bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of 12-week Circuit Exercise Intervention on Blood Pressure, Vascular Function, and Inflammatory Cytokines in Obese Older Women with Sarcopenia
Authors: Jung Won-Sang , Ahn Hana , Kim Sung-Woo , Park Hun-Young
Published: May 2024

Background: This study investigates the effects of a 12-week circuit exercise program on blood pressure, vascular function, and inflammatory cytokines in older obese women with sarcopenia. Methods: Twenty-eight older obese women with sarcopenia (mean age: 78.2 ± 3.7 years) were randomly divided into an exercise group (EG, n = 14) and a control group (CG, n = 14). The EG participated in a 12-week circuit exercise training regimen, conducted three times weekly, with each session lasting between 45 to 75 minutes (progressively increased over time). The CG was advised to maintain their regular daily routines throughout the intervention period. All dependent variables, including blood pressure, vascular function, and inflammation cytokines, were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Results: Positive changes were observed in the EG in body composition (body fat mass; p < 0.001, body fat percentage; p < 0.01, free-fat mass; p < 0.01), blood pressure (heart rate; p < 0.05, rate pressure product; p < 0.01), vascular function (brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity; p < 0.05, flow-mediated dilation; p < 0.001), and inflammation cytokines (interleukin-6; p < 0.05). In the CG, there was an increase in body fat mass (p < 0.05) and body fat percentage (p < 0.05), while no changes were observed in other variables. Conclusions: The 12-week circuit exercise program significantly reduced blood pressure, improved vascular function, and decreased inflammatory cytokines in obese older women with sarcopenia. However, individual variations in response highlight the need for personalized exercise regimens.
Association between IL-2 Receptor and Severe Coronary Artery Calcification in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Liu Sheng , Kamronbek Raimov , Ni Siyao , Yang Kexin , Yang Yunxiao , Zhou Daliang , Zhou Can , Yin Chengqian , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2024

Background: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a crucial marker for coronary atherosclerosis, and the extent of CAC is closely linked to the incidence and progression of cardiovascular diseases. The interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor (IL-2R), which plays a critical role in mediating the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells, may also be involved in the development of CAC. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between IL-2R and CAC, with the goal of providing new insights into cardiovascular diseases. Methods: In this study, we enrolled 606 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease to assess CAC. Based on coronary artery calcification score (CACS), patients were divided into two groups: the non-severe CAC group (CACS ≤400 Agatston units, AU) and the severe CAC group (CACS >400 AU). Results: The results showed that IL-2R levels were significantly higher in patients with severe CAC compared to those with non-severe CAC (383 vs. 352 pg/mL, p = 0.002). Moreover, the level of IL-2R was positively correlated with the severity of CAC, independent of other clinical risk factors. According to Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, the IL-2R prediction model demonstrated a good capability in distinguishing severe CAC with the Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.726. Conclusions: Our study suggests that IL-2R is independently associated with the occurrence of severe CAC in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Additionally, IL-2R may play a crucial role in the development of advanced atherosclerosis. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting the IL-2/IL-2R pathway may be effective in preventing or treating CAD.
Novel Ablation Catheters for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kawamura Iwanari , Koruth Jacob
Published: May 2024

Various ablation technologies with different energy sources are currently being either used or being investigated for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Potential complications continue to occur due to the indiscriminate thermal effects on non-targeted tissues adjacent to the myocardium that are common to all thermal ablation modalities. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has recently gained significant attention and interest as an approach to AF ablation. PFA uniquely has the ability to circumvent certain complications related to thermal energy. PFA is a non-thermal ablation modality with the potential for unique-tissue selectivity that can minimize damage to collateral cardiac structures. Several PFA systems for AF ablation are currently being investigated. Some PFA systems have been designed to serve as single-shot approaches to achieve pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), and others have focal designs enabling flexible PVI lesion sets as well as linear/focal ablations. Favorable acute success rates and low incidence of complications with short procedure times have been reported with several PFA systems regardless of catheter design (single-shot or focal catheter). Clinical PFA studies in which chronic remapping was conducted, demonstrated pulmonary vein (PV) durability improved with evolutional modifications of pulsed field waveforms/dosing, achieving over 90% PV durability with optimized waveforms. Rare adverse events related to PFA may surface with its increasing use worldwide and as sicker patients get exposed to PFA. We believe that both excitement and vigilance are in order as we embark on yet another new chapter of AF ablation.
Dissident subjectivity: moral quests and self-fashioning in the life, autobiographical texts and poetry of Alexander Esenin-Volpin (1930s—1960s)
Authors: Gross Andrei , Ponomareva Maria
Published: May 2024

Based on archival sources introduced for the first time, the author identifies-lasting conceptions of personality, which Alexander Esenin-Vol’pin, the founder of the Soviet Human Rights movement, asserted in life, poetry and autobiographical texts. In his youth, out of his passion for mathematics and adoration for the oeuvre of the decadent and romantic poets, Esenin-Vol’pin formulated the self-conceptions of therationalistand the romanticist. Following the self-conception of the rationalist, he asserted the primacy of reason over emotions and professed the ideal of “contemplative life” in the name of science, detached from practical use. The interconnection between the self-conceptions of the rationalist and the romanticist produced the image of a person isolated from social reality and detached from the materialism of everyday life, which lay the ground for his dissident subjectivity.
Funding rules that promote equity in climate adaptation outcomes
Authors: Pollack Adam , Santamaria-Aguilar Sara , Maduwantha Pravin , Helgeson Casey , Wahl Thomas , Keller Klaus
Published: May 2024

Many climate policies adopt improving equity as a key objective. A key challenge is that policies often conceive of equity in terms of individuals but introduce strategies that focus on spatially coarse administrative areas. For example, the Justice40 Initiative in the United States requires 518 diverse federal programs to prioritize funds for “disadvantaged” census tracts. This strategy is largely untested and contrasts with the federal government’s definition of equity as the “consistent and systematic fair, just and impartial treatment of all individuals (1).” How well does the Justice40 approach improve equity in climate adaptation outcomes across individuals? We analyze this question using a case study of a municipality that faces repetitive flooding and struggles to effectively manage these risks due to limited resources and public investment. We find that the way the Federal Emergency Management Agency implements the Justice40 Initiative can be an obstacle to promoting equity in household flood-risk outcomes. For example, in this case study, ensuring the majority of benefits accrue in “Justice40 Communities” does not reduce risk for the most burdened households, does not reduce risk-burden inequality, and produces net costs. In contrast, we design simple funding based on household risk burden that cost-effectively target the most burdened households, reduce risk-burden inequality, and accrue large net benefits. Our findings suggest that “disadvantaged community” indicators defined at coarse spatial scales face the risk of poorly capturing many climate risks and can be ineffective for meeting equity promises about climate-related investments.
Do Human Reinforcement Learning Models Account for Key Experimental Choice Patterns in the Iowa Gambling Task
Authors: N.J. Sherwin , Hadian Rasanan Amir Hosein , Nejati Vahid , Rad Jamal Amani
Published: May 2024

The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) is widely used to study risky decision-making and learning from rewards and punishments. Although numerous cognitive models have been developed using reinforcement learning frameworks to investigate the processes underlying the IGT, no single model has consistently been identified as superior, largely due to the overlooked importance of model flexibility in capturing choice patterns. This study examines whether human reinforcement learning models adequately capture key experimental choice patterns observed in IGT data.Using simulation and parameter space partitioning methods, we explore the parameter space of two recently introduced models—Outcome-Representation Learning and Value plus Sequential Exploration—alongside four traditional models. We investigate central choice patterns and fit all models by analyzing a comprehensive data pool (N = 1,428) comprising 45 behavioral datasets from both healthy and clinical populations. Applying Akaike and Bayesian information criteria, we find that the Value plus Sequential Exploration model consistently outperforms others across nearly all datasets. These findings suggest that the search for a suitable IGT model may have reached its conclusion, emphasizing the importance of aligning a model’s parameter space with experimentally observed choice patterns for achieving high accuracy in cognitive modeling.
Knot in weak field of gravitation with dual Ricci tensor
Authors: Hadi Miftachul
Published: May 2024

We propose that there exists the topological object, a gravitational knot, in weak field of gravitation formulated using dual Ricci tensor in Chern-Simons theory. The Chern-Simons action is interpreted as such a knot.
Global warming potential comparison of lime and cement-based masonry repair mortars
Authors: Dickens Luke , Di Sarno Luigi
Published: May 2024

Lime has been used in masonry mortars for millennia, and many old buildings remain stand-ing today with purely lime technology, despite its low compressive strength compared with ce-ment. Modern approaches tend towards stronger and more durable materials to minimise repair cycles and labour costs, but at the detriment of traditional buildings. Cement-based mortars used to repair historical masonry has accelerated the decay of old buildings, which had previously been in reasonable condition for decades. This has seen the conservation industry return to con-sider lime technologies as a more compatible solution for solid masonry buildings. Life cycle analysis is used to assess environmental impacts of materials across various cate-gories throughout the different stages of their interaction with humans and the wider environ-ment. Despite an increasing number of life cycle analyses investigating mortars, few studies compare the impacts of cement-based and lime-based mortars, and those that do rarely consider the implications for heritage repair and maintenance. Life cycle analysis is used to estimate global warming potential associated with a repair in-tervention taking historical sandstone ashlar masonry as a case study, and considering iterative replacement cycles under two different repair methods. Global warming potential per unit area (m²) over 100 years for cement-based mortar is found to be between 43 – 348 % greater than scenarios using lime-based mortars. Sensitivity analysis finds the choice of functional unit to greatly impact outputs, such that when comparing mortars, that with highest emission intensity can change. Careful selection is needed of the most relevant functional unit for a specific case.
Investigating age related differences in semantic control mechanisms involved in creative cognition
Authors: Patel Tanvi , MacPherson Sarah E. , Hoffman Paul
Published: May 2024

Creative thinking is a complex higher-order ability that draws on multiple cognitive systems. However, the contribution of specific semantic control processes to creativity remains unclear. The current study had two goals: First, we investigated how individual differences in semantic knowledge and control contribute to divergent and convergent styles of creative thinking, beyond the involvement of domain-general executive functions. Second, we explored whether there were age-related differences in semantic and executive abilities, and if these differences influenced the ability to think creatively. Specifically, we examined the role of the two components of semantic control: controlled retrieval and semantic selection. In our study, 63 younger adults and 64 older adults completed semantic, executive, and creative thinking measures. Younger adults demonstrated better executive functioning, while older adults exhibited superior semantic knowledge, controlled retrieval, and convergent thinking abilities. Crucially, there were no age differences across several divergent thinking metrics: automated originality scoring, human ratings and uniqueness. Regression analyses indicated that semantic knowledge and updating executive ability influenced convergent thinking abilities across both age groups. In contrast, semantic control abilities were predictive of divergent thinking skills, but only in the younger group. Our results emphasize the key role of the semantic system in creative thought, and, critically, indicate that divergent and convergent thinking may rely on different aspects of semantic cognition. Moreover, the recruitment of these abilities varies across the lifespan, in line with increased knowledge reserves and declines in executive control seen in older adults.
Open MDMA: An Open Source Framework and Practical Guide for the Therapeutic use of MDMA
Authors: Groeneveld Mark , Harper Thomas
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for the therapeutic use of MDMA, addressing both professionally-guided and self-guided (not recommended, but may be the least-worst option in many circumstances) approaches. We synthesize current research on the neurobiology of trauma, focusing on maladaptive schemas and memory reconsolidation as key mechanisms of MDMA-assisted therapy. The efficacy of this treatment modality is reviewed, drawing on recent clinical trials demonstrating significant improvements in PTSD symptoms.We provide detailed guidance on the practice of MDMA-assisted therapy, including safety considerations, dosing protocols, session preparation, therapeutic processes, and post-session integration. The paper addresses common challenges such as anxiety and dissociation during sessions, offering strategies for their management. Long-term therapeutic trends and complementary practices are also discussed.While acknowledging the potential benefits of MDMA-assisted therapy for various mental health conditions, we emphasize the importance of careful risk assessment, particularly for self-guided approaches. The paper explores broader implications of this therapy, including its potential to expand compassion and cognitive flexibility.This manual aims to enhance the accessibility, safety, and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted therapy by consolidating current scientific understanding and best practices in a practically-usable format.
Effects of Self-similarity and Self-Generation on the Perceptual Prioritisation of Voices
Authors: Rosi Victor , Payne Bryony , McGettigan Carolyn
Published: May 2024

The Self-Prioritisation Effect (SPE) reflects the ability to efficiently discern self-relevant information. The self-voice emerges as a crucial identity marker, due to its inherent self-relevance, and previous work has demonstrated the perceptual and cognitive advantages of the self-voice over other voices. Yet, the extent to which humans prioritise their self-voice when they hear it is because it is both self-similar (“That sounds like my voice”) and self-generated (“I said that”) remains understudied. Here, we examined impacts of self-similarity and self-generation on the SPE through 3 experiments. In each experiment, participants learned associations between three voices and three identities (self, friend, other), then performed a task requiring them to perceptually match the heard voices with visual labels (“you”, “friend”, “stranger”). Experiment 1 revealed an augmented SPE when the self-associated voice in the task was the participant’s own self-similar and self-generated voice. In Experiment 2, the SPE was diminished when the self-voice was associated with the “stranger” label – here, the other-associated, but self-similar and self-generated, voice was similarly prioritised to a self-associated but unfamiliar voice. In Experiment 3 we investigated the role of self-generation, by associating the self with a self-similar but machine-generated audio clone of the participant. The SPE was again enhanced. In sum, we demonstrate that listeners show flexibility in their mental representation of self, where multiple sources of self-related information in the voice can be jointly and severally prioritised, independently of self-generation. These findings have implications for the application of self-voice cloning within voice-mediated technologies.
Governance of Higher EducationInstitutions through Faculty Perspectives
Authors: Simon Aaron
Published: May 2024

The present study investigated the factors influencing faculty satisfaction within higher education institutions. A quantitative survey with 30 items was administered online to faculty members (n=72) from diverse disciplines and institutional roles. Specifically, the study examined the effects of top-down leadership, hierarchical organizational culture, and the current challenges faced by academic institutions. The results showed that faculty satisfaction was significantly influenced by the leadership style at the institutional level institutions with rigid hierarchical cultures tended to have lower faculty satisfaction. The study also identified several challenges faced by academic institutions, including budget constraints, increased workload, and shifting educational paradigms. These challenges also directly impacted faculty satisfaction in a negative way. In conclusion, to enhance faculty satisfaction, institutions should foster transparent leadership, promote a participatory organizational culture, and proactively address the challenges posed by the evolving higher education landscape.
Distinguishing the roles of mental imagery and relational reasoning in creativity: a review and methodological proposal
Authors: Ferreria Matheus Henrique
Published: May 2024

The majority of research on creativity ignores the individual differences in fluency and originality scores of divergent thinking (DT) tasks, most commonly using their mean value. Nonetheless, studies also indicate the existence of distinct patterns of performance in these two variables, since some people can be very prolific in originality but have a low frequency of ideas, or fluency, of responses, and vice versa. Corroborating this hypothesis, research shows that these DT variables are modulated by two distinct cognitive mechanisms (mental imagery and relational reasoning) that also present significant variations between people, but its theoretical implications for creativity are still unknown. In this review, we present evidence from neuroscience and behavioral studies demonstrating that the distinct patterns of performance in DT tasks concerning fluency and originality described by other studies are probably a result of the different cognitive profiles that rise from the individual differences in mental imagery and relational reasoning capacities, suggesting the existence of two distinct subordinate categories of creative abilities (i.e. associative creativity and relational creativity). For last, we propose a new experimental paradigm for measuring these individual differences in the creative capacity using two perceptual inference tasks, each demanding distinct levels of associative and executive abilities.
O sofrimento psíquico na encruzilhada entre o mecanismo e a norma
Authors: Maximino Caio
Published: May 2024

Different conceptions of "health" and "illness" underlie medicalizing or critical perspectives in the field of mental health. In this essay, I analyze naturalistic (Boorse, Szasz) and normativist (Engelhardt Jr., Fulford, Goosens, Margolis) conceptions of health and mental disorder, pointing out the limits of these conceptions. From a critical approach to the "hybrid" theories (which point to the fundamental psychobiological materiality of disorders while maintaining that socially constructed evaluative judgments underlie every statement about "illness"), I argue that the status of disorder given to a set of symptoms is always entangled in a social, cultural and political dimension, and is not a "natural fact", even though it is metaphysically dependent on psychobiological processes. This metaphysical dependence is not only consistent with a biopsychosocial model, but also better adheres to the research data, while allowing for a normative or social constructionist dimension that is consistent with emancipatory projects.
Categories, Creditworthiness and Contagion: How Investors’ Shortcuts Affect Sovereign Debt Markets
Authors: Brooks Sarah M. , Cunha Raphael , Mosley Layna
Published: May 2024

We assess how investors evaluate sovereign borrowers, arguing that sovereign risk is less “sovereign” than previous research assumes. Investors evaluate governments based not only on what they do, but also on investors' views of similar, “peer” countries. Professional investors use investment categorizations (geography, sovereign credit rating, or level of market development) as a heuristic device. As a result, peer country effects, as well as country-specific and global factors (booms, crises, or shocks), should explain sovereign interest rates. The peer effects we expect are regular features of international capital markets, rather than phenomena that occur in periods of market turmoil. We assess our expectations using error correction models of monthly sovereign risk premiums, which reveal significant interdependencies in sovereign risk assessments among countries, net of global and domestic predictors. Such contagion emerges principally in the short term, although we also find robust, long-term ties in sovereign risk assessments among countries sharing common regional classifications. Hence, our evidence suggests that professional investors' reliance on country categorizations facilitates the transmission of market sentiments—which include lower as well as higher risk premiums charged—across groups of countries, even when countries differ in key measures of creditworthiness. Our analyses highlight the importance of investors' ideas regarding country categorizations; they call into question the efficiency of sovereign debt markets.
Impact of Covid-19 in Changing Lifestyle Notions of Green Consumers: A Case Study of Dhankuta Municipality
Authors: Phuyal Pradeep
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on green consumer lifestyle choices in Dhankuta Municipality, Nepal, employing a mixed approach to understand global and local effects. Utilizing a theoretical framework encompassing Economic Theory, Planned Behavior Theory, and Ecological Modernization Theory, the research aims to uncover the true influence of COVID-19 on lifestyle notions and sustainable practices. The methodology involves stratified sampling to ensure diverse perspectives, with a sample size of 406 respondents aged 18 and above. Demographic findings reveal a nearly balanced gender distribution (60% male, 40% female), with a significant proportion (39.7%) in the 26-35 age group, indicating their crucial role in consumer decisions. Notably, 37.2% of respondents have experienced COVID-19 infection, providing insights into the pandemic's impact. Findings demonstrate a substantial positive correlation (r = 0.675, p < 0.01) between COVID-19 and willingness to pay for green products. Regression analysis reveals a significant relationship between the pandemic and changes in lifestyle notions, explaining 72.3% of the variance. These results underscore the need for sustained exploration of post-COVID green consumer behavior and inform strategies for policymakers and businesses in fostering sustainable consumption in Dhankuta Municipality, Nepal.
Examining the Antecedents of Green Purchase Intention
Authors: Mishra Udgam , Kapair Rekha
Published: May 2024

Utilising people's consumption patterns can be a practical approach to address the worsening state of nature, which has negatively affected human health and overall welfare. The present study explores customers' green purchasing intention by examining psychological aspects, including economic, emotional, and environmental value. Structural equation modelling was utilised to examine a total of 274 responses. The results indicated that economic value, emotional value, environmental consciousness and attitude significantly influence consumers' desire to make environmentally-friendly purchases. By including psychological elements such as economic value, emotional value, and the impact of environmental consciousness in the TPB model, the ability to predict intentions to embrace green products was enhanced. Consumers' inclination to take action is heightened when they perceive that their actions impact other players in the market. The findings of this study are advantageous for marketers to comprehend and target individuals who are anticipated to purchase environmentally friendly products. Analysing the correlation between environmental impact, economic value, emotional value, and green purchasing offers valuable insights to marketers in creating effective tactics that enhance consumers' inclination to buy environmentally friendly items.
Bilateral Optic Neuritis in a Child with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis: A Case Report
Authors: Wadhwani Meenakshi , Kumar Amit , Dhingra Dhulika
Published: May 2024

Background: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system following a viral illness or vaccination, which occurs most often in children as a monophasic event. The neurological signs typically appear days to weeks after an initial febrile infection (usually of the upper respiratory tract) or vaccine immunisation.
Case: An eight year old boy presented with painless progressive diminution of visual acuity for two days, On ophthalmic examination his visual acuity was hand movements at a close range in both the eyes. Posterior segment examination revealed bilateral optic disc swelling.
Observations: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain revealed multiple discrete ovoid hyperintense lesions in bilateral cerebral white matter. His contrast enhanced MRI orbit study revealed bilateral oedematous optic nerve.
Conclusion: Optic neuritis can present with different systemic conditions. Thorough ocular examinations (visual acuity, colour vision, contrast sensitivity, fundus examination) and neuroimaging should be done in all the cases. Early diagnosis and management is required for good visual prognosis.
Effect of Product Placement Belief on Brand Awareness
Authors: Limbu Ashim Hang , Aryal Mani Ram
Published: May 2024

Previous research papers have established product placement as a practical marketing tool to raise awareness and shift attitudes. However, limited research has contributed to acceptance, perception, and belief of product placement and its effect on brand awareness. Even though the variables of this research have been employed before, product placement was only measured in real-time under the experimental research design, and brand awareness was neglected while measuring user behavior. This research paper has attempted to measure the belief of product placement and brand awareness amongst moviegoers. Due to the restrictions of COVID this research has selected a sample population of Instagram followers of FCube cinema situated in the Chabahil area. Here, product placement belief is an independent variable, and brand awareness is a dependent variable. Data collection was collected from 94 respondents representing the sample size. The research design embraced in the study consists of relational, and causal research designs. The results suggest that various belief segments affects the degree of brand awareness. The discussion concludes with managerial implications providing insights about the interface between the targeted audience’s beliefs regarding the commercialization of the movies and its effect on brand awareness helping brand managers and marketers to understand reliability of product marketing.
Monetary Incentives and Employee Satisfaction: A Case of Access World Tech Pvt. Ltd.
Authors: Maharjan Anina , Lamichhane Basudev
Published: May 2024

This research aims to examine the effect of monetary incentives on employee satisfaction among the employee of Access World Tech Pvt. Ltd., located at Krishnagalli, Patandhoka, Lalitpur. The study developed two research questions, two research objectives, and two hypotheses. Related literature was reviewed to develop a conceptual framework was reviewed. The study used a descriptive, relational, and causal research design considering the research objectives. The study’s population consists of 120 employees. The convenience sampling method was used in the study. The sample size of 92 was calculated using Maple Tech’s calculator. The close- end questionnaire was distributed to 110 respondents, 94 of whom were deemed valid. Because the item for the 5-point Likert scale was adopted from previous studies, the instrument used in the study is reliable and valid. The study’s conclusion was reached using statistical, descriptive, and inferential tools. The findings concluded that there is a positive and significant relationship between monetary incentives and employee satisfaction. Thus, the study discovered that monetary incentives have a direct effect on employee satisfaction.
Determinants of Tea Preference: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Jaiswal Nisha , Aryal Narayan Prasad
Published: May 2024

The study was designed to investigate the determinants of tea preferences among tea lovers in Sorakhutte, Kathmandu. A conceptual system was structured by considering theory of satisfaction and consumers’ preference talks about how the consumer is willing to consume tea. Price, habit, peers’ influence and taste are considered as predictors and consumers’ preference is taken as the reliant variable. Organized survey was performed among tea lovers in Sorakhutte using convenience sampling method and 103 usable questionnaires were utilized to analyse the collected data. The study employed descriptive research design and various tools such as frequency, percentage, bar-diagram, mean, median, and standard deviation were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that all the predictors i.e., price, habit, peers’ influence and taste have effect on tea preferences as the mean values were above 3.0. Among all of them, the study concluded that taste is the most important predictor for tea preferences. Further, the study also concluded the majority of tea lovers prefer loose tea in compare to branded and green tea and rated the friends as the most preferred companion to drink tea.
AUTOMATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTS: AN EXAMPLE OF THE GERMAN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT
Authors: Rączka Piotr , Sasin Seweryn
Published: May 2024

The subject of this paper is an analysis of the 2016 amendment to the German Administrative Procedure Act ("Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz"), which introduced fully automated administrative acts. The purpose of the discussion is to evaluate the current status of the law on issuing automated acts and to identify the risks associated with the automation of administrative acts.
ON THE STANDARDS OF LAW-MAKING IN CRIMINAL LAW: A POLISH EXAMPLE
Authors: Leszczyński Aleksander , Macidłowski Michał
Published: May 2024

This paper delves into the standards of law-making in criminal law, emphasizing the significance of these standards within the legal system. The text explores the importance of maintaining constitutional and non-constitutional standards in criminal law and investigates the complexity of defining clear and unambiguous principles for lawmakers. It discusses the dual meaning of the standard of law-making, encompassing both substantive and formal aspects, and how these standards play a crucial role in shaping legal norms. The paper also highlights four key law-making standards in criminal law: legal certainty, adherence to proper legislative procedure, the effectiveness of the law and the adequacy of the language of the law. It raises essential issues regarding the impact of these standards on the quality and trustworthiness of criminal laws.
EX-POST ANALYSIS AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE LEGISLATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
Authors: Pękala Mateusz
Published: May 2024

The paper presents the theoretical arguments and practical benefits of developing a system of ex-post evaluation of regulatory impact by studying the actual effects of the decisions of legislative decision-making bodies. The individual issues under consideration involve: the analysis of general assumptions of the decision-making approach in legal studies and its application to the problems of a law-making policy; presentation of the stages of the legislative decision-making process, with a particular emphasis placed on the effects of such decisions; and discussion of the conditions of a contemporary law-making policy, from both the theoretical and practical points of view, based on a distinction of several dimensions of legislative decision-making (instrumental, axiological, power game, social conflict, discursive, social normative system, economic, and temporal). For each dimension, ex-post evaluation criteria are proposed.
The Biomedicine Project Course: Promoting Young Scientists at School and University
Authors: Kohnen Marcus , Kallweit Inga , Gulbins Erich
Published: May 2024

This article presents a cooperation project between science and schools, which aims to provide high-achieving students with initial research experience at university and at the same time to encourage these students to take up medical or scientific courses of study. This is linked to the university's perspective of being able to attract potentially outstanding young scientists, especially in biomedical research. Thus, the project offers a win-win effect for all parties involved from school and university (Irmer, 2012). Feedback from an online survey of participating project students illustrates that even high demands can be motivating for students if the offer meets the students' interest and leads to experiences of self-efficacy. This article is intended to encourage the search for such opportunities for cooperation between schools and universities and to focus more strongly on their importance in generating young scientists.
Opportunities for Integrating Coaching Tools into the Design of Learning Experience for Online Continuing Professional Education Courses
Authors: Elpatova Anna Aleksandrovna
Published: May 2024

One of the main goals for students in online Continuing Professional Education courses who are experiencing a crisis of professional identity is to find employment in a new profession. The article presents research results that reveal instances of impostor syndrome among students who have completed online Continuing Professional Education courses and are searching for jobs. The article also proposes specific coaching tools that can be integrated into the design of learning experience to help students reduce the impact of impostor syndrome on their job search and successfully overcome the professional identity crisis.
THE POTENTIALS AND CHALLENGES OF MOBILE-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING (MALL) FOR EFL/ESL LEARNERS
Authors: Sanjaya Eko
Published: May 2024

Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL) studies have indicated promising potentials for English language learning enhancement. However, since the implementation of MALL can be viewed as the process of transition from physical learning to e-learning, the implementation has also faced challenges in real practices. Thus, this study aims to review the opportunities and challenges that have been experienced by EFL/ESL learners in the implementation of MALL. Using descriptive qualitative method, the study was done by employing library research to collect the data. The study reviewed 30 publications in the MALL implementation area. The data were analyzed based on the reported potentials and challenges in  the MALL implementation. They were then categorized into the subthemes describe the potentials and challenges. The findings showed a variety of benefits and issues in MALL implementation.
ENGLISH TEACHING STRATEGIES TO STUDENTS IN AN INCLUSIVE SCHOOL
Authors: Mahisa Refka Darmayanthi Putri , Rezeki Yanti Sri , Surmiyati Surmiyati
Published: May 2024

This research aimed to investigate the teacher strategies in teaching English to children with special needs in Zonakata Inclusive School, Pontianak, Indonesia. This research was designed as qualitative case-study research. This design was chosen to help the researcher gain deep information about the phenomenon discussed and to explore the case intensively based on the real-life context. The research participants were two teachers in Zonakata Inclusive School who teach English to children with special needs in grade three. To get the data, observation, interview, and document review were used. The data collected was then analysed using thematic analysis. This study showed that the teachers used co-teaching and differentiated teaching strategies with the help of visual media to teach English to children with special needs. In conclusion, the participants' combination of those strategies was proven to be implemented and encouraged to be used to teach English to children with special needs.
ANALISIS IMPLEMENTASI MICROTEACHING DALAM PENGEMBANGAN KETERAMPILAN DASAR MENGAJAR CALON GURU IPS
Authors: Soraya Siti Zazak , Harisatunisa Harisatunisa , Musyahid Musyahid
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to examine how microteaching is implemented to enhance the fundamental teaching skills of future Social Studies teachers. This research employed a quantitative descriptive approach, utilizing observation rubrics and performance assessment as data collection methods. The study's sample was 18 students enrolled in the Social Studies Teaching program. The results revealed increased scores on essential teaching skills during the second performance. The detailed evaluation covers questioning skills at 72.5, reinforcement skills at 71.7, variation skills at 73.1, explanation skills at 75.4, opening and closing lesson skills at 75.4, discussion and small group skills at 69.5, class management and discipline skills at 73, individual teaching skills at 75.7, and lesson plan preparation skills at 78.8. In summary, prospective Social Studies teachers have effectively developed their teaching skills. However, further guidance is essential, particularly in discussion and small group management.
EMPOWERING JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS' EMPATHY AND COLLABORATION WITH DESIGN THINKING AND PJBL
Authors: Istikomayanti Yuswa , Mitasari Zuni , Trianawati Anis , Anggraeni Pratika Desy
Published: May 2024

This research seeks to guide the empathy of junior high school students through combining design thinking with PjBL (Project Based Learning) as many as 83 students, and two science teachers participated in this research. Data collection was carried out through interviews, observation notes, reflection notes, and student assessment rubrics to collect qualitative data. Aspects of student empathy and collaboration are built into the learning of digestive system material. Empathy as an initiator in project-based learning includes aspects of self-integrity and empathy for others which are closely related to elements of collaboration including aspects of cooperation, ways of communicating, positive dependence and social coordination. Design thinking as a process thinking framework includes the empathization stage, problem formulation, constructing ideas, constructing prototypes, and tests as student learning stages. Contextual learning with design thinking and PjBL is expected to be an integrated model to achieve aspects of the Pancasila student profile and 21st century skills.
Pengembangan tes keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik pada materi getaran harmonis di SMA
Authors: Aisyah Siti , Sirait Judyanto , Hamdani Hamdani
Published: May 2024

Berpikir kritis memiliki eksistensi yang bersifat fundamental dalam pembelajaran, terkhusus dalam pembelajaran fisika. Berpikir kritis juga sejalan dengan tuntutan pembelajaran abad 21 sehingga penting dilatih pada saat pembelajaran. Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan agar dapat menghasilkan tes keterampilan berpikir kritis untuk materi getaran harmonis yang layak digunakan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pengembangan yang memakai prosedur pengembangan ADDIE. Tes yang dikembangkan berupa 18 soal pilihan ganda yang telah divalidasi lima validator ahli dengan nilai Indeks Aiken V untuk aspek materi bernilai 0,767 (tinggi), aspek konstruksi 0,812 (sangat tinggi) dan aspek bahasa 0,903 (sangat tinggi). Tes yang telah dibuat terlebih dahulu diuji coba skala kecil pada 36 peserta didik dan uji coba skala besar pada 172 peserta didik dari tiga SMA di Pontianak. Tingkat keterbacaan sudah terpenuhi yang memiliki rata-rata sebesar 6,691. Hasil uji coba menunjukkan 16 soal valid dan 2 soal tidak valid. Reliabilitas tes bernilai 0,744 dengan kategori tinggi. Analisis tingkat kesukaran menunjukkan 4 soal sedang dan 14 soal sukar. Nilai daya pembeda menunjukkan 2 soal dengan kategori rendah sekali dan 16 soal lainnya dengan kategori tinggi, sedang dan rendah. Angket respon peserta didik terhadap tes juga menunjukkan respon yang baik dengan persentase 70%. Secara keseluruhan terdapat 16 dari 18 soal yang dinyatakan layak. Berdasarkan hasil dan analisis, tes ini dapat digunakan oleh guru sebagai salah satu instrumen untuk mengukur keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik pada materi getaran harmonis di SMA.
Analyzing the Benefits of Cultural Food Items for Women's Healing after Childbirth
Authors: Kanwal Aroosa , Sultana Aneela , Rahim Jalal
Published: May 2024

This article deals with the food preferences within the culture and the benefits of traditional food items for a woman after confinement. Within a culture, people have different food choices. Food selection is always defined by cultural, social, environmental, and personal choices. This study looks into the preferred foods within the culture, and how culture shapes the food patterns by emphasizing related traditions. This study tried to explore connections between food and healing by emphasizing traditional food given to new mothers during the period of confinement. The study looks into the benefits, especially those traditional foods that women eat postnatally. Traditional food is consumed by women to increase milk production, overcome anaemia and clean up the inside of the body after delivery.
Cultural Challenges Faced By Women in Accessing Maternal Healthcare Services
Authors: Mukhtar Amna
Published: May 2024

Women in Pakistan face numerous cultural challenges in accessing maternal healthcare services. The study aims to see what cultural barriers women face in seeking health care services and decision-making. The objective was to study the challenges, women's autonomy, women's health-seeking behavior, and food taboos, that limit access to women attending healthcare services. Using Exploratory methodology, in-depth interviews were held with 24 such women in Jhang Sayedan Islamabad, in May 2023. Findings suggested that although women do want to receive healthcare services, cultural barriers often make it difficult for such women to access healthcare services and food taboos are sometimes useful, but they sometimes also affect women's health negatively. Other challenges such as lack of knowledge, not having the right to decision-making, limited support, hierarchy, and taboos need to be tackled. Men are crucial in deciding a woman's medical requirements and determining whether they need medical assistance or not.
A Qualitative Exploration of Abuse among Street Children: Nature, Practices and Dysfunctional Laws
Authors: Farwa Syeda
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the study is to discover the abuse among street children and the socioeconomic factors that push kids into a life on the streets and, social and legal insight from street children from densely populated areas of Islamabad such as G-9 Markaz, I-8 Markaz, Rawal town, and Mehar-Abadi. Data collected from 30 street children, parents, and some government officials indicate that poverty, lack of education, Afghan migration, family troubles and economic position, and peer influence are the main factors of street children becoming involved in social evils and sexual activities. They were subjected to multiple types of abuse, such as verbal, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse besides being talented, their surroundings limited their ability. There is a dire need to establish strategies that should be based on ground realities to protect street children from neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
Effectiveness of rodenticides based on bromadiolone against the common vole Microtus arvalis Pall. in laboratory conditions
Authors: Babich N. V.
Published: May 2024

The number of preparations based on the 2nd generation anticoagulant bromadiolone in the catalog of plant protection products against mouse-like rodents in Russia is growing, but information about the effectiveness of this active substance against the common vole Microtus arvalis Pall. is very limited. In a laboratory study of bromadiolone, acute LD50 = 3.3 + 0.8 mg/kg was shown, increased resistance equal to LD50 5.2 mg/kg was detected in individuals selected on the basis of resistance to anticoagulants of the 1st generation against the background of a diet with a high content of vitamin K (green food). Rodents overcame relative stability in the laboratory with a 3-day consumption of bait (0.05 g of bromadiolone/kg). In the field, the effectiveness of treatments may decrease and lead to the selection of resistant individuals. Bromadiolone-based rodenticidal baits are suitable for controlling the number of mouse-like rodent communities with the dominance of the common vole and carrying out treatments at the beginning of population growth.
Attraction of thrips by salt forms of alkyl nicotinates and isonicotinates
Authors: Lobur A. Yu. , Todorov N. G. , Ushkova M. I.
Published: May 2024

Methyl and ethyl esters of nicotinic and isonicotinic acids are effective attractants for catching thrips. The salt forms of nicotinic and isonicotinic acid esters dissociate in air and gradually secrete an attractant. The use of salt forms of alkyl nicotinates or isonicotinates as thrips attractants has not been previously described. The efficiency of catching Western flower thrips in the closed ground on cucumber crops and aster flowers on blue sticky traps with dispensers containing salts of hydrochloric, phosphoric, citric and trifluoroacetic acids with methyl nicotinate was investigated. It was found that the use of dispensers with salt forms of methylnicotinate increased the catch of Western flower thrips by 1.8–2.3 times during 1 month. Dispensers with citrates of ethyl and methyl esters of nicotinic and isonicotinic acids increased the catch of thrips by 1.7–2.2 times.