bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Human Resource Management Practices: Driving Sustainable Innovation and Performance in Manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Faizan Salma , Tanveer Nida , Haq Ahtisham UL
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the impact of green human resource management (HRM) practices on sustainable business performance in manufacturing SMEs in industrial cities in Pakistan. Employing a positive approach and quantitative research design, the study focuses on primary HRM practices such as green recruitment selection and green training and development, investigating their impact on green innovation and, subsequently, on sustainable business performance. Researchers surveyed a sample of 350 managers and identified significant relationships through data analysis using SmartPLS software and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that both Green Recruitment & Selection and Green Training and Development positively influence Green Innovation, with subsequent positive impacts on sustainable business performance. The mediation analysis confirmed the crucial role of Green Innovation in linking Green HRM practices with sustainable outcomes. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature by offering a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between these variables. The findings provide practical implications for HR professionals and organizational leaders, emphasizing the strategic importance of integrating environmentally friendly HRM practices to foster innovation and enhance overall business sustainability in the context of Manufacturing SMEs.
Morality and Academic Dishonesty among university students: Testing Extended Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Ali Mohammad Vaqas , Fazal Bakhtawar , Tariq Jawad
Published: March 2024

This study used a cross-sectional survey at a private university in Lahore (N = 222) to test an expanded version of the TPB model that included morality as a predictor of academic dishonesty along with attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control. Socio-demographic characteristics included in the study were age, gender, major subject, and CGPA. Researchers analyzed the data using SPSS version 22. Researchers conducted factor analyses and reliability analyses to test the construct validity and internal consistency of the scales used in the study. A multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to predict academic dishonesty from socio-demographic variables and key independent variables (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and morality). Results showed that gender and intention to commit academic dishonesty were significant predictors of academic dishonesty practices. The remaining variables were statistically insignificant, and the model explained 56% of the variance. The study concludes that academic dishonesty is a choice and can therefore be controlled by effective interventions such as altering the attitudes and perceptions of students and fostering the norm of academic integrity.
Pemanfaatan Limbah Plastik Dengan Membuat Tanaman Hidroponik Menggunakan Media Kapas
Authors: Sakila Rindy , Yastori Yastori
Published: March 2024

The increasing need for vegetables is directly proportional to their increasingly higher economic value. However, this increase was not offset by an increase in the area of land used for growing vegetables. Therefore, a planting system is needed that saves land, one of which is hydroponic plants. Hydroponic plants are the cultivation of plants without using soil and replaced with rockwool, rice husks and cotton. One of the hydroponic plants used is bean sprouts. The method used is 2 stages, namely the planning stage and the implementation stage. The materials used include cotton, plastic bottles, green beans and water. This PKM activity method is carried out by means of socialization and direct practice on March 13 2022. As a result, hydroponic plants require several days in the growth process, good maintenance will also have an impact on the quality of the bean sprout plants, such as the need for watering twice a day. In conclusion, hydroponic plants do not need direct sunlight, these plants need a short time to grow into bean sprouts.
Pelatihan Pemanfaatan Limbah Botol Bekas Menjadi Karya Kerajinan Tangan Bernilai Ekonomi
Authors: Rahayu Sintia Tri , Yastori Yastori
Published: March 2024

Waste is a significant problem faced by the Indonesian people. The waste problem is very difficult to solve. This community service activity was carried out on March 11 2022 at Gang Mela, Mount Pangilun. The method of community service is carried out by means of direct practice and discussion. After the training was carried out, participants made handicrafts of economic value. Participants consisted of Apikes Iris students. Participants began to understand the importance of handling waste and were able to utilize plastic waste into useful crafts and have economic value.
Pelatihan Kerajinan Tangan Dari Kertas di Panti Asuhan ‘Aisyiyah Ampang
Authors: Yastori Yastori
Published: March 2024

Community service is one of the Tri Dharma activities of higher education which must be carried out by lecturers and which students usually participate in as members. The aim of community service is to increase knowledge and skills and develop the creativity of children at the 'Aisyiyah Ampang Orphanage, Padang. This activity was carried out at the 'Aisyiyah Ampang Orphanage on March 10 2022 with a total of 46 participants. The type of community service activity is learning about the skills of making paper accessories in the form of flowers for decoration. The method of community service is through socialization and direct practice assisted by members of the Apikes Iris Scientific UKM student activity unit. It is hoped that the results of this community service activity can motivate people to become entrepreneurs in order to increase economic income. It is recommended that future activities include outreach regarding the processing of plastic waste into economically valuable handicrafts.
Pembersihan Sampah di Pantai Purus Padang Dalam Upaya Mengurangi Pencemaran Sampah di Pantai Kota Padang
Authors: Yastori Yastori , Mandia Sayati
Published: March 2024

The aim of this activity is to apply students' knowledge and understanding of the importance of cleanliness of tourist beaches in order to encourage tourist attractions at Puruih Beach, Padang. Apart from that, it provides understanding to the community managing tourist attractions about the importance of keeping beaches clean and the importance of preserving the ecosystem and cleaning tourist areas. The expected output target from this activity is that students can understand and apply awareness of beach cleanliness which is used as a developing tourist attraction, and that people realize the importance of keeping beaches clean and preserving the surrounding ecosystem. The result of this service activity is to maintain the cleanliness of the beaches on Padang Beach and the hope of this activity is to increase awareness of the community and local government in educating and raising community awareness of tourist areas in their area in order to create economic growth from the tourism aspect in the city of Padang.
IMAGE PROCESSING BASED FIRE DETECTION USING RASPBERRY PI
Authors: Shivprasad Lingampally , Vinitha A. , Ravinder S. , Sruthi B.
Published: March 2024

The project aims, the main advantage of Image Processing Based Fire Detection System is theearly warning benefit. This system can be installed just about anywhere in a commercial building, malls and at many more public places for fire detection. This system uses camera fordetecting fires. SO, we do not need any other sensors to detect fire. This system can be installed at any remote premise which has threat of fire accidents. Image processing is a type of processing in which the input image is transformed into another image as output with certain techniques applied to it System processes the camera input and then processor processes it to detect fires. The heat signatures and fire illumination patterns are detected in images to determine if it is a fire and take action accordingly. On detecting fire system goes into emergency mode and sounds an alarm. Also displays the status on the LCD display informing about the system. Raspberry Pi-based fire detection systems can be integrated with emergency services and first responders. The major advantages in this method are: sending the information to the person at any time, any place and remote monitoring for immediate actions.
Investigation of Polyurethane Primer Coating Paint Based on Local Palm Oil with Antimicrobial and Anticorrotion Agent Formula Bentonite-Chitosan
Authors: Teuku Rihayat  , Nurhanifa  , Isra Adelya Izzati  , Sabila Yasara Sa  , Adi Saputra Ismy  , Sariadi  , Muhammad Yunus  , Irwan  , Harunsyah  , Alfian Putra  , Januar Parlaungan Siregar  , Tezara Cionita
Published: March 2024

Paint is a product that is really needed to coat iron or steel materials such as industrial pipes, medical equipment, and so on. The sample formulation used was the addition of chitosan bentonite filler 2, 4, 6, 8% w/w. In TGA testing, the sample underwent single decomposition and showed the best results in the Polyurethane/Bentonite/Chitosan 8:8% w/w sample where the sample began to degrade at a temperature of 416.85 (℃). The bacterial test results showed the best results in the Polyurethane/Bentonite/Chitosan 8:8% w/w sample which had the widest inhibition zone with a value of 6.9 mm for E.Coli bacteria. The sample with the composition Polyurethane/Bentonite/Chitosan 8:8% w/w was the best sample where the sample experienced the smallest corrosion rate, namely 5.08 mpy. The application of this paint is to strengthen the durability of the building so that corrosion does not occur in the Hagu Barat Laut of Lhokseumawe because it is close to sea waters which have air levels that are quite susceptible to corrosion.
YAPAY ZEKÂNIN KAMUOYU ALGISININ YÖNETİLMESİ NOKTASINDA KULLANILABİLMESİNE DAİR BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: Şengöz Murat
Published: March 2024

Günümüzde kamuoyu algısının oluşturulması ve kontrol edilmesi noktasında yapay zekâ destekli sistemler tarafından üretilen teknolojilerden daha sıklıkla istifade edilmektedir. Bu kapsamda burada bu çalışmada makina öğrenmesi, derin öğrenme gibi yapay zekâ destekli teknikler tarafından üretilen algoritmaların, kamuoyu algısının oluşturulması noktasında kullanılabilirliğine dair bir inceleme gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu bağlamda ilkin yapay zekâ aracılığıyla üretilen algoritmalara ve yapay zekâ algoritmalarının oluşturulmasında makina öğrenmesi ve derin öğrenme tekniklerinin katkı ve önemine dair bir inceleme yapılmıştır. Müteakiben, üretilen yapay zekâ algoritmaları aracılığıyla algıların manipüle edilebilmesine dair pratik hususlar üzerine kavramsal bazda bazı izahatlar yapılmıştır. Sonrasında ise pratikte kamuoyu algısı oluşturulması açısından yapay zekâ algoritmalarının kullanılması ile alakalı olarak dikkate alınması gereken hususlarla ilgili bir değerlendirme gerçekleştirilmiş ve müteakip araştırmalar için önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
AFETLERİN İLİŞKİSEL SOSYOLOJİK İNCELENMESİ: ŞUBAT 2023 KAHRAMANMARAŞ MERKEZLİ DEPREM ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Kasapoğlu M. Aytül
Published: March 2024

Oldukça eski bir alan olan afet sosyolojisindeki mevcut çalışmalar birçok yönden özellikle de insan merkezli olmayan yeni kuramsal ve metodolojik yaklaşımlara ihtiyaç olduğunu göstermektedir. Burada sunulan araştırmanın problemi, genel olarak afetlerde özel olarak deprem gibi doğa olaylarında ötekileştirilenlerin başında gelen zorunlu göçmenler kadar doğal çevrenin gördüğü zararların, uğradıkları kayıpların görünmez kılınmasıdır. Buradan hareketle çalışmanın temel sorusu, en son yaşadığımız 6 şubat 2023 Kahramanmaraş merkezli depremlerden etkilenen Türkiye’deki Geçici Koruma altındaki uluslararası göçmenler kadar, bitki ve hayvan ve topraklar dahil doğal çevrenin zararlarının, kayıplarının nasıl görünür kılınacağıdır. Bu amaçla ilişkisel sosyolojik olarak bütüncü bir bakışla, ikilik ve özcü olmayı ret ederek göçmenler, bitkiler, hayvanlarla birlikte toprağın nasıl etkilendiği mevcut yazılı ve görsel dokümanlara dayanarak analiz edilmiştir. İlişkisel sosyolog Bruno Latour’un önerdiği ‘Tek Dünya’ yaklaşımıyla tartışılan bulgular, yerli nüfusun bir kısmı gibi uluslararası göçmenlerin ve diğer canlıların ötekileştirildikleri, özellikle de göçmenlerin suçlandıkları, dışlandıkları ve görünmez kılındıkları yönündedir. Araştırma sonuçları, klasik doğa ve toplum ikiliğine dayanan özcü yaklaşımların yetersizliğini ortaya koymuştur. Buradan hareketle gündelik yaşamda ‘farklılıklar’, ‘belirsizlikler’, ‘eşiksellik’ (liminality) ve ‘dönüm noktası’ gibi kavramlara odaklanarak yapılan ilişkisel, disiplinler-arası ve disiplinler- üstü çalışmaların önemi ve katkıları ortaya konarak, ‘Tek Dünya’ yaklaşımından hareketle bazı önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Pour réaliser les mondes dans lesquels nous voulons vivre
Authors: Canet Raphaël , Raymond Samuel
Published: March 2024

Éditorial
Faire communauté ou mettre en commun les singularités
Authors: Proulx-Masson Geneviève
Published: March 2024

Les nouvelles communautés, tout comme les anciennes, doivent relever un double défi : assurer l’épanouissement individuel de leurs membres et la survie de la communauté. Toutefois, la montée en puissance de l’individualisme, le souvenir encore récent des dérives autoritaires de certains leaders charismatiques et la nature globale de la question environnementale imposent de répondre autrement à ce double défi. Ainsi, bon nombre de communautés adoptent une attitude d’ouverture et tentent de mettre en place des processus démocratiques participatifs visant l’autogestion. Dans ces circonstances, le double défi d’équilibrage entre l’épanouissement individuel des membres et la survie de la communauté prend des proportions inégalées.En me basant sur l’étude monographique que j’ai effectuée en 2018 au Manoir (Proulx-Masson 2018), une communauté intentionnelle située dans la Baie-des-Chaleurs en Gaspésie, j’explorerai comment celle-ci s’y prend pour relever ce défi de taille.
L'habitat à l'épreuve de l'habiter
Authors: Banville Marie-Sophie , Beaudet Gérard
Published: March 2024

Éditorial
Au-delà d'une manipulation de l'opinion publique
Authors: Canet Raphaël , Dupuis-Déri Francis
Published: March 2024

Éditorial
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different English Language Teaching Strategies in Public Sector Education: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Shaikh Gul Muhammad , Bibi Sajida , Sheikh Salman Masood , Saqib Muhammad , Mehmood Nasir
Published: March 2024

This study examines the traditional teaching methods employed in large classes within public sector colleges in Punjab at the intermediate level. Additionally, it proposes alternative approaches and strategies for instructors to manage large English classes effectively. Data was collected using a survey research strategy, employing mixed-method research techniques. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with English teachers from selected public sector boys' colleges in major cities of Punjab. Quantitative data were collected via a questionnaire with closed-ended items administered to students within the study sample. Three public sector colleges from the target population were randomly selected for data collection. The study utilized six structured interviews with English teachers and received 60 completed questionnaires from intermediate students as data collection tools. To enhance outcomes in large language classes, teachers should concentrate on activity-based teaching, collaborative instruction, and the utilization of group work or interactive approaches. There is a pressing need for government intervention to facilitate the improvement and advancement of public sector colleges.
Understanding the Impact of Administrator Leadership Styles on School Improvement in Secondary Schools: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Yasmeen Tahira , Mustafa Ghulam , Sheikh Salman Masood , Saqib Muhammad , Mehmood Nasir
Published: March 2024

Using a mixed-methods approach, this study explores the impact of administrator leadership styles on school improvement in secondary schools. The research delves into the multifaceted nature of leadership within educational settings, specifically focusing on how various leadership styles employed by administrators contribute to or hinder the school improvement process. The study utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the intricate dynamics at play comprehensively. The mixed methods design leverages the strengths of each approach, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. The quantitative instrument, comprising 39 statements characterizing leadership behavior advocated for 21st-century school leaders, is the Leadership Behavior Inventory. The study identifies specific participants based on quantitative findings, enriching the qualitative phase. Support for professional development, fair decision-making, emotional intelligence, and adept conflict resolution strategies contribute to a positive and growth-oriented school culture. The study highlights the adaptability of administrators to change as positively impacting the school environment. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of leadership styles in shaping the school's culture and influencing its trajectory toward improvement.
Impact of Academic Stress on Secondary School Student’s Performance: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Saqib Muhammad , Hisham-Ul-Hassan Khawaja , Shadab Ifrah , Mehmood Nasir
Published: March 2024

The study investigates the influence of teaching methods, the school environment, and the home environment on academic stress. Future concerns related to career choices are also explored. Thematic analysis is applied to discern patterns from interviews, with a primary goal of understanding how academic stress impacts student performance. The paper discusses various contributors to academic stress, including teacher expectations and the school environment. Utilizing a qualitative research design, the study employs purposive sampling across ten public secondary schools in the Vehari district. Semi-structured interviews with students are conducted, targeting a sample of ten students from five schools. Data collection involves face-to-face interviews, recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. The conclusion summarizes the pervasive nature of academic stress and highlights students' delicate balance. Coping mechanisms, especially a supportive home study environment, are emphasized. The study concludes with practical recommendations for teachers, emphasizing constructive feedback and the creation of an equitable and supportive classroom atmosphere.
The benefits and challenges of creative writing assessment in French
Authors: Crahay Géraldine
Published: March 2024

This article aims to highlight and defend the benefits of creative writing assessment in higher education language modules. While the latter traditionally prefer essay-like assignments over creative ones, creative writing allows learners to develop a great variety of academic and personal skills, such as intercultural awareness, cooperation, problem-solving, engagement with literary texts and self-expression. Specifically, this article analyses a written assignment that was given in a post-A-level French module at a British University based on the French playwright Jean Tardieu’s short comedy Un geste pour un autre. Learners received the beginning of this absurdist play and needed to complete it, while also incorporating three lines from the original play into their texts. The task invited them to demonstrate their understanding of theatrical conventions, engagement with the original extract, ability to write a coherent text, language skills (grammar, syntax, vocabulary, register), linguistic innovation, imagination and problem-solving. In addition to exploring the strategies used by learners to cope with the task, this paper highlights the challenges encountered by evaluators to mark creative writing assignments, notably the lack of suitable assessment criteria in their institutions. It also examines students’ reception to such an unusual language assignment and offers some suggestions about how to better implement creative activities in the language curriculum.
Addressing discipline specificity in a multidisciplinary EAP classroom through data-driven learning
Authors: Therova Dana , McKay Andrew
Published: March 2024

Mastering academic writing is one of the challenges frequently experienced by university students across all levels and disciplines. As writing remains one of the most common ways of demonstrating knowledge in university settings, developing an appropriate academic style is a vital skill for success. In the context of British universities, academic writing skills are generally catered for by English for Academic Purposes (EAP) provision in the form of pre-sessional and in-sessional courses. Ideally, these courses should focus on the characteristics and conventions of the students’ specific fields of study to meet their academic needs. This, however, poses a challenge for EAP practitioners, who are usually not specialists in the students’ subject domain, amplified by the fact that EAP classes are often taken by a diverse group of learners from a wide range of disciplines. This paper reports on how the issue of discipline specificity in a multidisciplinary EAP classroom in a PhD pre-sessional programme at a British University was addressed by employing a data-driven learning (DDL) approach for the acquisition and development of disciplinary writing conventions including specialised technical vocabulary. After an evaluation of this approach, we conclude that DDL can be usefully implemented in wider EAP contexts to inform students’ knowledge of writing in their disciplines.
Proposta de análise de livros didáticos de Geografia dos anos iniciais
Authors: Garcia Matos José Orian , Pereira Dantas Sulivan
Published: March 2024

O trabalho busca apresentar uma proposta de análise de livros didáticos de geografia dos anos iniciais, partindo do olhar da linguagem cartográfica. Pois entendemos a importância da principal linguagem da geografia e necessidade do processo de alfabetização cartográfica nos anos iniciais, pois essa linguagem é essencial na compreensão de temas, conceitos e conteúdos da geografia, pois é essencial para leitura espacial, mas para isso estudantes deve ser alfabetizado. A proposta entende a relevância do livro didático como um material que deve ser analisado além dos programas institucionais atuais como Programa Nacional do livro e material didático (PNLD) e a própria Base Nacional comum curricular (BNCC). Dito isso foram elaborados critérios com base teórica de discussões de pesquisadores da cartografia escolar.
GESTION DES CONFLITS AGRO-PASTORAUX ET PRÉSERVATION DE LA BIODIVERSITÉ : QUELLE PLACE POUR LA MÉDIATION ENVIRONNEMENTALE DANS LA COMMUNE DE BASSILA (BÉNIN) ?
Authors: Fousseni Raoul Taofick
Published: March 2024

Cet article analyse la place de la médiation dans la gestion des conflits liés à l’accès aux ressources agro-pastorales entre les éleveurs de bovins et les agriculteurs dans la commune de Bassila au Bénin. Il s’appuie sur 30 entretiens semi-directifs réalisés entre juin 2021 et décembre 2022 auprès d’acteurs locaux. Si le mode de règlement déployé par les comités locaux de gestion de la transhumance mis en place par les pouvoirs publics s’apparente à la médiation, cette dernière est mobilisée de façon curative, montrant ainsi une conception tronquée de la médiation environnementale. Toutefois, la pacification des rapports sociaux doit reposer sur un usage préventif de cette médiation dans laquelle la neutralité peut être assouplie, pour favoriser l’élaboration collective de règles d’accès, de consommation et de préservation d’un « bien commun » qu’est la biodiversité. Si elle peut être conçue comme un système de régulation politique, la médiation doit également promouvoir l’intégration sociale et territoriale des éleveurs peul, grâce aux interactions quotidiennes avec les populations locales.
A CALL FOR A NEW INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE PLAYBOOK IN MEDIATING SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Gowers Rory
Published: March 2024

Every culture is in conflict; conflict is endemic in the process of culture metamorphosis. This paper examines the paradox that conflict is intrinsic to every culture, yet there is little attention to the ‘culture’ norms in resolving that conflict. There are conflicts within cultures and there are conflicts between cultures. The pioneering scholarship on national cultural traits, by original thinkers such as Hofstede and Ting- Toomey in the 1990s, assisted negotiation and dispute resolution and provided a foundation for cultural differentiation. But much has changed in intercultural understanding since then. We are now aware of enormous variations in values, styles, and customs in defined cultures. Today in the 2020’s we are fast becoming a more global interdependent society with high cultural diversity, declining Western power, and rising Asian-led world order in a new era of commercial influence, high-speed digital robotics, and artificial intelligence.

We are in an unprecedented global pandemic where cultural norms and expectations are under threat, in individualistic and collectivist cultures. We face existential threats from climate change and environmental catastrophes. We need a new mediator playbook for effective intercultural negotiation and issue resolution.
MEDIAÇÃO DE CONFLITOS DE CONSUMO: QUE EXPECTATIVAS?
Authors: Cardoso Elionora
Published: March 2024

Atualmente, falar-se de mediação implica cada vez mais uma abertura intelectual e positiva à resolução de conflitos a vários níveis. Tendo em conta a resolução dos conflitos de consumo numa perspetiva exclusiva de mediação, poderia ser uma alternativa que entre as partes tratasse os assuntos envolvidos de forma mais equitativa e permitisse que a justiça habitual fosse feita, no âmbito social, pelo menos em moldes e métodos que não são colocados hoje. O século XXI trouxe uma maior preocupação aos diferentes sistemas jurídicos, no sentido de que demos maior voz aos consumidores, e o conhecimento da intervenção expandiu-se nos países da UE as várias possibilidades de resolução à disposição de todos os envolvidos. As próprias empresas e os próprios agentes económicos procuram cada vez mais desempenhar um papel social na sua intervenção, e não se pode deixar de reconhecer o papel que a descrição de todos os instrumentos deve ser atribuída à própria UE, uma vez que cada um dos Estados-Membros tem as suas próprias regras nesse domínio. Se a mediação familiar já for um meio de sucesso estabelecido, na proteção dos consumidores e na prossecução dos conflitos de consumo, ainda pode haver um caminho a percorrer. Se em alguns casos já existe a chamada "arbitragem necessária" que excluiu muitas situações do processo judicial, o papel do mediador é esquecido e excluído por essa alternativa. E o papel do mediador deve ser considerado aqui nesses conflitos, como um verdadeiro ajudante da aplicação da Lei, mas ainda mais da justiça social que se espera que venha a ser alcançada, em prol da prossecução dos interesses de todos os agentes económicos envolvidos.

No sentido de restabelecer a igualdade das partes, num capital próprio que se espera nesses conflitos também a nível social, propomos olhar para práticas e alternativas processuais que possam ser colocadas, tendo em vista uma implementação eficaz de uma melhor resolução de litígios.
TOWARDS INSTITUTIONALIZING INTERNATIONAL MEDIATION
Authors: Gashparova Vassilena
Published: March 2024

The obligation to settle international disputes through peaceful means is one of the most fundamental principles of international relations. A variety of dispute resolution mechanisms are at the disposal of states to resolve international disputes. Mediation is undoubtedly one of the most effective dispute-resolution means. However, unlike arbitration and adjudication, there is a lack of consistency in mediation approaches and standards of practice. A careful analysis of international disputes resolved in contemporary history reveals that the facilitators who purport to be mediators do not always comply with fundamental principles of mediation, namely independence, impartiality, and neutrality.

This article calls for the institutionalization of international mediation through a permanent independent entity. It argues that institutionalizing mediation is the only way to achieve a reasonable degree of standardization of mediation practices and approaches. The proposed institutionalization will inevitably make mediation more accessible to disputing parties, resulting in a greater number of conflicts being settled through mediation. Institutionalization will also promote research and academic literature in international mediation, bringing about further professionalization of the field.

The first part of this article draws a distinction between judicial dispute resolution mechanisms and diplomatic dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation, which continues to evolve in an organic and unsystematic manner. The second part explores well-known international conflicts that have been successfully or unsuccessfully mediated by prominent individuals, namely the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Heads of state, religious leaders, and other dignitaries. The third and last part of the article makes a case that the UN, states, international organizations, religious leaders, and other prominent individuals are rarely, if ever, suitable mediators because they are not independent, impartial, or neutral for a variety of reasons. The logical conclusion to which the analysis leads is that it is high time to institutionalize international mediation by establishing a permanent independent entity entrusted with mediating international disputes.
Demography as a priority and an integral indicator of the effectiveness of strategic planning
Authors: Ishchenko Alexander Alekseevich
Published: March 2024

The current stage of development of the Russian Federation poses new challenges at the state level. Strategic planning is one of the foundations for the stable and full-fledged development of the state and society in various spheres of life. Demography and demographic indicators are important areas in strategic planning with strong development potential. It has been established that the Russian Federation faces many demographic problems due to various reasons. At the same time, the very concept of demography is multidimensional, related to key areas in the social sphere. In this context, demography is a priority and an integral indicator of the effectiveness of strategic planning. Solving demographic problems through the use of strategic planning tools will improve the quality of life of the population, increase the level of healthcare and other socially significant development indicators. The article uses both general scientific research methods such as system analysis, logic, deduction and induction, etc. And specifically legal ones, such as analogy of law and analysis of legislation. As a result of the work, the following conclusions were made: 1. Demography is an important national priority and can be considered as an integral indicator of the effectiveness of strategic planning. 2. Demographic problems for the Russian Federation at this stage are generally recognized and acute. It is necessary to strengthen the quality of strategic planning in this area in conjunction with the implementation of strategies in other areas. 3. Demography is a complex component phenomenon that includes many components. 4. Issues of demography, development in this area and problem solving through the implementation of strategies should be addressed, including using data on the quality of life of the population. The latter should be understood as a fairly extensive set of factors representing the living conditions of individuals and society as a whole. 5. The current legal mechanism of strategic planning in the demographic sphere should be implemented taking into account the principles of administrative law.
Legal incentives in customs law
Authors: Kleimenova Anastasiia Nikolaevna
Published: March 2024

The subject of the study is legal incentives that regulate customs legal relations and encourage subjects of foreign economic activity to behave lawfully. The object of the study is the social relations arising in the process of moving goods across the customs border of the EAEU, regulated by the norms of customs law. The subject of the study is the norms of law that encourage persons initiating the movement of goods and subjects of activity in the field of customs affairs to conscientiously comply with customs legislation and mutually beneficial cooperation with customs authorities. The relevance of the study is confirmed by the Strategy for the Development of the Customs Service of the Russian Federation until 2030, according to which the strategic goal of the development of the Federal Customs Service is the formation of a customs service that is invisible to law-abiding businesses and effective for the state. To achieve this goal, the guidelines for its achievement are outlined, including the creation of competitive advantages for bona fide participants in foreign economic activity and authorized economic operators who stimulate the development of foreign economic activity. General scientific research methods were used in the work, such as the method of system analysis and synthesis of scientific knowledge, the method of dialectical cognition, the logical method, as well as comparative legal and formal-logical methods. In the results of the conducted research, we formulate the following main provisions on legal incentives governing customs legal relations: 1. The role of legal incentives in customs legislation will increase, since the creation of competitive advantages for bona fide participants in foreign economic activity is one of the strategic goals of the Federal Customs Service until 2030. Stimulating norms make it possible to achieve mutual benefits for the state and business, therefore, the future belongs to them. 2.Legal incentives include: 1) obtaining a special status, since upon voluntary compliance with the conditions for inclusion in the special status register established by the customs legislation of the EAEU, a legal entity receives privileges inaccessible to persons without such status, the amount of which depends on the type of certificate received; 2) categorization of participants in foreign economic activity into risk levels (in essence, the scale of control measures applicable to them) depending on compliance with lawful actions beneficial to the state; 3) voluntary notification by the declarant (customs representative) of the fact of an offense committed by him before the customs authorities begin verification measures as an opportunity to be released from administrative responsibility.
Metabolite profiling, production of terpenoid and 11αOH-KA, and free radical scavenging capacity of Adenostemma lavenia under different light intensities and nitrogen dosage
Authors: Shafira Anisya Elsa , Nurfalah Rifan , Aziz Sandra Arifin , Farid Muhammad , Ridwan Taopik , Takemori Hiroshi , Rafi Mohamad , Batubara Irmanida
Published: March 2024

Adenostemma lavenia (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant reported to contain high levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and potential as a free radical scavenging. This study aims to determine the profile of metabolite, optimum production of terpenoids, and ent-11α-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (11αOH-KA), and also evaluate the free radical scavenging capacity of A. lavenia cultivated under different shading and doses of nitrogen. The experimental design used was nested. Metabolite production was obtained from the total metabolite and the dry weight of the harvest. Total terpenoids were analyzed using an ultraviolet-Vis spectrophotometer and 11αOH-KA was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Determination of free radical scavenging capacity was carried out by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method and metabolite profiling using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The optimum terpenoids and 11αOH-KA production were obtained under 25% shade or nitrogen 45 kg/ha. A 25%, while free radical scavenging capacity tended to increase at 50% shade or N 90 kg/ha. The LC-MS/MS results showed the metabolite profile of A. lavenia. These metabolites were categorized as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids, and fatty acids groups confirmed in A. lavenia leaf extract cultivated under different shading and doses of N. The most identified compounds were the terpenoid group.
Association Between Altmetrics and Traditional Bibliometrics in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association and The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Casciato Dominick J. , Olivová Jana , Singh Bibi N.
Published: March 2024

Background: As the dissemination of scientific knowledge pervades social media, appraising impact with traditional bibliometrics led to the creation of alternative metrics, termed altmetrics. Lacking existent foot and ankle surgery literature altmetric analysis, we analyzed the 10 most-cited articles in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) and The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (JFAS) in 2013 and 2017.

Methods: Citation count, Altmetric Attention Score (AAS), Mendeley Reads, and professional society–affiliated Twitter ages were collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Pearson correlation coefficient identified relationships between traditional and nontraditional metrics.

Results: The 40 articles showed a high median and large range in total citations for JAPMA (13.5 [range, 5–27]) and JFAS (28 [range, 5–69]). Media AAS Mendeley Reads also showed a high median with wide range for both JAPMA (32.5 [range, 0–135]) and JFAS (25 [range, 0–113)]. No significant correlation between total citations and AAS was seen in 2013 (r = –0.205; P = .388) or 2017 (r = –0.029; P = .903). The correlation between total citation count and Mendeley reads was significant in 2017 (r = 0.646; P = .002) but not in 2013 (r = –0.078; P = .744). Although cumulative AAS increased from 2013 to 2017 by 68.75%, with Twitter contributing most to both periods, there existed no significant correlation with Twitter age and the correlation coefficient between AAS and total citations (r = 0.655; P = .173).

Conclusions: The results of this investigation show the utility and predictivity of alternative metrics in complementing traditional bibliometrics and encourage the promotion of publications through journal-specific social media.
Association of Anatomical Location of Neuroarthropathic (Charcot’s) Destruction with Age-and Sex-Matched Bone Mineral Density Reduction
Authors: Verdin Craig J. , Botek Georgeanne G. , Miller John David , Kingsley James D. , Plyler Danny
Published: March 2024

Background: It is well documented that diabetes has a systemic impact on bone mineral density. Recent literature has evaluated the relationship between the development of Charcot neuroarthropathy and reduced local bone mineral density; however, it is not clear if there is an association between osteoporosis/osteopenia and Charcot onset, or, even further, location of neuroarthropathic breakdown.

Methods: We retrospectively identified and assessed 39 patients with 41 feet (4 bilateral) with a history of Charcot breakdown who underwent a bone mineral density scan over a 15-year period. Demographic, radiographic, and bone mineral density information was analyzed.

Results: The average patient age at the time of bone mineral density scan was 53.44 ± 8.09 years, and 52.77 ± 8.19 years at the time of Charcot diagnosis. Four feet were considered Sanders-Frykberg I (9.3%), 17 were Sanders-Frykberg II (39.5%), ten were Sanders-Frykberg III (23.3%), and 12 were Sanders-Frkyberg IV/V (27.9%). Neuroarthropathic breakdown of the rearfoot region (Sanders-Frykberg IV/V) was found to be associated and preceded by osteoporosis and osteopenia at the hip as demonstrated by a lower Z-score (P = 0.05). Charcot neuroarthropathy was not associated with poor bone health or loss of bone mineral density at the femoral neck, forearm, or lumbar spine.

Conclusions: We believe that the present findings suggest a possible relationship between osteoporosis/osteopenia and the location of CN development. With these findings in mind, we conclude that patients with diabetic skeletal fragility may benefit from treatment of underlying poor bone mineral density to prevent the onset of Charcot neuroarthropathy.
Assessment of Ingrown Toenails Treated with Nail Fold Cryotherapy in Adolescent Patients: An Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Turan Çağrı , Metin Nurcan
Published: March 2024

Background: Cryotherapy reduces pain by making some reversible functional changes in peripheral nerves. It has also been reported to have a positive effect on the regression of inflammation and granulation tissue. Few studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of nail fold cryotherapy in ingrown toenails (IGTN) in adults, and there are no studies in the pediatric population. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of cryotherapy applied to the nail fold in juvenile IGTN.

Methods: This study was conducted in adolescent patients aged 12 to 16 years with unilateral juvenile IGTN. Liquid nitrogen was sprayed into the nail fold for 10 to 15 seconds with a double freeze-thaw cycle. The effectiveness of cryotherapy was interpreted by the clinician’s decision, the improvement in visual analogue scale score, Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index score, and granulation tissue.

Results: According to the physician, good efficacy was achieved in 91.7% of patients (n = 22 of 24). We found that 54.5% of them (n = 12 of 22) were still in remission after 6 months. Rates of complete regression in granulation tissue were pronouncedly less in sizes larger than 5 mm (≤5 mm, 55.6%; >5 mm, 16.7%). However, adequate symptomatic relief was observed in 83.3% of stage 3 patients, even if complete granulation tissue response was not achieved yet. Significant improvements in visual analogue scale and the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index scores were observed after cryotherapy (P < .05).

Conclusions: Nail fold cryotherapy is a useful alternative among conservative methods because of its rapid and high efficiency (91.7%), especially in mild to moderate cases, despite the high recurrence rates (45.5%) in juvenile IGTN.
Winograd Wedge Resection Matrixectomy versus Partial Nail Avulsion with Chemical Cautery: A Tertiary Institution’s Clinical Outcomes and Proposed Triaging Protocol
Authors: Wong Seng Juong , Heng Marabelle Li-Wen , Kwok Siew-Keong , Koo Kevin O. T. , Yeo Nicholas E. M.
Published: March 2024

Background: Onychocryptosis, or ingrown toenail, is a common condition affecting patients of varying age groups, although usually, younger patients are affected.

Methods: We compared two techniques used in our institution: Winograd wedge resection with matrixectomy (WG-M) versus partial nail avulsion with phenolization of the nail matrix (PNA-P).

Results: Primary outcomes of interest were presence of nail regrowth and patient satisfaction postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain (within the first 2 weeks and after 2 weeks), postoperative inflammation, and healing time. A total of 65 patients were included in this study: 44 patients (19 female and 25 male patients), with a mean age of 45.7 years (range, 16–83 years) underwent WG-M in the orthopedic surgery department, whereas a total of 21 patients (10 female and 11 male patients), with a mean age of 44.5 years (range, 13 to 75 years) underwent PNA-P in the podiatry department. In patients who underwent WG-M, there was one case of regrowth (2.3%) compared with no regrowth cases (0%) in the PNA-P group. There was no significant difference in regrowth rate between the two procedures (P = .494). The satisfaction rate was high for both procedures: 100% patients in the WG-M group rated themselves better than before surgery, compared with 95.7% in the PNA-P group.

Conclusions: From our study, we conclude that both techniques (WG-M and PNA-P) are able to achieve similar clinical outcomes, with the PNA-P procedure being less invasive and less resource intensive, and also achieving a shorter healing time.
Achilles Tendon Stiffness in the Etiology of Sever Disease: A Shear Wave Elastography Study
Authors: Sensoz Ersin , Edız Suna Sahın , Sevım Omer Faruk , Ergun Selim , Eceviz Engin
Published: March 2024

Background: Sever disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. There is no consensus about etiology of Sever disease.

Methods: The study comprised 41 participants aged 8 to 13 years who visited the orthopedic outpatient clinic: 17 patients with Sever disease and 24 asymptomatic children. The middle third segment of the body of the Achilles tendon and the calcaneal insertion zone were separately assessed. Five measuring points for the quantitative value of each point were randomly selected. The color scale used in the Young’s modulus shows the lowest values in blue and the highest values in red. The mean values were used for the statistical analysis.

Results: Less elasticity was detected at the insertional site for the control group (4.02 kPa versus 3.65 kPa), the situation was reversed in the body of the Achilles tendon and the elasticity of the study group was less than that of the control group (241.0 kPa versus 260.5 kPa). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups.

Conclusions: In conclusion, no difference was found in Achilles tendon elasticity between patients with Sever disease and healthy individuals in both the tendon body and the calcaneal insertionof the tendon. Achilles tendon elasticity has not been found to play a role in the etiology of Sever disease.
Quorum-sensing agr system of Staphylococcus aureus primes gene expression for protection from lethal oxidative stress
Authors: Podkowik Magdalena , Perault Andrew I. , Putzel Gregory , Pountain Andrew , Kim Jisun , Dumont Ashley , Zwack Erin , Ulrich Robert J. , Karagounis Theodora K. , Zhou Chunyi , Haag Andreas F. , Shenderovich Julia , Wasserman Gregory A. , Kwon Junbeom , Chen John , Richardson Anthony R. , Weiser Jeffrey N. , Nowosad Carla R. , Lun Desmond S. , Parker Dane , Pironti Alejandro , Zhao Xilin , Drlica Karl , Yanai Itai , Torres Victor J. , Shopsin Bo
Published: March 2024

The
agr
quorum-sensing system links
Staphylococcus aureus
metabolism to virulence, in part by increasing bacterial survival during exposure to lethal concentrations of H
2
O
2
, a crucial host defense against
S. aureus
. We now report that protection by
agr
surprisingly extends beyond post-exponential growth to the exit from stationary phase when the
agr
system is no longer turned on. Thus,
agr
can be considered a constitutive protective factor. Deletion of
agr
increased both respiration and aerobic fermentation but decreased ATP levels and growth, suggesting that Δ
agr
cells assume a hyperactive metabolic state in response to reduced metabolic efficiency. As expected from increased respiratory gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated more in the
agr
mutant than in wild-type cells, thereby explaining elevated susceptibility of Δ
agr
strains to lethal H
2
O
2
doses. Increased survival of wild-type
agr
cells during H
2
O
2
exposure required
sodA
, which detoxifies superoxide. Additionally, pretreatment of
S. aureus
with respiration-reducing menadione protected Δ
agr
cells from killing by H
2
O
2
. Thus, genetic deletion and pharmacologic experiments indicate that
agr
helps control endogenous ROS, thereby providing resilience against exogenous ROS. The long-lived “memory” of
agr
-mediated protection, which is uncoupled from
agr
activation kinetics, increased hematogenous dissemination to certain tissues during sepsis in ROS-producing, wild-type mice but not ROS-deficient (Nox2
−/−
) mice. These results demonstrate the importance of protection that anticipates impending ROS-mediated immune attack. The ubiquity of quorum sensing suggests that it protects many bacterial species from oxidative damage.