bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of insecurity on recreation and tourism in Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Iguda Ladan
Published: November 2023

Insecurity has become a global phenomenon affected even the most advanced countries of the world such as the United States of America where periodic gun violence or mass shooting of unarmed civilians has been claiming many lives annually. Though insecurity is more prevalent in developing countries where series of armed conflicts have claimed many lives, destroyed properties, and forced displacements. This paper examined the impacts of insecurity on recreation and tourism in Katsina State Northern Nigeria. The methodology employed to collect data for the research includes field visits to the affected areas to observe the physical and human settings. There is also the use of focus group discussions involving ten participants each from two groups in each of the eight local government areas most affected by the insecurity. The results have shown that Katsina State possesses a variety of recreational and tourist centers such as historical sites and monuments, recreational parks and resorts, waterfront areas, geomorphic features, and durbar festivals. The results further showed that banditry is the form of insecurity affecting recreation and tourism in the State from 2011 to date (2023). Banditry has negatively affected recreation and tourism in form of loss of lives of recreationists, taking over forests and villages containing tourist's sites, halting recreation and tourism projects, deliberate clearance of forest areas, restricting travelling and cancellation of durbar festivals. This is despite the series of efforts by the Federal and State Governments towards curbing insecurity to allow recreation and tourism to flourish. There is therefore the urgent need to adopt more active and decisive measures to combat the insecurity thereby promoting tourism and recreation in Katsina State northern Nigeria.
When Eagle Stares into The Eye
Authors: Chauhan Dr. Anubhav , Sharma Dr Deepak Kumar
Published: November 2023

Retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) is the separation of the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE) from the Bruch’s membrane(BM). Eagle syndrome(ES) is characterized by an abnormally elongated styloid process with/without abnormal direction and/or ossification of the styloid ligament. Presence of both the above entities together is a rarest of rare sight. It may be a coincidence, or the diseases may have an association. Hence, further studies are warranted.
Exploring Emotional and Psychological Impacts of Mammography in Women
Authors: Khurshid Fatima , Rafiq Iram , Touseef Sabahat , Daud Rubbiya , Nazir Sabahat , Khurshid Ayesha , Khurshid Hafsa , Ghazanfar Tayyaba , Ahmed Maryam Aftab
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Mammography is a diagnostic tool that is routinely used to test women for breast cancer. While it has been shown to be beneficial in detecting early-stage malignancies, it can also have emotional and psychological consequences for patients. The goal of this study is to dive into the emotional and psychological experiences of mammography patients. We hope to obtain a better understanding of the potential complications and problems faced by women during the screening process by investigating these elements.

Materials and Methods: The Psychological Consequences Questionnaire (PCQ) and a self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. All participants were given information about mammography technology and safety, and their participation was based on informed consent.

Results: The study included 60 women ranging in age from 40 to 67 years old, with a mean age of 50.22. The PCQ results revealed a high prevalence of symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, depression or unhappy feelings, fear and panic, nervousness or tension, feeling under pressure, withholding items, venting frustrations on others, withdrawal from relationships, difficulty with daily tasks, and difficulties fulfilling obligations. These findings shed light on the psychological repercussions that people face and point to the necessity for support networks or therapy to address these concerns.

Conclusion:  This research focuses on the emotional and psychological effects of mammography on women. The data suggest that anxiety is a common feeling for women undergoing mammography, which could be exacerbated by previous negative experiences or fear of breast cancer. In order to provide holistic and comprehensive care, healthcare providers must recognize and meet patients' emotional and psychological needs.
Die Länderbremse
Authors: Laude Lennart , Harding Nicolas
Published: November 2023

Die neuen Vorgaben des Bundesverfassungsgerichts zur Schuldenbremse dürften viele Landeshaushalte in Schwierigkeiten bringen. Eine Analyse verschiedener Landeshaushalte zeigt darüber hinaus, wie beliebig die demokratischen Parteien je nach Regierungs- oder Oppositionsrolle mit der Schuldenbremse umgehen. Besteht die Schuldenbremse in ihrer aktuellen Fassung fort, führt das für die Länder zu Jahren verfassungsgerichtlicher Streitigkeiten und unsicherer Haushalte.
FOREWORD
Authors: Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief
Published: November 2023

Special Issue-Application of Structural Equation Modeling in Business, Sport, Tourism, Recreation, Education, and Language Studies
The Conflict of Role and Sign: A Zoosemiotic Approach on Long-tailed Macaque in Bali
Authors: Wikranta Kusuma Jaya Putu Bayu
Published: November 2023

Zoosemiotics as a system of signs that occurs between animals, presents the initial premise that their existence is no longer purely biological, but vulnerable to the influence of human cultural life. This research examines the survival instincts of long-tailed macaques in a zoosemiotics approach, focusing on the need for food, and the reaction to threats. Data were collected through direct observation and unstructured interviews in two spatial distinctions, namely a natural location and an artificial location. Data analysis was carried out in an interpretive-qualitative manner. The results showed that Long-Tailed Macaques in the artificial location reacted very little to threat, in contrast to those in the natural location. Meanwhile, the need for food from long-tailed macaques in the natural location does not cause interspecies conflict as occurs in the artificial location. The influence of human cultural life has reduced long-tailed macaques' formerly more independent and purely biological survival instincts
Self-Disclosure and Management of Feminine Male Personas on The Tiktok Platform
Authors: Angel Lolita Florensia , Isnaini Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Social media platforms are growing every time. The development of social media already has various kinds, such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and others. One of the new social media that is currently very popular is Tiktok. As one of the popular social media, Tiktok is a platform for users to be able to carry out the self-disclosure process, especially male users who tend to be feminine. Self-Disclosure as a Disclosure Process: The process of self-disclosure on TikTok is an act in which male individuals express their feminine side through the videos and content they share. This reflects their openness to identity and self-expression which may differ from the gender stereotypes generally expected of men. There are 2 (two) processes that occur during actual self-disclosure on the Tiktok platform, namely on the front stage and back stage and the management of feminine male personas on TikTok involves an understanding of how these individuals build, maintain and manage their image and identity in those platforms. They use elements such as visual effects, background music, and editing to amplify the message they want to convey and create an impact on their audience. TikTok as a platform provides a "stage" for feminine male individuals to perform and interact with followers and other users. They can upload videos with the style and content they choose, take advantage of TikTok's creative features, and manipulate visual and audio settings to create engaging experiences. This study uses identity theory in the process of self-disclosure, and focuses on male research sources. feminist man. This research uses qualitative methods, constructivist paradigms, sociocultural traditions, and digital phenomena approaches
A Proposed Accounting Model to Measure and Evaluate the Sustainable Performance of Companies Based on Lean Production
Authors: Azizi Khaled
Published: November 2023

This study aims to provide a real justification for the use of a measurement and evaluation model for the sustainable performance of lean production. This study confirms the main justification for using and applying this model in organizations. It is considered an integrated and comprehensive system for measuring and evaluating sustainable performance. This study also illustrates the role of the model in linking the general strategy to the organization's operational strategy. There are three basic steps to follow in building a model for achieving sustainable development: implementing a sustainable performance model; Building and applying the proposed model; and determining the target outputs of the proposed model. This study concluded that the most important basic factors for building and implementing the proposed model are related to organizational culture and managing relationships with various parties, such as senior management, shareholders, customers, workers, suppliers, legislators, and society. Due to the many impacts on sustainability during the product life cycle, organizations are only concerned with the production phase. Therefore, lessons can be learned from other industrial environments by dividing organizations into numerous administrative processes and units. From a practical standpoint, the study tested the validity of the model for economic, environmental, and social performance to obtain an indicator that demonstrates sustainable performance and the achievement of the sustainable development strategy.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of Information Systems Project Management
Authors: Basel Oweeda , Majeedy Khalaf
Published: November 2023

Performance measurements are used in project management and quality processes to determine and communicate status and accomplishments measured against specific objectives, schedules, and milestones. This paper is concerned with the calculation of performance indicators of Information Systems Project Management (ISPM). It clarifies the relationships between ISPM domains, performance metrics, and performance indicators. This paper presents a proposed list of metrics for ISPM. Based on these ISPM metrics and a combination of statistical techniques, we built a model for calculating ISPM performance indicators. The quality reviewers can use this model to evaluate and track the performance of IS project managers.
ศาสตร์พระราชา...สู่การบริหารการศึกษาที่ยั่งยืน
Authors: วงศ์วัฒน์เกษม วิรัลพัชร , แซ่ลิ่ม ธนภรณ์ , สุริยะ ณัทปภา , มั่นสารนียธรรม สุวิจักขณ์ , เจริญสันเทียะ พจน์
Published: November 2023

ภูมิหลังและวัตถุประสงค์: ศาสตร์พระราชาเป็นพระราชดำรัส พระบรมราโชวาทและการทรงงานของพระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช บรมนาถบพิตร ที่พระราชทานแก่ปวงชนชาวไทย เป็นองค์ความรู้และภูมิปัญญา ดัวยความมุ่งหมายพัฒนา ป้องกันและแก้ปัญหาให้ประโยชน์สุขแก่พสกนิกรและส่งผลต่อมวลมนุษยชาติทั้งปวงให้สามารถดำรงชีวิตได้อย่างมั่นคง สันติสุขและยั่งยืน
ระเบียบวิธีการศึกษา: การศึกษาครั้งนี้ใช้วิธีการวิเคราะห์เอกสารและงานวิจัยที่เกี่ยวข้อง ทำการวิเคราะห์เนื้อหาแล้วนำเสนอเชิงพรรณนาความตามวัตถุประสงค์การศึกษา
ผลการศึกษา: องค์ความรู้ที่ได้จากโครงการตามพระราชดำริต่างๆ ของพระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช บรมนาถบพิตร ได้ให้ไว้ เช่น ระเบิดจากข้างใน ปลูกป่าในใจคน พอเพียง ทำเป็นขั้นเป็นตอน เป็นต้น ดังนั้น “ศาสตร์พระราชา” ถือว่าเป็น “ศาสตร์แห่งชีวิต” เพราะบันทึกจากประสบการณ์จากการทรงงานที่ทำให้ประเทศไทยสามารถผ่านวิกฤตการณ์ต่างๆ มาได้ทุกมิติ สามารถน้อมนำไปสู่การปฏิบัติได้เป็นอย่างดี โดยศาสตร์พระราชามีพื้นฐานเบื้องต้นจากหลักปรัชญาของเศรษฐกิจพอเพียง อันเป็นปรัชญาที่พระราชทานพระราชดำริ ชี้แนะ สามารถนำไปสู่เป้าหมายของการจัดการศึกษาในปัจจุบันได้โดยการสอดแทรกในการบริหารการศึกษาและการจัดการเรียนการสอน รวมไปถึงการนำไปปฏิบัติใช้ในชีวิตประจำวัน เพื่อมุ่งสู่การพัฒนาที่ยั่งยืนและความอยู่เย็นเป็นสุขของคนไทยทุกคน
สรุปผล: องค์ความรู้จากโครงการตามพระราชดำริของพระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช บรมนาถบพิตร ได้นำเสนอหลักปรัชญาของเศรษฐกิจพอเพียงที่เป็น "ศาสตร์แห่งชีวิต," ส่งเสริมการปฏิบัติในการบริหารการศึกษาและการเรียนการสอนและส่งเสริมพัฒนาที่ยั่งยืนและความอยู่เย็นเป็นสุขของคนไทย
การขับเคลื่อนพื้นที่นวัตกรรมการศึกษาโดยยึดพื้นที่เป็นฐาน
Authors: วรรณไพเราะ สุนทรี , พละไชย สมพงศ์
Published: November 2023

ภูมิหลังและวัตถุประสงค์: พื้นที่นวัตกรรมการศึกษาถือได้ว่าเป็นการจัดการศึกษาโดยใช้พื้นที่เป็นฐานในการจัดการศึกษา ที่ตอบสนองความต้องการของพื้นที่นั้นๆ สามารถคิดค้น พัฒนานวัตกรรมการศึกษาและการเรียนรู้ มีอิสระ ในด้านหลักสูตร การจัดการเรียนการสอน การบริหารและการจัดการศึกษาที่มีความคล่องตัวและยืดหยุ่น เพื่อสนับสนุนการสร้างนวัตกรรมการศึกษาอันเป็นการนำร่องในการกระจายอำนาจและให้อิสระแก่หน่วยงานทางการศึกษาและสถานศึกษานำร่อง ตลอดจนสร้างและพัฒนากลไกความร่วมมือระหว่างภาครัฐ องค์กรปกครองส่วนท้องถิ่น ภาคเอกชน และภาคประชาสังคมในพื้นที่
ระเบียบวิธีการศึกษา: การศึกษาครั้งนี้ใช้วิธีการวิเคราะห์เอกสารและงานวิจัยที่เกี่ยวข้อง ทำการวิเคราะห์เนื้อหาแล้วนำเสนอเชิงพรรณนาความตามวัตถุประสงค์การศึกษา
ผลการศึกษา: การขับเคลื่อนพื้นที่นวัตกรรมการศึกษา โดยยึดพื้นที่เป็นฐานมีองค์ประกอบหลัก 6 ด้าน คือ 1) การมีวิสัยทัศน์การเปลี่ยนแปลง 2) การสร้างบรรยากาศองค์กรนวัตกรรม 3) ภาวะผู้นำการเปลี่ยนแปลง 4) การสร้างเครือข่ายความร่วมมือ 5) การบูรณาการอย่างมีเอกภาพ และ 6) การบริหารจัดการศึกษาโดยใช้จังหวัดเป็นฐาน โดยการขับเคลื่อนพื้นที่นวัตกรรมการศึกษาจำเป็นต้องอาศัยการมีส่วนร่วม การกำหนดนโยบาย เป้าหมาย ทิศทางในการดำเนินการ การติดตาม ตรวจสอบ ปรับปรุงและแก้ไขในการจัดการศึกษาร่วมกันของคนในพื้นที่อันจะนำไปสู่การยกระดับการจัดการศึกษาของประเทศอันเป็นรากฐานสำคัญของการพัฒนาคนไทยให้มีคุณภาพต่อไป
สรุปผล: การขับเคลื่อนพื้นที่นวัตกรรมการศึกษาโดยยึดพื้นที่เป็นฐานมี 6 ด้านหลัก มีการมีส่วนร่วมและการกำหนดนโยบาย-เป้าหมาย-ทิศทางในการดำเนินการ เพื่อยกระดับการจัดการศึกษาและพัฒนาคุณภาพการศึกษาในประเทศ
Non-integrability of a system from the rigid body dynamics
Authors: Christov Ognyan
Published: November 2023

We study the complete integrability of a system describing the motion of a rigid body with a fixed point and a particle oscillating in it in the absence of external forces. Using the Ziglin-Morales-Ramis theory, we prove rigorously that the considered system is integrable only in the case of dynamical symmetry.
Research on spatiotemporal characteristics of urban crowd gathering based on Baidu heatmap
Authors: Meng Yunwei , Li Shibao , Chen Kang , Li Binbin , Zhang Ji’en , Qing Guangyan
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of urban transportation and the increase in per capita car ownership, the problem of urban traffic congestion is becoming increasingly prominent. Due to the uneven distribution of crowd in different regions of the city, it is difficult to determine and solve the traffic dynamics congestion. In order to solve the problem that it is difficult to determine the dynamics of traffic congestion areas caused by uneven distribution of vitality in different regions of mountainous cities, a crowded mega mountainous city is selected as research object and it proposes a model to calculate the change characteristics of regional crowd gathering. Baidu Heatmap is used as it could distinguish crowd gathering in certain urban core area. The heat map pictures in dozens of consecutive days is extracted and researchers conducted pixel statistical classification on thermal map images. Based on the pixel data of different levels of the pictures, the calculation model is established and an algorithm based on particle swarm optimization is proposed. The calibration of the relative active population equivalent density is conducted, and the distribution characteristics of crowd gathering in time and space are analyzed. The results show that there are obvious spatiotemporal characteristics for this selected city. In time, holidays have an important impact on crowd gathering. The peak time of crowd gathering on weekdays is different from that on rest days. The research in this paper has a direct practical value for the identification of traffic congestion areas and the corresponding governance measures. The dynamic identification of population gathering areas in mountainous mega cities, demand prediction for various transportation regions, and future population OD(Origin—Destination) planning are of great significance.
MCNP modelling of the TIARA SINBAD shielding benchmark
Authors: Kos Bor , Kodeli Ivan A.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT The report describes the modeling procedure for MCNP of the TIARA shielding benchmark experiment form the SINBAD database. In the first part of the report motivation behind the modeling is given. The report continues with a detailed description of the geometrical properties of the benchmark with the Rhinoceros CAD program and the transformation procedure of the CAD model in to MCNP format. In the next part of the report details are given on the material, source and detector (tally) modelling of the benchmark experiment. Furthermore the variance reduction procedure using ADVANTG is described. Finally the results of the comparison of the experimental results to the calculation results for three different detectors (liquid scintillator, fission cells, Bonner spheres) and with four different nuclear data libraries (ENDF/B-VII.1, ENDF/B-VIII, JEFF-3.3 and JENDL-4.0u) is given.
Transnational Corporate Liability Litigation and Access to Environmental Justice: The Vedanta v Lungowe Case
Authors: Ojeda Elvis
Published: November 2023

On April 10, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom released the Vedanta Resources Plc & another v Lungowe & others judgment. This case dealt with an English domiciled parent company’s possible liability for alleged environmental damage caused by one of its subsidiaries in Zambia. Based on the arguable duty of care Vedanta could owe to foreign claimants affected by the operations of one of its overseas subsidiaries, the Supreme Court ruling adopted a ‘new approach’ –regarding transnational corporate liability litigation–, which established that the parent company’s home state’s national courts might have jurisdiction to hear this case. This article seeks to explore the Supreme Court’s judgment, which is expected to have significant consequences and influence the reasoning of other domestic courts in countries where parent companies are located. Although the Supreme Court’s decision aims to give access to justice to the affected (Zambian) community, this article argues that it is questionable whether the adoption of this ‘new approach’ would encourage parent companies to adopt measures oriented towards the compliance of international environmental standards. Instead, the Court’s ruling could lead parent companies to assume less responsibility and to be less transparent regarding operations carried out by their foreign subsidiaries.
EFFECT OF BENEFITS PROGRAMS ON EMPLOYEE RETENTION:
Authors: WAYAYI LAMECK
Published: November 2023

The general objective of the study was to examine whether benefit programs have an impact on the rates of retention of Safaricom PLC’s employees, with a target population of 249 staff in management. The study was guided by three theories namely; Social exchange theory, Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory and Adam’s equity theory. The sample size comprised of 120 staff in management at Safaricom PLC carefully selected using Yamane formula for sampling from a population of 249 staff in management. The study findings therefore based on the four objectives found a psitive correlation between each of the independent and dependent variables with health benefits having Pearson correlation coefficient of r=0.781, P<0.05, work-life balance at r=0.713,P<0.05, Employee assistance programs at r=0.678,P<0.05 and leadership programs at r=0.763,0.05. All the study variables also had significant  results p<0.05 showing that the benefits programs implemented by Safaricom positively influence employee retention. The value of R Square is 0.772. This meant that 77.2% of the variance in employee retention at Safaricom PLC can be explained by; health benefits, work-life balance, employee assistance programs and leadership programs.It also recommended that there ought to be a comprehensible communication among employees and senior management for an effectual employee benefits program policy. To completely comprehend the situation at the Safaricom PLC, the study recommended future studies should focus on 22.8% of other variables not covered by this study to explain employee retention at Safaricom PLC.

Key Words: Health Benefits, Work-Life Balance, Employee Assistance, Leadership Programs, Employee Retention

CITATION: Wayayi, L., & Ogolla, D. (2019). Effect of benefits programs on employee retention: A case of Safaricom PLC. Reviewed Journal International of Business Management, 1 (1), 82-98.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CASH FLOW AND DIVIDEND PAYOUT
Authors: Chumari Teresiah Muthoni
Published: November 2023

This study examined the relationship between cash flow and dividend payout. The study adopted descriptive research design. To achieve the objective thirty financial statements of listed companies was analyzed. The study also advanced the work of previous scholars and academicians. Based on study, the results showed a positive relationship between dividend payout and cash flow. The study recommended that firm managers should plan on the proportion of profits that should be retained versus the portion that should be distributed as dividends to stockholders. Managers are also rated on financial performance hence the findings of this study would be of great benefit to them and would also act as a guide to setting reliable corporate dividend policies.
AN ANALYSIS OF HOW THE PRICING INSTRUMENT POLICIES AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF TRANSPORT SERVICES IN NAIROBI METROPOLITAN
Authors: GATHUNGU CYNTHIA MUGURE , NJOROGE JANE
Published: November 2023

Transport services contribution to the Kenyan economy is widely acknowledged, they cut across all sectors of the economy and provide many employment opportunities and generate widespread economic benefits. Considering the immense contribution of transport in economic growth, a reduction in transport cost is expected to spur economic growth and create a favorable business environment for Small and Medium enterprises. This study investigated how the Pricing instrument policies affect the performance of transport services in Nairobi Metropolitan. 384 participants ware sampled and 260 responded amounting to 67.7 percent response rate. Descriptive correlational study design was applied. Multiple regression model showed that there was a significant relationship between performance of the transport services sector and the policies implemented by the city management where multiple determinations coefficient of 0.056 displayed that infrastructure investment policies, price instrument policies and license procedures policies independent variables lead to 56 percent in performance of transport services in Nairobi Metropolitan Services. These findings support the fact that policy development and implementation in the transport sector affect the business organizations operating in the sector.  Therefore, policy formulation or development, changes to the transport sector can only be realized when the policies are implemented appropriately. Therefore, this study recommended and encouraged effective policy implementation in the NMS and ensure that transportation services policies are implemented appropriately to make huge difference in the transport business sector. However, more research is needed using different methodological approaches to quantify the impacts of policies in the sector on growth and development. Other studies can examine how these policies affected other organizational outcomes, such as customer satisfaction and stakeholder wealth maximization to improve the quality of services offered in the transport sector.
THE MODERATING EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMISM IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INNOVATION CAPABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: DATCHE EVELYN , KISING'U TITUS , KALIMBO ABDALLAH MBOGA
Published: November 2023

The manufacturing sector is well known for its significance in upholding the economic prosperity of many nations. However, the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product has been consistently falling across the last few years, giving rise to fears of a premature de-industrialization phenomenon in Kenya. A growing research literature posits that the innovation capability can be considered a theoretical answer to the question of how organizations in various industries are able to achieve and sustain superior performance in turbulent environments. However, scholars still lack a complete understanding of the specific innovation capability that sustain superior firm performance over time in the dynamic environment. The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effect of environmental dynamism in the relationship between innovation capability and performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study employed the correlational, cross-sectional survey research design. The proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 228 manufacturing firms from a target population of 526 manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis results indicated that product innovation capability, process innovation capability, marketing innovation capability and technological innovation capability had positive and significant relationship with performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The standard multiple regression results showed that product innovation capability, process innovation capability, marketing innovation capability and technological innovation capability had a positive and significant effect on performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The moderated multiple regression results showed that environmental dynamism had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between innovation capability and performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study recommended that it is imperative for the managers to implement innovation capability and strategically manage the environmental dynamism to foster the performance of manufacturing firms. Policy makers should consider initiating policy review to encourage stakeholders to implement innovation capability and strategically manage the environmental dynamism to foster the performance of manufacturing firms. The study pointed to several intriguing paths for future research.
Inspirujące podróże do Warszawy. Kazimierza Wiszniewskiego zwiedzanie muzeów, wystaw i pracowni innych artystów
Authors: Gombin Krzysztof
Published: November 2023

Listy Kazimierza Wiszniewskiego do Wiktora Ziółkowskiego są nieocenionym źródłem umożliwiającym poznanie szczegółów z życia autora oraz sposobu postrzegania przez niego świata. Wiszniewski, będąc na utrzymaniu brata, dotkliwie odczuwał brak własnych pieniędzy, co utrudniało mu odbywanie podróży do muzeów i galerii. Świadomy niedostatków własnej edukacji artystycznej starał się jednak nie tylko publicznie prezentować swoje prace, ale także jak najczęściej bywać w warszawskich instytucjach wystawienniczych, takich jak Zachęta oraz Instytut Propagandy Sztuki – wizyty były dla niego podstawowym źródłem wiedzy o sztuce oraz jedną z nielicznych możliwości bezpośredniego kontaktu z innymi artystami, między innymi Wacławem Wąsowiczem, Władysławem Skoczylasem, Tadeuszem Cieślewskim (synem). Dla pozbawionego stałych dochodów Wiszniewskiego miarą sukcesu artystycznego była możliwość korzystnej sprzedaży własnych prac, dlatego imponowali mu ci twórcy, którzy w jego mniemaniu osiągali sukces komercyjny (Skoczylas, Bartłomiejczyk, Ostoja-Chrostowski). Porównując własne drzeworyty z tymi wystawianymi przez innych artystów, Wiszniewski często nabawiał się kompleksów. Znajomość z Tadeuszem Cieślewskim (synem), który bardzo pozytywnie wyrażał się o jego twórczości i obiecywał mu publikacje w prestiżowych czasopismach graficznych, spowodowała, iż Wiszniewski nabrał wiary w swoje możliwości, a wpływ doświadczeń warszawskich uczynił jego twórczość bardziej dojrzałą.
Inguinal Approach for Pediatric Appendectomy: A Case Series
Authors: Caballes Alvin
Published: November 2023

Rationale: Compression therapy has been demonstrated to be beneficial in a number of vascular conditions including chronic arterial ischemia, venous insufficiency and primary and secondary lymphedema. Its effectivity however is limited and questioned by the nature of the treatment procedure which requires that the patient be in a sitting or recumbent position while it is being administered. Methods: The author describes the development of a boot device which provides gait-dependent intermittent compression to the ankle and calf. Results: In volunteer studies, the device produced a cycle of pressure changes from 15-40 mmHg at the interface. Simulated calf compression resulted in augmentation of venous flow recorded by duplex sonography at the superficial femoral vein area, indicating an improvement in venous hemodynamics with the use of the device. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the potential for an attractive ambulatory alternative to the commonly employed non-ambulant therapies for venous insufficiency. Key words: hemodynamics, compression therapy, venous insufficiency, femoral vein
Introduction to Path Analysis, CFA, and SEM in Mplus (Free 1-hour Seminar)
Authors: Zyphur Michael
Published: November 2023

This seminar provides an introduction to path analysis, CFA, and SEM - advanced statistical methods used in academic research. Participants will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience applying these methods in Mplus, enhancing their research capabilities and competitiveness in the academic job market. At the conclusion of the seminar an official Instats certificate of completion is provided.
Duo Chouinard/Dufort : la « connectix »
Authors: Villalba Léa
Published: November 2023

Même après plus de 25 ans de collaboration, la chorégraphe Marie Chouinard et le musicien Louis Dufort s’étonnent encore aujourd’hui de l’alchimie qui existe entre eux. Coup de coeur professionnel, les deux artistes ont su renouveler sans cesse leur façon de travailler avec les années, tout en gardant une essence naturelle de partage et de création à deux. À partir d’entretiens réalisés (séparément) avec les deux artistes, cet article explore à la fois leurs parcours individuel et commun.
Matière et mouvement
Authors: Dufort Louis
Published: November 2023

Ce texte explore le paradoxe inhérent à la création musicale sur support fixe,
également connue sous le nom de musique acousmatique : comment donner du mouvement à une
matière sonore qui est, par nature, figée sur un support ? Inspiré par la biologie, les
sciences cognitives, la philosophie bergsonienne, les systèmes dissipatifs et mon travail
avec la chorégraphe Marie Chouinard, je tente d’établir un cadre épistémologique de ma
pratique compositionnelle. Le texte commence par retracer brièvement l’évolution du son dans
la musique classique occidentale, pour ensuite aborder les défis propres à l’écriture
musicale en dehors du contexte harmonique et des instruments traditionnels. Cela conduit à
l’exploration de stratégies d’écriture qui émergent d’une réflexion phénoménologique sur la
matière et le mouvement. Certains concepts sont introduits et explicités par des techniques
visant à rendre la matière sonore fluide et dynamique. Cette manière de faire est ensuite
recadrée dans plusieurs créations de Marie Chouinard.
Traços da periferia: política e performance em produções literárias marginais-periféricas contemporâneas
Authors: Sales Karina Lima
Published: November 2023

Este livro é fruto de uma pesquisa de doutorado (SALES, 2019). No título do livro, Traços da periferia: política e performance em produções literárias marginais-periféricas contemporâneas, o uso da expressão “traços da periferia” relaciona-se ao fato de esses traços retratarem os espaços periféricos diversos, representados, (re)criados, transcriados pelos autores em suas produções literárias, que redesenham essas margens, reconfigurando-as performaticamente. A publicação apresenta um estudo sobre a articulação entre políticas da escrita e performance em produções literárias marginais-periféricas contemporâneas do Brasil, a fim de investigar em que medida esses conceitos regem a escrita dos textos, sua circulação e consumo, e quais estratégias de agenciamento político-cultural são produzidas pelos autores delimitados neste estudo, em suas atividades de caráter coletivo.
Carrier mobility in doped Sb2Se3 based on deformation potential theory
Authors: Zhang Leng , Zhang Peng-Zhan , Liu Fei , Li Fang-Zheng , Luo Yi , Hou Ji-Wei , Wu Kong-Ping ,   National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China,   School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing 211169, China,   School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
Published: November 2023

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is an element-rich, cost-effective, and non-toxic material used as an absorber layer in solar cells. The performance of solar cells is significantly influenced by the transport characteristics of charge carriers. However, these characteristics in Sb2Se3 have not been well understood. In this work, through density functional theory and deformation potential theory, we investigate the hole transport properties of pure Sb2Se3 and As-, Bi-doped Sb2Se3. The incorporation of as element and Bi element does not introduce additional impurity levels within the band gap. However, the band gaps are reduced in both As-Sb2Se3 and Bi-Sb2Se3 due to the band shifts of energy levels. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the interactions between the unoccupied 4p and 6p states of the doping atoms and the unoccupied 4p states of Se atoms, as well as the unoccupied 5p states of Sb atoms. In this study, we calculate and analyze three key parameters affecting mobility: effective mass, deformation potential, and elastic constants. The results indicate that effective mass has the greatest influence on mobility, with Bi-Sb2Se3 exhibiting the highest average mobility. The average effective mass is highest in As-Sb2Se3 and lowest in Bi-Sb2Se3. The elastic constants of the As- and Bi-doped Sb2Se3 structures show minimal differences compared with that of the intrinsic Sb2Se3 structure. By comparing the intrinsic, As-doped, and Bi-doped Sb2Se3, it is evident that doping has a minor influence on deformation potential energy along various directions. The study reveals that the hole mobility in Sb2Se3 displays significant anisotropy, with higher mobilities observed in the x-direction and the y-direction than in the z-direction. This discrepancy is attributed to stronger covalent bonding primarily in the x- and y-direction, while in the z-direction weaker van der Waals forces is dominant. The directions with enhanced charge carrier transport capability contribute to efficient transfer and collection of photo-generated charge carriers. Therefore, our research theoretically underscores the significance of controlling the growth of antimony selenide along specific directions.
Exploring approximate analytical expression for magnetic skyrmion structure based on symbolic regression method
Authors: Shi Meng , Wang Wei-Wei , Du Hai-Feng ,   High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China,   University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China,   Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
Published: November 2023

Magnetic skyrmion is a kind of nontrivial topological magnetic structure, which can exist stably in chiral magnet with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction, and its static and dynamic properties are closely related to its structural characteristics. However, there are no general analytical expressions for skyrmion profiles. Therefore, many researchers have provided approximate solutions. In this paper, a new approach to exploring magnetic skyrmion structures is introduced by using a symbolic regression approach. Considering the influence of DM interaction and external magnetic field on magnetic skyrmion structure, two suitable approximate expressions are obtained through symbolic regression algorithms. The applicability of these expressions depends on the dominant interaction. The research results in this work validate the powerful capability of symbolic regression algorithms in exploring the magnetic skyrmion profiles. So, the present study provides a new method for finding the analytical expressions for magnetic structure.
Antibacterial Potential of Ethanol Extract of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)
Authors: Vergiev Stoyan , Niyazi Denis
Published: November 2023

Antimicrobial resistance is a pandemic which affects the therapeutic options of many people in need by rendering most known antibacterial agents ineffective. The answer to the problem may be found in the old books written by ancient philosophers who used various plants to treat the sick. Our objective was to study the antibacterial properties of the commonly found plant, Tagetes erecta L., and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the crude ethanol extract. A maceration protocol was used to obtain crude ethanol extract of dried aerial parts of T. erecta and broth microdilution method to test the antibacterial activity of the extract against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The inhibitory effect of the T. erecta extract was documented with MICs for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus being 368 mg/ml and 182 mg/ml for Enterococcus faecalis. The MBCs for all bacterial species were 368 mg/ml. The current study demonstrates the antibacterial properties of T. erecta and its potential use as a source of antibacterial compounds.
Unprecedented yet gradual nature of first millennium CE intercontinental crop plant dispersal revealed in ancient Negev desert refuse
Authors: Fuks Daniel , Melamed Yoel , Langgut Dafna , Erickson-Gini Tali , Tepper Yotam , Bar-Oz Guy , Weiss Ehud
Published: November 2023

Global agro-biodiversity has resulted from processes of plant migration and agricultural adoption. Although critically affecting current diversity, crop diffusion from Classical antiquity to the Middle Ages is poorly researched, overshadowed by studies on that of prehistoric periods. A new archaeobotanical dataset from three Negev Highland desert sites demonstrates the first millennium CE’s significance for long-term agricultural change in Southwest Asia. This enables evaluation of the ‘Islamic Green Revolution (IGR)’ thesis compared to ‘Roman Agricultural Diffusion (RAD)’, and both versus crop diffusion during and since the Neolithic. Among the findings, some of the earliest aubergine (Solanum melongena) seeds in the Levant represent the proposed IGR. Several other identified economic plants, including two unprecedented in Levantine archaeobotany—jujube (Ziziphus jujuba/mauritiana) and white lupine (Lupinus albus)—implicate RAD as the greater force for crop migrations. Altogether the evidence supports a gradualist model for Holocene-wide crop diffusion, within which the first millennium CE contributed more to global agricultural diversity than any earlier period.
Theory of systems memory consolidation via recall-gated plasticity
Authors: Lindsey Jack , Litwin-Kumar Ashok
Published: November 2023

In a variety of species and behavioral contexts, learning and memory formation recruits two neural systems, with initial plasticity in one system being consolidated into the other over time. Moreover, consolidation is known to be selective; that is, some experiences are more likely to be consolidated into long-term memory than others. Here, we propose and analyze a model that captures common computational principles underlying such phenomena. The key component of this model is a mechanism by which a long-term learning and memory system prioritizes the storage of synaptic changes that are consistent with prior updates to the short-term system. This mechanism, which we refer to as recall-gated consolidation, has the effect of shielding long-term memory from spurious synaptic changes, enabling it to focus on reliable signals in the environment. We describe neural circuit implementations of this model for different types of learning problems, including supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and autoassociative memory storage. These implementations involve learning rules modulated by factors such as prediction accuracy, decision confidence, or familiarity. We then develop an analytical theory of the learning and memory performance of the model, in comparison to alternatives relying only on synapse-local consolidation mechanisms. We find that recall-gated consolidation provides significant advantages, substantially amplifying the signal-to-noise ratio with which memories can be stored in noisy environments. We show that recall-gated consolidation gives rise to a number of phenomena that are present in behavioral learning paradigms, including spaced learning effects, task-dependent rates of consolidation, and differing neural representations in short- and long-term pathways.
Caveolin-1 protects endothelial cells from extensive expansion of transcellular tunnel by stiffening the plasma membrane
Authors: Morel Camille , Lemerle Eline , Tsai Feng-Ching , Obadia Thomas , Srivastava Nishit , Marechal Maud , Salles Audrey , Albert Marvin , Stefani Caroline , Benito Yvonne , Vandenesch François , Lamaze Christophe , Vassilopoulos Stéphane , Piel Matthieu , Bassereau Patricia , Gonzalez-Rodriguez David , Leduc Cécile , Lemichez Emmanuel
Published: November 2023

Large transcellular pores elicited by bacterial mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase (mART) exotoxins inhibiting the small RhoA GTPase compromise the endothelial barrier. Recent advances in biophysical modeling point towards membrane tension and bending rigidity as the minimal set of mechanical parameters determining the nucleation and maximal size of transendothelial cell macroaperture (TEM) tunnels induced by bacterial RhoA-targeting mART exotoxins. We report that cellular depletion of caveolin-1, the membrane-embedded building block of caveolae, and depletion of cavin-1, the master regulator of caveolae invaginations, increase the number of TEM per cell. The enhanced nucleation of TEM correlates with a reduction of cell height, due to the increase of cell spreading and decrease of cell volume, which, together with the disruption of RhoA-driven F-actin meshwork, favor membrane apposition for TEM nucleation. Strikingly, caveolin-1 specifically controls the opening speed of TEMs leading to their dramatic 5.4-fold larger widening. Consistent with the increase of TEM density and width in siCAV1 cells, we record a higher lethality in caveolin-1-deficient mice subjected to a catalytically active mART exotoxin targeting RhoA during staphylococcal bloodstream infection. Combined theoretical modeling with independent biophysical measurements of plasma membrane bending rigidity point toward a specific contribution of caveolin-1 to membrane stiffening in addition to the role of cavin-1/caveolin-1-dependent caveolae in the control of membrane tension homeostasis.
Amphibian diversity across three adjacent ecosystems in Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Authors: Edwards Alex W. , Harrison Xavier A. , Smith M. Alex , Chavarría Díaz Maria Marta , Sasa Mahmood , Janzen Daniel H. , Hallwachs Winnie , Chaves Gerardo , Fernández Roberto , Palmer Caroline , Wilson Chloe , North Alexandra , Puschendorf Robert
Published: November 2023

Amphibians are the most threatened species-rich vertebrate group, with species extinctions and population declines occurring globally, even in protected and seemingly pristine habitats. These ‘enigmatic declines’ are generated by climate change and infectious diseases. However, the consequences of these declines are undocumented as no baseline ecological data exists for most affected areas. Like other neotropical countries, Costa Rica, including Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in north-western Costa Rica, experienced rapid amphibian population declines and apparent extinctions during the past three decades. To delineate amphibian diversity patterns within ACG, a large-scale comparison of multiple sites and habitats was conducted. Distance and time constrained visual encounter surveys characterised species richness at five sites—Murciélago (dry forest), Santa Rosa (dry forest), Maritza (mid-elevation dry-rain forest intersect), San Gerardo (rainforest) and Cacao (cloud forest). Furthermore, species-richness patterns for Cacao were compared with historic data from 1987–8, before amphibians declined in the area. Rainforests had the highest species richness, with triple the species of their dry forest counterparts. A decline of 45% (20 to 11 species) in amphibian species richness was encountered when comparing historic and contemporary data for Cacao. Conservation efforts sometimes focus on increasing the resilience of protected areas, by increasing their range of ecosystems. In this sense ACG is unique containing many tropical ecosystems compressed in a small geographic space, all protected and recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. It thus provides an extraordinary platform to understand changes, past and present, and the resilience of tropical ecosystems and assemblages, or lack thereof, to climate change.
Anteposed Anus with Scrotal Hypospadias in a Three-Year-Old Child: A Case Report
Authors: Dhole Simran , Khedkar Kiran , Lohiya Sham
Published: November 2023

Anteposed anus and hypospadias are both multifactorial and complex diseases that exist on a spectrum. Hypospadias occurs as a result of abnormal penile development in the foetus between 8 to 14 weeks, while anorectal malformations are often associated with other congenital conditions. The co-existence of these two anomalies is rarely documented, and many cases remain inadequately treated due to a lack of understanding of their causes. Here, the author presented a rare case of a three-year-old male child with anteposed anus and penoscrotal hypospadias. The patient’s primary complaints included foecal incontinence, dysuria, irritability, and intermittent abdominal pain. Physical deformities of anteposed anus with scrotal hypospadias were noted since birth. The patient underwent a step-wise approach to management, which involved anorectoplasty followed by Stage-I and Stage-II repair of the hypospadias, with a subsequent colostomy. The patient experienced no adverse events and achieved successful outcomes, including normal passage of urine and stools through the neo-meatus and neo-anus, respectively.