bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Clinical Techniques and Diagnostic Injections for Distinguishing Neuropathic and Inflammatory Heel Pain: A Prospective Hospital-Based Study
Authors: N. Kulkarni Pradeep , Mukesh Tailor Dhaval , Alate Mahendra , Lipi Kumari , Patil Sudhir
Published: July 2024

One in ten people will experience inferior heel pain at some point in their lives, along with plantar heel pain, which is a frequent ailment in the general population. Most experts agree that plantar fasciitis results from persistent inflammation and recurrent partial tears at this enthesis. This study's goal is to assess the effectiveness of using clinical techniques and diagnostic injections to distinguish between neuropathic and inflammatory heel pain. This is a hospital-based prospective study (analytical study) that was performed over a period of 18 months from December 2018. After the approval of the ethical committee, the study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics OPD, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University Karad. Almost all patients respond to conservative nonsurgical therapy. Surgery is the last treatment option if all other treatments have failed. On one-week, one-month and three months follow up; in all nine neuropathic cases there was already a significant reduction in pain severity (p<0.05).
Inhibition of Skin Cancer using Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (HaCaT) Cells from Siam Weeds (Chromolaena odorata L.)
Authors: Amir Tahir Karlina , Hafid Erwin , Fitrah Muh. , Lalo Ahmad , Fadilah Nurul , Syakri Syamsuri , Jalaluddin Syatirah , Matsunami Katsuyoshi
Published: July 2024

Cancer can usually develop due to exposure to sunlight. UV radiation from sunlight is known to damage DNA and is bad for the skin. Skin P stem cell carcinogenesis is caused by UV-A rays that penetrate deep into the dermis layer. UV-B damages cell DNA by being absorbed by proteins in the epidermis. Chromolaena odorata was extracted using methanol solvent, then partitioned into 5 solutions in the form of n-Hexane, Ethyl Acetate, Acetonitrate, n-Buthanol, and Ethanol. The five extracts obtained were tested with Human Epidermal Keratinocyte cells using the bioassay method. Results obtained from the microplate reader after incubation. Each extract was divided into three concentrations, it is 100, 50, 20(µg/mL). Then in the positive control (Etoposide), it was divided into four concentrations, 100, 50, 20, 10(µg/mL). After being analyzed with the results of the microplate reader, the IC50 of Chromolaena odorata was 48% in the ethyl acetate extract with a concentration of 100µg/mL. HaCaT cell proliferation was determined at indicated intervals using the MTT colorimetric assay. This assay was based on the ability of live cell succinate dehydrogenase to reduce the yellow salt MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)) (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) to insoluble purple-blue formazan precipitate. Experiments were carried out on 96-well plates containing a final volume of 100µl of medium/well.
Development and Validation of Stability Indicting HPLC Method for the Separation and Simultaneous Analysis of Timolol, Dorzolamide and Latanoprost Inophthalmic formulations
Authors: Pawar A. Krishnamanjari , Mannepalli Chandana
Published: July 2024

The present work is intended to establish a simple, precise and sensitive stability indicating HPLC method for the separation and simultaneous quantification of timolol, dorzolamide and latanoprost in pharmaceutical formulations. The separation of analytes was achieved on Spherisorb ods2 C18 (250mm × 4.6mm; 5µ)as stationary phase, methanol, acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH 5.2) in 55:45:05 (v/v) as mobile phase at 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 239nm. In this condition, well resolved, retained peaks were identified at 3.45 min fortimolol, 2.66min for dorzolamideand 5.43min for latanoprost. The method reports 0.313µg/mL, 1.25µg/mL and 0.003µg/mL for timolol, dorzolamide and latanoprost respectivelyas LOD that proves that the method have enough sensitivity levels for the detectionanalytes in samples. The method passes all the validation parameters as per the guidelines proved that the method was valid. The method can shows very less % degradation in various stress studies such as acidic, base, peroxide, thermal and UV light conditions and can effectively separate various stress degradation compounds and confirms the stability indicating nature of the method. The method applicability was assessed by analysing the drug content in ophthalmic drops and reports the % assay of be 98.48, 99.37 and 98.32% for timolol, dorzolamide and latanoprost respectively. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the method can adequately suitable for the separation and quantification of timolol, dorzolamide and latanoprost and hence can be applicable for the routine analysis of timolol, dorzolamide and latanoprostin single or any combined ophthalmic formulations.
Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method Development and Validation for Simultaneous Estimation of Metformin Hydrochloride and Remogliflozin Etabonate in Bulk and Tablet Formulation
Authors: S. Kagarana Chhayaben , Patel Kunal N. , Patel Advaita B.
Published: July 2024

A simple efficient stability-indicating validated RP-HPLC method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of Metformin hydrochloride (MET) and Remogliflozin etabonate (REM) in bulk and was applied to marketed formulations. The mobile phase used for detection was Phosphate Buffer (pH 4.0): Acetonitrile (60:40%v/v). Drug peaks were detected by a UV detector at 226nm. The linearity of the developed method was found to be 20-60µg/mL for Metformin hydrochloride and 4-12μg/mL for Remogliflozin etabonate. The Limit of Detection (LOD.) and Limit of Quantitation (LOQ.) were found to be 0.085µg/mL and 0.258µg/mL for MET and 0.010µg/mL and 0.030µg/mL for REM respectively. Hydrolysis by HCl, NaOH, hydrogen peroxide, UV light and temperature were performed on a formulation which proves that the proposed method was specific and will be suitable for routine quality control analysis.
Self Nanoemulsifying Solid of Atorvastatin Calcium – Development, Characterization and Evaluation
Authors: D Selsia , R Vasantharaja , C Durga , S Subramanian
Published: July 2024

The aim of the present study is development and characterization of SNEDDS to enhance the bioavailability of anti-hyperlipidemic agent Atorvastatin calcium. The solubility was estimated in various solvent to find maximum solubility of drug in solvent. Vegetable oil (as vehicle), non-ionic surfactant (as surfactant, co-surfactant) and water is used to construct pseudo-ternary phase diagram (identify nanoemulsifying region). Stability, dispersibility and robustness to dilution to be performed for optimize formulations using phase diagram. Different formulations are prepared with various composition of vegetable oil, non-ionic surfactant. At one globule size of optimized system is expected to accept nano emulsion size range for improving the dissolution of Atorvastatin calcium. There by we may enhance the bio-availability of Atorvastatin.
Investigation of Clock Genes Expression in G-CSFMobilized Individuals at Different Hours of the Day
Authors: Aghajani Sanaz ,   Department of Hematology, Faculty Allied Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran., Farsinejad Alireza , Roshandel Elham , Hajifathali Abbas ,   Department of Hematology, Faculty Allied Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,   Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,   Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: July 2024

Objective: Studies have shown that the mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) is continuous and dependent on the circadian rhythms. In this study we have aimed to investigate of clock genes including PER-1, PER-2, PER-3 and CRY-1 expression in G-CSF-mobilized individuals at different hours of the day.
Seroprevalence and Associated Factors of Ovine and Caprine Brucellosis in Dubti District of Afar Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Dubie Teshager ,   College of Veterinary Medicine, Samara University, P.O. Box 132, Samara, Ethiopia., Kasa Trhas , Kinfe Getachew ,   College of Veterinary Medicine, Samara University, P.O. Box 132, Samara, Ethiopia.,   Animal Health Institute, P.O. Box 04, Sebeta, Ethiopia.
Published: July 2024

Background: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that causes reproductive losses in animals and poses public health hazards as well as economic impact in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. The present study was undertaken with the objective to estimate the seroprevalence and identify associated risk factors of small ruminant brucellosis.
Health endangering overweight in preschool children
Authors: Maintz Eva-Maria , Mumm Rebekka , Lechner Marla , Schumacher Verena , Wittwer-Backofen Ursula , Schwab Karl Otfried
Published: July 2024

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is the dominant diagnostic parameter for obesity, but its suitability is controversial. Physical fitness (PF) can be used as an indicator for unhealthy body composition.
Objectives: To characterize groups of overweight children via different anthropometric parameters and their respective PF.
Sample and Methods: Anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference (WC), skinfold thickness (SF), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were assessed in 147 preschool children (age 4.7 ± 1.8 years) at 12 German Kindergartens. Measurements were related to a field battery for PF, assessing musculoskeletal fitness and motor fitness.  
Results: All anthropometric measurements characterize different children as overweight, only four children are classified as overweight by all measurements. Children with elevated triceps SF alone or in combination with high subscapular SF or WC but not BMI showed lower PF compared with non-overweight children (long jump (p < 0.001), high jump (p = 0.002), shuttle run (p = 0.032)).
Conclusions: Triceps SF measuring peripheral fat mass alone and in combination with parameters of central fat might be an effective method to detect poor PF indicating health impairing overweight in 3- to 6-year-old children while preventive examinations should not be placed exclusively on the BMI.
Secular trends in anthropometric characteristics and their associations with external skeletal robustness among Slovenian young adults’ population
Authors: Zdešar Kotnik Katja , Golja Petra , Robič Pikel Tatjana
Published: July 2024

Objectives: To determine secular trends in body height, fat-mass, fat-free mass, and external skeletal robustness in young adults and examine possible relationship between them.
Methods: Anthropometric data (body height, body mass; skinfold thickness (SFT) – triceps, abdominal, thigh; circumferences (C) – waist, upper arm, thigh; width – elbow, knee) of young adults aged 20-25 years (N = 5303; males 1985, females 3318) were used from the Slovenian (data)Base of Anthropometric Measurements from 1960 to 2023. Multiple linear regressions were performed. 
Results: The most significant positive secular trends (p < 0.000) were observed in males for abdominal SFT (B = 0.151, R2 = 0.169) and thigh SFT (B = 0.131, R2 = 0.142). In females, similar trend was observed in waist C (B = 0.151; R2 = 0.169). The most significant negative secular trend (p < 0.001) was observed in muscle area of lower limbs in both sexes (males: B = - 0.427, R2 = 0.000; females: B = - 0.875, R2 = 0.300). Body height and overall body mass were the most important factors influencing the observed decline in external skeletal robustness assessed with frame index according to elbow and knee width according to multiple linear regression.
Conclusion: Over the last 60 years, a positive secular trend was observed in body height and body fat, while a negative trend was noted in muscle mass. Increases in body height and overall body mass had the most significant impact on the observed decrease in assessed external skeletal robustness over time.
Specific features of Ukrainian military personnel resilience and its relationship with Actual Capacities
Authors: Chykhantsova Olena , Denchyk Artem
Published: July 2024

The present study examines the peculiarities of resilience in military personnel and its relationship with Actual Capacities. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 64 military personnel who have participated in military operations during the war in Ukraine. The main factors that determine the resilience of military personnel are: psychological well-being, optimism, quality of life, happiness and Actual Capacities. They were assessed using 6 psychodiagnostic methods. Results show that these main factors have an implication for military resilience because they all reflect different aspects of psychological and social well-being. There are correlations between resilience and Actual Capacities. It means that control of a stressful situation is ensured by honesty and faith. It was also found that personal capacities are a significant factor in increasing the resilience level of military personnel. It was discovered that the majority of the surveyed military personnel have an average level of quality of life, subjective happiness and psychological resilience. However, not all servicemen are ready and able to effectively cope with difficulties. The results prove that internal personal factors of military personnel perform a protective function in stressful circumstances of wartime.
The possibilities of Positive Psychotherapy to help children with autism(ASD) and their families
Authors: Ivanova Veronika
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this article is to present the possibilities of working with autistic children using PPT methods. The present work presents possibilities for using the psychodynamic aspects of Positive Psychotherapy with the autistic child and as a means of contact with his/her parents. Positive Psychotherapy. with its psychodynamic roots, can also provide an alternative to the increasingly widespread and imposed cognitive-behavioral treatment methods in the work with autistic children. A short scale was modified for the purposes of the study: Differential Analytical Scale for the Study of Children with Autism (completed together with one parent):Sample: 50 children diagnosed with varying degrees of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participated in the study. The age of the participants ranged from 3 to 9 years (M=6.27 years; SD =3.17). Among them, 38% were girls. The results of the study show that several stages are essential in the work with autistic children: the first step of "observation" and connection can be lengthy and comprise the whole of the therapy with autistic children, working with the conflict reaction in the sphere of "contact," the area in which autistic children must develop the greatest resources. The skills of "time" and "patience" prove to be the key to establishing psychotherapeutic contact.
Socio-historical features of the transcultural approach of Positive Psychotherapy using the “primary cause” methodology Reavisia
Authors: Katostrovskii Oleh
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to case studies illustrating the involvement of socio-historical factors in some family scenario phenomena, psychosomatic symptoms, and personality conflicts in the culturally sensitive humanistic approach of Positive Psychotherapy. The possibility of using innovative trance techniques for studying family scenarios in the concept of the “root cause” method of Reavisia has been demonstrated.
Stories in psychotherapy – orality and writing
Authors: Jaźwińska-Chren Anna
Published: July 2024

The article considers the differences between spoken and written storytelling and the impact that orality and writing can have on the therapeutic use of storytelling. Research and literature on the functioning of oral and written cultures (based on oral and written hearing) and the use of storytelling in psychotherapy, with a focus on Positive Psychotherapy, are reviewed. To answer the question of how to most effectively reach the client with the message of storytelling, observations and recordings were made of two cases in which the content was communicated in two ways (orally and in writing). The clients' way of perceiving reality (dominance of the senses), self-narratives and psychological condition were analyzed in search of relationships with susceptibility to oral and written messages. The article uses two stories written by the author. The first story contained in this article was told during a speech at a First International Caucasian Conference on PPT “Positive Transcultural Psychotherapy as a Bridge between Cultures” in Georgia in October 2023. The purpose of the story is to show the differences between spoken and written storytelling (looking at these differences in the context of the anthropology of words). The second story (Kintsugi) was inspired by the client's experience and written for use in the therapeutic process.
Prototype Pengendalian Arm Robot Berbasis Arduino Uno
Authors: Saputra Kurniawan , Vatusalsolar Hestiana , Dewi Astrie Kusuma
Published: July 2024

Perkembangan teknologi yang semakin pesat membuat manusia semakin mudah menciptakan peralatan-peralatan yang baru. Peralatan-peralatan yang diciptakan tentunya yang dapat mem-bantu pekerjaan manusia dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Dengan ada perkembangan teknologi ynag semakin pesat ini manusia berlomba-lomba untuk menciptakan robot yang mana dapat berfungsi sebagai pengganti dan pembantu pekerja manusia. Robot yang diciptakan adalah berbagai jenis tergantung pada keinginan dan kebutuhan. Maka itu, terciptalah robot lengan atau Arm robot untuk membantu manusia mengangkat beban yang berat. Arm robot merupakan robot yang dapat dikendalikan untuk itu kali ini penulis akan membahas tentang cara kerja Arm robot melalui pemrograman Arduino dan penggerak berupa motor servo serta dengan pengendalinya yaitu joystick.
Wykorzystanie budżetu jednostek samorządu terytorialnego do realizacji koncepcji rozwoju zrównoważonego na przykładzie gmin o wysokich walorach przyrodniczych na Dolnym Śląsku
Authors: Kutkowska Barbara , Ogły Anna , Struś Mirosław
Published: July 2024

W opracowaniu dokonano analizy dynamiki oraz struktury dochodów i wydatków budżetów dwóch gmin dolnośląskich, na których terenie znajdują się duże obszary terenów prawnie chronionych ze względu na wysoką jakość środowiska przyrodniczego. W strategiach obu gmin wskazano na konieczność przestrzegania zasad ekorozwoju. W latach 2000-2007 dochody badanych gmin wzrosły, w tym gminy Krośnice aż czterokrotnie, przede wszystkim dzięki skutecznemu pozyskiwaniu środków finansowych z funduszy UE. Władze tej gminy przeznaczyły znaczne środki finansowe na inwestycje infrastrukturalne, przede wszystkim na cele komunalne i ochrony środowiska przyrodniczego. Budżet gminy Przemków bazował na dochodach własnych, dotacjach i subwencjach, w nikłym zaś stopniu na dochodach z UE, co ograniczyło możliwości inwestycyjne gminy. Zróżnicowanie skuteczności władz obu gmin w zakresie pozyskiwania środków finansowych ze źródeł zewnętrznych spowodowało, iż roczne dochody ogółem per capita w gminie Krośnice na tle średniej wojewódzkiej wyraźnie wzrosły, natomiast w gminie Przemków zmniejszyły się, pogłębiając dystans w stosunku do możliwości rozwojowych pozostałych gmin dolnośląskich.
Czynniki różnicujące rozwój gospodarstw agroturystycznych w Polsce
Authors: Niewiadomski Kazimierz
Published: July 2024

Opracowanie jest poświęcone ocenie czynników determinujących rozwój gospodarstw agroturystycznych. Badaniami objęto wszystkie powiaty w naszym kraju. Analiza wykazała wyraźny związek czynników naturalnych i przyrodniczych oraz ogólnego ruchu turystycznego z rozwojem agroturystyki. Duży obszar zmienności zmiennej zależnej nie został jednak wyjaśniony przez wprowadzone do równań regresji wielorakiej czynniki.
Potret Pembelajaran Pendidikan Pancasila Menggunakan Strategi Teaching at the Right Level melalui Model Problem Open Ended
Authors: Ferdani Jelinshi Nofelantina , PS Supriyono , Haryati Titik , Setyowati Eko
Published: July 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk melihat hasil pembelajaran pendidikan Pancasila Siswa SMA menggunakan Strategi TaRL melalui model Problem Open Ended pada materi Kita dan Masyarakat Global. Pendidikan Pancasila di Indonesia menghadapai tantangan dalam meningkatkan efektivitas pembelajaran di era digital saat ini. Artikel ini menginvestigasi penerapan strategi Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) dengan model problem open ended dalam pembelajaran pendidikan Pancasila. Latar belakang penelitian ini adalah kebutuhan akan pendekatan inovatif yang dapat meningkatkan pemahaman dan aplikasi nilai-nilai Pancasila di kalangan peserta didik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi keefektifan TaRL dalam meningkatkan keterampilan analisis dan refleksi peserta didik terhadap nilai-nilai Pancasila. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif dengan studi kasus di sebuah SMA di Kota Semarang dengan subjek 36 siswa kelas XI-C1 SMA Negeri 11 Semarang, kemudian dapat dipilih 3 orang berdasarkan tingkat kemampuan literasi siswa, yaitu 1 subjek dengan kemampuan penyelesaian masalah tinggi, 1 subjek kemampuan sedang, dan 1 subjek kemampuan rendah. Hasil penelitian ini menggarisbawahi pentingnya pendekatan TaRL sebagai strategi pembelajaran yang dapat diadopsi secara luas dalam konteks pendidikan Pancasila. Saran praktis adalah untuk mengintegrasikan lebih banyak model problem open ended dalam kurikulum pendidikan Pancasila untuk memperdalam pemahaman dan aplikasi nilai-nilai tersebut di masyarakat.
EFL Pre-Service Teachers’ Problems during Teaching Assistance of Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program
Authors: Rosanja Nanda Eka Lana , Arapah Elvina , Elyani Eka Puteri
Published: July 2024

Teaching English was not an easy task. Therefore, pre-service teachers needed sufficient experience before becoming true teachers. The teaching assistance program was designed for aspiring teachers to gain that experience. However, during the implementation of this program, pre-service teachers undoubtedly encountered several problems. This study aimed to analyze the problems faced by pre-service teachers during the teaching assistance program. Three participants from the same university but different schools participated in the study. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. The result showed that various problems were faced by pre-service teachers during teaching assistance. Almost all pre-service teachers encountered different problems compared to their peers during teaching assistance. However, some of them also shared similar problems. All the problems faced by pre-service teachers during teaching assistance could be categorized into two main factors. Internal factors such as inappropriate teaching method, material, media, classroom management and pre-service teachers’ proficiency. Then external factors such as problem related to students, disconnection between expectation and reality, school facility, and lack of relatedness between teaching practice alongside lectures. This was considered important to discuss so that in the future, pre-service teachers could be better prepared when they would teach directly to students at schools during teaching assistance.
English Language Learning Strategies Integrated with Technology to Improve the Learning Outcomes of Junior High School Students in Palu City
Authors: Rengur Zul Aini , Kumala Shofa Aulia , Fajrin Maghfiroh
Published: July 2024

This study investigates how English language learning strategies integrated with technology impact the learning outcomes of junior high school students in Palu City. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys, pre- and post-tests, qualitative interviews with teachers, and classroom observations. A total of 150 students from three schools participated, providing data on their perceptions of technology in learning English and their proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in all tested skills following the implementation of technology-integrated strategies, supported by statistical findings (p < 0.05). Surveys indicated positive student attitudes towards technology, citing increased understanding, motivation, and enjoyment in learning English. However, challenges such as limited digital access outside school hours were identified. Qualitative insights from teacher interviews highlighted benefits like enhanced student engagement but also underscored the need for ongoing professional development and equitable access to digital resources. Classroom observations illustrated varied implementation and student engagement levels, emphasizing the importance of pedagogical alignment and effective use of technology in language teaching. This study contributes to the discourse on technology-enhanced education in diverse contexts, offering practical recommendations for improving English language learning outcomes in Palu City's junior high schools.
How Botswana and Mauritius Exited the EU High-Risk Third Country List by Adapting Their Approaches to Beneficial Ownership and Residence
Authors: Walker Daniel
Published: July 2024

On 22 February 2022, the Mauritian Ministry of Financial Services and Good Governance issued a communique reporting the country’s removal from the European Union (‘EU’) List of High-Risk Third Countries. This list is also called the Anti-money Laundering and Countering Terrorist Financing List (‘AML/CTF’); or, less affectionately, the Blacklist. Mauritius issued this report a month after the European Union released its Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/229, removing Botswana and Mauritius from the AML/CTF.

The EU placed Mauritius and Botswana on the Blacklist in May 2020 after adopting updated criteria for assessing high-risk third countries and publishing its revised methodology for identifying these high-risk jurisdictions. These updated criteria and procedures relegated the tax regimes of Mauritius and Botswana as strategically ‘[deficient] on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing…,’ such that they ‘pose significant threats to the financial system of the Union.’ Placement on the Blacklist encumbers States with increased monitoring, regulatory requirements, and global trade restrictions that can result in a heavy economic toll. Moreover, to exit the list, countries must remediate deficiencies in cooperation with the EU and Financial Action Task Force (‘FATF’), each of which must be satisfied with the improvements made.

Mauritius and Botswana passed a bevy of substantial laws in just over a year to satisfy the EU and FATF, earning an exit from the Blacklist. Among the many changes, enhancements to each country’s transparency measures were central. Adopting new approaches to beneficial ownership and residence in each country is at the core of this transparency.

This work will explore how Mauritius and Botswana leveraged new approaches to beneficial ownership and residence to meet EU standards for tax regime transparency, resulting in each country’s removal from the EU Blacklist. This analysis will begin with an economic overview of Mauritius and Botswana. What follows will be an introduction to the EU AML/CTF list, followed by how and why the EU placed Mauritius and Botswana on the list. Finally, this work will look at how Mauritius and Botswana exited the list, and what that exit means for each country and other countries like them.
The Influence of Non-Spousal Owned Housing on Marital Power and Marital Satisfaction: Gender Differences in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Pei-Syuan
Published: July 2024

This study discusses the role of housing in marital life within the context of the patriarchal norms of Taiwan and analyzes the effect of housing tenure on marital power, as well as gender-specific housing expectations in terms of marital satisfaction. It is found that, in addition to directly affecting marital power, housing tenure not only can moderate the relationships between family structure and marital power and between marital power and marital satisfaction, but also marital satisfaction through the mediating effect of marital power. The gender specific effect of housing tenure cannot be completely explained by the resource theory; hence, gender roles and changing gender consciousness must be considered in modifications of this theory. For women, housing tenure is strongly associated with family structure and marital power, and may even change the direct effect of family structure on marital power, which explains for their preference for housing within the context of patrilocal cohabitation. The study also identifies gender specific housing expectations in terms of marital satisfaction, which may be due to the fact that husbands try to strengthen their gender and class and wives realize their preference for equal rights through housing tenure. These findings provide insights into the role of housing tenure in marital life, thus informing the formulation of housing policy.
Aging City and House Prices: Impact of Aging Condominium Stock on the Housing Market in the Tokyo- Metropolitan Area
Authors: Nakagawa Masayuki , Shimizu Chihiro
Published: July 2024

Based on an analysis of the housing market in the Tokyo metropolitan area, this study focuses on the external diseconomies of aging condominiums. It is possible that the quality of the condominium stock deteriorates more rapidly than that of ordinary housing. This deterioration in quality leads to a reduction in the quality of housing services received by residents. Furthermore, this worsening of the residential environment may lead to external diseconomies. We run hedonic models to identify the external diseconomies of aging condominiums in the residential market of the Tokyo metropolitan area. The results of our estimated models indicate that such external diseconomies occur for detached housing in areas where detached houses and condominiums coexist. These external diseconomies exert downward pressure on prices. Specifically, detached housing prices are lowered by around 3.2% for each 1% increase in the proportion of total building floor area in neighborhoods where condominiums were built before 1990. In other words, aging condominiums begin to generate diseconomies in their vicinities approximately 20 years after they were built.
A Real Estate Appraisal Model with Artificial Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic: A Local Case Study of Samsun City
Authors: Tabar Mehmet Emin , Sisman Aziz , Sisman Yasemin
Published: July 2024

There have been great innovations in the field of real estate appraisal which have replaced the classical methods by recently established modern methods that involve computer technologies known as artificial intelligence. here are several artificial intelligent methods like fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks. In this study, two different real estate appraisal applications that are based on the artificial neural network and fuzzy logic methods are compared. An actual data set is taken from real estate agencies to develop a real estate appraisal model in Samsun city in Turkey. All of the real estate data belong to a certain time interval in May 2020. The selected parameters are scored by a valuation expert and the scores are then subjected to normalization. The obtained values are inputted into a fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks editor in MATLAB software and the valuation model is created. The values we obtain from the artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic are compared with actual sales data. It is observed that using these methods in real estate appraisal provides advantages in terms of time, cost and tangibility, as well as the means to create large database for real estate appraisal in a certain region.
Banking Relationships and Financing Decisions of REITs
Authors: Chang Yuanchen , Hsieh Yi-Ting , Seah Kiat Ying
Published: July 2024

Banking relationships are key factors that influence the financing decisions of real estate investment trusts (REITs) which are mandated to hold highly specific assets. Using a comprehensive data set of loan facilities by REITs across different markets, this paper empirically tests the effect of REIT-bank relationships on credit costs and other non-price credit terms. We find that REITs with past banking relationships enjoy favorable loan terms that include lower loan rates, higher loan amount, and a less stringent collateral requirement. These favorable terms were kept by relationship banks during the global financial crisis from 2007 to 2009.
Influence of a Mortgage Interest Deduction on Homeownership Attainment of European Households
Authors: Vangeel Wouter , Defau Laurens , De Moor Lieven
Published: July 2024

This article provides new European evidence about the relation between the much discussed mortgage interest deduction (MID) and homeownership. We also examine which household-group, based on income or marital status, is (mainly) encouraged via this fiscal relief to own a home. To do so, we estimate multilevel mixed-effects logistic regressions by using Eurostat EU-statistics on income and living conditions data in twelve countries over 2003-2018. Our quantitative study shows that an MID generally fails to advance its purpose of promoting homeownership, likely due to price capitalization. However, our results underscore that there is (substantial) variation across household groups. From the odds ratios, we conclude that the intended positive effect of an MID on homeownership probability occurs only for the highest-income households; those who need the most help with good-quality affordable housing are the most discouraged via this relief to become a homeowner. Since the continuation of an MID remains one of the contested issues in many national debates, our empirical findings provide useful insights for governments around the world that wish to promote homeownership through tax incentives.
Translating Difference: Reflections on the Interface between Novelistic Discourse and World Literature
Authors: Ramakrishnan E. V.
Published: July 2024

The present essay examines two moments from the evolution of the modern Malayalam novel, in relation to the reception of two classics in world literature, namely Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables translated into Malayalam between 1925 and 1927 and García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude translated in 1984. The translation of Hugo’s novel energized the scene of Malayalam fiction by infusing new modes of representation and widening the intellectual horizons of writers in general, and novelists in particular. The echoes of Les Misérables could be heard in Malayalam fiction well into the 1950s. The struggles against colonial and feudal authorities in Kerala, provided a fertile context for the imaginative interpretation of Hugo’s humanist vision. The paper illustrates this point through close readings of critical essays, autobiographical narratives and debates on the nature of translation. The fascination of Malayali readers with García Márquez has resulted in the translation of his entire corpus into Malayalam. Magic realism as pioneered by García Márquez liberated the Malayalam novelistic narrative from social realist and modernist dogmas. The colonial disruption of oral narratives, the consequent cultural amnesia and the struggle to reclaim one’s forgotten past are themes that struck a chord in Malayalam writers of fiction. Through a detailed discussion of the novel, Moustache by S. Hareesh, the interface between novelistic discourse and world literature is mapped in the latter part of the essay.
Familiar Ghosts: Imagining Lives, Re-imagining the Nation, Inventing the Future
Authors: Boldrini Lucia
Published: July 2024

This article focuses on novels that, located on the boundary between biography, autobiography and fiction, between detailed archival historical research and imagination, between the documentary and the speculative, seek to reconstruct the life of an ancestor of the writer-narrator to reflect on the traumas, exploitation, hopes, and desires of generations who, in their diasporas, also helped create their modern nations, or whose story challenges the exclusions on which the concept of the nation has been built. The texts discussed are Melania Mazzucco’s Vita, Vona Groarke’s Hereafter: The Telling Life of Ellen O’Hara, Wu Ming 2 and Antar Mohamed’s Timira: Romanzo Meticcio, and Maryse Condé’s Victoire, les saveurs et les mots. At their center is the negotiation between the individual truth and the relational story across generations on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the tracing of collective histories such as those of nation, of colonization, of diaspora, of internal and external displacement, of rights and emancipation (the downtrodden, the poor, women, the migrant, the refugees), of the origins of dispossession and the permanence of its effects. At the core of the narratives is also the ghostliness of the erased (from history, from memory, from citizenship), the departed (in the sense of being dead and of having traveled away), and the in-between (generic: between the historical and documentary on the one hand, and the novelistic, the fable, fantasy on the other; geographical: between countries, between places, nationalities, national affiliations; historical: across generations; racial: the mestizo, the mulatto). It is, specifically, the biofictional imagination that enables these diasporic, transnational, transracial accounts to open up the possibility of a different, liberating future, by offering the space to imagine such a future, but also by recognizing, through its explicit acknowledgement of its recourse to fictionality, that it does not aim to construct a new myth to replace historical fact, but that it invites all of us to imagine, and strive to bring into existence, a different reality.
An Overview of Foreign Literature Studies in China from 1949 to 2019
Authors: Chen Zhongyi
Published: July 2024

In retrospect of foreign literature studies in China from 1949 to 2019, we have to acknowledge two fundamental facts. Firstly, although in the initial 30 years of this period foreign literature studies in China largely followed the Soviet model, neglecting Western literary and cultural traditions to some extent—with over a decade under the influence of extreme “leftist” trends—it was during this time that the groundwork for the academic framework of foreign literature studies was painstakingly laid. Secondly, with the influx of Western ideas, foreign literature studies during the subsequent 40 years underwent a complete paradigm shift, providing the spiritual nourishment for and playing a pioneering role in liberating thought and rectifying disorders. However, this period saw a conspicuous adoption of Western paradigms in foreign literature studies, thereby somewhat abandoning certain valuable traditions and academic stances that ought to have been upheld. Meanwhile, foreign literature studies in this period also experienced an undiscriminating acceptance and hasty integration of ideas, leading to a mixture of the good and the bad. This essay provides an important overview of 70 years of foreign literature studies in China, though the specific situations are much more complex. In recent years, as the ideas of cultural confidence and a community of shared future for mankind deeply resonate with the public, the principles of serving the Chinese people and Chinese socialist cause are increasingly becoming significant recognitions within China’s foreign literature scholarly community.
Intellectuals in Chinese Novels at the Dawn of the 21st Century
Authors: Meng Fanhua
Published: July 2024

The dawn of the 21st century saw images of intellectuals in novels change in a drastic way. Intellectuals, and those in the humanities in particular, are no longer portrayed as privileged Enlightenment thinkers or sages with Confucian ideas of salvation. In the novels that take intellectuals as their subject matters, such characters often end up involved in betrayal, self-exile, or spiritual/mortal death. This is not a historical process, nor an inevitable course for intellectuals to be sure, but it remains a legitimate question to ask why these fictional intellectuals are becoming, more often than not, new tragic heroes. Why are they becoming misfits in their society and ending up in exile, abandonment, and even death? The present paper examines different images of intellectuals and the makings of their destinies.
Big data for epidemic preparedness in southeast Asia: An integrative study
Authors: Janet Aderonke Olaboye  , Chukwudi Cosmos Maha  , Tolulope Olagoke Kolawole  , Samira Abdul
Published: July 2024

This integrative study explores the pivotal role of big data in enhancing epidemic preparedness and response strategies in Southeast Asia. The region, characterized by its diverse socio-economic landscape and frequent exposure to infectious disease threats, necessitates innovative approaches to mitigate the impact of epidemics. Big data, with its vast and varied sources, offers unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize epidemic surveillance, prediction, and management. Drawing on a comprehensive review of literature and case studies, this paper delves into the multifaceted applications of big data in epidemic preparedness. It examines the utilization of diverse data sources, including social media, mobile phones, and IoT devices, for real-time monitoring of disease outbreaks and trends. Moreover, it elucidates the role of advanced analytics techniques, such as machine learning and data visualization, in informing timely and targeted response strategies. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and partnerships in leveraging big data for epidemic preparedness. It explores successful initiatives that have demonstrated the effectiveness of data sharing and interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing epidemic response capabilities across borders. However, the integration of big data into epidemic preparedness initiatives presents various challenges, including data quality issues, privacy concerns, and the need for robust infrastructure and expertise. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, healthcare organizations, and the private sector. In conclusion, this study advocates for continued research, investment, and policy support to harness the full potential of big data in epidemic preparedness. By embracing innovative technologies and fostering collaboration, Southeast Asia can build resilient health systems capable of effectively combating emerging infectious disease threats.
ANALISIS PENGARUH VARIASI STIMULUS GURU TERHADAP AKTIVITAS BELAJAR SISWA PADA PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INDONESIA DI SMA NEGERI 9 KUPANG
Authors: Haba Laki Irnanda P , Djuli Labu , Djokaho Margareta P.E.
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh variasi stimulus yang diberikan oleh guru mata pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia terhadap Aktivitas Belajar Siswa pada proses pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia di dalam kelas. Kajian penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh rendahnya aktivitas belajar siswa pada saat pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia di kelas, ditunjukkan dengan adanya siswa yang malas untuk menjawab pertanyaan guru secara langsung, tidak mau bertanya ketika belum memahami materi yang sudah dijelaskan dan malas membaca buku. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian kuantitatif, menggunakan metode penelitian ex post facto. Populasi dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 85 orang dan satu guru mata pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah sampel jenuh dimana semua populasi dijadikan sebagai sampel. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara, angket dan dokumentasi.Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap aktivitas belajar siswa pada pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia kelas XII MIA 1 dan 2 di SMA Negeri 9 Kota Kupang dibuktikan dengan t hitung ≥ t tabel yaitu 0,057 ≥ 0,055 dan nilai signifikansi lebih dari 0,005. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan atau Ha diterima secara parsial terhadap aktivitas belajar siswa pada pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia di kelas yaitu variasi stimulus guru berpengaruh terhadap aktivitas belajar siswa pada pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia Kelas XII MIA 1 dan 2 di SMA Negeri 9 Kota Kupang. Sehingga peran guru sangat penting dalam menerapkan berbagai variasi stimulus yang baik dan tepat untuk keberlangsungan proses pembelajaran di dalam kelas khususnya pada pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia.
Forward defense – concept, plan, and action for solving russian aggression at Nato's easternd border
Authors: CHIFU Iulian
Published: July 2024

Forward defense is not a new concept. It is rather traditional, coming from the Cold War and implying, originally, the nuclear posture and strategy. Following the issuance of the Madrid NATO Strategic Concept and Vilnius statement that not an inch of the Alliance’s territory will fall under the control of the opponents, a new approach to forward defense is needed to cope with the multiple shifts in the security environment: Russian war of aggression, the change of technological generation, dilemmas of resources and  apabilities, limits and multiple challenges from the international environment with superposed simultaneous crises. The perspective of possible attacks on NATO territory – in the next 2-3-5-8 years – requires a review of the concept and, consequently, of the political decisions, strategic planning, enforcement of those decisions, and development of forces and capabilities on the ground. Combining nuclear flexible capabilities, a strategy of massive retaliation with conventional forces and deterrence by reinforcement, deterrence by denial, forward presence, rapid projection capabilities, resolution, effective decisionmaking, and forward posture, we could build a new, updated doctrine of forward defense. However, the debate has to consider what is theoretically developed, technically feasible, politically acceptable, financially sustainable, and strategically credible in the „new forward defense” for granting inviolability of allied territory. The basic limitation is to define and refine forward defense without a reconsideration beyond existing means.
The mixed system of complementing the armed forces – a requirement for the Republic of Moldova
Authors: COROPCEAN Ion
Published: July 2024

Military service is a complex social and legal phenomenon that is at the basis of the completion and functioning of the armed forces. Depending on the completion system, the armed forces may be composed of conscripts, volunteers and/or professional military personnel. Contractbased military service significantly contributes to strengthening the armed forces’ operationalcapabilities. Conscript military service is the main form for the military training of citizens who are later included in the reserve to ensure the mobilization of the army. The mixed system of complementing the armed forces organized in the Republic of Moldova responds to the interests of the military construction in the new security conditions after the start of the war in Ukraine.