bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural diplomacy during Kennedy's presidency: home and abroad
Authors:   University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA, Klynina Tetiana
Published: February 2025

Background. The article is devoted to an overview of the general strategy of cultural diplomacy during the presidency of John F. Kennedy (1961–1963), considered one of the important instruments of US foreign policy. In the Cold War conditions, culture became a means of mutual understanding between peoples and a strategic element of political influence and opposition to the communist bloc. The Kennedy administration implemented several initiatives that confirmed the importance of culture in the diplomatic dimension, including adopting the Act on Reciprocal Educational and Cultural Exchange (1961). The purpose of the study is to analyze the use of culture as a means of diplomacy that served to achieve the foreign policy and strategic goals of the Kennedy administration.

Methods. The study is based on the principle of historicism, a systematic approach, problem-chronological and descriptive methods. Content analysis of documents, speeches of President Kennedy and some cultural programs, such as Art in Embassies, was used.

Results. The article provides a brief comparative analysis of cultural diplomacy of different periods. The article demonstrates that the cultural diplomacy of the Kennedy administration was systemic and centralized. Although official statements emphasized the independence of cultural initiatives, they were coordinated by Washington, considering the strategic interests of the United States, and not the cultural needs of the regions to which these initiatives were directed. The main components of this strategy were cultural exchanges, exhibitions, international programs, and the involvement of prominent figures in art and science in the promotion of American democratic values.

Conclusions. The John F. Kennedy administration demonstrated the use of cultural diplomacy in the context of global confrontation. The efforts of the US government in the field of culture became an important tool of "soft power", aimed not only at improving the international image of the country but also at creating a dialogue with the peoples of other states. At the same time, the centralization of such initiatives has aroused criticism due to insufficient attention to the cultural needs of individual regions.
O ANTIFORMALISMO JURÍDICO DE COSTANTINO MORTATI: Realismo e concretude jurídica na abordagem metodológica de um constitucionalista em transição (1929-1979)
Authors: Moreira Gouveia Kristal , Dal Ri Júnior Arno
Published: February 2025

Através da presente pesquisa, objetiva-se analisar os pressupostos metodológicos do pensamento jurídico do jurista italiano Costantino Mortati, tendo em vista sua teoria da representação política e da constituição em sentido material localizar-se em um período de transição entre autoritarismo e democracia e oferecer soluções teóricas originais à concepção da democracia em tal cisão. Para isso será analisado o contexto de transição próprio da redemocratização italiana de 1946, período que serve de marco temporal para a presente pesquisa e em seguida serão captados quais elementos constituem sua abordagem metodológica utilizada no percurso teórico de investigação da problemática do século XX: Como se forma a orientação política do Estado? Será analisado como as influências teóricas do organicismo e institucionalismo repercutiram em seu método e como sua produção teórica contextualizou-se no movimento antiformalista que marcou a primeira metade do século XX, abordando o papel do realismo, da concretude e do comparativismo enquanto ferramentas metodológicas de Costantino Mortati. Essa abordagem será realizada através de uma revisão bibliográfica pautada em suas obras enquanto fontes primárias e nas obras de autores que com ele dialogam e sobre ele teorizam como fontes secundárias.
Michigan’s Missing Link
Authors: Love-Schropshire Norma , Hicks Megan , Johns Shantalea , Keys Fay , Wade Naimah N.
Published: February 2025

School Social Workers (SSWs) support nonacademic barriers to student learning by providing assessment, intervention and prevention services related to social and material needs. This case study examines 3,725 Michigan SSWs’ methods for identifying, screening, and supporting students' needs. It analyzes referral types, frequencies and SSWs’ perceptions regarding the importance, feasibility, and readiness to screen and support students' social and material needs. Responses exhibited variability, highlighting the need for an established screening protocol. The most surprising finding was that firearm access was the least discussed topic with students; 21.4% of SSWs almost never inquired and only 25.5% sometimes asked. The majority of referrals (73.9%) addressed students' material needs, while a mere 10.5% targeted social needs, including mental health services, revealing a significant gap in this area. Notably, 15.6% of students received no referrals at all. The findings on referrals for social needs, including biopsychosocial factors like mental health, coupled with the perceived lack of preparedness among SSWs to screen for challenges like firearm access, underscore the pivotal role SSWs can play in violence prevention. This emphasizes an urgent call to action for training, further research, dedicated policies, and resources to maximize the impact of SSW practice in schools, homes, and communities.
“Why Are You Here?”
Authors: Blakey Joan M. , Ngui Emmanuel , Buraik Labibah M. , Vang Houa , Williams Gary
Published: February 2025

Though significant gains have been made in academic achievement in the last 45 years, these gains have not been realized for all students in the United States. Consistently, research has shown significant differences in reading and math scores along with disparate disciplinary sanctions between Black and White students. Using grounded theory methodology, this study aimed to understand factors that, through students’ voices, they believed contributed to their lower academic achievement and disproportionately higher disciplinary sanctions while attending a predominantly White school. Data analysis revealed that a sense of belonging affected Black students academically and contributed to disciplinary sanctions resulting from disgruntled reactions toward teachers, administrators, and staff who they believed did not want them in the Crest Academy High School (i.e., Grades 9–12). A lack of belonging had four primary components: an unwelcoming environment, lack of mattering, racial insensitivity, and not seeing themselves reflected. This study illuminated the importance of belonging among Black students. Culturally responsive educational practices have the potential to create a welcoming environment, generate feelings of mattering, saturate school culture with racial sensitivity, allow each student to see themselves reflected, and ultimately provide children with opportunities to feel a sense of belongingness in their schools and communities.
I Spy Implicit Curriculum
Authors: Moore Matt , Young Stephen , Gray Judith
Published: February 2025

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE, 2022) requires undergraduate and graduate social work programs to conduct self studies to ensure programs meet required standards for accreditation. Of particular interest in this case study was the examination of implicit curriculum – the program’s commitment to inclusive excellence, policies and procedures, advising, student participation, faculty engagement, administrative structure, resources, etc. (CSWE, 2022). A Department of Social Work located in the Midwest collected data from graduating students (n = 269) in both the BSW and MSW programs regarding their overall learning climate from 2020-2022. This project introduced a new scale for assessing implicit curriculum using a cross-sectional, web-based design. Overall students believed the programs allowed them to speak up about diversity issues important to them. Students felt encouraged with the program’s approach to meaningful conversations about diversity topics. Students felt vested partners in the department demonstrated a meaningful commitment to diversity, respected students, and provided a comforting environment for sharing concerns. Inferential statistics also indicated no significant differences in experiences between students based on race/ethnicity, online versus face-to-face, or first-generation student status. A significant difference did exist in relation to a student’s sexual orientation. The article concludes with implications for social work education and future research directions. This includes specific ways programs can identify concerns related to implicit curriculum from a proactive lens.
Creating Ecosystems of Care Through Mutual Aid
Authors: Milligan Tara , Bender Kimberly , Saavedra Kate , Littman Danielle , Dunbar Annie Zean , Boyett Maveryck , Morris Karaya , Sarantakos Sophia
Published: February 2025

As COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) spread in the United States in Spring 2020, conventional safety nets were overwhelmed and unable to meet widespread and growing needs. Mutual aid practices proliferated as an essential form of resource provision and community care, including exchanges of food, financial assistance, and social connection. Our qualitative study interviewed 25 individuals engaged in mutual aid in Colorado, USA to investigate the perceived benefits of providing and receiving care through mutual aid in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that nonhierarchical care offered entry points to equitable ways of supporting communities through and beyond crisis. The non-hierarchical approach to care described in our study illustrated redistributed power and agency to meet community needs, and decentering institutional decision making. The experiences of mutual aid participants propose a significant ideological shift regarding our sense of care and community when conventional systems are insufficient to meet collective and individual needs, and suggest a need for future expansions of and changes to social work practice to embrace non-hierarchical care.
Lessons Learned From the Implementation of a Federal Behavioral Workforce Diversity Grant at a Predominantly White Institution
Authors: Velez Christine , Avila Maria Mercedes , Doh Esther
Published: February 2025

The Health Resources Services Administration’s (HRSA) Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) grant program is a unique opportunity for social work programs, as well as other disciplines such as counseling, to address shortages in the behavioral health workforce and support integrated care approaches and interprofessional collaboration. BHWET programs support Anti-Racist, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Justice (ADEIJ) goals through recruitment and training of historically underserved and underrepresented students. In this preliminary program review, we explain program structure, institutional context, and demographic data to share lessons learned after 3 years of program implementation. We provide specifics on financial institutional policies which created financial barriers to underserved and underrepresented students, particularly students of color, participating in this federally funded training grant program.
Agricultural Irrigation Water Quality in the Lower Boise River Basin
Authors: Chasmar Reed
Published: February 2025

Irrigation canals are pervasive in agricultural landscapes. Despite their vast
spatial extent and significant volumetric impact on the hydrologic cycle, the
role of irrigation canals as intermittent channels within a river network, as
well as their various functions (e.g., supporting aquatic ecosystems,
transporting microbial communities, altering the carbon cycle), are not well
understood. Microbial water quality and aquatic ecosystem metabolism represent
two mechanisms to assess stream channels that can provide new insights into the
complex dynamics and spatiotemporal patterns that exist in irrigation canals,
which has relevance for both human health and for the field of stream ecology.
The goal of this research is to expand our understanding of irrigation canals
beyond their primary role as water conveyance systems. To facilitate this
understanding, research in an agricultural canal system in the Lower Boise River
Basin was conducted to answer the following questions: 1) Does E.
coli spatial dependence exist in irrigation canals?; 2) Are there
other water quality metrics that predict E. coli spatiotemporal
variability?; 3) How do canals function metabolically compared to natural
streams?; and 4) What role do canals play in the carbon cycle? To address these
research questions, the following field methods were conducted: 1) a 2-year
sampling design at 60 sites in two canals to determine E. coli
levels and three other water quality parameters (TSS, dissolved oxygen,
temperature); and 2) a 1-station continuous dissolved oxygen monitoring approach
with Bayesian inverse modeling to calculate daily metabolic rates in g
O-2 m-2 d-1. The findings indicate that: 1)
there may be a generalized pattern of E. coli spatial
dependence across canals, and other water quality parameters may help detect
changes in E. coli magnitude, and 2) canals have the potential
to support increasing levels of primary production throughout the entire growing
season and may end up with a net-neutral annual carbon balance due to the
periodic removal of organic matter from the canal limiting heterotrophic
respiration.
Evaluating the Synergy of Geocell and Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation
(MICP) in Enhancing Pavement Base Stability
Authors: Dahal Mabin
Published: February 2025

The imperative to develop resilient and sustainable infrastructure is escalating,
particularly as urban road networks are subjected to unprecedented stresses.
Conventional pavement bases often entail the extensive utilization of quarry
materials, which significantly exacerbates environmental degradation and
amplifies the energy footprint of construction endeavors. The extraction,
transportation, and processing of these quarry materials contribute to
deforestation, habitat eradication, and greenhouse gas emissions. Given these
environmental and operational hurdles, the quest for innovative, sustainable
alternatives in pavement engineering is pressing. One solution is to use the
native materials treated with microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP)
alongside geocell technology back in pavement construction to minimize the
reliance on quarry materials. Past research at Boise State has shown in the
laboratory that this is a viable alternative for a certain type of soils with
moderate fines content (~30%). This needs to be verified in the field.

Hence, the main aim of this research is to evaluate the performance of
Geocell-enhanced-MICP-treated high-fines soil as a pavement base for flexible
pavements. To achieve this goal ~100 ft of US 95 highway west of Marsing was
reconstructed using MICP treated high fines soil and a conventional base
material. The control (eastbound) and treated (westbound) sections of the
highway at Milepost 3.3 were instrumented with pressure plates at strategic
locations. The procedures involved in treating about 100 tonnes of soil in the
field with MICP and the construction and instrumentation of the test section and
the monitoring data are discussed in this thesis. A sustainability assessment
was conducted on the control and treated sections of the field, alongside
potential pavement sections. The study aimed to compare and contrast
environmental and economic impacts, offering valuable insights for informed
decision-making in the realm of pavement infrastructure.

The study highlights the superior performance of Microbially Induced Calcium
Carbonate Precipitation (MICP)-treated high-fines soil to the conventional
untreated base with geocell, emphasizing the sustainable and environmentally
friendly attributes of MICP-treated soil in contrast to the conventional base
with geocell.
Best Practices for Offline Evaluation for Top-N Recommendation
Authors: Ihemelandu Ngozi
Published: February 2025

Evaluation of recommender systems is key to ensuring that we are making progress
by only promoting proposed algorithms that actually outperform the
state-of-the-art. Evaluation can be performed offline using logged historic
data, or online such as A/B tests. Offline evaluation is the most popular
evaluation paradigm used in recent research publications because of its
accessibility. It has been an area of study since its earliest days, and is
still currently an active area of research. Even though significant work has
been done to improve the process and metrics of offline evaluation, it still
faces fundamental difficulties. Given the significant role of offline evaluation
in recommender system evaluation, it is important that the difficulties that
embody it be mitigated. This dissertation aims to improve offline evaluation of
recommender systems by identifying gaps in existing practices in two specific
components of the offline evaluation protocol: candidate set sampling – which is
the selection of the set of candidate items that the recommendation system is
expected to rank for each user in an experiment; and statistical inference
techniques – which are used to analyze the evaluation results in order to make
inferences about the effectiveness of a proposed system relative to a
baseline.

This dissertation addresses gaps in candidate set sampling by showing that
uniform sampling of the candidate set exacerbates popularity bias, while
popularity-weighted sampling mitigates this bias. Additionally, it demonstrated
that candidate set sampling improves the accuracy of effectiveness performance
estimation in top-N recommender systems.

With respect to statistical inference, this dissertation identified a lack of
rigorous statistical analysis in evaluations within RecSys and revealed that the
Wilcoxon and Sign tests display higher-than-expected Type-1 error rates for
large sample sizes, recommending their discontinuation in recommender system
experiments. It demonstrates that in Top-N recommendation and
large search evaluation data, most tests are likely to yield statistically
significant results, emphasizing the need to prioritize effect size for
practical or scientific significance. Additionally, the dissertation found that
the Benjamini-Yekutieli test exhibited the lowest error rate and greater power
than the Bonferroni test, recommending it as the default correction for
comparing multiple systems in information retrieval and recommender system
experiments.

By addressing these gaps, the dissertation significantly contributes to the
improvement of offline evaluation, equipping recommender system researchers with
evidence-based knowledge to make informed decisions when configuring their
evaluation experiments.
Oregon Community College Trustee Survey
Authors: Lee Abby
Published: February 2025

Previous research on candidate emergence has typically focused on high-profile
national and state offices. Absent from this topic is a focused interest in
community college trustees and the factors contributing to their taking a
trustee position, including their recruitment to a board (Mellow & Heelan,
2008). Through the lens of candidate ambition theory and political recruitment
theory, this study investigated the demographics, characteristics, and
perceptions of elected Oregon community college trustees concerning their
recruitment and ambitions for service as board members. My research addressed
the following three questions:

What role, if any, does recruitment play in the decision to serve as
a college trustee? Who are the important or influential recruiters for
college trustees?

Are these board members politically ambitious candidates?

Are there significant differences among elected Oregon community
college trustee initial decisions to run for office based on demographic and
background characteristics?

This study aimed to provide a better understanding of community college
trustees and the role of political ambition and recruitment in their
decision to run for these offices. The role of gender was examined across
the three research questions. Using Sidorsky’s (2019) State Political
Pathways Survey as a guide, I developed the Oregon Community College Trustee
Survey and surveyed 48 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics, inferential statistics, and quantitative analysis.

Aligning with political recruitment theory, 69% of respondents reported they
were recruited or appointed to run. Of those recruited, most were encouraged
by the community college president or other board members to consider
running for a board position. Although most community college trustees did
not report these elected positions as steppingstones to higher office,
interestingly, more women than men reported political ambition and interest
in other higher elected positions. Although some board members reported they
were seeking an elected position broadly, results suggested the right
recruiter can help motivate a nonambitious candidate to run for a community
college board position. Understanding what factors influence a person’s
decision to serve on a community college board, and how these college board
members are encouraged to run for office, adds to the literature in this
understudied area. Finally, studying this frequently overlooked but vital
office also offers insights for broader studies on why individuals run for
other elected positions.
Efficacy and safety of intravenous iron sucrose, ferric carboxymaltose and iron isomaltoside in gynaecological patients: a comparative study
Authors: Murtineedi Bhavitha , Luthra Sonia , Mishra Madhulika , Bohra Sangeeta
Published: February 2025

Background: Anaemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children, menstruating adolescent girls, pregnant and postpartum women. Parental iron therapy with iron sucrose or ferric carboxy maltose or iron isomaltoside results in faster and higher replenishment of iron stores with correction of Hb and ferritin levels and better patient compliance compared to oral drugs.
Methods: This was a prospective, randomized comparative study conducted over 18 months in Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hind Institute of Medical Science, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. Total of 87 female patients of age group 18-50 years with haemoglobin level of <10gm/dl and serum ferritin <100ng/dl in Gynaecology OPD and IPD were assigned to 3 groups of Iron Sucrose (IS) group, Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) group and Iron Isomaltoside (IIM) group. Each group included 29 women with a ratio of 1:1:1. Iron requirement was calculated by Ganzoni formula and parenteral iron was given intravenously. Baseline values of haemoglobin and serum ferritin was noted and repeated at the end of 4 weeks of therapy. The observed values were compared and analysed.
Results: The rise in haemoglobin and ferritin was higher with iron isomaltoside and ferric carboxymaltose (p value 0.000, statistically significant) when compared with iron sucrose group. However, rise was statistically not significant when compared between FCM and IIM group (for hemoglobin, p=0.32 and ferritin, p=8.18). The occurrence of adverse reactions was seen more commonly in iron sucrose but it was not found to be statistically significant.
Conclusions: The ability to deliver a high dose of iron within a short time, with single prick and less adverse effects make FCM and iron isomaltoside suitable for patients requiring quicker restoration of iron stores.
Role of liver function tests among pregnant women with respect to feto-maternal outcome in third trimester: an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Singh Sapna , Yadav Priyanka , Lal Pavika , Verma Pratima
Published: February 2025

Background: Liver disease occurs in approximately 3% of pregnant women so it has adverse effect on feto-maternal outcome. Diseases specifically related to pregnancy are intra-hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, abnormal liver function with preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and hyperemesis gravidarum. Aim was to determine prevalence of liver disease in pregnancy and the impact of abnormal liver function tests on feto-maternal outcome
Methods: It was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, UISEMH, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur for a period of 2 years. All antenatal patients between the ages of 18-40 years who presented with abnormal liver function tests in third trimester were enrolled. Socio demographic and detailed clinical history was taken from all such patients and they were followed till delivery for feto-maternal outcome.
Results: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were the most common cause of abnormal liver function tests in pregnancy (55.25%), followed by intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy (23.91%). Acute viral hepatitis was present in 8% patients. In 39% patients, preterm delivery was documented about 43.7% babies had birth weight less than 2.5 kg. Maternal mortality was 15.3% and perinatal mortality was 24.7%.
Conclusions: Deranged liver function in pregnancy is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention can improve feto-maternal outcome.
Ovarian hemangioma: rare case report and review of literature
Authors: Pawar Amol P. , Garude Swapnali G. , Patwardhan Leena M. , Solanki Vrushti P.
Published: February 2025

Ovarian haemangiomas are vascular tumours arising from ovary of female genital tract, are very rare. Not more than 60 well-documented cases of ovarian haemangioma are noted. Authors reports 77-year-old woman presented with pain in lower abdomen and discomfort along with bloating sensation since 1 month in gynaecology outpatient department (OPD) at Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital on august 2023. Ultrasonography suggestive of large cystic mass is seen the left hemi pelvis measuring 7.0×5.4 cm with multiple calcifications. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) suggestive of about 8×7.5×6 cm well-defined cystic lesion with multiple thick septae with calcification within it seen in left adnexa likely to be teratoma. Patient was posted for exploratory laparotomy. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salphingoopherectomy with partial dissection of retroperitoneal mass was done. Histopathology report suggested microscopic examination as ovarian tissue is replaced by variably sized thick and thin vascular channels and blood vessels. These vascular channels have partially denuded endothelial lining. The vascular channels are filled with frank haemorrhage suggestive of ovarian haemangioma. Ovarian haemangiomas sometimes coexist with genital tract diseases or even malignancies and thus ovarian haemangioma can be clinically significant.
A case report of xanthogranulomatous inflammation of a tubo-ovarian mass
Authors: Kamalanabane Badmavathi , Ammulu Srinivasan , Jayashree  , Fathima Shaheen
Published: February 2025

Although uncommon, xanthogranulomatous inflammation of the female reproductive system frequently manifests in the endometrium. There have only been a few documented incidences affecting the ovary. It may resemble ovarian cancer in its clinical presentation, radiological characteristics, and other aspects. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the importance of pre-diagnosing this inflammatory lesion in order to avoid misdiagnosis and drastic surgical treatment. This case report elaborates how a 60-year-old female patient with a tubo-ovarian tumor was suspected of having cancer based on clinic-radiological symptoms, but histological confirmed the ultimate diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous inflammation of an tubo ovarian mass.
Vaginal delivery through an intrapartum bucket handle cervical tear: a rare case report
Authors: Verma Aruna , Pandey Himani , Rana Ravita , Parveen Shazia
Published: February 2025

Cervical tears, though rare, pose serious risks to maternal health, especially postpartum haemorrhage. During labour, these injuries can include cervical avulsion, annular detachment, bucket-handle tears, and lateral tears. Our case report presents a rare instance of spontaneous vaginal birth through a posterior bucket-handle cervical tear in a primiparous woman. This occurred despite the external cervical os being partially dilated without known risk factors. This situation serves as a warning that strong uterine contractions accompanied by a failure of the external cervical os to dilate may indicate an imminent cervical tear. In cases of excessive postpartum blood loss, it is essential to maintain a high level of suspicion for cervical tears. This emphasizes the importance of thoroughly inspecting the genital canal after a vaginal birth. Prompt diagnosis, repair, anatomical restoration, and haemostasis are essential for achieving the best outcomes.
Various birthing positions and their effects on fetomaternal outcome during labour: a comprehensive review
Authors: Das Dipti , Kaur Gagandeep
Published: February 2025

Labour and delivery are major challenges globally, especially in developing countries. Labouring women should be allowed to choose their preferred positions and avoid staying in supine position for prolong periods as per WHO recommendation. However, studies indicate that most of the women still give birth in a lying or semi-sitting position. This research focuses on determining the most effective birthing positions than the supine one and empowering women to select the most comfortable posture during labour. We have searched a thorough electronic database, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library, using key terms such as "labour positions", “alternate birthing positions” and "fetomaternal outcomes." After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, we integrated total 41 studies into this review. Upright positions, birth stool, birth chair, squatting and peanut ball positions improve labour outcomes for both mother and fetus compared to supine or lithotomy positions, but may increase risk of perineal laceration, episiotomy rate and blood losses in mother. Birthing and Swiss balls have a positive effect on feto-maternal outcomes, although they may not be suitable for all women. Semi-sitting and lateral positions have mixed effects. Whereas Water birth benefits the mother but may result in lower fetal Apgar score. Many women still deliver in traditional lithotomy or semi-recumbent positions in developing countries despite the benefits of different alternative birthing positions. Health systems must adopt policies to support these positions and integrate them into midwifery education, with ongoing research to evaluate their effects and address barriers to implementation.
Más allá de la tecnología: el papel de los RTO en las grandes transiciones sociales
Authors: Arrilucea Solachi Eva
Published: February 2025

La mayor parte de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible asociados a las grandes transiciones actuales requieren de respuestas complejas que, a menudo, tienen un importante componente tecnológico. Sin embargo, la tecnología por sí sola no es una respuesta suficiente para abordar las grandes transiciones; tiene que venir acompañada de un entendimiento de las tendencias del entorno y de cambios institucionales, sociales, políticos y de otra índole. En este contexto, los centros de investigación tecnológica (RTOs) tienen el potencial de desarrollar una batería de roles, más allá de la generación de tecnología, para contribuir a mejorar la capacidad de absorción de las empresas, de la sociedad y del conjunto del ecosistema y acelerar el cambio. En este documento se proponen algunos de estos roles y también cómo pueden contribuir a reducir las barreras inherentes a las transiciones.
La La importancia del bienestar subjetivo en la construcción de competitividad
Authors: Horta Roberto , Camacho Micaela
Published: February 2025

A partir de conceptualizar la competitividad como “el proceso a través del cual, a partir de un conjunto de recursos y capacidades que son fuente de ventajas competitivas un territorio puede alcanzar objetivos de bienestar y desarrollo sostenible previamente establecidos”, los autores reflexionan sobre la relación entre competitividad y bienestar.  Ello los lleva a considerar que el bienestar debe tener en cuenta elementos no solamente del bienestar objetivo (estado de situación) sino también del bienestar subjetivo (repercusión del estado en el nivel de satisfacción), y que uno de los aportes sustanciales desde la teoría económica a los procesos de construcción competitiva, es el de investigar qué elementos del bienestar económico objetivo tienen mayor impacto en el bienestar subjetivo o felicidad de la población. Se presentan investigaciones que obtienen hallazgos en esta línea así como demuestran que es posible encontrar diferencias de valoraciones respecto a la incidencia que tienen varias dimensiones del bienestar objetivo en el bienestar subjetivo, cuando se consideran diferentes regiones dentro de un determinado territorio. Estos resultados son importantes para la definición de políticas públicas y estrategias empresariales en los proceso de construcción competitiva.
W poszukiwaniu sensu pracy. Między filozofią a psychologią
Authors: Andrałojć Magdalena
Published: February 2025

Searching for the meaning of work. Between philosophy and psychology. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the concept of work meaning into the scientific discourse in the field of work management. It discusses the main characteristics
of work and the concepts related to the meaning of work from both philosophical and
psychological perspectives. The study presents various concepts and models of well-being,
including hedonistic and eudaimonic interpretations, which shape the understanding of
the sense of work. Consequently, a theoretical model of perceiving the meaning of work
is proposed. The practical dimension of these considerations involves shaping conscious
employee attitudes based on higher values that extend beyond the narrow self-interest of
employees or employers. This approach influences employee engagement and their sense of
well-being in an eudaimonic sense. The study emphasises that the meaning of work, derived
from a sense of social value, should be recognised and appreciated at every stage of work.
Moreover, the proposed model of perceiving the meaning of work can serve as a conceptual
basis for further empirical research in the field of management.
Radiology's role in dermatology: A closer look at two years of data
Authors: Tiryaki Baştuğ Betül , Gencer Başol Hatice
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Radiological imaging plays a vital role in dermatology, addressing complex diagnostic needs beyond visual examination. The study focuses on the use of radiology services by the dermatology clinic at Bilecik Training and Research Hospital over two years (January 2023-December 2024), focusing on modality preferences, clinical indications, and diagnostic impact.
Methods: Data from 451 imaging referrals were analyzed, covering patient demographics, imaging types, and clinical indications. Modalities included ultrasonography (USG), X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and other specialized techniques. Trends and diagnostic yields were assessed, with subgroup analysis by age and gender.
Results: Ultrasonography was the most frequently used imaging method (65.2%), followed by X-ray (18.6%), with MRI and CT used less often (5.1% and 4.4%, respectively). General medical examinations (29.93%) were the leading indication, achieving the highest diagnostic yield (85%). Pruritus (9.31%) and psoriasis (7.76%) were also notable indications. Most referrals involved middle-aged (41-60 years) and older adults (61+ years).
Conclusions: Ultrasonography and X-ray remain foundational tools in dermatology, providing essential support for diagnosis and management. These findings highlight the need for resource optimization and stronger collaboration between dermatology and radiology. Future research should explore imaging outcomes and emerging technologies to advance dermatological care.
Indicadores como ferramenta para análise e avaliação de Educação Ambiental: Estudo de Caso no Colégio Militar de Curitiba
Authors: Prates Venina , Gadda Tatiana Maria Cecy , Vieira Solange Reiguel
Published: February 2025

Este artigo teve como objetivo investigar as práticas de Educação Ambiental (EA) no Colégio Militar de Curitiba (CMC). A metodologia com enfoque participativo empregou a análise documental e aplicação da Matriz de Indicadores (Vieira, 2021), fundamentada na Teoria da Atuação Política de Ball, Maguire e Braun (2021). A análise dos indicadores da dimensão Gestão, apontou que, apesar da estrutura hierárquica e militarizada, a instituição tem implementado mecanismos de gestão democrática. A avaliação dos indicadores da dimensão Espaço físico revelou que, embora a infraestrutura escolar seja excelente, a utilização dos espaços verdes é subestimada, apontando para a necessidade de uma maior conscientização sobre sustentabilidade nas dependências do colégio. Na análise da dimensão Currículo, embora o CMC conte com profissionais altamente qualificados, a presença de professores especializados em EA é limitada. Por fim, na dimensão Comunidade, os participantes da pesquisa relataram interações significativas em projetos e atividades acadêmicas internas, mas o envolvimento de ações de EA com a comunidade externa permanece restrito.
Classification and Class Search Using Voting Techniques
Authors:   , Wegmann Markus
Published: February 2025

Beyond the search for content and information, such as texts and documents of all types in information retrieval, class-based search provides information on suitable, superordinate categories, suitable sources, and appropriate generic terms or classifications based on document rankings and their properties.

The starting point and basis of this thesis is existing research on voting techniques in expertise retrieval, which addresses the search for suitable experts on a searched topic based on the relevant and ranked documents of a collection. In this thesis, the concept of expert search is derived, generalized, and referred to as a class search. To find these suitable superordinate classes in response to a query, associated scored and ranked documents with their properties vote for them. This voting process does not correspond to the classic electoral voting systems, but uses voting techniques that aggregate the probative value of voting documents for each class in different ways.

Following theoretic analyses, the properties of conventional and, in the course of the work, also new voting techniques are examined in a larger experimental setup, and their applicability in general scenarios is investigated. In addition to their use at the document level, voting techniques are further investigated at the level of document passages; the relevance of document rankings resulting from passages that vote for their documents is examined.

In addition to similarity measures, the applicability of voting techniques is also examined and evaluated at the level of distance measures. Using the example of hierarchical clustering, the application of voting techniques is related to known clustering techniques, and their systemic behavior is analyzed.

With its theoretical considerations and evaluations of practical scenarios, this work provides a broad overview of voting techniques, their characteristics, differences, and their diverse application scenarios.
China’s COVID-19 Humanitarian Response: A Case Study on Indonesia Through Human Security Perspective
Authors: Wardhani Nuke Faridha , Amalia Ridha , Yapply Brillin
Published: February 2025

China’s humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the interplay between human security principles and strategic foreign policy. This study examines China’s assistance to Indonesia, a key partner under the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on the effectiveness, empowerment, and motives behind its actions. Drawing on the human security framework, the article analyzes China’s rapid response through the provision of medical supplies, vaccines, and long-term capacity-building efforts. Key initiatives, such as the Sinovac-Bio Farma vaccine collaboration, illustrate how China integrated immediate relief with long-term cooperation, addressing both health crises and systemic vulnerabilities. The findings emphasize China’s dual motivations namely upholding human security norms and advancing its global position. By leveraging multilateral platforms and bilateral partnerships, China demonstrated its commitment to addressing global health challenges while fostering deeper ties with Indonesia. This case provides valuable lessons for incorporating human security into future foreign aid strategies, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in tackling shared crises.
Keywords: Human Security, Humanitarian Aid, COVID-19 Pandemic, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Sino-Indonesian Relations
Bantuan kemanusiaan Tiongkok ketika pandemi COVID-19 menyoroti keterkaitan antara prinsip keamanan manusia dan kebijakan luar negeri Tiongkok yang strategis. Studi ini mengkaji bantuan kemanusiaan Tiongkok kepada Indonesia yang berfokus pada tiga aspek, yakni efektivitas, pemberdayaan, dan motif, dimana Indonesia merupakan salah satu mitra strategis dalam kerja sama Belt and Road Initiative. Dalam perspektif keamanan manusia, dapat diketahui bagaimana Tiongkok menyediakan bantuan alatalat kesehatan, yakni kerja sama vaksin Sinovac-Bio Farma dan upaya pengembangan kapasitas dalam jangka panjang, merupakan respons yang cepat dalam menghadapi krisis kesehatan dan kerentanan yang sistematik. Temuan tersebut juga menekankan pada motivasi Tiongkok dalam memberikan bantuan kemanusiaan, selain menegakkan norma keamanan manusia juga memajukan kedudukannya dalam skala global. Dengan memanfaatkan kerja sama multilateral dan bilateral, Tiongkok menunjukkan komitmennya untuk mengatasi tantangan kesehatan pada level global sekaligus membina hubungan yang lebih baik dengan Indonesia. Hal ini menjadi menarik ketika menggabungkan perspektif keamanan manusia dalam strategi bantuan luar negeri dengan tetap menekankan pentingnya kerja sama internasional dalam mengatasi krisis bersama.
Kata-kata Kunci: Keamanan Manusia, Bantuan Kemanusiaan, Pandemi COVID-19, Belt and Road Inisiatif (BRI), Hubungan Tiongkok-Indonesia
Advancements in the estimation of the state of charge of lithium-ion battery: a comprehensive review of traditional and deep learning approaches
Authors: Wu Yunhao , Bai Dongxin , Zhang Kai , Li Yong , Yang Fuqian
Published: February 2025

Accurately estimating the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries is essential for optimizing battery management systems in various applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. This study explores advancements in data-driven approaches for SOC estimation, focusing on both conventional machine learning and deep learning techniques. While traditional machine learning methods offer reliable performance, they often encounter challenges with high-dimensional data and adaption to complex operational conditions. In contrast, deep learning models provide enhanced capabilities in nonlinear modeling and automated feature extraction, leading to improved accuracy and robustness. Through comprehensive evaluations across diverse scenarios, this research identifies key technical challenges and outlines future directions, including distributed training, incorporation of physical data, development of dynamic neural networks, and the establishment of standardized benchmarking protocols. These insights aim to guide the creation of more precise, efficient, and adaptive SOC estimation models, thereby advancing the reliability and effectiveness of battery management systems.
Effects of nicotine on catecholaminergic neurotransmission in a premotor stage model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Cosi Cristina , Auclair Agnes , Ravailhe Veronique , Malfetes Nathalie , N’Guyen Veronique
Published: February 2025

Altered cognitive, social, and emotional behaviors are early-onset symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) associated with the partial loss of dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens (n.Acc). A partial 6-hydroxydopamine (OHDA) bilateral lesion of the dorsal striatum (DS) in rats induces impairments in cognitive functions, social behavior, and depressive-like behavior, with little effect on locomotor activity, whether spontaneous or forced. Limited data are available on n.Acc dopaminergic neurotransmission in these lesioned animals, under resting and nicotine-stimulated conditions. In our study, rats with bilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned DS showed a 44–59% decrease in DS catecholamine content and about a 32% decrease in ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra tyrosine hydroxylase–positive neurons compared with sham-operated animals. No motor coordination impairment was detected by the rotarod test, and the basal DA release in n.Acc, tested by microdialysis, did not differ among lesioned, sham, and naïve rats. In lesioned animals, however, subcutaneous (s.c.) saline injection caused a decrease in DA release in n.Acc, confirming a threshold reduction in DA function in lesioned animals. Nicotine increased DA release in the n.Acc of naïve rats, with a maximally effective dose of 0.32 mg/kg s.c. This nicotine treatment restored DA release in the n.Acc of lesioned animals without affecting DS total catecholamine content. These data demonstrate the functionality of surviving DA neurons in the n.Acc (shell part) after partial lesion and suggest the relevance of the proposed model for the neurochemical characterization of early interventions in PD.