bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAPITALISMO E A DISPUTA DO FUNDO PÚBLICO: ANÁLISE DO DIRECIONAMENTO DOS GASTOS SOCIAIS NO PIAUÍ (2016-2020)
Authors: Dos Santos Moura Conceição de Maria , Almeida Saiki Tatiana Maria , De Sousa Lacerda Thaíla Dália , Guimarães Jairo de Carvalho
Published: February 2024

Discutindo o problema da justiça social, da redefinição do papel do Estado e da responsabilidade pública; as novas particularidades e diferenciações produzidas nas relações sociais, desafiam a agenda tradicional da universalização de direitos. Faz-se necessário a compreensão do fundo público, em particular a sua face mais visível, o orçamento público, sendo determinante para analisar a disputa dos recursos em uma economia. Apresenta-se como questionamento desta pesquisa: Como os gastos sociais no âmbito do estado do Piauí foram aplicados no período de 2016-2020. A importância da pesquisa reside na carência de avaliações das ações sociais no cenário local que estimulem o controle desses gastos. O objetivo geral do estudo é analisar a mobilização do fundo público do Estado do Piauí para prover a assistência social no referido período. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva-exploratória, buscando compreender as características, especificidades e dificuldades do gasto social local, principalmente diante da crise do COVID-19. Torna-se evidente que o financiamento da política de Assistência Social no Piauí é marcado por práticas que reforçaram a omissão do poder público na oferta da assistência social como política pública de direito do cidadão e dever do estado, bem como na centralização e generalização das informações relacionadas ao gasto social.
ANÁLISE DA PLURIATIVIDADE NA REGIÃO NORDESTE DO BRASIL
Authors: Dos Santos Luís Carlos , Lima Filipe Augusto Xavier , Khan Ahmad Saeed , Da Silva Andréa Ferreira
Published: February 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar e analisar os possíveis determinantes do fenômeno da pluriatividade na área rural, tendo em vista os aspectos relativos à composição das famílias pluriativas da Região Nordeste do Brasil. Para tanto, utilizou-se o modelo econométrico Logit a partir dos dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (Pnad) contínua de 2019. Os principais resultados apontam que a Região Nordeste se destacou pelo tipo de famílias pluriativas com 10,44% do total das famílias rurais brasileiras, e desse total, os chefes homens representam 84,72%. A Região Nordeste, apesar de deter o maior número de famílias pluriativas, tem esse contingente concentrado em três estados: Bahia, Ceará e Maranhão. Percebeu-se também que os determinantes da pluriatividade no Nordeste rural brasileiro são a família empregadora, a família empregada, o sexo do chefe, a raça, a categoria de faixa etária, a categoria de escolaridade, a categoria de Unidade Federativa e a categoria de renda per capita. Portanto, o trabalho infere para o fato de que as famílias agrícolas estão passando cada vez mais a serem famílias pluriativas ou famílias não agrícolas em todas as Unidades da Federação.
Etnografía y big-data: una propuesta complementaria para el estudio de la comunicación digital
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Palazuelos Rojo Isaac de Jesús , Valdéz Gardea Gloria Ciria ,   El Colegio de Sonora, Martínez Arellano Nina Alejandra ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
Published: February 2024

En la actualidad, las experiencias sociales y la comunicación digital están estrechamente relacionadas con la configuración de la realidad política y cultural. La etnografía digital y la Big-Data proporcionan herramientas para el estudio de esta relación, sus características e implicaciones en la vida de los sujetos. El objetivo de este capítulo es reflexionar la articulación de ambos métodos para el estudio de la comunicación digital. Se presenta el resultado de una investigación de corte documental con sustento teórico analítico, que permite integrar datos nomotéticos e ideográficos en la interpretación de las interacciones digitales, usando métodos de análisis de contenido y…
SENSORY EVALUATION AND ACCEPTABILITY OF WATER YAM (DIOSCOREA ALATA) FLOUR FOR PRODUCTION SNACKS
Authors: ERADAJIRE, Blessing N.  , IMONIKEBE, Bridget.U
Published: February 2024

This study  assess the acceptability of processed water yam flour as a snack and its sensory evaluation. Using water yam flour and wheat flour in the ratios of 70:30 and 50:50, two distinct composite flour blends were created. As a control, there were samples made of wheat flour. The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential applications of Nigeria's freely obtainable water yam flour for making chinchin, cake, and cookies. In order to accomplish this, chinchin, cakes, and cookies made with water yam and wheat flour were prepared and then subjected to sensory analysis. Based on its appearance, color, flavor, texture, taste, mouth feel, crispiness, and overall acceptability, food products such chinchin, cake, and cookies were utilized to assess the  sensory acceptability. For sensory evaluation, an 8-point hedonic scale was employed. The mean separation was performed using the Duncan New Multiple Range Test. The data was analyzed using the mean(x) score, simple percentage, standard deviation (SD), and analysis of variance (ANOVA). To clarify how new recipe is created, the study used an experimental research approach.  It was evident from the findings that the judges accepted  chinchin, cakes, and cookie sampling. The study concluded that, with regard to the factors examined, there was no discernible variation in the judges' ratings. Based on the results, the researcher concluded that water yam flour can be used in place of wheat flour and that products  like chinchin, cakes, and cookies made with water yam flour should be encouraged by the  producers.
A REVIEW OF THE INFLUENCE OF E-COMMERCE FOR THE FAMILY ECONOMIC ENHANCED TRANSACTION
Authors: USOROH, Comfort.  , EKONG, Ima  , EKONG, Ima
Published: February 2024

The family is a microeconomic unit of the larger society where family members engage in economic activities such as sales and purchases of goods and services. Technological advancements have significantly altered the techniques of family economics in recent times and enhanced transaction. This paper concentrates on the deployment of digital resources for family economics and transactions. It critically reviews the concept of e-commerce, the evolution, types, benefits, challenges and the influence of e-commerce on families. E-commerce, the activity of buying and selling goods and services online over the internet dates back to the early 1970s; expanded market, cost savings and competitive pricing, others include personalized shopping experience, improved efficiency and streamlined operations, enhanced customer engagement and feedback,  there are basically four types of e-commerce which are Peer-to-peer (P2P) which is a platform where a buyer and the seller interact with each other without the involvement of a middle person; Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C), which is a type of platform where the consumer trades goods and services directly with another consumer online; Business-to-Business (B2B), this is an online transaction between two business owners; and Business-to-Consumer (B2C), this is an online business between the consumer and the business owner. The methodology used in this research was a review of secondary data. The benefits of e-commerce are convenience and accessibility, global reach and expanded market, cost savings and competitive pricing, others include personalized shopping experience, improved efficiency and streamlined operations, enhanced customer engagement and feedback, consumer behaviour and decision making. The paper also identified some of the challenges of e-commerce as security and privacy concerns, logistics and fulfilment, building customer trust, regulatory compliance, competitive landscape and technological infrastructure. The influence of e-commerce on families are many and varied. They include convenience and time savings, cost savings and discounts, expanded product accessibility: convenience for busy parents, enhanced product research and decision-making and improved access for remote or limited mobility families. E-commerce is therefore a valuable digital resource for family economics for sustainable development.
CLOTHING CARE AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES AMONG BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE
Authors: OKONKWO, Cecilia .C  , EZEMA, P.N  , OBETA, A.O
Published: February 2024

This study focused on clothing care and maintenance practices of boarding students in Anambra state. Specifically, the study identified various clothing care and maintenance practices among boarding secondary school students in Anambra State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research. The population comprised 20,114 respondents, multi-stage sampling technique was used to get a sample size of 329 respondents consisting of 298 students (123 male and 175 female students) and 31 teachers (8 house masters, 12 house mistresses and 11 Home Economics teachers). Structured questionnaire which was validated by three experts was used for data collection.  The reliability of the instrument was determined using Crombach Alpha which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.87. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. A mean of 2.50 was used as a cut off mean. The results of the study revealed that washing clothing items whenever it is dirty, removing stains as soon as it is noticed among others are clothing care and maintenance practices by boarding school students.  The study recommended that efforts should be made by teachers and house masters/mistresses to inculcate the skills of proper clothing care and maintenance in boarding students to improve their self-hygiene and this will facilitate their adoption of proper ways of clothing care and maintenance practices.
A PERCEPTION OF HOMEMAKERS’ ONLINE MENU ORDERS ON CONSUMERS’ SATISFACTION IN TANKE, ILORIN SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE
Authors: JOHNSON,W.O.  , TIJANI, S.A.  , ABDULKADIR,S.O.  , ADEBISI, T.T.
Published: February 2024

The study investigated perception of homemakers’ online menu orders on consumers’ satisfaction in Tanke, Ilorin South Local Government Area. Five research questions were stated and four research hypotheses tested.  Structured questionnaire was used to solicit information from the respondents. The instrument was validated and found reliable at 0.75. Five-point Likert scales of Strongly Agree, Agree, Strongly Disagree, Disagree and Undecided were used to interpret the data. Frequency count, mean, standard deviation and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) were used to analyse the data. The findings show that majority of the respondents agreed on the types of menus available for online order with grand mean score of 3.51 and the prices of menus ordered online were within the ranges of #2,000.00 to #2,750.00 per plate. Majority of the respondents also agreed with the methods of online menu orders with mean score of 3.43 were 3.00 was the decision rule which is lesser than 3.51 and 3.43 respectively. There is no significant relationship between the types and prices of online menu orders on customers’ satisfaction.
Online menu orders have proliferated and rapidly improved the traditional line-up for menu orders and the use of digital resource brings relief to individual. It was therefore recommended that more researches be conducted on technological benefits to consumers in rural areas.
Synsepalum dulcificum extract as green corrosion inhibitor for acid corrosion of mild steel in HCl solution
Authors: Abiola Olusegun Kehinde , Kazeem Wasiu Olasunkanmi
Published: February 2024

Anticorrosive potential of Synsepalum dulcificum leaf extract on the corrosion of mild steel in HCl solution was investigated using chemical technique. The extract inhibited the deterioration of mild steel in HCl solution and the inhibition efficiency increased with increasing concentration of the extract at 30o C. The results obtained showed that inhibition was as a result of the adsorption of the inhibitor molecule onto mild steel surface and the adsorption obeyed Flory-Huggins adsorption isotherm.
Mediating Role of Perceived Supervisor Support in the Relationship Between Interactional Justice and Emotional Commitment
Authors: Bas Murat , Adeoye Abayomi Olarewaju
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the mediating role of perceived supervisor support in the relationship between interactive justice and emotional commitment. At the same time, the study also looked at the relationship between interactional justice and emotional commitment, between interactional justice and perceived supervisor support, and between perceived supervisor support and emotional commitment. A survey research design was employed, using the convenience sampling technique with a sample population of 500 respondents drawn from Turkey and Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information from the respondents through the usage of previous scales on interactive justice (IJ), emotional commitment (EM), and perceived supervisor support (PSS). The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between IJ and EM; IJ has a significant positive effect on PSS. It was revealed that the mediating role of PSS was insignificant on the IJ and EM. It was therefore concluded that IJ has a significant positive effect on EM, while PSS plays a mediating but insignificant role on both.

Keywords : employees’ commitment, employee’s connection, management and organization, seen boss, work environment
Anticancer Potential of Diospyros kaki (persimmon) polyphenols against AKT1 (6CCY): docking based in silico study
Authors: Ijaz Muhammad  , Gul E Nayab  , Noor Rahman  , Sadaf Niaz  , Abid Ali  , Haroon Khan
Published: February 2024

The elevation of AKT activity in many aggressive tumors, and AKT signaling is frequently compromised in various cancers. The range of AKT inhibitors' therapeutic effects extends beyond cancer management. AKT inhibitors may potentially be used to treat cancer. The study aims to find a potent drug compound from D. kaki polyphenols that could serve as an AKT1 inhibitor. In silico study using Molecular operating environment (MOE) software was employed to find the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals from D. kaki against AKT1 via molecular docking and drug-like properties. Results of the study revealed that acarbose (compound 1) has the highest docking score of -7.4615 with receptor protein 6CCY, followed by quercetin 3-O-glucoside (compound 2) with a docking score of -6.86404133 measured in terms of kcal/mol. Pocket residues involved in protein-ligand interaction was GLU234, GLU278, ASP292, ASN79, LYS276, LYS189, PHE161, HIS194, LYS179, ASP291, LYS158, GLU278. Thus, bioactive compounds from D. kaki may be a potentially novel anticancer agent by inhibiting AKT1.
Drug like potential of Daidzein using SwissADME prediction: In silico Approaches
Authors: Haseeba Sardar
Published: February 2024

In the early stages of drug development, predicting the drug candidates' absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) profiles prior to their synthesis may help in the selection of potential candidates. Since in-vivo ADME assessment is proven to be expensive, time-consuming, and involved animal studies, in-vitro ADME analysis is preferable since it is better, less expensive, and gives accurate data more rapidly. Daidzein, also known as 7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, is a nonsteroidal phytoestrogen that occurs naturally. The aim of the present study is to predict the in vitro ADME study of Daidzein using web tool called SwissADME. The 2D structure of Daidzein was drawn on chemdraw Ultra version 12. By taking into consideration the features of flexibility, lipophilicity, saturation, size, polarity, and solubility, the bioavailability radar revealed that the colored zone is the ideal physicochemical region for oral bioavailability. According to the location of the compounds in the WLOGP-versus-TPSA referential, the pharmacokinetic features were examined using the boiled egg model, which enables straightforward evaluation of passive gastrointestinal absorption and brain penetration. The white portion has a high likelihood of being absorbed passively by the gastrointestinal tract, whereas the yolk-colored yellow section has a high likelihood of penetrating the brain. The study concluded that Daidzein did not violate the recommended ranges for Lipinski’s rule of five, rotational bond count and TPSA. The compound also showed moderate lipophilicity and good water solubility. It did not act as a substrate for P-glycoprotein. Daidzein displayed a potential to inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Besides that, the compound exhibited no action against CYP2C19 and CYP2C9. It exhibited a uniform and good bioavailability score of 0.55 (55%) with high gastrointestinal (GI) absorption capabilities and the ability to permeate the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, Synthetic Accessibility score of daidzein revealed an easy step reaction of synthesis. As a result, the compound could be considered as a potential candidate for new drug discovery.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Abou-Rass Zade , Feldpausch Jennie , Plummer Prudence , Fritz Nora E.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Although the COVID-19 quarantine required everyone to make lifestyle changes, it may have had especially profound implications for individuals who experience multiple sclerosis (MS)–related fatigue. Individuals with MS who suffer from fatigue are at risk of worsening symptoms and already predisposed to inactivity and social isolation. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 national quarantine and related restrictions on mental, emotional, and physical fatigue in persons with MS in the United States.

METHODS:

We conducted a survey open to all adults (>18 years) with MS within the United States. The survey gathered demographic information and asked how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.

RESULTS:

The survey was completed by 600 individuals, 478 with relapsing MS and 122 with progressive MS. There was a significant 2-way interaction of time by fatigue type; both physical and emotional fatigue significantly increased during the pandemic (P <.01) and remained significantly higher after the pandemic than prior to the pandemic (P <.01). Mental fatigue increased significantly during the pandemic (P <.01) and although it remained higher, on average, after the pandemic, it was not significantly different from the level before the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS:

Individuals with MS experienced increases in physical, mental, and emotional fatigue over the course of the COVID-19 quarantine. Even after the lifting of quarantine restrictions, these levels have not returned to baseline. To adequately address fatigue, it is critical that health care professionals inquire about all types of fatigue in persons with MS.
Back to the future: omnipresence of fetal influence on the human brain through the lifespan
Authors: Walhovd Kristine B. , Krogsrud Stine Kleppe , Amlien Inge K. , Sørensen Øystein , Wang Yunpeng , Bråthen Anne Cecilie Sjøli , Overbye Knut , Kransberg Jonas , Mowinckel Athanasia M. , Magnussen Fredrik , Herud Martine , Håberg Asta K. , Fjell Anders M. , Vidal-Piñeiro Didac
Published: February 2024

Human fetal development has been associated with brain health at later stages. It is unknown whether growth in utero, as indexed by birth weight (BW), relates consistently to lifespan brain characteristics and changes, and to what extent these influences are of a genetic or environmental nature. Here we show remarkably stable and life-long positive associations between BW and cortical surface area and volume across and within developmental, aging and lifespan longitudinal samples (N = 5794, 4-82 years of age, w/ 386 monozygotic twins, followed for up to 8.3 years w/12,088 brain MRIs). In contrast, no consistent effect of BW on brain changes was observed. Partly environmental effects were indicated by analysis of twin BW discordance. In conclusion, the influence of prenatal growth on cortical topography is stable and reliable through the lifespan. This early life factor appears to influence the brain by association of brain reserve, rather than brain maintenance. Thus, fetal influences appear omnipresent in the spacetime of the human brain throughout the human lifespan. Optimizing fetal growth may increase brain reserve for life, also in aging.
AI-driven Automated Discovery Tools Reveal Diverse Behavioral Competencies of Biological Networks
Authors: Etcheverry Mayalen , Moulin-Frier Clément , Oudeyer Pierre-Yves , Levin Michael
Published: February 2024

Many applications in biomedicine and synthetic bioengineering depend on the ability to understand, map, predict, and control the complex, context-sensitive behavior of chemical and genetic networks. The emerging field of diverse intelligence has offered frameworks with which to investigate and exploit surprising problem-solving capacities of unconventional agents. However, for systems that are not conventional animals used in behavior science, there are few quantitative tools that facilitate exploration of their competencies, especially when their complexity makes it infeasible to use unguided exploration. Here, we formalize and investigate a view of gene regulatory networks as agents navigating a problem space. We develop automated tools to efficiently map the repertoire of robust goal states that GRNs can reach despite perturbations. These tools rely on two main contributions that we make in this paper: (1) Using curiosity-driven exploration algorithms, originating from the AI community to explore the range of behavioral abilities of a given system, that we adapt and leverage to automatically discover the range of reachable goal states of GRNs and (2) Proposing a battery of empirical tests inspired by implementation-agnostic behaviorist approaches to assess their navigation competencies. Our data reveal that models inferred from real biological data can reach a surprisingly wide spectrum of steady states, while showcasing various competencies that living agents often exhibit, in physiological network dynamics and that do not require structural changes of network properties or connectivity. Furthermore, we investigate the applicability of the discovered “behavioral catalogs” for comparing the evolved competencies across classes of evolved biological networks, as well as for the design of drug interventions in biomedical contexts or for the design of synthetic gene networks in bioengineering. Altogether, these automated tools and the resulting emphasis on behavior-shaping and exploitation of innate competencies open the path to better interrogation platforms for exploring the complex behavior of biological networks in an efficient and cost-effective manner. To read the interactive version of this paper, please visit https://developmentalsystems.org/curious-exploration-of-grn-competencies.
Analysis of fast calcium dynamics of honey bee olfactory coding
Authors: Paoli Marco , Wystrach Antoine , Ronsin Brice , Giurfa Martin
Published: February 2024

Odour processing exhibits multiple parallels between vertebrate and invertebrate olfactory systems. Insects, in particular, have emerged as relevant models for olfactory studies because of the tractability of their olfactory circuits. Here, we used fast calcium imaging to track the activity of projection neurons in the honey bee antennal lobe (AL) during olfactory stimulation at high temporal resolution. We observed a heterogeneity of response profiles and an abundance of inhibitory activities, resulting in various response latencies and stimulus-specific post-odour neural signatures. Recorded calcium signals were fed to a mushroom body (MB) model constructed implementing the fundamental features of connectivity between olfactory projection neurons, Kenyon cells (KC), and MB output neurons (MBON). The model accounts for the increase of odorant discrimination in the MB compared to the AL and reveals the recruitment of two distinct KC populations that represent odorants and their aftersmell as two separate but temporally coherent neural objects. Finally, we showed that the learning-induced modulation of KC-to-MBON synapses can explain both the variations in associative learning scores across different conditioning protocols used in bees and the bees' response latency. Thus, it provides a simple explanation of how the time contingency between the stimulus and the reward can be encoded without the need for time tracking. This study broadens our understanding of olfactory coding and learning in honey bees. It demonstrates that a model based on simple MB connectivity rules and fed with real physiological data can explain fundamental aspects of odour processing and associative learning.
Human Exploration Strategically Balances Approaching and Avoiding Uncertainty
Authors: Abir Yaniv , Shadlen Michael N. , Shohamy Daphna
Published: February 2024

A central purpose of exploration is to reduce goal-relevant uncertainty. Consequentially, individuals often explore by focusing on areas of uncertainty in the environment. However, people sometimes adopt the opposite strategy, one of avoiding uncertainty. How are the conflicting tendencies to approach and avoid uncertainty reconciled in human exploration? We hypothesized that the balance between avoiding and approaching uncertainty can be understood by considering capacity constraints. Accordingly, people are expected to approach uncertainty in most cases, but to avoid it when overall uncertainty is highest. To test this, we developed a new task and used modeling to compare human choices to a range of plausible policies. The task required participants to learn the statistics of a simulated environment by active exploration. On each trial, participants chose to explore a better-known or lesser-known option. Participants generally chose to approach uncertainty, however, when overall uncertainty about the choice options was highest, they instead avoided uncertainty and chose to sample better-known objects. This strategy was associated with faster decisions and, despite reducing the rate of observed information, it did not impair learning. We suggest that balancing approaching and avoiding uncertainty reduces the cognitive costs of exploration in a resource-rational manner.
Neurexins control the strength and precise timing of glycinergic inhibition in the auditory brainstem
Authors: Jiang He-Hai , Xu Ruoxuan , Nie Xiupeng , Su Zhenghui , Xu Xiaoshan , Pang Ruiqi , Zhou Yi , Luo Fujun
Published: February 2024

Neurexins play diverse functions as presynaptic organizers in various glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. However, it remains unknown whether and how neurexins are involved in shaping functional properties of the glycinergic synapses, which mediate prominent inhibition in the brainstem and spinal cord. To address these issues, we examined the role of neurexins in a model glycinergic synapse between the principal neuron in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the principal neuron in the lateral superior olive (LSO) in the auditory brainstem. Combining RNAscope with stereotactic injection of AAV-Cre in the MNTB of neurexin1/2/3 conditional triple knockout mice, we showed that MNTB neurons highly express all isoforms of neurexins although their expression levels vary remarkably. Selective ablation of all neurexins in MNTB neurons reduced not only the amplitude but also the kinetics of the glycinergic synaptic transmission at LSO neurons. The synaptic dysfunctions were primarily caused by impaired Ca
2+
sensitivity of release and tightness of coupling between voltage-gated Ca
2+
channels and synaptic vesicles. Together, our current findings demonstrate that neurexins are essential in controlling the strength and temporal precision of the glycinergic synapse, which therefore corroborates the role of neurexins as key presynaptic organizers in all major types of fast chemical synapses.
Music Teachers’ Views on the Use of Digital Stories in Musical Literacy
Authors: Kalkanoglu Burcu
Published: February 2024

Digital story is an instructional technology material created by blending elements such as audio, image, video related to the subject to be told with the help of digital tools. This study aimed to determine music teachers’ views on digital story. Qualitative research design was utilized in the study. The sample of the study consisted of volunteer music teachers in Turkey. In order to collect the data, the interview form prepared by the researcher was completed by taking expert opinion and delivered to the teachers via Google Forms. The data of the study were analyzed by content analysis method. In line with the information provided, positive results were obtained regarding the use of digital story; music teachers were open to the use of digital story in lessons. It was seen as a very useful, entertaining and motivating material for students, and important results were obtained such as their desire to receive training on digital story and their need for this training.
Preservation and Literacy Transmission of Pipa and Guzheng Duets in Pu Dong Style
Authors: Li Dongmei , Choatchamrat Sarawut
Published: February 2024

The research focuses on the preservation and transmission of Pipa and Guzheng duets in the Pu Dong style. Qualitative research methods such as interviews, observations, and questionnaires were used. Fu Huaqiang and Sha Lijing are the study’s key informants, both of whom have great skill and experience in Pipa and Guzheng duets in the Pu Dong style. The following findings were obtained: These duets have played an important role in the preservation of cultural heritage by conserving age-old customs and conveying cultural information. The Pu Dong-style Pipa and Guzheng Duet, in particular, demonstrate the dedication to both maintaining traditional music and expanding the genre via creativity. These duets’ growth demonstrates their adaptability in contemporary circumstances, representing the growing tapestry of Chinese cultural expressions while keeping their classical foundations. Furthermore, the incorporation of traditional Chinese and Western musical components in works such as “Dao Chui Lian” indicates the tenacity of cultural preservation and the critical function of creative transmission in keeping traditions active and relevant. Furthermore, the Pipa and Guzheng duets play significant roles in Chinese folk festival rituals, highlighting their contributions to cultural legacy preservation and musical literacy transmission within the context of Chinese ritual culture.
Integration of Concepts for the Learning Process of Textile Weaving at Lan Khoi Village, Phatthalung Province, Thailand
Authors: Wongsawangsiri Duangrat , Wechk Thitisak
Published: February 2024

This research seeks to study (i) the local wisdom about the textile weaving production at Lan Khoi village and (ii) the pattern of integrating learning concepts and transferring knowledge in weaving at Lan Khoi village. Data from documents and fieldwork were analyzed and presented through descriptive analysis. The results indicated that the local knowledge about textile weaving at Lan Khoi village reveals that it encompasses a body of knowledge, capabilities, experiences, and traditions. The textiles and patterns found are predominantly hand-woven cotton with distinct patterns. Notably, there exists a design pattern rooted in tradition that has been handed down through generations. As the research revolved around teaching and learning, twenty participants were engaged in the weaving process to acquire weaving skills. The results also showed that the model for learning concepts to transfer knowledge about textile weaving in Lan Khoi village employs three key concepts: (1) crafting and utilizing a diverse range of products that cater to consumers’ needs and preferences, ensuring suitability for use, (2) enhancing value through product development by drawing on ideas and local knowledge to assist in weaving and pattern design during the product creation phase, and (3) facilitating product entry into the commercial market by establishing business networks, including collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs and leveraging online media for advertising. In summary, knowledge transfer serves as a means of preserving cultural wisdom, while learning the creative economy concept entails designing products that fulfill consumer needs, thereby adding value to the products and generating increased income for the community.
Preservation and Promotion of Literacy through Performing Arts Education of Chuanjiang Haozi in Chongqing Province, China
Authors: Yang Lulei , Chonpairot Jarernchai
Published: February 2024

Chuanjiang Haozi, a distinctive form of folk music originating from the Yangtze River Basin in Chongqing, China, serves as a unique cultural treasure, blending utility with artistic expression. This study aims to investigate the preservation and promotion of literacy through performing arts education in Chuanjiang Haozi in Chongqing Province, China. Through a comprehensive research approach, including interviews with key informants who are inheritors of this art form, this study delves into the preservation and promotion strategies for Chuanjiang Haozi. The research site encompasses the Chuanjiang River system, spanning Chongqing and Sichuan, where this art form has deep historical roots. The two key informants were interviewed to gather essential information for this study, including prominent inheritors of Chuanjiang Haozi, providing valuable insights into its cultural significance and preservation challenges. The data analysis process involves transcription, coding, categorization, and theme identification, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. The research results advocate for a multifaceted approach, including the establishment of digital museums, festival tourism, legal support, and funding for inheritors, to ensure the continued preservation and promotion of Chuanjiang Haozi. These strategies aim to integrate tradition with modernity, safeguarding this intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
Teaching Resource of Chengdu Popular Music for Fostering Literacy and Cultural Education in China
Authors: Bao Li , Boonsrianan Pitsanu
Published: February 2024

Chengdu’s popular music, with its profound historical and cultural significance, serves as an educational resource at the intersection of music, literacy, and cultural education. This research aims to propose guidelines for the teaching resource of Chengdu popular music for fostering literacy and cultural education. Located in the culturally diverse Sichuan Province, Chengdu boasts a rich tapestry of musical traditions, from folk to hip-hop, making it an ideal research site. Two key informants, experts in folk and hip-hop music, provide valuable insights into Chengdu’s musical evolution. Data analysis involves thematic analysis of questionnaires and interviews, offering a comprehensive understanding of the city’s music culture. The study reveals Chengdu’s historical role as a cultural crossroads and the evolution of its pop music into a distinctive force within China’s music landscape. Advocating for the integration of Chengdu popular music into educational curricula, this research emphasizes the need for well-structured teaching resources to capture its cultural authenticity. The benefits of cultural education include fostering diversity appreciation, enhancing cultural understanding, promoting literacy skills, cultivating emotional intelligence, strengthening cultural identity, and inspiring creativity and expression. Chengdu popular music offers a transformative approach to fostering cultural literacy, empowering students to thrive in a globalized world.
Poetry Preferences of Secondary School Students - The Case of Trabzon Province
Authors: Yazar Emel , Durukan Erhan
Published: February 2024

In this case study which focuses on secondary school students (5th, 6th, and 7th grades), the goal was to investigate students’ preferences in poetry. In this study, the singular research designs have been employed. The context of the study was Trabzon city, and the participants were students in secondary schools in Ortahisar, Akcaabat and Yomra provinces in 2018-2019 academic year. The study was conducted with 490 students. Frequency and percentage calculations were made on the data obtained from opinion surveys and the results were analyzed. The study showed that in all three levels, three themes stood out: War of Independence and Ataturk, National Culture, and Reading Culture. Based on the findings, it was concluded that secondary school students like these three themes more and therefore prefer them more. Students prefer poems with 19-22 lines, both with rhythm and free verse and they prefer mostly rhyming poems. Also, title was found to be an important factor in poem preference and that students love and prefer poems with words they know, and lastly knowing the poet and that they know the poem beforehand also affected their preference positively.
Book Review: Developing Evaluative Judgement in Higher Education: Assessment for Knowing and Producing Quality Work
Authors: Xie Xiao
Published: February 2024

In the current landscape marked by the emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), our educational methods and assessment strategies are confronting unprecedented challenges. A prevailing worry centers on the possible erosion of a vital educational endeavor – the cultivation of evaluative judgment. This concern stands out as one of the most significant issues in contemporary education, as the insufficiency of students’ ‘capability to make decisions about the quality of work of self and others’ (Tai et al., 2018, p.471). To elucidate the concept of evaluative judgment, this volume, edited by Boud and colleagues, stands as the inaugural work exclusively centered on the theory and practices pertaining to this subject. The book is structured into four sections, including ‘conceptualising evaluative judgement’, ‘alternative theoretical perspectives on evaluative judgement’, ‘approaches to developing evaluative judgement’, and ‘evaluative judgement for practice and work’.
The Use of Podcasts in Enhancing Discriminative Listening Skills of Turkish Learners Abroad: A1 Level
Authors: ARSLAN Görkem , ÇİFCİ Selcen
Published: February 2024

In order to demonstrate the effect of using podcasts on the development of A1 level students’ oral reading, reading comprehension, pronunciation skills, and related discriminative listening skills of Turkish learners abroad, an 8-week podcast-supported listening practice was conducted with a group of 12 participants learning Turkish as an elective course at a university in Central Europe with the aim of improving discriminative listening skills. In this single-group quantitative design research, pretest and post-test were conducted, and the data sources were the Turkish Language Teaching as a Foreign Language A1 Level Discriminative Listening Skill Test and the discriminative listening worksheets were used in the skill development application process. As a result of the research, it was determined that the use of podcasts is effective in improving the discriminative listening skills of those learning Turkish as a foreign language at the A1 level abroad.
A model for new media data mining and analysis in online English teaching using long short-term memory (LSTM) network
Authors: Chen Chen , Aleem Muhammad
Published: February 2024

To maintain a harmonious teacher-student relationship and enable educators to gain a more insightful understanding of students’ learning progress, this study collects data from learners utilizing the software through a network platform. These data are mainly formed by the user’s learning characteristics, combined with the screen lighting time, built-in inertial sensor attitude, signal strength, network strength and other multi-dimensional characteristics to form the learning observation value, so as to analyze the corresponding learning state, so that teachers can carry out targeted teaching improvement. The article introduces an intelligent classification approach for learning time series, leveraging long short-term memory (LSTM) as the foundation of a deep network model. This model intelligently recognizes the learning status of students. The test results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves highly precise time series recognition using relatively straightforward features. This precision, exceeding 95%, is of significant importance for future applications in learning state recognition, aiding teachers in gaining an intelligent grasp of students’ learning status.
Local Financing Platform Loan and Performance of City Commercial Banks: Evidence from City Commercial Banks in China
Authors:   Xi'an University of Technology, Kong Wei , Hu Wenxiu ,   Xi'an University of Technology, Liao Kaicheng ,   Tongji University, Ma Xiaoqiang ,   Northwestern University
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between optimum local financing platform loan and the perfor¬mance of CCBs using data of 68 CCBs during 2010 to 2018. Our results derived from panel threshold regression model show a positive and significant impact of local financing platform loan on the perfor¬mance of CCBs before the upper estimated thresholds. Once the local financing platform loan moves above the upper threshold level, then its impact becomes negative. Further, the same relationship is conducted in sub-samples of eastern, central and western regions. Our findings suggest the policymak¬ers that maintains ideal local financing platform loan is effective to encourage the performance of CCBs.
Evaluation of Bitter Gourd Genotypes for Pest and Diseases Incidence Under Natural Condition
Authors: Naik Prashant R. , Hanchinamani C. N. , Indiresh, K. M.  , Nishani Sandyarani , Arvindkumar J. S.  , Hongal Shivanada , Bhat Amruta
Published: February 2024

Bitter goourd or bitter melon botanically Momordica charantia L. is susceptible to many pest and diseases are now days challenge in its cultivation. So in the present study elucidate the incidence of pest (Fruit fly) and disease (mildews) of bitter gourd. The experiment was conducted under northern dry zone of Karnataka. Fifty six bitter gourd genotypes was under study but none of them shows resistance but the severity various with genotypes. Genotypes exhibit powdery mildew incidence from moderately susceptible (20.89%) to highly susceptible (66.67%) and downy mildew. Genotype ABG-DG-T-1 showed lower infestation for fruit fly (12.90%) and downy mildew (32.00%) among all the genotypes under study.
Studies on Serum T3, T4, TSH, Progesterone and Oestrogen in Cardiovascular Disease Patients
Authors: Nnadi Prince Henry , Nwachukwu Maryjane , Ikaraoha Chidiebere Ikechukwu , Mbachu Jaachi Winifred , Mmerenini Kris Azubuike , Ndubueze Chizaram Winners , Iwuji Charlotte Chinwendu
Published: February 2024

Aim: This research was done to ascertain if thyroid hormones and female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen) play a role or are a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Study Design: This is an observational study, specifically a case-control study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital for six months.
Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 20 persons with cardiovascular disease. The sera from the study subjects were estimated for T3, T4, and TSH using the ELISA technique. The same parameters were estimated in 20 healthy individuals, and the results from both groups were analysed using SPSS version 21.
Results: There were no significant differences in serum T3, T4 and TSH, Progesterone and Estradiol (p=0.236, p=0.834, p=0.412, p=0.995 and p=0.512, respectively) in cardiovascular disease patients compared with controls. There were no significant differences in serum T3, Progesterone, Estradiol and TSH (p=0.443, p=0.291, p=0.612 and p=0.550, respectively) in male cardiovascular disease patients compared to female cardiovascular disease patients. There was a significantly higher level of T4 (p=0.042) in male cardiovascular disease patients compared to female cardiovascular disease patients. A significant negative correlation of serum TSH with T4 (r=-0.759, p=0.000) in cardiovascular disease patients. There was no significant correlation of serum TSH with T3 (r=-0.131, p=0.560) in cardiovascular disease patients. There was a significant positive correlation of Serum Progesterone with Estradiol (r=0.815, p=0.000) in cardiovascular disease patients.
Conclusion: T4, T3, and TSH serum levels may not be associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases in this environment. Also, serum progesterone may have a linear association with estradiol in cardiovascular disease patients.
Assessment of Combustion Properties of Briquettes Produced from Three Different Biomasses Sourced from Tarkwa, Ghana
Authors: Quaicoe Ishmael , Stephens Gifty Adwoa , Benyarku Charlotte Abena , Lasidzi Nikao A.
Published: February 2024

Climate change and population growth has necessitated the need for sustainable fuel/energy sources. This study aimed to produce alternative fuel sources from waste biomasses (coconut husk, wood sawdust and waste charcoal residue). Particularly, the influence of agro-waste type on resulting briquette combustion properties (volatile matter, calorific value, fixed carbon and ash content) was examined. Charring was achieved using local reactor whilst cassava starch was used as a binder. Briquettes of sizes ranging between ~ 40 - 60 mm with varying residual moisture contents (8 – 12%) were produced. For thermal characteristics, the results showed that the briquettes from coconut husk yielded highest volatile matter content (36%) followed by fine charcoal particles’ (33%) and sawdust briquettes (3%). The Ash contents for the briquettes from coconut husk, charcoal and sawdust were 2%, 21% and 31%, respectively. For the fixed carbon contents, briquettes from coconut husk had 34% whilst charcoal and sawdust ones had 46% and 96%, respectively. The calorific values of the briquettes from coconut husk, charcoal and sawdust were 3531, 4047 and 5085 kcal/kg, respectively. Generally, the results showed that briquettes produced from sawdust had superior combustion characteristics than those from coconut husk and charcoal. Overall, the work has demonstrated the possibility of producing quality briquettes which could serve as alternative sustainable fuel/energy for various households who are dependent on unstainable fuels such as charcoal produced from trees. Moreover, the outcome can also serve as a key alternative method for managing abundant agro-waste in various communities, especially in the developing countries.
Analysis of Education Market in India in a Profit Making Enterprise Approach
Authors: Arvinth N. , Sujatha Dr.S.
Published: February 2024

Education is today mostly supported and primarily restricted by authoritative specialists or non-benefit organisations. The current situation has evolved slowly and is now disregarded to the point where limited clear thought is any longer out written to the factors behind the specific treatment of education even in nations that are generally free in affiliation and thinking. As a result, the increase in regulatory responsibility has been erratic. The employment assigned to government in a certain area is obviously subject to the norms considered for the overall association of society. As a result, this text examines the Indian education system, as the Indian education sector gives a significant chance for the Indian populace to become literate. Additional difficulties in the public and private sectors were also considered. The future of India's educational system was also examined.