bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MATERNAL HEALTH CARE CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN AND FAMILY PLANNING APPROACH: A SCOPING REVIEW OF CURRENT POLICIES AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Syed Muhammad Ali  , Anam Tayyaba , Yaseen Tahneem , Ishaq Wafa , Shabbir Ramla
Published: February 2025

Background: Maternal health is of high concern in Pakistan, mainly due to high healthcare disparities. According to WHO, maternal mortality is primarily affected by different social and economic factors that influence women during their pregnancy and even after birth. According to the Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (2019), Pakistan has a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 186 per 100,000 live births. Thus, Pakistan is lagging far behind the global target for MMR. Pakistan has launched initiatives like the Lady Health Worker program to reduce MMRs. However, there are various factors and barriers in its implementation.
Objectives: This paper aims to collect and review recent data on MMRs in Pakistan to highlight maternal healthcare challenges and disparities and current policies to fight these cultural, social and economic challenges, focusing on the family planning approach.
Methodology: This paper follows a scoping review approach that involves a broad search, analysis and review of literature, articles, survey reports and studies done in Pakistan regarding maternal health, Lady Health worker program and family planning.
Results: Efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 to reduce global MMR are crucial. The Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Program (MNCH) and family planning initiatives are pivotal strategies to improve maternal health outcomes in Pakistan. Enhancing contraceptive prevalence rates and addressing healthcare resource shortages are identified as key interventions.
Conclusion: This paper underscores the importance of targeted interventions, increased funding, and public health awareness campaigns to sustain progress and mitigate maternal health disparities nationwide.
The Impact of Project and Problem Based Learning Approach on Entrepreneurship and Innovation among Engineering Students
Authors: Muhammad Mudassar Abbasi  , Muhammad Asim Khan  , Syed Qasim Shah
Published: February 2025

Development of engineering students demand the application of technical knowledge in projects to meet standards of competitive market. Along with this basic requirements, some other prerequisites which must be cemented in personality of engineering students are communication with interdisciplinary teams, conflicts resolution, project management and leadership skills. Mostly, up to limited degree, practical skills are applied by engineering students in final year project. To improve technical and management skills of students, focus should be diverted towards project and problem based learning approach. Along with development of technical knowledge in engineering students, both type of approaches can contribute towards entrepreneurship and innovation. In these approaches, students are trained to face certain type of projects/problems which enhances the potential thinking among students and ultimately injects entrepreneurship and innovative skills. Thus, the purpose of current study is to find the impact of project base and problem base learning approach on entrepreneurship and innovation. For this purpose a sample of 283 students participated in this research. It is found that application of project and problem based learning approaches enable students to take initiative, be creative, polish decision making, improve communication and establish leadership skills. In Pakistan, project and problem based learning approach at university is not being utilized effectively like in developed countries and many students lack practical as well as transversal skills even after graduation. Therefore, this study shed light towards the effective utilization of project and problem based learning methodologies at university level in future.
Entrepreneurial Traits in Top Management Teams: Driving Sustainability Disclosures and Corporate Governance
Authors: Saira Arshad  , Amna Arshad  , Khoula Naseer
Published: February 2025

Sustainability disclosures and the personal characteristics of top management teams (TMT) have emerged as pivotal areas in corporate transparency and governance research. This bibliometric analysis bridges critical gaps by providing a review of 43 documents published between 2010 and 2021, offering insights into the intersection of sustainability and leadership characteristics. The study identifies key themes such as CSR, environmental performance, and governance structures, using co-occurrence networks and thematic maps to uncover trends and thematic evolution. By emphasizing CEO traits, board diversity, and CSR committees, the research highlights the role of TMT characteristics in influencing sustainability disclosures, addressing gaps related to the effect of leadership diversity on corporate sustainability practices. Spain leads in both publications and citations, while key contributors, including IM García-Sánchez and Qinqin Zhang, have shaped the field. The findings reveal that diverse leadership teams, particularly those with female directors, enhance sustainability practices and contribute to long-term corporate resilience. Practical implications include advancing governance mechanisms for effective disclosures and promoting inclusive leadership. Furthermore, the study provides a roadmap for future research, pinpointing emerging areas such as leadership diversity’s role in fostering sustainable growth. This work advances the understanding of governance mechanisms in sustainability, bridging theoretical and practical gaps, and offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners.
Impact of Board Attributes on Tax Avoidance: Evidence from Entrepreneurial Corporate Ventures
Authors: Fareeha Wasim  , Wasim ul Rehman  , Sara Zahid Hamid
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the women on corporate board along with the number of board of directors on corporate board affecting the tax avoidance strategies in a corporation. It shows the impact of the board attributes on the corporation tax liability which can further improve the transparency of financial reporting of the corporate firms. To be specific, it will also help the Government that how the human resources are being catered at an optimal level at higher level of organizations and how rigorous are such firms following the taxation rules and regulations set by State. The sample includes 438 observations from 73 entrepreneurial corporate venturing listed in KSE-100 Index spanning the period over 2015-2020 and the research hypothesis was tested using panel data technique on regression model using STATA software. The results for the study indicate that women present on the corporate board can reduce the tax avoidance practices by the corporation. Moreover, firms that have large number of board of directors in the corporate board tend to avoid more taxes. The findings of this study do expand the extant literature and guide the potential investors, capital market regulators and tax related authorities for making informed decisions in relation to the listed companies in KSE-100 Index. This study caters the research gap of the attributes of the corporate board and its effect on tax avoidance
Comparative Analysis of Profitability of Exporting and Non-Exporting SMEs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
Authors: Waas Khan  , Lal Muhammad
Published: February 2025

The main objective of this study is to examine and make a comparison between the exporting and non-exporting Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and its impact on profitability. To achieve the research objective, the data was collected from 100 exporting and 100 non-exporting SMEs. Return on assets, return on equity and gross margin were used as proxies for calculating profitability of SMEs. Methodology used in the concerned study is composed of descriptive statistics, t tests and regression analysis to examine the impact of dependent variable on independent variables. In addition to the concerned study a qualitative approach was also employed in the study. Qualitative approach of the study was regarding the different hurdles faced by SMEs while making their self towards export oriented. In this regard a structured interviewed was conducted with the top management/ owner of 20 SMEs. Results of the present study revealed that exporting SMEs are significantly more profitable than non-exporting establishments based on every measure of d. The study found that export enhanced the financial performance of the SMEs due to favorable market access and growth prospects even where there are a number of hurdles present. The analysis presented in the study suggests a series of policy measures for SME exports and elimination of the existing barriers.
Delve into Detail About Dynamic Capabilities and Firm Entrepreneurial Performance: An Essence of Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Iqra Imtiaz  , Saima Shahzad  , Sharma Siriwastav
Published: February 2025

Information technology-based management capabilities are considered the major contributors to workplace culture transformation that are further categorized as artificial intelligence and big-data analytics capabilities. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the developments made in the domain across the globe and future potential inclination and trends on this topic. Bibliometrix 3.0’ package of the r-program is used to present the influential aspects of literature and related conceptual framework of IT-based dynamic capabilities and Firm Entrepreneurial Performance. We used co-citation analysis and bibliometric coupling to identify key research streams and themes. The inferential results of the study suggest that ‘Journal of Business Research’ and ‘Technological Forecasting and Social Change’ are core sources of published literature related to IT-based management capabilities. The USA is a leading country, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology is the most relevant affiliation, and Gunasekaran, A. is the impactful contributor. Three research themes (clusters) are identified; a) organizational transition to machine learning, b) implementation of IT-based dynamic capabilities for sustainable supply chain and business outcomes, and c) IT-based capabilities, digitalization, SMEs, knowledge management and competitive business outcome. The study also identifies key research streams for future directions using bibliometric coupling.
The Relationship between Sea Water Intrusion and Fresh Water Availability in the Provision of Clean Water Sources in Padang Pariaman Regency West Sumatra Province
Authors: Raharini Hasmy , Razak Abdul , Diliarosta Skunda
Published: February 2025

The provision of clean water in Indonesia is a people's right guaranteed by the state, especially to meet the minimum daily basic needs for a healthy, clean and adequate quantity, maintained quality and affordable. The availability of fresh water as a source of clean water illustrates the potential for water availability and sustainability. The limited amount of fresh water is a challenge to meet community needs in the form of transportation facilities, toilets for local communities and aquaculture. This condition is also affected by climate change, especially for Indonesia which is in the tropics. The water parameters of the Batang Tapakis River illustrate that the quality of river water is influenced by the people around the river and seawater has entered the river. Community empowerment in providing access to drinking water through community-based activities is a strategic step to overcome the scarcity of fresh water. Participation of the community, government and various related parties can provide reinforcement and commitment so as to achieve the availability of water sources with an insight into sustainable development
Elaboración de una estantería multimedia utilizando material de reciclaje con aplicaciones de Bibliotecas Virtuales, Inteligencia Artificial y Metaverso
Authors: Chávez Arias Segundo Rosendo , Vera Rojas Mirella del Pilar , Chávez León Luis Enrique , Chinga Cusme María Isabel , Vera Chinga Solange Stefanía
Published: February 2025

El proyecto de investigación consta de dos partes (Hardware y Software) y tiene como finalidad el demostrar que con materiales dados de baja de las unidades educativas tales como pizarras estáticas y movibles, pueden ser reutilizadas para la creación de productos tecnológicos de punta (estantería multimedia) el mismo que tiene la forma de un árbol dotado de compartimentos en los que se almacenan los libros, revistas, folletos y material audiovisual, también los equipos tecnológicos como monitor, portátil, caja amplificada, celular y luces led (Hardware), el equipo puede ser utilizado tanto en el sector urbano y rural, la única condición para que funcione óptimamente es tener acceso a internet para poder conectarse con portales científicos con inteligencia artificial (Smodin), Bibliotecas Virtuales (elibro, Alejandria, Wikipedia, vikidia) y otras relacionadas a videos o tutoriales, las mismas que ingresan por medio de la lectura de los códigos QR que están en los apartados de los compartimentos de los libros, en el caso de no contar con el servicio de internet en la portátil se tiene almacenado una carpeta con libros en pdf de diferentes áreas del saber, en relación a Metaverso se tiene instalado en el celular el programa mozaik3D que mediante una conexión inalámbrica (Transmisión en pantalla) celular – portátil se logra interactuar tanto en audio como en video (Software), para que los alumnos puedan interactuar en el mismo, todo este equipo está destinado para la enseñanza y aprendizaje de los alumnos desde inicial 1 hasta decimo de la básica superior y docentes.
La valoración de empresas a nivel global: 20 años de investigación bajo el lente bibliométrico
Authors: Barrera Fragoso Esperanza , Pérez Castañeda Suly Sendy , Cruz Ramírez Dorie , Sauza Avila Beatriz , Lechuga Canto Claudia Beatriz
Published: February 2025

Este estudio bibliométrico analiza la evolución y tendencias en la investigación sobre valoración de empresas en el período 2005-2025. A través del uso de la base de datos Scopus y herramientas bibliométricas como Bibliometrix y Biblioshiny, se examinaron indicadores de productividad, impacto y tendencias en la literatura académica. Los hallazgos muestran un crecimiento sostenido en la producción científica, con una diversificación en los enfoques metodológicos, pasando de modelos basados en balances a técnicas dinámicas y mixtas, destacándose el flujo de caja descontado como método predominante. El impacto académico se refleja en la influencia de revistas especializadas y autores clave como Marc Villanova y Martin Boyer. Además, el análisis de tendencias revela una transición hacia nuevos enfoques de valoración que incluyen factores ESG, inteligencia artificial, blockchain y valoración de activos intangibles.Las conclusiones destacan la importancia de los estudios bibliométricos para identificar vacíos de investigación y orientar futuras líneas de estudio. Se recomienda profundizar en la aplicación de tecnologías emergentes, el análisis de la valoración en economías emergentes y la adaptación de modelos en contextos de crisis económicas. Estos resultados contribuyen a fortalecer la toma de decisiones estratégicas en el ámbito empresarial y financiero.
EKSPRESI SENI ANDI BAU AISHA JEANNI DALAM KARYA BATIK TULIS LONTARA
Authors: Wahdaniah  , Rosliyn  , Kadir Irsan
Published: February 2025

Abstrak
Penelitian ini mengkaji karya seni Batik tulis lontara yang diciptakan oleh Andi Bau Aisha Jeanni, seorang seniman yang mengangkat kekayaan budaya lokal Bugis melalui motif_motif khas aksara lontara. Batik tulis lontara merupakan perpaduan anatara motif batik tradisional dan keindahan aksara lontara yang memiliki nilai historis dan filosofi yang mendalam bagi masyarakat Bugis. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan pendekatan analisis seni rupa. Data dikumpulkan melaui observasi langsung terhadap karya, wawancara dengan seniman, serta kajian literatur terkait sejarah dan makna aksara lontara. Hasil penelitian menujukan bahwa Andi Bau Aisha Jeanni berhasil menginterpretasikan kembali aksara lontara dalam media batik, sehingga tercipta sebuah karya yang tidak hanaya indah secara visual, tetapi juga kaya makna budaya dan sejarah karya ini memberikan kontribusi penting bagi pelestarian warisan budaya Bugis, serta membuka peluang baru bagi pengembangan motif batik yang lebih kreatif dan bermakna. penelitian ini juga mengungkapkan adanya inovasi dalam penggunaan bahan dan teknik oleh jeanni, yang memberikan sentuhan baru pada batik lontara. Dengan eksprimen dalam pemilihan warna komposisi, jeanni mampu menciptakan karya yang tidak hanya memikat secara estetika tetapi juga memperkaya narasi batik lontara.
 
Kata kunci : Ekspresi seni, batik tulis lontara, fungsi batik, budaya lokal Bugis
 
Abstract
 
The study examines the artwork of batik tulis lontara created by Andi Bau Aisha Jeanni, an artist who elevates the richness of local Bugis culturetherough typical motifs of lontara script. Batik tulis lontara is a combination of traditional batik motifs and the beauty of lontara script which has deep historical and philosophical value for the Bugis people. The researcg method used is qualitative descriptive with an art analysis approach. Data were collected through direch observation of the work, interviews with artists, and literature studies related to the history and meaning of lontara script. The resulst of the study indecate that Andi Bau Aisha Jeanni has succeeded in reinterpreting lontara script in the batik medium, thus creating a work that is not only visually beautiful, but also rich in cultural and historical meaning. The work makes an important contribution to the preservation of Bugis cultural heritage, as well as opening up new opportunities for the development of more creative and meaningful batik motifs. This study also reveals innovation in the use of materials and techniques by Jeanni, which gives a new touch to lontara batik. By experimenting with the selection of composition colors, Jeanni is able to create works that are not only aesthetically appealing but also enrich the narrative of lontara batik.
Keywords : Artistic expression, lontara batik, function of batik, local Bugis culture
Ebert’s Asymmetric Three Person Three Color Hat Game
Authors: van Uem Theo
Published: February 2025

We generalize Ebert’s Hat Problem for three persons and three colors. All players guess simultaneously the color of their own hat observing only the hat colors of the other players. It is also allowed for each player to pass: no color is guessed. The team wins if at least one player guesses his or her hat color correct and none of the players has an incorrect guess. This paper studies Ebert’s hat problem, where the probabilities of the colors may be different (asymmetric case). Our goal is to maximize the probability of winning the game and to describe winning strategies. In this paper we use the notion of an adequate set. The construction of adequate sets is independent of underlying probabilities and we can use this fact in the analysis of the asymmetric case. Another point of interest is the fact that computational complexity using adequate sets is much less than using standard methods.
Instructional Design of Civic Education Based on Current Issues in the Field of National Resilience According to the Characteristics of Students at SMKN 2 Lamongan
Authors: Machsunah Yayuk Chayatun , Ardiansyah Verdy , Astutik Nur Fithria Wiji
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to develop an instructional design for the subject of Civic Education based on current issues in the field of national resilience, tailored to the characteristics of students at SMKN 2 Lamongan. This study utilized the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The outcome of this development is the lesson planning for PKn, focusing on one of the basic competencies. From this study, it can be concluded that lesson plans oriented around current issues, aligned with student characteristics, can serve as a foundation for teachers to design innovative lessons, fostering active student participation.
Implementation of Marriage Contracts for the Deaf: A Case Study in West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan
Authors: Ansaruddin  , Abdul Helim  , Abdul Khair
Published: February 2025

This research is an in-depth study of deaf marriages in West Kotawaringin Regency, focusing on the prevalence and characteristics of their marriages. The research methods include case studies, surveys, interviews, observations, and document analysis. The results show that the entire deaf population in the region is married, with age, education, and socio-economic status significantly influencing the decision to marry. Deaf marriages are characterized by the use of sign language as the primary medium of Communication and face challenges such as social stigma and limited access to marriage services. The findings of this study highlight the importance of collaborative interventions between the government, relevant agencies, and communities to improve support for deaf individuals in living their married lives. Recommendations from this study can serve as the basis for more inclusive policies to support the welfare and rights of deaf couples in marriage.
Determining Zakat Recipients Using Simple Multi Attribute Rating Technique with Analytic Hierarchy Process Eigen Preference
Authors: Anugrah Muhammad Ridho , Parmana Rafi Rasyid
Published: February 2025

Paying zakat for Muslims is an obligation to alleviate the burden of recipients. However, difficulties arise in determining the right individuals for zakat distribution because each type of mustahiq or zakat recipient can seem similar to one and another therefore become hard distinguish. This research aims to enhance accuracy using a Decision Support System (DSS) with criteria like Number of Dependents, Income, Occupation, Home Ownership, Marital Status, House Walls, House Floors, and House Roof. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method simplifies unstructured problems into a hierarchy, and the Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) offers flexibility in analysis. Decision outcomes are rankings with the highest scores, ordering those most deserving of zakat. Weighting results highlight Number of Dependents with the highest weight at 0.335 for determining zakat recipients. Based on ranking, alternative A1 secures the top position with a score of 0.077.
PENGARUH SILICA FUME TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK MORTAR
Authors: Astari Dea Fitria , Rifqi Mirza Ghulam
Published: February 2025

Pengembangan inovasi pembuatan mortar dapat ditambahkan dengan menggunakan bahan tambahan lain yang memiliki sifat mengisi rongga-rongga udara diantara agregat (filler) dan pasta semen. Bahan tambahan campuran material penyusun mortar yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah silica fume, yang merupakan material pozzolan yang halus, berbentuk butiran, sangat kecil sekitar 100 kali lebih kecil dibandingkan dari ukuran partikel semen.  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh silica fume terhadap karakteristik mortar dengan presentase silica fume yang digunakan sebesar 0%, 25% dan 30%. Pengujian dilakukan dengan metode eksperimen dengan pengujian kuat tekan sesuai standar SNI 03-6825-2002, untuk memperoleh hasil nilai kuat tekan umur 3, 14 dan 28 hari dan hasil pengujian resapan air pada umur 28 hari. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan silica fume dengan presentase 30% pada nilai maksimum di umur 28 hari mendapatkan nilai rata-rata kuat tekan sebesar 33,35 MPa menunjukkan bahwa semakin tinggi presentase silica fume maka semakin tinggi nilai kuat tekan yang dihasilkan karena efek microfiller. Pengujian resapan air mengalami penurunan sebesar 3,76%. Hal tersebut terjadi karena butiran silica fume yang sangat kecil dapat mengisi rongga diantara semen dan agregat halus, sehingga membuat benda uji mortar lebih rapat, kedap dan mengurangi porositas.
Relationship Between Maternal Parenting Stress, Parenting Behavior, and Infant Language-Cognitive Development: The Moderated Mediation Effect of Childcare Leave and Social Support
Authors: Lee Sang Eun , Pyun Jiae , Lee Eunhye , Choi Naya
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aims to explore the mediating effects of maternal parenting behaviors on the relationship between parenting stress and infants’ language and cognitive development. It also investigates the moderating effect of childcare leave and social support.Methods: Data pertaining to 547 mothers in the first wave of the Korean Early Childhood Education and Care Panel Study were utilized. The relationships among infants’ language-cognitive development, and mothers’ parenting stress, parenting behaviors, mothers’ social support, and use of childcare leave were examined. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0, and PROCESS Macro Models 1, 4, and 7 for moderating, mediating, and moderated mediation effects respectively.Results: The results showed that, first, mothers who utilized childcare leave exhibited higher levels of parenting behaviors than those who did not or could not use childcare leave. Second, the mothers’ parenting behaviors fully mediated the relationship between parenting stress and infants’ language and cognitive development. Higher parenting stress was associated with lower parenting behaviors, which, in turn, negatively affected the infants’ language and cognitive development. Moreover, the conditional indirect effect of social support for childcare on the relationship between parenting stress and parenting behavior was significant.Conclusion: This study explores the relationship between maternal parenting stress and children’s development, highlighting the importance of social support for parenting and childcare leave. It also emphasizes the need for inclusive policies targeting groups in the blind spots of current childcare policies.
Manhood and Masculine Identity in William Shakespeare's the Tragedy of Macbeth
Authors: Howell Maria L.
Published: February 2025

Maria Howell''s, Manhood and Masculine Identity in William Shakespeare''s The Tragedy of Macbeth, is an important and compelling scholarly work which seeks to examine the sixteenth century''s greatest concern, echoed by Hamlet himself, "What is a man?" In an attempt to analyze the concept of manhood in Macbeth, Howell explores the contradictions and ambiguities that underlie heroic notions of masculinity dramatized throughout the play. From Lady Macbeth''s capacity to control and destroy Macbeth''s masculine identity, to Macbeth himself, who corrupts his military prowess to become a ruthless and murderous tyrant, Howell demonstrates that heroic notions of masculinity not only reinforce masculine power and authority, paradoxically, these ideals are also the source of man''s disempowerment and destruction. Howell argues that in an attempt to attain a higher principle, the means (violence and destruction) and the ends (justice and peace) become fused and indistinguishable, so that those values that inform man''s actions for good no longer provide moral clarity. Howell''s poignant and timely analysis of manhood and masculine identity in Shakespeare''s Macbeth will no doubt resonate with readers today.
Plays Well in Groups
Authors: Frank Katherine
Published: February 2025

From tribal religious rituals to the Playboy mansion, and from ancient Rome to Burning Man, Plays Well in Groups explores the phenomenon of group sex. Author Katherine Frank draws on surveys, ethnographic research, participant interviews, and more to provide explanations for both, participation in group sex and our complex reactions to it, from fascination to fear. This book looks at group sex across cultures—who has it, and why.

Group sex is almost always taboo and often criminalized, and yet it persists across cultures throughout history. Plays Well in Groups looks at the symbolism of orgies, as well as contemporary manifestations of group sex in bathhouses and public sex venues, at BDSM and swinging parties, on Craigslist, and in political scandals, Tantra classes, reality television, and more. Frank explores the many reasons people participate in group sex, from arousal to spiritual transcendence, in this bold study of subversive sexuality.
Hegel's Science of Logic
Authors: Winfield Richard Dien
Published: February 2025

This text provides a truly comprehensive guide to one of the most important and challenging works of modern philosophy. The systematic complexity of Hegel's radical project in the Science of Logic prevents many from understanding and appreciating its value. By independently and critically working through Hegel's argument, this book offers an enlightening aid for study and anchors the Science of Logic at a central position in the philosophical canon.
Against Religion, Wars, and States
Authors: Fiala Andrew
Published: February 2025

In Against Religion, Wars, and States: The Case for Enlightenment Atheism, Just War Pacifism, and Liberal-Democratic Anarchism, Andrew Fiala argues that, societally, we must radically redefine our goals. A renewed focus on global justice, a heightened criticism of religion and a fuller embrace of enlightened humanism and the sciences are just some of the ways in which we can begin to address some of the problems endemic to our society, and ultimately bring about more lasting peace. Fiala argues both theoretically and empirically, moving from analyses of theology, ethics and political philosophy to case studies and data mined from these respective disciplines, and from the fallout of recent world events involving all three. Fiala attempts to wean us off of our deferral to the oppressive forces that spark movements like Occupy, and the Arab Spring, forces that manifest themselves in the brutal drug wars along our borders, and in the currently fractious and bigoted rhetoric of some of our most powerful political and religious leaders. Against Religion, Wars, and States provides a provocative, unified, and revolutionary critical theory for all who are skeptical of the religious, political, and military powers that be, and points the way towards a more peaceful, just and reasoned future.
Rethinking Civilian Stabilization and Reconstruction
Authors: Lamb Robert D. , Mixon Kathryn , Aoun Joy
Published: February 2025

Can the United States prevent or end conflicts and protect its interests without using military force? Do U.S. civilian institutions have the right mix of support, funding, and capabilities to respond to major crises and political transitions? In July 2013, CSIS raised these questions before more than 200 policymakers and experts, with 22 speakers offering perspectives from donors, implementers, and recipients. The demand for civilian power is high. U.S. leaders are under constant pressure to respond to armed conflicts abroad. Better civilian tools could help avoid more risky (and costly) military engagements. The past decade has seen real improvement in civilian stabilization and reconstruction capabilities. Yet many lessons of the past eight decades remain unlearned, and public support to civilian agencies remains low.
The Dominican Republic
Authors: Meacham Carl
Published: February 2025

Is democracy in danger in the Dominican Republic? Is the country headed toward sustained one-party rule? In an effort to understand the state of Dominican democracy and rule of law, CSIS Americas Program director Carl Meacham led a six-month initiative to answer these questions. This report, which details the project’s findings, pays particular attention to alleged growing levels of corruption within the government and the independence—and effectiveness—of the country’s judiciary, as well as implications for the Dominican Republic’s relations with the United States.
Power, Profits, and Patriarchy
Authors: Staples William G. , Staples Clifford L.
Published: February 2025

Founded in 1791 and in existence for more than two hundred years, the Kenrick iron foundry of West Bromwich, England produced some of the finest cast-iron hardware ever made. William and Clifford Staples' goal in studying the Kenrick case is to examine how taken-for-granted assumptions about class, gender, and familial relations contributed to the longevity of the firm. The authors' investigation uncovers three distinct political regimes of production that they characterize as successive forms of capitalist patriarchy. Indeed, it is contended that the Kenricks were able to maintain their power and their profits, to a great extent, because they were able to use patriarchy to solve pressing organizational problems. By balancing a concern with both the materiality of production and its ideological, cultural, and political moments, this book offers new insights into the nature of production politics, patriarchy, and the historical sociology of capitalism.
Siren Song
Authors: Schwandt Stephen
Published: February 2025

JP Griffin buys a small cabin cruiser and plans a carefree summer of boating on the waters surrounding Wisconsin's Door County peninsula, to escape the pain of a failed marriage. He learns the boat he purchased previously was owned by a respected Green Bay cop who had just been killed in a car crash, and learns the boat is full of dark secrets.
Safety Engineering
Authors: Spellman Frank R. , Whiting Nancy E.
Published: February 2025

The new Safety Engineering provides an overview of the fundamentals with expanded coverage of practical information for protecting workers and complying with federal regulations.

This Second Edition features eight new chapters, including Thermal Stress, Security and Vulnerability Assessment, Computer and Data Security, Contemporary Problems Affecting Workers, and Preventing Workplace Violence. This edition also examines the safety industry's new homeland security responsibilities and needs.

Written for a wide variety of readers, including safety directors, supervisors, government officials, and students, this handy yet comprehensive reference book looks at the paperwork side of safety: identifying regulatory requirements, conducting accident investigations, preparing an emergency response plan, preparing for inspections, and complying with recordkeeping requirements. It also examines specific OSHA standards and their requirements from the Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, defining each issue, looking at the causes of injury and non-compliance, providing provisions for protecting employees, and offering guidance for controlling or improving safety.
Punishment and Shame
Authors: Hamblet Wendy C.
Published: February 2025

Punishment is the imposition, by a legitimate authority, of a painful consequence upon one who has offended the social order by indulging in acts contrary to the social good. Punishment is understood to serve a primary objective in any society: it rehabilitates or reforms (re-forms or shapes anew) the psyches of social offenders to bring them in line with prevailing codes of behavior. Punishment thus is a highly conservative force, affirming simultaneously the codes of conduct deemed desirable within the society and the status quo of power relations that hold sway in the society. Punishment is a form of social teaching. One of the favorite forms of didactic pain to which legitimate authorities turn, in teaching conformity to social regulations, is the psychological pain of shame. Shame is a special favorite in the penology of societies of the Western world, whose governing logic is already grounded in the shame-based religions of Judaism and Christianity. Parents, school teachers, religious leaders, and state authorities readily employ shame as an effective method for teaching social lessons. Shame is a powerful force that reaches deep into the psyche of the offender and gnaws away at her sense of self-worth and identity, with longstanding and devastating existential effects. Shame has profound and enduring effects, because it has the capacity to transform an empirical fact (of having done something unacceptable) into an ontological reality (of being unacceptable as a human being). Shame dehumanizes. Shame is a powerfully effective tool for altering behavior, but because shame dehumanizes, it often fails to have the effect that the punisher is seeking to bring about. Shame sickens souls, rather than cures them. It sickens them to such a degree that shame more often acts as a promoter of criminality than as a teacher of the social good.
Plato's Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito
Authors: Kamtekar Rachana
Published: February 2025

Plato's Euthyrphro, Apology, and Crito portray Socrates' words and deeds during his trial for disbelieving in the Gods of Athens and corrupting the Athenian youth, and constitute a defense of the man Socrates and of his way of life, the philosophic life. The twelve essays in the volume, written by leading classical philosophers, investigate various aspects of these works of Plato, including the significance of Plato's characters, Socrates's revolutionary religious ideas, and the relationship between historical events and Plato's texts. Readers will find their appreciation of Plato's works greatly enriched by these essays.
Teaching Peace
Authors: Weaver Denny J. , Biesecker-Mast Gerald
Published: February 2025

This book opens a new frontier in understanding nonviolence. Discussions of peace and nonviolence usually focus on either moral theory or practical dimensions of applying nonviolence in conflict situations. Teaching Peace carries the discussion of nonviolence beyond ethics and into the rest of the academic curriculum. This book isn't just for religion or philosophy teachers—it is for all educators. Teaching Peace begins with a discussion rooted in Christian theology, where nonviolence is so central and important. But it is clear that there are other paths to nonviolence, and that one certainly doesn't have to be a Christian to practice nonviolence. The pieces that follow, therefore, show how a nonviolent perspective impacts disciplines across the curriculum—from acting, to biology, to mathematics, to psychology.
Who's Afraid of Charles Darwin?
Authors: Vandermassen Griet
Published: February 2025

Why should feminism and the biological sciences be at odds? And what might be gained from a reconciliation? In Who's Afraid of Charles Darwin? Vandermassen shows that, rather than continuing this enmity, feminism and the biological sciences—and in particular evolutionary psychology—have the need and the potential to become powerful allies. Properly understood, the Darwinian perspective proposed in this volume will become essential to tackling the major issues in feminism.
Bridging the Great Divide
Authors: Barron Robert
Published: February 2025

Bridging the Great Divide: Musings of a Post-Liberal, Post-Conservative Evangelical Catholic represents a pivotal moment in the life of the Catholic community. As the Church seeks to maintain its unique witness, nurture the faithful, and evangelize, a new generation of American Catholics has emerged. No longer the "next generation," these new leaders came of age after the Second Vatican Council and, like many others, no longer find compelling the battles between the liberals and conservatives throughout the post-conciliar period. Today's faithful are searching for an expression of Catholic Christianity that is vibrant, colorful, provocative, counter-cultural, deeply rooted in the tradition, and full of the promise of the Good News. In this timely and prophetic book, Father Robert Barron—himself a member of the younger generation—has minted a new vernacular and blazed a new way that goes bridges the great divide and gives voice to the concerns of post-liberal, post-conservative, evangelical believers.
Muckrakers
Authors: Applegate Edd
Published: February 2025

During the 1800s, the United States progressed at a remarkable rate. Commerce gave rise to regional specialization and contributed to the growth of cities. By 1860 the nation had prospered to the extent that it no longer depended on Europe to purchase its goods. Innovations in technology helped increase production, especially in textiles, and transportation projects helped reduce costs of certain products. As the country progressed, so did its citizenry and their attention to certain interests: movements on issues like women's rights, capital punishment, workers' rights, education, and mental health swept across the country. As these groups advanced their causes, a kind of journalism began to capture readers' attention: the exposZ. Although examples similar to it had appeared occasionally in various publications years before, it became more prevalent at the turn of the century. In the spring of 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt delivered a speech in which he compared certain crusading journalists to a character in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress: 'There is filth on the floor, and it must be scraped up with the muckrake; and there are times and places where this service is the most needed of all the services that can be performed.' In Muckrakers: A Biographical Dictionary of Writers and Editors, Professor Edd Applegate profiles the men and women who either wrote muckraking journalism or edited publications that featured muckraking articles. Some of the most important figures of journalism are here, including Nellie Bly, Upton Sinclair, Lincoln Steffens, George Kennan, Jack London, Frank Norris, Rachel Carson, George Seldes, and I.F. Stone. The book contains more than fifty entries, each discussing the subject's professional career and major works. In some cases, comments about the subject's work by others have been included, as well as suggestions for further reading. As a resource guide, Muckrakers will be of interest to professors, scholars, and students interested in learning more about the individuals who played such significant roles in muckraking journalism.
Old Leather
Authors: Willis Chris
Published: February 2025

Very little has been documented about the early days of pro football and the pioneers who had a major influence in the history of the NFL. Chris Willis, head of the Research Library at NFL Films, seeks to address this neglect. In this collection of original and archival interviews, former players, owners, fans, family members and league officials provide a rare glimpse into the origins of professional football. Full of rich anecdotes, early stars such as Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, Dutch Clark, Glenn Presnell, and Pete Henry are brought back to the playing field. The interviews also reveal how small towns in Ohio such as Canton, Akron, Columbus, and Dayton came to host franchises, as the state became a major force in the founding and growth of the NFL.

Old Leather provides the reader with a firsthand look at a period that has largely been ignored. It recalls what the era of professional football was like in the age of leather helmets, no television, dirt fields, small salaries and when playing for the love of the game was its own reward. This book will appeal not only to historians, sportswriters, and scholars, but also to die-hard fans and general history buffs who can never get enough of America's favorite sport.

Contains 17 photographs of players, owners, and teams.
Programming for Adults
Authors: Ranier Raymond
Published: February 2025

As the mission statements of libraries across the nation change to reflect the realities of post-liberal America and its emphasis on economic values, librarians have had to pick up their long-standing paradigm and move it in an endless shuffle from knowledge stewardship, to information broker, to entertainment director. Many library boards have made it clear that the public library, especially in smaller communities, can earn its keep only by becoming the center of educational, informational, and entertainment possibilities for their taxpayers. This has necessitated a ten-year learning curve unprecedented in professional life. Few librarians, even those being schooled today in our graduate schools, are prepared to shift into high gear when it comes to conceptualizing, planning, paying for, and evaluating public programs for their patrons.

Unlike its predecessors that leave ideas for public programming to the imagination, Programming for Adults lists ideas, names names, and massages the already fertile librarian imagination to the challenge and creativity inherent in adult programming. Legal issues are discussed, possible pitfalls are flagged, and evaluative follow-ups are suggested. The advice put forth in this book can help you put on your show to the satisfaction of your boss and, more importantly, to the accolades of your public.
The Heart Has Its Reasons
Authors: Cart Michael , Jenkins Christine A.
Published: February 2025

Society does not make it easy for young people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to find accurate, nonjudgmental information about homosexuality. It makes it even more difficult for young homosexuals to find positive role models in fiction either written or published expressly for them or—if published for adults—relevant to them and their lives.

The Heart Has Its Reasons examines these issues and critically evaluates the body of literature published for young adults that offers homosexual themes and characters. Cart and Jenkins chart the evolution of the field of YA literature having GLBTQ (gay/lesbian/bisexual, transgendered, and/or queer/questioning) content. They identify titles that are remarkable either for their excellence or failures, noting the stereotypic, wrongheaded, and outdated books as well as the accurate, thoughtful, and tactful titles. Useful criteria for evaluating books with GLBTQ content are provided. Books and resources of all types are reviewed based on a model that uses the category descriptors of Homosexual Visibility, Gay Assimilation, and Queer Consciousness/Community. An annotated bibliography and a number of author-title lists of books discussed in the text arranged by subject round out this valuable reference for teachers, librarians, parents, and young adults.
Resource Management for School Administrators
Authors: Tomal Daniel R. , Schilling Craig A.
Published: February 2025

Resource Management for School Administrators is the only comprehensive book covering all school resources---fiscal, facilities and human resources. Each chapter has objectives that are aligned with the new ELCC and ISLCC standards on accreditation. Many of the federal and various state policies and laws are included. Everything you need to know on managing school resources are covered: national and state perspectives, future challenges to funding public education, resource allocation, developing a school district budget, sources of revenue, accounting budgeting and reporting, financial statements, allocating resource for higher student performance, human resource, laws and policies, compensation, facilities and auxiliary services and safety and security Each chapter contains a comprehensive case study and exercises for easy application. This practical book will be useful to all school leaders who are trying to improve their school resource management.
Crisis Prevention and Intervention in the Classroom
Authors: Damiani Victoria B.
Published: February 2025

Crisis intervention materials designed specifically for classroom teachers are still scarce, and their role in crisis prevention and intervention continues to be one for which teachers must take the initiative to educate themselves. With updates in crisis intervention programming and legislation; integration of recent research on school shootings and other forms of school violence; and the addition of such topics as cyberbullying, relational aggression, and the needs of military families, this second edition of Crisis Prevention and Intervention in the Classroom further widens teachers' perspectives on school crises and puts them in a better position to prevent and cope with these events.