bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in School Performance in Romania. A Geostatistical Analysis of Baccalaureate Results between 2015-2022
Authors: Buza Victoria , Tușa Enache
Published: March 2024

This study analyses the evolution of the main indicators of students’ high school performance at the high school graduation exams (Romanian Baccalaureate) from a geographical perspective. Both participation and pass rates fluctuate depending on the type of high school, gender and place of residence. Behind these quantifiable characteristics there are significant disparities in (in)equality of educational opportunities influenced by the questionable efficiency of the education system in providing quality education to every student, regardless of their parents’ financial background. Although the upper cycle of secondary school (11-12th grades) is not legally compulsory, successful graduation is essential for the economic, social and cultural insertion of the future adults in a functioning society. The lack of performance of some high schools and vulnerable groups of students, who face problems of accessibility, motivation, opportunity, and financial support, as well as the worrying numbers of exam absentees, must be brought baccalaureate to the permanent agenda of the policy makers, not exclusively during the exam period. The complexity of the official data from 2015-2022 has allowed the geostatistical analysis of school performance, highlighting the deep discrepancies within the system, specifically between urban and rural students, the administrative and economic hierarchy of the locality and the prestige of the high school attended. The insights of this analysis can be used to identify optimal solutions to enhance the research about educational disparities.
Investigating Correlations between Subjective Satisfaction with Body Image and Selected Personality Characteristics in Gender Adolescents with Attractive Face
Authors: Doktorová Dominika , Hubinská Jana
Published: March 2024

Body image just during adolescence is influenced not only by the media, but also by family and friends, and related to this, the adolescent must learn to cope with society's demands on body image. This study examines the relationships between facially attractive adolescents' body image dissatisfaction and personality characteristics. The research population consisted of 185 face-attractive students from different types of high schools, including 89 girls and 96 boys with an average age of 18 years. We used the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire EPQ-R and Stunkard Silhouettes and questions designed by us regarding satisfaction/dissatisfaction with different body parts to collect data. We found that there was no significant relationship between body image dissatisfaction and neuroticism, psychoticism. A significant negative relationship was found between body image dissatisfaction and extroversion.
Pandemic Emotional Impact on Academic and Professional Worries while Controlling for Satisfaction with Life and Perceived Social Support
Authors: Radoi Mihaela , Apostol Alexandru Cosmin , Irimescu Gabriela , Tofan Cristina Maria
Published: March 2024

In this article, we test the associations between the Covid-19 pandemic’s emotional impact and academic and professional worries among social work students when controlling for life satisfaction as a part of subjective well-being and perceived social support. Therefore, we aim to test the controlling variables’ role as mediators in explaining how academic and professional worries can be reduced. The survey was conducted in Romania in 2021 on a sample of 329 students attending full-time courses in the field of social work, both bachelor’s studies and master. The study was cross-sectional but considered a causal orientation for the variables (i.e., past pandemic emotional impact – present social support and satisfaction with life – future academic and professional worries). The findings showed that although life satisfaction does not significantly determine academic and professional worries, perceived social support has a significant direct effect. Indirect effects indicate a decrease in academic and professional worry when controlling for perceived social support alone and while controlling for both perceived social support and satisfaction with life. Additionally, our findings show that students who were less emotionally impacted by the pandemic effects had no worries about their capacity to continue or complete their studies or their employment perspectives.
Realization of Spiritual Potential in the Sociocultural Space: the Philosophy of Education
Authors: Repetii Svitlana , Moravetskyi Ostap , Stavytska Svitlana , Ulko Nataliya , Nekrasov Andrii , Boichenko Mykhailo
Published: March 2024

The relevance of the article lies in the fact that the development of Ukrainian statehood, implementation of reforms in education and development of civil society is impossible without the development of Ukrainian spirituality. The process of globalization of today's society has a huge number of global problems associated with the obstacles to achieving harmony between man and nature, underestimating the development of each individual as unique, playing a crucial role in creating a special spiritual atmosphere, in revealing the creativity of life. Spirituality in the socio-cultural space should be understood as "man in man", as a quality of man, characterizing the motivation of human behavior, the process of his self-knowledge and the choice of life goals. The highest value of human existence is the human person. The notions of human qualities that allow full self-expression in the service of universal human interests are analyzed. Philosophy of education notes that the main purpose of human development is not only the satisfaction of needs, but also self-development, the full disclosure of the intellectual and cultural abilities of man. The article deepens the concept of the spiritual potential of today's mass culture in the current philosophy of education; reveals the ways of formation of spiritual potential in the postmodern space; outlines the quality of time in the socio-cultural space of postmodernism.
Students’ Perceptions on Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Mâță Liliana , Cîrtiță-Buzoianu Cristina , Cojocariu Venera-Mihaela , Mareș Gabriel , Amălăncei Brîndușa-Mariana
Published: March 2024

Virtual environments allow teachers to approach the teaching process inclusively and creatively, to facilitate the effective transfer of learning and to support student learning with new technologies regardless of various barriers. The hereby study evaluates the students’ views concerning the virtual delivery of courses during their learning process taking into consideration their former face-to-face teaching-learning experience. It was based on the theoretical part which included typical aspects of online teaching and learning are presented and the most recent studies in this area are reviewed. Following previous research, we aim to develop an innovative model of successful online teaching and learning in higher education. A questionnaire-based research methodology was designed for 355 students at a university in the North-Eastern region of Romania. The questionnaire with closed-ended items was used for assessing students’ attitudes on the online teaching activity. The results indicate students’ preference for online courses, as well as a number of significant differences, depending on the study specialisation or form of education. Any future changes to online teaching and learning in universities should also take into account students’ and teachers’ views on this particular issue. Such an approach should allow us to see whether and how effective the use of virtual teaching environments can be for both students and teachers in higher education (HE).
Bankers and Usurers in the Early Byzantine Hagiographical Texts
Authors: Milewski Ireneusz
Published: March 2024

The text discusses accounts from early Byzantine hagiographical texts depicting the activities of bankers and usurers in the period from the early 5th to the second decade of the 7th century. Texts by Palladius of Helenopolis, John of Ephesus, John Moschos, and Leontius of Neapolis are analysed. In the collated material we find relatively little information depicting the activities of bankers and usurers. Neither do we find any further details of the conditions under which money loans were granted. However, we note the statement that the cancellation of a loan, even if forced by circumstances (even if due to the intervention of a holy man), is charitable in nature and the ‘lost’ capital by the creditor in such a case bears the characteristics of a merciful deed. Most of the analysed accounts are presented in a somewhat fanciful way, which, however, should not question the information conveyed by the narrative. Two aspects of the analysed accounts are most significant. Firstly, the absence of any criticism of the Alexandrian Church deriving, even if not high, some profits (interest) from monetary loans. Secondly, in the accounts analysed we note a peculiar narrative, or in fact a new way of reasoning, by means of which the authors wanted to reach their audience, the potential benefactors. Thus, we become acquainted with somewhat naïve tales of how the benefits of granting a non-refundable loan to the needy, not only to the poor but also to merchants who traded on the high seas (?) would quite quickly return to the merciful benefactor, in a tangible material benefit, while he was still alive. We do not find such an argument in the patristic texts of the 4th and 5th centuries, where accounts of this kind merely refer to a prediction or even a guarantee of ‘heavenly interest’ that could tip the scales in favour of the merciful donor (creditor) at the Last Judgement.
Kidney Diseases in the Treatise "Dynameron" of Aelius Promotus (2nd Century AD) A Comparison with Dioscorides and Nikolaos Myrepsos
Authors: Marselos Marios , Valiakos Elias
Published: March 2024

Dynameron is a medical treatise from the 2nd century AD, written in Greek by an Alexandrian physician named Aelius Promotus. A copy made in Sicily during the 16th century is kept in the Marciana Library of Venice (Codex gr. Ζ. 295). In 130 chapters, Dynameron contains 870 recipes for the treatment of various diseases. Regarding the kidneys, Aelius describes 32 recipes with herbal (59), animal (6) and mineral (1) ingredients, with diuretic, spasmolytic, analgesic, or antiseptic properties, suitable for treating nephrolithiasis, strangury, dysuria and renal inflammations. Several diuretics of Aelius Promotus are similar to those found in De Materia Medica of Dioscorides (1st century AD). On the other hand, all of them are also included in the treatise Dynameron of Nikolaos Myrepsos, written in the 13th century AD. When the recipes are evaluated as a whole, it is evident that Aelius Promotus was a competent practising physician in a city with a glorious tradition in medicine and sciences.
Church Architecture in Southwestern Bulgaria in the Late 9th – Early 11th Century (Based on Archaeological Data)
Authors: Georgieva Miroslava
Published: March 2024

This publication is devoted to the church architecture in Southwestern Bulgaria (now Blagoevgrad region) during the First Bulgarian Tsardom, in the period from the end of the 9th to the beginning of the 11th century. From the second half of the 9th century (specifically from 864) the territories of the region under consideration officially entered the borders of the medieval Bulgarian state, which coincided with the conversion to Christianity in Bulgaria (865). The studied region covers the valleys of the rivers of Struma (Middle Struma) and Mesta (Upper and Middle Mesta), which were part of the southwestern borders of the Bulgarian state in the Middle Ages. At present, three churches can be attributed to this period, all excavated through regular archaeological excavations. These are the Basilica of St. Nicholas in the town of Melnik, the single-nave church in the area of Shipotsko at the town of Bansko and the three-conchal church at the village of Kulata, Petrich municipality. In terms of their functional characteristics, these churches include an episcopal (or parish) church (“St. Nicholas” in Melnik), a cemetery church (the church in the area of Shipotsko near the town of Bansko) and a monastery church (the church at the village of Kulata). Characteristic for the first two is their construction on older cult sites – on an ancient sanctuary and an early Christian church (the church “St. Nicholas” in Melnik) and on an early Christian temple (the church in the area of Shipotsko, at the town of Bansko). The small number of excavated church buildings from the First Bulgarian Tsardom is also typical for the rest of the Bulgarian lands. Although the examples from the region are few, they show that almost all major architectural types are found here.
Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factors of Seven Penaeus Shrimp Species along the Southeast Coast of Tamil Nadu (Southern India)
Authors: Mohale Hari Prasad , Jawahar P. , Jayakumar N. , Oli G. Arul , Ravikumar T. , Bhosle R.V. , Ananda Swapnil Narsale , Kadam Rishikesh Venkatrao , Sonwal M.C.
Published: March 2024

Background: The present study of the length-weight relationship and condition factors of seven shrimp species on the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu between July (2022) and February (2023) also estimated the coefficient of determination (r2). Methods: For shrimp species, the length-weight relationship shows some species have significant positive coefficients which have a determination by (r2 greater than 0.5) like Penaeus indicus, Penaeus mergiuensis, Penaeus canaliculatus, Penaeus latisulcatus, Penaeus monodon, some species have shown negative as (r2 greater than 0.5) value like Penaeus japonicas and Penaeus semisulcatus. Result: All shrimp species have heterogeneity evident in intercept (a). The growth exponent (b) varied between 0.278 and 2.289 and it significantly (p=0.05) deviated from the value of less than 3 which denoted negative allometric growth for all Penaeus shrimp species.
Mitigating Cold Stress in Livestock by Nutritional Interventions: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sahib Qazi Shehriyar , Aafaq Ifla , Ahmed Haidar Ali , Sheikh Gowher Gull , Ganai Imran Ahmad
Published: March 2024

Climate change has been the major threat to livestock systems sustainability globally. This climate change has provoked many stressors, for instance, cold, heat, humidity, rain, ice and wind, that can directly or indirectly exert influence on the endocrine system and impact the performance of an animal including their production potential, reproductive system and regular estrous cycle. Also, the environmental stressors can contribute to the amenability of animals to infections; it is therefore, vital to understand how stressors alter the animal’s adaptive capacity and efficient methods in coping stress. This review aims at the scientific evidences regarding challenges due to cold stress and its potential mitigation by nutritional interventions. The cold is amongst the most potential environmental stressors which can adversely affect production potential as well as the growth of animals. Under cold stress the animals’ dietary intake increases, but the production capacity declines, furthermore, it can also culminate in physiological fluctuations, behavioral shift, tissue and intestinal impairment and soaring death rate. Maintenance of animal in its thermoneutral zone is important, otherwise any deviation from it proves life threatening. So, to cut back on the economic losses timely course of action must be taken to prevent the damages ascribed to the stressor. To maintain the production performance along with profitability, it is thus recommended to adapt scientific feeding regimens and also incorporate feed supplements (especially vitamins and minerals) to combat the devastating effects of cold stress.
Energy Budgeting and Economic Analysis of Cowpea Varieties under Rainfed Condition
Authors: Dey Joy Kumar , Debnath Ashim , Das Promod , Sarkar Shatabhisa , Das Rajib , Chakraborty Ardhendu , Mandal Ajit Kumar , Debbarma Pijush
Published: March 2024

Background: Cowpea is a versatile leguminous pulse crop that exhibits resilience to drought and adapts well to various climates. It serves multiple purposes and can be enjoyed both in its raw form and as a grain pulse. Various studies established that cowpea has the potential vegetable crops with nitrogen fixation capacity. Thus, the study of environmentally safety and clean production of cowpea for better crop yield along with energy use efficiency and carbon budgeting for sustainable crop production is an important issue for the upcoming future. Methods: The present study was carried out at the experimental farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Sepahijala, Latiacherra, Tripura under CAU (I) on 2022 and 2023 with three high yielding cowpea varieties (Kashi Kanchan, Kashi Gauri and Kashi Unnati). The design followed in the experiment adhered to a Randomized block design (RBD) with five replications. Result: Experiments result revealed that Kashi Kanchan perform outstanding by showing maximum pod yield. In the context of energy equivalent and Carbon budgeting, Kashi Kanchan is showing high energy use efficiency (45.01) and high carbon efficiency (1.59).
Pre-Treatment Loss to Follow-up of Patients with Bacilloscopy-Confirmed Pulmonary Tuberculosis in the National Center for the Fight Against Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases in Niamey
Authors: Madougou Assiatou Gagara Issoufou , Souleymane Mahamadou Bassirou , Soumana Alphazazi , Moussa Souleymane Halidou
Published: March 2024

Context: Pre-treatment loss of follow-up (PTLFU) represents a major problem that hinders the management of tuberculosis. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of lost to follow-up patients diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (SPPT) and referred to other TB screening and treatment centers (TBSTC). Method: This was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study conducted over a six month between March and August 2019, in patients diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis at NCFATRD and referred to Niamey and Tillaberi centers. The chi-square text was used with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: 743 patients were diagnosed with SPPT, and 346 were referred to the TBSTC located in Niamey and Tillaberi cities. The prevalence of loss of follow-up before treatment in both Niamey and Tillaberi cities was 14.45% (50/343). Male represented 82% (41) of the cases with a sex ratio of 4.55. The mean age of our patients was 41.04 years. Patients not attending school and those with primary education represented the majority with 30% each. The majority of PTLFU (95.66%) were new cases of TB. Nearly half (42%) of PTLFU had traveled a distance of 6 to 15 km to get the TB screening. During the phone call follow up, we were able to reach only 12 patients (24%) of which 7 (14%) were deceased. Conclusion : the prevalence of PTLFU is high, therefore there is a need to reinforce the research of lost to follow up patients in order to improve tuberculosis control and management.
Enhancing Drug Delivery Precision: Development and Optimization of Nanoparticle-Based Formulations for Targeted Therapy in Preclinical Models
Authors: Nikandish Mehrasa , Wang Hanzhi , Bao Xinqi , Nikandish Mohamad
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the utilization of nanoparticles has proliferated across a wide spectrum of clinical domains. Nanoparticles have been engineered to surmount the constraints associated with free therapeutics and negotiate biological barriers—systemic, microenvironmental, and cellular—that exhibit heterogeneity across diverse patient cohorts and diseases. Mitigating this patient heterogeneity has also been facilitated through precision therapeutics, where tailored interventions have augmented therapeutic effectiveness. Nonetheless, current nanoparticle development predominantly emphasizes the refinement of delivery platforms with a uniform approach. As lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic nanoparticles undergo increasingly nuanced engineering, there arises the potential for tailoring them to drug delivery in a more personalized manner, ushering in the era of precision medicine. In this Review, we deliberate on sophisticated nanoparticle designs employed in both generalized and precision applications, offering insights into their potential for enhancing precision therapies. We concentrate on advancements in nanoparticle design that surmount heterogeneous barriers to delivery, positing that intelligent nanoparticle design can enhance efficacy in broad delivery applications while facilitating customized designs for precision applications, thereby ultimately enhancing overall patient outcomes.
Gothic Experiences in Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Authors: Tine Etienne Pathé
Published: March 2024

This paper thoroughly analyses the theme of the gothic imagination in the works of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte, specifically in Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. The novels portray romantic and sublime scenes with elements of terror, horror, and the uncanny, which contribute to the gothic feelings experienced by the characters. The study also explores women's suffering in the context of gothic thought. Various factors inherent to the gothic genre actually contribute to the 19th century readers’ fascination with the supernatural and thrilling emotions. This work explores gothic experiences depicted in novels using gothic tropes and critical approaches such as Marxism, feminism, or psychoanalysis. The use of the framing narrative technique remains a distinctive aspect of this study which worthily includes The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, a book that many critics have wrongly overlooked when interpreting the Bronte sisters’ novels in the light of the gothic trend. The analysis considers the common gothic features that characterise the novels, rather than treating them separately. This reinforces and enhances the scope of the analysis of the Gothic vision of these Victorian novelists.
Appraisal Theory: Can It Be Applied to Visual Images in Isolation to the Text?
Authors: Alzahrani Bashayir , Alhuthali Mohammed
Published: March 2024

The role of women in Saudi society is changing, but even the process of reform is subject to multiple interpretations. This makes the role of resemiosis when interpreting visual media particularly important, perhaps more than a direct focus on the semiotic modes adopted. Appraisal Theory captures this judgement process in terms of emotions experience by the reader/viewer and how the wider context such as the full news article, or even just the headline, forms a part of this process. This argues that in contested situations resemiosis is a critical part of the process and sometimes the apparent interpretation of a single image (intersemiosis) can be different to the interpretation of the whole. In these cases, it is not just that different semiotic modes carry different meanings but that a focus on one in isolation can be misleading as to the overall intent.
The Role of Macroeconomic Variables in Forecasting Equity Market Volatility in the East African Community Using Garch-Midas Model
Authors: Sheng Lin Wen , Jade Mutebi
Published: March 2024

This study delves into the dynamic relationship between macroeconomic variables and equity market volatility in the East African Community. The research employs the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model coupled with the Mixed Data Sampling (MIDAS) approach. Through a comparative process, it is found that the different macroeconomic variables exhibit heterogeneous effects on the different countries in the East African community that is macroeconomic factors significantly explain the variation in stock market volatility in Uganda and including these factors in the GARCH-MIDAS model improved its forecasting ability, however, in Kenya it was found that majority of the macroeconomic variables had insignificant effects on stock market volatility and didn’t improve the forecasting ability of the GARCH-MIDAS model.
Potent Roles of Humor in EFL Classes in Higher Education: An Exploratory Study of Lebanese Perspectives
Authors: Joudi Nadine Sami , Ayoub Nawal Nabih
Published: March 2024

This paper focuses on scrutinizing the attitudes and opinions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors and learners on the use of humor in higher education in Lebanon as a pedagogical tool in classroom contexts. It is used in building a harmonious relationship between instructors and students, lowering affective barriers to learning, keeping students attentive to class activities, developing creativity and increasing instructional effectiveness as well as students’ learning. It also aims to describe the instructors’ experiences in employing it in their classrooms and to determine the students’ perspectives on its potent roles in learning. In this exploratory study, a mixed-method design and a convenient sampling of participants were utilized. A total of 13 EFL instructors, working at 1 public and 4 private universities in Lebanon, and 86 EFL students participated in the study.  To describe and quantify their perceptions of the potent roles of employing humor in EFL classes, two online surveys of two sets of questions each, including closed-ended and open-ended, and four focus group discussions were administered. The overall qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data indicated that Lebanese EFL instructors and students have positive attitudes towards integrating humor as a pedagogical tool and as a fundamental part of the teaching strategies in EFL higher education classes. This is because it creates an open communication climate, captures students’ interest in the subject matter, boosts attention, reduces anxiety, makes the instructor more approachable, and yields better instructor evaluation. The findings of this study also revealed the need to train teachers to use humor artfully.
Le Marketing Politique: L'art de Convaincre les Electeurs Etude de Benchmark entre la France et le Maroc
Authors: Hniche Omar , Amara Achraf
Published: March 2024

Le marketing politique est un concept qui existe depuis la nuit des temps qui consiste à utiliser des pratiques inspirées du marketing commercial pour se construire une image et la promouvoir, cette pratique est généralement utilisée par les hommes et les partis politiques. Dans cet article nous avons effectué une étude comparative entre les pratiques du Marketing politique au Maroc et en France, pour voir à quel point ces deux pays proches géographiquement, historiquement et culturellement ont été imprégnés par cette pratique qui nous vient des états unis d’Amérique, et pour analyser les personnalités politiques les plus marquantes des deux pays. Dans cette étude nous avons procédé à une analyse comparative entre les deux pays et principalement leurs figures politiques emblématiques, nous avons analysé leur histoire, leur style communicationnel, les supports communicationnels qu’ils utilisent, et leurs pratiques du marketing politique, pour faire cela nous avons décortiqué leurs discours, leurs interviews, les articles de presses les concernant et toute informations susceptible de nous être utile. Il ressort de notre analyse que le marketing politique joue un rôle essentiel dans les campagnes électorales modernes. Au Maroc, un pays politiquement dynamique et en évolution constante, les leaders politiques ont adopté des stratégies de marketing pour atteindre et convaincre plus d’électeurs.

 

Political Marketing, a concept that has flourished since its inception, relies on practices inspired by commercial marketing to build and promote the image of individuals or organizations. It is often used by politicians and political parties. In this scientific paper, a comparative study was conducted to compare the approach of  political marketing in Morocco and France. Through this analysis, their history, communication style, the communication media used, and their political marketing practices was reviewed. This study focuses on evaluating the extent to which these geographically, historically and culturally proximate countries have been inspired by the fast pace evolution of this concept imported from the United States of America. By analysing the most prominent political figures in both countries, it is evident that political marketing plays a vital role in modern election campaigns. While this practice has been employed in France for decades, in Morocco, a politically dynamic country, political leaders have recently adopted marketing strategies to engage and convince more voters.
Industrial Growth and Socio-Economic Impact: An Analysis of Armi's Manufacturing History in the Mongiana Industrial Village of Serre Calabria
Authors: Fiorenza Elia
Published: March 2024

The Mongiana Arms Factory in Calabria (Italy), built in 1852, constitutes a significant example of 19th century armoury. Designed by Domenico Fortunato Savino, active from 1852 to the mid-1860s, the factory produced 2000-3000 weapons annually for the bourbon army, with a peak of 7000-8000 in periods of maximum production. He introduced the «Mongiana» spring-loaded rifle, replacing the French model of 1842. After the unification of Italy, it lost relevance, being downgraded to a transformation workshop, and later closed. Today, part of the Ecomuseum of the Ironworks and Foundries of Calabria, the building has been under restoration since 2013. The Museum of the Royal Bourbon Ironworks, the result of a careful recovery process, allows for an in-depth exploration of the historical, economic, and technological role of the factory in the panorama of the steel industry of the time.
Gestion de la Motivation des Enseignants par les Directeurs des Ecoles : Synthèse Théorique et Orientations Prospectives
Authors: Soufiane Er-Razine
Published: March 2024

Cet article a pour objectif d’aider les chefs d’équites en général et les directeurs d’écoles en particulier à mieux gérer et motiver les ressources humaines sous leur direction. Il consiste en une synthèse de la littérature autour de la motivation au travail regroupant la plupart des théories liées à ce domaine en y ajoutant des analyses et des propositions concrètes afin de lier théorie et pratique.   

Ce travail est venu à la suite d’une évaluation diagnostique au cours de la formation des cadres de l’administration pédagogique. Les résultats ont montré une déficience accrue aux savoirs et savoir-faire des stagiaires autour de la notion de motivation, pourtant très importante dans leur travail. 57% seulement connaissent des théories de la motivation et aucune proposition d’intervention ne lie théorie et pratique. Toutefois, l’unanimité avoue le rôle important du directeur dans la motivation des enseignants.

 

This article aims to assist team leaders in general and school principals in particular in better managing and motivating the human resources under their direction. It consists of a literature review on workplace motivation, encompassing most theories related to this field, supplemented with analyses and concrete proposals to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

This work follows a diagnostic evaluation conducted during the training of educational administration executives. The results revealed an increased deficiency in the knowledge and skills of trainees regarding the concept of motivation, which is crucial in their work. Only 57% are familiar with motivation theories, and no intervention proposal links theory and practice. However, there is unanimous agreement on the crucial role of the principal in teacher motivation.
Assessing the Relationship between Short Birth-to-Pregnancy Interval and the Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes among Multiparous Women in Northern Ghana
Authors: Agulu Gilbert G. , Dzotsi Emmanuel K. , Issah Kofi , Nyuzaghl Josephat A. , Adogboba Alemna D. , Adongo Vincent A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an optimal Birth-to-Pregnancy Interval (BPI) of 24-59 months, or a 33-month interval between two successive births, to reduce the risk of untoward maternal and newborn outcomes. Short Birth to Pregnancy Interval (SBPI) and unmet need for Family Planning (FP) are the major contributors to rapid population growth and increased maternal and newborn mortalities. The purpose of this study was to assess the adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes associated with SBPI among multiparous women in three municipalities of the Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana.

Materials and Methods: We employed a cross-sectional design conducted among 904 women aged 15-49 attending Antenatal Care (ANC) clinics in three municipalities in the UER who had at least two successive live births prior to data collection. A multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to recruit respondents for this study. This was conducted in four steps. Out of the 46 health facilities, we randomly selected 25 respondents using the systematic random selection method. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, incorporated into the electronic data collection tool (Kobo collect), and administered by trained research assistants. Birth interval was categorized according to the WHO’s classification: <24 months as SBPI, 24-≥59 months as Optimal Birth to Pregnancy Interval (OBPI), and >59 months as Long Birth to Pregnancy Interval (LBPI).

Results: Of the 904 respondents, the majority (56.2%) had an OBPI, while 36.9% had a SBPI. Factors that influenced SBPI were parity, mode of delivery, and the educational status of woman’s partner. Participants with a higher parity (≥5 children) had 0.67 times the potential of spacing their births (AOR 0.67; 95% CI 0.46-0.98; p = 0.040). Women who experienced a Caesarean Section (CS) delivery were 3.28 times more likely to have LBPI (AOR 3.28; 95% CI 1.02–10.62; p=0.047). Respondents whose partners had secondary education had a 1.87 chance (AOR 2.07; 95% CI 1.09–3.96; p=0.027) of spacing their births. The birth complications reported were retained products of conception (41.9%), pregnancy-induced hypertension (27.9%), postpartum hemorrhage (11.6%), obstructed labor (10.5%), sepsis (38.1%), neonatal jaundice (23.8%), low birth weight (19%), and preterm birth (14.3%).

Conclusion: A significant proportion of the participants in this study reported having a short duration between the birth of one child and the conception of the next. This was associated with various adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, such as birth complications and mortalities. The study emphasizes the need for health professionals to address challenges in contraceptive uptake, especially among multiparous women, and promote optimal birth spacing to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Vermicomposting of Sludge from the Camp SIC Cité-Verte Wastewater Treatment Plant (Yaounde-Cameroon)
Authors: Laure Ngahane Emilienne , Mbappe Tambe Roosevelt , Rodine Tchiofo Lontsi , Joel Sagne Moumbe
Published: March 2024

In Yaounde, as in most sub-Sahara African cities, wastewater management is a major concern. Through its national sanitation strategy, Cameroonian government takes many initiatives to improve the urban sanitation situation by constructing social housing, where wastewater treatment plants are integrated. However, their purification performance is often low and the by-products represent great risk factors. This paper focuses on preserving the health of the population, reducing environmental pollution, and improving soil fertility by vermicomposting sludge from the Yaounde Camp SIC Cité-Verte wastewater treatment plant. The methodological approach consisted of the characterisation of sludge, followed by the vermicomposting test. At the end of the 35-day process, the produced vermicompost was characterized, and its agronomic efficiency was tested on waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) cultivation. The Yaounde Camp SIC Cité-Verte wastewater treatment plant consistently produces an average of 239 Kg of sludge per day. The sludge is primarily composed of high carbonaceous material (53%) and contains essential nutrients for plant growth (NPK: 13%), along with pathogenic microorganisms and heavy metals in low concentrations. The characterisation of the vermicomposts obtained after 35 days showed a conservation of nutrients (NPK) concentration and a decrease in carbonaceous matter and heavy metals. Moreover, there was a complete absence of fecal pathogens in the vermicompost of the two setups. The agronomic efficiency of the vermicomposts on waterleaf was shown by a high germination rate (100 % for vermicomposts), a high number of leaves (28 ± 15), a deep green coloration of plants, a great plant length (17.3 ± 4.6 cm), and a large stem diameter (2.1 ± 0.4 cm). The NPK content (˃7%) indicates that the vermicompost produced can be used as an agricultural organic fertilizer.
Digital Mock-Ups for Nuclear Decommissioning: A Survey on Existing Simulation Tools for Industry Applications
Authors: Caliskanelli Ipek
Published: March 2024

The maturation of Virtual Reality software introduces new avenues of nuclear decommissioning research. Digital Mockups are an emerging technology which provide a virtual representation of the environment, objects or processes, supporting the whole lifecycle of product development and operations. This paper provides a survey on currently available simulation tools to design digital mock-ups required for safe remote decommissioning activities in the nuclear industry. The survey looks at eleven simulation tools; CoppeliaSim, Gazebo Classic, Gazebo (Ignition), Nvidia Omniverse Isaac Sim, WeBots, Choreonoid, AGX Dynamics, MORSE, VR4Robots, RoboDK, and Toia. Using the available documentation, the different capabilities of these software packages were assessed for their suitability to nuclear decommissioning, such as environment simulation, haptic interfaces, and general usability.
STUDENT AND TEACHER OPINIONS ON CLASS SIZES AND TYPES OF ASSESSMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION LSP CLASSROOMS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Bulatović Vesna V. , Bogdanović Vesna Ž.
Published: March 2024

Large classes are a reality and an ongoing issue in higher education in most countries. Theoretically, a large class is any class where teachers face challenges in teaching, assessing students’ performance and managing the class due to the number of students. The paper will focus on assessment in large classes, looking at some familiar methods, as well as researching the possibilities of innovative technologies as useful assessment tools, self-evaluation using new technologies, and collaborative learning. The selection of the right methods for assessment is essential for meeting students’ needs without compromising the very integrity of the entire process; hence, a questionnaire will be utilized to investigate the opinions of teachers and students on their assessment process. The results will offer some new assessment possibilities that may compensate for the lack of adequate student-teacher contact and interaction usually present in small classes, but not always in large classes.
ИЗАЗОВИ У НАСТАВИ СТРАНИХ ЈЕЗИКА НА ВИСОКОШКОЛСКИМ УСТАНОВАМА ТОКОМ ПАНДЕМИЈЕ ВИРУСА КОВИД-19
Authors: Вранић Петковић Ивана Ј. , Мирковић Драгица Д. , Мандић Ивковић Ана Б.
Published: March 2024

Предмет рада су проблеми и изазови са којима се сретало наставно особље на државним високошколским установама у Србији, са фокусом на наставу страног језика, на почетку и током трајања светске пандемије изазване корона вирусом. Циљ је био дефинисати новонасталу ситуацију у контексту (не)успешне реализације наставног процеса. Како би се издвојили суштински подаци, урађено је пилот-истраживање помоћу анкете од девет питања, која је прослеђена наставницима страних језика на државним високошколским установама. Анкета је спроведена током маја и јуна 2022. године, а анализа одговора 31 испитаника/-це обухватила је само дескриптивну статистику (проценте). Истраживање је потврдило претпоставку ауторки рада да је ургентна имплементација алтернативних онлајн облика наставе страних језика − услед пандемије − ставила наставнике и наставнице страних језика пред велике изазове када је у питању комплетна организација наставе. Са друге стране, откривени су неки нови аспекти и бенефити учења на даљину, са којима се наставници до тада нису сусретали.
UTICAJ ENGLESKOG JEZIKA NA LEKSIČKI I SEMANTIČKI SISTEM ITALIJANSKOG KOD NAPREDNIH UČENIKA OSNOVNOŠKOLSKOG OBRAZOVANJA U SRBIJI
Authors: Detar Jevđović Snežana Z.
Published: March 2024

: Ovaj rad nastao je sa ciljem da se ispita u kojoj meri poznavanje engleskog kao prvog stranog jezika koristi naprednim učenicima da uoče sličnosti i razlike između jezičkih sistema engleskog i italijanskog jezika u kontekstu formalnog obrazovanja u Srbiji. U radu se, pored teorijskog okvira, iznose i rezultati istraživanja, koje uz kritičku analizu oblika međujezika karakterističnih za osnovnoškolski uzrast, obuhvata i definiše u kojoj meri su učenici na ovom uzrastu u stanju da naprave razliku u produkciji tipološki sličnih oblika reči italijanskog kao drugog stranog jezika. Glavni cilj rada usmeren je na utvrđivanje toga koliko su napredni učenici u stanju da koriste sopstvene metalingvističke strategije pri učenju novog stranog jezika. Rezultati istraživanja kloz testova (eng. cloze) pokazali su da, bez obzira na mali broj grešaka, tip oblika međujezika ukazuje da učenici na ovom nivou poznavanja engleskog i italijanskog jezika nisu u potpunosti u stanju da naprave razliku između ova dva jezička sistema.
KARAKTERISTIKE AKADEMSKIH STUDIJA KAO MOTIV EMIGRACIJE STUDENATA – PRIMER STUDENATA U BEČU
Authors: Stojšin Snežana S. , Šljukić Marica N. , Vidicki Vladan D. , Mejdžor Sara R.
Published: March 2024

U radu su predstavljeni rezultati istraživanja koje je urađeno krajem 2021. i početkom 2022. godine sa srpskim studentima na sva tri nivoa studija u Beču, u Austriji. Osnovni cilj rada jeste analiza motiva emigracije naših studenata, a osnovna pretpostavka u istraživanju bila je da kvalitet obrazovanja nije osnovni razlog zbog kojeg studenti odlaze u inostranstvo na osnovne, master i doktorske studije, što je na kraju istraživanja i potvrđeno. U istraživanju, u kojem su podaci prikupljeni elektronskim upitnikom, učestvovalo je 287 ispitanika. Analiza rezultata pokazala je da je najveći deo studenata poreklom iz velikih univerzitetskih centara, kao što su Beograd, Banja Luka i Novi Sad, a da su na njhove odluke, pored veće mogućnost nalaženja posla sa diplomom inostranog fakulteta, uticali i kvalitet studija, kao i motivi poput želje da iskuse život u stranoj zemlji.
FUNKCIONALNI PRISTUP TEKSTOVIMA U NASTAVI SRPSKOG KAO NEMATERNJEG JEZIKA NA NAPREDNOM NIVOU POSTIGNUĆA
Authors: Redli Jelena R.
Published: March 2024

Ovaj rad se bavi razvijanjem veštine čitanja kod učenika naprednog nivoa postignuća u formalnim uslovima učenja srpskog kao nematernjeg jezika (SKNJ) u osnovnim i srednjim školama u Republici Srbiji. Fokus je na unapređenju SKNJ s obzirom na izazove koje predstavlja nastava za učenike bosanskog i hrvatskog maternjeg jezika. Sistemska sličnost između ovih jezika olakšava komunikaciju, ali istovremeno može smanjiti motivaciju za ostvarivanje vidljivog napretka u nastavi. Potreba za izbegavanjem „preslikavanja” nastave maternjeg jezika naglašava značaj razvoja čitalačke pismenosti i funkcionalne operativnosti jezika. Istraživanje zasnovano na analizi stavova, prakse i potreba nastavnika koji predaju SKNJ nudi rešenja u primeni adekvatnih tehnika za razvijanje veštine čitanja. Nedovoljna izazovnost B varijante Programa, kao i nedostatak metodičkih smernica i uputstava, predstavljaju izazove u unapređenju kvaliteta nastave i postizanju vidljivog napretka u vladanju srpskim jezikom kao nematernjim. Naglasak je na postizanju funkcionalne pismenosti putem rada na raznolikim linearnim i nelinearnim tekstovima na srpskom jeziku radi razvijanja funkcionalnog znanja kako u srpskom tako i u maternjim jezicima učenika.
Safety of a mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients with Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis
Authors: Gouveia Joana , Rodrigues Maria Alexandra , Fernandes Iolanda , Cabral Renata , Falcão Helena
Published: March 2024

N/a.
Mulheres e agroecologia
Authors: Câmara Andreza Aparecida Franco , Maia Lais Gomes , Souza Palloma Constantino , Soares Paulo Brasil Dill
Published: March 2024

Introdução: O artigo em tela recai sobre o papel das mulheres agricultoras na produção agroecológica, analisando a participação destas nas Feiras Agroecológicas (FAs), com destaque para as produtoras do Projeto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (PDS) Osvaldo de Oliveira. Objetivo: O artigo visa analisar e relatar, a partir do olhar das produtoras do PDS Osvaldo de Oliveira, a importância das feiras para a concretização da Soberania Alimentar e na luta pela igualdade de gênero, uma vez que corroboram para o empoderamento e autossuficiência financeira das mulheres agricultoras. Método: Foi adotado o método qualitativo de revisão bibliográfica, sendo também realizado um estudo de caso acerca da primeira Feira Agroecológica da Cidade Universitária de Macaé pós pandemia, em abril de 2022, a partir de projetos de pesquisa e extensão realizados pelos autores. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas a partir do método snowball com seis produtoras do PDS, a fim de constatar os impactos das feiras na vida das mulheres do Osvaldo de Oliveira. Discussão: O espaço de comercialização ressignifica as experiências vivenciadas por dois coletivos de mulheres de Macaé e Casimiro de Abreu, que por meio das feiras apresentam suas atividades, dificuldades e simetrias com os projetos que auxiliam na organização das feiras. Resultados: Verificou-se o impacto positivo da comercialização de alimentos agroecológicos, seja para o consumidor final, que passa a consumir alimentos sem agrotóxico, seja para as produtoras rurais, as quais se beneficiam tanto financeiramente quanto socialmente, à medida que as feiras consistem em novos espaços de aproximação entre o campo e a cidade.
A comparative analysis of small extracellular vesicle (sEV) micro-RNA (miRNA) isolation and sequencing procedures in blood plasma samples
Authors: Abeysinghe Pevindu
Published: March 2024

Aims: Analysis of miRNA (18-23nt) encapsulated in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) (diameter ~30-200 nm) is critical in understanding the diagnostic and therapeutic value of sEV miRNA. However, various sEV enrichment techniques yield different quantities and qualities of sEV miRNA. Here, we compare the efficacy of three sEV isolation techniques in four combinations for miRNA next-generation sequencing. Methods: Blood plasma from four Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (Bos taurus) (n = 4) with similar genetic traits and physical characteristics were pooled to isolate sEV. Ultracentrifugation (UC) (100,000 × g, 2 h at 4 °C), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and ultrafiltration (UF) were used to design four groups of sEV isolations (UC+SEC, SEC+UC, SEC+UF and UC+SEC+UF). sEV miRNAs were isolated using a combination of TRIzol, Chloroform and miRNeasy mini kit (n = 4/each), later sequenced utilizing Novaseq S1 platform (single-end 100 bp sequencing). Results: All four sEV methods yielded > 1,700 miRNAs and sEV miRNAs demonstrated a clear separation from control blood plasma circulating miRNA (PCA analysis). MiR-381-3p, miR-23-3p, and miR-18b-3p are among the 25 miRNAs unique to sEV, indicating potential sEV-specific miRNA markers. Further, those 25 miRNAs mostly regulate immune-related functions, indicating the value of sEV miRNA cargo in immunology. Conclusion: The four sEV miRNA isolation methods employed in this study are valid techniques. The choice of method depends on the research question and study design. If purity is of concern, the UC+SEC method resulted in the best particles/µg protein ratio, which is often used as an indication of sample purity. These results could eventually establish sEV miRNAs as effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools of immunology.