bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violence Against Children in the Arab Sector and the Place of the Child in the Family Structure in Arab Society-Situation Picture and Suggestions for Possible Solutions
Authors: Hreish Khalid
Published: September 2024

Physical abuse and violence against children are often defined differently by researchers and writers in the academic literature. The difference and diversity in definitions is mainly due to the academic discipline in which the research was conducted and/or the direction of the research and the subjects of the research. Mainly, broad definitions of physical abuse of children can be identified in the literature (for example: pushing, slapping or beating). On the other hand, there is a minority of "narrow" and specific definitions (such as: beating with an object, confinement in a closed room, etc.). The reason lies, mainly, in the methodological context and the frequency of the phenomena it is easier to define cases under a comprehensive definition (such as beating) and it is also difficult to find enough cases for cases with a "narrow" definition, to create validity for the findings. Also the methods of reporting parental aggression or abuse towards children (for example: Welfare reports, police reports, self-reports, etc.) also affect the definitions due to the focus of the phenomenon (for example: in the context of police reports, the level of attribution and definition is the criminal level), subjective feelings (feelings of the person reporting or answering the research questions) or determination of the researcher and the context of the research article (for example: focus on sexual violence). In the present article, I chose to use the following definition: violence against children is the control of one over another in the family relationship and includes one or more of the following types of violence: sexual, physical, emotional-psychological, economic and neglect.
The Limits of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology: Archaeological Witnesses and Ethnographical Data Among the Bakola-Bagyeli “Pygmies” (South Cameroon)
Authors: Medjo Protais
Published: September 2024

The reading of the transformations recorded in the material equipment of disappeared societies still remains largely inspired by the dogma of materialism. This inclines inferences, in archaeology, to systematically deduce evolutionary stages on a double level, chronological and economic, from the material remains of technological changes only. However, the unpredictable experience of human societies can often reveal situations that contradict the established inferential model. Such a reality therefore poses the problem of searching for an approach capable of achieving balance in the possible equation between the experience of human societies and the methodological means implemented to account for it. The question therefore remains to know whether data collected and explained in a methodological approach specific to a discipline always reproduce the improbable nature of the reality of human societies, both living and extinct? Thus, ethnographic, qualitative data and archaeological facts are do they still agree regarding the current experience of life of the Bakola-Bayéli “Pygmies” of South Cameroon, since the 1990s? The hypothesis supports: data collected according to the orthodoxy of techniques specific to dissociated disciplinary fields, in a conventional manner, can contradict each other on the same fact. The complexity of the reality of human societies escapes the specific filter of conceptual and methodological practices characteristic of the disciplines that separate techniques specific to each method. The archaeological witnesses, taken from surveys carried out on the sites where the Bakola-Bagyéli “Pygmies” live, contradict the oral testimonies, given by these same populations through interviews, directive and semi-directive, guided by a questionnaire. A comparative study of qualitative and quantitative data makes it possible to verify the hypotheses put forward. The theoretical approach acquired to the cause of disorganization and opposed to the terminism of ends makes it possible to discuss the a priori organization of cultural facts and the accomplishment of reserved goals.
Effects of Foliar Application of Plant Growth Regulators on germination Enzyme Activities in the Wild Barely (Hordeum spontanium)
Authors: Mjidi Mohammad , Taghvaei Mansour , Heidari Gholamreza , Emam Yahya
Published: September 2024

Wild barley, from the Gramineae family, due to primary dormancy, is one of the most important weed in wheat. We hypothesized that foliar application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) affects breaking dormancy in wild barley via germination enzyme activities and seed germination immediately on the mother plant to reduce soil seed bank. To measure the activity of enzymes alpha-amylase, protease, and invertase, two experiments were conducted based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications at the University of Kurdistan farm and Laboratory in 2016 and 2017. In the first experiment the highest and lowest alpha-amylase activity was obtained in gibberellin treatment at a concentration of 100 mgL-1 and control treatment on hull seed, respectively. The activity of protease enzyme in applied treatments had a similar trend as 100 mgL-1 of gibberellin treatment. The highest and the lowest protease activities were 12.62 and 3.82 Ug-1 related to gibberellin treatment at a concentration of 100 mgL-1 and control treatment, respectively. The second experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of time of PGRs foliar application on the parent plant on the activity of enzymes. Gibberellin 100 mg-1, salicylic acid 0.5, and 1 mM treatment on the mother plant produced the highest alpha-amylase, invertase, and protease activities when used after 50 days after pollination, there was no uniform trend in enzymes activity. In general, gibberellin treatment at a concentration of 100 mgL-1 50 days after pollination produced the highest activities of germination enzyme activities.
Achieving and Sustaining the Green Economy and It Potential Benefit to the Economic Growth of Sierra Leone: Empirical Analysis
Authors: Bongay Emmanuel , Turay Matthew
Published: September 2024

The study examines the possible advantages of establishing and maintaining a green economy in Sierra Leone, focusing on social progress, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. The research aims to provide a scientifically grounded and research-based understanding of the process of transitioning to a green economy and its effects on Sierra Leone's economic development by examining important sectors like aquaculture, fisheries, and agriculture. This empirical study looks at the relationship between fishing, aquaculture, and agriculture and Sierra Leone's economic growth from 1990 to 2018 using regression models and statistical analyses. The study looks at the relationships between green economic practices and economic growth using a number of techniques, including correlation, Granger causality, and unit root tests. According to the findings, Sierra Leone urgently needs a green economy because of its vulnerability to environmental degradation, climate change shocks, and macroeconomics issues. The study accentuates the possible advantages of agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture for economic expansion and upswing. It also emphasizes how important it is to adopt sustainable practices and green technologies to reduce the risks associated with climate change. The recognition of the links between green economic principles and Sierra Leone's economic growth has increased as a result of this study. To facilitate the shift to a green economy, the study suggests implementing economic and fiscal policy tools, stepping up current initiatives, and enforcing regulations. In addition, building a supportive investment climate, encouraging stakeholder engagement, and fostering institutional collaboration are essential to establishing and maintaining a green economy in Sierra Leone. The analysis examines the potential advantages of establishing and maintaining a green economy in Sierra Leone, focusing on social progress, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Approximate Effective Interaction for Nuclear Matter and Finite Nuclei
Authors: Ochala Isaiah , Fiase Joseph , Adeyemi John , Abubakar Shuaibu
Published: September 2024

In this paper, an approximate effective nucleon-nucleon interaction for nuclear matter and finite studies has been derived using the lowest order constrained variational (LOCV) approach. The LOCV method, a functional minimization procedure, uses a normalization constraint to keep higher-order terms as small as possible. As a first step, two-body matrix elements based on the Reid93 nucleon-nucleon potential were calculated for the nuclear system A = 16 in a harmonic oscillator basis, with the oscillator size parameter ћω = 14.0 MeV, and separated into the central, spin-orbit and tensor channels in conformity with the potentials for Inelastic scattering. Following this, a least squares fitting of the matrix elements to a sum of Yukawa functions was performed to determine the strengths of the effective interaction in the singlet-even, singlet-odd, triplet-even and triplet-odd (Central); tensor-even and tensor-odd (Tensor); spin-orbit-even and spin-orbit-odd (Spin-orbit) channels. Of all the matrix elements, only the triplet-even and tensor-even components, being attractive, are affected by the tensor correlations (a = 0.05); and are shown to exhibit the same trend of variation in conformity with past work, in terms of magnitude, as one goes from the lower-node quantum numbers (n’, n) = (0, 0) to higher ones (n’, n) = (2, 2). When compared with the G-matrix results of previous researchers, the results obtained herein have been found to be in good agreement. This, therefore, gives hope that the new effective interaction promises to be a reliable tool for nuclear matter and nuclear structure studies.
Bacillus Species Consortium as a New Starter in the Optimization of Cassava Tuber Retting
Authors: Ickofa Josabeth , Kayath Christian , Nzikou Jean , Gadet Michel
Published: September 2024

This work aims to contribute to the elaboration of a stater consortium of performing Bacillus Spp capable of significantly standardizing the retting of cassava tubers. We monitored the retting, and the changes in multiple parameters, including pH, titrable acidity, bacterial level, texture profiles, volatile flavor compounds, and sensory quality. We proceeded with the isolation of bacteria of the genus Bacillus which were further characterized by classical microbiology techniques. In total, fifty-seven bacteria were obtained. Some of them were confirmed by FibE multiplex PCR. The identified organisms belonged to three Bacillus species: B. subtilis, B. pumilus, and B. safensis. Based on the Penetrometry Indices after 24, 48 and 72 hours (PI48) and enzymatic profiles, 24.5% (14) from Mokiki presented interesting fermentation potential, these were selected to realize seventy-seven Bacillus spp consortia in duo. 12% could easily soften cassava tubers after 24 and 48 hours (PI24≥6 and PI48≥8). These consortia allowed the retting of cassava with a shorter fermentation time of two days. Bacillus constituting the consortia also showed the ability to produce a range of biomolecules potentially involved in their fermentative capacity including Pectinase, Amylase, Protease and Biosurfactant.
Boundary Domain Integral Equations for Variable Coefficient Mixed BVP in 2D Unbounded Domain
Authors: Ahimed Eshetu
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the direct segregated Boundary Domain Integral Equations (BDIEs) for the Mixed Boundary Value Problems (MBVPs) for a scalar second order elliptic Partial Differential Equation (PDE) with variable coefficient in unbounded (exterior) 2D domain is considered. Otar Chkadua, Sergey Mikhailov and David Natroshvili formulated both the interior and exterior 3D domain of the direct segregated systems of BDIEs for the MBVPs for a scalar second order elliptic PDE with a variable coefficients. On the other hand Sergey Mikhailov and Tamirat Temesgen formulated only the interior 2D domain of the direct segregated systems of BDIEs for the MBVPs for a scalar second order divergent elliptic PDE with a variable coefficients. However, in this paper we formulated the exterior 2D domain of the direct segregated systems of BDIEs for the MBVPs for a scalar second order divergent elliptic PDE with a variable coefficients. The aim of this work is to reduce the MBVPs to some direct segregated BDIEs with the use of an appropriate parametrix (Levi function). We examine the characteristics of corresponding parametrix-based integral volume and layer potentials in some weighted Sobolev spaces, as well as the unique solvability of BDIEs and their equivalence to the original MBVPs. This analysis is based on the corresponding properties of the MBVPs in weighted Sobolev spaces that are proved as well.
Research on the Influence of Business English Proficiency on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Competitiveness Under the Perspective of Resource-Based Theory
Authors: Junyi Pan
Published: September 2024

In the globalized world arena, enterprises have to meet higher standard for showcasing their strength, as well as communicating with other enterprises from different cultural background. The business English ability, as one of the means of intercultural business communication, puts forward higher requirements and has become has become one of the important indexes to measure the international competitiveness of enterprises. Therefore, high proficiency in business is needed. We examines the impact of business English proficiency on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the perspective of resource-based theory. By using a quantitative research methodology, we could clearly recognized the impact of business English proficiency on enterprise competitiveness. The results of the study show that business English proficiency is a key resource for SMEs to enhance their market competitiveness, and there is a significant positive correlation with the market orientation, innovation ability and strategic flexibility of enterprises. As an intangible resource, business English proficiency significantly enhances the market performance, financial performance and operational efficiency of enterprises by increasing their market sensitivity, promoting knowledge innovation and enhancing the flexibility of strategic adjustment. In addition, the study finds that the role of business English proficiency varies across industries and sizes of firms, with smaller firms and highly internationalized industries benefiting more significantly. This study provides important theoretical and practical guidance for the development of SMEs in the context of globalization.
Research on Application of Composite Facades for Civilian Reconstruction of Industrial Heritage in Cold Regions Based on Thermal Buffering Effect
Authors: Zhang Mengru , Huang Yong , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2024

Previous studies on the civil transformation of industrial heritage have been conducted mainly from the perspective of architectural history, culture and aesthetics, but rarely focus on energy-saving and the comfort of the new users. Most industrial heritage facades are of high conservation value, but efforts to preserve the authenticity of the facade can lead to the application of limited energy-saving technologies, ultimately resulting in poor indoor thermal environments. Therefore, it is valuable to research how to solve the contradiction between protecting the authenticity of the preserved facades of industrial heritage and improving the indoor environmental performance. This paper proposes two composite facade application strategies based on thermal buffer effects, takes two composite facades renovation methods of Shenyang Dongmao No. 2 Warehouse as an example, utilizes the natural environmental resources to enhance the spatial quality of industrial heritage. With the help of DesignBuilder software modelling simulation analysis, in-depth comparative analysis of the two types of composite facades on the indoor thermal environment of the industrial heritage of the impact and scope. Key findings show that the application of two different composite facade retrofitting techniques not only protects the skin texture of the wall, but also effectively increases the indoor temperature and reduces the indoor energy consumption of the industrial heritage. The composite facade of the external solid wall and the internal glass is more stable in raising the indoor temperature, more effective in reducing the building energy consumption, and more suitable for the civilian transformation of industrial heritage in cold areas. The research findings provide reference for studies on the civil transformation of industrial heritage, and serve as technical references for architects.
Bayesian Spatial Analysis of Risk Factors Affecting Low Birth Weight in Nigeria
Authors: Avwerhota Oladayo , Avwerhota Michael , Daniel Ebenezer , Popoola Taiwo , Popoola Israel , Ogun Adebanke , Bello Ahmed , Tomori Michael , Salami Aisha , Ekwuluo Celestine , Alewi Olukayode , Janet Aremu
Published: September 2024

Low birth weight (LBW), defined by the World Health Organization as a birth weight of less than 2.5 kilograms, is a major public health concern with significant implications for neonatal morbidity, mortality, and long-term health outcomes. LBW prevalence is particularly high in developing countries, contributing to substantial healthcare challenges and socio-economic burdens. This study examines the determinants of LBW in Nigeria, focusing on socio-demographic, economic, and health-related factors. This cross-sectional study utilizes data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). A stratified two-stage cluster sampling method was employed, and data were collected through structured interviews. The analysis included socio-demographic characteristics, economic status, health factors, and birth weights, which were classified into LBW and normal birth weight categories. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent ensured participant confidentiality. The analysis revealed significant associations between LBW and several factors. Higher maternal education levels were linked to lower odds of LBW. Religious affiliation also impacted LBW, with Muslim mothers having a lower likelihood of LBW compared to Christian mothers. Ethnicity influenced LBW outcomes, with Igbo mothers showing higher odds of LBW compared to Yoruba mothers. Economic stability and urban residency were associated with reduced LBW risk. Health factors such as maternal BMI and frequent antenatal visits were protective against LBW. Geographic disparities indicated higher risks in northern Nigeria. The study underscores the multifactorial nature of LBW, highlighting the importance of maternal education, socio-economic support, and healthcare access. Tailored interventions addressing ethnic and religious contexts, along with region-specific strategies, are essential. The Bayesian STAR model's superior performance suggests that spatial and non-parametric considerations provide deeper insights into LBW risk factors. Comprehensive, multifaceted strategies and policies are needed to address the determinants of LBW, focusing on vulnerable populations and regional disparities.
Bacterial Vaginosis and Its Associated Factor Among Pregnant Women Receiving Prenatal Care at Bonga Gebretsadik Shoawo General Hospital, South West Ethiopia
Authors: Kochito Sintayehu , Nigatu Yibeltal , Asegu Demissie , Zenebe Mengistu
Published: September 2024

One of the most frequent causes of irregular vaginal discharge in pregnant women is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is characterized by a rise of various anaerobic bacteria and a decrease in important bacteria, the lactobacilli. The variation in the prevalence and its contributing causes among various populations, and nations is well known. Hence, in this study, the prevalence and characteristics associated with BV in pregnant women were determined. Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women who visited the obstetric and gynecological units at Bonga general hospital in Bonga, south west Ethiopia. Nugent’s scoring method was used for the diagnosis of BV. The prevalence of BV was 19.7% (48/244) [95% CI 17.2–23.2]. Vaginal douching with soap was significantly linked to BV in women (AOR, 3.6; 95% CI: 1.4–9.1). Pregnant women with vaginal discharge and with a foul-smelling odor were four times more likely to have BV (AOR, 4.2; 95% CI: 1.7–10.3; p = 0.001). Furthermore, women who had multiple sexual partners were three times more likely to get BV. It was noted that pregnant women in this study had a high prevalence of BV. We revealed that the majority of women with BV had vaginal discharge and an unpleasant odor. We were able to verify the association between BV in pregnant women with multiple sexual partners and women who practiced vaginal douching with soap. Therefore, additional research may be required to validate and assess the reason for this correlation. Planning a preventive approach for BV that discourages vaginal douching with soap and multiple sexual partners during pregnancy may reduce the prevalence of BV.
Study of the Management of the Electrical Energy Production and Distribution System Within the National School of Teachers of Mamou, Guinea
Authors: Sakouvogui Ansoumane , Toupouvogui Jean , Barry Saidou , Camara Elhadj
Published: September 2024

With the energy transition, marked essentially by the mass integration of energy production based on renewable resources, the missions and challenges of electrical energy distribution networks are evolving. This study is part of this dynamic, its objective is the study of the management of the production and distribution system of electrical energy within the National School of Teachers of Mamou. It emerges from this study that the supply of electrical energy to the National School of Teachers of Mamou is ensured by a hybrid system of three power sources: photovoltaic solar fields, Generator Group and Electricity of Guinea. The current electrical energy requirements of the Mamou NST are 40 kW. The total power of the installed photovoltaic solar fields is 70 kWp; the Generator used has a power of 10 kVA; the site’s Electricity of Guinea network is made up of transformers, cabin substations and protective equipment. The electricity distribution network is characterized by: Four (4) 250 A circuit breakers; a 32 A circuit breaker for the departure of lamps, sockets and fans; a 10 A circuit breaker for the lamps; a 10 A circuit breaker for the fans; a 16 A circuit breaker for the sockets and an 800 A mechanical inverter. The study shows that the power of photovoltaic solar fields is largely sufficient to cover the current electrical energy needs of the National School of Teachers of Mamou.
Charting the Course: A Policy Perspective on the Evolution of Kebbi State's Health Sector Annual Operational Planning
Authors: Gulma Kabiru
Published: September 2024

Aim: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Annual Operational Planning (AOP) process, a key health sector planning and harmonization approach, in Kebbi State, Nigeria, from 2020 to 2024, focusing on nine optimal planning parameters: state ownership, stakeholder participation, sector harmonization, evidence-based, timeliness, executive sign-off, quarterly tracking, dissemination, and sustainability. Methods: Review of AOP program reports, state-relevant reports, and stakeholders’ interviews. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative data derived from secondary sources like annual reports and policy documents with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Descriptive statistics and time-series analysis are used for quantitative data to study progress and trends in each milestone, while thematic analysis of interview transcripts helps to elucidate factors influencing implementation and outcomes. Results: Findings highlight a progressive improvement in the annual operational planning across several of the planning parameters over the years from the baseline in 2020, including in participatory engagement of the lower levels of the health sector (bottom-up approach), using evidence to inform planning; timely development of the AOP to inform health budget; and regular tracking of the plan. However, challenges persist in the government funding of stakeholders’ engagement, particularly the bottom-up approach at the Local Government Health Authorities (LGAs) level, which may affect the inclusiveness of the process in the future. Conclusion: The study concludes that the annual operational planning in Kebbi State has seen notable improvement across multiple planning parameters, assuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the process as a key planning tool. However, allocating adequate resources, including budget and human resources, to facilitate a participatory approach in the AOP development process is critical for continuous success. This study contributes to the broader discourse on health sector planning in developing contexts, offering valuable insights for policymakers, health managers, and stakeholders in designing and implementing effective and harmonized health plans.
Perceptions of Children and Caregivers Regarding Asthma and Its Pharmacotherapy: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Macêdo Luana Andrade , Silva Fernanda Vilanova Nascimento , Dosea Aline Santana , Araujo-Neto Fernando de Castro , Alcântara Thaciana dos Santos , Cavalcante-Santos Lincoln Marques , Simões Sílvia de Magalhães , Lyra Divaldo Pereira de
Published: September 2024

Asthma, when untreated, may lead to serious implications, especially in the pediatric population. Understanding the perceptions and needs of children and their caregivers may optimize asthma management. This study was aimed to analyze the perceptions of children and their caregivers regarding asthma and its pharmacotherapy. This is a qualitative study using 2 focus groups. We use the Bardin’s content analysis. Three researchers made data cross-validation. As for results, the first focus group comprised 7 children who had uncontrolled asthma. The second group comprised 7 caregivers who were the children’s mothers. Four categories emerged: living with asthma, impact of asthma, medications, and health care. Asthma and its pharmacotherapy significantly affect the daily activities of children and mothers. Thus, understand feelings and experiences of patients and caregivers, in addition to educational and welcoming interventions for families in asthma management may be carried out by health care professionals to minimize the damage caused by this disease.
Cimetidine Versus Ranitidine: Single-Dose, Oral Regimen for Reducing Gastric Acidity and Volume in Ambulatory Surgery Patients
Authors: Gonzalez Edgar R. , Butler Stephanie A. , Jones M. Kathleen , Morford Delores A. , Walsh W. Michael , Kallar Surinder K.
Published: September 2024

This placebo-controlled trial compared the efficacy of single oral doses of cimetidine or ranitidine in maintaining intragastric pH and volume >2.5 and <25 ml, respectively, in ambulatory surgery patients requiring general anesthesia. Patients were randomized to receive either placebo, ranitidine HC1 150 mg, or cimetidine HCI 400 mg upon rising on the morning of surgery. At induction, the cimetidine and ranitidine groups had significantly higher (p<0.05) gastric pH values than the placebo group. At extubation, the ranitidine group had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) gastric pH than either the cimetidine or placebo group. Both H,-blocker groups had lower volumes when compared with the placebo group at extubation (p < 0.05). There were more patients at risk for aspiration pneumonitis (pH < 2.5 and/or volume >25 ml) in the cimetidine group (4ft percent) than in the ranitidine group (15 percent). All placebo-treated patienis were at risk for aspiration pneumonitis. Wc did not find subjective clinical evidence of aspiration pneumonitis in our patients. We conclude that both ranitidine and cimclidinc arc superior to placebo, but ranitidine may be the preferred agent because ol its more consistent effcct on gastric pH and volume
Understanding the Role of  Exports and FDI in  Remittances-Growth Nexus  in Globalised India
Authors: Poonam  , Ravinder  , Saini Vijender Pal
Published: September 2024

This current study aims to understand the role of exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) in remittances-growth nexus in globalised India for the period 1991–2022. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is employed to test the co-integration among the variables. The long-run and short-run coefficients are estimated after confirmation of co-integration. The results confirm that in the long run, remittances show a negative and insignificant impact on India’s economic growth, while FDI and exports (EXP) have a positive and significant impact on economic growth. Whereas in the short run, remittances have no impact on economic growth, while FDI and inflation have a significant but negative impact on economic growth. Based on the findings, the authorities of the Indian economy are recommended to take appropriate policy steps to make necessary arrangements for increasing exports, attracting more FDI and controlling inflation.

JEL Codes: F24, C22, J6, O47
Nexus Between Women Empowerment and Gender-based Violence in India: A Pragmatic Insight
Authors: Maiti Susobhan , Rajpal Govind Singh , Gupta Tanushree
Published: September 2024

Women empowerment is the creation of an atmosphere where women may make their own decisions for their own and society’s benefit, strengthening and improving women’s social, economic, political and legal authority to assure equal rights and give them the confidence to assert themselves. India’s focus on women’s empowerment to reduce domestic abuse has grown over the last few decades. In light of the background, the main goal of this study is to determine whether a region-specific disparity exists, whether urban and rural disparity exists, and whether women empowerment promotes gender violence. The study found a regional disparity in gender violence and women’s empowerment. Both urban and rural areas show discrepancies. The study also found that per-capita net state domestic product and women literacy rates are inversely related to gender-based violence. Women empowerment is positively related with gender-based violence.

JEL Codes: J12, J16, J21, J24, K42
Household’s Characteristics and Learning Poverty: An Empirical Study
Authors: Shullai Kenny R. , Panda Bhagirathi
Published: September 2024

‘Learning poverty’ among school students is a cause of concern. Studies of family effects on students’ learning outcomes in the context of North-eastern region of India and Meghalaya are significantly lacking. The present study is about ‘learning poverty’ and its relationship with household characteristics such as household-income, parents’ educational level, parents’ occupation, nature of residence and number of siblings in the context of the Khasi–Jantia tribes of Meghalaya, which follows a matrilineal system. From the field experiment conducted on 407 students of classes 9 and 10 from 15 randomly selected schools from Shillong and Jowai towns, the findings indicate that ‘learning poverty’ is significantly higher in proportion for students belonging to the lower household-income groups. Besides low household-income, low level of parents’ education, not having and staying in one’s own house, higher number of siblings and parents’ occupation in low-end wage employment have emerged as critical factors responsible for the presence of ‘learning poverty’. The study recommends that policymakers and school management consider family effects seriously and work with parents from poor households to improve learning outcomes, mitigating the menace of ‘learning poverty’ on the society. However, the results of the study need to be examined with one caveat that it has not taken into consideration the school effects, which could too impact learning outcomes.

JEL Codes: I240, I250, I210
Buy Now, Pay Later: Impact of Installment Payments on Customer Purchases
Authors: Maesen Stijn , Ang Dionysius
Published: September 2024

“Buy now, pay later” (BNPL) installment payments allow customers to pay for purchases in a series of interest-free installments over a short period of time. This research provides novel insights into how customer adoption of BNPL installment payments impacts spending. The authors leverage customer-level transaction data before and after the introduction of a BNPL installment payment service at a large U.S. retailer. A difference-in-differences analysis indicates that the adoption of BNPL installment payments is associated with (1) an increase in purchase incidence and (2) larger purchase amounts. These effects are statistically and economically significant over time. Moreover, this increase in spending is greater for smaller- (vs. larger-) basket shoppers and for shoppers who relied more heavily on credit (vs. debit) cards before adoption. Three preregistered experiments show that BNPL installment (vs. lump sum) payments increase spending by reducing perceived financial constraints. Specifically, BNPL installments alleviate perceived financial constraints by reducing perceived costs and facilitating budget control. These findings highlight the substantive role of BNPL installment payments in shaping purchase behavior and provide important implications for the management of BNPL payment schemes.
Who Shares Fake News? Uncovering Insights from Social Media Users’ Post Histories
Authors: Schoenmueller Verena , Blanchard Simon J. , Johar Gita Venkataramani
Published: September 2024

The authors propose that social media users’ own post histories are an underused yet valuable resource for studying fake-news sharing. By extracting textual cues from their prior posts and contrasting their prevalence against random social media users and others (e.g., those with similar sociodemographics, political news-sharers, and fact-check sharers), researchers can identify cues that distinguish fake-news sharers, predict those most likely to share fake news, and identify promising constructs to build interventions. This article includes studies along these lines. In Study 1, the authors explore the distinctive language patterns of fake-news sharers, highlighting elements such as their higher use of anger and power-related words. In Study 2, they show that adding textual cues into predictive models enhances their accuracy in predicting fake-news sharers. In Study 3, the authors explore the contrasting role of trait and situational anger and show trait anger is associated with a greater propensity to share both real and fake news. In Study 4, they introduce a way to authenticate Twitter accounts in surveys and use it to explore how crafting an ad copy that resonates with users’ sense of power encourages the adoption of fact-checking tools. The authors hope to encourage the use of novel research methods for marketers and misinformation researchers.
Talking back to the failing-schools narrative
Authors: Hlavacik Mark , Schneider Jack
Published: September 2024

PDK polls consistently show that parents give their children’s schools high marks but are dissatisfied with the performance of public schools nationally. This paradox may be explained by the persistent narrative of failing public schools that has dominated media coverage in the past 50 years. Authors Mark Hlavacik and Jack Schneider tracked the prevalence of the failing-schools narrative in print publications, books, and other media. They found connections between national coverage of education and local education reporting. This national narrative of failing schools uses public schools as a scapegoat, which absolves us of our collective responsibility to each other. A more nuanced and multifaceted narrative of public schools is needed.
First Person: Sticker politics
Authors: van Ryzin Lucía
Published: September 2024

On Lucía van Ryzin’s first day as a student teacher, she was given a sheet of stickers and told to give a sticker to each student who was seated, silent, and had a notebook out. As she walked around the room, she noticed that some students were more focused on getting the sticker than on thinking about their assignment. She uses the experience to weigh the value of extrinsic motivators like stickers for motivating student learning.
Policy Solutions: Pandemic recovery will depend on political rediscovery
Authors: Collins Jonathan E.
Published: September 2024

The current culture wars have been showing up in schools and districts, making local school board races increasingly partisan. The 2024 presidential race is placing even more attention on the partisan divide in local education policies and decisions. Columnist Jonathan E. Collins writes that education advocates can leverage this focus and help put aside partisan politics and meet the post-pandemic challenges students face.
Imagining ecopolis: Visions of ecofeminist political theology and ecocriticism in Latin America
Authors: ORREGO TORRES Ely , ROSSELLO Diego
Published: September 2024

Although often overlooked by mainstream accounts of political theology and ecocriticism in the Global North, powerful visions of an ecopolis have been emerging in Latin America. In this article, we review the status of mainstream approaches to notions such as subject, citizen, and personal dignity and put them in a critical dialogue with Latin American Ecofeminist Political Theologies (LAEPT). We argue that those notions, often conceived from a Western and anthropocentric perspective, show their limits when interrogated from the perspective of LAEPT. Accordingly, we suggest that their main contribution lies not only in their critique of the Western paradigm but also in advancing alternative conceptions of an ecologically conscious political community that considers the Earth as sacred, and nature as a reflection of the divine. We conclude that such conceptions can also be seen at work in the rights of nature enshrined in the so-called new Latin American Constitutionalism.
Manufacturing scents: Unveiling the mediated nature of scent-based communication
Authors: Garcia Christopher J , Opel Andy
Published: September 2024

This article traces the history of commercial attempts to merge olfactory mediated scents with visual media and the ensuing turn toward domestic olfactory mediation. From the earliest attempts at scented cinema to the emergence of consumer-grade odor mediating products as Little Trees and Glade, we conceptualize smell as a neglected site ripe for critical media analysis. We argue that the commercial rise of domestic odor mediating technology, such as air fresheners, facilitate a unique form of nature-based simulation where audiences desire the fake over the real and confuse familiar natural odors.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Philosophy and Organization Studies: How Does Philosophy Illuminate the Study of Organizations?
Authors: Tsoukas Haridimos , Sandberg Jörgen , Fayard Anne-Laure , Zundel Mike
Published: September 2024

Although not always apparent, generating theories about organizational phenomena inevitably involves philosophical questions. The latter are concerned with the meaning of the concepts researchers use to describe, interpret, explain, and, in general, understand organizational phenomena. A philosophical approach to organization studies aims to scrutinize, critique, and clarify key concepts, modes of thinking, research practices, as well as assumptions about reality and ways of justifying knowledge claims. Similar to other institutionalized practices, organizational research legitimates and takes for granted certain ways of engaging with, and talking about, the world, leading inevitably to some closure of meaning. Philosophical inquiry can counteract such closure by questioning commonly accepted meanings and fostering an inquisitive mindset that allows us to perceive the world anew. The aim of this Special Issue is to further develop and critically enhance the existing endeavours that explicitly incorporate philosophical approaches in organization studies. Specifically, the objective is to promote a more philosophically oriented approach in the field, focusing on both critical analysis and the development of innovative conceptual advancements. In this Introduction, we not only introduce the featured papers but, also, reflect on the broader purpose of philosophy, its relationship to organization studies, and how it can inform and enrich the field.
Survey of Felt Needs Among Teachers of Psychiatry in Institutes of National Importance (INI) to Improve the Quality of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Training
Authors: Pal Arghya , Parmar Arpit , Nath Santanu , Chawla Nishtha , Gupta Snehil , Vinay H. R.  , M Kishor
Published: September 2024

Background:

Several institutes of national importance (INI) have been established in the last few years to improve the quality of medical education in the country. Most INIs are autonomous and outside the purview of the National Medical Commission (NMC). Little is known about the needs of the psychiatry teachers working in INIs. The current study was planned to obtain feedback from the psychiatry teachers in INIs about the various issues pertaining to training in psychiatry.

Methods:

This was an online survey conducted using Google Forms involving psychiatry teachers working in autonomous INIs outside the purview of NMC. The questionnaire had mandatory items (which provided quantitative data) and optional questions (which were used for thematic analysis).

Results:

Our study’s response rate was estimated at 48.73%. About 92.7% of respondents appreciated the need for training in undergraduate psychiatry. Though fewer residents were trained in medical education, the felt need for training among residents was comparable to that among faculty members. The major themes of targeted training, as reported, were found to be in sync with the current demands of the curriculum.

Conclusion:

There is a substantial need for training among the teachers of psychiatry in the INIs. This study provided with some groundwork regarding the strengths and weaknesses of teaching psychiatry in INIs. Further studies on this topic, using a qualitative design, should be planned to understand the nuances of working in an autonomous institute.
Ironmaking process under artificial intelligence technology: A review
Authors: Zhou Hualun , He Yibo , Li Binzhao , Song Dazhou , Zhu Qiang , Li Yihong
Published: September 2024

The ironmaking process is a complex and continuous operation, which makes it difficult to collect and predict the production parameters. To address this challenge, artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning has emerged as a promising solution. The paper discusses the evolution and utilisation of AI in the metallurgical industry. The paper emphasises the implementation of AI in various ironmaking processes, including raw material selection and charging for iron production, molten iron composition prediction in blast furnace (BF), and internal operational state and fault detection in BF. Additionally, the paper predicts BF gas and explores the utilisation of automated equipment such as cooling systems. Drawing upon existing literature, this paper emphasises that deep learning has numerous advantages in the ironmaking industry, including its ability to process data quickly, strong adaptability, and high accuracy. The paper also highlights several challenges that the future development of AI in the ironmaking field may encounter. Looking ahead, the future of deep learning in ironmaking appears promising.
Risk Factors for Nonunion After Nonoperative Treatment for Pediatric Lumbar Spondylolysis: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Kuroshima Kohei , Miyazaki Shingo , Hiranaka Yoshiaki , Ryu Masao , Inoue Shinichi , Yurube Takashi , Kakutani Kenichiro , Tadokoro Ko
Published: September 2024

Background:

Pediatric lumbar spondylolysis, a stress fracture of the lumbar spine, frequently affects young athletes, and nonoperative treatment is often the first choice of management. Because the union rate in lumbar spondylolysis is lower than that in general fatigue fractures, identifying risk factors for nonunion is essential for optimizing treatment.

Purpose:

To determine the risk factors for nonunion after nonoperative treatment of acute pediatric lumbar spondylolysis through multivariate analysis.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We analyzed 574 pediatric patients (mean age, 14.3 ± 1.9 years) with lumbar spondylolysis who underwent nonoperative treatment between 2015 and 2022. Nonoperative treatment included the elimination of sports activities, bracing, and weekly athletic rehabilitation, with follow-up computed tomography. Patient data, lesion characteristics, sports history, presence of spina bifida occulta at the lamina with a lesion or at the lumbosacral spine excluding the lesion level, and lumbosacral parameters were examined. Differences between the union and nonunion groups were investigated using multivariate analysis to determine the risk factors for nonunion.

Results:

Of the 574 patients, 81.7% achieved bone union. Multivariate analysis revealed that an L5 lesion and the progression of the main and contralateral lesion stages were significant independent risk factors for nonunion. An L5 lesion had a lower union rate than non-L5 lesions. As the main lesion progressed, the likelihood of nonunion increased significantly, and the progression of the contralateral lesion also showed a similar trend. Spina bifida occulta and lumbosacral parameters were not significant predictors of nonunion in this study.

Conclusion:

We identified the L5 lesion level and the progression of the main and contralateral lesion stages as independent risk factors for nonunion in pediatric lumbar spondylolysis after nonoperative treatment. These findings aid in treatment decision-making. When bone union cannot be expected with nonoperative treatment, symptomatic treatment is required without prolonged external fixation and rest, and without aiming for bone union. Individualized treatment plans are crucial based on identified risk factors.