bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The protection of violated consumer rights in the context of realizing good governance principles under European Union law
Authors: Kalesnykas Raimundas , Jucevičius Ramūnas
Published: September 2024

Article 41 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights establishes the implementation of individuals fundamental right to good administration, according to which the good governance practice of public administration institutions is formed. The concept of good governance is based on legal requirements for public administration entities to provide public (administrative) services, taking into account to the interests of users of such services, and at the same time, exercising the authorities that they have without violating the rights of individuals. This article critically examines the implementation of principles of good governance in the context of defending violated consumer rights, with a particular focus on Lithuanian legal practices and the role of the European Consumer Centre. Emphasizing transparency, accountability, efficiency, and participatory in decision-making, the good governance principles are pivotal in enhancing the effectiveness of public administration mechanisms in the protection of violated consumer rights. By integrating qualitative analysis of legal frameworks, case studies, and empirical data, the research study sheds light on how Lithuania and the European Consumer Centre apply the good governance principles to ensure a robust consumer rights protection. The study highlights the central role of national regulatory bodies and the European Consumer Centre in mediating disputes, enforcing fair trade practices, and ensuring product safety, thereby facilitating efficient redressal for aggrieved consumers. The research findings advocate for the improvement of legal regulation in order to strengthen the application of good governance principles in the public administration practice for the protection of consumer rights. The article concludes with recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of consumer rights protection mechanism through the adoption of good governance practices, with a special emphasis on the Lithuanian context and the broader European framework.
Using drone imagery and group field activities for an in-depth investigation of the vascular flora: a case study in the Rocca di Novara Massif (NE Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Porrovecchio Manuela , Cambria Salvatore , Bacilliere Giulia , Barone Giulio , Crisafulli Alessandro , Di Gristina Emilio , Di Pasquale Costanza , Di Mauro Margherita , Domina Gianniantonio , Luchino Fabio , Marici Claudio , Miraglia Giulia , Tavilla Gianmarco , Sciandrello Saverio
Published: September 2024

Rocky habitats are suitable refuges for numerous rare and endemic plants. Due to their inaccessibility and the unreliability of traditional survey methods, assessing the survival status of these plants is quite a hard task. In order to address this sampling issue, we employed the drones and carried several field activities to investigate the vascular flora of Rocca di Novara massif located in Northeastern Sicily (NE Sicily hereafter). Located on the southern border of the Peloritani Mountains, Rocca di Novara, also known as Rocca Salvatesta, is a small carbonate massif and it represents one of the highest and most characteristic peaks in NE Sicily. According to our investigation, 300 taxa have been recorded, belonging to 189 genera and 51 different families. The results obtained show the presence of 13 endemic species to Italy (4.3%) and 12 strictly endemic to Sicily (4%). Some taxa of high phytogeographical value have been detected, such as Aubrieta columnae subsp. sicula, Daphne oleoides subsp. oleoides, Edraianthus graminifolius subsp. siculus, Fritillaria messanensis, Odontites bocconei subsp. bocconei, Phelipanche gussoneana, Saxifraga callosa subsp. australis. This latest species was rediscovered after 100 years on the high cliffs of Rocca di Novara thanks to the use of the drone imagery. Our results provide valuable insights into the floristic diversity of Rocca di Novara and offers a solid starting point for further phytogeographical and floristic studies on the vascular plants of the Peloritani district.
Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses revealed two new species from China and a new record from Jilin Province of Agaricales
Authors: Zhang Di , Peng Jun-Jie , Wang Jia-Jun , Priyashnatha A. K. Hasith , Liao Jin-Peng , Luo Hua-Xing , Huang Shi-Chen , Xu Ji-Ze
Published: September 2024

In this study, we have found two new species—Stropharia subrugosoannulata and Stropharia microaeruginosa. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nrLSU), suggest that the two new species are distinct and monophyletic. S. subrugosoannulata is distinguished from other species of the genus Stropharia by the pileus covered with greyish-orange squamules in the centre, stipe light brown and surface covered with white triangular squamules. S. microaeruginosa differs from other species in its pileus bluish-grey when young becoming lighter towards margins, later greyish-turquoise lightens towards the edges and surface radially striate when young, lamellae adnate to subdecurrent, stipe with white squamules at the base, acanthocytes absent. The new record species from Jilin Province, Clitolyophyllum umbilicatum was also confirmed, based on morphological and molecular study. Here, we have given full descriptions of each species, colour images, illustrations and two phylogenetic trees that show the placement and relationship of the two new species and the new record are provided.
Two new Pleroma species and an updated key: Melastomateae from the Serra da Canastra National Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Romero Rosana , Pereira Silva Rodrigo , Guimarães Paulo José Fernandes
Published: September 2024

Here we describe and illustrate Pleroma canastrensesp. nov and Pleroma viscosasp. nov. two new species of the Melastomateae tribe from Serra da Canastra National Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We also provide an updated identification key for the members of the tribe that occur in this Protected Area. Pleroma canastrensesp. nov. has coriaceous leaves, broadly ovate to orbicular leaf blade, entire and adpressed-strigose margin, 11–17 basal acrodromous veins, and flowers with white petals. Pleroma viscosasp. nov. has the younger branches, both side of the leaf blade, bracteoles, hypanthium, and sepals, densely covered by viscous trichomes, as well as prominent secondary veins on the abaxial surface of the blade. Both species have stamens with a short pedoconnective and an inconspicuous ventral appendage. In addition to the descriptions of new species, we present comments, geographic distribution data, conservation status and images of plants in the field. We recommend that P. canastrense and P. viscosa should be included as of ‘Least Concern’ (LC) in the IUCN Red List.
Smooth post-labial chaetae in Homidia (Collembola, Entomobryidae) and the description of four new species from China with the aid of DNA barcoding
Authors: Zhou Rong , Huang Ling , Ma Yi-Tong
Published: September 2024

Four new species of Homidia are described from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Homidia longiantennasp. nov. is characterised by its long antenna and slightly expanded post-labial chaetae; H. guangxiensissp. nov. by the presence of smooth chaetae on the post-labium and posterior face of the ventral tube; H. huapingensissp. nov. by the presence of smooth post-labial chaetae and pointed tenent hairs; and H. oligosetasp. nov. by the pointed tenent hairs and fewer macrochaetae on Abdomen IV. Additions to the original description of Homidia acutus Jing & Ma, 2022 are also provided.
A taxonomic review of the genus Fignya Solovyev & Witt, 2009 (Lepidoptera, Limacodidae) with descriptions of three new species and one new combination
Authors: Wu Jun , Han Huilin
Published: September 2024

Three new species of the genus Fignya Solovyev & Witt, 2009, F. qianasp. nov., F. trigonumsp. nov., and F. samkosasp. nov., are described from China and Cambodia. Additionally, a new combination, F. brachygnatha (Wu & Fang, 2008), comb. nov., is proposed. The new species are illustrated with images of the adults and male genitalia, and compared with similar species. A key to all known species in the genus, along with their geographical distributions, is provided.
L’évolution du package de systèmes de contrôle de gestion (PSCG) d’une Caisse primaire d’assurance maladie (CPAM) sur une longue période : vers l’alignement stratégique
Authors: Spang Laurent
Published: September 2024

L’objet de cet article est de déterminer comment et pourquoi le package de systèmes de contrôle de gestion (PSCG) d’une caisse primaire d’assurance maladie a évolué sur une longue période. Nous utilisons le modèle de Malmi et Brown et conduisons une étude longitudinale qualitative d’un cas unique. Les données sont recueillies principalement par des entretiens réalisés en 2002 et 2023. Les résultats montrent que des réformes inspirées du new public management et certains choix organisationnels font passer le PSCG d’un ensemble de systèmes de contrôle non coordonnés reposant sur le contrôle budgétaire à un autre où presque tous les systèmes sont alignés sur la stratégie. Un changement de stratégie contribue également à cette évolution en générant davantage de contrôle formel et de contrôle interactif.
Le Pacte vert, une ambition écologique européenne inachevée ?
Authors: Schmid Lucile
Published: September 2024

Le mandat européen qui s’achève (2019-2024) a incontestablement été placé sous le signe du Pacte vert (Green Deal). En 2019, Ursula von der Layen, présidente de la Commission, en avait fait le cœur de son programme, s’appropriant des thématiques chères à la gauche. En 2020, la pandémie n’a pas stoppé cette ambition. Le Green Deal a même été pour la présidente de la Commission européenne, appuyée par une majorité au Parlement européen et au sein des États membres, une marque de fabrique pendant ses trois premières années de responsabilités. Dès 2021 pourtant, les négociations sur la réforme de la politique agricole commune (PAC) ont montré les difficultés à concilier ambition écologique, défis de compétitivité et objectifs sociaux. La remise en cause virulente du Pacte vert qui a caractérisé la campagne électorale de 2024, à la suite de mouvements d’agriculteurs qui ont touché toute l’Europe, est l’aboutissement de ces difficultés. Elle illustre les deux défis jumeaux de l’Europe : la nécessité pour l’Union européenne de définir en son sein les conditions d’une transition juste pour maintenir une ambition climatique, et celle de faire face à la concurrence verte de la Chine et des États-Unis.
Limites et risques économiques et environnementaux de l’ Energiewende en Allemagne
Authors: Deshaies Michel
Published: September 2024

La politique de l’ Energiewende dans laquelle l’Allemagne s’est engagée depuis les années 2000 consiste à développer massivement les énergies renouvelables en substitution à l’énergie nucléaire et aux énergies fossiles. Les insuffisances techniques des énergies intermittentes ont nécessité de conserver un important parc de production de centrales à charbon et à lignite et d’accroître fortement les importations de gaz naturel en provenance de Russie. La guerre en Ukraine et les embargos décidés contre les hydrocarbures de Russie viennent brutalement remettre en cause cette politique énergétique. Pour sortir de l’impasse, le gouvernement allemand veut accroître considérablement le développement des énergies renouvelables. Il est aussi prévu de substituer au gaz de l’hydrogène « vert » en partie produit par les parcs éoliens offshore et en grande partie importé de régions plus ou moins lointaines, entraînant un accroissement du prix de l’énergie.
Consommateurs d’énergies, un concept-frontière pour l’histoire de l’énergie
Authors: Bouvier Yves
Published: September 2024

L’approche historique des consommateurs d’énergies se définit par une multitude d’interrogations des concepts employés. Dans une anthropologie du quotidien, la consommation énergétique tend à disparaître derrière l’usage des objets, devenant une infra-consommation. La catégorie d’énergie même suppose une intégration des différentes sources d’énergie ce que les comportements des consommateurs ne permettent pas d’identifier, nous conduisant à les considérer davantage comme des « consommateurs d’énergies ». À partir de ce dialogue entre démarches empirique et déductive, les « consommateurs d’énergies » deviennent un concept pouvant nourrir les approches historiques actuelles (genre, histoire globale, transition…).
Stains of Empire: accumulation by contamination in the Gulf
Authors: Hennessy Picard Michael , Beigi Tina
Published: September 2024

La découverte du pétrole au Moyen-Orient a contribué à l’éclosion et à l’enrichissement massif du complexe militaro-industriel. Le corollaire de cette accumulation de capital est la contamination de la région, cannibalisant la vie quotidienne de populations entières vivant parmi les décombres de la guerre et les déversements d’hydrocarbure. Militarisés à des fins d’extraction, les territoires des États pétroliers du Golfe sont irrémédiablement contaminés par un double héritage : la pollution militaire d’une part, et la pollution pétrolière de l’autre. Le cas emblématique de l’Iraq postcolonial illustre ce double héritage. Inspiré du marxisme écologique, le concept d’accumulation par contamination offre une grille d’analyse critique pour montrer comment l’impérialisme énergétique a contribué à la répartition inégale de richesses et de pollution toxique entre les firmes transnationales et les groupes sociaux du Moyen-Orient.
Resource Imperialism and Resistance: Labour, Security and Social Reproduction after Iranian Oil Nationalisation
Authors: Biglari Mattin , Abdul Razak Rowena
Published: September 2024

The Iranian oil nationalisation crisis, which ended in the coup that overthrew nationalist prime minister Mohammad Mosaddeq, is well known. An international Consortium of the world’s major oil companies replaced the dominance of the British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, but relatively little is known about the history of Iranian oil and its workers after 1953. Even after the coup, tensions continued between workers and management, leading to corporate strategies to maintain order over social reproduction, including repression and social engineering. Meanwhile, even before the Suez crisis, the British government still maintained its imperial vision over the Persian Gulf and considered the refinery city of Abadan as an opportunity to re-enforce its prestige. This paper examines how the Consortium addressed the exigencies of labour’s social reproduction in relation to corporate interests and ongoing British energy imperialism. By pointing to the resistance from the local population across oil operating areas, it argues that the Consortium and British government ultimately failed to fully control oil operations, such that not even automation could supplant the human in oil operations.
Un mode d’entreprendre pas comme les autres, l’ESS à l’épreuve de la transformation de l’entreprise
Authors: Duverger Timothée
Published: September 2024

La Loi relative à l’économie sociale et solidaire (ESS) de 2014 la présente comme un « mode d’entreprendre » dans son article 1 er . Nous verrons dans cet article que la construction institutionnelle de l’ESS n’est pas seulement le résultat d’un compromis entre différentes entités économiques s’accordant sur une définition et un périmètre, mais qu’elle a croisé tout au long de son histoire le débat sur la réforme de l’entreprise et ses enjeux, de la codétermination à l’objet social étendu, en passant par le partage de la valeur. Qu’est-ce-que la réforme de l’entreprise fait à l’ESS ? Quelles sont les tensions qui la traversent ? À quels défis a-t-elle dû répondre ? Comment a-t-elle organisé son unité autour d’une référence commune ?
Dix ans après : l’ESS en tension, quel pouvoir de transformation de l’économie ?
Authors: Filippi Maryline , Richez-Battesti Nadine , Bidet Éric
Published: September 2024

La Loi sur l’ESS de 2014 a apporté une reconnaissance juridique à un modèle organisationnel s’appuyant sur des principes fondamentaux dont la gouvernance démocratique ou participative, la non lucrativité ou lucrativité encadrée. À partir des travaux statistiques, cet article souligne que si cette loi a incontestablement contribué à la lisibilité de l’ESS, les données chiffrées révèlent que le secteur ne s’est pas accompagné du développement attendu. Ainsi les impacts de la loi en France sont loin d’avoir atteint les objectifs affichés en termes de changement d’échelle et de transformation du monde de l’entreprise, qui restent en devenir.
Impacts de la Loi de 2014 sur la mobilisation de la finance solidaire
Authors: Dementhon Denis
Published: September 2024

Les entreprises et associations de l’économie sociale et solidaire, parce qu’elles cherchent à produire une utilité sociale, demandent des capitaux patients et des taux d’intérêts modérés. La finance solidaire est construite pour répondre à ce besoin. Plusieurs dispositions de la Loi de 2014 étaient destinées à soutenir le développement de cette finance. Si certaines de ces mesures ont participé au succès grandissant de l’épargne solidaire, des progrès restent devant nous pour accroître significativement les flux financiers orientés vers les entreprises de l’économie sociale et solidaire.
La Révision Coopérative à l'épreuve de la Loi ESS de 2014 : bilan et perspectives
Authors: Neck Stéphane
Published: September 2024

La Loi ESS de 2014 a étendu l’obligation de Révision à toutes les coopératives, renforçant la transparence et la gouvernance. Cette Révision, perçue initialement comme une contrainte, est comprise aujourd’hui comme un outil d'amélioration. Elle assure la conformité aux principes coopératifs, protège l'intérêt des adhérents et offre un diagnostic permettant aux coopératives d'évoluer. Dix ans après, le bilan est positif, mais des efforts doivent être poursuivis pour maximiser son impact.
Jean Dubergé : serviteur de l’État, universitaire et chercheur
Authors: Beltrame Pierre
Published: September 2024

Au cours d’une longue et riche carrière au service de l’État et de la gestion des finances publiques qui l’a conduit de l’administration des finances aux cabinets ministériels et de la Cour des comptes à l’Université, Jean Dubergé, docteur en droit, docteur ès lettres, licencié en philosophie et diplômé de science politique, a mûri une réflexion sur le phénomène fiscal qui a trouvé sa consécration dans des recherches approfondies qui ont fait de lui le pionnier de la psychologie fiscale en France.
Les consentements en droit fiscal
Authors: Gerval Charles-Eloi
Published: September 2024

Le Professeur Jean Dubergé avait très tôt compris que les consentements collectif et individuel à l’impôt devaient être tous deux améliorés de front.
La réforme de la fiscalité locale par la loi de finances pour 2010 et la décision du Conseil constitutionnel du 29 décembre 2009
Authors: Dussart Vincent
Published: September 2024

La suppression de la taxe professionnelle dans la loi de finances pour 2010 et la décision du Conseil constitutionnel n° 2009-599 DC du 29 décembre 2009 ont sans doute constitué une étape essentielle dans l’évolution et les réformes de la fiscalité locale qui ont suivi.
Le financement des établissements sociaux et médico-sociaux à l’épreuve de la Covid-19 : réalités et enjeux nationaux et locaux
Authors: Bonaventure Stéphanie , Corbin Stéphane
Published: September 2024

Pour les établissements sociaux et médico-sociaux l’épreuve de la Covid-19 s’est traduite par une augmentation sans précédent du soutien de la Caisse nationale de solidarité pour l’autonomie ainsi que des départements. L’urgence a entraîné un bouleversement de la répartition des compétences et des pratiques aux confins de la légalité. Après une période financièrement délicate, les établissements sociaux et médico-sociaux sont revenus, dès 2022, à une situation plus favorable mais la crise de la Covid-19 a révélé des fragilités appelant des réformes structurelles dans un contexte de crise des vocations des métiers de l’action sociale.
La Cour des comptes et la réforme du contrôle financier public en Grèce
Authors: Balta Evangelia
Published: September 2024

La Cour des comptes, qui fonctionne sans interruption depuis près de deux siècles, est l’institution la plus ancienne de l’histoire de l’État grec. Ses perspectives d’évolution constituent un défi, compte tenu du nouveau cadre budgétaire européen et des pathologies pérennes de l’administration publique du pays. La présente étude met en lumière les réformes introduites par une législation récente, réformes qui modernisent la Cour des comptes en la dotant, non seulement d’une organisation optimisée, mais aussi d’un fonctionnement nouveau et d’un mandat de contrôle élargi.
Influence of environmental pollution and bacterial hyper-infectivity on dynamics of a waterborne pathogen model with free boundaries
Authors: Zhao Meng , Liu Jiancheng , Zhang Yindi
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we mainly study the influence of environmental pollution and bacterial hyper-infectivity on the spreading of diseases by considering a waterborne pathogen model with free boundaries. At first, the global existence and uniqueness of the solution to this problem is proved. Then, we analyze its longtime behavior, which is determined by a spreading-vanishing dichotomy. Furthermore, we obtain the criteria for spreading and vanishing. Our results indicate that environmental pollution and bacterial hyper-infectivity can increase the chance of epidemic spreading.
What is the coverage of your health insurance plan? An audit of hospital billing
Authors: Sugunan Aswin , Pillai K Rajasekharan , George Anice
Published: September 2024

The provocative advice of health policymakers in endorsing private health insurance, as a critical tool for health reforms, is well-reckoned as a deterrent to mounting healthcare expenditure in the wake of the public health insurance quagmire. However, scholarly evidence has condemned the ineffectiveness of private health insurance in containing out-of-pocket expenditure. In this backdrop, we carried out a nuanced investigation of the coverage pattern of private health insurance policies. We examined the one-year billing information of private health insurance holders hospitalized in a multi-specialty teaching hospital. We found that private health insurance fails to provide full coverage, leading to underinsurance though minimal financial protection was extended. Moreover, reimbursement patterns under various cost heads are also discussed. We conclude by emphasizing the need for future research to fill the knowledge gap. We claim methodological novelty in its approach to data collection.
Impacts of bulk density and water content on the tire-soil contact area of agricultural field vehicles
Authors: Thorpe Davi de Farias , Rolim Mário Monteiro , Pedrosa Elvira Maria Reges , Simões Neto Djalma Eusébio , Cavalcanti Roberta Queiroz , Lima Renato Paiva de
Published: September 2024

We tested the hypothesis that the increase in soil stiffness, induced by variations in bulk density and water content at the tire-soil contact interface, causes a reduction in the contact area. For this, we examined the contact area from different tire-ground contact scenarios and compared the measurements and simulations using a contact area description model. Front and rear tractor tires were used for the measurement of the contact area under tilled soil, sugarcane field, unpaved road, and paved ground scenarios, which induced different bulk densities and water content levels. The results revealed that soil stiffness reduced the tire-soil contact area. The tire-soil contact area increased as the water content increased and the bulk density was reduced. For the front tractor tire, the theoretical contact area was similar to the values found for tilled soil, but there was a large difference between the measurements (2,200 cm2, for the tilled soil) and the theoretical estimates (3,100 cm2) for the rear tractor tire (likely induced by tire dimensions). Our results suggest that increases in soil stiffness reduce the tire-soil contact area. The higher the soil bulk density and the lower the soil moisture, the lower the contact area. The results also revealed that the tire tractor tread might reduce the contact at the hard surface, making the shape of the contact area more geometrically irregular and different from those predicted by models using regular geometry (e.g., cycles, ellipses, or rectangles). This study suggests that two-body (soil and tire) contact models for deformable surfaces should be used in future tire-soil contact models of agricultural field vehicles.
Effect of intraspecies interactions on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and gene expression
Authors: Calomino Mariana Alcântara , Silva Michelle Pereira , Pauer Heidi , Oliveira Beatriz Guitton Renaud Baptista de , Martins Francislene Juliana , Valente Gabriel Luis Cavalcanti , Paula Geraldo Renato de , Teixeira Felipe Lopes
Published: September 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen of acute and chronic infections that can increase risk to burned patients and those with chronic wounds, especially when forming biofilms. These complex ecosystems are formed by several bacteria that communicate, cooperate, and compete with each other.  To enhance its survival capacity in such a competitive environment, P. aeruginosa produces secondary metabolites with a range of biological activities, among other factors. Here, we evaluated how such bioactive molecules mediate intraspecies interactions to modulate P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. An overall decrease in biofilm formation on the surface of stainless steel coupons was observed for both dual-strain and single-strain biofilms formed in the presence of secondary metabolites extracted from other P. aeruginosa strains. Modulation of biofilm formation by these metabolites during P. aeruginosa intraspecies interactions suggests a role for these molecules in strain competition. The most likely mechanism by which it occurs might be modulation of iron uptake. Among the genes analyzed, those related to import (tonB1) and biosynthesis (pvdS) of the siderophore pyoverdine were the most downregulated during exposure to the metabolite extracts. Exploring P. aeruginosa intraspecies interactions during biofilm formation might be an interesting approach to understand its lifestyle better and, thus, the mechanisms involved in the species’ biofilm formation.
Birds, reptiles and mammals sighted within and surrounding the municipality of Aquidauana, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Lima Walquíria Elias , Souza Carolina Fregonesi de , Arruda Rosana Moreira da Silva de , Souza Julio Cesar de
Published: September 2024

The study aimed to assess species richness and diversity in Aquidauana, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, using six observation points over 12 months. A total of 2,591 individuals among reptiles, birds, and mammals, covering 29 orders and 43 families, were recorded. Columbidae, Furnariidae, and Tyrannidae were prominent families, and Passeriformes was the most representative order. The point with the highest number of observations was near Lagoa Comprida, probably due to minimal human disturbance. The most observed species included Rufous hornero, Wattled jacana, Black-bellied duck, and Whistling-duck. December was the month with the highest number of sightings. Nine feeding guilds were identified, and three species were classified as vulnerable or near threatened. The bootstrap estimator suggested the potential for finding more species with increased sampling. The Shannon index revealed no significant difference between observation points. Aquidauana presents notable urban biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of conserving wetlands and forest areas to preserve diversity.
Bird richness at Sítio do Sol in Cabreúva, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Silva Gabriel de Paula da , Lima Lucas Renan Martins de , Capelli João Gabriel Cerrati , Souza Natália Lavínia Andrello , Aranha Valéria  Leite
Published: September 2024

The Atlantic Forest biome has suffered great devastation but still possesses a vast biological and endemic richness, making its preservation essential. The Atlantic Forest fragments located in the interior of the state of São Paulo have not been studied as much as other areas, mainly in the municipality of Cabreúva. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the bird richness of the Sítio do Sol property, in Cabreúva, São Paulo. The study was carried out from August 2021 to September 2022, covering seasonality. The findings revealed that 193 species were registered, distributed among 52 families, and 23 orders, with a predominance of the Passeriformes order and the Tyrannidae family. The most observed trophic guild among species was insectivorous, accounting for 78 (41%) species, followed by omnivorous with 59 (31%) species, carnivorous 18 (9%), frugivorous 16 (8%), granivorous 12 (6%), nectarivorous 8 (4%), and detritivorous species 2 (1%), with lower richness. This study is one of the few bird surveys carried out in the municipality of Cabreúva and indicates that even in small forest fragments, there is a considerable species richness. Developing more fauna surveys and management plans for the species present in the area is important to preserve these birds.
In vitro, modulation of the dominant intestinal microbiota in type 2 diabetics by controlling antimicrobial activity with the methanolic extract of Pistacia lentiscus L.
Authors: Bourroubey Bachir , Chelli Nadia , Touil Aicha Tir , Meddah Boumediene
Published: September 2024

The intestinal microbiota has become known as the ‘second brain’ a complementary organ for most metabolic and defensive reactions. The study aims to investigate the potential of the methanolic extract of Pistacia lentiscus leaves to modulate the dominant flora in type 2 diabetic patients compared to healthy subjects, by controlling growth kinetics. Comparative study between the dominant flora of type two diabitics (DT2) and helthy subjects (HS) stools. Using fully sterilized experimental space and materials, the germs were isolated through an antimicrobial study, and their microbial growth kinetics, were analyzed both with and without phytotherapeutic treatment in vitro. This was carried out as part of a study into the effect of methanolic extract from the leaves of the Pistacia lentiscus L. plant harvested in north-west Algeria. The study found a decrease in the quantity of lactobacilli and streptococci in DT2 and an inverse relationship between enterobacteria and streptococci in all microbiotas. On the molecular side. The methanolic extract of P lentiscus leaves gave a super antimicrobial effect for E coli and Clostridium sp at concentrations below their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (2 mg mL-1), compared with the other gram positives studied, lactobacillus and Streptococcus (4 mg mL-1). This beneficial action confirms the high antimicrobial effect of the methanolic extract of P lentiscus leaves with lower concentration for the quantitative restauration of intestinal microbiota, the intermediary between insoluno-resistance and metabolism. Pistacia lentiscus has the potential to modulate the dominant flora in type 2 diabetics, through its regulatory antimicrobial power.
Guardians of the forest: the traditional knowledge associated to sociobiodiversity productsin the Middle Juruá territory,Carauari, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Alves Thais Carla Vieira , Rezende Marília Gabriela Gondim , Guimarães David Franklin da Silva , Vasconcelos Mônica Alves de , Andrade Cristiane Menezes Guedes de , Lima José da Cruz Lima de
Published: September 2024

The sustainable use of resources and the traditional knowledge of human populations in sustainable use UCs characterize these spaces as places of refuge for sociocultural expressions, ways of life, territorial protection, and maintenance of knowledge. The present study aimed to reveal traditional knowledge regarding flora and fauna species by riverside communities in the Amazon basin. To this end, it investigated how residents of two communities in the Middle Juruá territory identified and used local species. The analysis of similarities enabled the creation of a flowchart illustrating the process of traditional knowledge consolidation based on the application of semi-structured forms, open interviews and bibliographic review. Ninety-five species and 112 uses were identified and categorized, the most frequent uses being associated with healthcare (68%), cosmetics (10%), and food (9%). Cluster formation was observed among members of the same community, suggesting that traditional knowledge transmission is consistent with living closer together. Therefore, we understand that the region has great potential for products and uses of socio-biodiversity, and traditional populations are responsible for protecting territorial and natural resources through sustainable management, using their traditional knowledge. However, the erosion of this knowledge in regions with intense trade with companies that use these raw materials for products highlights the need to guarantee the rights of these populations, especially in relation to the sharing of benefits from products derived from associated traditional knowledge and heritage genetic (Brasil, 2015).
A sinergia entre a agenda política de extrema direita e o negacionismo vacinal: rastreando a convergência entre as duas pautas
Authors: Judensnaider Ivy , Forato Thaís Cyrino de Mello
Published: September 2024

O estímulo à vacinação é uma das estratégias preconizadas pela Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) no que diz respeito à saúde e ao bem-estar. Embora o negacionismo vacinal não seja exclusivo da extrema direita, é necessário reconhecer que a hesitação vacinal parece encontrar adesão aos propósitos do conservadorismo de forma exemplar. Tal cenário nos conduz ao campo de investigação dos Estudos Sociais da Ciência e à seguinte pergunta: quais são os pontos de convergência entre a pauta antivacinal e a agenda da extrema direita? Nossa hipótese é a de que os propósitos e interesses da extrema direita convergem com os dos movimentos antivax, já que ambos exigem: a) o boicote às instituições internacionais e às políticas globais que visam ao desenvolvimento sustentável; b) a apologia aos direitos individuais em detrimento dos coletivos; e c) a deslegitimação das fontes de autoridades representadas pelas mídias tradicionais e pelas instituições científicas. Como estratégias metodológicas, utilizamos a pesquisa documental a partir de seleção de notícias em jornais, revistas e de informes de órgãos internacionais, e a pesquisa bibliográfica por meio da seleção e análise da literatura científica já produzida sobre o assunto. A análise dos dados disponíveis permitiu-nos entender que as práticas antivacinais contribuem para o alcance de outros objetivos das agendas políticas conservadoras, tornando visível a existência de sinergia entre as ações contra a vacinação e outras levadas a cabo pela extrema direita.
Synthesis, morphological characterization, and evaluation of nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) in the degradation of water contaminated with POPs
Authors: Paulo Fortes Joao , Inácio Karen Cristina , Carvalho Neto Alberto Gonçalves Viera de , Fortes Stefany Marques Silva , Ribeiro Renata , Silva Gustavo Henrique Ribeiro da
Published: September 2024

Nanostructured zero valence iron (nZVI) has been applied in advanced oxidative processes aimed at the treatment of water contaminated with Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP). Considering that such compounds cannot be eliminated by traditional treatment methods, this study proposes the synthesis of nZVI by the reduction of Iron Chloride III by sodium borohydride in the absence of O2, in ultrasound bath. The material obtained has only a wide diffraction halo at 45.13º of 2θ, with an average diameter of the crystallite calculated at 8.3 nm. The method of Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET method) analysis infer that the synthesized material is classified as mesoporous and showing a large surface area of 91.48 m2.g-1. According to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) the compound exhibits a core-shell type structure being the average size smaller than 50 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates that the compound is thermally stable, exhibiting only a thermal event close to 70º C in which there is a loss of approximately 25% of mass related to water loss. The synthesis was efficient because there is no formation of metal oxides and no residue from the synthesis process according to FT-IR analyzes. To evaluate the effectiveness and present the parameters that most positively contributed to the degradation of water contaminated with 24 of the most common POPs, a chemometric study was applied considering the following variables: reaction time, concentration of applied iron nanoparticles and pH values. The approach reduces costs, time, and waste generation. Among the variables, reaction time is crucial, mainly due to solubility differences between compounds. Kinetic tests show increased efficiency after one hour, emphasizing a direct correlation between degradation rate and water solubility for the studied POPs.
Lifetime of forage cactus submitted to different water and saline levels
Authors: Caraciolo João Pedro Soares , Lucena Leandro Ricardo Rodrigues de , Leite Maurício Luiz de Mello Vieira , Silva José Raliuson Inácio , Bezerra Raul Caco Alves
Published: September 2024

Forage cactus is mostly grown in hot climates, where water deficit is quite common, consequently they end up suffering from saline stress, as the waters of these regions have high concentrations of salts. The buildup of salts in the soil promotes an unfavorable environment for the development of plants, as it negatively alters the growth of crops, reducing the productivity of forage plants in agricultural areas. The objective was then to evaluate the lifetime of Nopalea cochenillifera cactus under water and saline stress conditions. This research was conducted from September 2021, to August 2022, in the forage farming sector of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. The design used was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme, being composed of two clones of cactus (Clones Giant and Little Sweet), two levels of water irrigation (0.5 and 1L weekly), five levels of saline stress (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS m-1), with four replications. The lifetime of forage cactus was evaluated using the statistical methodology of survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier method. The plant mortality rate of N. cochenillifera clone Giant Sweet at 257 days after planting was of 20%, while the clone Little Sweet showed a mortality rate of 15%. When irrigated with 0.5 liter of water, the plants of the clone Giant Sweet presented a mortality rate of 5.0%, whereas the clones Little Sweet showed no mortality. When using 1.0 liter of irrigation water, the clones Giant and Little Sweet showed a mortality rate of 35.0 and 30.0%, respectively.
Structure-Mechanical Property Relationships in Carbon Nanotube Yarns
Authors: Ramadhan Redha A. , Yu Chen , Kunitomo Akira , Shigemitsu Nozomu , Shindo Tatsunori , Yamamoto Go
Published: September 2024

Carbon nanotube (CNT) is an innovative material with significant potential for a wide range of applications, including but not limited to the development of lightweight composite materials or superconductors. A single CNT demonstrates an exceptional degree of tensile strength. CNTs are commonly employed in a structure of yarn, wherein several CNT strands are arranged and aligned together. CNT yarns, on the other hand, have a lower tensile strength than individual CNTs due to the different parameters of the yarn. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different structural parameters on the mechanical properties of CNT yarn. Sixty CNT yarn models with different structures were simulated with the molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The varied parameters are the chirality of the CNTs, CNTs’ inner diameter, number of walls, crosslink density, and yarn twist angle. Tensile strength results from the simulations were compared concerning the varied parameters, and their influence on the nominal tensile strength of the CNT yarn was studied. It was found that the parameters for the CNT yarn that yields a higher tensile strength are the armchair type CNT with a small diameter, a large number of walls, crosslink density higher than approximately 1%, and a low twist angle.
Intercultural Competence in the Context of Teaching Chinese in Sri Lanka: Ideology vs Spirituality
Authors: Dassanayake Noel Sampath Yasasri
Published: September 2024

Significant transformations have occurred in the anatomy of societies along with rapid digitalisation, migration, and language change, which, in liaison with various other influencers, have highlighted the need to incorporate intercultural competence into education. The qualitative and quantitative changes that have occurred in teaching Chinese in Sri Lanka in the recent past have stemmed new paradigm shifts in curriculum development, teaching methods and material for teaching Chinese language, of which consolidating intercultural competence is indispensable. The present study has examined the existing modes and extents of intercultural competencies incorporated into teaching Chinese in Sri Lanka from the perspectives of ideology and culture. The study adopts a convergent parallel design juxtaposing qualitative and quantitative data from the informants to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. The results indicate that the informants' preference is more toward learning cultural content, especially content related to spirituality, than ideological content in language learning. The limitations of the Sri Lankan CFL learners' cross-cultural knowledge are clearly depicted by the low performance of informants in identifying rudimentary Indic loanwords in Chinese. Existing teaching material, approaches and language policy planning have to be reassessed and redesigned to cope with rapid language change and increasing diversity of learners.
Emotional Advertising and Consumer Brand Love: The Indomie Noodles Experience
Authors: Ajayi Oluseyi , Abina Babatunde Musiliu
Published: September 2024

Consumers are beings with range of myriad emotions and even more complex backstories. In modern-day marketing activities, the importance of concepts like brand love has begun to blossom as marketers’ shifts from facilitating unique sales propositions to building emotional relationships with their brand consumers. In an increasingly competitive market, with the winner being the brand that can hold consumer attention and therein their purchasing capabilities, advertising is now more focused on the brand and the image or personality the brand portrays to consumers. Using the stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) theory as the theoretical basis, this study examines the influence of emotional advertising on consumer brand love by studying the consumers of the Indomie brand. Using SEM analysis to study the responses of 154 postgraduate students, this study examine the influence of emotional advertising on three components of brand love (brand intimacy, brand passion, brand commitment). The results show that emotional advertising positively affects the three components of brand love (brand passion, brand intimacy and brand commitment) examined in this study, and has the greatest positive impact on brand commitment. Therefore, this study recommends that Indomie continue their use of emotional advertising. This study calls for further research regarding the specific effects of emotional advertising by different brands on consumer brand love, and the specific effects of negative and positive emotional advertising on brand love.
Impact of Microfinance on Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Rathnapura District
Authors: Pemasiri B. W. N. K. , Swarnapali R. M. N. C.
Published: September 2024

Microfinance on women's empowerment in entrepreneurship is a high-time topic to discuss. Accordingly, this research delves into the impact of microfinance on the empowerment of women entrepreneurship in Rathnapura District. The researchers targeted the Rathnapura district and conducted this research because it is among the ten (10) districts with the highest number of women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. However, currently, research has yet to be conducted in this district, and it forged to do a study on the present theme. The study's population consisted of women entrepreneurs running their businesses in the Rathnapura district, and 100 women entrepreneurs were selected as the sample using the convenience sampling method. The study employed descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses as the data analysis tools. The results of the study indicated that there is a positive relationship between microfinance and women's entrepreneurship. The findings underscore the pivotal role of microfinance in fostering economic and social empowerment among women entrepreneurs, offering invaluable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the microfinance sector.
A painful massive cyanotic edema of the left leg
Authors: Marchetti Alessandra , Guarona Guglielmo , Elia Fabrizio
Published: September 2024

A 70-year-old woman presented to our Emergency Department because of acute pain and swelling in her left lower limb. She suffered from depressive syndrome and hypertension, and she had a previous history of breast and uterine cancer. She denied fever and trauma. Her medication included olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide and unspecified antidepressants. Physical examination revealed blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, heart rate of 78 bpm, peripheral oxygen saturation of 94% in room ambient, and a unilateral edema of the entire left lower limb with bluish skin discoloration, decreased peripheral sensitivity, and weak peripheral pulses. Laboratory findings showed White Blood Cell count (WBC) 5.53x109/L, Hemoglobin (Hb) 12.5 g/dL, Platelet count (PLT) 137,000/µL, International Normalized Ratio (INR) 1.22, glucose 449 mg/dL, creatinine 1.19 mg/dL (nv 0.5-0.96 mg/dL), C-reactive protein 0.26 mg/dL (nv<1.0 mg/dL), D-dimer 28,920 ng/mL (nv<500 ng/mL), fibrinogen 182 mg/dL (nv 200-400 mg/dL).
An unusual malposition of the nasogastric tube in the pleural space: a case report
Authors: Eminente Dino , Zotti Sonia , Gilardi Emanuele , Grandi Tommaso , Navarin Silvia , Sambuco Federica , Travaglino Francesco
Published: September 2024

Nasogastric Tubes (NGT) are widely used in hospitals, e.g. for the administration of nutrients or drugs and gastric release after major surgeries. Blind insertion of these tubes is usually performed by nurses, residents, and other health care providers. In this case report, we present an incident of misplacement of the NGT, located in the pleural space, and causing pneumothorax. NGT can be inserted accidentally into the airways leading to complications like pneumonia, pneumothorax, and even death. Mechanically ventilated patients are at high risk of having an NGT misplaced, since they often have reduced consciousness and weak cough reflex.