bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LA LÉGITIMITÉ DU JUGE DE LA COUR EUROPÉENNE DES DROITS DE L’HOMME. OBSERVATIONS SUR LA REPRÉSENTATIVITÉ ET L’INDÉPENDANCE DU JUGE DE STRASBOURG
Authors: Eudes Marina
Published: February 2024

Si l’oeuvre normative accomplie par la Cour européenne des droits de l’Homme est relativement bien connue, le statut et les conditions de travail de ses membres le sont beaucoup moins. Des questions pourtant essentielles y sont liées, telles que les garanties d’indépendance et de représentativité propres à toute juridiction internationale. Or, ces exigences sont les conditions mêmes de la légitimité de l’institution et donc du succès de son action. Le problème crucial réside alors dans la conciliation entre ces exigences, apparemment contradictoires, de l’indépendance et de la représentativité de la Cour à l’égard des États soumis à sa juridiction.

Il convient de relever dans un premier temps que les modalités de la sélection des candidats, futurs juges à la Cour de Strasbourg, viennent assurer la représentativité de la Cour, puisque chaque État soumis à sa juridiction présente une liste de candidats, dont l’un au moins occupera un poste de juge. D’autre part, l’exigence d’indépendance sera mise en oeuvre dès cette étape initiale (les candidats étant élus pour leur compétences juridiques et non en qualité d’agents du gouvernement) mais encore et surtout par la suite. En effet, diverses dispositions de la Convention européenne des droits de l’Homme, et du Règlement intérieur de la Cour, ont été imaginées afin de garantir efficacement l’indépendance, individuelle et collective, des juges pendant leurs fonctions. On pourrait ainsi relever le régime des immunités et privilèges bénéficiant aux juges, les sanctions de toute incompatibilité avec la fonction juridictionnelle européenne ou encore l’autonomie fonctionnelle de la Cour comme autant de garanties efficaces de son indépendance.
UNHCR'S SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Türk Volker
Published: February 2024

The 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol created UNHCR as the international institution mandated to provide international protection to refugees, inter alia by supervising the application of this international legal regime. Supervision is defined as a legal process that empowers authorized institutions to apply certain procedures to assure the proper functioning of the legal order by inducing subjects to observe obligations incumbent on them. This paper describes UNHCR’s supervisory role within the broader context of its international mandate, analyses its content and proposes possible avenues that could be developed to enhance that role. The author points out that in the context of refugee protection, it is important to ensure the resolution of refugee problems and harmonization of international refugee law on the basis of objective evaluations and judgements.
SÉCURITÉ HUMAINE ET PUISSANCE DE LA PERSUASION : LA CONFÉRENCE DE ROME SUR LA COUR PÉNALE INTERNATIONALE
Authors: Kirsch Philippe , Robinson Darryl
Published: February 2024

Cet article s’intéresse à la création de la Cour criminelle internationale. Tout d’abord, les auteurs abordent le sujet par un bref historique des travaux préparatoires qui démontrent la grande complexité des questions abordées qui mèneront à la Conférence de Rome. Celle-ci est ensuite présentée à la lumière de deux grands problèmes : l’ampleur de la tâche et le caractère politique des questions soulevées. En effet, trois grands blocs de participants aux idées divergentes s’étaient formés : les « pays pilotes », les membres permanents du Conseil de sécurité et le MNA (Mouvement des pays non alignés). De plus, les ONG ont eu un impact important sur le résultat de la conférence. Dans le Statut adopté, on note que la Cour aura compétence sur les crimes de nature internationale les plus graves, nommément le génocide, les crimes contre l’humanité et les crimes de guerre. De plus, la Cour présente un caractère complémentaire avec les systèmes judiciaires nationaux déjà existants. La procédure, quant à elle, peut être entammée par un État partie, par le Conseil de sécurité ou par le procureur de la Cour. L’acceptation de la compétence doit être donnée soit par l’État dont l’accusé a la nationalité soit par celui sur le territoire duquel le crime a été commis. Toutefois, le Statut prévoit une acceptation automatique des États parties, sous réserve d’une disposition transitoire. Le Conseil de sécurité peut lui renvoyer des situations et demander la coopération des États membres de l’ONU. Enfin, le Statut englobe des aspects humanitaires importants, notamment l’équité entre les sexes et la protection des enfants.

Les auteurs observent que malgré qu’il ne soit pas parfait, le Statut s’avère un instrument équilibré et libellé en termes suffisament forts pour garantir le fonctionnement efficace de la Cour, les objectifs des délégations sont ainsi, pour la plupart, atteints en ayant obtenu un appui massif. De plus, les auteurs notent l’efficacité de la puissance de la persuasion, le rôle de la société civile et la tendance à la promotion de la sécurité humaine. En effet, la compétence de la Cour sera bien plus vaste que ce que prévoyait les textes des travaux préparatoires.
LA PROTECCIÓN INTERNACIONAL DE LOS DERECHOS ECONÓMICOS, SOCIALES Y CULTURALES DESDE UNA PERSPECTIVA DE GÉNERO
Authors: Bolívar O. Ligia
Published: February 2024

La discriminación basada en el sexo es, sin duda, fuente de numerosas violaciones de los derechos de la persona que sufren las mujeres. Pero, sin poner en tela de juicio la visión según la cual todos los derechos de la persona son indivisibles e interdependiantes, resulta imposible ignorar el hecho que la discriminación fundada en el sexo afecta a los derechos económicos, sociales y culturales (DESC) de las mujeres que son, a menudo, los más violados. Además, estas violaciones tienen como efecto de privar a las mujeres de otros derechos tradicionales como son sus derechos civiles y políticos.

En el marco de una perspectiva de género, podemos constatar que ciertos derechos de los que benefician las mujeres, están fundados en características fisiológicas, al mismo tiempo que otros se fundan en la construcción social del papel atribuido a las mujeres en la sociedad. En este artículo se aclara qué las mujeres en algunas situaciones necesitan una protección jurídica particular.

Existen muchos instrumentos, tanto a nivel internacional como regional, que aspiran a proteger los DESC de las mujeres. Esos instrumentos ofrecen a las mujeres una protección muy amplia en cuanto a los derechos enunciados. Este artículo nos hace conocer los desaflos revelados por el enfoque de género en cuanto a la protección de tales derechos y las innovaciones en esta materia, con estudios de casos sobre algunos derechos como los derechos de propiedad y otros de carácter patrimonial, así como también el derecho de las mujeres a la protección contra la violencia. Se examina también los mecanismos de protección de los DESC de la mujer a nivel internacional, como en el sistema interamericano. La autora concluye al examinar los DESC de la mujer, que es posible encontrar una serie de aspectos relacionados con la visión tradicional de los derechos humanos que son superados por redefiniciones producidas bajo una perspectiva de género, la cual imprime un nuevo aire a derechos que se encontraban hasta el presente poco desarrollados. La «consistencia» en los avances propuestos en materia de DESC, especialmente desde una perspectiva de género, sigue siendo uno de los retos más importantes que se enfrentan en la actualidad en el campo de los derechos humanos.
LA POLITIQUE RESTRICTIVE ET PROHIBITIVE D’IMMIGRATION EN EUROPE
Authors: Van Outrive Lode
Published: February 2024

Dans cet article, l’auteur donne un aperçu des différentes politiques d’immigration, restrictive et négative, qui ont cours dans les divers pays de l’Union européenne. II fait état des mouvements migratoires survenus entre 1973 et 1993, de la provenance des immigrants et des destinations choisies par ceux-ci. Il indique que le plus grave problème rencontré dans les pays de l’Union européenne réside dans le fait que l’immigration illégale tend à causer une augmentation considérable du nombre d’immigrants et que, dû au manque de contrôle douanier en cette matière, il est très difficile d’estimer correctement le nombre réel d’immigrants.

Il examine également les diverses dispositions contenues dans les instruments et plans de travail mis en oeuvre pour contrôler, notamment, les admissions, les réadmissions, les limitations des permissions d’accès et l’octroi de visas et ce, pour les travailleurs migrants et les membres des familles de réfugiés, pour n’en nommer que quelques groupes visés.

Il brosse une image plutôt négative des interventions faites par les différents gouvernements et instances chargées de l’exécution des instruments relatifs au contrôle de l’immigration, des ressources limitées au contrôle de l’immigration et déplore le manque de transparence de la part des gouvernements lorsqu’il s’agit d’adapter les lois internes de des différents États aux lois internationales. Il soulève également les enjeux politiques, économiques et sociaux reliés à la protection effective des peuples immigrés et fait état des diverses alternatives mises de l’avant par les gouvernements afin d’arriver à une politique d’immigration harmonisée.
Les « principes équitables » en matière de délimitation maritime
Authors: Highet Keith
Published: February 2024

Dans la présente note, nous entendons traiter du sujet général de la délimitation en droit maritime, et en particulier des règles suivies par la Cour internationale de Justice en la matière. Pour savoir quelle direction prendra la droit en celte matière, il importer de jeter un regard historique sur la question de la délimitation maritime, et en particulier sur l’histoire ancienne du développement de la doctrine ambiguë et nébuleuse des « principes équitables ».
“Photographs of Lightning”: The Intersection of Research and Creation in Leo Daft’s Photographs of Electric Sparks
Authors: Allen-Flanagan Tara
Published: February 2024

En 1875, la revue The Photographic Times a publié quatre photographies stéréographiques de courants électriques prises par l’inventeur et photographe Leo Daft. Une lettre écrite par Daft, expliquant comment il a produit les images et invitant les lecteurs à le contacter s’ils souhaitaient emprunter les matériaux nécessaires pour créer les leurs, a été incluse à côté de ces images qui représentaient des lignes blanches d’électricité sur fond noir. Le pouvoir actinique des étincelles électriques de Daft, ou leur capacité à provoquer les réactions photochimiques qui permettent de réaliser des photographies, fait que les sujets des photographies sont aussi leurs conditions d’existence. Ce texte soutient que les photographies d’étincelles électriques, et la publication ultérieure de leur création, démontrent comment Daft laisse des traces perceptibles de la recherche-création au sein de son travail et de sa diffusion. Soulignons que pour un sous-ensemble d’intellectuels occidentaux multidisciplinaires, qui ont travaillé côte à côte à la fin du XIXe siècle, les frontières entre la photographie, la science et l’art étaient floues.
D’une pratique incarnée de l’espace architecturé à une dynamique de l’intériorité : autour de l’ingénierie domestique et d’une féminisation de l’emprise sur l’espace domestique
Authors: LaSalle Virginie
Published: February 2024

This article highlights the modalities of research-creation practices in the context of the historical movement known as domestic engineering (late-nineteenth/early-twentieth century), particularly through the publications of Catharine Esther Beecher and Christine Frederick. The paper further argues that the research-creation specific to this movement is the precursor of a human-centered design position and participates in the foundations of contemporary practices in interior design and architecture, which aspire to anchor their productions in use and scientific rigor. As a starting point, this article discusses the conditions of emergence of the movement. Four key moments of the converging practices of research-creation and domestic engineering are identified: critical positioning, the scientific method, innovative design proposals, and the dissemination of those proposals.
Vocal and arranging solutions for broadcasting Kuban Cossack folk songs: methodology and practice
Authors: Mironova Anastasiya Vladimirovna
Published: February 2024

The object of the research is performance as a theoretical and methodological basis for the preservation of folk songs in the modern world. The subject of this work is a variety of tools for translating sources through the use of interpretation through vocal arrangements. The purpose of this study is to find performance techniques for comprehending the folklore of the Kuban Cossack song, illustrative popularization of the real listener through a new reading of the original source. In identifying the substantial foundations of song performance, special attention is focused on the music collections of folklorists V. G. Zakharchenko (born 1938), A. D. Bigdai (1855-1909), G. M. Kontsevich (1863-1937), who made a significant contribution to the foundations of the Kuban Cossack folk singing art. Along with this, the analysis of a wide range of vocal arrangements in the practice of professional and amateur vocalists provides a postulation about the ambiguity of interpolation in the formation of an original reading of folklore documents. The theoretical justification of this study is based on the tactics of analyzing endemic folklore singing concepts in the context of the art history dynamics of modern research. The methodological core of the work identifies the elements of preserving traditional performance through the vocally processed embodiment of Kuban Cossack folk songs. The author's direction has been developed in the complex of the constituent elements of the arranging performance, based on the personality of the vocalist, containing an individual interpretation of the performing plurality. The performing techniques of folklore Cossack sources has been formed. Exceptional accents are identified in the analysis of musical folklore sources (selectively) to establish new technical characteristics of performance. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the genesis of Cossack culture for the author's constructive orientation of ways to preserve and transform musical material to a modern listener. The characteristics of the song material according to the genre-performing component, expressed by the system of mechanisms of performance by vocal-performing solutions, are revealed. The derived orientation of the translation mechanisms opens up new facets of the performance of Kuban Cossack folk songs for the preservation of traditions with multifaceted options for the transformation of folklore documents for subsequent generations.
Hypoxia-inducible factor induces cysteine dioxygenase and promotes cysteine homeostasis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Warnhoff Kurt , Bhattacharya Sushila , Snoozy Jennifer , Breen Peter C , Ruvkun Gary
Published: February 2024

Dedicated genetic pathways regulate cysteine homeostasis. For example, high levels of cysteine activate cysteine dioxygenase, a key enzyme in cysteine catabolism in most animal and many fungal species. The mechanism by which cysteine dioxygenase is regulated is largely unknown. In an unbiased genetic screen for mutations that activate cysteine dioxygenase (cdo-1) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we isolated loss-of-function mutations in rhy-1 and egl-9, which encode proteins that negatively regulate the stability or activity of the oxygen-sensing hypoxia inducible transcription factor (hif-1). EGL-9 and HIF-1 are core members of the conserved eukaryotic hypoxia response. However, we demonstrate that the mechanism of HIF-1-mediated induction of cdo-1 is largely independent of EGL-9 prolyl hydroxylase activity and the von Hippel-Lindau E3 ubiquitin ligase, the classical hypoxia signaling pathway components. We demonstrate that C. elegans cdo-1 is transcriptionally activated by high levels of cysteine and hif-1. hif-1-dependent activation of cdo-1 occurs downstream of an H2S-sensing pathway that includes rhy-1, cysl-1, and egl-9. cdo-1 transcription is primarily activated in the hypodermis where it is also sufficient to drive sulfur amino acid metabolism. Thus, the regulation of cdo-1 by hif-1 reveals a negative feedback loop that maintains cysteine homeostasis. High levels of cysteine stimulate the production of an H2S signal. H2S then acts through the rhy-1/cysl-1/egl-9 signaling pathway to increase HIF-1-mediated transcription of cdo-1, promoting degradation of cysteine via CDO-1.
Deciphering molecular heterogeneity and dynamics of neural stem cells in human hippocampal development, aging, and injury
Authors: Yao Junjun , Dai Shaoxing , Zhu Ran , Tan Ju , Zhao Qiancheng , Yin Yu , Sun Jiansen , Du Xuewei , Ge Longjiao , Xu Jianhua , Hou Chunli , Li Nan , Li Jun , Ji Weizhi , Zhu Chuhong , Zhang Runrui , Li Tianqing
Published: February 2024

While accumulated publications support the existence of neurogenesis in the adult human hippocampus, the homeostasis and developmental potentials of neural stem cells (NSCs) under different contexts remain unclear. Based on our generated single-nucleus atlas of the human hippocampus across neonatal, adult, aging and injury, we dissected the molecular heterogeneity and transcriptional dynamics of human hippocampal NSCs under different contexts. We further identified new specific neurogenic lineage markers that overcome the lack of specificity found in some well-known markers. Based on developmental trajectory and molecular signatures, we found that a subset of NSCs exhibit quiescent properties after birth, and most NSCs become deep quiescence during aging. Furthermore, certain deep quiescent NSCs are re-activated following stroke injury. Together, our findings provide valuable insights into the development, aging, and re-activation of the human hippocampal NSCs, and help to explain why adult hippocampal neurogenesis is infrequently observed in humans.
How Absence Seizures Impair Sensory Perception: Insights from Awake fMRI and Simulation Studies in Rats
Authors: Stenroos Petteri , Guillemain Isabelle , Tesler Federico , Montigon Olivier , Collomb Nora , Stupar Vasile , Destexhe Alain , Coizet Véronique , David Olivier , Barbier Emmanuel L.
Published: February 2024

Absence seizures are characterized by regular and generalized spike-and-wave electrical patterns in the brain, resulting in unresponsiveness to environmental stimuli. In patients suffering absence epilepsy, recurring seizures can significantly decrease their quality of life and lead to yet untreatable comorbidities. The whole-brain spatial and temporal characteristics of reduced responsiveness to external stimulus remains unknown.This study aimed to investigate responsiveness to visual and somatosensory whisker stimulation in GAERS, a well-established rat model for absence epilepsy. Animals were imaged continuously using a quiet zero-echo-time (ZTE) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sequence while in a non-curarized awake state, allowing for naturally occurring seizures to be produced inside the 9.4T magnet. Sensory stimulations were applied in 28 fMRI sessions during interictal and ictal periods, as assessed by concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) recordings, and whole brain responsiveness and hemodynamic responses were compared between these two states. Additionally, a mean-field simulation model was used to mechanistically explain the changes of neural responsiveness to visual stimulation between interictal and ictal states.Results showed that whole-brain responses to both sensory stimulations were suppressed and spatially hindered during a seizure. In several cortical regions, hemodynamic responses were negatively polarized during seizures, despite the application of a stimulus. The simulation results agreed well with fMRI findings, showing restricted propagation of spontaneous activity due to stimulation. These results suggest that sensory processing observed during an interictal state is hindered or even suppressed by the occurrence of an absence seizure potentially contributing to decreased responsiveness.
Temporal transcriptomic dynamics in developing macaque neocortex
Authors: Xu Longjiang , Yuan Zan , Zhou Jiafeng , Zhao Yuan , Liu Wei , Lu Shuaiyao , He Zhanlong , Qiang Boqin , Shu Pengcheng , Chen Yang , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: February 2024

Despite intense research on mice, the transcriptional regulation of neocortical neurogenesis remains limited in humans and non-human primates. Cortical development in rhesus macaque is known to recapitulate multiple facets of cortical development in humans, including the complex composition of neural stem cells and the thicker supragranular layer. To characterize temporal shifts in transcriptomic programming responsible for differentiation from stem cells to neurons, we sampled parietal lobes of rhesus macaque at E40, E50, E70, E80, and E90, spanning the full period of prenatal neurogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing produced a transcriptomic atlas of the developing rhesus macaque neocortex parietal lobe. Identification of distinct cell types and neural stem cells emerging in different developmental stages revealed a terminally bifurcating trajectory from stem cells to neurons. Notably, deep-layer neurons appear in the early stages of neurogenesis, while upper-layer neurons appear later. While these different lineages show overlap in their differentiation program, cell fates are determined post-mitotically. Pseudotime trajectories from vRGs to oRGs revealed differences in dynamic gene expression profiles and identified divergence in their activation of BMP, FGF, and WNT signaling pathways. These results provide a comprehensive picture of the temporal patterns of gene expression leading to different fates of radial glial progenitors during neocortex layer formation.
Antigenic drift and subtype interference shape A(H3N2) epidemic dynamics in the United States
Authors: Perofsky Amanda C , Huddleston John , Hansen Chelsea , Barnes John R , Rowe Thomas , Xu Xiyan , Kondor Rebecca , Wentworth David E , Lewis Nicola , Whittaker Lynne , Ermetal Burcu , Harvey Ruth , Galiano Monica , Daniels Rodney Stuart , McCauley John W , Fujisaki Seiichiro , Nakamura Kazuya , Kishida Noriko , Watanabe Shinji , Hasegawa Hideki , Sullivan Sheena G , Barr Ian G , Subbarao Kanta , Krammer Florian , Bedford Trevor , Viboud Cécile
Published: February 2024

Influenza viruses continually evolve new antigenic variants, through mutations in epitopes of their major surface proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Antigenic drift potentiates the reinfection of previously infected individuals, but the contribution of this process to variability in annual epidemics is not well understood. Here we link influenza A(H3N2) virus evolution to regional epidemic dynamics in the United States during 1997—2019. We integrate phenotypic measures of HA antigenic drift and sequence-based measures of HA and NA fitness to infer antigenic and genetic distances between viruses circulating in successive seasons. We estimate the magnitude, severity, timing, transmission rate, age-specific patterns, and subtype dominance of each regional outbreak and find that genetic distance based on broad sets of epitope sites is the strongest evolutionary predictor of A(H3N2) virus epidemiology. Increased HA and NA epitope distance between seasons correlates with larger, more intense epidemics, higher transmission, greater A(H3N2) subtype dominance, and a greater proportion of cases in adults relative to children, consistent with increased population susceptibility. Based on random forest models, A(H1N1) incidence impacts A(H3N2) epidemics to a greater extent than viral evolution, suggesting that subtype interference is a major driver of influenza A virus infection dynamics, presumably via heterosubtypic cross-immunity.
Visuo-motor updating in individuals with heightened autistic traits
Authors: Pomè Antonella , Zimmermann Eckart
Published: February 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a range of challenges, including heightened sensory sensitivities. Here, we examine the idea that sensory overload in ASD may be linked to issues with efference copy mechanisms, which predict the sensory outcomes of self-generated actions, such as eye movements. Efference copies play a vital role in maintaining visual and motor stability. Disrupted efference copies hinder precise predictions, leading to increased reliance on actual feedback and potential distortions in perceptions across eye movements. In our first experiment, we tested how well healthy individuals with varying levels of autistic traits updated their mental map after making eye movements. We found that those with more autistic traits had difficulty using information from their eye movements to update the spatial representation of their mental map, resulting in significant errors in object localization. In the second experiment, we looked at how participants perceived an object displacement after making eye movements. Using a trans-saccadic spatial updating task, we found that those with higher autism scores exhibited a greater bias, indicating under-compensation of eye movements and a failure to maintain spatial stability during saccades. Overall, our study underscores efference copy’s vital role in visuo-motor stability, aligning with Bayesian theories of autism, potentially informing interventions for improved action–perception integration in autism.
Population structure and fecundity of the Xanthid crabLeptodius exaratus(H. Milne Edwards, 1834) on the rocky shore of Gujarat state, India
Authors: Patel Krupal , Patel Heris , Gosavi Swapnil , Vachhrajani Kauresh , Trivedi Jigneshkumar
Published: February 2024

Background

The population structure and breeding biology of the Xanthid crab,Leptodius exaratus(H. Milne Edwards, 1834), on the rocky intertidal region of Shivrajpur in Saurashtra coast, Gujarat state, were examined.

Method

From March 2021 to February 2022, monthly sampling was conducted during low tide using catch per unit effort in the 500 m2area. The sampled specimens were categorised into male, non-ovigerous female or ovigerous female. In order to estimate fecundity, the morphology of the crab specimens (carapace width and body weight) as well as the size of eggs, number of eggs and weight of egg mass were recorded.

Results

A total of 1,215 individuals were sampled of which 558 individuals were males and 657 individuals were females. The size (carapace width) of males ranges from 5.15 to 29.98 mm, while females ranges from 5.26 to 28.63 mm which shows that the average size of male and female individuals did not differ significantly. The overall as well as monthly sex ratio was skewed towards males with a bimodal distribution while unimodal in females. The population breeds year-round, which was indicated by the occurrence of ovigerous females throughout the year. However, the maximum percentage occurrence of ovigerous females was observed from December to April which indicates the peak breeding season. The size of eggs, number of eggs and weight of egg mass were shown to positively correlate with the morphology of ovigerous females (carapace width and wet weight).
Brand Image, Price, and Repurchase Intention of Powercat Cat Food Customers in Bandung City
Authors: Gantara Dede Geri , Sigarlaki Faizal Fardhani
Published: February 2024

This study aims to analyze the brand image and price of customers' repurchase intention of Powercat cat food products in Bandung City. The population in this study consisted of customers who had shopped for Powercat cat food products who are ≥17 years old and domiciled in Bandung City. The sample size of this study is 90 respondents, selected using purposive sampling. This study exerts a quantitative approach using a five-point Likert of online questionnaires and was conducted in Bandung City in November 2023. This study utilizes analytical techniques like validity and reliability assessments for instruments, tests for classical assumptions, and hypothesis testing by multiple linear regression. This study is backed by the Statistical Program for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. All hypotheses regarding this study’s variable relationship that leads to repurchase intention are supported. Hence, the customer repurchase intention of Powercat cat food products has two main triggering factors: brand image and customer perception of price. Furthermore, the results show that brand image has the biggest impact on forming customer repurchase intention. The results of this study provide a practical implication for Powercat to focus on developing strategies that can increase customer perceptions of brand image, and price to increase repurchase intention among Powercat customers.
Navigating the Microfinance Conundrum: Assessing the Impact of Commercialization on Financial Sustainability and Inclusion of the Poor in Developing Countries: A Review Literature
Authors: Gota Gobezu Gotoro , Sodha S. S.
Published: February 2024

Aims: Following the inception of commercialization shifts in microfinance institutions (MFIs), financial inclusion of the poor has remained an open question. Moreover, the existing research results on this issue provide mixed findings. Thus, this study aims to analyze the effects of commercialization in MFIs on financial sustainability and inclusion of the poor. 

The Study Design: The design of this study is literature review.

Methodology: The study collected related literatures from different database such as google scholar, web of science, research gate, and general google search. More related scholarly published literatures were selected depending on clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: The finding of the study reveals a contentious discourse among scholars, with some asserting that commercialization leads to mission drift and a tradeoff between financial performance and depth of outreach, while others argue it offers opportunities for MFIs to achieve financial self-sustainability without compromising their original social goals.

Conclusion: Empirical evidence suggests existence of tradeoff, as MFIs, driven by the need for financial viability, shift from serving the very poor to better-off customers, potentially neglecting their social mission. Policy recommendations call for a balanced approach, acknowledging the need for financial sustainability while emphasizing the importance of continued social outreach to alleviate poverty.

Significance: The current study provides recent updates on existing debates and enriches knowledge.
Cultural Values and Intercultural Sensitivity among College of Teacher Education Students
Authors: Magsanay Mae Ann , Diamante Jey , Carriedo Jaina Kim , Sinang Aileen
Published: February 2024

Most university and college students are susceptible to prejudice, stereotype, or even discrimination towards individuals or groups of people from different cultures. This confluence of concerns has occurred both within and outside the educational sector. As a result of this alarming predicament, this study aims to determines the relationship between cultural values and intercultural sensitivity among College of Teacher Education students officially enrolled for the Academic Year 2022–2023 in the University of Mindanao in Matina, Davao City. With a total population of 2,054 students in the College of Teacher Education program, the researchers obtained a total of 324 respondents, which was calculated using the Raosoft sample size calculator. This study used convenience sampling and a descriptive correlational research design. The Mean, Standard Deviation, and Pearson Product Correlation were utilized as statistical techniques. The overall findings show that the level of cultural values is high, with a mean score of 4.46 and a standard deviation of .38, while the level of intercultural sensitivity is also high, with a mean score of 4.44 and a standard deviation of .40. This indicates that the cultural values and intercultural sensitivity among undergraduate teachers at the University of Mindanao are highly manifested. Furthermore, the p-value of .000, states that there is a significant relationship between cultural values and intercultural sensitivity. The r-value of .622* also indicates a moderately positive (direct) correlation between cultural values and intercultural sensitivity. Finally, the study's overall results affirm that cultural values have a significant (direct) relationship with the intercultural sensitivity of the College of Teachers Education students at the University of Mindanao. It concludes that students better understand and appreciate cultural diversity. In this sense, future educators have practical intercultural communication skills and collaboration among people of diverse cultural backgrounds. Thus, it creates an inclusive and equitable environment for civically competent individuals in a pluralistic society.
Undergraduate Physics Self-Efficacy Measurement and Gender Influence
Authors: Ayoola Fagbenro W.
Published: February 2024

Using achievement framework, self-efficacy has to do with students’ conviction in their cognitive skills to learn and carry out the academic course work. Except students are convinced that their effort will yield the desired consequences, there is little or no enticement to engage in those actions. Can a student that feels hopeless in physics sustain his or her interest in Electrical Engineering? Human behaviour is influenced by factors that are embedded in the core belief that he/she has the capability to accomplish that behaviour. Little attention has been given to Self-efficacy in tertiary physics in Nigeria. This study adapted and validated (using EFA and CFA) a short Physics Self-Efficacy Questionnaire before administering it to three hundred and seven(307) first-year General Physics I students at the Federal University Wukari (male = 157 and female = 150). Females reported lower self-efficacy than males. The finding revealed that there is a significant difference in Physics self efficacy as reported by male and female (t = 7.7711, df =305, p =0.0001, 2 tailed). The effect size is large (d = 0.888). This study posited that gender is a factor to consider in the study of physics self-efficacy, and this may have far reaching effect on research on self-efficacy, and on teaching and learning of tertiary physics.
Thyrotoxic Valvulopathy in a 7-year-Old Child: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ujunwa FA  , Ijeoma Ohuche , CB Eke , Chikani U  , JM Chinawa
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Children with thyrotoxicosis may present rarely with valvulopathies. This disease is a syndrome complex of hyperdynamic status due to systemic manifestation of elevated circulating thyroid hormone levels. 

Case Reports: O.C, a 7-year-old female child presented with abdominal pain that started seven days ago, passage of loose stool that started five days ago and weight loss that started five days ago. Salient findings at presentation were tachycardia, anterior neck swelling that moves with swallowing with a grade 3/6 pan-systolic murmur maximal at the apex. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism at risk of thyrotoxicosis was made based on supported laboratory evidence. Echocardiography done showed severe mitral regurgitation. She is on Tabs Carbimazole and Propranolol. She has improved remarkably and has been on follow up.

Conclusion: Hyperthyoidism affects multiple organ systems in the body and the heart is not spared. Most of the cardiac manifestations are functional and occur as a result of the hyperfunctioning gland. A high index of suspicion is required, as many of the patients present with only the consequences of hyperthyroidism.
Fields of Balance: An Extensive Analysis of Conventional and Organic Agriculture in the Contemporary Era
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Bagora Ritesh , Singh Ranvijay Pratap , Nandeha Nirjharnee , Monya Duyu , Nagar Harsh , Singh Debesh
Published: February 2024

By 2050, it is projected that there will be 10 billion people on the planet who need to be fed. Meeting these demands and maintaining environmental protection will be greatly dependent on the paradigms of conventional and organic agriculture. By following the historical origins of these two agricultural paradigms and examining their methods, effects, financial implications, and contributions to global food security, this review critically analyses them. We draw emphasis to the environmental footprints, paying special focus to biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, water management, and soil health. A deeper examination of consumer safety, community dynamics, and global market trends will be included in the discussion of the health effects of food produced in both systems and their societal ramifications. This review makes the case for an integrated approach to agriculture that makes use of best practices from both worlds by identifying the advantages and disadvantages of both farming systems. The goal of this harmonisation is to build a sustainable agricultural future that feeds people and maintains the planet's natural equilibrium.
Incidence, Risk Factors and Microbiological Profile of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Patients in ICU in Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Behera Anil Kumar , Guruprasad H. , Shivram  , Navoday  , Divya  , Reddy Madhusudhan , Bharadwaj  , Manswini  , Atahullah
Published: February 2024

Background: VAP, or ventilator-associated pneumonia, is one of the most common ICU-acquired diseases and a significant cause of mortality among Intensive Care Unit patients. Infectious illnesses are currently underestimated in the South Asian Region, which has limited health resources.

Objective: To examine the incidence of VAP, risk factors associated and the microbiological profile in ICU patients in tertiary care hospitals.

Methods: A total of 114 patients under mechanical who satisfied all inclusion criteria were selected. Detailed history, investigations were undertaken. The diagnosis of VAP was made according to clinical and laboratory findings (as per CDC criteria) and incidence was derived from the number of patients developing VAP out of the total number of patients on ventilatory support in ICU.

Results: We included 114 patients in our study. Out of 114 patients, the majority were above 70 years age group Mean age of study population was 61.29±13.42 years. Out of 114, 80 patients i.e. 70.2% were males and 34(29.8%) were females. Male: female ratio was 2.3:1. Klebsiella Pneumonia was a commonly observed organism in cultures i.e. 30.7%, followed by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in 27.2% and Acinetobacter Baumani in 19.3%. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Klebsiella Pneumonia showed resistance to Carbapenemase in 20(57.1%) cases and to ESBL in 15(42.9%) cases. Death rate in our study was 17.5%

Conclusion: The outcome of VAP depends on rapid identification of the causative microorganism. Empirical therapy based on knowledge of the most prevalent microorganisms and their resistance pattern has an impact on lowering morbidity and mortality, shortening the length of hospital stay, lowering of treatment expenses, and prevents the development of MDR bacteria in patients with VAP.
Investigation of the Compressive Strength of Sand-Filled Polyethylene Terephthalate Bottles as a Material for Wall Construction
Authors: Aterezi Maro Clement , Dahunsi Bamidele Ibukunolu Olugbemi , Onugba Michael Attah
Published: February 2024

The disposal of plastic wastes in the environment has negatively impacted the environment as plastics are non-biodegradable and contain chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals, plants, and the environment at large. The increased demand for infrastructure across the globe has also resulted in a rapid depletion of natural resources used for the production of construction materials. The need therefore arises for research to proffer solutions that would lead to the better management of plastic wastes, and provide sustainable construction materials. This study evaluated the compressive strength of sand-filled PET bottles (with varying moisture content, 0-15%) and clay bricks incorporating sand-filled PET bottles for wall construction. Cement was used to stabilize the clay at 0%, 10%, and 15% by weight. The compressive strength of the bricks produced was compared with that of control bricks (without sand-filled PET bottles). The results obtained reveal that the compressive strengths of the PET bricks were less than those of the control bricks. An optimum of 2% moisture content of sand is recommended for filling the PET bottles while 15% stabilization of clay with cement is recommended for the production of sand-filled PET bricks. The sand-filled PET bricks can be used for non-load-bearing wall construction as their compressive strengths fall below the minimum requirements of the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute and the Standards Organization of Nigeria for load-bearing walls.
Importance of Higher Education for Empowering Women
Authors: Sasikumar G.M. , Sujatha Dr.S.
Published: February 2024

In India, higher education is the key to economic security and opportunity, especially for women. Women are a significant component of the financial framework, and they maintain an assortment of social and conventional convictions. They should be treated equally as men and they should get equal rights. Knowledge is a distinctive feature of human beings, with a huge capacity to learn and convey knowledge from one generation to the next, and it is becoming more prominent as science and technology improve. Worry for girls schooling has brought about a critical expansion in grade school access lately. In any case, numerous young ladies, especially in provincial locales, drop out prior to finishing auxiliary or higher school. This review explains how the Indian government has executed strategies and cycles pointed toward bringing issues to light of advanced education, perceiving sex equality, and helping the number of women joining up with higher education. Further Many women have their dreams that they should study higher but due to many reasons, they will kill their dreams. They should be prepared to tackle a world of opportunities and challenges through higher education.
Optimization of Cu2O Thickness to Enhance Photocatalytic Properties of Electrodeposited Cu2O/FTO Photoanode
Authors: Khasanah Riza Ariyani Nur , Chien Forest Shih-Sen , Prasetyowati Rita , Yudianti Rike
Published: February 2024

Currently, n-type cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is a promising material as photocatalyst because of its energy gap of 2 eV that absorbs visible light up to a wavelength of 600 nm. As a photoelectrode, the thickness of Cu2O is crucial, where the improper thickness may worsen the photocatalytic properties. This work aimed to enhance the photocatalytic properties of Cu2O electrodeposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), called Cu2O/FTO, by optimizing the Cu2O thickness. The thickness of Cu2O was controlled by adjusting the deposition time in the electrochemical deposition of Cu2O/FTO. By changing the deposition time from 5 to 45 min, the morphology of Cu2O changed from a leaf-like shape to an irregular facet shape with highly dense coverage, and the average thickness increased from 370 to 1100 nm. The increasing Cu2O thickness resulted in the increasing light absorption. The Cu2O/FTO demonstrated anodic photocurrent, which increased with the Cu2O thickness up to a threshold value of 1000 nm (35 min deposition time). At a thickness of 1000 nm, Cu2O/FTO achieved the highest photocurrent (150 and 58 µA under irradiation of 365 and 470 nm, respectively) due to the highly dense morphology and high absorption. In addition, with a thickness of 1000 nm, the charge diffusion was still good. Further, the increase of Cu2O film thickness higher than 1000 nm caused low photocatalytic properties even though the morphology was highly dense, and the absorption was the highest. This condition could be due to the relatively too-high resistance of Cu2O that caused poor charge diffusion. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
The Effect of Solvent on the Characteristics of FeBTC MOF as a Potential Heterogenous Catalyst Prepared via Green Mechanochemical Process
Authors: Yati Indri , Ridwan Muhammad , Padella Franco , Pentimalli Marzia
Published: February 2024

In this study, the synthesis of FeBTC (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) also known as MIL-100 (Fe) metal organic framework (MOF) has been carried out successfully using green mechanochemical method (neat grinding and liquid assisted grinding). The effect of solvent used in the synthesis was investigated for the first time to elucidate the physicochemical properties of FeBTC including crystal structure, thermal stability, pore size and specific surface area. The physicochemical properties of all FeBTC obtained in this study were compared to commercial FeBTC (Basolite F-300), characterized using powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and nitrogen physisorption isotherms. All Fe-BTC MOF synthesized in this study showed improved textural properties compared to commercial Basolite F-300 such as higher crystallinity, higher surface area and larger pore size. It was found that the best synthesis method was by using the mixture of ethanol and water with equal volume ratio as solvent. The highest BET surface area of FeBTC synthesized using this method was 972 m2/g for FeBTC-EtOH/H2O. This value is 2.3 times higher than the surface area of commercial Basolite F-300 (418 m2/g). FeBTC with higher surface area is expected to have higher catalytic activity which makes this FeBTC an excellent candidate as a heterogenous catalyst for many reactions such as aldol condensation or esterification reaction. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Nanocrystallized Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Hansch R. , Lavergnat D. , Menzler N. H. , Stöver D.
Published: March 2005

Thinking in terms of efficiency, the reduction of the sintering temperature of the electrolyte layer by the use of nanocrystallized zirconia could be a helpful tool to establish the technique of solid oxide fuel cells. For this reason two different nanosized starting materials were investigated. Coating experiments with these materials revealed the necessity to incorporate non‐nanosized material to avoid a formation of cracks during drying or sintering.
Bulk Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Reinforced Pd‐Based Alloys: Formation, Structural, Thermal and Elastic Properties
Authors: Kapaklis V. , Schweiss P. , Politis C.
Published: March 2005

Bulk amorphous Pd‐ based alloys show a large supercooled liquid region and have very low critical cooling rates. Arc melting and high energy ball milling, are both suitable methods for the production of amorphous Pd40Cu30Ni10P20 alloys. The alloys have been examined for their thermal and structural properties. The introduction of nanocrystalline precipitations in the amorphous matrix enhances the elastic properties which have been measured by ultrasonic techniques.