activities of Academic Success Centers in U.S. universities. It is found that there is no single definition of «Academic Success Center» due to the variety of services offered. It is determined that Academic Success Center is a structural institution that provides academic and social-psychological support to students, helps to reveal their potential and prepare them for a career. The author emphasizes the technologies of support for students of higher education institutions. The main support technologies are tutoring, mentoring, academic coaching and Supplemental Instruction. It is proven that these technologies contribute to the improvement of the academic achievements of students and increase students’ retention rate of the educational institution. Special emphasis is placed on the interaction of the Center with freshmen, who most often face a number of problems in a new academic environment for them. The Centers provide academic advising for students on choosing courses. Academic advising lasts from admission to graduation at the university. Moreover, Academic Success Centers provide an opportunity not only to learn, but also to teach. Seniors have the opportunity to become tutors, mentors and academic coaches. A special feature of Centers is career guidance work with applicants. Universities organize meetings of future first-year students with students, graduates, teachers and administration of the institution to provide complete information about admission, studies and further employment prospects.
Conclusions. The conducted study proved the need for further thorough research of the basic principles and areas of activity of centers of academic success in US universities in order to introduce better experience into educational practice.
Lawsuit as a means of protecting violated rights in administrative proceedings
Authors: Turutia Z.
Published: October 2024

The article is dedicated to the study of a lawsuit as a means of protecting violated rights in administrative proceedings. Considering the amendments to the legislation, the issue of the significance of a lawsuit in the context of protecting violated rights in administrative proceedings has become increasingly relevant. Under the previous version of the Code of Administrative Procedure of Ukraine, a lawsuit was the foundational document, without which the protection of violated rights in administrative proceedings would be nearly impossible. It has been demonstrated that the current version of the Code of Administrative Procedure of Ukraine has significantly detailed the right to apply to the court, particularly regarding the potential application of remedies by the court. A lawsuit, serving as the basis for initiating proceedings, addressing the case on its merits, and rendering a court decision, is a crucial tool in raising the question of whether the administrative court should apply remedies to protect violated rights. Simultaneously, the administrative law doctrine posits that an administrative lawsuit itself should be viewed as a means of protecting violated rights.
The author observes that doctrinal provisions, grounded in the current administrative procedure law and supported by an analysis of administrative court practice, indicate that an administrative lawsuit significantly influences the activities of an administrative court, particularly in its application of remedies to protect violated rights. Furthermore, some scholarly sources add that the importance of a lawsuit lies in its ability to guide the court’s actions and provide individuals with appropriate guarantees. The author emphasizes that these doctrinal principles align fully with the provisions of the Code of Administrative Procedure of Ukraine, which is considered a conceptually comprehensive procedural document.
Peculiarities of the legislation regarding the activities of the national commission, which carries out state regulation in the spheres of energy and communal services
Authors: Garkavenko Serhii
Published: October 2024

The article analyzes the state and problems of state regulation in the field of energy.
It is established that the state carries out regulation in the field of energy and communal services through the National Commission, which carries out state regulation in the spheres of energy and communal services.
It was determined that the purpose of the activity of the National Commission, which carries out state regulation in the spheres of energy and communal services, is to achieve a balance of interests of consumers, business entities operating in the sphere of energy and communal services, and the state, ensuring energy security, European integration of electricity markets energy and natural gas of Ukraine.
The legislation on the National Commission, which carries out state regulation in the spheres of energy and communal services, has been analyzed.
Peculiarities of legal regulation of National Commissions, Regulators in the countries of the European Union have been studied.
A comparison of domestic and foreign legislation is carried out.
It is claimed that in the conditions of the European integration processes in Ukraine, an important task of the state is the adaptation of domestic legislation to the legislation of the European Union in the field of energy. The implementation of Directive 2009/72/EC on common rules of the internal electricity market and repealing Directive 2003/54/EC, Regulation (EC) 714/2009 on conditions of access to the cross-border electricity exchange network and repealing Regulation (EU) remains an important task in this area ) 1228/2003, Directive 2005/89/EU on measures to ensure the safety of investments in the electricity supply system and infrastructure, Regulation of the European Parliament and Council (EU) No. 1227/2011 of 10/25/2011 on integrity and transparency in the wholesale energy market and decisions Council of Ministers of the Energy Community. As well as fulfilling obligations under the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.
It was concluded that an important direction of improving the legislation regarding the activities of the National Commission, which carries out state regulation in the fields of energy and communal services, is compliance with the principle of justice, balancing the interests of consumers and business entities in the field of energy, and autonomy and independence within the limits defined by law.
Aerodynamic Study of Successful Mars Entry Vehicles
Authors: S. K Vishal
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive aerodynamic study of successful Mars entry vehicles, focusing on the critical phases of Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL). The study explores the aerodynamic challenges posed by Mars' thin atmosphere and the high entry velocities of spacecraft. By analyzing previous Mars missions, we investigate key design parameters such as heat shield effectiveness, parachute deployment dynamics, and vehicle stability. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing vehicle geometry and thermal protection systems to withstand the intense aerothermal loads during entry. We also examine innovative deceleration technologies, including Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIADs) and Supersonic Retropropulsion (SRP), offering insights into their potential to enhance mission success. The results of this study provide valuable guidelines for the design and development of future Mars entry vehicles, contributing to ongoing efforts to improve landing accuracy and vehicle safety on the Martian surface.
Sunflower oil with vitamin D: Preliminary investigation of enrichment possibility
Authors: Lužaić Tanja , Kozomora Kristina , Sredojević Milan , Antić Igor , Romanić Ranko
Published: October 2024

Fat soluble vitamins, including vitamin D, are not sufficiently represented in the human diet. Although vitamin D can be synthesized in the body by direct exposure of the body to the sun, often people don’t get enough sun exposure to assure enough vitamin D. Previous research has established that vitamin D deficiency is considered to be a highly prevalent nutritional problem worldwide. Vitamin D plays an important role in the optimal health including mediating calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone health metabolism, reducing cancer risk, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and insulin resistance. Optimal intake of vitamin D is an important issue for all races, ages and genders. Fatty fish and oil from the liver of various fish, as natural sources of vitamin D, are rarely present in the human diet worldwide, wherefore food fortification is a potential way to improve intake of vitamin D in the population. In order to select an appropriate food as a carrier for vitamin D fortification, several factors such as availability, cost, and stability during the cooking process should be considered. In addition, it should be noted that the amount of added vitamin D should be high enough to provide an adequate amount, and on the other hand, to prevent the risk of excessive intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D is, as previously mentioned, fat soluble, while vegetable oils and fats are present in the daily diet, so the aim of this work was to enrich sunflower oil with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Cold-pressed oils are mainly used as salad oils, without additional heat treatment, which is why cold-pressed sunflower oil was used for fortification. On the other hand, high oleic acid content provides good oxidative characteristics, so high-oleic sunflower oil was chosen. Fortification achieved a vitamin D3 content of 210 µg/100 mL in this oil. A portion of 15 mL of sunflower oil contains 31,48 µg of vitamin D3, while a portion of 5 mL contains 10,5 µg of vitamin D3. 
Copper in fruit and vegetable products intended for human consumption and sold in the local market in the Republic of Serbia, 2015–2019
Authors: Lazović Milena , Tomović Vladimir , Bajić Biljana , Kecojević Isidora , Mrkajić Danica , Joksimović Ana , Tomović Mila , Martinović Aleksandra , Vujadinović Dragan , Smiljanić Milenko , Đorđević Vesna
Published: October 2024

The concentration of copper (Cu) was determined in 110 samples of fruit (n = 31) and vegetable products (n = 79), collected during the period from January 2015 to December 2019. Fruit and vegetable products originate from 17 countries, including Serbia. Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Measurable levels of Cu were found in all analysed samples. Overall, Cu levels ranged from 0.065 to 14.050 mg kg -1, with an average of 1.314 mg kg-1. Only 3 (2.73%) of fruit and vegetable products exceeded the maximum levels set by Serbian Regulation which was valid until the end of 2019. 
Discrepâncias no Currículo Integral: Realidade das Escolas (em tempo) Integral na Paraíba – Brasil
Authors: Ramos Soares Paulo Célio
Published: October 2024

A pesquisa é uma análise das publicações de Soares, dos últimos cinco anos, sobre currículo com foco no modelo de escola cidadã e integral (ECI) paraibanas, dessas publicações duas são livros, dois artigos publicados em revista, sete artigos como capítulo de livros, uma monografia de especialização e, a dissertação do mestrado. Em sua obra o autor discute o currículo nas ECI paraibanas comparando o currículo oficial e o currículo oculto vivenciado no âmbito escolar, debatendo a relação entre os currículos, analisando o currículo proposto pela Base Nacional Comum Curricular, o currículo diversificado e o currículo de disciplinas empreendedoras da base técnica, quando se aplica. O objetivo da análise das publicações é notar a evolução existente em sua obra no que se refere às suas observações participantes em ECI paraibanas e seu conceito de currículo pautado em suas investigações ao longo de seus estudos. A metodologia usada, nesta pesquisa, é a revisão bibliográfica da obra de Soares refletindo a análise do discurso presente em seus textos. Nas pesquisas o pesquisador investiga sobre diversidade, bullying, metodologias ativas, história da matemática como metodologia, ou seja, vai além de estudar o conceito de currículo teoricamente, colocando em prática seus estudos para discutir seus resultados sobre a fragilidade do currículo usado nas escolas do modelo, propondo alternativas para a melhoria do mesmo, tais como ouvir a comunidade escolar para dar uma identidade ao currículo aplicado no contexto.
Computational Network Science Using Python
Authors: Boudourides Moses
Published: October 2024

In this comprehensive seminar, led by professor Moses Boudourides, participants will explore the fundamentals and advanced techniques of computational network science using Python. Attendees will acquire skills to construct, manipulate, and analyze various network structures, enabling them to uncover insights from complex datasets and apply these methods to their specific fields and areas of research.
Using AI for Text Analysis in R
Authors: Maerz Seraphine
Published: October 2024

This one-day workshop provides a basic introduction to using artificial intelligence for text analysis. Tailored for researchers across a variety of social and health science fields, participants will gain practical skills in building text corpuses, topic modeling, and using ChatGPT, Copilot, and other Large Language Models (LLMs) in R, while addressing ethical considerations and validation techniques for AI-driven research.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Impact of Soft Skills Training on Students' Academic Success
Authors: Hajipour Mahtab
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to qualitatively analyze the impact of soft skills training on the academic success of university students. This qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 24 university students from Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify open, axial, and selective codes that represent the core themes related to the impact of soft skills training. The study identified several key themes that highlight the influence of soft skills on academic success. These include improved communication skills, enhanced self-awareness, better time management, and increased critical thinking abilities. The findings revealed that students who participated in soft skills training experienced higher motivation, reduced stress, and improved relationships with peers and faculty, all of which contributed to their academic success. The analysis also showed that these skills help in better problem-solving, effective decision-making, and overall academic resilience. Soft skills training plays a crucial role in enhancing students' academic performance by equipping them with essential non-technical skills that improve their ability to navigate academic challenges. The results underscore the importance of integrating soft skills development into higher education curricula to foster holistic student development and better prepare them for future professional success.
A Qualitative Study on the Impact of Storytelling-Based Education on Enhancing Students' Creativity
Authors: Gholamrezaie Mahbubeh , Mohammadi Nejad Alireza
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to explore the qualitative effects of storytelling-based education on enhancing the creativity of students. The objective was to understand how this pedagogical approach influences various aspects of creativity, including imaginative thinking, critical thinking, social participation, and self-confidence among students. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews to collect data. The study was conducted in Tehran with 21 student participants selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed using content analysis, which involved open, axial, and selective coding to identify key themes and patterns related to the impact of storytelling-based education on creativity. The analysis revealed that storytelling-based education positively influenced students' creativity by enhancing their imaginative thinking, critical thinking, social skills, and self-confidence. Key axial codes included improved problem-solving abilities, increased class participation, and development of artistic creativity. Thematic analysis further categorized these impacts under broader themes, such as cognitive skills development, social skills enhancement, and emotional growth. The results aligned with previous studies indicating the effectiveness of storytelling as an educational tool in fostering creativity and related skills. The study concluded that storytelling-based education is a powerful method for fostering creativity in students. It not only enhances their cognitive and artistic abilities but also improves their social and emotional skills. The findings suggest that incorporating storytelling into educational curricula could significantly benefit student development. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of this approach and its application across diverse educational contexts.
The Role of Extracurricular Education in the Development of Students' Job Skills
Authors: Rezaei Neda , Mahmoudi Yaser
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to explore the role of extracurricular education in the development of job skills among university students. It focused on understanding how participation in extracurricular activities impacts various professional and personal skills necessary for career success. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach, involving semi-structured interviews with 29 students from various universities in Tehran. Participants were selected purposefully to ensure diversity in their experiences with extracurricular activities. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, where axial codes were identified and grouped into main themes to understand the impact of extracurricular activities on skill development. The study identified several key themes related to skill development through extracurricular activities. These included the enhancement of communication skills, time management, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and technical skills. Participants reported significant improvements in these areas due to their involvement in extracurricular programs. Additionally, the study highlighted the role of these activities in increasing students' professional networking opportunities and cultural competencies. The findings align with previous research indicating the positive impact of extracurricular involvement on employability and personal development. The results of this study underscore the importance of extracurricular education in preparing students for the workforce. Participation in these activities not only enhances specific job-related skills but also contributes to broader personal and professional development. Universities and educational institutions should therefore prioritize and promote extracurricular programs to equip students with the necessary competencies for career success. Future research should further explore the long-term impact of these activities on career outcomes across diverse educational settings.
The Effectiveness of Critical Thinking Skills Training on Academic Creativity and Satisfaction with Education among High School Students in Tehran
Authors: Yousefizadeh Sahar , Aqaie Moqaddam Fariborz
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of critical thinking skills training on academic creativity and satisfaction with education among high school students in Tehran. The study aimed to determine whether teaching critical thinking skills could enhance students' academic creativity and increase their satisfaction with education. This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test design with a control group. Thirty high school students were randomly assigned to an experimental group (15 students) and a control group (15 students). The experimental group participated in ten 60-minute sessions of critical thinking skills training, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using academic creativity and satisfaction with education questionnaires at three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up (five months after the intervention). The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The results indicated that critical thinking skills training significantly improved both academic creativity and satisfaction with education in the experimental group. The mean scores for academic creativity and satisfaction with education increased from pre-test to post-test and follow-up in the experimental group, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. The results of ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed significant differences between groups and across different stages of the assessment. This study demonstrated that critical thinking skills training can effectively enhance academic creativity and satisfaction with education among high school students. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating active and participatory teaching methods in schools, showing that critical thinking education can lead to improved academic performance and increased student motivation.
The Impact of Teacher-Student Relationship Quality and Educational Environment Quality on Academic Engagement of Elementary Students in Tehran
Authors: Mohammadi Nejad Alireza , Nikbakht Omid
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to examine the impact of teacher-student relationship quality and the quality of the educational environment on the academic engagement of elementary students in Tehran. The study sought to explore the relationship between these factors and students' academic engagement to understand their role in enhancing motivation and participation in learning. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 elementary students in Tehran. The sample was selected through cluster random sampling. Data collection tools included the Student Engagement Questionnaire, the Teacher-Student Relationship Scale, and the Classroom Environment Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationships between variables, and multiple linear regression was employed to predict academic engagement based on the independent variables. The results indicated that both teacher-student relationship quality (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and educational environment quality (r = 0.41, p < 0.01) were significantly correlated with students' academic engagement. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that these two independent variables explained 28% of the variance in academic engagement (R² = 0.28, p < 0.001). Both variables were significant predictors of students' academic engagement. This study demonstrated that the quality of the teacher-student relationship and the educational environment play critical roles in enhancing students' academic engagement. Improving these factors can effectively boost students' motivation and participation in learning. The findings can assist policymakers and educational administrators in designing effective programs to improve the quality of education and increase students' academic motivation.
PENDAMPINGAN BUDIDAYA IKAN SILI (MACROGNATHUS ACULEATUS) PADA KELOMPOK PODAKAN DI DESA SAWAHAN KECAMATAN RENGEL KABUPATEN TUBAN
Authors: Marita Ika Joesidawati  , Suwarsih  , Ruswanto  , Arif Tribina
Published: October 2024

Tujuan dari kegiatan ini memberikan sosialisasi, penyuluhan dan pendampingan cara budidaya ikan sili (Macrognathus aculeatus) dan memberikan praktik pendampingan teknis pada keloimpok Podakan. Kegiatan ini dimulai bulan Maret sampai Agustus 2024 bertempat di Desa Sawahan Kecamatan Rengel Kabupaten Tuban. Metodologi yang digunakan yaitu : dengan cara memberikan penyuluhan terhadap kelompok pembudidaya ikan mulai dari tahapan pertama yaitu : memberikan materi dan praktek menyiapkan media untuk budidaya mulai dari persiapan bak yang berbeda dan media aquarium yang sudah diisi air dan diberikan aerasi sebagai  media percobaan budidaya, pembelian benih ikan sili (Macrognathus aculeatus) yang memiliki ukuran 15 cm, kemudian di lakukan aklimatisasi selama 2 hari, penebaran ikan sili (Macrognathus aculeatus) dan pemeliharaan sampai pada umur 3 bulan yang sudah dilakukan bersama dengan kelompok peserta kegiatan yang terdiri dari kelompok pembudidaya ikan. Setelah kegiatan ini berlangsung dilanjutkan dengan pemberian kuesioner bagi anggota kelompok pembudidaya ikan (Podakan).  Hasil yang didapatkan dari kegiatan ini yaitu : Kelompok Pembudidaya ikan Podakan Desa Sawahan Kecamatan Rengel Kabupaten Tuban tentang cara budidaya ikan sili (Macrognathus aculeatus) dengan uji coba di bak yang berbeda dan aquarium menggunakan metode aerasi dan aliran air mengalir. Kegiatan ini bermanfaat bagi mitra menunjukkan hasil 100%, mitra peserta juga akan berusaha mencoba  dalam  penerapan budidaya ikan sili (Macrognathus aculeatus) dengan menggunakan metode yang di dapatkan setelah pelatihan dilakukan untuk peningkatan produksi usaha budidaya dan peningkatan ekonomi masyarakat.
Explaining and Understanding Formal and Informal Institutions in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Issa Abiodun Ghali , Fagbemi Adebimpe Saheed , Ogunbanjo ’Bimbo , Fagbemi Christiana Ayah
Published: October 2024

Our social order is shaped by institutions, which makes them important. Governmental players adhere to the formal or informal regulations that institutions set out. Any political system has informal institutions, albeit it can be challenging to understand how they relate to formal ones. An extensive examination of the many definitions of institutions is presented in this paper. Many instances from many subfields are given, which in turn emphasize how universal the key issues facing political actors in various substantive situations are. Afterwards, it is clarified what the ramifications of considering institutions in this way are and how they contribute to these strategic problems by resolving or generating them (consciously or not). Understanding how institutions function necessitates looking at their historical background. Three specific obstacles that arise when attempting to understand and justify the beginnings of institutions are identified; these issues indicate some of the domains in which our understanding of institutions is limited. This paper aims to highlight the common challenges encountered when attempting to comprehend the formation and operation of institutions, offering valid reasons for researchers in related fields to collaborate more to improve our understanding of institutions. Generally speaking, it is untrue to say that there is a boundary between absolutely "formal" and fully "informal" institutions. This paper reveals that this unexpected claim is an invitation for academics to consider several issues. Firstly, to distinguish formal and informal institutions from one another, definitions of each are required. Second, discussing the connection between formal and informal institutions is crucial. By doing this, disparities between various forms of informal institutions and their ranges of complexity are distinguished. Third, it is critical to comprehend how formal and informal institutions affect the sort of regime (autocracy vs. democracy) and vice versa. The subject of how informal institutions are generated, created, and maintained is also discussed in this context. This paper concludes with a discussion of methodological perspectives on formal and informal institutions. It considers the use of typologies that encompass formal institutions and are frequently employed in the study of governance systems for this reason. The discovery by certain researchers that informal structures have a significant and frequently surprising impact on the functioning of formal institutions serves as the foundation for subsequent discussions.
Poverty, Development and Hunger in a Global Age
Authors: Fagbemi Christiana Ayah , Ogunbanjo ’Bimbo , Fagbemi Adebimpe Saheed , Issa Abiodun Ghali
Published: October 2024

This paper opines that the issues of poverty, development, and hunger have become increasingly prominent since the end of World War II. It stresses that in the early phase, this occurred as decolonization failed to bring about economic and social progress in what was then portrayed as the Third World, at the same time that industrially advanced Western countries were experiencing historically unprecedented levels of economic growth. As global economic disparities widened, some argued that colonialism had given way to ‘neocolonialism’, political domination having been replaced by more subtle but no less effective economic domination. Others heralded the emergence of a ‘North–South divide’. This paper emphasizes that in this context, bodies as different as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the one hand, and a host of development Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and activist groups on the other, came to view the task of reducing the gap between rich countries and poor countries as amoral imperative. However, the paper stresses that poverty, development, and hunger are complex and deeply controversial issues. It examines the orthodox mainstream understanding of poverty, development, and hunger, and contrasts this with a critical alternative approach. Consideration is given to how successful the development orthodoxy has been in incorporating and thereby neutralizing the concerns of the critical alternative. The paper then closes with an assessment of the likelihood of a globalization with a human face in the twenty-first century.
Bridging Thought and Reality: The Fusion of Philosophy and Cognitive Science in Consciousness Studies
Authors: Krishna Pasupuleti Murali
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This chapter explores the intersection of philosophy of mind and cognitive science in understanding consciousness, addressing both historical and modern perspectives on the mind-body problem, perception, cognition, and self-awareness. It delves into key philosophical theories, such as dualism, materialism, and emergentism, while also examining cognitive science’s contributions through advancements in neuroscience, brain imaging, and AI. By discussing major theories of consciousness, including the Global Workspace Theory (GWT) and Integrated Information Theory (IIT), the chapter bridges philosophical inquiry with empirical research. Furthermore, it explores the role of perception, cognition, and emotion in shaping conscious experience, as well as the possibilities and ethical implications of creating conscious AI. The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between philosophy and cognitive science to unravel the complexities of consciousness, free will, and personal identity. Keywords: consciousness, philosophy of mind, cognitive science, mind-body problem, perception, cognition, dualism, Global Workspace Theory, Integrated Information Theory, artificial intelligence, free will, self-awareness, neuroscience, ethics.
Dépistage du paludisme : quel est l’apport de la biologie moléculaire ?
Authors: Belgacem Sameh , Bettaieb Mohamed , Houas Najoua , Chouchène Saoussen , Mastouri Maha , Babba Hamouda
Published: October 2024

Introduction : L’examen microscopique est la méthode de référence pour le diagnostic du paludisme selon l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé. Cependant, les performances de cet examen dépendent de l’expérience du microscopiste et du taux de la parasitémie. Ainsi, la recherche de l'ADN plasmodial pourrait être une technique alternative.
Objectif : évaluer l’apport de la biologie moléculaire dans le dépistage du paludisme d’importation.
Méthodes : Il s’agissait d’une étude descriptive, prospective, incluant tous les étudiants, de la région de Monastir, étrangers, originaires des pays endémiques pour le paludisme. La période d'étude était de septembre 2020 à avril 2021. Chaque sujet a bénéficié du dépistage du paludisme par trois méthodes : recherche microscopique direct de Plasmodium, recherche des antigènes plasmodiaux, recherche de l'ADN plasmodial par PCR nichée. L’espèce plasmodiale a été déterminée par séquençage.
Résultats : Parmi les 127 sujets dépistés, un  seul avait un examen microscopique positif à Plasmodium falciparum. Parmi les 126 sujets ayant un examen microscopique négatif, douze étudiants avaient un résultat de PCR nichée positif soit 9,5%. Le séquençage moléculaire a permis l’identification de dix isolats de Plasmodim falciparum, un Plasmodium malariae et un Plasmodium ovale. Notre étude a montré que les résultats de la PCR nichée étaient en accord avec ceux de la microscopie à 90,6% des cas.
Conclusion : la PCR nichée semble plus sensible pour la détection des faibles parasitémies. D’où l’importance d’inclure la biologie moléculaire comme un outil de dépistage du paludisme pour garantir une meilleure détection des cas importés