bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vlera e të mësuarit përgjatë tërë jetës sipas koncepteve Islame
Authors: Shabani Vedat
Published: November 2023

Të mësuarit përgjatë gjithë jetës është prej parimeve të fesë Islame. Nëse i japim një vështrim Kuranit Famëlartë këtë do ta hasim në shumë ajete të tij, siç janë: “O Zoti im shtoma diturinë” (Taha: 114), pastaj ajeti “A janë të barabartë ata që dinë dhe ata që nuk dinë?! Vetëm njerëzit e mençur i pranojnë këshillat” (Ez-Zumer: 9).
Gjithashtu edhe shumë thënie pejgamberike aludojnë në rëndësinë dhe vlerën e të mësuarit. Prej tyre mund të potencojmë hadithin e Pejgamberit a.s. në të cilin thotë: “Ai person i cili del nga shtëpia me qëllim të kërkimi të diturisë, ai në realitet llogaritet si një person i cili ka dal për hire të Allahut dhe ashtu do të llogaritet derisa të kthehet” Shembullin më të mirë ne e kemi edhe në gjeneratat e hershme të dijetarëve, si dhe ato pas tyre në vazhdimësi, ku hasim shumë dijetarë të cilët kanë bërë shumë sakrifica vetëm e vetëm që të arrijnë për të mësuar ndonjë dije të cilën nuk e kanë ditur më parë.
Nëse kthehemi në historinë Islame vërejmë se përkushtimi i myslimanëve ndaj dijes nuk ka qenë vetëm në fushën fetare, mirëpo ato gjenerata ishin të përkushtuara edhe në dijet dhe shkencat tjera. Fakulteti i Studimeve Islame është institucion i pavarur edukativo-arsimor dhe hulumtues-shkencor, i cili organizon studime universitare dhe pasuniversitare për studentët e interesuar për të përfituar nga fusha e teologjisë Islame.
Strategjia e Fakultetit të Studimeve Islame -FSI, përmes organizimit të studimeve universitare po edhe pasuniversitare, është që diturinë dhe njohuritë bashkëkohore t’i distribuojë përmes aktivitetit të mësimdhënies, të studimeve dhe hulumtimeve, si dhe të arsimojë kuadro të niveleve të ndryshme. Me këtë kumtesë kemi për synim të sqarojmë vlerën dhe rëndësinë e të mësuarit përgjatë tërë jetës si dhe praktikat të cilat i ofron FSI në fushën e studimeve teologjike në Kosovë dhe më gjerë.
Ditari i Haxhi Hasan koplikut si burim me rëndësi për shoqërinë shqiptare të shek. XVIII
Authors: Muhaj Dr. Ardian
Published: November 2023

Në arkivin e familjes Kopliku të Shkodrës gjendet një dokument me vlera për historinë sociale të fillimit të shekullit XVIII. Ditari është mbajtur në osmanishten e kohës me ndonjë dua në arabisht, sidomos kur shënon lindjen e një fëmije, martesën e një djali apo vajze apo vdekjen e ndonjë personaliteti ose familjari. Është përkthyer në verën e vitit 1986 nga Dr. Gjyl Çausholli.
Letra shoqëruese e përkthyesit është në një fletë të veçante dhe na ndihmon me të dhëna mbi historinë e dorëshkrimit ashtu edhe me procesin e përkthimit. Përkthimi nis nga faqja 57 e ditarit dhe mbaron në faqen 150. Jo të gjitha faqet janë përkthyer nga përkthyesi, dhe me sa duket ka përzgjedhë ato pjesë që i ka menduar se i përshtaten kërkesës së familjarëve. Shënimet e ditarit fillojnë në vitin 1139 hixhri (1726 kalendarit gregorian) dhe ditari është mbajtë në duar të ndryshme deri në vitet 1930 të shek. XX. Pra, duket se kemi të bëjmë me një ditar familjar prej rreth dy shekujsh.
Të dhënat e këtij ditari padyshim që përbëjnë një pasuri me vlerë historike, ekonomike, etnografike dhe antropologjike. Një sërë detajesh që kanë të bëjnë më kontributet e bamirësisë së familjes Kopliku për vepra publike, si urë, rruga, ashtu edhe fetare si xhami e teqe, si edhe shpenzimet për pajat e vajzave që martoheshin, për shërbëtorët, janë me shumë interes. Një aspekt tjetër me shumë rëndësi i ditarit është edhe përshkrimi i itinerarit të një grupi haxhilerësh nga Shkodra drejt Mekës përmes Stambollit e Sirisë dhe në kthim nga Meka në Shkodër përmes Egjiptit dhe Stambollit.
Curbing COVID-19 overbearance: Creed, socio-cultural practices and sub-Saharan African nations’ food security nexus
Authors:   Department of Social Studies, School of Secondary Education, Arts and Social Science Programmes, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria, Oladiti Abiodun A.
Published: November 2023

The issue of COVID-19 ravaging the global community can be likened to one of the works of the famous Nigerian writer, late Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart with the center despite all efforts, defiling holding together on all aspects of human endeavor. Despite the discovery of Covid-19 vaccines and its consequent administration for mitigating the effects of the pandemic, information is replete about the continuous and astronomical increase in the number of victims of the virus. The multiplier effects of the pandemic on occupation, education, economic, religious, socio-cultural practices, agricultural activities, food production and distribution, among others cannot be over-emphasized, hence, this study. Qualitative design was adopted for this study as action research with eighty participants sampled from Oyo Township of Oyo State, Nigeria through purposive sampling technique among various strata of the society. Participant Observation (PO), Key Informants (KI) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) techniques were adopted in data collection analyzed through triangulation of instruments of content analysis and categorization of ideas coupled with tables, frequency counts and simple percentages. Result revealed that: more female than male participated in the study (43/37; 53.75%/46.25%); most participants are above middle age (53.75% and 46.25%); participants cut across the three dominant religious sects (Muslim, 36, 45.00%; Christian, 29, 36.25%; ATR, 15, 18.75%); most of the participants are literate (68, 85.00%). Content analysis and observations indicators revealed that Nigeria is not spared from Covid-19 pandemic; solid relationships exist among religious beliefs, socio-cultural practices, food security and Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, sustainable mitigating measures devoid of further complications need be pursued in the SSA nations; government, stakeholders and the civil society must be enlisted in the efforts to ameliorate the pandemic.
Body Mass Index in determination of the relationship between body constitution and motor abilities
Authors: Pajić Zoran , Jakovljević Saša , Anđelković Marija , Simović Slobodan
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to review and summarize the theoretical and empirical facts of using the (BMI), (body mass index) in determining the relationship between body constitution and motor skills. Several key circumstances have been identified in which the body mass index can give erroneous information about the actual body composition, and especially about the amount of adipose tissue in the body. Factors such as age, sex, race, health status and muscle mass can influence the connection between(BMI) and body fat. Due to a relatively low coefficient of determination between (BMI)and percentage of body fat, one should be cautious when using (BMI) to evaluate body composition as a predictor of obesity or as a substitution measure in evaluating the influence of body constitution on the efficiency of motor performances. The analysis of the sources indicates that the existence of unexplained facts uses alternative measures of body composition and their limited use in research and direct training practice. Therefore, new concepts and models are necessary in order to explain the influence of body composition on the efficiency of motor performance. Apart from the necessary evaluation of variables of percentages of fatty and muscle tissues, it could be assumed that the application of two component (BMI) = (FFMI+FMI), (Fat Free Mass Index, Fat Mass Index) and/or (MFR) model (Muscle to Fat Ratio) would provide a better comprehension of these relations.
Ongoing exogenous crises and economic policy countermeasures: Peculiar case of Serbian tourism
Authors: Malović Marko , Mihajlović Milan , Muhi Bela
Published: November 2023

In this paper we argue that in spite of the grave economic, political and health consequences of the ongoing exogenous crises (COVID19 cum economic downturn stemming from Russian-Ukranian conflict), before too long Serbian tourism exhibited something similar to the V-shaped recovery (and then some) by means of a) government subsidies, b) substituting domestic for (temporarily) absent foreign tourists and by c) soaring prices of tourist services at stable exchange rate which more than compensate the industry for the reflation comeback.
Socio-economic analysis of the quality of life of the Romani population in the region of the autonomous province of Vojvodina
Authors: Jovanović Jelena , Nikolić Ivica , Petković Violeta
Published: November 2023

The subject of this paper is a social economic analysis of the quality of life of the Romani population in the region of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Life on the 'edge of poverty', often endangering basic human needs and postulates worthy of a man of the 21st century, represents an imperative to a wide social community to include all its resources, so that the Roma have a dignified life and an equal status with other members of society. Seen from a sociological aspect, the concept of quality of life provides information on satisfaction with one's life and the degree of adequate functioning in the environment. In a theoretical sense, the position of each individual in society is influenced by some factors, which also apply to the Romani population. In order to establish someone's position in society, it is necessary to define criteria, which can be also called influencing factors. During the research, the principles of PEST analysis were used, with predefined political, economic, sociological-cultural, and technological criteria, i.e. factors, based on which the current position of the Roma was tested, and, the hypothetical ones, were projected on the quality of their life in the future. The general goal of this research is to improve the position of the Romani community in AP Vojvodina, observed from the point of view of the economic and social status that affects the quality of life (subjective and objective factors and others). The specific goal of the research presented in the paper is the valuation of subjective and objective factors and their direct influence on the quality of the lives of Roma. The research sample population is represented by members of the Romani community who live in the territory of AP Vojvodina.
Confiscation of a vehicle in misdemeanor proceedings in Republika Srpska
Authors: Sladić Ljubana
Published: November 2023

Confiscation of objects is a protective measure provided in misdemeanor law which may be applied to confiscate objects used in the commission of a misdemeanor, those intended for the commission of a misdemeanor, and those resulting from the commission of a misdemeanor. The imposition of this protective measure encroaches on the exercise of the property rights of the person who is the owner of the confiscated items, who may or may not be the person who owns the confiscated items. In this paper, the author analyzes this protective measure from the point of view of the property rights of the person who has been imposed this protective measure. In its practice, the European Court of Human Rights highlighted the criteria that must be taken into account when assessing whether property rights have been violated when imposing this protective measure. These criteria are also accepted and respected by the constitutional courts of the countries in the region. The object of confiscation can also be a vehicle, in case of a customs misdemeanor and a misdemeanor in the field of traffic violations. Pursuant to the new legal provisions on this matter, which are expected to enter into force in the near future, a vehicle may be confiscated from a person who has committed a traffic misdemeanor. The same measure may also be imposed on persons who are repeated traffic offenders, which actually gives this sanction the character of a punishment rather than a protective measure.
Biên soạn hệ thống tiêu chuẩn thiết kế theo định hướng Eurocode – Một số kết quả và những thách thức khi áp dụng
Authors: Nguyễn Hồng Hải
Published: November 2023

Design standards in the field of construction that have been decided by the Ministry of Construction are prepared based on European standards adapted to the conditions in Vietnam. The application of the new standards is following a specified roadmap. The process of drafting and gathering comments is currently undertaken to complete the final versions. In this article, the authors present some remaining challenges related to structural and geotechnical design standards developed by the Institute of Building Science and Technology, along with proposed solutions to enhance the application process.
Spatial Reasoning Supports Preschool Numeracy: Findings From a Large-Scale Nationally Representative Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Resnick Ilyse , Lowrie Tom
Published: November 2023

We assessed the efficacy of two spatial learning programs grounded in early years learning pedagogical theory to improve numeracy performance in preschool. Engagement with a play-based spatial program led to better overall spatial reasoning and transferred to better numeracy compared with a business-as-usual control, underscoring the importance of embedding spatial learning within strong pedagogy and authentic preschool contexts. Engagement with the same spatial program using a spatialized curriculum (e.g., gesture, sketching) showed large additive effects, highlighting the role of spatial reasoning tools to support transfer of spatial reasoning to numeracy. The effects of the two interventions were moderated by spatial reasoning, with children with lower spatial reasoning making the most gains in numeracy.
Hydrogeology and groundwater availability at Big Sky, Montana
Authors:   Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Rose J. , Waren K.
Published: November 2023

Ground Water Investigation Program interpretive and modeling report for the Big Sky area.
Dissolved methane in Powder River Basin groundwater
Authors:   Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Meredith E. , Sasse D.
Published: November 2023

A summary of dissolved methane analyses from groundwater sampled in the Powder River and Otter Creek watersheds.
Investigating the Influence of YouTube on Speaking proficiency in English Major Students at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade
Authors: Hanh Ngo Thi Ngoc
Published: November 2023

YouTube has attracted a lot of interest from researchers and educators who specialize in the English language in the modern context of rapid technological development. The advent of YouTube videos as a resource has demonstrated the value and applicability of such movies in helping teachers and students participate in productive language instruction, particularly when it comes to speaking exercises. This study set out to critically examine how the YouTube platform affects students' ability to speak more when they practice. The poll included 100 third-year English majors at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT), with 65 males and 35 females. The participants ranged in age from 20 to 22 years old. The study employed a mixedmethods design, utilizing data collection instruments such as surveys and interviews. After looking at the questionnaire responses and interview recordings, it was found that the students in the experimental group liked the idea of using YouTube videos in speaking activities. The channels that participants like watching the most are Let's Talk and VOA Speaking English. Furthermore, the study identified some prevalent subjective and objective difficulties encountered by individuals during the consumption of YouTube content. Additionally, suggestions for educators and researchers are included at the conclusion of the text.
Subsidy Entrepreneurship and Nigeria’s Economic Development
Authors:   Garden City Premier Business School, Port Harcourt-Nigeria, Opuala-Charles Silva , Oshilike Ijeoma Victoria
Published: November 2023

The research delved into the impact of subsidy entrepreneurship on the economic development within Nigeria throughout the span from 2012 to 2021, utilizing annual time series data. The evaluation of stationarity was conducted through the Augmented Dickey Fuller test, while the estimation of parameters was undertaken using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) methodology. The findings unveiled a persistent and long term relationship among the variables. The test outcomes reveal that all the variables exhibit stationarity upon initial differencing, surpassing the 5% level of significance. The results show an increase in fiscal deficit as a proxy for subsidy entrepreneurship leads to a decrease in economic development. The result also pointed out an increase in gross national income leads to increase in economic development. The results have obvious policy implications for Nigeria. Nigeria must do away with subsidy entrepreneurs which are corruptly enriched through fiscal deficit responsible for the infrastructural gap and fueling poor human development index in Nigeria. Keywords: Subsidy entrepreneurship; Economic Development; Human Development Indicator; Fiscal Deficit; Keywords: Life Expectancy; Public Healthcare Expenditure; Income Per Capita
Effect of follicle size and culture media on in vitro maturation of juvenile porcine oocytes
Authors:   Agricultural Academy, Institute of Animal Science, 2230 – Kostinbrod, Bulgaria, Todorova Tsvetelina , Todorova Tania ,   Agricultural Academy, Institute of Animal Science, 2230 – Kostinbrod, Bulgaria
Published: November 2023

In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is a critical step in the assisted reproductive technologies performed in pigs. The aim of the present study was to determine what effect the use of a particular maturation medium has on the maturation of oocytes from follicles of different sizes. The results of SF and LF oocytes cultured in medium containing FCS after 0, 28 and 46 h of IVM were compared. Before the start of culture (0 h), 92% of oocytes from both classes of follicles were in the GV stage and after the first half of IVM (28 h). At the end of culture (46 h), both groups of oocytes completed meiosis at MII, with only 83.0% of oocytes from SF compared to 94.0% from LF reaching this stage. The results of oocytes, cultured in medium containing PVA, after 0, 28 and 46 hours of IVM were compared. Before culture (0 h), 94% of oocytes from small follicles and 92.0% of those from large follicles were in the GV stage. After 28 hours, 90.0% (SF) and 92.0% (LF) of oocytes were in the Metaphase I stage of nuclear maturation. The majority of oocytes from both groups (SF 94.0%, LF 92.0%) underwent meiosis to Metaphase II after 46 h. The present study shows that oocytes from smaller follicles with deficiencies in meiotic competence have problems with cytoplasmic maturation that are potentiated by the use of a certain medium. It was found that COCs from SF under the influence of FCS showed stronger luteinization compared to COCs from LF, but this could be compensated by using serum-free maturation medium.
Having Good Moral Values Through "Never Say Never" Song by Justin Bieber
Authors: Yuli Rohmiyati  , Fatihah Nazwa Sabrina , Solihatunnisa Putri
Published: November 2023

The lyrics emphasize the importance of determination and having a positive mindset to overcome obstacles. This research paper analyzes the moral values present in the song "Never Say Never” by  Justin Bieber. The study aims to explore the moral values conveyed in the song lyrics. This research used a qualitative approach to analyze this song lyric. The data was analyzed by identifying, classifying, and interpreting the moral values. The findings of research found that three main moral values in the song: self-belief (57,14%), positivity (21,42%), and optimism (21,42%). The dominant moral value identified was self-belief, followed by positivity and optimism. These moral values can make students inspiring, provide them positive energy, and enable them to carry out worthwhile activities into education and personal development
Educational, Economic, and Employment Influences to English Language Proficiency
Authors: Erlinda D. Tibus  , Hermabeth O. Bendulo
Published: November 2023

The academic, business, and employment sectors have expressed rising concerns about low English skills among learners and workers in countries where English is considered a communication necessity. The recognized need for English language skills situates researchers for useful inquiries; therefore, this research attempts to find out whether there is proof connecting English language skills to academic access, financial opportunities, and job opportunities. The study used data mined online information from 57 nations. Further, this used principal component analysis of data treatment in which two indices were produced from eight indices. Analysis of regression was used to determine the correlation between variables. Findings show that an increase in a country’s English proficiency index (EPI) is directly connected with more access to both basic knowledge and basic information, mean years of stay in school, and labor services. However, the EPI rank is not substantially affected by the access to the Advanced Education and Economy (AEE) Index. Also, this study ascribed 30.21% of the variation in the EPI rank to Access to Basic Knowledge and Labor Opportunities (ABKLO) and Access to Advanced Education and Economy (AAEE) Indices. It is concluded that English language proficiency is a valuable investment, both individually and collectively. Moreover, individuals with education and with good English language proficiency are perceived to have higher labor opportunities and earnings.
Values Formation Index as Correlates of Global Peace Index
Authors: Erlinda D. Tibus
Published: November 2023

This paper created a Values Formation Index (VFI) using the World Values Survey (WVS). The new index serves as a criterion in identifying which countries have the highest or lowest VFI because it influences a certain degree of global peace. First, the correlation between VFI and the Global Peace Index (GPI) data of 2019, among the 55 countries, was necessary to determine if countries with high VFI might have high GPI. Second, the principal components (PCs) were regressed on GPI to determine further how each PC affects the country’s GPI. Moreover, the objectives included the derivation of the PCs using Kaiser criterion, the correlation between the VFI and GPI, and compute the regression analysis among PCS. Results revealed that only five PCs were derived and necessary using the Kaiser criterion. The findings revealed a positive moderately strong significant association (r=0.4346, p= 0.0009), which implies that a country with high VFI ranks high on the GPI; and among the five PCs, only Kernel of Endurance and Rudiments of Success can significantly explain variation in log (GPI) based on the p-values (KE=.000; RS=.02). Hence, value formation at home or in school premises serves as a double-edged sword because it is essential for peacebuilding. Parents and educators must model values that are worthy of replication. These modeled values must be helpful to the youth’s portrayal of human nature, social relations, norms, and the structure of society; thus, they significantly contribute to attaining the country’s global peace.
Applying digital transformation in UEF syllabus of human resource management
Authors:   HCMC University of Economics and Finance, Dang Thuy Thanh , Nguyen Phu Duyen Tran ,   HCMC University of Economics and Finance
Published: November 2023

Industry 4.0, especially the application of digital transformation, changes the nature and operation of many organizations. It makes many companies change to adapt and keep up with the new trend in the digital age. The field of higher education is no exception to the general trend of applying digital transformation. Although digital transformation plays an important role for universities, there are still not many previous studies about applying digital transformation in lecturers’ teaching activities, specifically in the eduaction program of Human Resource Management major. Because of understanding the importance of applying digital transformation in higher education and the research rationale about applying the digital transformation in education programme of Human resource management major, the authors decide to choose the topic “Solutions for applying the digital transformation to improve the quality of teaching activities of lecturers in the education programme of Human management management major at the University of Economics and Finance”. Based on the research, the authors identify the strengths and limitations existing in the teaching methods of the education program of the Human Resources Management major at UEF, thereby proposing some recommendations to develop this major in the future.
Stock price growth prediction model of transport enterprises in Vietnam
Authors:   HCMC University of Economics and Finance, Nguyen Thy Van , Pham Hai Quoc
Published: November 2023

This study aims to build a model to forecast stock price appreciation of transportation enterprises in Vietnam in the period of 2020-2021 using artificial intelligence-artificial neural network (ANN) method. The study uses a quarterly database collected from Vietstock of 93 transport enterprises. The results from ANN show that the important predictors of the stock price appreciation model include revenue (DT), previous stock price (PT-1), earnings per share, and earnings per share. share (EPS), inflation (INF), number of Covid-19 infections (CNM) and price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. This study can also rank these predictors by impact level including revenue, previous stock price, EPS, INF, Covid-19 cases, and P/E. In addition, the study also compares the prediction ratio between the ANN model and the Logistics regression model. The results show that for the small input data set, the Logistics regression model has higher predictive accuracy than the ANN model.
Analysis of the efficiency of insurance companies in Vietnam
Authors:   Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Trinh Linh Tuan Doan
Published: November 2023

The paper analyzes the efficiency of non-life insurance companies in Vietnam by parametric approach with Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) method. The data were taken from financial statements of insurance companies for the period 2015 - 2020. The results show that the mean efficiency of all non-life insurance companies in the research period is 0.524, the lowest efficiency is 0.092, the highest efficiency is 0.852. Among the non-life insurance companies studied, Tokio Marine had the highest efficiency, with a mean efficiency over the study period is 0.852, and the Global had the lowest efficiency e, with an mean efficiency during the study period is 0.076. This result also shows that the efficiency of Vietnamese non-life insurance companies in the period 2015 - 2020 is relatively low, with this result if the average output are constant, insurance companies can maximum reduction of 43.7% input.
Evaluating investment projects of workers’ resettlement and housing in Tra Noc Industrial Park, Can Tho City
Authors:   Can Tho University of Technology, Luu Cuong Ngoc , Nguyen Tan Minh ,   Can Tho University of Technology
Published: November 2023

The objective of this research is to analyze the effectiveness of the investment project for resettlement and housing for workers in the Tra Noc Industrial Zone, Can Tho City. Secondary data collection methods are employed, utilizing project construction records and employing a comprehensive analysis method to compare and calculate various construction investment options to assess the project’s effectiveness. The project is evaluated as successfully achieving the goal of addressing the resettlement and housing needs of workers within the Tra Noc Industrial Zone. The research results have analyzed the standard criteria of the residential area project, ensuring both social and economic efficiency. Specifically, the project benefits from state budget funding support, resulting in a low cost of business investment. Furthermore, the project provides housing and living spaces for workers within the Tra Noc Industrial Zone, enabling them to work with peace of mind and contribute to the local economic and social development.
Analysis of audit quality in audit firms in the Southeast Region of Vietnam
Authors:   Thu Dau Mot University, Nguyen Hoan Dang , Do Duy Anh ,   Thu Dau Mot University
Published: November 2023

Audit quality is a determining factor in establishing trust and sustainability for businesses in the globalized business environment. It encompasses the competence of auditors, the scale of auditing firms, and whether the audit belongs to the big-four group. The quality of financial reports after auditing is evaluated from the perspective of service users and quality control agencies. However, the assessment of audit quality often relies on individual judgment. In the context of global economic integration, audit quality has become a crucial factor. Still, it requires extensive research to enhance the competitiveness of the Vietnamese auditing industry following previous audit-related incidents.
Nephrology Social Workers’ Caseloads and Hourly Wages in 2010 and 2014: Findings from the National Kidney Foundation Council of Nephrology Social Work Professional Practice Survey
Authors: Merighi, PhD, MSW, LISW Joseph R. , Browne, PhD, MSW, NSW-C Teri
Published: November 2023

In 2010 and 2014, the National Kidney Foundation Council of Nephrology Social Workers (NKF-CNSW) conducted online surveys of nephrology social workers to assess caseload and salary trends at the state, national, and End-Stage Renal Disease Network level. Between 2010 and 2014, outpatient dialysis social workers experienced decreases in mean caseload size from 79 to 75 (down 5.1%) for those employed 20–31 hrs/wk, 121 to 113 (down6.6%) for those employed 32–40 hrs/wk, and 126 to 116 (down 7.9%) for those employed 40 hrs/wk. Increases in mean hourly wage between 2010 and 2014 were also reported across all three employment status groups: $28.16 to $29.45 per hour (up 4.6%) for those working 20–31 hrs/wk, $27.18 to $28.23 per hour (up 3.9%) for those working 32–40 hrs/wk, and $26.93 to $28.21 per hour (up 4.8%) for social workers employed 40 hrs/wk. Pre-transplant evaluations of potential donors decreased between 2010 and 2014 for social workers who were employed full time (32–40 hrs/wk) and those who worked 40 hrs/wk. Specifically, the mean number of potential donor evaluations declined from 40.5 to 22.1 (down 45.4%) for those employed 32–40 hrs/wk and 44.7 to 23.0 (down 48.5%) for those employed 40 hrs/wk. However, pre-transplant evaluations of potential recipients decreased for those employed full-time (522.5 to 283.7, down 45.7%) and increased for those employed 40 hrs/wk (232.6 to 315.6, up 35.7%). Mean hourly wage data showed a slight increase for transplant social workers employed full-time ($29.56 to $30.74, up 4%) and a slight decrease for those employed 40 hrs/wk ($29.79 to $28.74, down 3.5%). In general, decreases in social work caseload and increases in hourly wages were found on a national level; however, variability across states requires further attention.
Does Autonomy Really Exist for Impoverished Kidney Vendors?
Authors: Sas, MSW, RSW, MBE Courtney
Published: November 2023

The following paper will explore autonomy in the context of impoverished kidney vendors. I argue that people who live in impoverished countries lack the ability to provide true and informed consent to sell their organs. The focus will be on kidney vendors in Pakistan. I am writing from a social work lens and consider the oppression, exploitation, and injustices that these vendors have faced. Relational autonomy acknowledges that our relationships and environment influence our ability to be autonomous. Therefore, the impoverished vendors’ autonomy in Pakistan is threatened in the context of selling their organs. Lastly, this paper will acknowledge the counterargument that selling one’s kidney should be an option for anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, and acknowledge the value that a sold organ can bring both the vendor and the recipient.
The State of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research in Chronic Kidney Disease: Perspectives from Patients, Care Partners, and Researchers
Authors: Bethel, MSW, LCSW Samuel , Browne, MSW, PhD Teri , Forfang Derek , Joseph, MBA Jessica , Collins Damron, MSW Kelli , Brereton Laura
Published: November 2023

Patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) requires that patients and care partners be active partners throughout the entire research process. Although PCOR methodologies in health research have increased, PCOR on chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains relatively low. This project aimed to better understand the state of PCOR on CKD from the perspectives of patients, care partners, and researchers. Two National Kidney Foundation (NKF) surveys were completed by 847 CKD patients and care partners and 647 CKD researchers. Results indicate that a small minority (7%) of patient and care partner respondents were involved with kidney disease research, and less than a third (27%) of responding researchers indicated that they had involved patients and care partners in their research projects within the last five years. Despite relatively low numbers of PCOR projects on CKD, patients and care partner respondents are eager to participate in research and, likewise, CKD researchers are interested in doing PCOR. Implications include increasing PCOR on CKD and utilizing nephrology social workers to facilitate connections among CKD patients, care partners, and researchers.
PENGARUH TEKANAN, TEMPERATUR TUANG DAN CETAKAN TERHADAP PROPERTIES MATERIAL METODE HIGH PRESSURE DIE CASTING (HPDC) PADUAN Al-Si
Authors: Tauvana Ade Irvan
Published: November 2023

Pengecoran Logam dengan metode High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) adalah metode pengecoran dengan cara mengijeksikan cairan logam kedalam cetakan dengan kecepatan dan tekanan tertentu menggunakan mesin HPDC. Cetakan yang digunakan berbahan dasar baja karbon. Metode pengecoran tersebut dilakukan pada pembuatan Cetakan Adaptor Cakram dan Dudukan Lampu dengan bahan dasar paduan Al-Si 7,79%. Penelitian ini menggunakan tekanan sebesar 50 bar, 75 bar dan 100 bar. Variasi temperatur tuang adalah 700oC, 750oC, dan 800oC sedangkan temperatur cetakan 250oC, 300oC, dan 350oC. Variasi temperatur tuang dan temperatur cetakan akan mempengaruhi karakteristik dari benda hasil coran. Kekerasan tertinggi didapatkan pada temperatur molding 250°C, temperatur tuang 750°C dengan tekanan 75 bar yaitu 79,94 BHN.
ANALISA HASIL PENGUJIAN ENGRAVING DENGAN METODE LASER ENGRAVING DAN SHADE LASER ENGRAVING PADA OBYEK MATERIAL KULIT MENGGUNAKAN DOBOT MAGICIAN
Authors: Siswoyo Hadisantoso Feri , Rainzagi Valdey , Supriyanto Adolf Asih
Published: November 2023

Robot Manipulator/Robot Lengan telah mengalami banyak perkembangan serta muncul inovasi- inovasi baru, salah satunya yaitu Dobot Magician yang merupakan lengan robot multifungsi yang didesain memiliki beberapa fungsi dalam satu lengan robot. Laser Engraving merupakan satu dari beberapa fungsi yang dimiliki oleh Dobot Magician, yang berfungsi untuk mengikis atau membuang bagian-bagian permukaan material sehingga tulisan, gambar atau foto dapat tampak pada permukaan material yang di-engraving menggunakan sinar laser. Dalam Dobot Magician Laser Engraving terdapat dua metode penggunaan proses laser yaitu metode Laser Engraving dan metode Shade Laser Engraving. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan objek kulit sintetis. Parameter yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu pengujian jarak laser, kecepatan gerak laser, serta daya laser. Hasil dari penelitian ini diketahui bahwa parameter idela baik menggunakan Dobot Magician Laser Engraving maupun Shade Laser Engraving diperoleh hasil masing-masing untuk parameter jarak laser, kecepatan gerak laser dan daya laser berturut-turut adalah 10 mm, 100 mm/menit dan 90 mW
Peut-on innover de façon responsable en temps de pandémie? : l’intelligence artificielle et le numérique face au SARS-Cov-2 - Note à l’intention des décideurs publics et développeurs de solutions fondées sur l’IA et le numérique
Authors: Lehoux Pascale , Alami Hassane , Mörch Carl , Rivard Lysanne , Rocha Robson , Silva Hudson
Published: November 2023

Dans le cadre des travaux de l’Observatoire international sur les impacts sociétaux de l’IA et du numérique (OBVIA) sur les effets des systèmes d’intelligence artificielle et des outils numériques déployés pour lutter contre la propagation de la COVID-19 sur les sociétés soutenus par les Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), l’équipe de chercheur·e·s du programme de recherche In Fieri, dirigée par la professeure Pascale Lehoux, a produit une note à l’intention des décideurs publics et développeurs de solutions fondées sur l’IA et le numérique sur l’innovation responsable en temps de pandémie : Peut-on innover de façon responsable en temps de pandémie? L’intelligence artificielle et le numérique face au SARS-Cov-2
FSHβ links photoperiodic signalling to seasonal reproduction in Japanese quail
Authors: Majumdar Gaurav , Liddle Timothy A , Stewart Calum , Marshall Christopher J , Bain Maureen , Stevenson Tyler J
Published: November 2023

Annual cycles in daylength provide an initial predictive environmental cue that plants and animals use to time seasonal biology. Seasonal changes in photoperiodic information acts to entrain endogenous programs in physiology to optimize an animal’s fitness. Attempts to identify the neural and molecular substrates of photoperiodic time measurement in birds have, to date, focussed on blunt changes in light exposure during a restricted period of photoinducibility. The objectives of these studies were first to characterise a molecular seasonal clock in Japanese quail and second, to identify the key transcripts involved in endogenously generated interval timing that underlies photosensitivity in birds. We hypothesized that the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) provides the neuroendocrine control of photoperiod-induced changes in reproductive physiology, and that the pars distalis of the pituitary gland contains an endogenous internal timer for the short photoperiod dependent development of reproductive photosensitivity. Here we report distinct seasonal waveforms of transcript expression in the MBH, and pituitary gland and discovered the patterns were not synchronized across tissues. Follicle-stimulating hormone-β (
FSH
β) expression increased during the simulated spring equinox, prior to photoinduced increases in prolactin, thyrotropin-stimulating hormone-β and testicular growth. Diurnal analyses of transcript expression showed sustained elevated levels of
FSH
β under conditions of the spring equinox, compared to autumnal equinox, short (<12L) and long (>12L) photoperiods.
FSH
β expression increased in quail held in non-stimulatory short photoperiod, indicative of the initiation of an endogenously programmed interval timer. These data identify that FSHβ establishes a state of photosensitivity for the external coincidence timing of seasonal physiology. The independent regulation of FSHβ expression provides an alternative pathway through which other supplementary environmental cues, such as temperature, can fine tune seasonal reproductive maturation and involution.
Sleep Regularity and Mortality: A Prospective Analysis in the UK Biobank
Authors: Cribb Lachlan , Sha Ramon , Yiallourou Stephanie , Grima Natalie A , Cavuoto Marina , Baril Andree-Ann , Pase Matthew P.
Published: November 2023

Irregular sleep-wake timing may cause circadian disruption leading to several chronic age-related diseases. We examined the relationship between sleep regularity and risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in 88,975 participants from the prospective UK Biobank cohort.The sleep regularity index (SRI) was calculated as the probability of an individual being in the same state (asleep or awake) at any two time points 24 hours apart, averaged over 7-days of accelerometry (range 0-100, with 100 being perfectly regular). The SRI was related to the risk of mortality in time-to-event models.The mean sample age was 62 years (SD, 8), 56% were women, and the median SRI was 60 (SD, 10). There were 3010 deaths during a mean follow-up of 7.1 years. Following adjustments for demographic and clinical variables, we identified a non-linear relationship between the SRI and all-cause mortality hazard ( p [global test of spline term] < 0·001). Hazard Ratios, relative to the median SRI, were 1·53 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1·41, 1·66) for participants with SRI at the 5 th percentile (SRI = 41) and 0·90 (95% CI: 0·81, 1·00) for those with SRI at the 95 th percentile (SRI = 75), respectively. Findings for CVD mortality and cancer mortality followed a similar pattern.Irregular sleep-wake patterns are associated with higher mortality risk.National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (GTN2009264; GTN1158384), National Institute on Aging (AG062531), Alzheimer’s Association (2018-AARG-591358), and the Banting Fellowship Program (#454104).
Sustained store-operated calcium entry utilizing activated chromatin state leads to instability in iTregs
Authors: Lyu Huiyun , Yuan Guohua , Liu Xinyi , Wang Xiaobo , Geng Shuang , Xia Tie , Zhou Xuyu , Li Yinqing , Hu Xiaoyu , Shi Yan
Published: November 2023

Thymus-originated tTregs and
in vitro
induced iTregs are subsets of regulatory T cells. While they share the capacity of immune suppression, their stabilities are different, with iTregs losing their phenotype upon stimulation or under inflammatory milieu. Epigenetic differences, particularly methylation state of Foxp3 CNS2 region, provide an explanation for this shift. Whether additional regulations, including cellular signaling, could directly lead phenotypical instability requires further analysis. Here we show that upon TCR triggering, store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and NFAT nuclear translocation are blunted in tTregs, yet fully operational in iTregs, similar to Tconvs. On the other hand, tTregs show minimal changes in their chromatin accessibility upon activation, in contrast to iTregs that demonstrate an activated chromatin state with highly accessible T cell activation and inflammation related genes. Assisted by several cofactors, NFAT driven by strong SOCE signaling in iTregs preferentially binds to primed opened T helper (T
H
) genes, resulting in their activation normally observed only in Tconv activation, ultimately leads to instability. Conversely, suppression of SOCE in iTregs can partially rescue their phenotype. Thus our study adds two new layer, cellular signaling and chromatin accessibility, of understanding in Treg stability, and may provide a path for better clinical applications of Treg cell therapy.
ROM1 is redundant to PRPH2 as a molecular building block of photoreceptor disc rims
Authors: Lewis Tylor R. , Makia Mustafa S. , Castillo Carson M. , Hao Ying , Al-Ubaidi Muayyad R. , Skiba Nikolai P. , Conley Shannon M. , Arshavsky Vadim Y. , Naash Muna I.
Published: November 2023

Visual signal transduction takes place within a stack of flattened membranous “discs” enclosed within the light-sensitive photoreceptor outer segment. The highly curved rims of these discs, formed in the process of disc enclosure, are fortified by large hetero-oligomeric complexes of two homologous tetraspanin proteins, PRPH2 (a.k.a. peripherin-2 or rds) and ROM1. While mutations in PRPH2 affect the formation of disc rims, the role of ROM1 remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that the knockout of ROM1 causes a compensatory increase in the disc content of PRPH2. Despite this increase, discs of ROM1 knockout mice displayed a delay in disc enclosure associated with a large diameter and lack of incisures in mature discs. Strikingly, further increasing the level of PRPH2 rescued these morphological defects. We next showed that disc rims are still formed in a knockin mouse in which the tetraspanin body of PRPH2 was replaced with that of ROM1. Together, these results demonstrate that, despite its contribution to the formation of disc rims, ROM1 can be replaced by an excess of PRPH2 for timely enclosure of newly forming discs and establishing normal outer segment structure.
Metagenomic 16S rDNA reads of in situ preserved samples revealed microbial communities in the Yongle blue hole
Authors: Zhang Hongxi , Wei Taoshu , Li Qingmei , Fu Liang , He Lisheng , Wang Yong
Published: November 2023

Our knowledge on biogeochemistry and microbial ecology of marine blue holes is limited due to challenges in collecting multilayered water column and oxycline zones. In this study, we collected samples from 16 water layers in Yongle blue hole (YBH) located in the South China Sea using the in situ microbial filtration and fixation (ISMIFF) apparatus. The microbial communities based on 16S rRNA metagenomic reads for the ISMIFF samples showed high microbial diversity and consistency among samples with similar dissolved oxygen levels. At the same depth of the anoxic layer, the ISMIFF samples were dominated by sulfate-reducing bacteria from Desulfatiglandales (17.96%). The sulfide concentration is the most significant factor that drives the division of microbial communities in YBH, which might support the prevalence of sulfate-reducing microorganisms in the anoxic layers. Our results are different from the microbial community structures of a Niskin sample of this study and the reported samples collected in 2017, in which a high relative abundance of Alteromonadales (26.59%) and Thiomicrospirales (38.13%), and Arcobacteraceae (11.74%) was identified. We therefore demonstrate a new profile of microbial communities in YBH probably due to the effect of sampling and molecular biological methods, which provides new possibilities for further understanding of the material circulation mechanism of blue holes and expanding anoxic marine water zones under global warming.
Productivity of Bt Cotton under Different Levels of Irrigation and Nitrogen in Alfisols
Authors: Mahadevappa S. G.  , Sreenivas G. , Reddy D. Raji , Madhavi A. , Rao S. S.
Published: November 2023

Aims: To determine the optimum irrigation schedule and nitrogen level for Bt cotton in alfisols in Southern Telangana.

Study Design:  Split plot design.

Place and Duration of Study: ARI, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif 2014.

Methodology: The experiment was laid out with three irrigation schedules (I1- 0.8 IW/CPE, I2 - 0.4 IW/CPE and I3 - Rainfed) as main plots and four nitrogen levels (N1- 0 kg ha-1, N2 - 75 kg ha-1, N3 - 150 kg ha-1 and N4 - 225 kg ha-1) as sub plot treatments replicated thrice. Treatments imposed as per the schedule and data recorded on yield, yield attributes, nitrogen uptake by adopting standard procedures

Results: Irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE recorded significantly higher plant height (79 cm), drymatter at first picking (195 g plant-1), bolls plant-1 (16), seed cotton yield (1435 kg ha-1), lint yield (541 kg ha-1), stalk yield (2057 kg ha-1) and nitrogen uptake (63 kg ha-1) and was not differed significantly with 0.4 IW/CPE and these were significantly superior to rainfed cotton. Among nitrogen levels, significantly higher plant height (90 cm), drymatter at first picking (214 g plant-1) stage, days to reach boll development (90) stage, bolls plant-1 (15), boll weight (5.3 g), seed index (9.9 g), seed cotton yield (1435 kg ha-1), lint yield (547 kg     ha -1) and stalk yield (2214 kg ha -1) were found with application of nitrogen at 225 kg ha-1 was comparable with 150 kg N ha-1 and were significantly superior over lower levels of nitrogen application. The substantial increase in yield and yield attributes might be due to favorable effect on growth attributes like plant height, increased bolls plant-1, drymatter accumulation plant-1 and its subsequent translocation towards sink improved the seed cotton yield.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that, higher seed cotton yield can be obtained with the irrigation scheduled at 0.4 IW/CPE and application of nitrogen at 150 kg ha-1 in Bt cotton grown in alfisols.