bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perancangan Desain Kemasan Keripik dengan Menggunakan Metode Quality Function Deployment (QFD)
Authors: Zetli Sri , Tarigan Elsya Paskaria Loyda , Fajrah Nofriani
Published: June 2024

The appearance of attractive packaging in a product is something that is a major factor apart from product quality. UMKM Keripik Singkong Usaho still have problems with product packaging which is still simple using ordinary plastic without any labeling. So that research and packaging design are needed using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method. The results of the study obtained 18 items that become consumer criteria for the packaging of chips products. The results of the House of Quality show that the greatest desire value of consumers (0.07) for the design of chip packaging is an attractive packaging shape (A1), displaying the expiration date (A7), listing the composition (A10), including the halal logo (A11), packaging materials resistant to oil and water (A12), and the position of the product logo is easy to read (A17). So that the technical criteria are variations in packaging color, variations in writing color, variants of packaging materials, and variants of packaging shapes. The proposed packaging design for the chips has two models, red packaging color for the spicy flavor and green packaging color for the original flavor, where each package includes the expiration date, product composition, and halal logo.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND FUTURE PERFORMANCE: THE MODERATING EFFECT OF OWNERSHIP
Authors: Susanto Idil Rakhmat , Soewarno Noorlailie , Tjahjadi Bambang
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate the Role of ownership structure on the Effect of investment strategy on future performance. The research focuses on ownership that compares foreign and domestic ownership structures. The research sample is a non-financial company in ASEAN countries. Multiple regression was performed to test the hypothesis using a financial dataset from 795 firm years of observation of non-financial companies in ASEAN. Our results show that foreign and domestic owners negatively affect the relationship between investment strategy and the future performance. The study’s results indicate that foreign and domestic ownership have no significant difference as a supporting factor for implementing the investment strategy in improving the company’s future performance. Our findings confirm the IO theory about implementing an investment strategy that affects future performance even though it impacts decreasing financial performance because companies need more time to see the impact of an investment strategy.
Homogenization of insect bulk samples provides more comprehensive yet comparable biodiversity data than non-destructive lysis
Authors: Wolany Lisa , Enss Julian , Leese Florian , Buchner Dominik
Published: June 2024

The rapid advancement of molecular biodiversity monitoring tools, particularly DNA metabarcoding, has improved specimen identification in bulk samples, such as those from Malaise traps, where traditional morphological identification is impractical. While not being standardized yet, a typical first step in insect bulk sample analysis is the extraction of DNA from homogenized specimens. While this step yields reliable metabarcoding results, it destroys the specimens, preventing further use in monitoring and taxonomic analysis. Non-destructive lysis, which preserves specimen integrity, is still being evaluated for its effectiveness in accurately assessing bulk sample biodiversity. In this study, we assessed the suitability of non-destructive lysis for Malaise trap samples and compared its performance with homogenization using an established metabarcoding workflow. Five bulk samples were collected with Malaise traps. Samples were first incubated in a lysis buffer with Proteinase K (non-destructive lysis) and then homogenized. DNA was extracted from both treatments and metabarcoded to compare OTU richness, accumulation, and beta diversity. On average, homogenized samples yielded 3.8% more OTUs than non-destructive lysis samples. Although homogenization provides a more comprehensive and cost-effective assessment of Malaise trap bulk samples, non-destructive lysis still recovered at least 80% of the OTUs identified through homogenization and revealed similar patterns of community change. While our results show that both methods yield comparable data on insect biodiversity and thus can both be used for monitoring we consider non-destructive lysis as not suitable for integration into automated workflows or large-scale biomonitoring due to the much higher costs. However, undoubtedly the method remains important in cases where morphological integrity must be preserved and additional sampling is not possible.
L’accompagnement au risque du projet
Authors: Hierso Béatrice , Hilal Keltoum
Published: June 2024

Le projet comme base de travail selon la loi du 2 janvier 2002 qui fixe les objectifs et moyens de travail pour chaque usager. Mais au quotidien, ce projet est parfois mis à mal par les difficultés que nous rencontrons avec ces jeunes, porteurs d’un handicap très lourd, voire létal (jeunes polyhandicapés). Les soins journaliers, les rééducations, les activités diverses chamboulent souvent tout canevas d’emploi du temps trop bien tissé. De nous voir faire, être à l’œuvre, la pression de la hiérarchie rajoute de la tension sur ce quotidien déjà difficile. Mais chaque jour nous œuvrons pour que chaque instant soit agréable et favorable au petit rien, comme le disait si bien Jean Oury.
Projet, valeurs et subjectivité. Les dessous de l’activité d’une assistante sociale
Authors: Couillet Anaëlle
Published: June 2024

Cet article s’intéresse à l’organisation complexe d’un entretien entre une assistante sociale et une personne accompagnée, lieu central de la mise en œuvre du projet d’accompagnement social. À partir de l’analyse de l’activité d’une assistante sociale, nous mettrons en lumière les différentes articulations qui entrent en jeu, et notamment la place qu’occupent les valeurs de cette professionnelle.
Le « projet individualisé », ou l’histoire d’un quiproquo ?
Authors: Lego Gaëlle
Published: June 2024

Le terme de « projet » institué par les derniers textes de re-modernisation sociale implique un changement de paradigme plus en phase avec le système néolibéral dans le champ social et médico-social. D’une clinique de l’écoute et de la relation, celui-ci se projette dans le « dispositif » de contrôle (cher à Foucault) dont la spécificité est de séparer l’être de son ontologie structurante. Le philosophe italien Giorgio Agamben précise que son aspect normatif soutenu par un appareillage de techno-surveillance reste un puissant mécanisme de désubjectivation. Comment peut-on sortir de ce quiproquo qui voudrait faire du « dispositif » le nouveau prisme par lequel appréhender nos pratiques ? Le parcours de Simon R., en esat , tente de repositionner la valeur d’un accompagnement de qualité axé sur la problématique du sujet, ici, psychotique. Celui-ci se fait, toujours, selon un cheminement singulier.
Hommage à Joseph Ponthus : éducateur spécialisé
Authors: Papillon Marie-Odile
Published: June 2024

Alexandre Philibert, Rachid Ben Bella, Sylvain Érambert et Riadh Lakhéchène se sont réunis autour de Joseph Ponthus, éducateur spécialisé, pour écrire des récits sur la prison, l’école, la cité, la mort de Ben. Cet atelier d’écriture, qui a duré un an, a donné naissance à un livre touchant et profond sur une jeunesse en construction. Entre les lignes, l’éducateur spécialisé apparaît, volontaire, tenace et rigoureux, privilégiant son amour des mots et de l’écriture.
Convergencia de género en el uso del tiempo en el País Vasco. Un análisis a partir de 25 años de la Encuesta de Presupuestos del Tiempo (1993-2018)
Authors: García Román Joan
Published: June 2024

Aunque siguen existiendo diferencias de género en el uso del tiempo, en las últimas décadas se ha dado, en la mayoría de sociedades, una convergencia en el tiempo que hombres y mujeres dedican a actividades que tradicionalmente han reflejado la división de roles en el hogar. Este artículo explora cómo ha cambiado el uso del tiempo de las mujeres y hombres en el País Vasco durante un período de 25 años (1993-2018), en el transcurso del cual ha mejorado la posición social de las mujeres en términos de educación superior, participación en el mercado laboral y acceso a ocupaciones más prestigiosas. Los resultados muestran una reducción de la brecha de género patente, sobre todo, en actividades de trabajo, tanto el no remunerado como el remunerado y, en menor medida, en el ocio y el cuidado. Aun así, las diferencias de género siguen existiendo y los datos más recientes muestran una ralentización en el proceso de convergencia.
Introduzione. La storia con gli occhi dei tifosi
Authors: Bassi Jacopo , Belloni Eleonora
Published: June 2024

La storia dello sport ha conosciuto negli ultimi anni un fiorire di studi oltre che una rinnovata legittimazione in ambito accademico e non. Alcuni fenomeni, come quello delle tifoserie sono progressivamente divenuti oggetto di indagine storica: molti aspetti sono perciò stati presi in esame.Quello che ancora manca è un 'analisi di come i tifosi hanno utilizzato, riprodotto e risignificato la narrazione della storia.
“The Battle for The Valley”. Tifo, identità, mobilitazione sociale e politica: il caso del Charlton Athletic (1985-1992)
Authors: Silei Gianni
Published: June 2024

Utilizzando tra le varie fonti la «Voice of The Valley», la fanzine indipendente del Charlton Athletic, questo articolo ricostruisce le vicende che precedettero e seguirono la nascita del Valley Party, la lista politica che i tifosi degli Addicks presentarono alle elezioni per il rinnovo del Borough Council di Greenwich del maggio 1990. Questa mobilitazione fu una risposta al rigetto da parte dell’amministrazione locale laburista del progetto di rifacimento dello stadio, abbandonato forzatamente cinque anni prima per decisione dei proprietari del club. La battaglia per il loro stadio, spazio identitario per i supporters e la comunità locale, rappresenta una caso-studio rilevante non solo sotto questo profilo ma fornisce inoltre una lettura dalla prospettiva delle emozioni collettive dello sport e interessanti spunti di riflessione sul processo di modernizzazione, omologazione e gentrificazione del calcio professionistico durante il suo passaggio decisivo da disciplina moderna a “post-moderna”.
Contra toda autoridad. Fútbol, ultras y Revolución en Egipto. Entre el mito y la represión
Authors: Viñas Gracia Carles
Published: June 2024

Sin dallo sviluppo del movimento ultrà egiziano all’inizio del XXI secolo, calcando le orme dell’omologo tunisino, le gradinate degli stadi sono divenute uno dei pochi luoghi in cui le autorità statali potevano essere criticate.Attraverso le coreografie realizzate dalle tifoserie radicali organizzate, i supporters hanno espresso la loro contrarietà tanto a Mubarak quanto ai militari. Striscioni, canti e bandiere sono divenute il più efficace veicolo di espressione e di protesta. I loro cori si sono aggiunti alla colonna sonora della rivoluzione del 2011, che rovesciò Mubarak dopo un trentennio di presidenza. Pratici degli scontri con la polizia, gli ultras egiziani furono la forza d’urto che salvaguardò la rivolta; successivamente tennero a freno i militari. Come è potuto avvenire che tifoserie apolitiche divenissero garanti della rivoluzione? Perché gli ultras egiziani sono stati coinvolti nella primavera araba? Queste sono le ipotesi di lavoro a cui cerchiamo di dare risposta nel nostro articolo.
The paradox of Minkowski space: Imaginary unit i is not a number but an action sign
Authors: Nechitaylo Andrey Yurievich
Published: June 2024

This work explains an internal contradiction (error) in the current understanding of non-Euclidean Minkowski space. This error happens because the imaginary unit  i  in the Minkowski space is considered as
a number. In order to solve this contradiction, it is explained in this work that the imaginary unit  i  must be consider as an action sign over a vector because only direction of the vector could be imaginary,
since imaginary length is nonsense. The concept on the imaginarity of vector refers to the directions of vector (as “plus” or “minus”), but not to the length value and therefore, all numbers could be considered as freely rotatable vectors. Being considered from this
position, both the imaginary and real directions (not lengths) of a vector would be consistent for different observers, because they could consider different real axes.
Ether wind detection
Authors: Persson John-Erik
Published: June 2024

The existence of an ether is confirmed by the detection of an ether wind, and a physics without dilation of time is described.
Colonialismo e encobrimento de passados africanos: o caso do Grande Zimbábue, entre a História e a Literatura (1890-1900)
Authors: Da Silva Evander Ruthieri
Published: June 2024

Ao longo do século XIX, as ruínas do Grande Zimbábue, o assentamento principal de um antigo reino shona que se constituiu no planalto zimbabuano, foi alvo de controvérsias acerca das origens da sociedade que construiu essas estruturas de pedra. Em documentos produzidos por exploradores e cronistas europeus, enredou-se a “hipótese fenícia”, mediante a qual o Grande Zimbábue teria sido construído por colonizadores semíticos na Antiguidade. O artigo analisa dois documentos produzidos no período, The Ruined Cities of Mashonaland (1892), de Theodore Bent, e o romance histórico Elissa (1900) de H. Rider Haggard, com ênfase nas relações entre colonialismo e encobrimento de passados africanos no entrelace da História e da Literatura.
O bispo, um intelectual tardo-antigo: o exemplo de Isidoro de Sevilha (séculos VI - VII)
Authors: Frighetto Renan
Published: June 2024

O estudo da história pode nos oferecer dilemas historiográficos que devemos confrontar. Um deles diz respeito a utilização do conceito, ou da categoria, de intelectual para os períodos pré-modernos, ou seja, para os momentos históricos que definimos como a Antiguidade e a Idade Média. No presente estudo analisamos esta possibilidade a partir da figura episcopal na Antiguidade Tardia, lançando nosso olhar ao bispo Isidoro de Sevilha, personagem de grande talha política e cultural no reino hispano-visigodo de Toledo de finais do século VI e no primeiro terço do século VII.
Treatment for Facade Building (Opaque Part) due to Climate Change in Various Regions of Egypt: Environmental Assessment of Office Spaces
Authors: Abd El-Razik Mahmoud M. , Al-Desouqi Abeer , Bahgat Nour K. , Imam Tasneem A. , El-Shazly Toaa M.
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the whole world has been ailed by the change in climate with global warming and its negative effects on Earth’s climate system. Increased emissions and amplified energy consumption have resulted in a remarkable rise across the various climatic regions of Egypt, intensifying the thermal stresses on building facades. So to address this matter through a quantitative study, how climate change influences energy consumption rates will be analysed by referring back to the ECEEE records and Egypt's weather data files. The weather data files follow the seven climate regions and the different cities, starting with Alexandria, then Cairo, Minya, Asyut, Hurghada, Kharga, and finally Aswan. Based on the ECEEE records, each climate region has a particular thermal resistance (R-value) regulated by its zone location and weather conditions, thereby regulating consumption and reducing energy consumption. The simulations will also compare the most recent weather data files for 2021 with the original from 2006 in order to determine whether they are still applicable to today's energy depletion rates. The DesignBuilder program will be used to examine and compare R-values for an air-conditioned office space (6x4) m with a southwest orientation between 2006 and 2021. The results show an increase in Delta and Cairo Regions (2) by 50% , South Upper Egypt Regions (4) by 57% , and East Coast Regions (5) by 43% that were treated with XPS Extruded Polystyrene - CO2 Blowing as an insulation material addition, with its thickness adjusted according to the different regions. Keywords Climate Change, Energy Consumption, R-Value, Energy Code, Climatic Regions, Office Space, Orientation, Software Simulation, Envelope
Production of Green Mortar Using Plastic Waste as a Thermal Efficient Building Material
Authors: Abd El-Razik Mahmoud M. , Shaker Hoda M. , Kamil M.M. , Taha N.A.
Published: June 2024

Building Envelope is considered to be the main influencing part of heat transfer into the inner space of the building, as a result the amount of heat transferred into indoors affects the consumption of electrical energy for air conditioning systems. Usually, the Envelope of the building consists of two main components i.e opaque and transparent parts, the opaque part in most buildings consist of bricks, outer and inner plaster layers. This main objective of this research paper is to produce a light weight mortar using plastic bottles waste that is Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by replacing different proportions of both sand and cement in a separate way, then making an evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of the modified mortar samples. In this paper we have measured coefficient of thermal conductivity, density and compressive strength. The paper shows that an apparent decrease in the values of thermal conductivity coefficient (k) by a percentage of (50%) to (60%) compared to an ordinary mortar.
An Innovative Design for Environmentally Friendly Housing Model in Egypt
Authors: Helal Hesham A. , Fouad Rania
Published: June 2024

Traditional solutions for residential buildings often focus on maximizing economic benefit at the expense of environmental and social considerations. As a result, many residential buildings are poorly ventilated, poorly insulated, and lack access to natural light and views. These factors can lead to health problems, discomfort, and energy inefficiency. This research presents an innovative model for environmentally friend housing design that maximize economic value while also considering environmental and social factors. The model is based on an applied case study of a residential development in Cairo, Egypt. The model's key features include orientation of buildings to maximize natural ventilation and daylighting - use of sustainable building materials and construction methods - provision of green spaces and other amenities for residents. The model was able to achieve significant environmental and social benefits, including reduced energy consumption - improved indoor air quality - increased comfort and well-being for residents - enhanced visual and acoustic insulation - the model is also economically viable, providing developers with a competitive advantage in the market. Overall, this research presents a promising new approach to the design of environmentally friendly housing.
Audit Committee Characteristics, Gender Diversity and Earnings Management: Evidence from Listed Companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Balagobei Saseela , Keerthana Gnanasothy
Published: June 2024

The study aims to explore the impact of audit committee characteristics and gender diversity on the earnings management of listed companies in Sri Lanka. The sample comprises 107 companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) for the five years from 2017 to 2021. The audit committee size, independence, financial expertise, and the number of audit committee meetings proxy for audit committee characteristics while gender diversity is measured by the number of female directors on the board. This study used discretionary accruals as a signal of the presence of earnings management. The results reveal that audit committee size and gender diversity have a negative effect on the earnings management practices of listed companies. A low level of audit committee independence has a major effect as a device in mitigating earnings management.
The Effect of Financial Innovation on Bank Performance: Evidence from Commercial Banks of Sri Lanka
Authors: Ekanayake Nishani , Anjalika Nishandi
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the impact of financial innovation on bank performance in the context of commercial banks in Sri Lanka. Automated Teller Machines (ATM), mobile banking, internet banking, and debit cards are used as proxies to measure financial innovation while bank performance is measured by ROA and ROE. Pooled OLS regressions are estimated using data for a balanced panel of 11 commercial banks over 10 years from 2010 to 2019. All the proxies for financial innovation have significant effects on bank performance. However, the effects are not uniform across the performance measures. The results show that the financial innovations proxies of ATMs, internet banking, and debit cards have a significantly positive impact on ROA, while mobile banking has a negative impact. Internet banking has a significant positive impact on ROE, while ATMs and mobile banking are negatively related to ROE. These findings underscore the important role played by financial innovation in bank performance.
Determinants of Non-performing Loans in Non-Bank Financial Institutions: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Ekanayake Nishani , Hansani Imesha , Kuruwita Dilini , Chamodi Gayangi
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the factors affecting non-performing loans of non-bank financial institutions in Sri Lanka, employing a panel regression model on data from ten firms from 2011 to 2020. The sample comprises five licensed finance companies and five specialized leasing companies, accounting for 65 percent of the NBFIs industry. The regression model includes profitability, operating efficiency, capital adequacy, company size, GDP growth, inflation, and interest rates as explanatory variables. The results show that capital adequacy and interest rates are positively related, and GDP growth and inflation are negatively related with non-performing loans. Further, it was found that firm size, profitability, and efficiency do not have a significant relationship with NPLs. These findings underscore the important influence of the firm’s capital ratio and macroeconomic factors on non-performing loans of non-bank financial institutions in Sri Lanka.
A Study on Sāmaveda
Authors: Thero Lenagala Srinivasa
Published: June 2024

The Sāmaveda teaches us the way of Vedic chanting in the sacrifices and other events. There are 2.637 verses in this Veda which have been kept as the third Veda in order of the four vedas. There are two major parts of Sāmaveda as gāna and ārcikā. Again the gāna section is divided into two as grāmageya and araṇyageya while the ārcika is also divided into two as pūrvārcikā and uttarārcikā. In this paper, the content of the Sāmaveda is scrutinized considering the subdivisions of the text. It is clear that the modern western and eastern music are based on this Sāmavedic melodies and tones. The Vedic accent and the correct pronunciation connected with meters are taught in this Veda. Here, the focus is on that explanation considering the value of the original Vedic chanting.
‘Politics of Fear’: An Analysis of the Effects of Divisive Political Propaganda in Nazi Germany and Cold-War America as Reflected in Nabokov’s “Signs and Symbols” (1958) and Nena’s “99 Red Balloons” (1985)
Authors: Thebuwana Naduni Dinesha
Published: June 2024

Nabokov’s “Signs and Symbols” (1958) is a short story that baffled its readers when it was first published in The New Yorker in 1948 and continues to be an enigma to contemporary readers. The compact style and lack of plot and backstories are partially responsible for this enigma, which makes it a writerly text open to multiple interpretations. While the text has been interpreted from multiple perspectives for the past seventy years, its engagement with the ‘politics of fear’ in Nazi Germany and Cold-War America has been overlooked. ‘Politics of fear’ is a term coined by Wodak (2015) to investigate right-wing political discourses and strategies. This paper uses it as a critical perspective to analyse how the protagonist’s mental disorder, ‘referential mania,’ reflects nationalist and divisive right-wing political strategies used by populists in Germany and United States during World War II and the Cold War. It also compares this portrayal with the reflection of ‘politics of fear’ in “99 Red Balloons” (1985), a protest song produced by Nena in Cold-War Germany.
Informal Care for Disabled and Elderly Population in Contemporary Sri Lankan Society
Authors: Gunarathna I.
Published: June 2024

The role of the family in providing care is a historical and culturally rooted practice in Sri Lanka. Regardless of ethnicity, people are devoted to protecting the family; the most loving and warm nest for many people to spend their lifetime. Caring for people with disabilities and caring for elders have been an embedded practice in the Sri Lankan family system, however, due to rapid economic and socio-cultural changes a shift in the caring tradition has been observed. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the current informal caring practice among Sinhalese people with disabilities and elders. The study has focused on the care, cultural aspects of the care, social organizations, and the organized structure to provide care. In addition, social relations of care and the community support and assistance to provide care at the community level were also studied. The study was conducted in the Hapugoda No: 405 Grama Niladari Division in the Harispattuwa Divisional Secretariat of the Kandy District and the findings derived from the study are used to identify the significance of the informal care and the care providers, challenges faced by the care providers and the opportunities to enhance the informal care provisions in Sri Lanka.
Factors Affecting Employability of Big Data Professionals: An Analysis with Special Reference to Logistics Companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunathilake Lahiru , Weerasinghe Vihanga , Gishanthi Malsha , Kumarasinghe Ovindi , Kumarasinghe Kelum
Published: June 2024

Big Data Analytics is swiftly growing and has revolutionised the field of business, through advanced analytics. Similarly, Sri Lanka is progressively embracing big data technology, and the pioneering adopters include logistics companies. This emerging field has opened-up many employment opportunities for big data professionals (BDP). However, Sri Lanka has encountered a shortage of BDP, amidst the significant growth in the field. Thus, this study urges to analyse the factors that potentially impact the employability of BDP in the field of big data analytics, with the motive of finding solutions to reduce the skill shortage, which serves as the main objective of the research. The study was executed by analysing qualitative and quantitative data collected through a questionnaire survey followed by a series of structured interviews. The questionnaire survey was distributed among 180 employees who are currently employed in the field of big data analytics, whereas the structured interviews were carried out with 08 experts in the field. Based on the initial Exploratory Factor Analysis conducted, Education Factors, Skills and Competencies, and Job Market Factors were identified as the three main variables that affect the employability of BDP. Subsequently, a Thematic Analysis was carried out in order to investigate the impact of the aforementioned factors on the big data skill shortage, and to navigate possible remedies for it. As implications of the study, it was revealed that certain educational and competency development factors should be considered in order to diminish the skill shortage of BDP.
Role of Mindfulness in Entrepreneurial Success: A Review
Authors: Balasooriya B.M.N.J.K. , Dhammika K.A.S , Sewwandi D.K.
Published: June 2024

The life of an entrepreneur is often stressful with more time spent at work making decisions, facing ever-growing market competition, and undertaking business risks. An entrepreneur is so deeply involved in their business that it is difficult to demarcate between the venture and the owner. The success of the venture highly reflects the competence and focused mindset of the entrepreneur. Such a dynamic business nature requires best practises that can enhance the cognitive capabilities of the entrepreneurs and make them more aware or mindful of present moment phenomena. In a context where many studies are done to unveil success factors of entrepreneurial ventures and still a significant portion of them struggle to survive and succeed in the market, it is high time to view factors affecting entrepreneurial success from a novel angle. Accordingly, this review aims at uncovering the links of mindfulness to entrepreneurial success via an extensive critical review of the extant literature. Considering the vast array of benefits of being mindful, it is recommended for entrepreneurs to engage more in practising mindfulness to make them more vigilant in capturing opportunities, making decisions, and escaping the failures of the past and anxiety about the future. However, given the controversial nature of certain findings in literature and the dearth of studies on mindfulness and entrepreneurial success, the increasing necessity of further conceptual and empirical research in this area is explicit.
Economics: In Search of Relevance and Excellence in University Teaching in Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerawansa S.R.S.D.K. , Hewage T.U.
Published: June 2024

This is an essay on Chapter 4, ‘Economics: In Search of Relevance and Excellence in University Teaching, of the book “Beyond Boundaries: One Hundred Years of Humanities and Social Sciences in Sri Lankan Universities; Volume II: Social Sciences / Premakumara de Silva. [et al.] University Grants Commission, Government Press, Colombo: 2021, 282 pp. (ISBN 978-624- 5980-02-4)” reviewed as a commentary on the evolution of tertiary-level Economics Education under the umbrella of Social Science Education in Sri Lanka. This essay will provide an in-depth and holistic analysis of the content of Chapter 4, highlighting the interconnectedness of most of the disciplines in the social sciences. The chapter attempts to blend the historical orientation of economics with contemporary historical, philosophical, and political developments by taking the reader back in time through the Evolution of Economics teaching in Sri Lanka from university college days to what it is today. It is not unreasonable to conclude that the socio-political culture of the country, together with a lack of knowledge about basic economics, among other things, have been instrumental in leading Sri Lanka to its present predicament. Therefore, understanding and analysing the evolutionary process of economic education has never been more important for Sri Lanka, especially if the country is determined to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.
Factors Affecting Urban Consumer Intention towards Online Purchasing of Agricultural Commodities in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gangewatta I.I. , Kuruppu I.V. , Wijeratne D.U.S.
Published: June 2024

The development of internet technology has made it possible for customers worldwide to change their daily routines. Both globally and in Sri Lanka, online retail sales have sharply increased in recent years. This study intends to identify the factors affecting urban consumers’ intentions to buy agricultural Products online in Sri Lanka. The multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the most urbanised districts in Sri Lanka: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, and Kandy. And using the convenience sampling technique, a total of 112 questionnaires were collected via a Google form. The research examined perceived Ease of Use and Food Quality as independent variables and dependent variables such as Perceived Usefulness, Website Trust, Perceived Risk, and Purchase Intention. IBM SPSS version 26 and IBM SPSS AMOS version 26 were used to analyse the data and develop the Structural Equation Model (SEM) to test the hypothesis. The results revealed that the influence of Food Quality on Purchase Intention, the influence of Perceived Ease of Use on Perceived Usefulness, and the influence of Perceived Ease of Use on Website Trust are significantly positive. Perceived Risk on Purchase Intention has a negative relationship and is not significant. The study suggests conducting additional research on novel marketing strategies distinct from conventional media tools and further analysing food quality.
Illegal Sri Lankan Female Migrant Domestic Workers in Gulf Countries: An Analysis on Push and Pull Factors
Authors: Gunaratne Jayathry
Published: June 2024

The implementation of new restrictions by the Government of Sri Lanka to discourage unskilled female labour migration through the mandatory ‘Family Background Report’ has resulted in an increase in the number of female illegal migrations. This study efforts to uncover the reasons that motivate women to migrate as domestic workers disregarding the government’s strong discouragement. I argue that gendered push factors coupled with financial motivations trigger illegal and circular migration among women. This explorative research utilizes primary data collected through structured interviews from a sample of sixty-five migrant women which is complemented by secondary data collected from statistics and reports published by the Government of Sri Lanka. The research concludes that government’s inability to address strong push factors that motivates unskilled female labour migration, and its effort to use blanket solutions such as restricting movements through laws have forced women to migrate using illegal measures which makes their situation more vulnerable. It also suggests that affirmative action such as to create more occupational opportunities and the equal distribution of resources to rural areas to address this issue is needed.
Recent advancements in lipid nanoparticle technology for oral insulin delivery
Authors: Welengodage Induwara , Katuwavila Nuwanthi P.
Published: June 2024

Nanotechnology is important in many industries, particularly in drug delivery and administration. This technology has been used to create nanocarriers for enteral drug delivery. There are different types of nanocarriers including polysaccharide-based and lipid-based nanocarriers. Lipid nanoparticles have recently been developed for loading and administering insulin via the enteral route to treat diabetes mellitus. Insulin cannot be administered orally due to its low bioavailability, extreme gastrointestinal conditions, and instability. When insulin is loaded onto these nanocarriers, it increases bioavailability, stability, drug release pattern control, and protects insulin from extreme conditions. This review article aims to discuss recent applications as well as novel methods and approaches for oral insulin delivery using liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers.
A legal empowerment approach to improving access to justice for victim-survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
Authors: Handy Michelle
Published: June 2024

Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) is a prevailing problem in Sri Lanka and is a serious infringement of human rights. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a marked increase in the reporting of incidences of SGBV. Despite the critical need to address SGBV, the response of the criminal justice sector has been lackadaisical. The underdeveloped capacity of stakeholders within the criminal justice system results in victim-survivors of SGBV being revictimized throughout the criminal justice process. Victim-survivors are denied access to justice due to socio-cultural norms, the lack of legal awareness and complex administrative and legal procedures. Legal empowerment is a development concept that seeks to empower beneficiaries to not only know their rights but also develop their capacity and capability to exercise their rights. This article argues that a legal empowerment approach should be adopted in dealing with SGBV in order to ensure access to justice for victim-survivors of SGBV. The article further argues that in order to empower victim-survivors, legal empowerment activities must be undertaken at the individual, sub-national and national level wherein not only the victim-survivor but service providers of the criminal justice system are capacitated as well.
IL-10 Neutralization Attenuates Mast Cell Responses in a Murine Model of Experimental Food Allergy
Authors: Krajewski Dylan , Ranjitkar Saurav , Tedeschi Caitlin , Perez Nicole Maldonado , Jordan Nathan , Mire Mohamed , Schneider Sallie S , Mathias Clinton B
Published: June 2024

IgE-mediated mast cell (MC) activation is a critical component of allergic responses to oral Ags. Several T cell–derived cytokines have been shown to promote MC reactivity, and we recently demonstrated a critical role for the cytokine IL-10 in mediating MC responses during food allergy. In this study, we further validate the role of IL-10 using Ab-mediated IL-10 depletion. IL-10 neutralization significantly attenuated MC responses, leading to decreased MC accumulation and activation, as well as inhibition of MC-mediated symptoms such as allergic diarrhea. This was accompanied by decreased Th2 cytokine gene expression, attenuated systemic T cell responses, and fewer CD4 T cells, B cells, and MCs in the spleen. Our data further confirm the role of IL-10 in driving MC responses and suggest that IL-10–responsive MCs may constitute an important player in allergic responses.
Vitamin D deficiency and level of asthma control and severity in an adult population in Morocco
Authors: Zegmout Adil , Rafik Anis , Asri Hanane , Souhi Hicham , Rhorfi Ismail Abderrahmane , El Ouazzani Hanane
Published: June 2024

Vitamin D plays a critical role in immune modulation, with implications for the severity and control of asthma. The study included 174 asthmatic patients aged 18-65 whose serum 25(OH)D3 levels and their relationship with asthma severity, control, and lung function were assessed. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 64%, with 36.3% of patients having normal levels, 29.8% insufficient, and 33.9% deficient. Lower vitamin D levels were significantly associated with increased asthma severity (p=0.04) and poorer asthma control (p=0.03). Patients with severe asthma had mean 25(OH)D3 levels of 24.1±11.8 ng/mL, compared to 32.5±13.1 ng/mL in patients with non-severe asthma. Controlled asthma was linked with higher vitamin D levels (28.3±12.5 ng/mL) compared to partially controlled (24.7±10.8 ng/mL) and uncontrolled asthma (23.3±12.1 ng/mL). A non-significant trend was observed toward reduced Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1) in vitamin D-deficient patients. Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with asthma control level and severity, underscoring the need for further research on the therapeutic potential of vitamin D in asthma management.
Impact of Blue Light Intervention on Physiological Parameters and Circadian Rhythms: Insights from a Wistar Rat Model Study
Authors: Fatima Nazmin , Sonkar Gyanendra Kumar , Singh Sangeeta , Sonkar Satyendra Kumar , Mahdi Abbas Ali
Published: June 2024

Background:

This study investigates the impact of blue light-emitting diode (LED) lighting on the physiological responses of Wistar rats. The circadian system plays a vital role in regulating physiological functions, allowing organisms to anticipate and adapt to environmental rhythms. The synchronization of endogenous circadian clocks with external cues, such as light-dark cycles, is essential for optimal performance. However, emerging technologies, like blue LED lighting, present new challenges to circadian rhythms, highlighting the need for continued research in this area.

Methods:

The study, approved by the Animal Ethics Committee, involved a total of 12 male Wistar rats, which were divided into two groups: a Control group and a blue light (BL) treated group, each consisting of six rats. The BL model was established by subjecting the rats to 12 h of BL exposure daily for a period of 3 months. Half of the rats were sacrificed at the end of this period, while the remaining rats were transitioned to normal light (NL) conditions for another 3 months before being euthanized. Blood and tissue samples were collected for analysis, including measurements of body weight, blood glucose, insulin, melatonin, lipid profile, as well as messenger RNA expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and global DNA methylation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

The study found that BL exposure led to a higher monthly increase in body weight, elevated blood glucose levels, and decreased insulin and melatonin levels compared to controls. BL also caused a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of Period1, Cryptochrome1, and brain and muscle arnt-like protein 1 (Bmal1) in blood and hypothalamus, with significant upregulation upon returning to NL conditions. BL exposure induced hypermethylation in DNA sequences, which partially reverted after returning to NL conditions.

Conclusion:

Our study reveals the broad impact of BL/artificial light contributing to a higher incidence of obesity and metabolic disorders. With the rise of blue-rich LED lighting, more research is needed to understand its long-term effects on health. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between BL exposure and metabolic health, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions regarding lighting technologies to mitigate potential health risks.
Serum miR-124a and miR-34a as Potential Biomarkers for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zamzam Yosra Abdelmonem , Mansour Thanaa F. , Salem Rehab Mahmoud , Aziz Rania Salah Abdel , Elsendiony Sara Adel
Published: June 2024

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRs) are defined as noncoding small RNAs that are involved in the regulation of various immune functions, indicating they could be possible biomarkers for immune-mediated disorders. We aimed to evaluate miR-124a and miR-34a levels in serum as diagnostic biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to investigate their correlation with the disease activity in RA patients.

Methods:

Our study consisted of 40 patients with RA and 40 controls. The disease activity for the RA patients was evaluated using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). Relative quantification of miR-124a and miR-34a expressions in serum was conducted by reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Expression levels of miR-124a and miR-34a in serum were significantly lower in RA patients (median: 0.64 and 0.30, respectively) compared to controls (median: 3.12 and 1.88, respectively), P < 0.001. Their serum levels were negatively associated with disease activity and inversely correlated with DAS28, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Serum miR-124a and miR-34a could serve as potential noninvasive biomarkers for RA diagnosis and reflect the disease activity in RA patients.
Clarification of Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy in Community-acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Hassanzad Maryam , Asi Maedeh , Valinejadi Ali , Ghaffaripour Hosseinali , Sadati Elham , Derakhshan Korosh Fakhimi , Velayati Ali Akbar
Published: June 2024

We received a complaint of fever and tachypnea from a 6-year-old girl who came to our hospital. She was treated for 20 days with antibiotics and corticosteroids. She was admitted for 10 days with a diagnosis of pneumonia and was discharged after the fever subsided. Two days after her discharge, the respiratory symptoms returned, and she came to us because of the severity of her symptoms. We diagnosed her with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), performed the necessary radiographic and laboratory procedures, and the following outcomes were obtained: the computed tomography scan revealed consolidation between the right lung’s upper and middle lobes as well as an air bronchogram, but the chest ultrasound revealed no signs of pleural effusion. D-dimer, white blood cell, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein were also high in the laboratory test results, indicating pulmonary inflammation. She was finally diagnosed with CAP, and although the cause of the illness is unknown, she underwent a 14-day course of common antibiotics. Two days after the medication began, the fever subsided, and the tachypnea decreased. We believe that the corticosteroid treatment during the initial hospital stay is what caused the disease agent to persist and cause the fever to recur.
Comparative Analysis of Pooling Methods for SARS-CoV-2 Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing
Authors: Paikrao Vishwajit M. , Hassani Umesh S. , Nagdeo Neena V.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Wide spread coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infections in 2020 and 2021 and fewer real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratories placed extraordinary demand on molecular diagnostics. To accommodate demand for increased testing volumes, the Indian Council of Medical Research had initially allowed pooling of five samples. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of three sample pooling methods for SARS-CoV-2 testing to assess their effectiveness, sensitivity, and specificity.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, samples intended for SARS-CoV-2 testing were initially tested individually and then combined in a 1:4 positive-to-negative ratio. A total of 90 pools, comprising 450 samples, were analyzed using three distinct pooling methods: swab pooling, viral transport medium (VTM) pooling, and RNA pooling, all targeting the detection of the RdRp gene. PCR testing was conducted for all 90 pools comprising 450 samples in a uniform manner.

Results:

Swab pooling and RNA pooling methods correctly identified RdRp gene in all samples. VTM pooling method failed to identify RdRp gene in 4 samples. Analysis of cycle threshold (CT) value showed, loss of mean CT value of 2.80 ± 0.86 in swab pooling method with Z score of 6.03, VTM pooling method showed loss of mean CT value of 1.96 ± 0.76 with Z score of 3.22 and RNA pooling method showed loss of mean CT value of 1.73 ± 0.58 with Z score of 4.29 in. P value was statistically significant (<0.001) in all three methods.

Conclusion:

This study concludes that the RNA pooling method is superior, with minimal sensitivity loss in CT values. Swab pooling is cost-effective for negative pools but impractical for positive ones, while the VTM pooling method offers greater cost-effectiveness compared to RNA pooling.