bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Infrastructure Development on Economic Growth
Authors: Ma'rifah Anisatul
Published: July 2023

The development gap between The Western Indonesia (TWI) and The Eastern Indonesia (TEI) is still quite visible, this gap can be seen from infrastructure development consisting of the Special Allocation Fund (DAK), Long Road Infrastructure (IPJ) and Construction Workforce (TKK). This study aims to determine the effect of infrastructure development on economic growth. The data used is secondary data using panel data regression analysis. This study uses a combination of data between time series data, namely 2015-2019 and cross section data consisting of 34 provinces in Indonesia. The dependent variable used is economic growth, while the independent variables in this study are the Special Allocation Fund (DAK), Long Road Infrastructure (IPJ), Construction Workers (TKK) and the dummy variable, namely the difference between KBI and KTI. The results of the study indicate that DAK has a positive but not significant effect on economic growth. Meanwhile, IPJ and TKK have a positive and significant impact on economic growth. There is also a difference between KBI and KTI that the economic growth is greater in KBI.

Kesenjangan pembangunan Kawasan Barat Indonesia (KBI) dan Kawasan Timur Indonesia (KTI) masih cukup terlihat. Kesenjangan tersebut dapat dilihat dari pembangunan infrastruktur yang terdiri dari Dana Alokasi Khusus (DAK), Infrastruktur Panjang Jalan (IPJ) dan Tenaga Kerja Konstruksi (TKK). Data yang digunakan yaitu data sekunder dengan menggunakan analisis regresi data panel. Penelitian ini menggunakan gabungan data antara data time series tahun 2015-2019 dan data cross section dari 34 provinsi di Indonesia. Variabel dependen yang digunakan adalah pertumbuhan ekonomi, sedangkan variabel independen dalam penelitian ini adalah Dana Alokasi Khusus (DAK), Infrastruktur Panjang Jalan (IPJ), Tenaga Kerja Konstruksi (TKK) dan variabel dummy yaitu perbedaan KBI dan KTI. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa DAK memiliki pengaruh positif tetapi tidak signifikan terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi. Sementara IPJ dan TKK memiliki pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi. Terdapat juga perbedaan antara KBI dan KTI lebih besar pertumbuhan ekonominya di KBI.
Determinants of Bank Credit in Indonesia
Authors: Pratama Dewi Pardian Intan , Putri Phany Ineke
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine and analyze the long-term and short-term effects of internal banking factors (CAR, LDR, NPL) and banking external factors (GDP, Inflation, Interest Rates, Money Supply, Industrial Production Index) on lending to commercial banks. The analytical method used is the Error Correction Model (ECM). The data used is time series data, which is compiled periodically in a monthly analysis from January 2014 to December 2020 in a time series. CAR and NPL have a significant negative effect on lending. In the short term, the LDR, GDP, Money Supply, and Industrial Production Index variables have a positive and significant effect on lending, while inflation and interest rates have no effect on lending in the short term, and lending has no effect on inflation, while the LDR, PDB, JUB, and IPI variables have a positive and significant effect on lending in the long term. And the reference interest rate variable has a positive and significant effect on lending in the long term.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh dalam jangka panjang dan jangka pendek faktor internal (CAR, LDR, NPL) dan faktor eksternal (PDB, Inflasi, Suku Bunga Acuan, Jumlah Uang Beredar, Indeks Produksi Industri) perbankan terhadap penyaluran kredit pada bank umum di Indonesia. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis Error Correction Model (ECM). Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah data time series bulanan dari Januari 2014 sampai dengan Desember 2020. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan dalam jangka pendek variabel CAR dan NPL berpengaruh negatif signifikan, variabel LDR, PDB, JUB, IPI berpengaruh positif dan signifikan serta inflasi dan suku bunga acuan tidak berpengaruh terhadap penyaluran kredit. Sedangkan dalam jangka panjang CAR dan inflasi tidak berpengaruh terhadap penyaluran kredit. Sedangkan variabel LDR, PDB, JUB, IPI berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap penyaluran kredit dalam jangka panjang. Dan variabel suku bunga acuan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap penyaluran kredit dalam jangka panjang.
Somalia, entre la furia de EEUU y el resurgimiento del Islam Político
Authors: Gutiérrez de Terán Ignacio
Published: July 2023

Hoy por hoy, y en especial tras la invasión etíope, que puso fin a la singladura de los Tribunales Islámicos en el país, la crisis somalí asiste a un nuevo punto de inflexión de consecuencias imprevisibles. Con el ejército de Estados Unidos bombardeando supuestas bases de al-Qaeda en el sur de Somalia, con la colaboración de las tropas etíopes y las fuerzas del Gobierno Federal de Baidoa, las posibilidades de un arreglo pacífico de la crisis somalí son más bien escasas. Para empeorar las cosas, los países vecinos se muestran cada vez más inquietos ante la expansión del radicalismo islamista a lo largo y ancho del Cuerno de África. Ya que se trata de un estado completamente fracasado, sin instituciones ni medios para funcionar como un estado moderno, Somalia puede convertirse en otro campo de batalla de la implacable y deletérea pugna librada por el yihadismo y salafismo retrógrados y la agresiva y a la postre estéril guerra de Estados Unidos contra el terrorismo. Una lucha que en ningún caso ha de aportar estabilidad y paz a la sociedad somalí, que desde 1991 no ha padecido otra cosa que guerras, caos y disputas intestinas.
El fenómeno tribal en Yemen: sustrato histórico del poder de las tribus.
Authors: Hamad Zahonero Leyla
Published: July 2023

Las tribus de Yemen han desempeñado desde siempre un importante papel en el panorama sociopolítico. Ya fuera debido a su poder militar, su frecuente presencia en los espacios de toma de decisión o a su enorme credibilidad y legitimidad social, su capacidad de incidencia en la evolución política e histórica del país ha sido siempre grande, y los escasos intentos por parte de los gobernantes de limitar o frenar su poder fueron, por norma general, infructuosos.El actual presidente Abdallah Saleh ha adoptado una estrategia de captación de líderes tribales que hasta el momento le ha reportado grandes beneficios, pero que a largo plazo podría fracasar.El presente artículo tratará de abordar los motivos por los que las tribus gozan de poder en Yemen y los peligros que la nueva estrategia de integración y captación adoptada por el presidente Saleh pueden acarrear al sistema.
Las relaciones hispano-jordanas en tiempos del régimen franquista: la dimensión cultural y educativa
Authors: Pérez Mateo María
Published: July 2023

El artículo analiza las relaciones culturales entre el Reino de Jordania y la España franquista. Se presta especial atención al viaje del rey Abdullah a España en 1949, así como a la creación de un centro cultural español en Jordania. Finalmente el artículo estudia las relaciones culturales a través del análisis de los intercambios estudiantiles entre los dos países.AbstractThis article analyses the cultural relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Franco’s Spain. Specially focuses on King Abdullah’s trip to Spain in 1949 and the creation of a Spanish cultural center in Jordan. Finally, the article studies the cultural relations trough the analysis of students exchange among the two countries.
La cuestión de la frecuencia y el tipo de trato con inmigrantes: una aproximación a los efectos de las relaciones intergrupales sobre las actitudes hacia la inmigración
Authors: Desrues Thierry , Jiménez Ruiz África , Molina Moilina Óscar
Published: July 2023

El objetivo de esta comunicación es profundizar en los efectos que las relaciones entre autóctonos e inmigrantes pueden tener sobre las actitudes de los primeros hacia los segundos. Para ello, se utilizan los resultados de una encuesta de opinión de ámbito nacional sobre la percepción de los españoles hacia la inmigración. Siguiendo la perspectiva tradicional de la Teoría del Contacto, desarrollada por G.W. Allport, se plantean aquí dos cuestiones centrales: en primer lugar, si una mayor frecuencia del trato entre población autóctona e inmigrante conlleva una percepción más positiva del fenómeno migratorio; y en segundo lugar, si el tipo de relación que se establece entre ambos grupos influye en dicha percepción. En otras palabras, se trata de comprobar en qué medida el contacto intergrupal contribuye a que se reduzcan los estereotipos y prejuicios hacia los inmigrantes.AbstractThe goal of this report is to look in more depth at the effects that the relationships between indigenous people and immigrants can have on the attitudes of the former towards the latter. The study uses the results of a national opinion poll on the perception of Spaniards towards immigration. Following the traditional perspective of contact theory developed by G.W. Allport, two central questions are posed here: first, if more frequent contact between indigenous and immigrant communities brings with it a more positive perception of the migratory phenomenon and second, if the type of relationship established between the two groups influences this perception. In other words, to what extent does intergroup contact contribute to reducing stereotypes and prejudices towards immigrants?
Controversias en el tintero: la retórica del "fundamentalismo religioso" entre los musulmanes de Barcelona y Madrid
Authors: Caraballo-Resto Juan
Published: July 2023

En las últimas dos décadas, el fundamentalismo ha sido abordado en las Ciencias Sociales como un estilo de creencia mediante el cual algunos fieles—asediados por la modernidad y la secularización—intentan preservar su identidad como pueblo ‘escogido’ (ver Bruce, 2000; Marty & Appleby, 1991, 1995; Ruthven, 2004). Sin embargo, este análisis resulta determinista y esencialista, en tanto que encajona la diversidad religiosa e ignora las variables políticas, éticas, culturales e históricas. Por tal motivo, en esta comunicación presentaré algunos hallazgos de mi reciente trabajo de campo en Barcelona y Madrid y expondré las maneras en que diversos grupos musulmanes han formado sus propias nociones del concepto. Después de todo, para comprender el significado de este concepto, es menester atender los modos en los que distintas personas manejan y reformulan las nociones del fundamentalismo.AbstractOver the last two decades, fundamentalism has been approached in the Social Sciences as a style of belief through which some of the faithful – besieged by modernity and secularisation – try to preserve their identity as the ‘chosen’ people (see Bruce, 2000; Marty & Appleby, 1991, 1995; Ruthven, 2004). However, this analysis is deterministic and essentialist, in that it circumscribes religious diversity and ignores political, ethnic, cultural and historical variables. To this end, this report presents some findings from my recent fieldwork in Barcelona and Madrid and I will set forth the ways in which different Muslim groups have formed their own ideas of this concept. After all, to understand the meaning of the concept, it is necessary to study the ways in which different people manage and reformulate the ideas of fundamentalism.
Les temps des "Bilgueitt": Política tribal numa aldeia saheliana do século XXI
Authors: Freire Francisco
Published: July 2023

Después de 25 años de gobierno autoritario en el año 2006 la República Islámica de Mauritania tuvo elecciones libres. Este artículo toma en consideración las elecciones municipales de 2006 en la villa saheliana de Taguilalet (en la región de Trarza), para discutir el concepto de tribu a partir del estudio de este nuevo proceso político. También se discute la retórica identitaria de la zauia (morabito), y la forma en la que fue renegociada durante la campaña electoral. Los datos etnográficos que se presentan están basados en un trabajo de campo realizado entre la tribu Ulad Sidi al-Vali.AbstractAfter twenty five years of autocratic rule in the year 2006 the Islamic Republic of Mauritania hold free elections. This paper considers the municipal elections of November 2006 in the sahelian village of Taguilalet (Trarza region), discussing the concept of tribe as apprehended throughout this new political process. I also discuss the the zuaia (maraboutic) identitary rhetoric, and the form it was renegotiated in the course of the electoral campaign. The ethnographic data here presented is based on fieldwork among the Oulad Sidi al-Vali tribe.
Lenguas, identidades, poder y discursos en Marruecos: Una propuesta de análisis
Authors: Moustaoui Adil
Published: July 2023

En este artículo abordaremos la cuestión de la relación que existe entre lengua e identidad en Marruecos. En concreto, analizaremos el proceso identitario en tanto que es un componente de la cuestión lingüística y del debate sobre la política lingüística en dicho país. Nuestro objeto de análisis lo enfocaremos en términos discursivos, para ello analizaremos tres tipos de discursos: el discurso monárquico de la etapa anterior (Hassan II), el discurso monárquico de la etapa actual (Mohammed VI), y el discurso alternativo amazigue. En las tres formaciones discursivas examinaremos como se valora, se representa, se construye y se legitima la identidad nacional, tanto la lingüística como la socio-cultural y hasta que punto dicha construcción de la identidad genera un conflicto sociolingüístico. Este conflicto genera a su vez confrontaciones políticas y sociales, e incluso, económicas, a nivel político debido al hecho de que lo que es causa de la confrontación es la política lingüística del estado.Para desarrollo nuestro análisis, seguiremos como marco teórico y metodológico la sociolingüística crítica-descriptiva, la política lingüística y el Análisis Crítico del discurso, especialmente su enfoque histórico-discursivo.AbstractIn this article we will do an approach to the question of the existing relation between language and identity in Morocco. We will, specifically, analyze the identitarian process as a component of the linguistic question and of the debate about linguistic policy in this country. We will focus our analysis object in discursive terms, to that end we will analyze three types of speeches: the monarchic discourse of the earlier times (Hassan II), the actual monarchic discourse (Mohammed VI), and the alternative amazigue discourse. In these three discursive formations we will study how the value, represent, build and legitimize the national identity, linguistically as well as socio-culturally and how much this identity construction generates a socio-linguistic conflict. This conflict also generates political and social confrontation and even economically, in the political level due to the fact that the cause of confrontation is the linguistic state policy. We will follow the critic-descriptive socio-linguistic the linguistic policy, the critical discourse analysis, specially in its historical discursive approach as methodological and theoretical framework for developing our analysis.
The Relationship of Community Empowerment and Social Capital towards Production Capacity of Agricultural Product in Indonesia
Authors: . Nuraini , Saleh Choirul , . Wike , Riyadi Bambang Slamet
Published: July 2023

This research aimed to predict and analyze the effects of community empowerment and social capital on production capacity of rice (paddy) in Indonesia. This research was very significant due to the ontological level and sociological level for improving production capacity. The problem was studied using a quantitative research method. Data were collected through survey questionnaires to 100 farmers in Indonesia and related documentation. Data were analyzed statistically by using Partial Least Square (PLS). The results were as follows: community empowerment positively affected production capacity, community empowerment positively affected social capital, social capital positively affected production capacity; and social capital fully mediated the relationship between community empowerment on production capacity. This result provides a recommendation for academicians and practitioners in making better development and implementation for improving production capacity.
Implementation of Deradicalization Policy to Reduce Criminal Acts of Terrorism
Authors: Sipayung Aswin , . Sumartono , Saleh Choirul , Riyadi Bambang Slamet
Published: July 2023

This research aimed to understand the implementation of deradicalization policy to reduce criminal acts of terrorism in Indonesia by considering the ontological level and sociological level based on public policy perspective. Problems were analyzed by conducting qualitative research. Data were collected through observation and documentation. Data analyzed using interactive steps were data reduction, data display, and data verification, supported by triangulation. The results indicated that it was necessary to formulate and implement a deradicalization policy to reduce criminal acts of terrorism in Indonesia for providing information to stakeholders. This research resulted in inputs for making a better regulation and policy for state agencies as public officials and practitioners in managing the implementation of deradicalization policy.
A Review on Ultra- and Nanofiltration/Diafiltration Processes of the Food-Oriented Agro-industrial
Authors: . Aspiyanto , Susilowati Agustine , Melanie Hakiki , Maryati Yati , Mulyani Hani , Budiari Setyani
Published: July 2023

This review was conducted to implement the potential use of ultra- and nanofiltration as a separation technique accompanied by a diafiltration (DF) technique. We start by introducing the principle of pressure-driven membrane-based separation process and DF process in general, and selected applications of ultra- and nanofiltration/diafiltration techniques on the food-oriented agro-industrial products in particular, such as nanofiltration/diafiltration (NF/DF) technique of mung beans autolysate, ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) technique of forest honey products, and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) technique of fish gelatin. We also describe the potential benefits as green and sustainable and the drawbacks of membrane-based separation process. Both relevant information and data related to this review were obtained from various sources originating from international organizations (FAO and UNEP, United States Standards for Grades of Extracted Honey, USA and National Honey Board (NHB), USA), review of various scientific articles and scientific literature, handbook, and the selected result of experiment activity. We hope this review manuscript is useful for further research into membrane technology implementations in food-oriented agro-industrial products and in a wider range of applications.
Bridging Faith and Culture: Unearthing Islamic Values in the Sundanese Munggahan Tradition
Authors: Sari Yunika
Published: July 2023

This research aims to discuss the Islamic values contained in the Munggahan tradition of the Sundanese tribe as part of welcoming the holy month of Ramadan. The research method used is qualitative with literature review and field study, employing descriptive analysis to analyze complex and clear data. The research includes the understanding of the Munggahan tradition, the Munggahan tradition according to Islamic law, and the Islamic values encompassed in the Munggahan tradition to welcome the holy month of Ramadan in Sundanese culture. The study concludes that the Munggahan tradition is ancestral cultural heritage preserved by the Sundanese people to safeguard Sundanese culture, which is part of Indonesia's cultural wealth. In Islamic law, the Munggahan tradition is permitted and accepted by the Sundanese community, despite the absence of specific Quranic texts governing this tradition. The Munggahan tradition carries numerous wisdom and benefits, embodying Islamic values such as faith, practice, worship, local wisdom, and Islamic brotherhood. This research contributes to our understanding of religious values in the context of Sundanese local culture and emphasizes the importance of preserving Indonesia's cultural heritage based on Islamic teachings.
Rescue Excavation at the Islamic Site of Umm Zweitineh in Central Jordan, 2012
Authors: Khries Hashem , Al-Gonmeen Taher
Published: July 2023

This paper draws on the preliminary results of the rescue excavation conducted by the Department of Antiquities at Umm Zweitineh in central Jordan in 2012. The goal of the excavation was to take urgent action regarding protecting the site as far as possible. Due to budget constraints, the excavation work lasted for only twenty days. The aim of the article is that of providing a clear regional picture of the Islamic settlement through the seventh/eighth and fourteenth centuries AD through retrieving information from the architectural remains and material culture. The architectural relics and material culture were unearthed under a dense layer of wreckage and accumulated debris because of previous construction work at the site. The accumulation deposits yielded a ceramic assembly of daily life vessels dating primarily to the Umayyad and Mamluk periods. Earlier pottery sherds belonging to the Roman and Byzantine periods have been also uncovered. Ceramic sherds from the Iron Age II sporadically appeared on topsoil. Besides the ceramic, other metal artifacts, including bronze vessels from different periods, have been unearthed. The Umayyad and Early Mamluk settlements were distinguishable because of the distinct corpus typical of both periods. Possible evidence of a religion building belonging to the Umayyad-period Christianity have been unearthed in Area B.
Tombstone of Sultan Oways Jalayeri and its Inscription
Authors: Moradi Amin
Published: July 2023

The village of Shad-abad, located at the foot of Sahand Mountain in the south of Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, is known for the impressive Medieval cemetery in which the tomb of Sultan Oways ibn Hasan ibn Hosayn ibn Aqbuqa ibn Ilka ibn Jalayer (1338–1374 CE), the second ruler of the Jalayirid dynasty (1335–1432 CE), is located. This tombstone is of particular importance as no other gravestones of Jalayirid Sultans or their predecessors have otherwise been documented. This research limits itself to studying Sultan Oways' tombstone by focusing on its content and layout in contribution to further future research. Observations suggest that the scheme of the rectangular headstone in Sultan Oways’ tombstone is derived from funerary art associated with stone works in neighboring Caucasia that are replicated in local cemeteries in eastern Anatolia and Northwest Iran, in combination with an oblong horizontal footstone.
REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS DE PROFESSORES DA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA SOBRE A APRENDIZAGEM AUTORREGULADA
Authors: Elias Ana Paula de Andrade Janz , Vosgerau Dilmeire Sant'Anna Ramos
Published: July 2023

A aprendizagem autorregulada considera elementos que auxiliam o indivíduo no desenvolvimento de sua aprendizagem, tais como planejamento, autonomia, implementação de objetivos e elaboração de estratégias para o ato de aprender. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi interpretar as representações sociais e as origens da representação que professores da Educação Básica têm sobre a aprendizagem autorregulada. A Teoria Sociocognitiva e a Teoria do Núcleo Central compõe o referencial teórico adotado. A pesquisa teve duas fases: na primeira fase 214 professores da Educação Básica responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico e a um instrumento de evocação de palavras; na segunda, 23 professores participaram de encontros de grupos focais on-line. Após a primeira fase foram realizadas duas análises: uma prototípica e outra de conteúdo, estas permitiram a identificação do possível núcleo central, das periferias e dos elementos pertencentes à zona de contraste. Na sequência foi realizada uma nova análise de conteúdo validando as representações sociais identificadas anteriormente, entre elas dois elementos compondo o núcleo central: autonomia e motivação. Esses elementos demonstraram se relacionar de maneira direta com os demais identificados nas análises e e se alinham ao conceito formal de aprendizagem autorregulada. Contudo, foi possível verificar que as representações dos professores quanto à autorregulação não vinham de uma compreensão sistematizada, mas sim de impressões geradas a partir de suas atividades diárias e da condução das conversas que aconteceram nos encontros dos grupos focais, o que revela a importância da apresentação e desenvolvimento deste constructo na formação inicial do professor.
Artículo de Revisión FORTALECIMIENTO DE COMPETENCIAS INVESTIGATIVAS: UNA REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA DE ESTRATEGIAS UTILIZADAS EN LA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR
Authors: Yucra-Camposano Jennifer Fiorella
Published: July 2023

La adquisición de competencias investigativas a nivel de educación superior permite el desarrollo académico y social, ya que es la universidad la encargada de formar capital humano. Al respecto, se realizó una revisión sistemática para identificar investigaciones vinculadas a la implementación de estrategias para el desarrollo y fortalecimiento de competencias investigativas en educación superior, desde el año 2009 al 2019. Teniendo en cuenta el protocolo PRISMA se hizo la búsqueda en ERIC y ScienceDirect. Los criterios de inclusión para la búsqueda fueron: artículos originales en inglés, portugués y español, con fecha de publicación hasta diciembre de 2019, universitarios de pregrado/posgrado como participantes y la descripción de estrategias para el desarrollo y/o fortalecimiento de competencias en investigación. Se seleccionaron 11 estudios; en los que se aplicaron estrategias a nivel de pregrado, entre ellas: la mentoría en investigación, unidades, cursos y clases de laboratorio de investigación aplicadas al plan de estudio, la tutoría y el aprendizaje colaborativo para el desarrollo de un proyecto de investigación interdisciplinario. Se concluyó que, las estrategias empleadas son un referente para la implementación de nuevos métodos que desarrollen y fortalezcan las competencias profesionales requeridas en las diferentes carreras dadas en el ámbito universitario.
Characterization of Sputter-Coated Polyethylene Naphthalate-Foil as Novel Flexible Surface DBD Plasma Source
Authors: Moritz Sandra , Bergert Roman , Becker Martin , Thoma Markus H.
Published: July 2023

Plasma medicine demands for very specific plasma source configurations. Beside gasflow-driven jet arrays, dielectrical barrier discharges (DBDs) are commonly used to generate ambient air plasma at room temperature for decontamination. There, electrode and dielectric material limit its use in application. Especially, the decontamination of difficult, uneven, or edged surface geometries with DBDs can be rather challenging. Therefore, flexible polyethylene naphthalate-foil with a thickness of 250 μm, which was covered with electrode material by ion-beam sputtering, is characterized regarding its electrical and bactericidal performance for different power and electrode thickness configurations. Operating temperature, ozone production capability, and plasma parameters (electron temperature and density as well as vibrational temperature of N2) were used as characterization parameters. As electrode material, palladium sputtered with a thickness of 110 nm showed the best results of the tested materials. With operation parameters of 3 kHz and 5.5-6.0 kVpp for ozone and 5 kHz and 8.5 kVpp for nitrogen mode log reductions of up to 6.7 (nitrogen mode) and 5.3 (ozone mode), respectively, and D values of 1 min were accomplished for Escherichia coli.
Digital image colour analysis to evaluate the moisture sensitivity of hot-mix asphalt mixes
Authors: Joshi Prachi , Mallick Rajib B
Published: July 2023

Moisture in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) can cause serious damage such as cracks and ruts if left untreated. This is due to the separation of binder and aggregates caused by moisture-induced stripping. Existing approaches for assessing moisture damage in asphalt are time consuming, destructive and expensive to implement. In contrast, digital image analysis provides a simple, inexpensive and non-destructive method for identifying moisture-sensitive mixes. Colour, as an essential characteristic of an image, effectively conveys information about its content. This study seeks to explore the potential of analysing digital image colour in the L*a*b* colour space to assess the moisture sensitivity of HMA after moisture-induced stress tester conditioning. Laboratory-compacted specimens of loose asphalt mixtures from the field were studied by image processing followed by statistical tests of significance. It is found that two parameters – namely, the ‘average colour value for the L* channel’ and the ‘standard deviation value for the b* channel’ – can be used to distinguish between moisture-sensitive and non-sensitive mixes. The findings of this study suggest that future research may find colour to be a helpful criterion for characterising asphalt materials using digital image processing.
A STEP FORWARD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ABLEISM: Damons v City of Cape Town [2022] ZACC 13
Authors: Mabaso Fanele
Published: July 2023

In Damons v City of Cape Town ([2022] ZACC 13) (CC judgment), the Constitutional Court (CC) had to deal with the issue of a person living with a disability who was injured in training. The minority judgment by Pillay AJ takes a socio-legal approach to the issue as it dives deep into how Mr Damons was injured and the responsibility of the employer to ensure that Mr Damons was reasonably accommodated. On the other hand, the decision of the majority by Majiedt J takes a formal legal approach in that it critiques the minority judgment from the perspective of the pleadings. This case note engages in a deep discussion of the matter, spanning the arbitration, Labour Court (LC), Labour Appeal Court (LAC) and both of the judgments of the CC. This case note engages in a discussion of the two judgments of the CC.
THE CONFLICT BETWEEN CERTAIN CAPITAL ALLOWANCES IN THE INCOME TAX ACT AND THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES POLICY OBJECTIVES
Authors: Waldette Anne Engelbrecht  , Cecileen Greef  , David Joubert  , Shaun Parsons  , Cara Thiart
Published: July 2023

Through various incentives, special economic zones (SEZs) aim to promote industrial capacity development, create jobs and stimulate the South African economy. However, in practice, misalignment of tax legislation requirements with current practices may undermine the success of the SEZ programme. If property developers are unable to claim capital allowances for expenditure incurred on property developments within an SEZ, this acts as a disincentive to investment, which conflicts with the overarching rationale for the SEZ initiative. This study seeks to determine the extent to which current practices prevent property developers from claiming capital allowances for developments in SEZs, and to propose appropriate remedies. The study presents a doctrinal analysis of the requirements of the SEZ Act and relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act in the context of current practices in SEZ development. The analysis demonstrates that, where the ownership of land designated for SEZ development is retained by government, property developer lessees may be unable to claim capital allowances in respect of expenditure incurred on property developments. This study therefore motivates for the removal of the ownership requirement from building allowance provisions of the Income Tax Act. This would align tax legislation with current practice and the policy objectives of the SEZ programme, as well as address the current inconsistency in the requirements of building allowances.
KAPP-Sen TMC: Whole Pancreas Preparation v1
Authors: Aguayo-Mazzucato Cristina
Published: July 2023

Whole pancreas and tissue blocks preparation
Human ovarian tissue fixation v1
Authors: not provided hannah.anvari
Published: July 2023

Purpose: This protocol is intended for use in fixing human ovarian tissue in a research setting. This protocol supplements the steps detailed in the collection, processing, and long-term storage of human ovarian tissue as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples in protocol: dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.e6nvwdk29lmk/v1.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on tuberculosis management in India: A Brief Overview
Authors: Rajput Sheetal , Gupta Saurabh , Chaturvedi Tanvi
Published: July 2023

Chronicles suggests that emerging and re-emerging viral infections disrupting the normal lifestyle of humankind, whether in the form of HIV, Ebola, Influenza, Nepah, or the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Such viral infections disrupt the healthcare system along with the prevention and control of epidemics and pandemics, resulting in an increased burden of such diseases in the post-pandemic period. Tuberculosis (TB) routine services are interfered with by severe lockdowns due to the new COVID-19 virus. This article tried to measure the long-term epidemiological effects of such interruptions on TB prevalence in high-burden countries. The participating facilities performed a comprehensive review based on modifications to the care of TB patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrospectively, clinical factors and household contact information were collected from a literature survey. Researchers looked at numerous strategies over the following five years to see whether they might lessen the effects on TB incidence and death. Present comprehensive literature was collected and analyzed using suitable keywords such as "COVID-19," "Pandemics," "Tuberculosis," and "India" during the current COVID-19 pandemic to investigate the influence of COVID-19 on tuberculosis management. The present article looks at the effects of the breaks in the delivery of TB care in hospital and primary care settings. Lockdown, social isolation, measures to prevent viral transmission, and public health guidelines impacted tuberculosis care. The present study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected numerous TB prevention, monitoring, and treatment programs. Still, these adverse effects are diminished by the prompt restoration of TB services and the application of particular therapies as soon as restrictions are lifted.
Agro-morphological characterization of selected varieties of vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in Burkina Faso
Authors: BARRO Antoine , BATIENO Benoit Joseph , NANAMA Joseph , COULIBALY ZinmanKé , Sawadogo Mahamadou
Published: July 2023

Vegetable Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the neglected legumes in Burkina Faso, and as a result, its genetic diversity remains poorly known. The main aim of this study was to know its genetic variability through an agro-morphological characterization. Twenty vegetable cowpea varieties were evaluated at the Kamboinsé Environmental, Agricultural and Training Research Center following a three-replication Fischer block design under rainfed conditions. Fifteen quantitative and nine qualitative variables were collected and subjected to various statistical analyses. Analysis of variance was significant for the variables 50% flowering, vegetable cowpea date, number of pods obtained per plant, number of seeds per pod, fresh pod weight, fresh pod yield, pod length, plant height, seed length and chlorophyll content. Strong correlations were also reported between the various variables. The observed diversity is structured in three morphological groups viz., Group 1 consists of individuals with early flowering, high chlorophyll content and the number of pods obtained per plant. Group 2 brings together the varieties of average agronomic performance for pod length, the number of pods per plant, number of days at 95% maturity, fresh pod weight, yield of fresh pods and group 3 of varieties with long pods, early green date, high pod weight and good fresh pod yield. Among the tested varieties, the varieties IT83S-872 (30 pods), IT84S-2246 (27 pods), Baguette (25 pods), IT83S-818 (26 pods), and IT85F-2682 (24 pods) stood out for their high pod production. In addition, the varieties of vegetable cowpea baguette, baguette grimpant, Telma, and IT83S-911 showed the best performance in terms of early vegetable cowpea date stage, longest pods, highest pod weight and best yield of fresh pods. The high genetic variability level within the tested varieties could be exploited in future green cowpea breeding programmes.
Ovarian Gene Transcriptional Responses To Antidepressant Drugs (Imipramine And Fluoxetine) In Female Wistar Rats
Authors: K.O. Oyedeji , D. Uwadiale
Published: July 2023

This study was designed to investigate ovarian gene transcriptional responses to selected antidepressant drugs (imipramine and fluoxetine) in female rats. Fifteen female rats (120 – 140 g) were used for this study. Imipramine (0.71 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (0.57 mg/kg) were given orally for 50 days. The method of RT-PCR was employed to investigate the expressions of FSH-R, p53 and Bcl-2 genes. Graphics were generated as mean +/- SEM using GraphPad Prism version 8.0. Results of the study revealed that the FSH-R, p53 and Bcl-2 expressions were significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated in the imipramine-treated rats relative to their controls. Conclusively, it can be suggested that imipramine induced follicular growth and apoptosis in female Wistar rats.
Regulation of polarization of lung macrophages by Nur77/Nr4a1
Authors: Karikalan Barani , Chakravarthi Srikumar , Jun Li
Published: July 2023

Nur77, also known as NR4A1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1), is a transcription factor belonging to the NR4A subfamily of nuclear receptors. Emerging evidence suggests its involvement in modulating macrophage polarization states.

Macrophages are versatile immune cells that can adopt distinct functional states depending on the signals they receive from their microenvironment. Two main polarization states are commonly recognized: the classically activated (M1) phenotype, associated with pro-inflammatory responses, and the alternatively activated (M2) phenotype, linked to tissue repair and immunoregulation. The balance between M1 and M2 polarization is critical for maintaining immune homeostasis in the lung.

Several studies have indicated that Nur77/NR4A1 may influence macrophage polarization towards the M1 phenotype. Also, other studies have also indicated a potential role for Nur77 in regulating M2 polarization of macrophages. Research findings suggest a dual role for Nur77 in modulating macrophage polarization, potentially promoting both M1 and M2 phenotypes depending on the context and specific signaling cues.

It's important to note that the exact mechanisms underlying Nur77's regulation of macrophage polarization in the lung are still being elucidated. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between Nur77, other transcription factors, and the signaling pathways involved in lung macrophage polarization. Nonetheless, the current evidence suggests that Nur77/NR4A1 is a key player in orchestrating the immune responses of lung macrophages and may have a role in regulating their polarization towards both M1 and M2 phenotypes.
Benign phyllodes tumor with osseous metaplasia: A rare case report
Authors: Bhavya Gajjela , K Sajitha , Mathias Michelle
Published: July 2023

Phyllodes tumors are rare fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast, classified as benign, borderline, or malignant based on histological features. Osseous metaplasia, characterized by the presence of bone formation within the tumor, is an uncommon finding. This case report highlights the rarity of osseous metaplasia in a benign phyllodes tumor.

A 23-year-old female presented with a gradually enlarging lump in the left breast. Mammography and cytological diagnosis were suggestive of giant fibroadenoma. Surgical excision was done and a histopathological diagnosis of benign phyllodes tumor with osseous metaplasia was made.

The occurrence of osseous metaplasia in a benign phyllodes tumor is exceptionally rare. Differentiating this phenomenon is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of osseous metaplasia in phyllodes tumors.
Drug-facilitated sexual assaults: An impediment to the progression of Indian society
Authors: Sajeev Divya
Published: July 2023

Globally, the number of crimes aided by drugs is rising. Both industrialized and developing nations are seeing an increase in the use of date rape medications. Any drug that can be used to facilitate the commission of a sexual assault is referred to as a date rape drug. Alcohol and other drugs, including gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, ketamine, and benzodiazepines, are frequently used in both sexual and nonsexual acts of violence. The most common types of date rape drugs include Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine. These drugs can cause dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and memory loss, making it easier for perpetrators to commit a sexual assault without the victim's knowledge or consent. Before committing the crime, the offender gives the booze or mixes the narcotics with meals or other beverages. DFSA (Drug-facilitated Sexual Assault) cases in India pose several challenges, including the lack of awareness and understanding of the issue, the difficulty in detecting and proving the presence of date rape drugs, and the inadequate support and resources available to victims. However, several solutions can be implemented, such as increasing public awareness through education and campaigns, strengthening laws to address the issue of date rape drugs specifically, providing better training to law enforcement agencies, improving access to medical care for victims, and increasing support and resources for survivors of sexual assault. These measures can help address the challenges and provide justice to the victims of DFSA cases in India. Therefore, I will be reviewing and explaining the various date rape drug types that are widely used in India, their mode of action on the human body, resulting effects, and the increasing number of challenges faced by our Indian society due to the emerging number of DFSA cases.
Profile of autopsy cases at tertiary care centre during pandemic
Authors: Chaudhari Akshay M , Chandegara Paresh V , Patel Jignesh B , Kharadi Rajendra D , Govekar Ganesh P
Published: July 2023

The profile of autopsy cases are necessary for taking necessary preventive measures in future. New civil hospital is a government tertiary care center in south Gujarat where annually approximately 2500 cases are brought for postmortem examination. Forensic medicine department conducts postmortem examination of expert level cases which are directly brought by investigating officer or referred from medical officers. Manner of death is very important to determine the nature of investigation.

The present study is a retrospective study. It includes all the total 131 expert autopsy cases conducted from 1 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020. The emphasis was given on age, sex, cause of death, manner of death, mode of death, causative weapons. All these data were collected and analyzed.

In the year 2020 total 131 expert cases out of them 89 male, 41 female and 1 unknown. Among them mode of death 26.72 % asphyxia, 20.61% coma, 33.59% syncope, 9.16% pending and 9.92% undetermined, 48.09% homicidal, 14.5% suicidal, 6.11% accidental, 12.98% natural death cases, 9.92% negative autopsy, 15.26% cases the time since death was within 12 hours.

Present study evaluates the expert and referred autopsy cases conducted in a tertiary center, majority of the cases are of allegation and highly suspicious nature. So very few cases of road traffic accident and natural deaths or obvious suicidal death cases are brought to our department. So sometimes it becomes a challenging work to determine manner of the death, causative weapon and time since death.
Incidentally discovered vaginal foreign body: Forensic implication
Authors: Ngongang Gilbert Frank Olivier , El Hadj Oumar Ndoye  , Diallo Amadou Mouctar , Conde Namoudou , Konate Gabriel Raymond , Tambekou Ulrich , Stephane EYA  , Eric NSEME  , Cedric Bigot
Published: July 2023

We report the case of a vaginal foreign body accidentally discovered during the examination of a 07-year-old girl victim of a road traffic accident. The unpredicted nature of this discovery has sufficiently raised the medico-legal interest. It was a question for us to determine the circumstances of this intromission by the interrogation of the parents, the study of the mechanism of injury of the accident on the public highway.

Physical examination revealed a hymenal tear without other recent vulvar lesions and a closed diaphyseal fracture of the left femur. The treatment consisted firstly of removing the metallic foreign body similar to a spring and secondly of fixing the bone lesion under general anesthesia in the operating room. Short- and medium-term post-operative follow-up was favourable.

Faced with the discovery of a vaginal foreign body, a methodical and rigorous analysis is essential.
The Structure of r-Nominals in -nie/-cie in Polish and the Factors Conditioning Their Emergence
Authors: Bloch-Trojnar Maria
Published: July 2023

The aim of this paper is twofold: to establish the structure of deverbal nominals in -nie and -cie which lack argument structure and function as Simple Event and Result nominals, and to specify the factors conditioning their emergence. The proposed analysis is framed in Borer’s exo-skeletal model supplemented by elements of the nanosyntactic approach. The Polish data are puzzling since R-nominals in -nie/-cie show morphological evidence of the verbalising layer in the guise of a theme element alongside aspectual marking. The proposed account includes the aspectual projection of inner aspect in their structure and argues that the licensing of the internal argument is not related to the presence of verbalising morphology or of the inner aspect projection, which in the case of Polish can be multi-layered.. For an R-nominal to emerge, the structure must not contain the projection of viewpoint aspect responsible for the licensing of the full argumental complex. The presence of the VP layer accounts for the ambiguity between simple event and concrete reading. A stem-based R-nominal will arise if there is no root-based R-nominal, e.g. (s)kaleczyć   ‘hurt’ —*(s)kalecz—skaleczenie ‘wound’ vs. (po)dzielić ‘divide’—podział ‘division’. Only R-nominals in -nie and -cie will be possible where the presence of an overt verbaliser with a root merged with a nominal or adjectival functor blocks the formation of root-based nominals, e.g. łysy ‘bald’—(wy)łysieć ‘go bald’—wyłysienie ‘a bald patch’—*(wy)łys.