bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Origins of Japan’s Arms Export Prohibition
Authors: Ogi Hirohito
Published: February 2025

executive summary: This article explores the origins of Japan’s prohibition of arms exports formulated by the Takeo Miki cabinet in 1976, assesses the shifts in the arms export debate since then, and considers potential future trajectories for the country’s defense export policy. main argument In 2022 the Fumio Kishida administration pledged to double down on defense capabilities, given the increasingly severe international security environment that Japan faces. The administration focused attention on softening Japan’s long-standing restrictions on arms exports because it perceived an urgent need to enhance the indigenous defense industry, which is suffering from decline. To assess the feasibility of this initiative, it is critical to assess the durability of Japan’s norm on the prohibition of arms exports by examining its origins in 1976. Newly available historical evidence suggests that arms export restrictions were not directly derived from Japan’s postwar antimilitarism; rather, they were the result of an expedient political compromise. Once this compromise was established, the domestic political divide, the negative reputation of the international arms market, and the lack of a pressing need by the government and industry to liberalize the regulations contributed to building the norm against arms sales. policy implications• All the factors that contributed to the perpetuation of the norm prohibiting arms exports are dissolving, forecasting major changes in Japan’s arms export policy in the years to come. • The current structure of Japan’s domestic politics will not have an inflammatory effect on the debate about arms exports like it did in the 1970s. • The recent rapid growth in international arms transfers could influence Japan’s domestic defense industry to pursue greater exports, as was the case in the 1970s. • The relative decline of the domestic defense industry could also encourage this sector to seek international options more actively than it has in the last five decades.
Introduction: The Work of Art in the Context of Religion
Authors: Rennie Bryan
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The concluding “Colloquy” to the anthology Religion and Contemporary Art: A Curious Accord (2023) consists of a discussion between the well-established writers on art and religion, Diane Apostolos-Cappadona, James Elkins, Ben Quash, and S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate. Here Rodriguez-Plate points out that many who work on the intersection of religion and art tend constantly to return to the religiousness of content while ignoring the context. “Another way to put this,” he says, “is to think about the artwork and the work of art. In the former, ‘work’ is a noun, in the latter it is a verb.” In other words, we need to focus on the work that art does, rather than upon the work of art that is. This simple but elegant twist on “the work of art,” so redolent of developments from reader response theory through affect theory to actor network theory, is our rallying cry for a reconsideration of the relationship between religion and art—the work that art does in the context of religion.
In Damanhur, Everything is Art
Authors: Berzano Luigi , Pesco Stambecco
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Since its beginning, art and the aesthetic nature of things have always been the soul of the life of Damanhur and its inhabitants. Art is understood here as incessant seeking after harmony, the visual background of a life permeated by beauty and mystery. It is art as a precious vehicle of spiritual teachings expressing the spirituality of an entire people. When one visits Damanhur today, it is impossible not to observe that art represents a fundamental value of Damanhurian life. Everywhere, from the smallest communities to the largest, there are pictures on the outside walls of houses, mosaics and statues. One’s attention is often captured by posters announcing imminent shows or concerts organized by community citizens. The symbolic value of all the sacred architecture resides in this perspective: exploration of the world of transcendence in order to introduce new elements into the natural world. It is art of the people transcending individualities, and it is immersion in the values of the people.
Counter-virtues and the Work of Art in Wolfgang Laib
Authors: Kosky Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The work of art seems irrelevant to many today. This essay looks to Wolfgang Laib to find the relevance of this seeming irrelevance. In a society that values the virtues of the disruptive entrepreneur, Laib’s pursuit of the work of art practices counter-virtues that care for things, small, singular things often decimated by a society that counts value in millions. Beautiful and reverent, the work of art in Wolfgang Laib might seem equally irrelevant when relevance is counted in terms of a contribution to the cause of progress, of whatever kind, and yet Laib’s devotion to things, in its very irrelevance, has important virtues of its own, all the more needed in a society where reality is, to allude to singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, as real as a plastic bouquet.
E Pluribus Unum: The Miscellaneous Mid-Victorian Lives of Sylvanus Urban in the Gentleman’s Magazine
Authors: Betensky Carolyn
Published: February 2025

Abstract: This essay considers the multiple functions of the entity known as Sylvanus Urban in the mid-Victorian period, when the Gentleman’s Magazine was long past its peak moment of market and cultural dominance. The immortality of Sylvanus Urban was, to some degree, a long-running in-joke among “gentlemen,” but the longevity and durability of the joke suggest that the name negotiated a complex set of meanings. A persona whose existence was never understood as anything but fictional and yet whose continuity was, at the same time, continually asserted, Sylvanus Urban embodied, in his disembodied fashion, a fundamental principle of miscellaneity itself.
Punch ’s Writing of the Opium War (1839–42) and Its Chartist Intertext
Authors: Yan Tsz Ting
Published: February 2025

Abstract: This paper explores the writing of the Opium War (1839–42) in Punch by examining its intertextual connection with the Chartist press. By locating the point of intersection between Punch and Chartism and their (anti-)war rhetoric, this paper situates Punch ’s war writing within its historical context and argues for an understanding of Punch ’s representation of the Opium War not only as a response to foreign affairs but also as a form of domestic sociopolitical expression. This paper invites reexamination of the boundary between the foreign and the domestic in Punch ’s journalism and the nature of its radical liberalism.
Optimalisasi Partisipasi Masyarakat dalam Pembentukan Undang-Undang Melalui Petisi Online
Authors: Rivaldi Rivaldi , Mawahdah Adinda Olivia , Efendi Ivan Imam Efendi
Published: February 2025

The House of Representatives is one of the state institutions that exercises legislative power as a representative of the people. However, in reality, the parliament has not been able to carry out its legislative function optimally because there is no guaranteed space for representative public participation. That way, one media is needed to be used to streamline the existence of community space in the middle of the parliament function. Based on that axiom, the author conducted this study to analyze the problem of public participation in the legislative process by the Parliament in terms of good governance principles. The research method used is normative juridical with a statutory approach and concept approach. Based on the results of the study, it shows that the resulting Law has not fully covered the interests of the community as a whole. This is because public participation in order to realize the principle of openness in the formation of laws has not been fulfilled optimally in the process. Thus, the use of Online Petitions accommodated by the parliament is considered as an initial initiative to improve the principle of openness in the implementation of Good Governance in the realm of government
 
Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) merupakan salah satu lembaga negara yang menjalankan kekuasaan legislatif sebagai representasi rakyat. Namun, pada realitanya DPR belum dapat melaksanakan fungsi legislasi secara optimal karena tidak terjaminnya ruang partisipasi masyarakat yang representatif. Dengan begitu, dibutuhkan satu media yang digunakan untuk mengefektian keberadaan ruang masyarakat ditengah fungsi DPR. Berdasarkan aksioma itulah Penulis melakukan penelitian ini untuk menganalisa permasalahan partisipasi masyarakat terhadap proses legislasi oleh DPR ditinjau prinsip good governance. Adapun metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah yuridis normatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan (statute approach) dan pendekatan konsep (conceptual approach). Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan menunjukkan bahwa Undang-Undang (UU) yang dihasilkan belum sepenuhnya mencakup kepentingan masyarakat secara menyeluruh. Hal ini dikarenakan partisipasi masyarakat dalam rangka mewujudkan prinsip keterbukaan dalam pembentukan UU belum terpenuhi secara maksimal dalam prosesnya. Maka, Pemanfaatan Petisi Online yang diakomodasi oleh DPR dianggap sebagai inisiatif awal untuk meningkatkan prinsip keterbukaan dalam implementasi Good Governance di ranah pemerintahan.
Mengembalikan Khittah Undang-Undang Narkotika untuk Mengatasi Over Capacity Lembaga Pemasyarakatan Narkotika
Authors: Nur Fadlilah Nabila
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to examine the adequacy of the provisions of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics in the Republic of Indonesia, which deals with the number of prisoners who exceed the capacity threshold of the Correctional Institution. The research method used in this study is normative empirical with a legislative approach and field data collection. The results of the study show that there are still discrepancies in the application of the provisions of the Narcotics Law, especially Articles 112, 114 and 127, due to the lack of clear rules on criminal sanctions for drug users as victims rather than perpetrators. This has led to overcrowding in many penitentiaries, as addicts who should have been rehabilitated were instead sentenced to prison. It is therefore necessary to review and evaluate the articles that are considered to be less clear on the rules of punishment for people caught up in drugs. In this way, it is hoped that law enforcement agencies will continue to pay attention to the need for improvements in the content of the Narcotics Law. So it’s hoped that law enforcement will pay further attention to the need for improvements to the substances contained in the Narcotics Law.
 
Studi ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji kesesuaian aturan dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 35 tahun 2009 tentang  Narkotika di Negara Republik Indonesia menyikapi adanya jumlah warga binaan yang melebihi ambang batas kapasitas dari Lembaga Pemasyarakatan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam studi ini adalah normatif empiris dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan dan pengambilan data lapangan. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa penerapan aturan Undang-Undang Narkotika utamanya Pasal 112, 114, dan 127 masih terdapat ketidaksesuaian yang disebabkan oleh tidak adanya kejelasan aturan yang mengatur mengenai sanksi pidana bagi penyalahguna narkotika sebagai korban bukan pelaku. Hal ini mengakibatkan banyak Lembaga Pemasyarakatan mengalami over capacity karena pecandu yang seharusnya mendapatkan rehabilitasi malah mendapatkan hukuman pidana penjara. Sehingga perlu adanya tinjauan kembali dan evaluasi kepada pasal-pasal yang dirasa kurang memberikan kejelasan aturan pemidanaan kepada oknum yang terjerat narkotika. Dengan ini diharapkan penegak hukum memperhatikan lebih lanjut mengenai perlu adanya perbaikan terhadap substansi yang dikandung oleh Undang-Undang Narkotika.
شیكردنه‌وه‌ی دروسته‌ی ڕسته‌سازی زمانی كوردی به‌پێی تیۆری ئێکس بار
Authors: Sabr Shadan Sh. , Farho Pakhshan F.
Published: February 2025

هذه الدراسة بعنوان "التحليل الصحيح لبناء جملة اللغة الكردية بناء على نظرية X-Bar". والسبب في اختيار هذا الموضوع يرجع إلى  أن  نظرية X-Bar؛ نظرية التوليدي التحويلي للسلطة وربطه ﺒ(GB)، و هوجزء من اللسانيات  العامة، ومن الطبيعي أن تستخدم هذه نظرية  في اللغة الكوردية كسائر اللغات الأخرى، من وجهة نظر الطرق المختلفة لشرح أصول هذه النظرية، تتم مناقشة مبادئها، و هذه النظرية نظرية تفاعلية؛ لذلك دعونا نرى ما إذا كان يمكن تحليلها وتفسيرها بدقة كما يحتوي على جمل باللغة الكردية. و نريد من خلال هذه الدراسة  أن ندرس هذا الموضوع ، ونبين مدى ملاءمة وعدم ملاءمة تحليل عناصر جملة اللغة الكردية في هذا الصدد، وهذه الدراسة عن طريق منهج الوصفي التحليلي  يحاول لتحديد وتوضيح نتائج هذه الدراسة، وذلك من خلال اعتماد على جمع وتحليل العديد من الأمثلة لأنواع العقد وأنواع الجمل في اللغة الكوردية. وأهم ما توصل إليه هذه الدراسة من النتائج عبارة عن: أن نظرية X-bar  تقوم  بتقريب اللغات إلى بعضها البعض، على عكس مبادئ تكوين العقدة، التي نأت اللغات عن بعضها البعض، لأن مبادئ تكوين العقدة لم تكن هي نفسها اللغات النحوية؛ لأن مبادئ تكوين العقدة لم تراع السوابق واللواحق، ولم تخبرنا ما هو الرأس "هل سيأتي من الأمام أم من الخلف؟" أيضا في هذه الدراسة توصلوا إلى استنتاج مفاده أن اللغة الكردية لا تقل عن لغات العالم،  ونعم يمكنها أخذ واستخدام هذه النظرية لتحليل العقد والجمل.
TEXTBLOB-BASED SENTIMENT ANALYSIS OF TABUNGAN PERUMAHAN RAKYAT (TAPERA) POLICY: A PUBLIC PERCEPTION STUDY
Authors: Faturohman Muhammad Iqbal , Arifin Miftahol
Published: February 2025

TAPERA (Tabungan Perumahan Rakyat) has generated considerable debate in Indonesia. Intended to assist low-income communities with affordable housing, the program has faced criticism due to policy inconsistencies and mandatory monthly contributions, which some argue impose significant financial burdens on participants. Concerns about the transparency and accountability of fund management further complicate its reception. This study utilizes sentiment analysis with the TextBlob library within Google Colab to evaluate public opinions on TAPERA. The research involved collecting data from YouTube comments via the API, followed by data preprocessing through six stages: Data Cleaning, Stopword Removal, Tokenization, Normalization, Stemming, and Translation. Sentiments were then analyzed using TextBlob, with the final dataset comprising 2,228 comments. The sentiment analysis revealed that 76% of the comments were negative, 23% positive, and 1% neutral. The predominance of negative sentiment indicates widespread dissatisfaction, suggesting issues with TAPERA’s effectiveness, coverage, and implementation. Negative feedback reflects broader concerns about transparency and communication. These findings highlight the need for continuous evaluation and transparent communication to enhance TAPERA’s effectiveness and address public concerns. Sentiment analysis proves to be a valuable tool for gauging public perception and guiding policy refinements, ensuring that the program aligns more closely with community needs and expectations.
In vitro tuberization of yam (Dioscorea sp.): influence of sucrose, light spectra, and plant growth regulators
Authors: Alves dos Santos Crislaine , Bomfim Gois Itamara , Arrigoni-Blank Maria de Fátima , De Jesus Santos Lucas , Dória Prata Laura Catharine , Conceição Rodrigues Taíse , Fitzgerald Blank Arie
Published: February 2025

The effects of different sucrose concentrations, light spectra, and plant growth regulators on in vitro tuberization of yam (Dioscorea sp.) were determined. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a factorial arrangement, with five replications. In the first experiment, three concentrations of sucrose (30, 60, and 90 g.L-1) and four concentrations of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg.L-1) were tested. The highest percentage of tuberization was observed with the use of 90 g.L-1 of sucrose, regardless of the NAA concentrations used. Greater diameter (7.88 mm) and fresh weight (166.13 mg) were obtained by increasing the sucrose concentration to 90 g.L-1. In the second experiment, three LED light spectra (white, blue. and red), two concentrations of NAA (0.0 and 1.0 mg.L‑1), and three concentrations of kinetin (KIN) (0.0, 1.0, and 2.0 mg.L-1) were tested. Tuberization (%) showed higher averages with the use of blue (90.5 %) or red (95.5 %) light spectra or with 1.0 mg.L-1 KIN (91.1%). The culture medium without NAA led to a larger number of microtubers (1.67), as did the use of blue (1.65) or red (1.73) lights, and KIN at concentrations of 1.0 mg.L-1 (1.58) or 2.0 mg.L-1 (1.68). Higher averages of fresh microtuber weight were observed with the use of 0.0 mg.L-1 KIN, 1.0 mg.L-1 NAA, and the blue (276.9 mg) or white (320.4 mg) light spectra. The use of 90 g.L-1 of sucrose, 1 mg.L-1 KIN and 1 mg.L-1 NAA, and the blue-light spectrum increase production of microtubers.
Um In vitro viability of pollen grains from genipap accessions
Authors: Da Silva Freire Gilmara , De Araújo Machado Caroline , Cruz da Silva Ana Veruska , De França Alves Rodolfo , Da Silva Ledo Ana
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro viability of pollen from genipap accessions at ambient temperature in different culture media. Pollen grains were collected at the Genipap Active Germplasm Bank (BAG Jenipapo) of Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros at the Jorge Sobral Experimental Field in the municipality of Nossa Senhora das Dores, Sergipe, Brazil. Three culture media were evaluated in combination with 11 evaluation times and 4 accessions. In vitro viability through germination of the pollen tube using carmine acetic was evaluated in accessions AR2, AR4, CA, and CR3 cultivated in: Lora, Sousa, and modified Sousa medium. A significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) was observed among the interactions of the time after inoculation, culture media, and accession factors regarding pollen germination in vitro. The highest in vitro viability was obtained by accession CR3 in Lora culture medium at 96 h of incubation (86.56%). Regarding pollen viability using carmine acetic 1%, there was no significant difference in viability time for accessions AR2 and CR3. However, a significant difference was observed among the accessions after 168 h, with a decrease in viability for the AR4 accession, to 64.74%. The Lora culture medium is superior for in vitro viability studies of pollen grains by germination of the pollen tube in genipap accessions, and there is a genetic-dependent response for viability of pollen grains from genipap accessions.
Productive characteristics of integrated agricultural systems with or without winter grazing and different fertilization strategies
Authors: Da Silveira Halyson Carniel , De Souza Gustavo Polese , Brugnara Soares André , Horevicz Dambros Pedro , Severo Igor Kieling , Beatris Zanella Jaqueline , Missio Regis Luis , Seiti Takiya Caio , Cassol Luís César
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to evaluate of productive characteristics in integrated livestock-crop systems with or without winter grazing and fertilization strategies. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with split plots (3 replications per treatment). Treatments were composed of four fertilization strategies (COMB = combination of fertilization for both soybeans and winter pasture applied during the pasture phase; FSBP = fertilization for soybeans applied during the pasture phase; REC = recommended fertilizations for pasture and soybean applied in their respective phases and TRAD = traditional recommendation, with N fertilization applied during the pasture phase and P and K fertilizers applied during soybean phase) and two managements of black oat/ryegrass pasture (with or without grazing cattle). Forty crossbred beef cattle were used in an intermittent stocking. Black oat/ryegrass forage production was greater in the presence of grazing animals. When grazed, the winter pasture production was greater under COMP and FSBP fertilization strategies compared to the REC and TRAD. The number of pods per plant and number of grains per pod were higher in grazed areas. The soybean grain productivity was not affected when grazing animals were included into the system. The COMB strategy resulted in the highest soybean productivity. The application of fertilization for soybean crops in the winter pasture increased soybeans productivity regardless of the addition of grazing animals into the system.
O papel de ervas culinárias na degradação térmica de carotenóides em omeletes preparadas por diferentes métodos
Authors: Sales de Oliveira Vanessa , Chávez Davy William Hidalgo , Augusta Ivanilda Maria , Gamallo Ormindo Domingues , Castro Rosane Nora , Saldanha Tatiana
Published: February 2025

Este estudo investigou o efeito da adição de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.), orégano (Origanum vulgare) e salsa (Petroselinum crispum) no teor total de carotenóides de omeletes preparadas em air fryer, micro-ondas e frigideira. Os extratos de ervas foram inicialmente caracterizados por sua capacidade antioxidante e teores de fenólicos e carotenóides totais. As omeletes foram preparadas sem ervas (controle) e com as ervas incorporadas à mistura de clara de ovo e gema em três níveis (0,25%, 0,5% e 0,75%). Nas amostras de controle, o cozimento reduziu significativamente o teor de carotenóides, exceto para o preparo na frigideira. O preparo em air fryer causou a maior redução, diminuindo os carotenoides de 14,87 ± 0,09 μg/g (cru) para 10,06 ± 0,11 μg/g, representando uma degradação de 32,35%. O micro-ondas resultou em uma perda de 23,64%. Em contraste, níveis mais elevados de carotenóides foram encontrados nas amostras contendo as ervas, principalmente quando o orégano foi usado a 0,75%. No geral, os resultados indicam que, embora alguns carotenóides das ervas possam degradar durante o cozimento, sua adição pode efetivamente proteger os carotenóides do ovo da degradação térmica, agindo como antioxidantes naturais.
Keywords: eggs, oxidation, carotenoids.
Functionality of lipid extracts obtained by green extraction from red pupunha (Bactris gasipaes Kunt)
Authors: De Oliveira Palheta Helen Cristina , Lima dos Santos Mayara Priscila , Vasconcelos dos Santos Orquídea , Miranda Mendes Patrícia , Macedo Rogero Marcelo , Vieira da Conceicão Leyvison Rafael , Carrera Silva-Junior José Otávio , Teixeira-Costa Barbara Elisabeth , De Souza Figueira Marcela
Published: February 2025

The focus on diversity in the Amazon forest is related to fruits and oilseeds that have diverse nutritional and functional values in their composition and contribute to human health. Therefore, this research aims to study the functional constituents of lipid extracts obtained from peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunt) of the red variety obtained by green extraction with the assistance of ultrasound probe. The methodology followed established and internationally accepted standards, with comparative analyses of the quality of the oils, fatty acid profile by gas chromatography (GC), cardiovascular functionality indices and chemical profile by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results obtained in this research demonstrate a yield equal to 9.81% on a dry basis, in addition to demonstrating high quality of the lipid extracts, presenting an acidity index equal to 1.85 mg KOH/g, a peroxide index equal to 2.75 mE/kg in of the limits established by Brazilian legislation. The fatty acid profile shows a high concentration of omega-9 (59.03%), an index of the ratio of hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids equal to 2.45 and a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids, highlighting omega 9 (60.2 %), 6 (3.90%) and 3 (1.05%). FTIR spectra confirm a high presence of unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, the data demonstrate benefits of extracting peach palm oil assisted by ultrasound, as it provides maintenance of nutritional and functional quality, keeping the constituents linked to the anti-inflammatory processes.
Comparing Ridge Regression Estimators: Exploring Both New and Old Methods
Authors: Lakshmi R. , Sajesh T. A.
Published: February 2025

Ridge regression presents a method to tackle multicollinearity issues. Several estimators and predictors for the estimation of biasing parameter k have been extensively detailed in scholarly literature. We offer a thorough analysis of both conventional and emerging methods aimed at precisely determining the ridge parameter k. Our investigation provides valuable insights into the properties of these estimators and their practical efficacy in various applications. Proposed estimators for the parameter k are assessed using Monte Carlo simulations and a real-world example, with a focus on evaluating their performance based on Mean Squared Error (MSE). Our estimator, in conjunction with others, showcases commendable performance, as indicated by the results.
Classical and Bayesian Estimation of PCI 𝒞pc Using Power Generalized Weibull Distribution
Authors: Dey Sanku , Saha Mahendra , Zhang Shen , Wang Min
Published: February 2025

This article focuses on estimating the process capacity index (PCI),

𝒞
pc

\mathcal{C}_{\rm pc}

, where the underlying distribution is a power generalized Weibull distribution, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian techniques. The

𝒞
pc

\mathcal{C}_{\rm pc}

index may be used to both normal and non-normal quality attributes. This article aims to accomplish three things: Using the maximum likelihood approach, we first determine the estimator of the PCI

𝒞
pc

\mathcal{C}_{\rm pc}

. Secondly, the Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm is used to study Bayesian estimation under four loss functions (symmetric and asymmetric). Third, the index

𝒞
pc

\mathcal{C}_{\rm pc}

’s 95  confidence intervals are built using Bayesian and four bootstrap techniques. The point estimates of

𝒞
pc

\mathcal{C}_{\rm pc}

have been evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation in terms of mean square errors (MSEs), four bootstrap methods, and highest posterior density (HPD) credible intervals in relation to their average width (AW) and coverage probabilities (CPs). Using two real data sets – one pertaining to the size of electrical connections and the other to the amount of protein (in g) for adult patients at the Hospital Carlos Van Buren in Valparaiso, Chile – a comparable analysis to that employed in the simulations is conducted in order to illustrate the effectiveness of the suggested methods.
A facile biodegradation of polystyrene microplastic by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Al-Otaibi Norah Raqi , Virk Promy , Elsayim Rasha , Amin Mohammed Elbagir , Alshammari Asma Mudhahi , Al Sudairi Alanoud Tariq , Almohawis Nada Ali , Fouad Dalia , Awad Manal A. , Al-Odayni Abdel-Basit , Albasher Gadah
Published: February 2025

The extensive application of polystyrene (PS) in the industry and the release of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in the environmental compartments has raised global concerns. The ability of microbes to utilize PS as a carbon source has been currently established. This study utilized Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 11774) to break down environmentally relevant sized PS-MPs (5 µm) with and without abiotic (thermal and UV radiations) pretreatment for a period of 4 weeks. The biodegradation rate was validated using UV–visible (UV–Vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDX analysis. After 4 weeks, all inoculated PS-MP samples with and without pretreatment showed marked changes in the UV–vis spectra in comparison to the pristine PS-MPs. Additionally, FTIR spectra displayed surface modifications of functional groups in all inoculated samples linked to chain scission/oxidation were highlighted by a notable increase in the carbonyl index during biodegradation. SEM micrographs confirmed the marked fragility of the particles, and a probable oxidation degree was evaluated as an atomic O/C ratio that corroborates the biodegradative potential of B. subtilis. The core finding underscores that B. subtilis can grow on, alter, and use PS as a carbon source, either with or without abiotic pretreatment, emphasizing the role of biological pathways as a sustainable strategy for plastic waste management.
The Direct Incidence of Product Liability on Wages
Authors: Friehe Tim , Pham Cat Lam
Published: February 2025

This paper shows that changes in the product-liability regime influence workforce welfare via an adjustment of the wage resulting from firm-union bargaining. Shifting more losses to consumers increases (decreases) equilibrium wages when consumers underestimate (overestimate) product risk. We highlight an important yet unexplored link between product liability and worker welfare relevant to policy-making.
Stochastic volatility modeling via mixed fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Belhadj Amel , Kandouci Abdeldjebbar , Bouchentouf Amina Angelika
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this work is to use the mixed fractional Brownian motion with parameter

H
∈

(
0
,

1
2

)

{H\in(0,\frac{1}{2})}

as a modeling tool in financial mathematic, specifically in stochastic volatility modeling. We employ high frequency data from Oxford-Man Institute of Quantitative Finance Realized Library to estimate the smoothness of log-volatility. We show through empirical experiments that the measured smoothness of log-volatility is similar to that of mixed fractional Brownian motion when

0.09
≤
H
≤
0.2

{0.09\leq H\leq 0.2}

. We propose to model the log-volatility by a mixed Fractional Brownian motion with

H
<

1
2

{H<\frac{1}{2}}

and we construct a stationary mixed fractional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process

d
⁢

X
t

=

-

λ
⁢

(

X
t

-
μ

)

⁢
d
⁢
t

+

γ
⁢
d
⁢

M
t
H

,

t
∈

[
0
,
T
]

{dX_{t}=-\lambda(X_{t}-\mu)dt+\gamma dM_{t}^{H},t\in[0,T]}

as a stationary model of log-volatility

X
t

{X_{t}}

and we show that it tends in distribution to the mixed fractional Brownian motion when

λ
→
0

{\lambda\rightarrow 0}

.
Stochastic Sumudu transform and its applications for solving stochastic differential equations
Authors: Alhassoun Mohsen , Yahya Khalil , Amer Mohammed , Abdallah Ahmed M.
Published: February 2025

This manuscript introduces the development of the stochastic Sumudu transform theory of Itô type for stochastic calculus. We employ the stochastic integration by parts method to achieve this. The purpose of the stochastic Sumudu transform is to solve stochastic differential equations and establish a method for solving them using integral transforms. Furthermore, we derive the Sumudu transforms of commonly used functions in stochastic differential equations. These findings will contribute to the enhancement of literature on stochastic differential equations and have practical applications in fields such as applied mathematics and finance. Additionally, we provide several examples to demonstrate the validity of our work.
MiR-128-3p mediates MRP2 internalization in estrogen-induced cholestasis through targeting PDZK1
Authors: Zu Yue , Gao Qianyan , He Yisheng , Deng Qiao , Li Guodong , Li Xiping , Shang Tianze , Cheng Xinwei , Zhu Chenglong , Wang Jianqiao , Liu Dong , Zhang Chengliang
Published: February 2025

Estrogens have been reported to cause dysfunction in biliary transport systems, thereby inducing cholestasis. Multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) is a transporter responsible for independent bile flow. Emerging evidence indicates that PDZ domain containing 1 (PDZK1) regulates localization of MRP2; however, PDZK1’s role and regulatory machinery in MRP2-mediated estrogen-induced cholestasis (EIC) remain unclear. Herein, in a mouse model of EIC, we observed downregulated PDZK1 expression in the liver and enhanced intracellular domain MRP2 internalization. Notably, expression of miR-128-3p, a potential biomarker of estrogen-related cholestasis discovered by our group, was significantly elevated. We demonstrated that miR-128-3p targeted the 3’-untranslated region of PDZK1 in EIC and consequently promoted MRP2 internalization. Accordingly, miR-128-3p suppression upregulated PDZK1, thereby suppressing MRP2 internalization and significantly attenuating cholestatic liver disease. Furthermore, we observed MRP2 internalization and PDZK1 downregulation, as well as excessive miR-128-3p, in clinical samples from patients with cholestatic liver injury. Overall, our findings illustrate that miR-128-3p inhibits PDZK1 expression, thereby inhibiting the membrane localization of MRP2 in EIC. Enhancing or restoring PDZK1 expression might therefore have therapeutic potential for cholestatic liver injury.
Implementation of STEM-Based Inquiry in Learning Fundamental Laws of Chemistry: Students’ Perception and Response
Authors: Pohan Lisa , Retno Dwi Suyanti  , Asep Wahyu Nugraha  , Dwi Pebrianti  , Rahmadatina Panjaitan  , Selamat Husni Hasibuan
Published: February 2025

This research aims to analyze students' perceptions and responses to STEM-based inquiry learning. This research used a quantitative and qualitative survey method. The subjects of this study were 25 first-semester students who took the General Chemistry course in the chemistry education study program. The research instruments used were questionnaires, interviews, and learning observation sheets. Meanwhile, the quantitative technique used is descriptive analysis. Quantitative data analysis found that 72% of students were actively involved in learning when formulating questions and investigations. STEM-based inquiry learning in observing, measuring, and analyzing data helped 72% of students understand the basic laws of chemistry. Most students benefit from STEM-based inquiry learning because this model triggers curiosity, the ability to formulate scientific questions, and the ability to evaluate and utilize information that helps determine experimental procedures. In conclusion, the learning experience using the STEM-based inquiry learning model on the basic laws of chemistry positively impacts students' perceptions and responses.
Learning Model Experiential-Based Environmental Socio-Scientific Issues (ESSI) and Their Effect on Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
Authors: Alpahmi Aji Satria  , Sulistyo Saputro  , Sutarno  , Harjana  , Fais Nurul Hadi
Published: February 2025

In the midst of the accelerating pace of change in the modern world, critical and creative thinking skills are important for every individual, especially students.  Educators must understand their role in helping students develop critical and creative thinking skills. This study aims to apply the Experiential based Environmental Socio Scientific Issues learning (EBESSIL) model and test its effect on improving students' critical and creative thinking skills. The type of research was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. The research sample consisted of 70 students taken from SMA Negeri 1 Tiga Dihaji and SMA Negeri 1 Buay Sandang Aji class X South Sumatra. Data collection of students' critical and creative thinking skills using test instruments. The instrument was tested for construct validity using LISREL with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Data analysis technique using MANOVA test. The results showed that the average value of students' critical and creative thinking skills in the experimental group was higher. The results of the MANOVA analysis showed that the learning model used had a significant effect on students' critical and creative thinking skills and was effective with a high category. The effect size value obtained d = 1.66 with a high category at a probability of excellence of 80%. Thus learning using the EBESSIL model is more effective and has a high influence on the ability of critical and creative thinking skills. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the application of the EBESSIL learning model is more effective in improving students' critical and creative thinking skills. Researchers recommend that the EBESSIL learning model can be applied in high schools to help schools improve students' critical and creative thinking skills.
Novos dados sobre o Castro dos Ratinhos (Moura, Baixo Alentejo) a partir de prospeção geofísica magnética e levantamento drone-LiDAR
Authors: Fonte João , Do Pereiro Tiago , Serra Miguel
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho apresenta e discute os principais resultados da recente prospecção geofísica magnética e levantamento drone-LiDAR realizados no Castro dos Ratinhos, em Moura, localizado no médio vale do Guadiana. Este povoado fortificado, cuja ocupação se estende do final da Idade do Bronze (séculos XII a IX a.C.) até à I Idade do Ferro (finais do século IX a meados do século VII a.C.), é já relativamente bem conhecido do ponto de vista arqueológico. No entanto, os novos trabalhos não-invasivos realizados permitiram a obtenção de dados adicionais que enriquecem o conhecimento arqueológico sobre o sítio, revelando detalhes inéditos sobre a sua estrutura e organização espacial, contribuindo para uma compreensão mais aprofundada deste povoado fortificado.
Nuevas formas en el repertorio tipológico de la cerámica ibérica gris
Authors: Rodríguez González David , Arruda Ana Margarida , De Sousa Elisa
Published: February 2025

Las tipologías y repertorios cerámicos son un elemento fundamental en nuestra disciplina y han de ser un componente de la investigación dinámico en constante revisión y desarrollo. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo incrementar los conocimientos que se tienen en la actualidad sobre la cerámica ibera gris a torno añadiendo a las tipologías de referencia cuatro formas que no habían sido registradas o analizadas desde la vertiente de la tecnología reductora de cocción. Estas cerámicas no estaban incluidas en estas tipologías o bien son formas no caracterizadas de manera individual al menos como cerámicas que pudieran aparecer en su variante gris. Estimamos que es necesario su estudio e inclusión en el elenco tecno tipológico de esta variedad alfarera en particular en relación con su grupo funcional y desarrollando en conjunto sus características de fabricación y su significado simbólico, si la forma en particular así lo permite. De esta manera, a partir del análisis de numerosas fuentes hemos detectado que desde la elaboración hace ya más de una década de una investigación global sobre esta clase cerámica actualmente podemos sumar a este conjunto nuevas formas que creemos que son muy relevantes.
La bóveda de la habitación h-100 del yacimiento de Casas del Turuñuelo (Guareña, Badajoz, España). Hipótesis e interpretaciones a partir de la evidencia arqueológica
Authors: Carranza Peco Luis Miguel , Fortea Luna Manuel , Rodríguez González Esther , Celestino Pérez Sebastián , Casals Josep R.
Published: February 2025

En este trabajo planteamos la posibilidad de que las bóvedas sin cimbra, un recurso ampliamente documentado en el Mediterráneo Oriental y Central, ya se utilizasen en el extremo occidente durante la I Edad del Hierro. Para ello, analizamos los restos arquitectónicos recuperados en la denominada habitación H-100 del yacimiento tartésico de Casas del Turuñuelo (Guareña, Badajoz). A partir de aquí, hemos evaluado pormenorizadamente los principales sistemas de cubrición utilizados en el Mediterráneo protohistórico. El resultado de la investigación muestra cómo la bóveda es la alternativa más acorde con la evidencia arqueológica, las características de la sala y la propia lógica constructiva.
Novedades en la arquitectura monumental ibérica de La Alta Andalucía: una gola inacabada procedente de Ategua (Córdoba)
Authors: Robles Moreno Jesús , Rueda Marín Bernabé Juan , Márquez Moreno Carlos
Published: February 2025

La revisión de los fondos del Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba ha permitido recuperar un elemento arquitectónico ibérico decorado procedente de Ategua (Córdoba). Es un sillar de gola decorado con temas no figurativos que, pese a la falta de contexto, puede datarse en torno al siglo II a.C. A pesar de ser solo una pieza, se trata del primer elemento de este tipo procedente de Ategua. Esto permite ampliar el conocimiento sobre la decoración arquitectónica ibérica de la Alta Andalucía, arrojando nuevos datos sobre la dispersión geográfica de estos elementos, especialmente en torno a la parte centro-occidental de la región. Igualmente, aporta información sobre la producción de los mismos, pues la pieza parece que quedó inacabada, lo que podría atestiguar el trabajo in situ de un taller itinerante o local
El almacén de grano del Sector III del oppidum ibérico de Alarcos (Ciudad Real, España): análisis arquitectónico y valoración constructiva
Authors: Rodríguez-Rabadán Díaz-Cano Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2025

El desarrollo de proyectos de investigación en el Sector III de Alarcos (Ciudad Real) desde 1997 hasta la actualidad ha permitido identificar un conjunto de estructuras de época ibérica con una arquitectura monumental y una dedicación económica destinada a la conservación y transformación de productos agrícolas. En este trabajo abordamos de manera monográfica los restos arquitectónicos documentados a lo largo de las campañas realizadas entre 1997 y 2015 en el almacén de grano del Sector III. A una primera fase fechada en el primer tercio del siglo IV a.C., adscribimos los restos de un almacén sobreelevado asociado a un horno de pan. En un momento indeterminado, se configuraron dos edificios con una arquitectura monumental dedicados al almacenamiento de productos agrícolas a partir de un nuevo almacén sobreelevado y al desarrollo de actividades relacionadas con la fabricación de alimentos. Según nuestra interpretación, en una etapa posterior, únicamente quedaría uno de ellos, llegando a asumir las funciones económicas del otro edificio
Análisis espacial de las fortificaciones medievales del interfluvio Riaza, Duratón y Duero a través de los SIG
Authors: Polo Romero L. Alberto
Published: February 2025

El área del interfluvio Riaza, Duratón y Duero desempeñó un papel crucial en la comprensión de la conquista y la posterior defensa castellana del sur de la meseta norte durante la época medieval. A pesar de la vital importancia de las fortificaciones en esta zona para entender su entramado defensivo en la Edad Media hasta ahora solo se han realizado análisis parciales. El presente artículo, partiendo de datos extraídos de la documentación histórica y del registro arqueológico, aborda la problemática de los espacios fortificados mediante la aplicación de un análisis espacial centrado en factores de primer orden relacionados con el sistema de fortificaciones a través de software SIG. El objetivo principal es desentrañar los patrones de visibilidad, distribución y redes de intervisibilidad de las fortificaciones en este territorio, proporcionando así una visión más completa de su función estratégica desde una perspectiva relacional. Por tanto, el artículo busca proporcionar un marco más sólido para la comprensión de la interconexión estratégica de los enclaves y su papel en la configuración del paisaje defensivo medieval en la región.
Citadel and Cemetery in Early Bronze Age Anatolia
Authors: Bachhuber Christoph
Published: February 2025

Citadel and Cemetery in Early Bronze Age Anatolia is the first synthetic and interpretive monograph on the region and time period (ca. 3000-2200 BCE). The book organizes this vast, dense and often obscure archaeological corpus into thematic chapters, and isolates three primary contexts for analysis: the settlements and households of villages, the cemeteries of villages, and the monumental citadels of agrarian elites. The book is a study of contrasts between the social logic and ideological/ritual panoply of villages and citadels. The material culture, social organization and social life of Early Bronze Age villages is not radically different from the farming settlements of earlier periods in Anatolia. On the other hand the monumental citadel is unprecedented; the material culture of the Early Bronze Age citadel informs the beginning of a long era in Anatolia, defined by the existence of an agrarian elite who exaggerated inequality and the degree of separation from those who did not live on citadels. This is a study of the ascendance of the citadel ca. 2600 BCE, and related consequences for villages in Early Bronze Age Anatolia.
Hormonal contraception methods and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lashch N.Y. , Ashikhmina A.A. , Kislaya M.I. , Filatova L.A.
Published: February 2025

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease that is diagnosed in women twice as often as in men, especially in groups of family cases and at the age of up to 35 years. Among patients diagnosed with MS, there are many young and middle-aged women who are planning a pregnancy in the future and want to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy at the present time. Also, for patients with MS, the importance of reducing the frequency of abortions is obvious. The question arises — what drugs are safe, convenient and effective for this group of patients. Moreover, one of the modern hypotheses of treatment in relation to reducing relapses and progression of MS is the use of estrogen. Therefore, the strategy of choice may be the use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives as means that provide effective protection against pregnancy and at the same time, possibly, affect the course of the underlying disease in a positive way.
Sex hormones and smoking habits’ detrimental effect on women’s cardiovascular system
Authors: Moscucci Federica , Sciomer Susanna
Published: February 2025

Ormoni sessuali e propensione al fumo ed ai suoi effetti nocivi sul sistema cardiovascolare della donna, La combinazione di ormoni sessuali e fumo crea un rischio aggravato di malattie cardiovascolari nelle donne. Gli effetti cardioprotettivi naturali degli estrogeni possono essere compromessi dal fumo, mentre il calo degli estrogeni durante la menopausa aumenta ulteriormente la vulnerabilità cardiovascolare. Il fumo accelera il danno ai vasi sanguigni, promuove l’infiammazione e lo stress ossidativo e peggiora i profili lipidici, tutti fattori che contribuiscono ad un elevato rischio di aterosclerosi, sindromi coronariche acute e ictus nelle donne. Pertanto, smettere di fumare e gestire i cambiamenti ormonali (ad esempio, con l’uso sicuro della terapia ormonale sostitutiva) sono strategie essenziali per ridurre i rischi cardiovascolari nelle donne.
Synthetic Data Generation for Pediatric Diabetes Research Using GANs and WGANs
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, García-Domínguez Antonio , Galván-Tejada Carlos E. ,   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Magallanes-Quintanar Rafael ,   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Cruz-López Miguel ,   Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Vázquez-Moreno Miguel Alexander ,   Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Acosta-Cruz Erika ,   Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila
Published: February 2025

Pediatric diabetes research is often constrained by data scarcity, hindering the development of accurate predictive models for clinical applications. This study addresses this limitation by evaluating the effectiveness of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Wasserstein GANs (WGANs) in generating synthetic datasets that replicate the statistical properties of real pediatric diabetes data. A structured methodology was applied, incorporating preprocessing, model design, and dual evaluation metrics: Jensen-Shannon and Kullback-Leibler divergences for statistical fidelity, and a classification model to assess practical utility. Results demonstrate that both models produce high-fidelity synthetic datasets, with WGANs showing superior performance in capturing complex patterns due to improved training stability. Nonetheless, challenges remain in replicating the inherent variability of pediatric data, influenced by growth and developmental factors. This work highlights the potential of synthetic data to augment pediatric diabetes datasets, facilitating the development of robust and generalizable predictive models. Limitations include the dependency on initial data quality and the specificity of the models to pediatric datasets. By addressing critical gaps in data availability, this study contributes to advancing AI-driven healthcare solutions in pediatric diabetes research.