bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turkey's Changing Stance on Immigration: An Examination of Foreign Policy Adjustments
Authors: Sinulingga Anita Afriani , Pertiwi Delfira Irgahayu , Jamilah Maryam
Published: April 2024

Turkey was a closed country to immigrants. However, in 2013, Turkey modified its foreign policy to become an open country for immigration under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. Even in 2019, Turkey is the country that receives the most refugees. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of Turkish foreign policy changes on immigration. To analyze it, this study employs Blavoukos and Bourantonis' Foreign Policy Change Concept. This study uses a qualitative approach with an explanatory design. The data analysis technique used in this study begins with data reduction, followed by data presentation, findings, and verification. This study discovered that Turkish foreign policy changed as a result of Turkey's desire to join the European Union, the encouragement of President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan, and the shift in Turkish political culture to Neo-Ottomanism.
Innovation and engineering education: New challenges for achieving sustainable development goals
Authors: Semenova Valeriya V. , Mazur Vladimir V. , Koshel Ilya S. , Svistunova Ekaterina A. , Egorov Yrii V.
Published: April 2024

This article is an analysis of global trends in the field of socio-economic development, which in modern conditions is determined by innovative technological engineering solutions. Innovation is new knowledge embodied in engineering technologies that can meet the needs of mankind's development. However, changes caused by scientific and technological progress radically change not only human life but also its natural habitat. The effect of the use of a large number of technological solutions for humans is positive (a decrease in the share of heavy manual labor, an increase in life expectancy, etc.), and for the environment, it is negative (depletion of soils, pollution of the atmosphere and water bodies, etc.). The result of technological development, which humanity has today, forces us to revise the fundamental elements of technological development, shifting priorities from increasing the diversity of social consumption to the ecological depletion of the planet, and this, in turn, requires a change in the values of professional engineering thinking, which is formed in the learning process.
Model Altman Z-Score Untuk Menganalisis Kejadian Kebangkrutan Perusahaan Peternakan Broiler X Di Kabupaten Malang
Authors: Novita Dewi Kristanti  , Muhammad Ridho  , Siti Azizah
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the causes of bankruptcy in broiler farms using the Altman Z-Score method using financial statements for the 2017-2019 period. This research was conducted from August to September 2021, this research was conducted by conductibf interviews with the Company Owner. The type of research used is descriptive quantitative research, namely by collecting, classifying, analyzing and interpreting the data obtained from the company so that it can provide an overview of the actual situation. The method used by researchers for data collection is by interview and documentation. The results showed how to overcome bankruptcy based on financial data, the company had total debt which was one of the causes of the company going bankrupt and another reason the company closed because in 2019 the price of chicken decreased. Factors causing the decline in broiler prices in 2019 were due to oversupply from broiler chickens, oversupply from Day Old Chicks (DOC), a decrease in people's purchasing power and distribution channels that were disrupted due to the issue of the cartel mafia.
Extension Program on the Utilization of Cow Urine Waste into Biourine with the Addition of Pineapple Peel Bioactivator in Sumberpitu Village, Pasuruan Regency
Authors: Manek Petrus , Gunawan Gunawan , Wandansari Niken Rani
Published: April 2024

Agriculture is one of the main business sectors used as the livelihood of the people of Sumberpitu village with dairy farming as an accompanying business unit. However, from the existing potential, there are several problems such as steps and expensive inorganic fertilizers. From the results of deepening the problem through interviews, it shows that farmers in Sumberpitu Village do not have any knowledge and skills to use cow urine as liquid organic fertilizer in their farming business. The purpose of this study is to conduct extension program on the use of cow urine waste as biourine with the addition of pineapple skin bioactivators and analyze behavior changes in aspects of knowledge, attitudes and skills of farmers in Sumberpitu village. The research method used in this study is the Level III action research method. The evaluation results show that extension services can increase farmers' knowledge from a percentage of pre-test scores of 50% to 82% in post-test scores, which can be categorized as very high. In the aspect of attitude, the percentage of pre-test scores of 48% increased to 76% in post-test scores and was included in the high category so as to show a positive attitude towards the extension program material delivered. While in the aspect of presentation skills, the post test score is 83%, which can be categorized as “very high”. These results show that the extension program provided has proven effective in changing farmer behavior in increasing knowledge and attitudes as well as developing farmers' skills in utilizing cow urine waste as biourine with the addition of pineapple peel as a bioactivator.
Does Capital Structure Effects Profitability: Evidence from conventional and Islamic banking
Authors: Muhammad Saleem
Published: April 2024

The current research study analyzed the effect of capital structure and productivity performance of banking sectors. The study used the regression and co-relation analysis to test the impact of capital structure on productivity performance. The study divided the banking sector into two broad categories such as, Conventional Banks and Islamic Banks over the sample period. For the said purpose an economic model was developed for conventional and Islamic banks. This model is based on Net Profit Margin (NPM) i.e. dependent variable and explanatory variables such as Debt to Assets (DTA), Debt to Equity (DTE), Total Capitalization Ratio (TCR) and Coverage Ratio (CR). The results showed that Conventional Banks, DTA and DTE were statistical significant for dependent variable NPM. While in case of Islamic Banks, DTE and CR were statistically significant with positive signs and were contributing reasonably well in the profitability
Determinants of overnutrition among elderly in Thailand: A Cross sectional study
Authors: Boonsuk Sarawut , Laohasiriwong Wongsa , Sornlorm Kittipong , Mahato Roshan Kumar
Published: April 2024

Background: As per the Global Nutrition Report 2017, malnutrition has been associated with weakened health conditions and can be distinguished as under and over nutrition respectively. Malnutrition distresses one in three people worldwide and is increasing in several countries making it public health challenge for all over the world.Objectives: This study was aimed to identify the prevalence of overnutrition and the determinants of obesity among elderly in Thailand.Methodology: 6,477 Thai elderlies were randomly selected from all the 77 provinces of Thailand which includes 13 zones and 4 regions. An analytical cross-sectional study was performed to identify the study outcome. Multilevel logistic regression was carried out and results were presented as Adjusted OR (Adj.OR) and 95%CI at the significance level of 0.05. Results: Of the total 6,477, 39.40% (95%CI, 38.21-40.59) elderly were found to be obese. Multilevel logistic regression analysis between independent factors and obesity among elderly in Thailand observed those factors, statistically significant were, age group varying from 60-69 years (Adj.OR=2.53, 95%CI,2.09-3.08), those who can read fluently (Adj.OR=1.33, 95%CI,1.06-1.66, p-value 0.011), who can write fluently (Adj.OR=1.24,95%CI,1.02-1.60, p-value 0.026), having cable TV (Adj.OR=1.22, 95%CI, 1.07-1.39, p-value 0.002), having mobile phones (Adj.OR=1.32, 95%CI, 1.17-1.49, p-value<0.001), residing in the municipality (Adj.OR=1.23, 95%CI, 1.10-1.38, p-value<0.001), having chronic disease (Adj.OR=1.73, 95%CI, 1.54-1.94, p-value<0.001) and, elderly who do not have universal health insurance (Adj.OR=1.21, 95%CI, 1.05-1.39, p-value 0.007) respectively while controlling other co-variates. Conclusion: Overnutrition among the elderly was significantly raised and factors such as having age group 60-69 years, without current occupation, unable to read and write fluently, having cable TV and mobile phones, residing in the municipality, having chronic disease, without universal health insurance were observed to be associated with obesity. Therefore, to tackle dual-form of malnutrition, nutrition and health education are important strategies to promote and maintain good health of elderly.
In a Search for Contemporary Growth Drivers: Does Public Healthcare Entrepreneurship Affect Economic Growth?
Authors: Rastoka Jelica
Published: April 2024

Entrepreneurship has been long recognized as an essential driver of economic growth. It is widely accepted that entrepreneurship increases innovation, firm formation, employment, and overall GDP. Despite the increasing research on both public entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship in healthcare, these different research areas have not been combined that much. To fill this research gap, this paper analyses whether public healthcare entrepreneurship influences economic growth. This study exploits the WHO Global Health Observatory database approximating various dimensions of entrepreneurship by specific aspects of compliance with international healthcare regulation. The study uses data for 170 countries from 2010 to 2019. Using the fixed effect panel setting, it tests whether improvements in public healthcare entrepreneurship (PHE) affect a country's economic growth. The results suggest that higher entrepreneurial orientation in public healthcare is associated with larger effects on output per capita, which is channelled through productivity. However, after reaching certain level of PHE development, the contributions to growth start diminishing. The findings from this paper produce several implications. First, by exploring the nexus between public entrepreneurship and healthcare entrepreneurship it introduces the concept of public healthcare entrepreneurship explaining its theoretical and empirical importance. It further provides empirical and quantitative support to the view that developing public healthcare entrepreneurship plays a role in achieving a higher output per effective worker. Thereby, this study provides evidence of a non-linear relationship between public healthcare entrepreneurship and growth. Finally, given the statistical and economic significance of the results, these findings motivate policymakers to consider developing policies that guide developing entrepreneurial orientation within public healthcare. We believe this is possibly the first study that considers entrepreneurial orientation withing a public sector into the economic growth discussion.
Science Mapping the Research of Business Process Management: Patterns and Implications for Comparable Information Technology Fields
Authors: Ninčević Pašalić Ivana , Mijač Tea
Published: April 2024

Business ethics, as a content of formal higher education, occupies This paper maps the research and maturity of the Business Process Management (BPM) scientific field by using existing literature reviews and bibliographic methods to formulate generalizable patterns and implications, which could be proposed for comparable, multidisciplinary Information Technology (IT) fields. By applying text mining to the corpus of BPM conference and journal papers, systematically selected from Scopus, generalizable drivers of BPM evolution and maturity are determined, including the proposal of implications for comparable IT fields. Results showed four literature clusters, which relate reasonably well with the BPM lifecycle and PDCA/PDSA cycle concepts. BPM and comparable research fields seem to be driven by the maturing of technological capabilities and organizational acceptance in the sectors in which they are heavily applied. This study comprehensively analyzes BPM journal articles and conference proceedings using bibliometric analysis to provide new research directions.
Individual and social influence on students’ attitudes towards business ethics
Authors: Marija Alfirević Ana , Talić Miljana
Published: April 2024

Business ethics, as a content of formal higher education, occupies an important place in the curricula of higher education. Based on previous research results, it is essential to determine which factors influence students' attitudes and behavior in adopting the principles of business ethics and social responsibility. This paper investigates a series of individual and social influences on students' attitudes toward business ethics. Using a sample of 211 students from the University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and the University of Niš, Serbia, we empirically test factors, influencing students’ attitudes toward business ethics and social responsibility. The paper employs statistical methods of descriptive analysis, clustering, and statistical testing of mean differences using non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon Z). After analyzing the empirical results, recommendations are given for improving educational programs and adopting the principles of business ethics and social responsibility in business. Additionally, recommendations are provided aimed at public authorities in creating public policies that would strengthen the focus of young generations on business ethics.
Transfigurações de Axel: leituras de teatro moderno em Portugal
Authors: Junqueira Renata Soares
Published: April 2024

Quando, no fim do século 19, a forma dramática baseada no diálogo e nas ações decorrentes de relações intersubjetivas entra em crise pela incapacidade de expressar a situação do sujeito no contexto social, o foco da dramaturgia volta-se para o sujeito isolado e introvertido. Essa forma de representação viria a caracterizar não apenas o teatro, mas a arte moderna em geral. Esse sujeito, transformado em “coisa”, peça da engrenagem industrial, ao poucos vai perdendo a capacidade de diálogo e vê sua vontade de agir cerceada pelo sistema socioeconômico decorrente do avanço do capitalismo industrial. Com a rarefação do diálogo o drama sobreviveria transformando-se. Daí, o teatro moderno ser povoado de personagens introvertidas e autocentradas, mais afeitas ao monólogo. Neste livro aautora busca entender o teatro moderno a partir de personagens que carregam essas características – o protagonista do drama homônimo de Auguste Villiers de l’Isle-Adam (1838–1889), o misantropo radical Axel, que renuncia à vida para não ver frustrados os seus sonhos; e o ícone do homem atual, ou seja, o homem solitário e oprimido pelo mundo circundante, figurado em O grito (1893), quadro do pintor norueguês Edvard Munch (1863–1944). No decorrer da obra ela aborda criações que compõem a história do moderno teatro português entre o fim do século 19 e as primeiras décadas do 20. Entre os autores analisados, estão Eugénio de Castro, Manuel Teixeira-Gomes, Mário de Sá-Carneiro, Fernando Pessoa, António Patrício, Raul Brandão e Branquinho da Fonseca.
Episodic long-term memory formation during slow-wave sleep
Authors: Schmidig Flavio J , Ruch Simon , Henke Katharina
Published: April 2024

We are unresponsive during slow-wave sleep but continue monitoring external events for survival. Our brain wakens us when danger is imminent. If events are non-threatening, our brain might store them for later consideration to improve decision-making. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether novel vocabulary consisting of simultaneously played pseudowords and translation words are encoded/stored during sleep, and which neural-electrical events facilitate encoding/storage. An algorithm for brain-state-dependent stimulation selectively targeted word pairs to slow-wave peaks or troughs. Retrieval tests were given 12 and 36 hr later. These tests required decisions regarding the semantic category of previously sleep-played pseudowords. The sleep-played vocabulary influenced awake decision-making 36 hr later, if targeted to troughs. The words’ linguistic processing raised neural complexity. The words’ semantic-associative encoding was supported by increased theta power during the ensuing peak. Fast-spindle power ramped up during a second peak likely aiding consolidation. Hence, new vocabulary played during slow-wave sleep was stored and influenced decision-making days later.
Tgif1-deficiency impairs cytoskeletal architecture in osteoblasts by activating PAK3 signaling
Authors: Bolamperti Simona , Saito Hiroaki , Heerdmann Sarah , Hesse Eric , Taipaleenmäki Hanna
Published: April 2024

Osteoblast adherence to bone surfaces is important for remodeling bone tissue. This study demonstrates that deficiency of TG-interacting factor 1 (Tgif1) in osteoblasts results in altered cell morphology, reduced adherence to collagen type I-coated surfaces, and impaired migration capacity. Tgif1 is essential for osteoblasts to adapt a regular cell morphology and to efficiently adhere and migrate on collagen type I-rich matrices in vitro. Furthermore, Tgif1 acts as a transcriptional repressor of p21-activated kinase 3 (Pak3), an important regulator of focal adhesion formation and osteoblast spreading. Absence of Tgif1 leads to increased Pak3 expression, which impairs osteoblast spreading. Additionally, Tgif1 is implicated in osteoblast recruitment and activation of bone surfaces in the context of bone regeneration and in response to parathyroid hormone 1–34 (PTH 1–34) treatment in vivo in mice. These findings provide important novel insights in the regulation of the cytoskeletal architecture of osteoblasts.
Exosomes from uterine fluid promote capacitation of human sperm
Authors: Deng Renbin , Wu Zhao , He Chaoyong , Lu Chuncheng , He Danpeng , Li Xi , Duan Zhenling , Zhao Hui
Published: April 2024

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles containing various proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. EVs are found in many body fluids, such as blood and urine. The release of EVs can facilitate intercellular communication through fusion with the plasma membrane or endocytosis into the recipient cell or through internalization of the contents. Recent studies have reported that EVs isolated from human endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) promote sperm fertilization ability. EVs from uterine flushing fluid more closely resemble the physiological condition of the uterus. However, it is unclear whether EVs derived directly from uterine flushing fluid have the same effect on sperm. This study aimed to research the effect of EVs from uterine flushing fluid on sperm.

Methods

EVs were isolated from the uterine flushing fluid. The presence of EVs was confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Western blot, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). EVs were incubated with human sperm for 2 h and 4 h. The effects of EVs on sperm were evaluated by analyzing acrosome reaction, sperm motility, and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Results

The EVs fractions isolated from the uterine fluid were observed in cup-shaped vesicles of different sizes by TEM. All isolated vesicles contained similar numbers of vesicles in the expected size range (30–200 nm) by NTA. CD9 and CD63 were detected in EVs by western blot. Comparing the motility of the two groups incubated sperm motility significantly differed at 4 h. The acrosome reactions were promoted by incubating with EVs significantly. ROS were increased in sperm incubated with EVs.

Conclusion

Our results showed EVs present in the uterine fluid. Acrosome reactions and ROS levels increased in human sperm incubated with EVs. EVs from uterine fluid can promote the capacitation of human sperm. The increased capacitation after sperm interaction with EVs suggests a possible physiological effect during the transit of the uterus.
Natrix natrix after dark: citizen science sheds light on the common grass snake’s nightlife
Authors: Spaseni Petronel , Sahlean Tiberiu C. , Gherghel Iulian , Zamfirescu Ștefan R. , Petreanu Ionuț C. , Melenciuc Raluca , Alistar Cristina F. , Gavril Viorel D. , Strugariu Alexandru
Published: April 2024

Activity patterns in animals are often species-specific, and can be generally categorized as diurnal, crepuscular, or nocturnal. Understanding these patterns provides insight into ecological adaptations and behaviors. The common grass snake (Natrix natrix), one of the most common and widespread European snake species, is traditionally considered diurnal, with scarce evidence of its crepuscular and nocturnal activity. We aimed to document the distribution, environmental conditions, and potential phenotype associations of nighttime activity in N. natrix. We used citizen science data from iNaturalist (1992–2022), Observation.org (2012–2022), together with personal field observations (2010–2023) to collect 127 crepuscular and nocturnal activity records. Most observations occurred between May and August, coinciding with the peak activity period of grass snakes across their distribution range. Statistical analyses revealed no significant difference in mean daily temperatures between crepuscular and nocturnal observations. However, striped individuals displayed nocturnal activity at higher temperatures, consistent with their distribution in warmer regions, but failed to register any difference when tested on a geographic subsample, that accounted for sympatry of the phenotypes. Surprisingly, we found no significant impact of moon presence or moonlight on nighttime activity or age class, contrary to expectations based on other snake species’ responses. While our study reveals that nocturnal activity in the common grass snake is geographically widespread, further research is warranted to understand its drivers and ecological implications. This study highlights the value of citizen science platforms for biological and ecological research, offering unparalleled spatial and temporal coverage by their users. In conclusion, our work extends the knowledge of nocturnal behavior in N. natrix and underlines the critical role of citizen science in discovering behavioral aspects of common and widespread species.
Evolução da estrutura de governança na Administração Pública: um estudo no Tribunal de Justiça de Pernambuco
Authors: Souza Angela Cristina Rocha de , Corrêa Maria Iraê de Souza , Litwak Janaina Gomes , Galvão Nádia Rodrigues Gomes do Nascimento
Published: April 2024

O avanço do estudo da governança vem aprimorando o conhecimento de suas práticas e estruturas, inclusive na Administração Pública. No contexto do Poder Judiciário brasileiro, o Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ) desempenha um papel como órgão de controle nos serviços judiciários, inclusive no Tribunal de Justiça de Pernambuco (TJPE). Por sua vez, a complexidade deste Tribunal e seu relevante papel na prestação jurisdicional destacam a necessidade de analisar sua governança, especialmente a implantação de sua estrutura. O estudo visa, assim, analisar como tem se desenvolvido a estrutura de governança no Tribunal de Justiça de Pernambuco, por meio de uma pesquisa documental. Os resultados revelam uma evolução gradual na implementação das estruturas de governança, alinhadas às diretrizes do CNJ, mas com foco principal no tratamento de dados. Conclui-se que os documentos disponíveis, bem como o organograma estabelecido, não deixam claro o funcionamento institucional da governança no TJPE.
Geospatial Analysis of the Heterogeneity in Nutritional Status among Women of Childbearing Age in Nigeria
Authors: Ben, E, O. . , Lasisi K. E. . , Abdulkadir, A. . , Abdulrasheed B. .
Published: April 2024

This study employs a geospatial approach to investigate the spatial distribution and heterogeneity of nutritional status among Women of Childbearing Age across Nigeria. We utilize data on various nutritional indicators obtained from National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS, 2018) alongside relevant geospatial information. By employing spatial statistical methods, we aim to identify geographic clusters and disparities in the various nutritional statuses: normal weight, overweight, and obesity. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the geographical variations in WCBA's nutritional health and inform targeted interventions to address these disparities. This study employs a statistical method, Bayesian Geoadditive Quantile Regression Model (BGQRM) to investigate the impact of various factors on weight categories (normal weight, overweight, obese) among Nigerian women of childbearing age.. Results reveal higher likelihoods of overweight or obesity among urban women, potentially linked to urban living factors like increased income and education, leading to reduced physical activity and higher consumption of calorie-dense foods. The findings highlight complex relationships between socioeconomic factors, urbanization, and weight status, challenging assumptions about the effects of mass media and electricity access on weight, and emphasizing the need for tailored interventions informed by nuanced ethnic and employment-related variations in nutritional patterns among Nigerian women. This study utilizes a novel statistical method (BGQRM) to investigate the impact of various factors on weight categories among women of reproductive age in Nigeria, revealing a higher likelihood of overweight or obesity among urban residents, potentially linked to lifestyle factors such as income and education. The findings challenge assumptions about the relationship between socioeconomic status, media exposure, and weight, highlighting complex interactions that can inform targeted interventions aimed at improving nutrition and well-being among Nigerian women of childbearing age.
The Role of Neutrophils, Lymphocytes and Monocytes in Ischemic Heart Disease: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Senadeera S. P. N. N. , Peiris D. S. H. S. , Fernando D. T. K. , Kottahachchi D. U. , Ranaweera C. B.
Published: April 2024

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In recent years research has increasingly focused on the interplay between the white blood cells and the development and progression of IHD. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, and Monocytes play an important role in the immune system and were found to have dual roles in both protective mechanisms and harmful effects. Neutrophils are traditionally viewed as first responders to tissue injury. Their rapid infiltration aids in the clearance of cellular debris and pathogens, while the release of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators can exacerbate tissue damage. Additionally, neutrophils participate in intercommunication with endothelial cells and platelets, influencing the progression of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Lymphocytes, a key player in adaptive immune response, similarly exhibit a dual role in IHD. Their involvement extends beyond immune surveillance. Monocytes contribute to phagocytosis and tissue repair while some of their actions cause atherosclerotic plaque instability. This review provides an overview of IHD, covering its prevalence, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and the involvement of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, in the disease process.
Morphometric Analysis Using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System: A Case Study of Nawagarh Watershed of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Manikpuri Shivangi , Tripathi M. P.
Published: April 2024

The study highlights the suitability of a GIS-based approach for evaluating morphometric parameters. It focuses on the quantitative analysis of morphometric characteristics within thirteen sub-watersheds of the Nawagarh watershed, which originates from the Seonath river catchment in the Mahanadi basin in Chhattisgarh, India. The Nawagarh watershed spans an area of 2647.27 km2. Its outlet is located at 21°46'10" N Latitude and 81° 48’43” E Longitude. The Nawagarh watershed covers four districts in Chhattisgarh - Kabirdham, Bemetara, Baloda Bazar, and Mungeli. The analysis reveals the relative qualities of the sub-watersheds in terms of hydrological response. The Nawagarh watershed features a dendritic drainage network with 2760 streams of different orders. The slope of the land directly affects water absorption and drainage. High relief ratio 0.032 in SWD1 and SWD3 indicates rapid concentration, rapid stream flow, and greater susceptibility to erosion than other sub watersheds. The drainage density is 0.80 km-1, which is close to 1 km-1, indicating that the basin has a nearly high drainage density, which demonstrate that the location with impermeable weak subsurface material and has high relief. The elongated shape with the values of form factor (0.39), circulatory ratio (0.28) and elongation ratio (0.69), indicated that the Nawagarh watershed is more elongated with lower peak flow of long duration having low permeability. The drainage density in the basin is relatively high, suggesting a significant drainage network. The study emphasizes the need for effective erosion control methods in the Nawagarh watershed to protect the land.
Impact Assessment of Integrated Farming System Project on the Socio-economic Status of the Beneficiary Farmers of Bidar District of Karnataka
Authors: Patil Ganeshagouda I. , N. Srinivas , P. Dhananjaya , Ruli Shashikala , Veeresh Kadli
Published: April 2024

Integrated farming system (IFS) is recognized as the best solution to the farmers for providing income assurance and nutritional security to the farmers particularly for the small and marginal farmers with limited resources. Looking into the importance of the Integrated farming system, Government of Karnataka has implemented the IFS project to the farming communities of different districts coming under the jurisdictions of the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot from the financial supports of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Hence, the present study at College of Horticulture, Bidar was undertaken as one of the project implemented campus of the University for assessing impact of IFS Phase II on the beneficiary farmers of Bidar district. Initially, this project has created awareness about the IFS project among the selected beneficiaries through training programmes and then distributed the farm inputs like vegetable seeds, field crop seeds, vegetable seedlings, fruit grafts, nutrient specials, bio-fertilizers, and farm implements like battery operated sprayers, seedling planters and cycle weeders. The study found that, before implantation of the project, the farmers in the Bidar districts were generally growing Redgram with intercropping of Greengram/ Blackgram/Jowar/Soyabean and sugarcane crop, after implantation of the IFS project, there was a change in crops cultivation to the horticultural crops. The farmers who had received the benefits of seeds/seedlings and the technical information at free of cost for the cultivation of the horticultural crops, it was observed that, papaya crops growers were realised higher net profits of Rs. 1,10,988 per acre with the B:C ratio of 1.45, followed by the farmers of marigold crop (Rs. 1,01,881/acre), watermelon (Rs. 84459/acre), onion (Rs. 72,938/acre), chilli (Rs. 49,023/ acre) and Brinjal (Rs. 39,801/acre). Further, it was found that, the use of farm machineries like sprayers, farmers reduced the cost and time requirment of labour for spraying of pesticides. Similarly, famers used cycle weeders have opined that, for weeding men and women labours requiremnt was reduced to the tune of 12 to 15 days/ acre for men labours and 8-9 man days/acre for women labour and the use of Vegetable Handy Planter resulted in reduction labour and time requirment in planting of seedlings to the tune of 40 to 50 per cent of time duration. Hence, in overall, the IFS project interventions have benefited the farmers economically for minimizing the cost of production through availing the inputs at free of cost and also helps them for realizing the higher income from adoption of the best technologies given through the university.
Microbiological Quality and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Bacterial Isolates from Locally and Industrially Processed Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Drinks Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Adepoju R.O , Amadi L. O , Sampson T.
Published: April 2024

Public health is seriously threatened by the emergence of antibiotic resistance, especially in food products. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Microbiological Quality and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Bacterial Isolates from locally and Industrially Processed NONI (Morinda citrifolia) Drinks Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Noni beverages (samples) were bought from three distinct locations in Rivers State while the fruits were locally fermented into noni beverages.  Conventional microbiological methods were employed to identify the bacterial isolates, and the disc diffusion method was employed to assess the antibiotics susceptibility.  Characterization of the bacterial isolates was further done using molecular techniques. The total heterotrophic bacteria in the beverages ranged from 3.5±0.7 to 5.9±0.3×104 cfu/ml. The total coliform counts ranged from 1.7±1.9 to 3.8±1.2×104 CFU/ml and faecal coliform count in all the samples was zero (0). Data showed that the locally produced noni sample had the highest bacterial counts (1.6×103 cfu/ml) while the lowest count was observed in samples from location B (1.50×102 cfu/ml). The presence of multiple bacterial species, including Flavobacterium spp. (16.7%), Enterobacter spp. (25%), Serratia spp. (25%), Micrococcus spp. (8.3%) and Bacillus spp. (25%) was indicated by the results. All the isolates (100%) were resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as cefuroxime, cefotaxime, cefixime and meropenem, gentamycin, vancomycin, with 66.7% being resistant to ampiclox. Ampicillin resistance gene (Amp C gene) was detected in Serratia marcescens AB061685.1 and Bacillus subtilis AB192294.2. These findings have shown that Noni beverages are prone to bacterial contamination with serious public health concerns and thus   highlighted the significance of strict quality control measures in the production and sale of Noni drinks, to check the risk of antimicrobial resistance transmission through food consumption.
KEYAKINAN GURU DALAM PEMBERIAN TUGAS PROYEK
Authors: Yoedo Yuli Christiana , Claudius Jhotnes Antora
Published: April 2024

Penelitian kualitatif ini dilakukan untuk menjelaskan bagaimana keyakinan guru berperan dalam pemberian tugas proyek di Kelas 2 SDTK Pelangi Kristus Surabaya. Penelitian ini juga menjelaskan kesesuaian antara keyakinan guru dengan praktiknya di kelas. Data penelitian diperoleh melalui observasi dan wawancara mendalam. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah seorang guru sains yang sering memberikan tugas proyek sebagai bagian dalam proses pembelajaran. Keyakinan bisa menjadi alasan utama atas tindakan apa yang dilakukan oleh semua orang tak terkecuali guru (Bandura, 1997). Keyakinan guru mempengaruhi cara dan bentuk pembelajaran yang diberikan termasuk tugas proyek. Tugas proyek merupakan strategi pembelajaran yang bertujuan untuk mengembangkan pemahaman yang lebih mendalam tentang materi pelajaran dengan membuat suatu karya. Dalam pembuatan tugas proyek, dukungan diberikan untuk memperlancar jalannya proses pengerjaan tugas. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa keyakinan guru berperan penting terhadap proses tersebut. Keyakinan guru tersebut berkaitan dengan kemampuan guru dan murid, minat murid dan kegiatan murid di luar sekolah.
MATEMATIKA DAN TEOLOGI PENCIPTAAN SEBAGAI BAHASA SEMESTA
Authors: Yosia Adrianus
Published: April 2024

Keterhubungan antara matematika dan juga kajian teologis merupakan salah satu isu yang pelik nan penting, terutama di dalam konteks pendidikan Kristen, termasuk di dalamnya K-12. Tulisan ini mengusulkan dialog antara matematika dengan teologi lewat imajinasi bahasa. Klaim yang ingin dibangun adalah bagaimana matematika dan juga teologi penciptaan yang dibangun dari Kejadian 1:1-2:4a dapat menjadi jembatan dialog yang solid antara matematika dan juga teologi. Hasil akhir dari diskusi ini adalah bagaimana matematika dan teologi penciptaan sejatinya membicarakan ide yang sama, yakni alam semesta ini. Lalu, keteraturan yang muncul di dalam “bahasa matematika” juga dapat disandingkan dengan teologi penciptaan.
busca por “um escravo [de] nome Laudelino”
Authors: Pereira Carolina Pazos
Published: April 2024

Este artigo trata das técnicas e metodologias empregadas na pesquisa sobre a formação do quilombo Barra II, localizado no município de Morro do Chapéu, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, a partir da busca por um escravizado chamado Laudelino. Utilizando a História Oral, a Etnografia e a pesquisa em arquivos, foi possível recuperar a trajetória de Laudelino e de outros cativos que se uniram a negros livres para a formação de famílias extensas no sertão baiano. O processo de cruzamento de fontes, conduzido pelas memórias do cativeiro, revela as peculiaridades da escravidão sertaneja, bem como as formas de sociabilidade e ocupação territorial dos lavradores negros desde a segunda metade do século XIX. As novas abordagens sobre a escravidão e o pós-abolição nos municípios brasileiros precisam, cada vez mais, dialogar com as comunidades negras rurais e quilombolas, escutá-las ativamente e valorar a memória enquanto fonte privilegiada para a reconstrução histórica.
“Os santos de uma devoção que não morre”
Authors: Iyanaga Michael
Published: April 2024

Este trabalho visa entender a constituição do culto dos santos gêmeos Cosme e Damião na Bahia. Através de um levantamento histórico sobre o culto – com o enfoque principal em jornais e outras fontes populares da cidade do Salvador entre a segunda metade do século XIX e a primeira metade do século XX – o autor mostra que o culto dos santos gêmeos em Salvador só começa a ter fôlego a partir do momento que emerge já associado ao mundo negro. A partir daí é que, até a virada do século XX, o culto se generaliza dentro da cultura soteropolitana. Os dados sugerem que muito mais que um “sincretismo”, a devoção de São Cosme e Damião se trata de uma novidade baiana que apesar de se basear em muitas cosmologias europeias e africanas, não pode ser reduzida a nenhuma delas.
Entre as Linhas 14 e 15
Authors: Palmeira Rafael Souza
Published: April 2024

Este artigo apresenta e discute histórias, trajetórias e dinâmicas de alabês soteropolitanos, suas conexões e contextos, anunciando assim uma coletividade sociorreligiosa. Inicialmente são compartilhados dados provenientes de entrevistas realizadas com três mestres dos tambores, sendo enfatizadas algumas aproximações no que concerne aos seus processos formativos enquanto músicos de candomblé e condições socioculturais. Às informações fornecidas a partir das entrevistas, são acrescidos dados bibliográficos e etnográficos, fornecendo então um panorama desta coletividade de mestres alabês e seus entornos. Finalizando, os alcances desta coletividade religiosa são expandidos a partir da apresentação de trânsitos e afinidades existentes entre terreiros com os quais os entrevistados têm vínculos, demonstrando assim o quão imbricados estão a música de candomblé e seus personagens nos acontecimentos e dinâmicas da religião de uma forma geral. Do particular para o universal, o intuito é demonstrar como estas camadas se sobrepõem, sendo, concomitantemente, constituídas e constituintes deste universo.
portugueses e as Antilhas
Authors: Schwartz Stuart B.
Published: April 2024

Durante os séculos XVI e XVII, o clima, as possibilidades agrícolas e a história faziam do Brasil um modelo, uma alternativa e um concorrente para algumas sociedades caribenhas. A relação entre o Brasil e o Caribe se transformou com o tempo, mas houve também continuidades, circulação de informações e interações que vincularam suas histórias. Neste ensaio, minhas observações vão se concentrar no Brasil como extensão do Grande Caribe, no papel dos portugueses no Caribe e em sua história compartilhada e entrelaçada de açúcar e escravidão.
Marfim
Authors: Almeida Marcos Leitão de
Published: April 2024

Resenha de:SANTOS, Vanicléia Silva (Ed.). Marfins africanos como insígnias de poder: contextos de produção e usos dentro e fora da África. São Paulo: Fino Traço, 2023. 364 p.
Pode um embaixador negro falar?
Authors: Dantas Carolina
Published: April 2024

Resenha de:KOIFMAN, Fábio. Raymundo de Souza Dantas: o primeiro embaixador brasileiro negro. Salvador: Sagga Editora, 2021. 416 p.
Feitiçaria ou gentilismo?
Authors: Soares Mariza de Carvalho
Published: April 2024

Resenha de:RODRIGUES, Aldair; MAIA, Moacir (Orgs.). Sacerdotisas voduns e rainhas do Rosário. Mulheres africanas e Inquisição em Minas Gerais (século XVIII). São Paulo: Chão, 2023. 192 p.
recortes e as bordas
Authors: Cunha Olívia Maria Gomes da
Published: April 2024

Resenha de:PRICE, Richard. Inside/Outside: Adventures in Caribbean History and Anthropology. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2022. 272 p.
Bahia como campo
Authors: Guimarães Antonio Sérgio Alfredo
Published: April 2024

Resenha de:SANSONE, Livio. Estação etnográfica Bahia: a construção transnacional dos Estudos Afro-brasileiros (1935-1967). Campinas: Editora da Unicamp, 2022. 317 p.
A Facile Strategy for Preparing Self‐Healing Polymer Composites by Incorporation of Cationic Catalyst‐Loaded Vegetable Fibers
Authors: Xiao Ding Shu , Yuan Yan Chao , Rong Min Zhi , Zhang Ming Qiu
Published: May 2009

A two‐component healing agent, consisting of epoxy‐loaded microcapsules and an extremely active catalyst (boron trifluoride diethyl etherate, (C2H5)2O · BF3)), is incorporated into epoxy composites to provide the latter with rapid self‐healing capability. To avoid deactivation of the catalyst during composite manufacturing, (C2H5)2O · BF3 is firstly absorbed by fibrous carriers (i.e., short sisal fibers), and then the fibers are coated with polystyrene and embedded in the epoxy matrix together with the encapsulated epoxy monomer. Because of gradual diffusion of the absorbed (C2H5)2O · BF3 from the sisal into the surrounding matrix, the catalyst is eventually distributed throughout the composites and acts as a latent hardener. Upon cracking of the composites, the epoxy monomer is released from the broken capsules, spreading over the cracked planes. As a result, polymerization, triggered by the dispersed (C2H5)2O · BF3, takes place and the damaged sites are rebonded. Since the epoxy–BF3 cure belongs to a cationic chain polymerization, the exact stoichiometric ratio of the reaction components required by other healing chemistries is no longer necessary. Only a small amount of (C2H5)2O · BF3 is sufficient to initiate very fast healing (e.g., a 76% recovery of impact strength is observed within 30 min at 20 °C).
Optically‐Pumped Lasing in Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Song Myoung Hoon , Kabra Dinesh , Wenger Bernard , Friend Richard H. , Snaith Henry J.
Published: May 2009

Here, the use of metal oxide layers both for charge transport and injection into an emissive semiconducting polymer and also for the control of the in‐plane waveguided optical modes in light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) is reported. The high refractive index of zinc oxide is used to confine these modes away from the absorbing electrodes, and include a nano‐imprinted grating in the polymer layer to introduce distributed feedback and enhance optical out‐coupling. These structures show a large increase in the luminescence efficiency over conventional devices, with photoluminescence efficiency increased by up to 45%. Furthermore, optically‐pumped lasing in hybrid oxide polymer LEDs is demonstrated. A tuneable lasing emission is also obtained in a single device structure by employing a graduated thickness of a zinc oxide inter‐layer. This demonstrates the scope for using such architectures to improve the external efficiency of organic semiconductor LEDs, and opens new possibilities for the realization of polymer injection lasers.
Electroaddressing of Cell Populations by Co‐Deposition with Calcium Alginate Hydrogels
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Wen , Tsao Chen‐Yu , Yang Xiaohua , Liu Yi , Dykstra Peter , Rubloff Gary W. , Ghodssi Reza , Bentley William E. , Payne Gregory F.
Published: May 2009

Electroaddressing of biological components at specific device addresses is attractive because it enlists the capabilities of electronics to provide spatiotemporally controlled electrical signals. Here, the electrodeposition of calcium alginate hydrogels at specific electrode addresses is reported. The method employs the low pH generated at the anode to locally solubilize calcium ions from insoluble calcium carbonate. The solubilized Ca2+ can then bind alginate to induce this polysaccharide to undergo a localized sol‐gel transition. Calcium alginate gel formation is shown to be spatially controlled in the normal and lateral dimensions. The deposition method is sufficiently benign that it can be used to entrap the bacteria E. coli. The entrapped cells are able to grow and respond to chemical inducers in their environment. Also, the entrapped cells can be liberated from the gel network by adding sodium citrate that can compete with alginate for Ca2+ binding. The capabilities of calcium alginate electrodeposition is illustrated by entrapping reporter cells that can recognize the quorum sensing autoinducer 2 (AI‐2) signaling molecule. These reporter cells were observed to recognize and respond to AI‐2 generated from an external bacterial population. Thus, calcium alginate electrodeposition provides a programmable method for the spatiotemporally controllable assembly of cell populations for cell‐based biosensing and for studying cell‐cell signaling.
Musculoskeletal injuries resulting from patient handling tasks among hospital workers
Authors: Pompeii Lisa A. , Lipscomb Hester J. , Schoenfisch Ashley L. , Dement John M.
Published: May 2009

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries and disorders resulting from patient handling prior to the implementation of a “minimal manual lift” policy at a large tertiary care medical center. We sought to define the circumstances surrounding patient handling injuries and to identify potential preventive measures.

Methods

Human resources data were used to define the cohort and their time at work. Workers' compensation records (1997–2003) were utilized to identify work‐related musculoskeletal claims, while the workers' description of injury was used to identify those that resulted from patient handling. Adjusted rate ratios were generated using Poisson regression.

Results

One‐third (n = 876) of all musculoskeletal injuries resulted from patient handling activities. Most (83%) of the injury burden was incurred by inpatient nurses, nurses' aides and radiology technicians, while injury rates were highest for nurses' aides (8.8/100 full‐time equivalent, FTEs) and smaller workgroups including emergency medical technicians (10.3/100 FTEs), patient transporters (4.3/100 FTEs), operating room technicians (3.1/100 FTEs), and morgue technicians (2.2/100 FTEs). Forty percent of injuries due to lifting/transferring patients may have been prevented through the use of mechanical lift equipment, while 32% of injuries resulting from repositioning/turning patients, pulling patients up in bed, or catching falling patients may not have been prevented by the use of lift equipment.

Conclusions

The use of mechanical lift equipment could significantly reduce the risk of some patient handling injuries but additional interventions need to be considered that address other patient handling tasks. Smaller high‐risk workgroups should not be neglected in prevention efforts. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:571–578, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.