bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Política internacional na CPAC: conteúdos, atores e posições na esfera pública (2018-2021)
Authors: Ferreira Otávio
Published: February 2024

A Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) constitui iniciativa política criada nos anos 1970 para operar como aparato ideológico de grupos conservadores dos Estados Unidos ligados ao Partido Republicano. O trabalho expõe, analisa e sistematiza conteúdos, atores e posições registradas nas conferências da CPAC e na página da American Conservative Union Foundation, entidade organizadora das conferências, entre 2018 e 2020, além do que foi apresentado na primeira conferência do ano de 2021, sobre assuntos internacionais. Identifica-se grande preocupação com a agenda internacional. Evidencia-se a defesa reiterada do status estadunidense de líder na defesa das liberdades, do livre mercado e da democracia. O país é anunciado como o único capaz de fazer frente às ameaças terríveis colocadas na geopolítica internacional, sobretudo por parte da China.
Entre crises, reformas e recuperação: dilemas e desafios da economia cubana contemporânea em “Las crisis en el desarrollo económico de Cuba”.
Authors: Silva Marcos Antonio da
Published: February 2024

Trata-se de resenha da obra ‘Las crisis en el desarrollo económico de Cuba’, de Hiram Marquetti Nodarse (Buenos Aires/México: CLACSO/CALAS, 2021).
Diplomacia da inovação: por que não diplomacia científica?
Authors: Machado Luis Fernano
Published: February 2024

Este trabalho busca examinar o conceito de diplomacia da inovação adotado pela Chancelaria brasileira. Para tanto, foi conduzido estudo de caso do Programa de Diplomacia da Inovação (PDI), que passou a reunir as ações de promoção científica e tecnológica desenvolvidas por embaixadas e consulados brasileiros. Na pesquisa, foi realizada análise temática das circulares telegráficas expedidas pelo Ministério das Relações Exteriores das chamadas de propostas do programa entre 2017 e 2020. O objetivo foi o de identificar características da definição de diplomacia da inovação e compará-las com os atributos da diplomacia científica constantes da literatura revista. Concluiu-se que o conceito não é formado de mera substituição das palavras, mas se baseia em focos de atuação, capacidades nacionais, horizontes temporais e potencialidades de conflito e cooperação distintos, além de contar com o envolvimento de representantes do modelo da hélice quádrupla de inovação e requerer novas habilidades do serviço exterior. A implementação de uma diplomacia da inovação sugere que o Itamaraty tenciona se posicionar como agente de apoio à internacionalização e à projeção das capacidades tecnológicas brasileiras no exterior.
‘Democracia na América’: entre contradições e conflitos reemerge a retórica democrática na Estratégia de Segurança Nacional Biden-Harris
Authors: Ferreira Iago Gonçalves
Published: February 2024

Nos últimos anos, os Estados Unidos têm vivenciado um período de crise política e de intensa polarização social, que ocasionaram acontecimentos históricos excepcionais, expondo as fragilidades e contradições existentes na ‘Democracia Americana’. Contudo, historicamente, o país tem reivindicado o predicado excepcional de referência de democracia liberal, a representar um ‘farol’ para a humanidade, a despeito de eventuais adversidades e contradições internas. Em meio a uma transição de governos turbulenta, a presidência de Joe Biden busca solucionar as instabilidades políticas e sociais internas, ao mesmo tempo em que uma conjuntura geopolítica desafiadora se delineia no plano internacional, com a ascensão da China e o reascensão da Rússia como potências rivais desafiantes da liderança global. À vista disso, a nova Estratégia de Segurança Nacional, publicada em outubro de 2022, visa apresentar os principais valores, propósitos e desafios a serem enfrentados pelo governo Biden-Harris, respaldando-se na retórica democrática como importante recurso estratégico. Nesse sentido, esse ensaio analítico-crítico teve como objetivo analisar a retórica democrática emergente na nova Estratégia de Segurança Nacional Biden-Harris, à luz dos aspectos históricos e filosóficos que moldaram a ‘Democracia Americana’.
A Educação Matemática nos anos iniciais: a modelagem como metodologia
Authors: Mometti Carlos
Published: February 2024

A busca por novas metodologias de ensino da Matemática nos primeiros anos do Ensino Fundamental tornou-se maior nos últimos dois decênios. Tal fato se deve à discussão acerca da melhoria da chamada “qualidade” do ensino da Matemática ofertado, bem como da própria formação do professor pedagogo, responsável por esse ensino na Educação Básica. Dessa forma, assumindo como contexto um curso de formação continuada com professores pedagogos, o presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar um estudo hermenêutico-fenomenológico acerca da Modelagem Matemática (MM) entendida como metodologia de ensino, investigando quais seriam as concepções manifestadas nos discursos proferidos durante a realização de um curso de formação continuada. Para tanto foram analisados os discursos de três dos professores participantes, bem como suas atividades enviadas para o ambiente virtual. Como resultados, foi percebido que duas das três professoras compreenderam a MM como metodologia discutindo-as pedagogicamente, além das compreensões acerca da continuidade metodológica que o processo de ensino da Matemática deve apresentar nos primeiros anos do Ensino Fundamental.
Implementation of the biomonitoring system in large scientific expeditions on the example of the scientific and educational project "Arctic Floating University"
Authors: Korobitsyna Rimma D. , Varakina Yuiya I. , Trofimova Anna N. , Aksenov Andrej S. , Sorokina Tatyana Yu.
Published: February 2024

Currently, biomonitoring research is actively developing in the Arctic region, despite this, groups of people who temporarily come to the Arctic remain outside the national monitoring system, unlike the local population. Participation in expeditions on ships implies special living conditions, such as limited space, sensory deprivation. The study aims to analyse the biochemical parameters of blood, the content of essential, toxic elements, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and vitamin D in samples of the expedition group temporarily coming to work in extreme Arctic conditions. Scientists carried out a study on board the Mikhail Somov scientific expedition vessel as part of the Arctic Floating University project. The participants were 50 people: 26 men and 24 women aged 20 to 72 years. As a result of the analysis, the authors have determined: 8 biochemical blood parameters, vitamin D levels by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection, the content of essential (Co, Mn, Se, Cu, Zn), toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and POPs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Almost 90% of the expedition participants had vitamin D concentrations below 20 ng/ml, which indicates a deficiency of this vitamin in the body. After conducting a comparative analysis between the expedition group and the permanent population of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO), it was found that the expedition group significantly reduced the content of not only toxic compounds (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, POPs), but also essential elements (Co, Mn, Se, Cu, Zn), according to compared to the local population. It is worth noting that the concentration of arsenic in the expedition group is 65 times lower (0.12 µg/L) than in permanent residents of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (7.29 µg/L), and the concentration of lead in the group of expedition workers was 42 times lower (0.30 µg/L) than in the local population (15.21 µg/L). The data obtained provide information about the elementary and toxic status of the urban population of the Russian Federation. One of the reasons for such differences may be the predominantly traditional lifestyle of the local NAO population and the biomagnification of toxic substances in food chains. If biomonitoring studies are carried out by specialists on an ongoing basis and the data obtained is accumulated, then a basis may appear for predicting risks of both a short-term and long-term nature. The conducted research contributes to the expansion of the biomonitoring system at the national level.
Tailoring Education with GenAI: A New Horizon in Lesson Planning
Authors: Karpouzis Kostas , Pantazatos Dimitris , Taouki Joanna , Meli Kalliopi
Published: February 2024

The advent of Generative AI (GenAI) in educationpresents a transformative approach to traditional teaching methodologies, which often overlook the diverse needs of individual students. This study introduces a GenAI tool, based on advanced natural language processing, designed as a digital assistant for educators, enabling the creation of customized lesson plans. The tool utilizes an innovative feature termed ’interactive mega-prompt,’ a comprehensive query system that allows educators to input detailed classroom specifics such as student demographics, learning objectives, and preferred teaching styles.This input is then processed by the GenAI to generate tailored lesson plans. To evaluate the tool’s effectiveness, a comprehensive methodology incorporating both quantitative (i.e., % of time savings) and qualitative (i.e., user satisfaction) criteria was implemented, spanning various subjects and educational levels, with continuous feedback collected from educators through a structured evaluation form.Preliminary results show that educators find the GenAI-generated lesson plans effective, significantly reducing lesson planning time and enhancing the learning experience by accommodating diverse student needs. This AI-driven approach signifies a paradigm shift in education, suggesting its potential applicability in broader educational contexts, including specialeducation needs (SEN), where individualized attention and specific learning aids are paramount. The paper has been accepted for presentation at IEEE EDUCON 2024.
Trimodal extension based on the flexible generalized skew-normal distribution
Authors: Bufalo Michele , NIGRI ANDREA
Published: February 2024

We propose a novel class of generalized skew-normal densities that improvesthe flexibility of empirical distributions and can systematically capture skewness,heavy tails, and multimodality. We extend the so-called flexible generalized skewnormal(FGSN) density developed by Y. Ma and M.G. Genton in 2004. The mainnovelty is the existence of a fifth-order degree term in the polynomial that appearsin the cumulative distribution function of such a density. In this case, we provethat our density has at most three modes under certain conditions for the parameters.Leveraging this new approach eases the modeling of data consisting of threesubpopulations. For validation, we present examples of both univariate and multivariatecases using demographic data from the Human Mortality Data Base (HMD).
To Cut or Not To Cut? A Systematic Exploration of Y-axis Truncation
Authors: Long Sheng , Kay Matthew
Published: February 2024

Y-axis truncation is a well-known, much-debated visualization practice. Our work complements existing empirical work by providing a systematic analysis of y-axis truncation on grouped bar charts. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks such as Algebraic Visualization Design, we examine how structure-preserving modifications to visualization affect user performance by systematically dividing the space of possible truncations according to their monotonicity and the type of relations in the underlying data. Our results demonstrate that for comparing and estimating the difference be- tween the lengths of two bars, truncating the y-axis does not affect task performance. For comparing or estimating the relative growth between two bars, truncating monotonically has similar performance to no truncation, while truncating non-monotonically is very likely to impair performance. We discuss possible extensions of our work and recommendations for y-axis truncation. All supplementary materials are available at https://osf.io/k4hjd/?view_ only=008b087fc3d94be7ba0ce7aea95012a7.
Seasonality of spectral radiative fluxes and optical properties of Arctic sea ice during the spring-summer transition
Authors: Tao Ran , Nicolaus Marcel , Katlein Christian , Anhaus Philipp , Hoppmann Mario , Spreen Gunnar , Niehaus Hannah , Jäjel Evi , Wendisch Manfred , Haas Christian
Published: February 2024

The reflection, absorption, and transmittance of solar (shortwave) radiation by sea ice play a crucial role in physical and biological processes in the ice-covered Arctic Ocean and atmosphere. These sea ice optical properties are of great importance, in particular during the melt season, as they significantly impact energy fluxes within and the total energy budget of the coupled atmosphere-ice-ocean system. In this paper, we analyse data from autonomous drifting stations to investigate the seasonal evolution of the spectral albedo, transmittance and absorptivity for different sea ice, snow, and surface conditions as measured during the MOSAiC expedition in 2019-2020. We find that the spatial variability of these quantities was small during spring, and that it strongly increased after the melt onset on May 26, 2020, when the liquid water content on the surface increased. The enhanced variability was then mostly determined by the formation of melt ponds. The formation of a single melt pond can increase the energy absorption of the sea ice by 50% compared to adjacent bare ice sites. The temporal evolution of the surface albedo and the sea ice transmittance was mostly event-driven and, thus, neither continuous nor linear. Furthermore, absorptivity and transmittance showed strong temporal and spatial variabilities, which depended on internal sea ice properties and under-ice biological processes and not only surface conditions. The spatial and temporal heterogeneity of sea ice conditions strongly impacted the partitioning of the solar short-wave radiation. This study shows that the formation and development of melt ponds can reduce albedo to 1/3, enhancing the total (summer) heat deposition. Individual ponding events can lead to more energy deposition than an earlier melt onset. The small-scale heterogeneity and the timing and duration of ponding events have to be considered when comparing (local) in-situ observations with large-scale satellite remote sensing datasets, and can help to improve numerical models.
Prior perceptual experiences not only bias but also impact the speed of decision for a new stimulus
Authors: Bae Gi-Yeul , Chen KuoWei
Published: February 2024

Recent perceptual experiences can impact the processing of a new stimulus. In visual perception, evidence has shown that the reported perception can be biased away from the prior stimulus even when the stimulus is completely irrelevant to the task at hand. Prevailing theories suggest that this repulsive serial bias is driven by low-level visual processes (i.e., adaptation), directly impacting the perception of the stimulus itself. The present study tested this hypothesis by investigating the speed of response in a continuous motion direction estimation task commonly used in serial bias studies. We predicted that the response time (RT) for motion reports should be independent of prior motion direction if the repulsive serial bias reflects the changes in the representation driven by the low-level adaptation mechanism. However, results showed a systematic modulation of RT by prior motion direction, with RT being faster for larger direction differences. Follow-up experiments replicated this finding and further demonstrated that the RT effect occurred only when the repulsive serial bias was present, indicating that the repulsive serial bias and response time effect are the products of the same underlying processes. These results provide converging evidence that prior stimulus not only biases but also impacts the speed of decision for a new stimulus, demonstrating that the low-level adaptation mechanism alone is not sufficient to account for the repulsive serial bias. Theories in serial bias should incorporate decision-making mechanisms that modulate the speed of response in relation to the biases in the reports.
Network Insights: Transforming Brain Science and Mental Health through Innovative Analysis
Authors: Wang Peng , Cheng Lulu
Published: February 2024

This commentary examines network analysis in brain science as highlighted by Hu et al. (2023), suggesting its utility in understanding mental disorders beyond traditional diagnoses. It encourages interdisciplinary integration to enhance personalized treatments and predictive interventions for neurological conditions.
How do humans learn about the reliability of automation?
Authors: Strickland Luke Joseph Gough , Farrell Simon , Wilson Micah Kate , Hutchinson Jack , Loft Shayne
Published: February 2024

In a range of settings, human operators make decisions with the assistance of automation, the reliability of which can vary depending upon context. Currently, the processes by which humans track the level of reliability of automation are unclear. In the current study, we test cognitive models of learning that could potentially explain how humans track automation reliability. We fitted several alternative cognitive models to a series of participants’ judgements of automation reliability observed in a maritime classification task in which participants were provided with automated advice. We examined three experiments including eight between-subjects conditions and 240 participants in total. Our results favoured a two-kernel delta-rule model of learning, which specifies that humans learn by prediction error, and respond according to a learning rate that is sensitive to environmental volatility. However, we found substantial heterogeneity in learning processes across participants. These outcomes speak to the learning processes underlying how humans estimate automation reliability, and thus have implications for practice.
Changes in the Home Literacy Environment During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Families With and Without Learning Disabilities
Authors: van Dijk Wilhelmina , Turesky Ted , Gaab Nadine
Published: February 2024

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic caused sudden closures of educational institutions affecting over 94% of enrolled learner populations globally. During school closures, the home literacy environment (HLE) is of great importance for developing and maintaining early reading skills; however, little is known about changes in HLE during COVID-19. MethodAcross five English-speaking countries, 1,411 families with 2,412 children (ages 0-11; 92% White) responded to an online questionnaire characterizing their HLE before and since COVID-19 restrictions. The researcher-developed questionnaire included items on home literacy resources, enrichment activities, and reading at home behaviors, as well as background information on the families. Almost half of all families (n=709; 50%) indicated having a family member with at least one area of learning difficulty. ResultsOrdinal logistic regression showed decreases in physical books as well as increases in digital materials, enrichments activities, and (shared) reading at home. These changes depended on child age, type of COVID-19 restrictions, family history of learning difficulties, and employment changes, but not on SES or the number of adults at home. Families with a history of learning difficulties reported spending less time on shared and independent reading, with greater decreases since COVID-19.ConclusionOur results highlight important environmental factors that can affect educational outcomes and inform the development of policies around literacy practices and interventions aimed to minimize the long-term impact of school closures (e.g., related to public health recommendations, natural catathrophes, extended summer breaks or teacher strikes).
Likelihood Neglect Bias and the Mental Simulations Approach: An Illustration using the Old and New Monty Hall Problems
Authors: Wilcox John
Published: February 2024

This article introduces a new violation of a law probability, likelihood neglect bias. The bias occurs when one is (i) aware that some evidence is more likely given one hypothesis rather than another, but (ii) that evidence does not cause them to raise their probability for the former hypothesis relative to the latter. The Monty Hall problem illustrates this bias, although the bias is potentially present in other contexts. Unlike previous studies, the present study shows that incorrect responses to the problem are attributable to failure to realize the implications of likelihoods (i.e. likelihood neglect) instead of unawareness of what the likelihoods are. Likelihood neglect is also distinguished from other biases which it is occasionally confused with, and a theoretical explanation of likelihood neglect is proposed. Experimental results also indicate that a new approach—the mental simulations approach—showed a large effect in reducing likelihood neglect and increasing correct probabilities when encountering the Monty Hall problem. The approach also increased correct probabilities for a new modification called the “New Monty Hall problem”, unlike two prominent alternative approaches to the original Monty Hall problem.
Connect to Disconnect: Insights from an Online Community for Digital Disconnection
Authors: Parry Douglas A. , Kuit Calvin , Murray Ané , van der Westhuizen Albert
Published: February 2024

Because digital media simultaneously afford users the ability to support their individual autonomy in ways that benefit them and, for some, erode their control and negatively impact their lives, a growing number of people now seek to disconnect or abstain from using various digital technologies. This study investigates a particular paradox of disconnection that manifests in the discussions of an online community of disconnection — r/NoSurf. Drawing on a mixed-methods analysis of the public discussion records of over 26,000 people who actively contributed to the online community of disconnection, this study highlights peoples’ complex and ambivalent relationships with digital media and the multidimensional and paradoxical ways in which (dis)connection can support digital well-being. The study provides insights into the nature of the discourse within this community, advancing our understanding of what digital well-being is and the ways that people conceive of, and negotiate, various disconnection practices to support their digital well-being.
Kto manipuluje? Komunikacja?
Authors: Fleischer Michael
Published: February 2024

Syndrom rozpadu społeczeństwa został ukazany na przykładzie manipulacji oraz pytań: Jak stabilne są dyskurs i jego adresowanie w kontekście tekstów politycznych? W jakim stopniu filter bubble recepcji pozwala wyjść z danego dyskursu i zobaczyć świat dookoła? Jakie środki językowe, jakie koncepty komunikacyjne są potrzebne, by zmienić wymowę i adres tekstu? Jak trudna/łatwa jest manipulacja w wypowiedziach politycznych? Na te i podobne kwestie autor niniejszego opracowania stara się odpowiedzieć w rezultacie eksperymentu na konkretnym tekście.
Humor pomostem między wczoraj i dziś: Analiza realizacji humoru intertekstualnego na wybranych przykładach kampanii reklamowej Lidla na Facebooku
Authors: Stwora Anna
Published: February 2024

Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia działanie humoru intertekstualnego w dyskursie marketingowym na wybranych przykładach kampanii reklamowej Lidla na Facebooku. Zbiór reklam zebranych na potrzeby badania został wyłoniony na podstawie kryteriów intertekstualności i zabawności. Analiza treści odsłania humor opierający się na grze słów, najczęściej na paronomazji. Dominuje opozycja skrypt rzeczywisty / skrypt nierzeczywisty, w myśl której faktyczna forma tekstu przeszłego ulega przekształceniu w inny, nowy (kon)tekst. Zastosowany mechanizm humorystyczny powiązany jest ściśle z występowaniem odniesień intertekstualnych, które odsyłają odbiorcę do sfery tytułów i cytatów filmowych, sceny muzycznej, postaci popkultury i przestrzeni dyskursów internetowych.
Wizualno-słowna gra z odbiorcą: O perswazyjności plakatu słów kilka
Authors: Bolek Elwira
Published: February 2024

Tematem rozważań jest perswazyjność plakatu, czyli możliwy wpływ artefaktu na odbiorcę i jego kulturowe decyzje. Celem artykułu jest próba dostrzeżenia i opisania plakatowych narzędzi perswazji i udzielenie odpowiedzi na pytanie, jak plakat działa (może działać) na odbiorcę. W prowadzonych analizach multimodalnych dostrzega się, że „współrozumienie” znaczeń kreowanych w plakatowych światach to zauważenie całej sieci relacji międzyznakowych oraz licznych kontekstów znakowych, tekstowych, sytuacyjnych i kulturowych. Sensy plakatów ciągle balansują między odwoływaniem się do tego, co rozpoznawalne, znajome, bliskie, czasem wręcz oczywiste, a możliwością odkrywania nowych aluzji. Prowadzi to do wniosku, że metafora, metonimia, symbol i powtórzenie odsyłają odbiorcę do tego, co konwencjonalne i znane, ale też kierują ku multiplikacji znaczeń, pobudzając odbiorczą aktywność, angażując widza w interpretację, w efekcie, wzmacniając funkcję perswazyjną plakatu – komunikatu multimodalnego.
Zbrodnie sądowe sędziów i prokuratorów stanu wojennego jako zbrodnie komunistyczne
Authors: Kulesza Jan
Published: February 2024

In seven landmark resolutions passed after 2019, the Supreme Court has authorised the prosecution of martial law judges and prosecutors. A democratic legal state, based on the tri-partition and balance of powers, must take special care to ensure that the judiciary is self-controlled as the one not subject to counterbalancing by the other two powers. The resolutions of the Supreme Court allow for accountability of crimes committed by the judiciary, which constitute communist crimes, and thus meet public expectations. The article presents the grounds for criminal liability of martial law judges and prosecutors, the concept of communist crime, judicial crime, the facts assessed by the Supreme Court in its resolutions and the forms of judicial crimes committed by judges and prosecutors.
Posłowie Klubu Ukraińskiego w Sejmie Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej pierwszej kadencji (1922–1927) – portret zbiorowy
Authors: Szumiło Mirosław
Published: February 2024

The aim of the article is to sketch a collective portrait of the members of the Ukrainian Club in the Sejm of the Republic of Poland in the years 1922–1927. It analyses their socio-demographic characteristics (age, social background, education, occupation and social status), political face and activity in the field of independence. The process of disintegration of the parliamentary club and the ideological evolution of these people, as well as their later fate are also presented. The deputies of the Ukrainian Club were overwhelmingly peasants’s sons, young people, and in large part thoroughly educated. More than half of them represented a very small stratum of the Ukrainian intelligentsia and white-collar workers, the rest. Almost all of them, both peasants and intelligentsia, were involved in the activities of various social organisations, mainly in the fields of culture, education and cooperatives. In the years 1917–1919, they participated in the struggle for independence and the creation of Ukrainian statehood structures. When they entered parliament in 1922, the process of crystallising their views and political orientation was not yet complete. Over the next few years, the Club disintegrated and radicalised towards left-wing or nationalist attitudes. The subsequent fate of most of them exemplifies the tragic fate of Ukrainian political elites under Soviet occupation.
The changing strategic landscape of the South China Sea
Authors: Jha Binod Kumar , Singh Rupak Kumar
Published: February 2024

The South China Sea dispute has adversely affected the regions involved in the dispute but, at the same time, other countries involved in trade with them have also been affected. It is one of the most important trade routes and it is important to end the dispute over the South China Sea so that trade and economic activities of all countries are not disrupted. Furthermore, the US is playing a very important role in resolving this dispute, as it has extensive security commitments in East Asia and is allied with many countries bordering the South China Sea such as the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. Therefore, any dispute between them will have a direct impact on America.

Abstract in Hindi Language:

दक्षिण चीन सागर विवाद ने विवाद में शामिल क्षेत्रों पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाला है लेकिन, उनके साथ-साथ उनके साथ व्यापार में शामिल अन्य देश भी प्रभावित हुए हैं। यह सबसे महत्वपूर्ण व्यापार मार्गों में से एक है और दक्षिण चीन सागर पर विवाद को समाप्त करना महत्वपूर्ण है ताकि सभी देशों की व्यापार और आर्थिक गतिविधियां बाधित न हों। इसके अलावा, अमेरिका इस विवाद को सुलझाने में बहुत महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा रहा है, क्योंकि पूर्वी एशिया में इसकी व्यापक सुरक्षा प्रतिबद्धताएँ हैं और यह फिलीपींस, सिंगापुर और वियतनाम जैसे दक्षिण चीन सागर की सीमा से लगे कई देशों के साथ संबद्ध है। इसलिए उनके बीच किसी भी विवाद का सीधा असर अमेरिका पर पड़ेगा।

Keywords: भारत, दक्षिण चीन सागर, व्यापार, मलक्का।
Patterns of Sex Ratio and Child Sex Ratio: Global to National Level Scenario of Last Few Decades
Authors: Singh Harpreet
Published: February 2024

An effort has been made to examine the patterns of sex ratio and child sex ratio from last few decades in the world with special reference to India. This study is based on secondary data which is obtained from United Nations Population Division, Department of Social and Economic Affairs, World Population Prospects: 1992, 2002 and 2015 Divisions and Census of India. The study identifies the driving factors responsible for global to national level variations in terms of sex ratio and child sex ratio. It has been found that the sex ratio and child sex ratio of the Asian continent are skewed as compared to other parts of the world. Moreover, the present study pointed out that these adverse trends of sex ratio and child sex ratio of Asia are attributable to the introduction of sex-determination technologies, their widening supply and highly practiced sex-selective abortions. It has been observed that the strong patriarchal culture of Asia also contributes towards the widening of this gender gap. In India, the study shows that the north-eastern, eastern and southern parts of the country have reported relatively high child sex ratio as compared to northern, north-western and western parts.
FUNGSI RPJMDes DALAM MENINGKATKAN PEMBANGUNAN DI DESA AYULA SELATAN KECAMATAN BULANGO SELATAN KABUPATEN BONE BOLANGO
Authors: Alkatiri Ramlah , Umadji Fatmawaty
Published: February 2024

The Village Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMDes) is a mandate of law number 25 of 2004 and law number 6 of 2014. This study aims to determine how the function of the Village Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMDes) in improving development in Ayula Selatan Village District South Bulango Bone Bolango Regency. This study uses a qualitative approach by using informants as sources to answer the research objectives. An understanding of the functions of the Village RPJM can be seen from 4 aspects that are used as benchmarks, namely a) planning, where planning has been carried out in accordance with the stages and mechanisms for preparing the Village RPJM b) organizing, where the village organizing system is already running according to the division the work and duties and functions of each person in charge c) directing (direction), and d) Coordinating where this aspect becomes the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the village government of South Ayula in monitoring the implementation of development programs. Based on these four indicators, the RPJMDes function has increased development in South Ayula Village as evidenced by the realization of the development program as stipulated in the RPJMDes of Ayula Selatan Village
ANALISIS POTENSI EKONOMI KECAMATAN PINOGU KABUPATEN BONE BOLANGO
Authors: Machmud Joice , Mokodompit Nur Eng , Sahi Liviandi
Published: February 2024

The economic potential of an area becomes the basic capital in development, therefore for the benefit of development planning, it is necessary to analyze the potential and carrying capacity of an area. This study aims to identify the economic potential of Pinogu District as an isolated and difficult to reach area. This research uses a quantitative approach, and the data sources that are the basis of the analysis are secondary data that are already available both in sub-districts in numbers, as well as data available in sub-districts. Alat analisis yang digunakan adalah Locatioan Question (LQ). The results of the study concluded that the results of the research analysis showed that the economic potential of the Pinogu District area showed that it was not optimal to encourage the growth and development of the Pinogu District area in the 2017-2021 period. The results of the analysis using the Location Question (LQ) showed that the average in the 2017-2021 period of LQ values was less than one (0.95). This value means that the commodity of agricultural products consisting of the food crop sub-sector, fisheries sub-sector, plantation sub-sector, and forestry sub-sector is not yet a base commodity, and is only categorized as a non-base sector.
Dung Beetle Functional Diversity and Ecosystem Services (Resource Relocation) in Different Land Use Types in the Upper Walawe Basin Area
Authors: Perera P.R.M.  , Kudavidanage E.P.  , Udayakumara E.P.N.  , Wijesekara H.  , Lekamge D.
Published: February 2024

Conversion of forest habitat to different land uses will change the environmental quality of the altered land. Since the relationship between anthropogenic disturbance and animal diversity and ecosystem services emerged, much scientific research has been conducted on this aspect. The present study focuses on comparing dung beetles, a known biological indicator, on examining five diverse environs (large forests, forest patches, Pinus plantations (Pinus caribaea), home gardens, and tea plantations) Coprophagous beetles of the subfamily Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). This study examined whether dung beetles' diversity, species richness, functional groups, and ecosystem services (dung removal) vary with the habitat types. We also assumed that the intensity of anthropogenic activities varies in these habitats. The experiment was conducted for 48 hours each in five habitat types with three selected replicates per each habitat type. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index shows that the highest dung beetle diversity is recorded in large forest areas (2.1719). The highest species abundance (186) and richness (22) were recorded in the large forest. The lowest species abundance was recorded in tea plantations (109). The lowest species richness was recorded in pinus plantations (10). Moreover, functional group diversity is high in habitats with fewer human activities. The dominant species in large forests is Onthophagus favrei (dominancy index-2.9%). In forest patches and pinus plantations, Onthophagus amphinasus (19%) and Paracopris signatus (36.30%) appeared consecutively. In home gardens and tea plantations, the most dominant species is Onthophagus unifasiatus (26.50% and 28.40%). Habitats with anthropogenic activities have less species richness and a high dominancy index. Furthermore, dung beetle resource relocation efficiency was skewed toward forest areas. The highest dung removal percentage was recorded in forest areas (large forest-9.58% and forest patches-7.33%). The dung removal in the anthropogenic activities related to land uses was decreased as a home garden (7.17%), Pinus plantation (6.58%), and tea plantation (5.42%). Moreover, large dung beetles (body mass≥0.5 g) were only recorded in large forests and forest patches. Low diversity in tea plantations could be attributed to pesticide and fertilizer usage, as beetles are highly sensitive to these chemicals. Pinus plantations showed low rates of dung removal because resource availability in those habitats is less due to the fewer mammals. These findings indicate that replacing forests and forest areas with simplified human residential areas and agricultural systems can result in shifts towards less specialized dung beetle communities with altered proportions to other animal groups. 

Keywords: Scarabaeinae, Dung removal, Species richness, Species abundance, Dominance index
Spatial Distribution of Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Selected Wetlands of Colombo Ramsar Wetland City using Camera Traps
Authors: Mahaulpatha W.A.D.  , Bandara A.M.P.W  , Sigera P.S.T.
Published: February 2024

The first wetland capital city in the world, Colombo Ramsar Wetland City (CRWC), provides a diverse array of habitat types intermixed with one another to the faunal and floral communities. In this research, the spatial distribution of Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) was studied in Baddagana Wetland Park (BWP), Diyasaru Wetland Park (DWP) and Heen Ela Marsh (HEM) located within the CRWC, from June 2021 to January 2022. Annona (Annona glabra) woodland, mixed woodland, herb dominated high vegetation and herb dominated low vegetation habitat types were selected and camera trap stations were established providing equal trapping effort for each habitat type. Camera trap locations were selected to ensure a sufficient coverage of each wetland. Trap locations were changed every 30 days, and cameras were set to function during both day and night for 24 hours a day. A total number of 2,831 camera trap records belonging to 6 species were identified as meso-mammals. Spatial distribution was determined by the habitat preference of P. viverrinus and Relative Abundance Index (RAI) was used for the analysis of preference in each habitat type. It was evident that P. viverrinus mostly preferred Annona woodlands in both BWP (RAI, 14.4) and DWP (RAI, 12.7). However, the most preferred habitat type in HEM (RAI, 9.1) was mixed woodlands. Herb dominated high vegetation was the least preferred habitat type of P. viverrinus in BWP (RAI, 6.7) while herb dominated low vegetation was the least preferred habitat type in both DWP (RAI, 4.7) and HEM (RAI, 3.6). Mixed woodlands were almost equally preferred by P. viverrinus in all study sites and the preference of herb dominated low vegetation and herb dominated high vegetation was relatively low in all the study sites compared to other habitat types. This study suggests that the preference of P. viverrinus varied among different habitat types and one of the major reasons for Annona woodlands being the most preferred habitat type is that they are directly accessible to water. This increases their prey availability within the Annona woodlands, compared to the other habitat types. Thus, it is greatly important to conserve the wetland habitat types associated with water, in order to protect and conserve the P. viverrinus in Colombo wetlands 

Keywords: Colombo Ramsar Wetland City, Meso-mammals, Camera trapping, Biodiversity, Carnivores
Habitat Preference of Lesser Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna javanica) in Selected Wetlands within Colombo Ramsar Wetland City
Authors: Mahaulpatha W.A.D.  , Sigera P.S.T.  , Bandara A.M.P.W.
Published: February 2024

Lesser Whistling Ducks (LWD) (Dendrocygna javanica) mostly occur in flocks and inhabit lakes, ponds and marshes within freshwater wetlands. They feed mainly on plants taken from water (seed, shoots, tuber and leaves), vertebrates (fishes) and invertebrates (mollusks and worms). In this study, habitat preference of LWD in five selected wetlands in Colombo Ramsar Wetland City (CRWC); Beddagana Wetland Park (BWP), Diyasaru Park (DP), Heen Ela Marsh (HEM), Thalangama Marsh (TM) and Kimbulawala Wetland (KW) was studied from May 2021 to April 2022 as wetlands in urban areas act as the last resort for many resident and migratory bird species and play a major role in the assemblage and conservation of water birds. Habitats present in the selected wetlands were categorized as open water body, floating vegetation, trees, grassland, paddy field, shrubs, bare land. Percentage cover of each habitat type at each sampling site were estimated using quadrat method. LWD were surveyed using line transects of 100m in length, laid in each selected study site to cover representative habitats and observations were made up to 30m towards either side of each transect. Sampling was done in three time slots of the day, morning, mid-day and evening. Floating vegetation, open water body and grassland were the preferred habitat types of D. javanica in BWP, DP, HEM and TM. LWD were not recorded in KW. Floating vegetation (54.97%) was the most preferred habitat by LWD in each study site followed by open water body (24.70%) and grassland (15.82%) habitat types. Eicchornia crassipes (Common water hyacinth) and Salvinia molesta (Giant salvinia) were their most preferred floating vegetation type. Higher abundance of LWD was recorded in TM (83.22%) followed by DP (9.17%), BWP (4.16%) and HEM (3.45%). TM which had higher abundance of LWD had higher floating vegetation coverage (28%) and was rich with E. crassipes and S. molesta. Present study revealed that, LWD mostly used E. crassipes and S. molesta as their main foraging and resting sites. Management of invasive alien species have been undertaken in Colombo wetlands and as E. crassipes and S. molesta are alien species they are currently being removed. Therefore, outright removal of E. crassipes and S. molesta may not be suitable and a monitored removal program that will conserve this habitat type should be implemented in order to conserve the habitats preferred by LWD in CRWC. 

Keywords: Lesser whistling ducks, Wetlands, Habitat preference
Examination of Neediness of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures in Conservation of Threatened Migrant Birds and Breeding Residents in Sri Lanka
Authors: Samarasinghe S.S.T.
Published: February 2024

Sri Lanka offers habitats to 522 avifauna species at present, including 278 migrant species. Many migrant species are waterbirds and 75% of migrants depend on Sri Lankan w Sri Lanka is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity and has legal obligations to conserve biodiversity. Except for the migratory avifauna, the bird species in schedule IV of the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance receive legal protection outside PAs. Sri Lanka is also a party to the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) which holds states responsible for the protection of migrant species, however, according to the National Report–2019, No arrangements and agreements affecting migratory species changed recently, and no waterbirds are included in Appendix I. Against this backdrop, the objective of the study was to examine the appropriate and effective conservation approach. Gangewadiya area in the Lower Kala Oya Basin in Puttalam is one of the four richest waterbird regions in Sri Lanka having ideal habitat for migratory waterbirds, was selected as the study area to examine the neediness for other area-based conservation measures. The study was limited to the threatened, migratory avifauna species, and desk review, conceptual modeling, and Pressure-State-Response methods were chosen to identify and analyze threats and responses. The Biodiversity Baseline Survey Report, 2017; reported 39 Migratory Birds (M) and 142 Breeding Residents (BR) including 03 Critically Endangered (CR), 01 Endangered (EN), and 02 Vulnerable (VU) species in the study area. Sterna Nilotic Gmelin, 1,789, Sterna albifrons Pallas, 1,764, and Merops philippinus Linnaeus, 1,766 are BR & M, CR species, not found in Appendix II of CMS. Falco tinnunculus is an Uncertain M, EN found in schedule IV of FFPO, while mentioned in Appendix II of CMS. Charadrius dubius and Charadrius alexandrines are BR & M, VU is identified as the Appendix II taxa for which Sri Lanka is a Range State that demands international cooperation for conservation. These threatened, migratory/breeding residents range not managed as PAs and are adversely impacted due to conversion of land uses, changes in salinity, hydrology, water pollution, and expansion of prawn and salt production. This poses threat to species already nationally threatened, and species called for international obligation for conservation; since disturbances in strategic points along the flyways, breeding, and wintering grounds can badly affect them. Therefore, Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures are required to minimize the key threat to ranges of migratory birds and breeding residents of Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Threatened migratory waterbirds, Obligation for conservation, Range, Protected areas, Other effective area-based conservation measures
The Diet and Prey Preference of the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in a Human-Intervened Montane Landscape
Authors: Janashantha N.P.A.S.  , Perera P.K.P.  , Karawita H.R.  , Algewattha H.R.
Published: February 2024

Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is a solitary, elusive, and predominantly nocturnal mammal highly adapted to an insectivorous diet. It has become endangered due to hunting for bush meat and scales, illegal trafficking and poaching. Rescue and captive breeding programs for Indian pangolins have limited success due to the lack of understanding of the species‘ dietary preferences and foraging ecology. The stomach contents and prey preference of Indian pangolin have been less studied owing to the difficulty of acquiring suitable specimens. Such scientific information is unavailable, especially in Sri Lanka. In this study, we analyzed the stomach content of three (03) Indian pangolin specimens collected from human-intervened montane landscapes in the Kandy District, thus allowing a deeper understanding of the Indian pangolin‘s foraging ecology in a specific habitat. Stomach content analysis revealed that a greater proportion of the pangolin diet consists of grit which was 96.13% of the average dry mass (DM%). Plant matter (pieces of twigs, leaf particles, stems and barks) was least present, which was 0.26% of the average dry mass percentage. The plant matter is likely to be ingested while praying on arboreal insect nests, insects living under barks, and decaying logs. Insect matter consisted of ants, termites, their body parts, and wings which were 1.84% of the average dry mass and insect eggs accounted for 2.83%. A total of 13 ant species belonging to 05 subfamilies and 02 termite species of the same subfamily were identified in the stomach contents. Insect species representing terranean, subterranean, semi-arboreal and arboreal habitats were found in the stomach content. Approximately 13.97% of the insect matter belonged to the species in the terranean foraging layer, while sub-terranean, semi-arboreal and arboreal species accounted for 19.53%, 64.58% and 1.59% respectively. Accordingly, it appears that Indian pangolin in the studied montane landscape predominantly feed on semi-arboreal insects. The study further provides detailed insights into the prey preference and foraging ecology of the Indian pangolin in the montane landscape. 

Keywords: Indian pangolin, Stomach content, Foraging ecology, Prey preference