bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The judicial dialogue between the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Pirvu Daniela
Published: December 2023

Despite the evolution, recognizing fundamental rights on a case-by-case basis, the CJEU failed, however, to develop a complete system of fundamental rights protection, covering all areas of Community law and, subsequently, EU actions. Furthermore, due to the lack of specific references to fundamental rights in EU law, EU citizens have continued to rely on the protection system provided by the CEDO. On the other hand, the CEDO referred less often to the jurisprudence of the CJEU, which was not totally unexpected. In fact, the CEDO's citation of CJEU judgments did not result from a need to legitimize its own jurisprudence in relation to the contracting states. In the case of the CEDO, it rather proved that there is a consensus at the European level that could justify either a reversal of the jurisprudence or an evolutionary interpretation of a right guaranteed by the Convention.
Identifying and evaluating the challenges facing the management of digital libraries
Authors: Rahmani Mehdi
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose: With the advancement of science and the increase of electronic resources, the need to create libraries to collect, organize and disseminate these types of resources is felt. With the growth of electronic resources, resource management has gained special importance and is one of the important areas and issues in the discussion of digital libraries. In this study, the aim is to examine the issues and challenges facing the management of digital libraries and provide solutions to solve the challenges and issues facing digital libraries and digital library management. Research method: The current research is applied in terms of purpose and survey research in terms of method. The current research has been conducted by field method and using library techniques, and the researchers have presented digital library management approaches by reviewing the published texts on digital libraries and digital library management issues. Findings: The results of the research showed that the most important components of digital library management include human resources, management of shared resources, author's right to update resources, cataloging and maintaining the technical structure. Also, the surveys showed that the most important challenge facing digital libraries is the issue of intellectual property and compliance with copyright laws. Conclusion: The results of the research showed that in digital libraries, as in traditional libraries, measures must be taken in the field of collecting, organizing, storing and disseminating information, and it is not possible to carry out the above-mentioned activities without a competent manager. Digital library management leads to the creation of coordination between different parts of the digital library and helps the library to achieve the desired goals. The digital library is facing many issues and challenges, including financial and budget issues, issues related to expert human resources, issues related to digital equipment and internet infrastructure, issues related to author's right and copyright, issues related to the lack of devices. Digitization and security of important information resources and documents and finally issues related to the protection and maintenance of digital resources are faced, which cannot be solved except with the presence of a capable manager and strong human resources of the library.
Identifying dimensions and components of organizational agility based on the development of human resources to provide a model of organizational agility in the Islamic Azad University of Tehran province
Authors: Soltani Fatemeh , Nazem Fattah , Imani Mohammadnaghi
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose: This problem of how organizations can succeed in a dynamic and unpredictable environment is an issue that is known as the most important challenge in today's world. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to identify the dimensions and components of organizational agility based on human resources development to provide a model of organizational agility in the Islamic Azad University of Tehran province. Methodology: In this regard, the statistical population of the research included all employees of the Islamic Azad University of Tehran province, which was about 6735. Among these, using Morgan's table, Cochran's formula, and multi-stage and proportional cluster sampling methods, 386 university employees were considered the sample size. The data collection method was based on a researcher-made questionnaire, research literature, and semi-structured interviews. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the research tool was calculated as 0.919. After distributing and collecting the questionnaires, the information was checked, and the hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modeling method and with the help of SPSS and LISREL software. Results: Finally, the research findings confirmed the five dimensions, strategic, information technology, human, organizational and cultural, as the dimensions affecting organizational agility based on the development of human resources. Conclusion: The research results showed that the strategic dimension has the highest average, and dimensions of information technology, human, organizational and cultural are placed in the next ranks. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis showed that dimensions of organizational agility based on human resources development explain up to 71.282% of the variance of existing indicators of organizational agility based on human resources development.
Investigating the relationship between early maladaptive schemas in self-efficacy and work enthusiasm of employees
Authors: Tabatabaeifar Seyed Mahdi , Azemati Mansoor , Najafalizadeh Azam
Published: December 2023

Background & Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between initially incompatible schemas in self-efficacy and the work enthusiasm of employees. Methodology: The current research is applied in terms of purpose and correlational in terms of method. The statistical population of the present study consisted of employees of banks in the 5th district of Tehran. Among these people, 100 people were selected as a statistical sample based on Morgan's table. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The research tools included Yang's maladaptive schemas questionnaire (short form), Scherer et al.'s (1982) self-efficacy questionnaire, and Salona and Shoufeli's (2001) job enthusiasm questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and Pearson's correlation coefficient for statistical analysis. Results: The findings show a negative correlation between job passion and rejection, poor self-management, and impaired limitation, which is significant at the P < 0.01 level. On the other hand, the relationship between job passion and other areas of orientation and listening to live is insignificant. Also, the correlation between self- efficacy and impaired self-management, other orientation, and impaired limitation is negative and significant at the P < 0.01 level. At the same time, the relationship of self- efficacy with the domains of tinnitus, cutting, and rejection is not significant. Conclusion: The statistical analysis of the data showed that job enthusiasm has a significant negative correlation with the three areas of cut and rejection, impaired self- management, and impaired limitation, but its relationship with the other two areas is not significant. Also, self-efficacy has a significant negative correlation with impaired self-management, impaired limitation, and orientation toward others. This is even though the relationship between self-efficacy and the other two domains, i.e., listening to the bell and cutting and rejecting, is insignificant.
Predicting the job performance and job satisfaction of male teachers based on the psychological climate prevailing in the education organization
Authors: Ahmadianpay Abbas , Eltiaminia Siddiqa , Eltiaminia Nazgol , Eltiaminia Nematolah
Published: December 2023

Objective: Education is the most important social institution emerging from the context of the society and at the same time its creator and developer, and its effect on the progress of the society is quite noticeable. One of the things that can cause lack of performance and job satisfaction is the psychological atmosphere that dominates the organization. Therefore, this research aimed to predict the job performance and job satisfaction of male teachers based on the psychological climate prevailing in the education organization. Method: The research design was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of the research was made up of all male teachers in two districts of Tehran. Among the statistical population, 162 people were selected and studied as available sampling. In order to collect data, the psychological atmosphere, job satisfaction, and job performance measures were used. After collecting and extracting the data, the participants' scores were analysed with Pearson’s correlation and linear regression model through SPSS-22. Results: The results showed a significant relationship between the psychological atmosphere governing the organization and job satisfaction and teachers' job performance. Also, the results showed that the psychological atmosphere governing the organization can predict the teachers' job satisfaction and job performance. Conclusion: According to the results of the present research, using teachers' opinions and suggestions and sharing the problems and problems of the organization with them in order to find a solution and correct and improve the work can be an important step in increasing the job performance and consequently the job satisfaction of the teachers.
The effect and prioritization of international branding components of the tourism industry in tourism marketing in Tehran
Authors: Aghaziarati Shahla , Samet Alireza , Seyed Fazli Hadi
Published: December 2023

Objective: The purpose of this research was the influence and prioritization of the international branding components of the tourism industry on tourism marketing in Tehran. Method: This study was a descriptive survey in terms of implementation methods. The statistical population included all technical officials and managers of the Institute of International Tourist Companies and tourist tour guides of Tehran province in 2022, numbering 8499 people. Using the table of Krejcie and Morgan and the available method, 367 people were selected as the sample size. The data collection tool was the international tourism branding questionnaires made by the researcher based on Jalalian's research (2019) and Sangabi's tourism marketing (2014). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (Kolmogorov Smirnov, t-test and regression) using SPSS-26 software. Results: The results showed that the international branding components of the tourism industry affect tourism marketing in Tehran. Also, the results showed that brand image, awareness, perceived quality, and loyalty are the most important components of the tourism industry's international branding in Tehran's tourism marketing. Conclusion: One of the reasons for the importance of the concept of special brand value is that city managers and company owners can gain a competitive advantage with the help of brands with high special value. The more positive the tourists' evaluation of each of the specific brand value dimensions, the higher the brand of that destination has a higher specific value among tourists.
Maraknya Online Shop Terhadap Perubahan Gaya Hidup Konsumtif Perempuan
Authors: Evianah Evianah , Mustikorini Dwi Indah
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study, firstly, is to analyze the rise of online shops for changes in women's consumptive lifestyle, secondly, to find out what factors cause UWKS FE students to make purchases through online shops, and thirdly, to find out the impact of online shopping. shop towards changes in the consumptive lifestyle of women in FE UWKS students. The results of this study indicate that there is a change in consumptive behavior of students at Wijaya Kusuma University Surabaya, especially female students of the Faculty of Economics and Business. These changes include changes in the way of shopping which was originally conventional, such as having to come to malls, or offline shops, now to move to online shops.Another factor that can cause them to shop through online shops is the ease factor in accessing media that offers products in the online shop so that they become more consumptive. In addition, it is also caused by several factors, including time efficiency factors, as fulfillment of needs, supportive and easy access, influence from the peer environment, and the prices offered in digital marketing are very competitive, especially if the online store is a marketplace. In the marketplace the prices offered are very competitive, many shops compete in providing prices.
Glansbilledets skyggeside
Authors: Burmeister David , Wangsgaard Jürgensen Martin
Published: December 2023

The 19th century saw a remarkable innovation of the subject-matter of Danish altarpaintings. Frequently depicting the ministry of Christ and his Glory, these paintings have often been criticized for being skillfully executed but lacking drama, being overly sweet or even sentimental. This article argues that, in spite of the glossy façade, these paintings often engage in far more sinister topics of life and of faith. The article argues that Søren Kierkegaard’s theology offers a superb lens for gaining insights into this side of the religious painting of the so-called ‘Golden Age’ of Danish art and explores the ‘shadows of the glossy images’ through close readings of Danish altar pieces ranging from Bertel Thorvaldsen’s seminal Christ and C. W. Eckersberg’s ground-breaking Incredulity of Thomas to late 19th Century works of art by Constantin Hansen and Anton Dorph. The main argument of the article is that a negative understanding of this world and not least the constant struggle between being separated from, but needing to get (spiritually) closer to the Saviour remain very strong themes in the religious paintings throughout the 1800s, albeit mainly offered as a personal experience and not as a part of the ideal Christ figure.
The European Union's sanctions regime against Russian science
Authors: Shugurov Mark Vladimirovich
Published: December 2023

Unprecedented unilateral restrictive measures against Russia's participation in international scientific and technical cooperation (scientific sanctions) have become an integral part of the modern European sanctions policy. The subject of the article is the EU sanctions regime against Russian science, which implements an appropriate policy aimed at ending the participation of Russian scientific institutions and organizations in projects implemented within the framework of EU scientific programs. The purpose of the article is to reveal the content and model of the EU sanctions regime against Russian science. The hypothesis of the study is the position that the model of the sectoral sanctions regime under consideration combines general and specific points. The article argues that the specified sectoral sanctions regime of the EU is autonomous in nature and does not represent something derived from scientific sanctions imposed by member States. General scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, abstraction and generalization were used. This made it possible to move from diverse empirical data to theoretical generalizations about the nature and model of the EU sanctions regime against Russian science. In addition, historical and comparative approaches were used, as well as a modeling method. The article substantiates the conclusion about the contradictory nature of the value and legal foundations of this regime, which is reflected in the lack of unity of views of European expert circles regarding the degree of rupture of scientific ties with Russia. The author substantiates that the massive and, by historical standards, sudden introduction of scientific sanctions in 2022, forming a special sanctions regime, is not the result of certain difficulties that occurred earlier in Russian-European scientific cooperation. On the contrary, it is a systematically motivated destruction of the bridges of scientific diplomacy created after the Cold War. A negative consequence of the functioning of this regime was a decrease in the degree of internationalization of Russian science and its ability to contribute not only to solving applied problems of national socio-economic development, but also to solving global problems of our time. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time in the scientific literature, structural subsystems of the EU scientific sanctions regime are identified, as well as their additional identification features are characterized.
Conquered by the North: creative trips of the artist V.A. Igoshev of the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: Galyamov Artur Amirovich
Published: December 2023

The northern creative trips of the People's Artist of the USSR Vladimir Alexandrovich Igoshev (1921-2007) represent important and vivid pages in his creative biography. The object of this research is the creative heritage of the artist V.A. Igoshev. The subject of the study is the creative trips of the artist V.A. Igoshev to the North (Sverdlovsk and Tyumen regions) of the 1950s and 1960s. The purpose of this study is to reconstruct the overall picture of the northern creative trips of the artist V.A. Igoshev of the 1950s–1960s on the basis of paintings and graphic works of the early "northern cycle", archival materials, exhibition catalogues, Soviet periodicals, individual scientific articles and information from informants. The novelty of the research lies in the most complete and detailed consideration at the moment of the issue of the northern creative trips of the artist V.A. Igoshev in the 1950s and 1960s. Previously, this topic has not received special coverage. Modern researchers of the creative heritage of the artist V.A. Igoshev in their review articles practically did not touch on this problem, limiting themselves to mentioning individual episodes from the creative biography of the master. The author of the study provides historical facts related to specific dates of trips, introduces a list of paintings and graphic works, with all the circumstances of their creation and further exposure at major art exhibitions of the 1950s and 1960s.
Masterpieces of French animation of the turn of the XX-XXI centuries: analysis and interpretation in the context of the development of French animated cinema
Authors: Wu Zijian
Published: December 2023

The article presents an analysis and interpretation of the features of two animated works of French animation created at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries. "Kirikou and the Sorceress", a cartoon released in 1998, is one of the most interesting works of the famous French animated film director Michel Oselo. The "Trio from Belleville", a work that appeared on screens in 2003, gained popularity not only in France, but also glorified the name of its creator Sylvain Chaume in the world of animation. The aim of the study is to develop theoretical knowledge about the world's oldest animation school by analyzing these works as the most representative in French animated cinema at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries. The methodology of the research is based primarily on the use of formal stylistic, iconological and cultural-historical methods, which makes it possible to describe and analyze the artistic forms of works of artistic animation in France, to determine the meanings contained in them in the context of the culture that gave rise to them. The novelty of the research is primarily connected with the introduction into the circulation of Russian science of previously unexplored works of modern French animation and their interpretation in the context of the development of French animated cinema. The author analyzes the plot features, character systems, reveals the metaphors and meanings that fill the cartoons in question, as well as the means of artistic expression used by French directors. The analysis of these works shows that the animated works of the turn of the XX-XXI centuries reflect a significant stage in the development of modern French animated cinema. This development takes place not by referring to foreign experience, but by forming national specifics in the creation of animated works. French directors manage to successfully improve their own original handwriting, while transferring the meanings and values of national culture to the screen.
Graph convolutional network and self-attentive for sequential recommendation
Authors: Guo Kaifeng , Zeng Guolei
Published: December 2023

Sequential recommender systems (SRS) aim to provide personalized recommendations to users in the context of large-scale datasets and complex user behavior sequences. However, the effectiveness of most existing embedding techniques in capturing the intricate relationships between items remains suboptimal, with a significant concentration of item embedding vectors that hinder the improvement of final prediction performance. Nevertheless, our study reveals that the distribution of item embeddings can be effectively dispersed through graph interaction networks and contrastive learning. In this article, we propose a graph convolutional neural network to capture the complex relationships between users and items, leveraging the learned embedding vectors of nodes to represent items. Additionally, we employ a self-attentive sequential model to predict outcomes based on the item embedding sequences of individual users. Furthermore, we incorporate instance-wise contrastive learning (ICL) and prototype contrastive learning (PCL) during the training process to enhance the effectiveness of representation learning. Broad comparative experiments and ablation studies were conducted across four distinct datasets. The experimental outcomes clearly demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed GSASRec model.
Temporal and spatial differences in the vaginal microbiome of Chinese healthy women
Authors: Du Limin , Dong Xue , Song Jiarong , Lei Tingting , Liu Xianming , Lan Yue , Liu Xu , Wang Jiao , Yue Bisong , He Miao , Fan Zhenxin , Guo Tao
Published: December 2023

Background

Up the reproductive tract, there are large differences in the composition of vaginal microbes. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the structure of the vaginal microbiome shifts. Few studies have examined both in combination. Our study was designed to explore trends in the microbiome of different parts of the vagina in healthy women over the menstrual cycle.

Methods

We performed metagenomic sequencing to characterize the microbiome differences between the cervical orifice and mid-vagina throughout the menstrual cycle.

Results

Our results showed the vaginal microbiome of healthy women in the cervical orifice and the mid-vagina was similar during the periovulatory and luteal phases, with Lactobacillus being the dominant bacteria. In the follicular phase, Acinetobacter was detected in the cervical orifice. From the follicular phase to the luteal phase, the community state types (all five community status types were defined as CSTs) in samples No. 10 and No. 11 changed from CST III to CST I. In addition, the composition of the vaginal microbiome in healthy women from different regions of China was significantly different. We also detected viruses including Human alphaherpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) during periovulatory phase.

Conclusion

This study is valuable for understanding whether the microbial composition of the vagina is consistent in different parts of the menstrual cycle.
Population-level call properties of endangered Dryophytes suweonensissensu lato (Anura: Amphibia) in South Korea
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur , Yun Jiyoung , Lee KaHyun , Lee Seung-Ha , Park Seung-Min , Ham Choong-Ho , Sung Ha-Cheol
Published: December 2023

Calling is one of the unique amphibian characteristics that facilitates social communication and shows individuality; however, it also makes them vulnerable to predators. Researchers use amphibian call properties to study their population status, ecology, and behavior. This research scope has recently broadened to species identification and taxonomy. Dryophytes flaviventris has been separated from the endangered anuran species, D. suweonensis, based on small variations in genetic, morphometric, and temporal call properties observed in South Korea. The Chilgap Mountain (CM) was considered as the potential geographic barrier for the speciation. However, it initiated taxonomic debates as CM has been hardly used and is considered a potential barrier for other species. The calls of populations from both sides are also apparently similar. Thus, to verify the differences in call properties among populations of D. suweonensis sensu lato (s.l.; both of the species), we sampled and analyzed call data from five localities covering its distribution range, including the southern (S) and northern (N) parts of CM. We found significant differences in many call properties among populations; however, no specific pattern was observed. Some geographically close populations, such as Iksan (S), Wanju (S), and Gunsan (S), had significant differences, whereas many distant populations, such as Pyeongtaek (N) and Wanju (S), had no significant differences. Considering the goal of this study was only to observe the call properties, we cautiously conclude that the differences are at the population level rather than the species level. Our study indicates the necessity of further investigation into the specific status of D. flaviventris using robust integrated taxonomic approaches, including genetic and morphological parameters from a broader array of localities.
Litsea glaucescens Kuth possesses bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Gress-Antonio Carlos David , Rivero-Perez Nallely , Marquina-Bahena Silvia , Alvarez Laura , Zaragoza-Bastida Adrian , Martínez-Juárez Víctor Manuel , Sosa-Gutierrez Carolina G. , Ocampo-López Juan , Zepeda-Bastida Armando , Ojeda-Ramírez Deyanira
Published: December 2023

Background

Litsea glaucencens Kuth is an aromatic plant used for food seasoning food and in Mexican traditional medicine. Among, L. glaucencens leaves properties, it has proven antibacterial activity which can be used against opportunistic pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacteria that is the causal agent of listeriosis, a disease that can be fatal in susceptible individuals. The aim of this work was to investigate the antibacterial activity of L. glaucescens Kuth leaf extracts against L. monocytogenes and to identify its bioactive components.

Material and Methods

L. glaucences leaves were macerated with four solvents of different polarity (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). To determine the capacity to inhibit bacterial proliferation in vitro, agar diffusion and microdilution methods were used. Next, we determined the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Finally, we determined the ratio of MBC/MIC. Metabolites present in the active methanolic extract from L. glaucescens Kuth (LgMeOH) were purified by normal-phase open column chromatography. The structure of the antibacterial metabolite was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC) and by comparison with known compounds.

Results

The LgMeOH extract was used to purify the compound responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. This compound was identified as 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone (pinocembrin) by analysis of its spectroscopic data and comparison with those described. The MIC and MBC values obtained for pinocembrin were 0.68 mg/mL, and the ratio MBC/MIC for both LgMeOH and pinocembrin was one, which indicates bactericidal activity.

Conclusion

L. glaucences Kuth leaves and its metabolite pinocembrin can be used to treat listeriosis due the bactericidal activity against L. monocytogenes.
Virulence of entomopathogenic bacteria Serratia marcescens against the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier)
Authors: Zhong Baozhu , Lv Chaojun , Li Wenlian , Li Chaoxu , Chen Tuo
Published: December 2023

Background

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), is an important quarantine pest, which has caused serious economic losses in various palm species, such as coconut, oil palm and date palm. Finding effective biocontrol resources is important for the control of this pest and the protection of palm crops.

Methods

A pathogenic strain HJ-01 was isolated from infected and dead pupa of Tenebrio molitor using tissue separation method. The HJ-01 strain was streak cultured and purified, and its morphological, physiological, biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA homology were identified after conducting a pathogenicity test on RPW larvae.

Results

Strain HJ-01 exhibited remarkable pathogenicity against RPW larvae. Under the concentration of HJ-01 suspension was 1.0 × 108 cfu/mL, the mortality rate of RPW reached 82.22%, and the half-lethal time (LT50) was 4.72 days. RPW larvae infected with strain HJ-01 showed reduced movement, decreased appetite, and eventual death. As the treatment progresses, the larvae’s bodies turned red, became soft, and started to rot, resulting in the discharge of liquid. HJ-01 demonstrated the ability to produce scarlet pigment after 24 h of culture on a basic medium. Colonies of HJ-01 appeared convex, bright red, moist, and viscous, opaque in the center, irregular at the edges, and emitted an unpleasant odor. Under microscopic observation, the cells of HJ-01 appeared as short rod-shaped and flagellate, with a size ranging from (1.2–1.8) μm × (1.0–1.2) μm. Genomic DNA extraction was performed on the strain, and the 16S rDNA sequence was amplified, yielding a sequence length of 1445 bp. The sequence of strain HJ-01 displayed a 99.72% similarity to that of Serratia marcescens. Phylogenetic tree analysis further confirmed that strain HJ-01 belonged to S. marcescens. Therefore, the strain HJ-01 has a very good lethal effect on RPW larvae, and it may be used as an effective bacterium for the control of RPW.
Consumer Perceptions and Purchase Intentions towards Organic Foods: Evidence from Eastern Mediterranean Region of Türkiye
Authors: Çelik Hüseyin , Gül Aykut
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate consumer perceptions towards organic foods and explore the relationship between purchase intentions and socio-demographic characteristics. Between February and July 2021, we conducted an online survey in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Türkiye, specifically in the provinces of Adana, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş, and Hatay. The survey included 384 randomly selected respondents within the age range of 18 to 71. Factor analysis revealed five significant factors: "Environmental Awareness," "Attitude," "Trust," "Purchase Barrier," and "Purchase Intention." Notably, t-test result showed a significant difference in purchase intention, with female consumers exhibiting a more positive preference. We identified organic tomato-pepper pastes and olive oil as the most consumed organic foods. Moreover, the statement "Organic foods are produced with environmentally friendly methods" received the highest average value under " Environmental Awareness." In conclusion, this research fills a gap in the literature by providing insights into consumer perception and purchase intention toward organic foods in Türkiye. The observed gender-based differences emphasize the need for targeted marketing strategies. The popularity of specific organic products indicates market expansion opportunities. Understanding consumer preferences and market dynamics is crucial for stakeholders in the organic food industry to tailor their approaches effectively. Further research and market analysis are essential to adapt strategies and meet evolving consumer demands in the dynamic organic food market.
Preliminary Inventory of Stomoxys spp., Potential Vectors of Pathogens in the Minkébé Forest Massif in the North-East of Gabon
Authors: Koumba C. Roland Zinga , Koumba A. Armel , Apinda-Legnouo A. Emelie , Owono R. Leotard Sima , Pamba Richard , Mavoungou J. François
Published: December 2023

Aims: This study aims to characterize Stomoxys spp., potential vectors of pathogens in the north-east of Gabon.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted in the Minkébé forest massif, Woleu-Ntem Province, Gabon from April to May 2023 (rainy season).

Methodology: The daily captures were conducted at Mikouka, Massoko and Minkébé using Vavoua and Nzi traps. All captured specimens were morphologically identified to species using binocular microscope (Leica Microsystems ©). The identification was aided by “specific” taxonomic keys. The collected data were organized from Microsoft Office Excel 2013. This database was used to calculate numbers and proportions of specimens observed by species. Several parameters including Apparent Density per Trap per day (ADT), Shannon, Simpson, Pielou and Bray-Curtis indices were evaluated.

Results: A total of 1552 Stomoxys were caught, including 610 at Massoko, 533 at Mikouka and 409 at Minkébé. These specimens belonged to two species: Stomoxys niger niger and Stomoxys omega. Stomoxys niger niger was the most abundant with 1176 specimens caught and an ADT of 4 Stomoxys/trap/day (s/p/d). On the other hand, Stomoxys omega was poorly captured (n= 376; ADT= 1.28). As for the biotopes surveyed, Massoko (n= 619; ADT= 6.42) and Mikouka (n= 533; ADT= 5.44) were the most infested with Stomoxys spp. However, the lowest catches were recorded at Minkébé (n= 409; ADT= 4.17). The Shannon, Pielou and Simpson index values indicate relatively low levels of diversity between sites. The Shannon index reached higher values at Minkébé than at the other study sites. The Simpson and Pielou indices also had higher values at Minkébé. As for the Bray-Curtis index, its values were low between Minkébé and Mikouka (0.592), between Mikouka and Massoko (0.302) and between Minkébé and Massoko (0.384).

Conclusion: Our findings show the coexistence of Stomoxys niger niger and Stomoxys omega in Minkébé. Their presence constitutes a health risk, because these vectors could play a role in the circulation of certain pathogens in the Minkébé forest massif. So, a longitudinal study of these vectors and a screening of their infectious agents are urgently needed.
Effect of Seed Rate and Sowing Method on Seed Yield of Fennel
Authors: Sarker R. , Khan M. A. , Rahman M. H. , Rahman M. M. , Ratna M.
Published: December 2023

The present study was carried out at the research field of Spices Research Sub-Centre, Faridpur during Rabi season 2018-19. The experiment was done to determine the optimum seed rate and suitable sowing method for fennel cultivation to increase seed yield and quality of fennel. The experimental field belongs to high land of Low Ganges River Floodplain (AEZ 12) with clay loam in texture having 7.6-8.1 soil pH. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (factorial) with three replications. Four different seed rates viz., 6, 8, 10 and 12 kg seed/ha and two sowing methods viz., Broadcasting and Line sowing method were evaluated. All of all yield contributing parameters (number of plants per m2, number of branches per plant, number of umbels per plant, number of umbel lets per umbel, number of seeds per umbel let and seed yield (kg/ha)  showed better result where seeds were sown at 10 kg/ha with line sowing method. Most of all yield contributing characters showed minimum results where seeds were sown at 6 kg seed/ha.The highest seed yield (1569 kg/ha) was recorded from the treatment combination of 10 kg seed/ha ×  line sowing method with highest benefit-cost ratio (2.9). The lowest seed yield (985.8 kg/ha) was recorded from 6 kg seed/ha × Broadcasting method with lowest benefit-cost ratio (1.87).
Training on Good Practices for Start-Up, use and Maintenance of Processing Equipment in a Cereal Processing Unit in the Mouhoun Province of Burkina Faso
Authors: Hounsouho Lingani Abdel Kader , Georges Yé Siédouba
Published: December 2023

The objective of this work is the use and Maintenance of cereal (maize, sorghum, millet, etc.) processing equipment in the province of Mouhoun in Burkina Faso. The work is carried out through the establishment of a training booklet containing all the following information, namely: the technical and operational presentation of each piece of equipment in the unit, the products treated and the bio-parameters of use of each equipment, and finally the methods of repair or maintenance of the equipment after use. This fieldwork allowed us to transfer technologies from the processing equipment manufactured in the Mechanical Engineering workshop of the Mechanization Department of the Research Institute for Applied Sciences and Technologies. This work is therefore the result of the dissemination and popularization of the results of research work that are unknown to the general Burkinabe public.
Influence of Land Uses on Soil Carbon Mineralization in Selected Agro-ecological Units of South Kerala, India
Authors: Bincy B. , Gladis R. , Rani B. , Aparna B. , Sandeep S. , Bindhu J.S.
Published: December 2023

Soil is a major reservoir of terrestrial carbon and it plays an important role in the global                        carbon cycle. The soil organic carbon (SOC) is the fundamental factor for sustainable agriculture because of the ability in maintaining the soil fertility which is critical to soil productivity. Soil carbon pool has gained paramount importance in the recent decades owing to the alarming issues of climate change and global warming. Land use change was found to have a larger net effect on SOC storage than projected climate change. Depending on the land use management practices, soils can be a net sink or source for CO2. In this regard the present study was carried out to assess the impact of different land uses on carbon storage and mineralization in soils of selected agro-ecological units of south Kerala.The agro-ecological units (AEUs) of south Kerala namely, southern coastal plain (AEU 1), Onattukara sandy plain (AEU 3), southern laterites (AEU 8), south central laterites (AEU 9) and southern and central foothills (AEU 12) were selected. In each AEU, different agricultural land use categories as described by IPCC for the carbon inventory such as, garden land (coconut), wet land (rice), fallow (uncultivated) and plantation (rubber) were also selected for the study. The potential for carbon mineralization in soil was assessed by evaluating factors such as Total organic carbon, mineralizable carbon, particulate organic carbon, global warming potential, carbon distribution, and turnover. The total organic carbon and particulate organic carbon were higher in rubber land use and AEU 12. The mineralizable C content in soil varied from  1.40 to 3.45, 1.18 to 3.41, 1.04 to 3.04, 1.23 to 3.35  and 1.01 to 3.02 mg g⁻¹ in AEU 1, 3, 8, 9 and 12 respectively. The highest value was observed from AEU 1 and rice land use. Similar trend was obtained for global warming potential of soils based on CO2 evolution which varied from 31.82 to 78.41, 26.89 to 79.02, 22.89 to 69.02, 28.03 to 76.06 and 22.96 to 68.64 in AEU 1, 3, 8, 9 and 12 respectively. The C proportion and turnover rates were in the range of 0.25 to 0.77 and 0.04 to 0.17 respectively. The C proportion was the highest in AEU 12 and rubber land use whereas the C turnover was the highest in AEU 1 and rice land use.
Impact of Cropping Systems on Soil Organic Carbon Levels and Enzyme Activity
Authors: Joy Jince Mary M. , John Jacob , Meera A. V. , Sudha B. , Pillai P. Shalini , Manju R. V.
Published: December 2023

Monocropping makes agriculture more susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Resilient agriculture systems that can buffer crops against various agricultural vulnerabilities is the need of the hour. In this context, a study was conducted to assess the impact of various rice based cropping systems on soil health.

Aims: To study the effect of different rice based cropping systems on soil enzyme activity and organic carbon.

Study Design:  Randomized block design, Replications – 3.

Place and Duration of Study: Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS) of Kerala Agricultural University located at Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, during kharif, rabi and summer seasons of 2019-2020.

Methodology: The experiment consists of eleven cropping systems (T1 :  rice - fallow - fallow, T2 :  rice - rice - fallow, T3 : rice - daincha - cowpea, T4 : (rice + daincha) - rice - green gram,  T5 : rice - cassava - amaranthus, T6 : rice - cassava - cowpea, T7 : rice - para grass - fodder cowpea, T8 : rice - fodder cowpea - fodder maize, T9 : rice - okra  - culinary melon, T10 : rice - okra  - yard long bean and T11 : rice - rice – amaranthus).

Results: Soil organic carbon and enzyme activities were found highest in the cropping system (rice+daincha) – rice – green gram during kharif. During rabi, soil organic carbon and activity of urease and acid phosphatase were highest in rice- daincha- cowpea while dehydrogenase activity was highest in rice- fodder cowpea – fodder maize.  During summer, rice- okra – yard long bean, rice- cassava- amaranthus and rice- cassava – cowpea recorded the highest urease, acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity, respectively. The organic carbon was highest for the sequence rice – okra –culinary melon. The soil organic carbon and enzyme activities were least in rice- fallow-fallow cropping sequence during all the three cropping seasons.

Conclusion: Brown manuring, use of leguminous crops and cover crops in the crop sequence instead of leaving the land fallow and addition of organic sources of nutrition increase the soil organic carbon and enzymatic activity of microbes. The increase in soil organic carbon and activity of enzymes in soil owing to crop rotation of rice with arable crops relies on the crop species which are cultivated.
The Use of the Ash from the Burning of Sugarcane Bagasse is Associated with Biosolid Application for Soil Fertility
Authors: Ferreira Tatiane Cristovam , Guimarães Mara Lúcia Cruz Souza , Silva Alessandra Vieira da , Santos Amanda Rithieli Pereira dos , Zabotto Alessandro , Guerra Saulo Philipe Sebastião , Broetto Fernando
Published: December 2023

The incorporation of agroindustrial wastes in the soil is an alternative practice for an adequate environmental destination, and it is a nutrient source. Purpose: This study evaluated the effects of incorporating biosolids associated with sugarcane ashes and their effect on bean crop production in a protected environment concerning nutritional chemical parameters. Methods: The experimental design was in randomised blocks in a 2x4+1 factorial scheme with four replications. The main factors consisted of two doses of ash (5 and 10 t ha-1) and four doses of biosolid (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 t ha-1) in two phenological stages, vegetative (V4) and reproductive (R7). Results: The results showed that adding both waste in the soil provided a better availability of secondary macronutrients and essential micronutrients for the bean crop but lower primary macronutrients. This way, the applied ash doses change the pH, considering its neutralising properties. Adding 10 t of SBA significantly reduced the pH compared to applying 5 t in the absence of biosolid. The soil organic matter content increased with the SBA application, mainly at the dose of 10 t ha-1 of the waste. Combining BS with the highest SBA dose ash (10 t ha -1) generally resulted in elevated P levels. About K contents, the 10 t SBA dose promoted the most significant increase in the content of this element. Conclusion: Regarding the effect of doses, considering the studied phenological stages (V4 and R7), the results were promising even at lower doses of applied waste. This result indicates a dose dependence to complement the crop's nutritional needs.
Effects of Using a Program of Student Role Model Development for Thai Children against COVID-19, Lower Primary School Level, A School in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand
Authors: Lertwittayakul Thidaratana , Pholputta Ladda , Toemjai Thawatchai
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study aims to the effects of program of student role development for Thai children against COVID-19.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 36 students in grades 1-3 in a lower primary school. The sample was selected using stratified random sampling to select 36 participants invited to a student role model development program for Thai children against COVID-19. The quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Statistics were compared using Paired t-test.

Results: The majority of the respondents were female (69.4%). The results revealed that after the COVID-19 learning bases program, the respondents had a mean score of the knowledge level of Corona Virus and prevention of COVID-19 spread showed a low level (M=9.75, SD=1.66). The skill level in wearing, removing the mask was a moderate level (M=2.14, SD=0.56), hand washing was a low level (M=1.47, SD=0.45), and the characteristics of Thai children against COVID-19 was a moderate level (M=21.73, SD=1.56). The effects of the COVID-19 learning bases showed that after participation, the knowledge level of Corona Virus and prevention of COVID-19 spread, the skill level in wearing, removing the mask, hand washing, and the characteristics of Thai children against COVID-19 were higher than before participated with statistically significant (p-value<0.001).

Conclusion: The student role model development program for Thai children against COVID-19 should be expanded to promote an attribute of Thai children against COVID-19 to extensive all classroom classes, and to promote good health for effective prevention of the coronavirus spread.
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), Diagnosis, and Current Medication-Based Management Options: Schematic Overview
Authors: Srivastav Yash , Kumar Vijay , Srivastava Yashi , Kumar Madhaw
Published: December 2023

A common condition in the world, Peptic Ulcer condition is sometimes referred to as stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers. PUD is caused by a defect in the mucosa of the stomach or duodenum that extends beyond the muscularis mucosa. PUD is the consequence of an imbalance between the aggressive and defensive elements impacting the mucosa, which occurs after gastric mucosal lesions. Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a widespread ailment affecting 5–10% of the world's population, with notable racial and regional variations. As a result of an imbalance between the aggressive and defensive elements impacting the mucosa, comes gastric mucosal injuries. The word "peptic" comes from the hormone pepsin, which is essential in causing mucosal breakdown. The most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the Western world is bleeding from peptic ulcers (PUs). High rates of morbidity, mortality, and medical costs are linked to it. This review article covers the pathophysiology, aetiology, medical therapy, diagnosis, symptoms, and signs of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD).
Chicana/Latina feminism: What is it and how does it define us?
Authors: Peña Cindy , Lopez Sonia Rey , Castañeda Elizabeth , Quintero Jessica M. , Askari Mona
Published: December 2023

Latinas holding doctoral degrees are few and far between in the academic world as compared to their White female counterparts (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2020). We explore a crucial topic of Chicana/Latina feminism, which resists traditional theoretical concepts and methodologies in the field of adult education. Chicana/Latina feminism is a feminist theory that has transcended academic disciplines since its conception in ethnic women's studies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to offer an in‐depth look at Chicana/Latina feminism by defining the origins of a Chicana feminist theory, exploring the need to decolonize adult educational research to allow a more inclusive space for women of color in academia, attesting to the application of a Chicana feminist epistemology with the use of testimonios, and discussing the implications of embedding Chicana feminist perspectives in adult educational research.