bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes and practices regarding contraception among male students in a Nigerian tertiary educational institution: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nmadu Awawu G. , Musa Jeremiah , Joshua Istifanus A. , Oyefabi Adegboyega M. , Usman Nafisat O. , Nwankwo Bilkisu , Dahiru Tukur
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Limited data exists on attitudes and practices of young men in tertiary institutions towards contraception. This study assesses attitudes and practices regarding contraception among male students in a tertiary educational institution in northwestern Nigeria, identifying factors influencing these attitudes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted from July to August 2021 at Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria, involved 160 male students chosen via multistage sampling. Structured questionnaires gathered information on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, attitudes, and contraceptive practices. Analysis utilized SPSS version 23.0, employing descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine significant factors influencing contraception attitudes.

Results

Findings revealed a mean respondent age of 25.4 ± 3.5 years, with most being single (71.3%) and 51.2% sexually active. While awareness of contraceptives was high (85.6%), almost half (46.7%) exhibited negative attitudes towards contraception. Common concerns included reliability, impact on sexual pleasure, and traditional gender norms. Only 35.8% had ever used contraception, primarily using withdrawal and male condoms. Significant factors influencing positive attitudes included being aged 18–24 years compared to 26–35 years (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.22–5.82).

Conclusion

Culturally sensitive interventions are vital for improving negative attitudes and low contraceptive use among male Nigerian youth.
Shock-induced radiation belt dynamics: simultaneous observations of “one-kick” acceleration and ultralow frequency modulation
Authors: Chen Xingran , Lu Xi , Zong Qiugang , Zhang Hui , Liu Ying , Zhou Xuzhi
Published: December 2024

We present conjunctive observations to study the prompt responses of radiation belt electrons during the interplanetary shock (IPS) event on 7 September 2017. As the IPS impinged the Earth, the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions (THEMIS) E spacecraft located near the dayside bow shock observed alternating features of solar wind and magnetosheath, indicating that the magnetosphere was repeatedly compressed. Following each compression, rapid increases of relativistic electron fluxes and the corresponding drift echoes were well identified over the energy and pitch-angle spectra obtained by the Van Allen Probes (RBSP) in the inner magnetosphere. Meanwhile, oscillations in the Pc4 range are embedded in the flux variations, appearing as straight stripes in the pitch-angle distributions observed by RBSP-B inside the wave active region and “boomerang” stripes in the observations obtained by RBSP-A ∼6 MLT away. Such diverse signatures suggested an azimuthally confined ultralow frequency (ULF) wave. The patterns in the observed particle spectra agreed well with the theoretical predictions, by which we conclude that the surfing acceleration by the shock-induced pulse and the continuous modulation by the localized ULF wave conspired to cause significant disturbances to the Earth’s radiation belt.
The double-edged sword effect of agricultural technological progress on agricultural carbon emissions: empirical evidence from China
Authors: Zhu Shiying , Li Yansong , Wang Siqi , Liu Jianxu , Cui Jiande , Yamaka Woraphon
Published: December 2024

Global climate change has intensified pressure on China's agricultural carbon emissions reduction. This study investigates the impact of agricultural technological progress on carbon emissions using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces (2002–2021). The research employs the DEA-Malmquist index to measure agricultural total factor productivity, the emission factor method to calculate carbon emissions, and two-tier stochastic frontier models for analysis. Results reveal that agricultural technological progress exhibits a significant double-edged effect on carbon emission intensity, with a positive effect increasing intensity by 9.01% and a negative effect reducing it by 12.18%, resulting in a net reduction of 3.17%. Different technological types show varying impacts: mechanical progress increases emission intensity, while resource-saving and biochemical technologies reduce it. Notable regional heterogeneity exists, with Southwest, South, Central, Northeast, and Northwest regions showing negative net effects, while North and East China exhibit positive effects. The findings suggest the need for differentiated regional policies and targeted agricultural emission reduction strategies to achieve China's agricultural “dual carbon” goals.
Efficacy of a pheromone-impregnated collar in controlling feline problem behaviors, and an assessment of adverse events associated with collar use
Authors: Endersby Sarah , Billy Charlotte , De Jaeger Xavier
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study is to assess a pheromone complex-impregnated collar in the control of feline problem behaviors, and to assess the ease of use and tolerance of the collar compared with a regular collar. Six hundred and twenty-four cats from 459 households with one or more of four problem behaviors (problem urination, scratching, fear, or inter-cat conflict) were recruited to a 28-day study. Households were randomly assigned so that each cat received either a pheromone-impregnated polymer collar (containing 13% FELIWAY® Optimum) or a control regular silicone collar. Caregivers completed online questionnaires at recruitment and on days 7, 14, and 28 documenting the frequency and intensity of the problem behavior in the previous 7 days, and documenting any loss, problems and tolerance of the collar (pheromone-impregnated or control). Complete data was available for 491 cats for assessment of efficacy. Compared with the control collar, the pheromone collar produced significantly better improvement in problem urination (P = 0.0172), scratching (P = 0.0013), and inter-cat conflict (P = 0.0029). There was also a greater, but non-significant improvement in problem fear scores (P = 0.063). Collars had been removed definitively or lost from 12.1% of cats, for various reasons, by the end of the study, and potential adverse reactions were reported in 27.2% of cats, but again, with no difference in the overall frequency reported between the two collar groups. In a controlled study, a FELIWAY® Optimum-impregnated collar was shown to be effective in helping to manage a range of problem feline behaviors. The use of the pheromone collar was not associated with a higher level of adverse reaction reporting, but caregiver removal or loss of collars may present an obstacle for effective therapy through this means.
Stability and Change in Intolerance of Uncertainty and Its Association with Interpretation Bias in Social Situations: A Longitudinal Study of Italian Adolescents
Authors: Lauriola Marco , Malerba Anna , Marini Mara , Parisse Chiara , Prislei Laura , Bottesi Gioia , Livi Stefano
Published: December 2024

Background: Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is a transdiagnostic factor measured using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-Revised (IUS-R). This study evaluated the stability and change in adolescents’ IU over a three-month period using a modified version of the scale. Methods: A two-wave study was conducted, with 290 adolescents responding to an online survey at baseline and 199 at follow-up. The original IUS-R was modified to probe the rating of the current perceived state of IU, rather than typical experience. The link between IU variability and the development of interpretation bias in ambiguous social situations at follow-up was explored. Structural Equation Modeling and Linear Mixed Model analyses were performed to assess the longitudinal measurement invariance and responsiveness of the Modified IUS-R scale. Results: The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties and full measurement invariance. Individual participants showed significant variability in baseline IU levels but not in the degree of change. A reliable change in scores was observed in 8% of adolescents. The Modified IUS-R predicted interpretation bias in social situations at follow-up. Conclusions: Significant inter-individual-level variation in IU suggests this tool may be useful for detecting changes in IU and predicting significant health outcomes. Future studies should further address the assessment of changing IU with longer timeframes.
Distributed Localization of Non-Cooperative Targets in Non-Coplanar Rendezvous Processes
Authors: Zhen Zihan , Yu Feng
Published: December 2024

Precise positioning of non-cooperative targets is important for maintaining spacecraft operational environments in orbit. In order to address the challenges of non-cooperative target localization during non-coplanar rendezvous, this study develops a distributed cooperative localization scheme. First, a three-line-of-sight positioning method for long-range targets in non-coplanar orbits is proposed. Second, a distributed extended Kalman filter based on a consensus algorithm is designed, which reduces observation dimensions and increases system robustness. Subsequently, the rendezvous configuration optimization problem for long-range non-coplanar targets is transformed into a numerical optimization problem. Finally, an improved NSGA-III algorithm is proposed by introducing normal distribution crossover (NDX) and a cosine-like mutation distribution index to optimize the rendezvous configuration. A simulation shows that the methods proposed are effective, and the improved NSGA-III is superior to traditional algorithms in terms of search range and convergence speed. After configuration optimization, the performance of the system has been greatly improved, with better positioning accuracy and stronger robustness.
Optimal Guidance Law for Critical Safe Miss Distance Evasion
Authors: Wang Chengze , Yan Jiamin , Lyu Rui , Liang Zhuo , Chen Yang
Published: December 2024

In pursuit–evasion scenarios, the pursuer typically possesses a lethal zone. If the evader effectively utilizes perceptual information, they can narrowly escape the lethal zone while minimizing energy consumption, thereby avoiding excessive and unnecessary maneuvers. Based on optimal control theory, we propose a guidance law for achieving critical safe miss distance evasion under bounded control. First, we establish the zero-effort miss (ZEM) state equation for the evader, while approximating disturbances from the pursuer. Next, we formulate an optimal control problem with energy consumption as the objective function and the ZEM at the terminal time as the terminal constraint. Subsequently, we design an iterative algorithm that combines the homotopy method and Newton’s iteration to solve the optimal control problem, applying Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. The simulation results indicate that the designed iterative method converges effectively; through online updates, the proposed guidance law can successfully achieve critical safe miss distance evasion. Compared to programmatic maneuvering and norm differential game guidance law, this approach not only stabilizes the evader’s evasion capabilities but also significantly reduces energy consumption.
Bioactive Compounds Isolated from a Marine Sponge Selectively Inhibit Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Christian Omar E. , Perry Dreyona A. , Telchy Alaa I. , Walton Preston N. , Williams Daniel
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the third most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), which may become untreatable soon if resistance continues to drastically increase. Due to increases in resistance to recommended antibiotics, alternative sources of novel compounds to combat this threat are being explored. Interestingly, marine sponges have proven to produce a plethora of bioactive compounds that display anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial activity. Methods: In this study, the extracts of the sponge collected from Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands were examined to determine their antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and N. gonorrhoeae. Results: The ethyl acetate sponge extracts significantly inhibited growth of N. gonorrhoeae, while none inhibited S. aureus and E. coli. The bioassay-guided purification of the ethyl acetate extract resulted in the isolation of 6-desmethyl-6-ethylspongosoritin A (1) and plakortone B (2). To determine if the pure sponge metabolite could improve the efficacy of ceftriaxone against a high-level ceftriaxone (HTX)-resistant gonococcal strain, an antibiotic checkerboard assay was done by combining various concentrations of either precursor fractions or the purified compound 2 with ceftriaxone. Plakortone B (2) and ceftriaxone acted in synergy against gonococcal strains and inhibited growth by increasing membrane permeability when exposed for 4 h and 24 h. Conclusions: This suggests that marine sponges may serve as a source for novel bioactive compounds against antibiotic-resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae, as well as improve the efficacy of currently prescribed antibiotics.
Research Progress of Liquid Biopsy Based on DNA Methylation in Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Bao Yunxia , Wang Xianzhao , Zeng Bingjie , Shi Yichun , Huang Yiman , Huang Yiwen , Shang Shuang , Shan Liang , Ma Lifang
Published: December 2024

Liquid biopsy has been gradually applied to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors because of its non-invasive and real-time reflection of the tumor status, as well as the convenience of sample collection, which allows the detection of primary or metastatic malignant tumors and reflects the heterogeneity of the tumors. DNA methylation, which is a type of epigenetic modification, is essential in the progression of tumors. This review introduces the common DNA methylation analysis methods and discusses their advantages and disadvantages, focusing on the new progress of DNA methylation-based liquid biopsy in tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Towards Effective Treatment of Glioblastoma: The Role of Combination Therapies and the Potential of Phytotherapy and Micotherapy
Authors: Gaiaschi Ludovica , Bottone Maria Grazia , De Luca Fabrizio
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumors, with a poor prognosis due to its high resistance to conventional therapies. Current treatment options, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have limited effectiveness in improving long-term survival. Despite the emergence of new therapies, monotherapy approaches have not shown significant improvements, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Combination therapies appear to be the most promising solution, as they target multiple molecular pathways involved in GBM progression. One area of growing interest is the incorporation of phytotherapy and micotherapy as complementary treatments, which offer potential benefits due to their anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. This review examines the current challenges in GBM treatment, discusses the potential of combination therapies, and highlights the promising role of phytotherapy and micotherapy as integrative therapeutic options for GBM management.
Postmortem Examination of a Griffon Vulture Most Likely Killed by Lightning
Authors: Petrov Rusko , Asenov Svetoslav , Ivanov Ivelin
Published: December 2024

There are numerous reports of animals being struck by lightning, but the number of science-oriented studies in which a necropsy is performed, and the findings are documented, is relatively few and mostly focused on mammals. In contrast, analogous information about birds is scarce. The purpose of this article is to present the findings after a postmortem examination of an 85–90-day-old Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) that was most likely killed by lightning while in the nest in Sinite Kamani Nature Park in Bulgaria in 2021. The body was visibly burned, with keraunographic markings, lacked feathers and had fractured bones—typical findings in lightning strike injuries.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Motion-Induced Fluid Force for a High-Speed Valve
Authors: Yang Qingjun , Liu Yudong , Tong Yuanyuan , Wang Xuan
Published: December 2024

A high-speed valve (HSV) is used to control the friction plate accurately and flexibly in the shifting stages of an automatic transmission. In the past, the transient modeling and dynamic improvement of HSVs neglected fluid–solid coupling and motion-induced fluid force (MIFF), which made it difficult to improve the response performance and kinetic energy efficiency of HSVs. In order to fully represent the MIFF and internal flow field features, a novel general approximate model for HSVs with a more accurate fidelity unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is built in this paper. In addition, the experimental data of HSVs when the sphere is moving in oil-free or oil-immersed media are collected to verify the proposed model. In order to validate the model, the mechanism law of buffer groove towards the MIFF is tracked at length. The motion-induced added mass with buffer groove is reduced by 43.9%. The experimental results show that under the working pressure of 1 MPa (rated pressure), the opening time is shortened to 0.90 ms, which is 11.8% shorter than the original structure. The closing time is shortened from 1.5 ms to 1.34 ms, which represents a decrease of 10.7%. The buffer groove improves the kinetic energy efficiency from 41.91% to 46.70% in the start-up phase and from 41.98% to 56.75% in the close-up phase. This study provides a new perspective for improving the dynamic performance and energy efficiency of the system in terms of the MIFF.
Experimental Investigation of Enhanced Oil Recovery Mechanism of CO2 Huff and Puff in Saturated Heavy Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Shi Xiaorong , Wang Qian , Zhao Ke , Wu Yongbin , Dong Hong , Zhang Jipeng , Yao Ye
Published: December 2024

Due to the significance of carbon utilization and storage, CO2 huff and puff is increasingly receiving attention. However, the mechanisms and effects of CO2 huff and puff extraction in medium to deep saturated heavy oil reservoirs remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, by targeting the medium to deep saturated heavy oil reservoirs in the block Xia of the Xinjiang oil field, measurements of physical properties were conducted through PVT analysis and viscosity measurement to explore the dissolution and diffusion characteristics of CO2-degassed and CO2-saturated oil systems. Multiple sets of physical simulation of CO2 huff and puff in medium to deep saturated heavy oil reservoirs were conducted using a one-dimensional core holder to evaluate the EOR mechanism of CO2 huff and puff. The results demonstrate that the solubility of CO2 in degassed crude oil is linearly correlated with pressure. Higher pressure effectively increases the solubility of CO2, reaching 49.1 m3/m3 at a saturation pressure of 10.0 MPa, thus facilitating oil expansion and viscosity reduction. Meanwhile, crude oil saturated with CH4 still retains the capacity to further dissolve additional CO2, reaching 24.5 m3/m3 of incremental CO2 solubilization at 10.0 MPa, and the hybrid effect of CO2 and CH4 reduces oil viscosity to 1161 mPa·s, which is slightly lower than the pure CO2 dissolution case. Temperature increases suppress solubility but promote molecular diffusion, allowing CH4 and CO2 to maintain a certain solubility at high temperatures. In terms of dynamic dissolution and diffusion, the initial CO2 dissolution rate is high, reaching 0.009 m3/(m3·min), the mid-term dissolution rate stabilizes at approximately 0.002 m3/(m3·min), and the dissolution capability significantly decreases later on. CO2 exhibits high molecular diffusion capability in gas-saturated crude oil, with a diffusion coefficient of 8.62 × 10−7 m2/s. For CO2 huff and puff, oil production is positively correlated with the CO2 injection rate and the cycle injection volume; it initially increases with the extension of the soak time but eventually decreases. Therefore, the optimal injection speed, injection volume, and soak time should be determined in conjunction with reservoir characteristics. During the huff and puff process, the bottom hole pressure should be higher than the bubble point pressure of the crude oil to prevent gas escape. Moreover, as the huff and puff cycles increase, the content of saturates in the oil rises, while those of aromatic, resin, and asphaltene decrease, leading to a gradual deterioration of the huff and puff effect. This study provides a comprehensive reference method and conclusions for studying the fluid property changes and enhanced recovery mechanisms in medium to deep heavy oil reservoirs with CO2 huff and puff.
Study on Mechanical Properties and Carbon Emission Analysis of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Brick Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Li Fei , Jin Shenghao , Cheng Peifeng , Wang Zehui , Yang Zehao
Published: December 2024

Given the current construction waste accumulation problem, to utilize the resource of red brick solid waste, construction waste red brick was used as a concrete coarse aggregate combined with polypropylene fiber to prepare PPF (polypropylene fiber)-reinforced recycled brick aggregate concrete. Through a cube compression test, axial compression test, and four-point bending test of 15 groups of specimens, the influences of the aggregate replacement rate of recycled brick and the PPF volume on the mechanical properties of recycled brick aggregate concrete reinforced by PPF were studied, and a strength parameter calculation formula was constructed and modified based on the above. Finally, combined with a life cycle assessment (LCA), the carbon emissions of raw materials were analyzed and evaluated. It was found that the mechanical properties of recycled concrete enhanced by PPF are critical at an addition rate of 50% and then decrease slowly with an increase in the aggregate content. PPF effectively alleviates the problem of strength reductions caused by regenerated aggregate substitution through the fiber-bridging effect. Based on the experimental data, a mechanical transformation model considering fiber reinforcement and BA weakening was constructed, and the regression accuracy R2 was around 0.90. The environmental benefit obtained when only replacing the natural aggregate is low. Although the incorporation of fiber improves the carbon emissions of the material to a certain extent, the benefits are more noticeable compared with the increase in strength. The results show that garbage recovery and strength demand benefits are achieved when the amount of recycled brick aggregate is 50% of the total. The strength conversion model established in this paper has of high accuracy and was created with careful consideration of fiber reinforcement and the regenerated aggregate weakening correction, providing it with more robust adaptability and extensibility. The mechanical properties of the recycled brick aggregate concrete enhanced by PPF are excellent and sustainable when the replacement rate of BA is 50% and the PPF volume is 0.1%.
The Network Construction of a New Byproduct-Free XLPE-Based Insulation Using a Click Chemistry-Type Reaction and a Theoretical Study of the Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Du Yang , Zhang Hui , Han Wei , Du Xia , Shang Yan , Yang Hongda , Wang Xuan , Chen Qingguo , Li Zesheng
Published: December 2024

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is applied in most advanced high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) power cable insulations, which are produced via dicumyl peroxide (DCP) technology. The electrical conductivity of insulation material can be increased by cross-linking byproducts from the DCP process. Hence, currently much attention is being paid to a new process to produce cross-linking byproduct-free XLPE. The cross-linking in situ between ethylene–glycidyl methacrylate copolymer and 1,5-disubtituted pentane via reactive compounding is a substitute for DCP. The reaction potential energy information of the eighteen reaction channels was obtained at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. Results demonstrated that epoxy groups and 1,5-disubtituted reactive groups can react in situ to realize the XLPE-based network structure via covalent linking, and epoxy ring openings yielded ester. 1,5-disubtituted pentane played a cross-linker role. The reactivity of the carboxyl group was stronger than that of the sulfydryl or hydroxyl group. The reaction channel RTS1 was more kinetically favorable due to the lower reaction Gibbs energy barrier height of 1.95 eV. The cross-linking network construction of the new XLPE insulation without byproducts opens up the possibility of DCP substitution, which is beneficial to furthering the design of thermoplastic insulation materials for power cables in the future.
Atomistic Simulations of Mechanical Properties of Lignin
Authors: Zhang Siteng , Bension Yishayah , Shimizu Michael , Ge Ting
Published: December 2024

The mechanical properties of lignin, an aromatic heteropolymer constituting 20–30% plant biomass, are important to the fabrication and processing of lignin-based sustainable polymeric materials. In this study, atomistic simulations are performed to provide microscopic insights into the mechanics of lignin. Representative samples of miscanthus, spruce, and birch lignin are studied. At room temperature below the glass transition temperature, the stress–strain curves for uniaxial compression and tensile loading are calculated and analyzed. The results show that lignin possesses rigidity with a Young’s modulus in the order of GPa and exhibits strain hardening under strong compression. Meanwhile, lignin is brittle and fails through the microscopic mechanism of cavitation and chain pullout under local tensile loading. In addition to the three common lignin samples, minimalist model systems of monodisperse linear chains consisting of only guaiacyl units and β-O-4 linkages are simulated. Systematic variation of the model lignin chain length allows a focused examination of the molecular weight effects. The results show that the molecular weight does not affect the Young’s modulus much, but higher molecular weight results in stronger strain hardening under compression. In the range of molecular weight studied, the lignin chains are not long enough to arrest the catastrophic chain pullout, explaining the brittleness of real lignin samples. This work demonstrates that the recently modified CHARMM force fields and the accompanying structural information of real lignin samples properly capture the mechanics of lignin, offering an in silico microscope to explore the atomistic details necessary for the valorizaiton of lignin.
Determination of the Diversion Period of Hydrocarbon Migration from Faults to Sand Bodies: A Case Study of the Nandagang Fault in the Southern Qikou Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Chen Gang , Yu Yinghua , Yuan Hongqi , Zhang Yaxiong , Zhang Yunfeng , Cao Enming
Published: December 2024

In order to accurately portray the oil and gas enrichment patterns near oil source faults in the “lower generation and upper storage” in petroliferous basins, we put forward a methodology for ascertaining the diversion period of hydrocarbon migration from fault to sand body, with the Nandagang Fault in the southern Qikou Sag in the Bohai Bay Basin serving as a case in point. The initial step was to couple the period of active faults with hydrocarbon supply to the accumulations inside and outside of the underlying source rock, with the objective of determining the hydrocarbon transport period of faults. Subsequently, the sand body’s oil and gas transport period was determined based on the time taken to form a seal in the overlying regional mudstone cap rock. Finally, the coupling period between the two was employed to ascertain the diversion period. The results indicate that the hydrocarbon transport period of the Nandagang Fault extends from the early to the late stages of the Neogene Minghuazhen Formation’s (Nm) deposition. The sand body’s oil and gas transport period spans from the end of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation’s (Es) deposition to the present day. The hydrocarbon diversion migration from the Nandagang Fault to the sand body occurred from the early to the end of the deposition period of the Nm Formation. This relatively long diversion period is conducive to hydrocarbon transport, which coincides with the magnitude and extent of actual hydrocarbon enrichment. This study contributes to effectively guiding oil and gas exploration in the vicinity of faults.
How Does the Resource Curse Influence Economic Performance? Exploring the Role of Natural Resource Rents and Renewable Energy Consumption in South Asia
Authors: Zhang Junyan , Muhammad Tufail , Dai Wensheng , Khan Qasim Raza , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: December 2024

To promote sustainable development and global prosperity, policymakers collaborate on strategically harnessing natural resources and promoting renewable energy consumption to stimulate economic growth. This study examines the resource curse hypothesis across eight South Asian countries, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, from 1996 to 2022 using the ARDL model, multicollinearity analysis, unit root testing, and cointegration techniques. The findings reveal diverse effects in both the short and long runs. Natural resource rents have varying impacts on economic performance, experiencing negligible or even negative effects in the short term. In contrast, others show positive long-term relationships between natural resource exploitation and economic growth. The analysis of key economic factors, such as human capital, capital investment, energy consumption, and trade openness, shows that each influences economic performance in specific and measurable ways. This study highlights the significant role that natural resources play in shaping economic outcomes, which tends to negatively affect investment in many instances, underscoring the need for efficient resource management to avoid potential economic stagnation. This result may stem from the high upfront costs of renewable energy infrastructure, which outweigh short-term benefits, and the lack of supportive policies for renewable energy projects. This research confirms the presence of the resource curse in South Asian countries, stressing the need for efficient resource management strategies to prevent economic instability and mismanagement. Governments must implement policies that promote trade diversity and openness while fostering sustainable growth through improved resource governance.
Local Iterative Calculation Method and Fault Analysis of Short-Circuit Current in High-Voltage Grid with Large-Scale New Energy Equipment Integration
Authors: Liu Zhongping , Su Baisong , Ji Qingjing , Hu Yan
Published: December 2024

This paper delves into the critical issues of relay protection setting calculation in high-voltage power grids with large-scale integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. By analyzing the topological structure of renewable energy systems, models of permanent magnet direct-drive wind turbines and photovoltaic power sources are established, with a particular focus on the short-circuit current characteristics of these renewable energy sources. Subsequently, a fault iterative method for short-circuit current calculation is proposed. This method effectively improves the accuracy of short-circuit current calculation by iteratively analyzing the fault region and considering the voltage-controlled current source characteristics of renewable energy sources. The paper also conducts in-depth research on various aspects of relay protection settings after the integration of renewable energy devices, including main transformer neutral grounding strategies, tie-line protection and reclosing principles, islanding prevention, and boundary backup protection management. By applying this method to a practical engineering case in G Province, China, the short-circuit current is calculated, and partial setting values are determined, demonstrating the ability of this method to enhance system safety and stability. This research provides valuable insights for operators of modern power systems.
Fair Tourism in South Korea: An Examination of Sustainable Supply Chain Management for Tourism
Authors: Chung Seungah , Day Jonathon
Published: December 2024

Fair Tourism (FT) is an emerging form of tourism in Korea. It serves as a response to the unethical and unsustainable practices of Korean tour operators by incorporating various sustainable tourism practices. Sustainable supply chain management is a vital element in the operationalization of FT, and yet, despite the increasing significance of FT, there is a dearth of research on the phenomenon. This research aims to bridge this gap by examining how practitioners define and implement FT. The current analysis is based on semi-structured interviews with 15 CEOs of FT companies. Through thematic analysis of the interviews, valuable insights into the establishment and execution of FT are uncovered. Tourism operations like FT promote positive outcomes in destination communities. The study defines FT as tourism where travelers contribute to the local economy while also promoting environmental and social sustainability. The study also examines the sustainable supply chain management operations of FT practitioners, using the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model as a framework. It is evident that FT practitioners recognize the significance of sustainable supply chain management and strive to foster a culture of mutually respectful relationships, setting them apart from traditional sustainable tourism practices. Furthermore, this article highlights how FT practitioners incorporate sustainable tourism and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in their programs. They achieve this by collaborating with local partners, utilizing local resources, and actively engaging with their partners within the destinations in which they operate.
Válogatás az 1956-os forradalom osztrák és német szépirodalmából
Authors: Győző Horváth , Gergő Korsós , Lea Irina Ruscsák , Boglárka Santák , Emese Szendi , Anna Ütő
Published: December 2024

A válogatásban szereplő fordítások az 1956-os forradalom és emigráció emlékezetével foglalkozó kutatószeminárium keretében készültek.
A kínai nagy fal
Authors: Kraus Karl
Published: December 2024

Az alábbiakban újabb négy szöveg olvasható az osztrák szerzőtől, amelyek első alkalommal jelennek meg magyarul Purkarthofer Benedek fordításában. Akárcsak a folyóirat előző, 2023-as számában közölt tárcák, ezek is a Kraus által összeállított Die chinesische Mauer című kötetből származnak, tárgyukat tekintve pedig kultúrkritikainak nevezhetők. Érdekességüket nem a bennük kigúnyolt események és emberek adják, hiszen ezek jelentős része mára elvesztette aktualitását, hanem az, hogy rávilágítanak arra a hihetetlen kitartásra, amivel Kraus ostorozott mindent, amiben képmutatást, haszonlesést vagy fennhéjázást szimatolt.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: CHALLENGES IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALISATION
Authors: ALIEKSIEIEVA S.
Published: December 2024

The article deals with the problem of research methodology and academic integrity in the context of digitalisation. It is proved that the methodology determines the ways of acquiring scientific knowledge, ensures the comprehensiveness of information, clarification, enrichment, systematisation of terms and concepts, and creates a system of scientific information. An increase in the percentage of students who regularly use cheating and incorrect borrowing in the context of digitalisation has been established. The main factors that influence the manifestations of academic dishonesty among students are identified, in particular: a new learning environment (online learning); lack of systematic work on the formation of academic culture; low level of independent work skills of students in the new conditions.
It is stated that academic integrity involves adherence to high standards of intellectual honesty and moral transparency in all aspects of academic activity, such as teaching, research, publications, etc. The author specifies the main aspects of academic integrity, including: truthfulness and intellectual honesty; avoidance of plagiarism; copyright compliance; independence and objectivity; ethical copyright assignment.
The experience of foreign countries (Poland, France, Sweden) in implementing academic integrity is outlined in terms of defining their features and successful practices. The author characterises the idea of changing the attitude to academic integrity, which makes it possible to avoid academic violations in the future.
STUDYING IMAGES-SYMBOLS AT UKRAINIAN LITERATURE LESSONS
Authors: BONDARENKO A. , BONDARENKO Y.
Published: December 2024

Admitting that literature is an art of the word, we should acknowledge that students’ work at the level of language organization of the text, which includes images-symbols, is of great importance. The paper’s author reveals his own methodological and literature studies propositions concerning an important didactical problem, i.e. the complex study of images-symbols on the basis of chronotopical structure of literature sources, their ideas and themes, word expression of symbolical creations. The main idea of the paper is that comprehension of images-symbols, their contents and artistic value should be based on the complete systematic analysis of a piece of literature, being a part of it. Images-symbols should be treated as specific «debris» (H.-G. Gadamer) of an artistic structure of the text in which they are an organic part and therefore can be explained only as its component.
The author illustrates his statements with the help of enormous literature material, included to the school curriculum. This include works by T. Shevchenko («Caucasus»), P. Kulish («The Black Council»), I. Franko («Faded Leaves», «Jay’s Wing», «The Legend about Eternal Life»), M. Kotsiubynskyi («Intermezzo»), V. Stefanyk («The Stone Cross») etc.  It is demonstrated on the example of some of these pieces of literature that symbolic images play a unifying and generalizing role in the organization of a literary text, ensuring the expression of author’s main ideas. This is why the scientist suggests studying symbolic images at the final stage of literary work analysis, when students have mastered the entire system of meanings, which are embedded in the text, and the specificity of their figurative expression with the help of many other means used by the writer. As a result, the study of symbols becomes a kind of climax in the comprehension of a literary source by schoolchildren, becoming the quintessence of the artistic picture that students are trying to master. Therefore participants of the educational process should be given the task to comprehend author’s understanding of key worldview phenomena, i.e. the images of cosmos (nature), God, man, society and nation.
ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE COMPETENCE OF PRESCHOOLERS: PSYCHOLOGICAL PREREQUISITES AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF FORMATION
Authors: VILKHOVA O. , PASICHNICHENKO A.
Published: December 2024

The article contains a justification of the relevance of the problem of the formation of artistic and creative competence in preschoolers. Approaches to defining the concept of "artistic and creative competence" have been analyzed. The psychological prerequisites for the formation of artistic and creative competence have been determined. It is noted that preschool age is sensitive for the development of creative potential, and age-related changes in cognitive, emotional, social, and motor development create optimal conditions for the formation of artistic and creative competence. It was found that emotions play a significant role in the formation of artistic and creative competence. Children who actively express their emotions become more open to new ideas, more creative in finding solutions and are able to immerse themselves more deeply in the world of art.
It was determined that play as the leading type of preschooler's activity creates a significant role in the formation of artistic and creative competence. It is the main form of children's activity, an important tool for self-expression and imagination development.
It is emphasized that the importance of art therapy as an effective tool that parents and educators can use to support the emotional and creative development of children. Thanks to various types of art, such as music, choreography, theater, drawing, sculpting, children get the opportunity not only to express themselves, but also to develop creative abilities, increase self-esteem and relieve emotional tension. Using of various materials in artistic activities, such as paints, plasticize, paper, fabrics and others, allows preschoolers not only to improve their motor skills, but also to develop coordination of movements and spatial thinking. Parents and educators, using art therapy, create a favorable environment for the harmonious development of each child's personality.
USE OF MATERIALS FROM THE HISTORY OF GEOGRAPHICAL DISCOVERIES AND RESEARCH IN THE STUDY OF THE NATURE OF AFRICA
Authors: YERMAKOV V. , SARNAVSKY S. , POMAZ Yu.
Published: December 2024

This work analyzes and considers methodological aspects of using materials from the history of geographical discoveries and research in studying the nature of continents using the example of Africa.
The content part of the history of geographical discoveries and research in Africa from ancient times has been systematized for their study in the school course of geography of continents and oceans. The significance of these data in increasing the effectiveness of students' educational activities is shown.
The use of materials from the history of geographical discoveries and research in studying the nature of Africa includes several areas: retrospection of geographical discoveries and research of the continent with the allocation and characterization of the main stages of this process; characterization of natural zones, large natural and territorial complexes of the continent, which were visited by this or that researcher; use of the method of scientific and biographical characteristics.
Active learning of geography is associated with the use of modern pedagogical technologies and teaching aids, among which an important role belongs to the problem-based approach and the use of the latest interactive technologies. It is advisable to use such modern technical teaching aids as electronic atlases, textbooks, manuals, popular science films when studying topics related to the consideration of the nature of the continents. This makes it possible to significantly expand and improve the tools of school geographical education, which makes it possible to take into account the individual characteristics of students, activate their cognitive activity, promote the development of their creative abilities, ensure feedback with objective diagnostics and assessment of educational results.
Also, the use of materials from the history of geographical discoveries and research when studying school geography courses is possible in the form of game activities, making imaginary trips along selected routes.
The use of materials from the history of geographical discoveries and research in studying school geography courses involves the creative application of the potential arsenal of technologies, methods and means of teaching geography, which will generally contribute to increasing the effectiveness of assimilation of program material.
THE INFLUENCE OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY ON THE FORMATION OF A SENSE OF PATRIOTISM: SOCIAL-PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: KRAVCHENKO P. , DESHKO B. , FAZAN V.
Published: December 2024

The article analyzes the influence of the Orthodox faith on the process of fostering a sense of patriotism among the younger generation. It was also researched that an Orthodox Christian is called to love his Motherland, which has a territorial dimension, and his blood brothers who live all over the world. Such love is one of the ways of fulfilling God's commandment to love one's neighbors, which includes love for one's family, brothers and sisters in faith, and citizens of the country in which one lives. Orthodox patriotism must be effective. He must show himself in the defense of his Motherland from the enemy, work for the good of the state, participate in state administration. cultural life, education and training. Research methodos. The methodology has a complex nature and is based on a philosophical-anthropological and social-philosophical analysis of the impact of the Orthodox faith on the process of educating future patriots. Discussion. Today's Ukrainian society is currently at the stage of forming a new unity, identity, changing its views, and it is very important that Ukrainians form their unity on the basis of the faith of their ancestors - the Orthodox faith, which united and unites Ukrainians since the reign of Volodymyr the Great to this day, and that is why we all need to preserve this unity of the Orthodox faith, because a nation that lives in unity is a strong nation, and Orthodoxy acts as this force. Finally. Thus, we can say that the influence of the Orthodox faith has a very great influence on the process of educating the future young generation, a person who believes and loves God, loves his family, the Motherland, his people... will do everything to preserve and protect, if necessary, his faith, family, Motherland, because the Orthodox faith teaches love for God, parents, one's Fatherland. An Orthodox Christian is called to love his Motherland, which has a territorial dimension, and his blood brothers who live all over the world.
THEORETICAL BASIS OF MANAGEMENT OF STUDENTS EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN A SPECIALIZED SCHOOL
Authors: KUCHAI T. , KUCHAI O. , KORYTAN N.
Published: December 2024

The article examines the theoretical foundations of management of educational activities of students of a specialized school.
Practical school workers recognize the insufficiency of their theoretical training in management theory. The foundation in practical work is, at best, experience and intuition. At the same time, it cannot be said that scientists are not engaged in the study of issues of management theory. Undoubtedly, the school has its own specifics, peculiarities. However, any researcher (theoretician, practitioner) should remember that the dialectical essence of management theory has been proven and, therefore, it has a general, all-pervading character, and its general laws manifest themselves in any form of managerial activity, in any content of the work of the head.
The system of quality management of secondary education cannot be introduced all at once. It is formed sequentially, step by step, in accordance with the program of its formation and development. Managing the quality of education is not only achieving a certain level, but also ensuring the positive dynamics of its change.
The dynamic development of the macroenvironment of a school that provides educational services reveals the need for constant monitoring of the developing situation and making appropriate adjustments to its activities, which will allow maintaining and strengthening competitive positions. Creating a single educational space requires the use of new management methods that contribute to increasing the competitiveness and quality of services of an educational institution. Awareness of a person, his knowledge, competencies, creativity in choosing and making non-trivial decisions as achieving the highest social value is a characteristic feature of modern reality. In this regard, increasing competitiveness and quality can become a trigger mechanism that initiates a new qualitative stage in the development of educational services.