bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(RE)BUILDING CHRONOLOGIES AND SPHERES OF INTERACTION IN SOUTHERN BELIZE: EXCAVATIONS FROM EK XUX, MUKLEBAL TZUL, AND IX KUKU’IL
Authors: Thompson Amy , Kosakowsky Laura J. , Ploetz Chris
Published: March 2024

We discuss newly developed chronologies for two Classic Maya centers – Ek Xux and Muklebal Tzul – in the Maya Mountains of southern Belize. Previous research by the Maya Mountains Archaeological Project investigated these remote centers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2022, the Bladen Paleoindian and Archaic Archaeological Project re-established archaeological research at Ek Xux and Muklebal Tzul with the goals of developing more detailed, multiproxy chronologies to understand the development and decline of each center, how they articulated with each other, and their relationships to nearby mortuary rockshelters. Here, we discuss the results of our 2022 test unit excavations, detailing the construction history of two elite residences as well as the civic ceremonial core of Ix Kuku’il in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. We provide a preliminary analysis of their chronologies based on architectural constructions and ceramic typologies. Finally, we highlight regional connections and interaction spheres of southern Belize drawing on our findings from the Ek Xux and Muklebal Tzul excavations and previously published ceramic typologies. This paper provides a foundation for future research in incorporating the Maya Mountain centers into multiproxy chronologies and the interaction spheres of southern Belize and beyond.
Umbilical Hernia Repair under Ultrasound Guided Bilateral Rectus Sheath Block: A Case Series
Authors: Shrestha Saurav , Devkota Sagar , Thapa Yubaraj
Published: March 2024

Usually reserved for high-risk patients, ultrasound guided bilateral rectus sheath block can be a very effective alternative for primary repair of umbilical hernia thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with spinal or general anesthesia and providing adequate anesthesia and analgesia.
Seasonal variation in nitrate concentration in groundwater of Kolar District, Karnataka, India
Authors: KRISHNAPPA S
Published: March 2024

The Karnataka state's Kolar Region, which is in the drought - prone agroclimatic zone, experiences less than normal rain fall during monsoon rainy season and it does not have any major dams or canals, main occupation of people is agrochemical based agriculture and is mainly dependent on groundwater for domestic, agriculture and livestock, Hence quality of water is important. The key factors used to assess the quality of water are its various physico-chemical characteristics. Among them nitrate (No3) is common anion that contaminates groundwater. The present study focuses on the examination with nitrate concentration into groundwater samples drawn on 50 different borewells of various villages of Kolar District. The result shown that the nitrate level in some samples higher than acceptance level, similarly in some samples shown below the acceptance level. Increased nitrate levels are typically a sign of pollution
WORK ENGAGEMENT PADA EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING DOSEN PERGURUAN TINGGI ISLAM NEGERI
Authors: Indah Asmara Putri  , Rahmi Tuti , Febriani Utari
Published: March 2024

This study aims to look at the contribution of work engagement to employee well-being for lecturers at state Islamic religious universities. This study uses a quantitative approach using survey methods. The data collection technique in this study was cluster sampling with a total of 112 lecturers at state Islamic universities in Indonesia. Methods of data analysis using simple regression with SPSS Statistics 20 for windows. Based on the results of the hypothesis test, the R square value was 0.260 and p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), so it can be concluded that work engagement contributes 26.0% to employee well-being of lecturers at state Islamic universities.
Avance de las TIC en la matemática: impacto en la Sociedad y la Educación Inicial
Authors: Guaypatin Pico Oscar Alejandro , Mantilla Parra Carlos Washington , Cayo Lema Efrain Luis , Sigcha Ante Erica Maribel
Published: March 2024

La presente investigación aborda el impacto de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) en el aprendizaje y desarrollo de habilidades matemáticas en niños. El objetivo fue analizar la relación entre la matemática, las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC) y su impacto en la sociedad. Se sustentó el estudio en un enfoque cuantitativo, el análisis documental y la aplicación de una encuesta. Se examina cómo el uso de herramientas digitales y recursos en línea está transformando la forma en que los niños interactúan con la Matemática, y cómo estas experiencias influyen en su comprensión y aprecio por la disciplina, para ello exploramos el acceso generalizado a dispositivos tecnológicos y plataformas en línea por parte de los niños, y cómo estas tecnologías pueden ser aprovechadas para enriquecer su aprendizaje matemático. Se discuten aplicaciones educativas, juegos interactivos y recursos en línea diseñados para mejorar la comprensión de conceptos matemáticos. Se analiza cómo estas herramientas digitales pueden ofrecer experiencias de aprendizaje más personalizadas y adaptativas, permitiendo a los niños avanzar a su propio ritmo y abordar áreas de dificultad de manera individualizada. Se destaca la capacidad de las TIC para retroalimentar y motivar a los niños mediante recompensas y gamificación, también examina el papel de las TIC en la colaboración y el aprendizaje entre pares. Se discuten plataformas en línea que permiten a los niños trabajar juntos en proyectos matemáticos, resolver problemas y compartir ideas, lo que fomenta el pensamiento crítico y la comunicación efectiva y se reflexiona sobre los desafíos y oportunidades que enfrenta el avance de la Matemática en el contexto de las TIC y la sociedad.
Salvaging mangled upper limbs with early soft tissue cover with flaps- A case series
Authors:   Department of Anatomy, Genetics and Biomedical informatics, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Basnayake Oshan , Ekanayake Gayan ,   Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Published: March 2024

Mutilating upper limb injuries present complex challenges to both patients and surgeons, necessitating prompt and effective management strategies to achieve favorable outcomes. This retrospective study examines the cases of five consecutive patients with mangled upper limbs resulting from blunt trauma, evaluating demographics, injury mechanisms, injury patterns, and 60-day limb salvage outcomes. Among 2128 admissions between January and December 2022, five patients were identified with mangled upper limbs and open fractures, with an average age of 40.2 years and a notable male predominance (80%). The dominant hand was affected in 60% of cases, primarily due to blunt high-velocity road traffic accidents. The mean Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) was 7.2, and the Ganga Hospital Open Injury Score averaged 16, indicating substantial injury severity without limb ischemia or compartment syndrome. All patients underwent definitive surgery within 48 hours, with various soft tissue reconstruction techniques employed, including free flaps, pedicle flaps, and local muscle mobilization, along with nerve grafting procedures. At the 60-day follow-up, successful limb salvage was achieved in all cases, with no instances of surgical site infection and excellent acceptance of skin grafted areas exceeding 95%. The findings underscore the importance of timely surgical intervention and comprehensive soft tissue coverage in achieving successful limb salvage outcomes in patients with mutilating upper limb injuries, emphasizing the critical role of early intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Identifying and prioritizing investment risks in digital markets using multi-criteria decision making techniques and data mining
Authors: Pourkhosravani Pourya , Safdarpour Siavash , Taghipour Mohammad
Published: March 2024

The ever-increasing advancement of technology and the adaptation of the common people’s lifestyle have led to the emergence of digital markets and the removal of restrictions such as physical presence, specific working hours, etc. Investing in digital markets, as it can be more profitable (compared to previous methods), is also associated with many risks. In this research, the importance of multi-criteria decision-making and data mining and the need to use them in investing in digital markets were investigated. The statistical population of this research was collected over a period of 5 years during the years 2017–2022. For this purpose, SPSS software, the AHP technique, and data mining were used. The research results showed that both in the AHP method and in the data mining method, the receiving and payment portals are the most important.
The nexus between Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development Goals: A review
Authors: Mahadew Bhavna
Published: March 2024

This article focuses on the link between Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development Goals and, more precisely, how the former can be applied to achieve the latter. The solution to SDG-related issues may be one goal of AI applicability. There have been suggestions that the current status of artificial intelligence (AI) might serve hundreds of millions of people in both rich and developing countries by helping to resolve problems related to all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Examples include helping those who are blind or visually handicapped navigate their environment, detecting victims of sexual exploitation online, supporting relief operations in the event of a disaster, helping to detect diabetes early, and using image scanning to diagnose skin cancer. These are but a few examples of how AI works and how AI innovation can be advantageous. It also reviews how Artificial Intelligence can be applied to protect the environment, food production, the energy industry, and healthcare development.
Exploring Leadership Styles' Influence on Employee Loyalty in Dubai's Public Sector: The Role of Communication as a Mediator
Authors: Al Raeesi Ali Murad Ali Al Taher , Samsudin Norsamsinar
Published: March 2024

The cornerstone of success for governmental organizations, particularly when employees lack motivation, is their commitment. This research delves into the dynamics of employee loyalty within the public sector of Dubai, examining the interplay between leadership approaches and employee dedication, with a special focus on the Dubai Immigration Department (DID). Furthermore, it evaluates how communication influences the nexus between leadership styles and employee commitment at DID. Employing quantitative methodologies for data gathering and analysis through smart-PLS, the study uncovers that both transformational and transactional leadership positively impact employee commitment at DID. Additionally, a notable correlation exists between these leadership styles and communication effectiveness. It was also discovered that communication positively mediates the relationship between the two leadership styles and employee commitment. This research's novel contribution lies in highlighting communication's mediating role within DID, influencing employee commitment. These insights propose recommendations for policy and practical adjustments in the UAE and lay the groundwork for future scholarly endeavors in this area.
PENINGKATAN KUALITAS TAS KAIN PERCA MITRA COLLECTION DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT(QFD)
Authors: Widianti Emma , Nurhayati Desi
Published: March 2024

The craft of batik patchwork bags was initially less desirable, but now it has become one of the most admired and demanded handicrafts by many Indonesians, even throughout the world. However, increased market development is not matched by a guarantee of product quality. Manufacturers still ignore the importance of the quality of a product. Meanwhile, on the other hand, consumers want quality in the products they consume/use. This study aims to determine the desires and satisfaction of patchwork bag consumers and to find out how to improve the quality of Mitra Collection patchwork bag products.
In this study the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method was used because QFD aims to fulfill as many consumer desires as possible so that it is hoped that it will be superior to competing products and will be more customer focused. So that it can be seen how the realization is between consumer expectations and actual product conditions. This study uses a field research approach with a quantitative model and the research design used is an explorative design. The population in this study were all consumers of patchwork bag collection partners. The sampling method used purposive sampling with a sample of 100 respondents, Yogyakarta collection partner patchwork consumers.
The results showed that the three priorities of consumers' desire to improve the quality of patchwork partner collection bags from the perspective of consumers' wishes were the uniqueness of the product being an important point in purchasing, the artistic value of the product, the artistic value derived from patchwork batik, the combination of attractive patchwork colors, and the combination appropriate patchwork shape.
Analisis Konsumsi Simbolis Sebagai Variabel Moderator Antara Pengaruh Halal Lifestyle Terhadap Minat Pembelian Produk Perbankan Syariahh
Authors: Baskaro Windu , Suhasti Wuri , Wahyu Winarno Moh.
Published: March 2024

Indonesia's population is 267 million people with 87% of the population being Muslim and the largest in the world. However, the growth of Islamic banking in Indonesia is still far behind that of Malaysia. The total assets of Indonesian Islamic banking are US$ 82 billion while the total assets of Malaysian Islamic banking are US$ 491 billion. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of halal lifestyle on the intention to purchase Islamic banking products and symbolic consumption as a moderator variable between Halal Lifestyle and Interest in Purchasing Islamic Banking Products. This research is a type of quantitative research, a linear regression analysis model using the Moderating Regression Analysis (MRA) method. This method is carried out to add the multiplication variable between the independent variables and the moderating variable. The research respondents were 100 Islamic banking customers domiciled in DI Yogyakarta. The results of the research analysis show that the halal lifestyle variable on purchase intention has an r-square value of 0.252, a t-count value of 5.742 > 1.664 t-table, and a significant probability value of 0.000 <0.05. The influence of halal lifestyle is 25.2% partially and significantly to the variable interest in purchasing Islamic banking products. The symbolic consumption variable can act as a moderator and strengthen the influence of halal lifestyle on the intention to purchase Islamic banking pro
Pemanfaatan Lahan Perkotaan Dengan Vertikal Garden dan Wall Garden Pada KWT Sanggrahan Umbulharjo Bantul
Authors: Widianti Emma
Published: March 2024

Vertical garden merupakan konsep tanaman yang disusun berbentuk vertical untuk keseimbangan lingkungan sehingga mampu menciptakan iklim mikro yang spesifik di sekitarnya. Dapat digunakan sebagai salah satu solusi alternative untuk meningkatkan penghijauan di area perkotaan yang memiliki lahan terbuka yang sempit. Beberapa manfaat dari vertical garden antara lain membuat lingkungan menjadi lebih indah dan alami, menciptakan ruang hijau di lahan terbatas, mengurangi panas dari luar dan polusi udara, membantu meredam kebisingan suara, serta meningkatkan produksi oksigen.
Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini berlangsung selama sebulan di KWT Sanggrahan Kalurahan Giwangan Kecamatan Umbulharjo Kota Yogyakarta. Kegiatan ini terdiri dari beberapa tahap kegiatan meliputi observasi wilayah pengabdian, musyawarah masyarakat, workshop, Pelatihan dan Praktek serta evaluasi dan rencana tindak lanjut. Kegiatan masyarakat ini diadakan dengan pelatihan meliputi materi optimalisasi lahan pekarangan, pengenalan media tanam, dan benih tanaman.
 Hasil dari kegiatan pelatihan vertical garden, yaitu meningkatnya pengetahuan masyarakat desa khususnya ibu rumah tangga dalam pembuatan dan manfaat vertical garden.. Dilihat dari post-test yang dibagikan dari yang awalnya tidak tahu cara membuat membuat vertical garden menjadi tahu dan 2 orang warga sudah mengaplikasikannya diperkarangan rumah masing-masing. Pemberikan edukasi dan pelatihan pembuatan vertical garden dan Wall garden sebagai alternative penghijauan di kota dengan kondisi ruang terbuka yang sedikit seperti di Kota Yogyakarta dengan mengoptimalkan lorong sayur di lahan sempit pada wilayah tersebut, dimana hampir keseluruhan wilayahnya sudah tertutup conblock, semen dan aspal sehingga minim lahan pekarangan. Harapannya dengan adanya kegiatan pelatihan vertical garden di lokasi tersebut dapat meningkatkan kawasan hijau yang dapat sekaligus memenuhi kebutuhan bahan baku pangan warga.
ANALISIS TINGKAT KEPUASAN PASIEN PADA RUMAH SAKIT UMUM PKU MUHAMMADIYAH BANTUL YOGYAKRTA
Authors: Widiyastuti Andriyani
Published: March 2024

Rumah Sakit Umum PKU Muhammadiyah Bantul adalah institusi pelayanan kesehatan yang menyelenggarakan pelayanan kesehatan perorangan secara paripurna yang menyediakan pelayanan rawat inap, rawat jalan dan gawat darurat sebagaimana Undang-undang No. 44 Tahun 2009 tentang Rumah Sakit. Pelayanan kesehatan paripurna adalah pelayanan kesehatan yang meliputi promotif, preventif, kuratif dan rehabilitatif. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Rumah Sakit PKU Muhammadiyah Bantul Yogyakarta. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah observasi dan kuisioner dengan mengambil sebanyak 50 pasien sebagai sampel penelitian. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling dan teknik analisis Importance-Performance.Analisis Importance-Performance terhadap hasil penelitian diperoleh kesimpulan sebagai berikut. Kepuasan pasien dilihat dari keseluruhan tingkat kepentingan mendapatkan rata-rata sebesar 3,6 dan tingkat kepuasan sebesar 3,1. Hasil penelitian ini berada di posisi kuadran B yang bermakna bahwa unsur jasa pokok telah berhasil dilaksanakan oleh RSU PKU Muhammadiyah Bantul Yogyakarta, untuk itu wajib dipertahankan. Pelanggan, dalam hal ini pasien menganggap sangat penting dan sangat memuaskan. Prestasi ini wajib dipertahankan dan tetap terus meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan agar kepercayaan masyarakat semakin meningkat.
Analisis Tingkat Kepercayaan dan Tingkat Pendapatan Muzaki terhadap Minat Membayar Zakat kepada Amil Zakat di Yogyakarta
Authors: Priyono Susilo
Published: March 2024

Zakat merupakan rukun Islam yang keempat yang dianggap mempunyai peran yang singnifikat dalam mengatasi berbagai macam masalah perekonomian. Pengelolaan zakat di Indonesia telah diatur dalam UU No. 38/1998 tentang pengelolaan zakat yang di dalamnya mengatur segala kegiatan yang berhubungan dengan  pengorganisasian, perencanaan , pelaksanaan, dan pengawasan terhadap pengumpulan serta pendistribusian serta pendayagunaan terhadap dana zakat. Amil berperan menghubungkan antara pihak muzaki dengan mustahik. Sebagai perantara keuangan, amil dituntut menerapkan azas trust (kepercayaan). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis tingkat kepercayaan dan tingkat pendapatan muzaki terhadap minat membayar zakat kepada amil n penelitian lapangan (field research). Populasi adalah seluruh muzaki di Kota Yogyakarta. Jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 100 orang diambil menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Instrument penelitian ini adalah kuesioner. Analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis Weight Least Squares (WLS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kepercayaan muzaki kepada amil zakat di Yogyakarta dalam katagori tinggi sebanyak 14 orang atau 14 %, untuk katagori cukup percaya sebanyak 74 orang atau 74%, dan untuk katagori tidak percaya sebanyak 12 orang(12%). nilai t-hitung pada variabel tingkat kepercayaan sebesar -0,071 dengan Sig. tersebesar 0,943 (p>0,05). Dan pada tingkat pendapatan terhadap minat membayar zakat nilai t hitung sebesar 2,575 dengan Sig. t sebesar 0,011 (p<0,05). Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah tidak ada pengaruh tingkat kepercayaan terhadap minat membayar zakat da nada pengaruh antara tingkat pendapatan muzaki terhadap minat membayar zakat kepada amil.
PENENTUAN TUJUAN PERUSAHAAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF ISLAM
Authors: Widianti Emma , Muhamad Muhamad
Published: March 2024

Salah satu tujuan didirikannya perusahaan adalah untuk mengejar profit secara optimum. Ajaran Islam yang terkait dengan masalah ini tidaklah membatasi secara ketat, selagi penetapan tujuan perusahaan tersebut sesuai dengan etika Islam.Perusahaan dalam perspektif Islam tidak saja mengejar keuntungan duniawi, namun berupaya mencapai keuntunganukhrawi. Oleh karena itu, konsep dasar dalam penentuan tujuan perusahaan adalah mewujudkan falah di dunia dan di akhirat. Dengan demikian ada beberapa variabel yang dipertimbangkan dalam penentuan tujuan perusahaan, yaitu : profit, harga dan output serta variabel lain yang tidak terukur, seperti : berkah.
Tinjauan Hukum Islam Terhadap Praktik Jual Beli Online Dengan Sistem Lelang
Authors: Zaenuri Sulkhan , Arifin Syaiful
Published: March 2024

Buying and selling with an auction system on social media is one of the new transactions, especially buying and selling auctions on Instagram social media and is not yet known in Islamic law. Therefore it is necessary to conduct research to analyze the mechanism of buying and selling auctions on Instagram social media according to a review of Islamic law. The purpose of this study is to find out the review of Islamic law on the practice of buying and selling online with an auction system (a case study of buying and selling ornamental fish on Instagram social media). This research is a field research, namely observing directly objects related to the problem. To support this, a normative approach is carried out by looking at and discussing the problems of buying and selling ornamental fish auctions on Instagram social media. Data collection techniques with interviews and documentation. Data analysis used descriptive qualitative analysis. The results of the study can be concluded that the sale and purchase of ornamental fish auctions on Instagram social media has fulfilled the requirements prescribed in Islamic law (fulfillment of the elements of the actor, object and consent qabul and the conditions). However, there are still a number of violations committed by auctioneers, namely sending items that do not match the photos or videos, and there are unscrupulous auctioneers who make fake bids to increase the auction price, while violations committed by auction participants are not making payments.
Analisis Maqashid Syariah Dalam Annual Report Bank Umum Syariah di Indonesia
Authors: Istiqomawati Rina , Widiyastuti Andriyani
Published: March 2024

Islamic Banking must convince the public that all activities carried out must comply with the Islamic principle. One way to show a sense a responsibility for the comitmen of islsmic banking to commitment is through the disclosure of relevant and reliable information through the annual report. This research aims to determine the application of maqhasid sharia in the  annual report of Islamic comersial Bank in Indonesia.
 
This research is a type of qualitative research with a proportional sampling technique, totaling 12 respondents. The data collection technique  used are annual report  documents and questionnaires obtained from the analysis of the published annul report respondent, namely Islamic commercial Bank in Indonesia, inculuding PT. BCA Sharia  Bank, PT.  Victoria Sharia  Bank, PT. Mandiri Sharia Bank, PT.  Muamalat Indonesia Sharia  Bank, PT Bukopin Sharia Bank, PT. Jabar banten Sharia Bank, PT. BNI Sharia bank, and PT. Dubai Sahraia Bank.The data analysis technique used is coding the selected data.
 
The results of the analysis of Islamic maqhasid anaysisi in annual report of Islamic commercial banks have implemental Islamic maqhasid , although there is still a need for improvements in the quality of human resources on the undesrstanding of Islamic Banking. In prinsciple there are no fundamenta problems with the service provided , thus corporate governance and social responsibility are adequate
Muhammadiyah dan Gerakan Ekonomi Islam
Authors: Quraisy Mujahid
Published: March 2024

Muhammadiyah and the Islamic Economic Movement substantially have the same goals and targets, namely the advancement of religion and the welfare of the people. This relationship is interesting to study, especially with regard to the rise of Islamic economics today and Muhammadiyah's views on economic issues. So the problem that needs to be answered is; 1. What is Muhammadiyah's attitude towards the Islamic economic movement, 2. Are there differences in organizational commitment, community commitment and attitudes towards the format of the Islamic economic movement from Muhammadiyah leaders in terms of the region (YogyakartaJakarta), 3. Why Muhammadiyah is a social organization that has a broad network has not prioritized strategic efforts in the economic field, especially in overcoming the people's economy.
To answer questions number 1 and number 2, research was conducted on 30 Muhammadiyah leaders who were considered representative by using a questionnaire method. For problem number 2, an independent sample t-test was carried out statistically. Meanwhile for problem number 3, a socio-historical analysis was carried out according to the references found. To complete this research, interviews were conducted with several Muhammadiyah Central Executive personnel.
It was found that Muhammadiyah basically agrees with the Islamic economic format. There is no difference in organizational commitment indicating there is no friction within the Muhammadiyah organizational body as well as there is no difference in attitude towards GEI reflecting a commitment to renewal and submission to the decisions of the Tarjih Muhammadiyah assembly. The existence of differences in commitment to the community shows the existence of individual freedom in choosing how to deal with community problems. Muhammadiyah Jakarta is more enthusiastic about seeing problems objectively-empirically compared to Muhammadiyah Jogjakarta. The attitude of the organization prioritizes the formation of the personality and character of economic actors rather than thinking about the formation of an Islamic economic system and network.
Schools of Music as Social Institutions in Service to Society
Authors: Rice Timothy
Published: March 2024

Faculties and schools of music in Canada and the United States define their missions narrowly; their curricula continue to be devoted almost exclusively to a music culture created in Europe and exported to colonial and postcolonial settings around the world. These institutions teach an exclusionary aesthetic philosophy rooted in white supremacy, one that results in the unethical exclusion of musicians and musical cultures created by the communities and societies that universities are meant to serve. After analyzing the content of, and the ideas behind, various course syllabi, the author outlines pathways for creating aesthetically and ethically inclusive and anti-racist curricula in music history and music appreciation at music faculties and schools of music in Canada and the United States.
Silence, Absence, and Forgetting: Traditional Music and Dance Contests of Gaelic Cape Breton
Authors: Sparling Heather
Published: March 2024

A documented history of cultural competitions and contests in Gaelic Cape Breton is being deliberately forgotten. Drawing on Paul Connerton’s theory of social forgetting, the author suggests that this has happened for ideological reasons involving the construction of Gaelic culture as participatory and inclusive, characteristics that many Cape Bretoners find irreconcilable with competitions. By examining historical evidence demonstrating that cultural contests and competitions existed in Cape Breton at various times and in various places, and how they relate to a broader, international context of competitions in “Celtic” cultural communities, the author concludes that present-day claims about the absence and insignificance of contests are inconsistent with the historical record.
ROCK and the actomyosin network control biomineral growth and morphology during sea urchin skeletogenesis
Authors: Hijaze Eman , Gildor Tsvia , Seidel Ronald , Layous Majed , Winter Mark , Bertinetti Luca , Politi Yael , de-Leon Smadar Ben-Tabou
Published: March 2024

Biomineralization had apparently evolved independently in different phyla, using distinct minerals, organic scaffolds and gene regulatory networks (GRNs). However, diverse eukaryotes from unicellular organisms, through echinoderms to vertebrates, use the actomyosin network during biomineralization. Specifically, the actomyosin remodeling protein, Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) regulates cell differentiation and gene expression in vertebrates’ biomineralizing cells, yet, little is known on ROCK’s role in invertebrates’ biomineralization. Here we reveal that ROCK controls the formation, growth and morphology of the calcite spicules in the sea urchin larva. ROCK expression is elevated in the sea urchin skeletogenic cells downstream of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) signaling. ROCK inhibition leads to skeletal loss and disrupts skeletogenic gene expression. ROCK inhibition after spicule formation reduces spicule elongation rate and induces ectopic spicule branching. Similar skeletogenic phenotypes are observed when ROCK is inhibited in a skeletogenic cell culture, indicating that these phenotypes are due to ROCK activity specifically in the skeletogenic cells. Reduced skeletal growth and enhanced branching are also observed under direct perturbations of the actomyosin network. We propose that ROCK and the actomyosin machinery were employed independently, downstream of distinct GRNs, to regulate biomineral growth and morphology in Eukaryotes.
Single-molecule Ligand Response of Guanidine-IV riboswitch
Authors: Gao Lingzhi , Chen Dian , Liu Yu
Published: March 2024

Riboswitches are non-coding RNA elements that can specifically sense ligands and regulate gene expression. A recent report introduced a type of riboswitch known as the guanidine-IV riboswitch, which responds to guanidine levels and controls the transcription of downstream genes. However, there is currently a lack of clarity regarding the mechanism by which the riboswitch senses guanidine and undergoes conformational changes. This lack of understanding has impeded the application of this riboswitch. Therefore, our study aimed to address this gap by investigating the conformational changes that occur in a guanidine-IV riboswitch RNA. We examined the aptamer, terminator, and full-length riboswitch using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET). Our findings indicated that the aptamer portion was more sensitive to guanidine compared to the terminator and full-length riboswitch. Additionally, we mimicked the structural changes in the guanidine-IV riboswitch that occur during transcription at a single-nucleotide and single-molecule level using Position-specific Labelling of RNA (PLOR) and smFRET. The results showed that guanidine caused a less pronounced change in the riboswitch RNA after transcribing 88 nucleotides. Based on our findings, we have proposed a folding model for the guanidine-IV riboswitch in the absence and presence of guanidine.The guanidine-IV riboswitch’s aptamer domain exhibits a greater sensitivity towards guanidine in comparison to both the terminator and full-length riboswitch. This results in the riboswitch showcasing a narrow transcriptional window that is responsive to ligand binding. And a comprehensive structure-function model for the guanidine-IV riboswitch under both guanidine-free and guanidine-present conditions.
Structural features of heteromeric channels composed of CALHM2 and CALHM4 paralogs
Authors: Drożdżyk Katarzyna , Peter Martina , Dutzler Raimund
Published: March 2024

The CALHM proteins constitute a family of large pore channels that contains six closely related paralogs in human. Two family members, CALHM1 and 3, have been associated with the release of ATP during taste sensation. Both proteins form heteromeric channels that activate at positive potential and decreased extracellular Ca
2+
concentration. Although the structures of several family members displayed large oligomeric organizations of different size, their function has in most cases remained elusive. Our previous study has identified the paralogs CALHM2, 4 and 6 to be highly expressed in the placenta and defined their structural properties as membrane proteins exhibiting features of large pore channels with unknown activation properties (Drozdzyk et al., 2020). Here we investigated whether these placental paralogs would form heteromers and characterized heteromeric complexes consisting of CALHM2 and CALHM4 subunits using specific binders as fiducial markers. Both proteins assemble with different stoichiometries with the largest population containing CALHM2 as predominant component. In these oligomers, the subunits segregate and reside in their preferred conformation found in homomeric channels. Our study has thus revealed the properties that govern the formation of CALHM heteromers in a process of potential relevance in a cellular context.
Transformando desafios em oportunidades: a gestão da cadeia de suprimentos como vantagem competitiva
Authors: Farias Júnior Tácito Augusto , Fernandes Allysson Barbosa , Fukuoka Danilo Marcos Leme , Matos Helen Carla Santos , Leite Jaqueline Conceição , Soares João Luis Josino , Rodrigues Katia Silene Macedo de Medeiros , Reis Tatiane Santos Matos
Published: March 2024

A gestão da cadeia de suprimentos possui um papel fundamental na competitividade das empresas e organizações, de modo que afeta diretamente a eficiência das operações, redução dos custos e satisfação dos clientes. Este artigo tem visa analisar como a efetiva gestão da cadeia de suprimentos pode contribuir para o crescimento da competitividade empresarial e quais são os principais desafios enfrentados pelas empresas nesse processo. Foi usada uma metodologia de levantamento bibliográfico para fornecer um cenário detalhado sobre o tema. A gestão da cadeia de suprimentos mostra-se crucial para aprimorar a eficiência operacional, propiciar a sustentabilidade, e responder de forma ágil às dinâmicas do mercado, destacando-se como uma vantagem competitiva no cenário empresarial global. Os desafios que foram identificados incluem a complexidade gerada pela globalização, a volatilidade da demanda, a necessidade de práticas sustentáveis e éticas, como também da gestão dos riscos. Embora existam esses obstáculos, a gestão eficiente da cadeia de suprimentos possibilita oportunidades relevantes para as empresas melhorarem a posição competitiva, através da redução dos custos, melhoria da qualidade e aumento da satisfação dos clientes. Por fim, é possível concluir que embora a gestão da cadeia de suprimentos possa apresentar desafios significativos, a eficácia é vista como indispensável para o sucesso empresarial no ambiente competitivo atual, exigindo das empresas uma abordagem considerada integrada e estratégica.
Atratividade em bancos digitais: uma análise com usuários universitários em Sergipe
Authors: Rocha Ronalty Oliveira , Lopes Carla Cristine Silva , Dantas Lueny Oliveira , Silva Rosângela Sarmento da
Published: March 2024

Embora os estudos sobre bancos digitais tenham abarcado importantes discussões, poucas pesquisas analisaram de forma abrangente as relações entre linhas de crédito, conveniência e atendimento ao cliente, que costumam ser identificados como principais vantagens desse tipo de negócio. Além disso, dado que Dantas (2021) identificou os fatores que formam a base de atratividade de bancos digitais, mas não verificou como esses construtos se relacionam, esse estudo buscou verificar o impacto entre os construtos de atratividade de bancos digitais, referentes a linha de crédito, conveniência e atendimento ao cliente. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa e exploratória com 263 estudantes universitários de Sergipe. A análise dos dados utilizou o SEM: PLS para análise exploratória e descritiva, por meio da modelagem de equações estruturais, no software R. Os resultados contribuem com a literatura sobre bancos digitais e seus construtos de atratividade, que são pouco explorados na literatura brasileira. Além disso, a pesquisa identifica relações entre linha de crédito, atendimento e conveniência, oferecendo achados que podem ser úteis aos gestores desses negócios na definição e estabelecimento de estratégias para atração de clientes.
A REVIEW OF MAGGOT DEBRIDEMENT THERAPY IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCER
Authors: Bhagyashri Sakharkar , Lalitkumar Vithalani
Published: March 2024

the protocol for treating diabetic foot ulcers which occur in at least 15% of patients with diabetes and precede 84% of leg amputations. Debridement may be surgical or non-surgical. Surgical debridement is carried out using sharp instruments. It has some complications like perioperative bleeding and general complications of anaesthesia. It demands skilled surgeon. Non-surgical debridement includes autolytic, enzymatic, mechanical and biological debridement. All the methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Biological debridement is a technique based on the use of maggots to remove necrotic tissues from chronic wound. Maggots or larvae of flies are applied on the infected wound. Maggots excrete the enzyme which degrade and liquefy necrotic tissue and later on ingest this from the wound. It is relatively painless procedure as compared to the surgical debridement. This technique has been granted FDA approval in US since 2004. All classical and contemporary literature especially PubMed database regarding maggot debridement therapy and diabetic foot ulcer is scrutinised for the review. It was found that Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is the better technique as compared to other non-surgical debridement methods for management of diabetic foot ulcer. Sushruta the father of surgery was the first to introduce the maggot therapy in context to kaphaja arbuda (a type of tumour). It is the need of time to conserve this basic principle as a non-surgical method for debridement.
Exploring the on-farm Potential of Improved Sorghum Varieties for Scaling in Dry Lowland Areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Miruts Fistum , Roba Belay , Sori Derara
Published: March 2024

Feeding the world's growing population has become a global issue due to climate change, which has resulted in low agricultural productivity. Although an attempt has been made to feed this growing population by introducing improved agricultural technologies that boost productivity, the sustainability of these technologies is not promising as farmers insist to use traditional method of production. The study was conducted in the districts of Gololcha and Shanana Kolu to investigate the on-farm potentials of Melkam, Tilahun, and Argiti varieties.  Melkam had a higher grain yield (3628 kg/ha) than Argiti (3234 kg/ha), Tilahun (3050 kg/ha), and the districts average sorghum productivity (2320 kg/ha). The mean yield comparison results of yield performances revealed a significant difference (p0.05).  Melkam variety had the highest net benefit of 97,432 ETB. The higher gross margin (97,432 ETB per hectare) was received from Melkam with marginal benefit advantage of 57,306 ETB over the local, Argiti (44,698) and Tilahun (38,810 ETB) per hectare. The mean weight score of the selected traits revealed that grain yield and injera-making quality were the top priorities for women farmers, while grain yield and earliness were the top priorities for men farmers. The preference of the men and women found to be different which indicates considering gender needs during scaling of technologies. As a result, it is recommended that Melkam variety to be scaled up with the recommended production practices in the study areas and areas with similar agroecology to improve production and farmers' income.
Days of Future Past: Scrutinising the Artificial Intelligence Impact on the Leadership of Internationalising SMEs
Authors: Akbar Abdi , Mustafa Muh. Yushar , Haeruddin M. Ikhwan Maulana , Mariñas-Acosta Caroline , Hasbiyadi Hasbiyadi , Alam Syamsul , Darmawinata Widhi Nugraha S.
Published: March 2024

This study finds a gap within the literature and aims to conduct research that primarily highlights the role of artificial intelligence technology on internationalising SME’s leadership system, especially in Makassar, Indonesia. A quantitative research method is applied in this study by collecting both primary and secondary data. The time span of this study is from November 2023 to January 2024 and over 200 active SMEs received research questionnaires. Throughout the specific statistical measurements and tests, this study then aims to contribute to the body of knowledge and theoretical contribution by offering the research findings, which confirm that artificial intelligence plays an important role on leadership inside internationalising SMEs in a developing country, Indonesia, primarily in Makassar District. As for the theoretical contribution, the explanatory variable, which is artificial intelligence, affects significantly and positively the predictor, which is the leadership of the internationalising SMEs, particularly on: (1) the surveillance and monitoring; (2) the ethical considerations; and (3) the decision-making process. Additionally, the managerial contributions of this study are explained in detail within the particular sections of this paper.
Knowledge, Practices and Attitudes of Traditional Birth Attendants towards Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria Prevention among Pregnant Women within Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adediran Morayo Busayo , Ibukunoluwa Mojirayo Rebecca , Akeju Adebayo Victor
Published: March 2024

Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria among pregnant women is a recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat the various adverse outcomes of malaria in pregnant women. This adverse outcomes includes low birth weight, preterm delivery, severe anemia, maternal morbidity and mortality especially among primigravids. Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) has emerged as a significant influence in our society, particularly in the realm of maternal care and childbirth. Several economic, religious and socio-cultural factors have contributed to the preference of some pregnant women for the services of TBAs over medical facilities. Therefore, the study was carried out to assess the knowledge, practices and attitudes of traditional birth attendants within Ondo West Local Government area towards IPT for pregnant women reporting to them for care and delivery. The design employed in the study was descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data were collected by means of an adapted semi-structured interviewer administered-questionnaire. The analysis of the data was done using SPSS version 26.0. Demographic parameters were summarized with simple percentages and non-parametric chi-square test was used to determine the different associations of the variables. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The findings indicated that most of the TBAs have good knowledge of the malaria vector and factors promoting the transmission of malaria. Majority (mean=82.9%) also demonstrated excellent understanding of the symptoms associated with malaria in pregnancy however, their knowledge on the risk associated with malaria in a pregnant woman remains comparably low (mean=61.1%) thereby affecting significantly their attitudes and practice to intermittent preventive treatment for malaria prevention. This is because 50% of the TBA have not heard about IPT (P=0.01) and therefore do not administer treatment to asymptomatic pregnant women as recommended by WHO (P=0.00) and report of this study shows that majority (57.40%) of them attend to more than 31 pregnant women in a year. There is need for a government-sponsored partnership between formal health workers and TBAs in this study to ensure they are trained, retrained and equipped. The integration of the TBAs into maternal health care will ensure the sustenance of government policy on the free treatment of all pregnant women intermittently for malaria as recommended by WHO.
Cultural and Morphological Characterization of Streptomyces and Interaction Study with Sclerotium rolfsii by SEM
Authors: Sailaja Rani J.  , Reddi Kumar M.  , Khayum Ahammed S.  , Koteswara Rao S. R.  , Ravindra Reddy B.  , Sarada Jayalakshmi R.
Published: March 2024

Stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a major constraint in the production and productivity of the groundnut. Management of stem rot disease is very difficult due to soil borne nature, wide host range of S. rolfsii and lack of disease resistance in existing commercial cultivars. Biological control with potential Streptomyces is receiving greater attention all over the world. Studies were conducted on collection and isolation of Streptomyces, their mechanism of action, cultural and morphological characteristics, its efficacy against S. rolfsii with Scanning electron microscope(SEM). Roving survey was conducted in major groundnut growing regions of Andhra Pradesh. During survey 180 soil samples were collected from groundnut rhizosphere and 50 Streptomyces isolates were isolated from different soil samples. Twenty Streptomyces isolates were tested for their growth rate and antifungal activity against groundnut stem rot pathogen, S.rolfsii under in vitro conditions using dual culture method. Among twenty isolates of Streptomyces, five isolates showed maximum inhibition of S. rolfsii. These five isolates were characterized based on cultural and morphological characters. The study involved in differentiating various characters viz., type of spore chain, colony margins, shape of spore chains, colour of spore mass and spore surface. The morphology of the spore chains varied across the isolates showing the filamentous (Ggd), spiral (Kyd and Lrp) and Rectus flexibilis (Kdr and Mkc). SEM studies revealed that inhibition of the growth of S. rolfsii by Streptomyces was mainly due to exhibition of irregular distortions at contact site of the pathogen and collapse of the fungal hyphae and this might be due to the production of secondary metabolites and extracellular enzymes.