bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fábricas sincronizadas: América Latina y el Caribe en la era de las Cadenas Globales de Valor
Authors: Blyde Juan S. , Volpe Martincus Christian , Molina Danielken
Published: March 2024

El surgimiento de las cadenas globales de valor está permitiendo que las naciones que se vinculan a ellas se industrialicen a un ritmo mucho más acelerado que el que necesitarían desarrollando cadenas domésticas completas. Además de crear oportunidades para diversificar la producción y el comercio, la participación en estas cadenas globales permite que los países capturen algunas de las ganancias asociadas al bien manufacturado en la cadena sin tener que poseer habilidades en todas sus etapas de producción. A pesar de estos potenciales beneficios, muy poco países en América Latina y el Caribe están aprovechando estas nuevas tendencias en la organización internacional de la producción. Este reporte presenta inicialmente un panorama muy completo del nivel de participación de los países de la región en las cadenas globales de valor vis à vis otras regiones del mundo. Posteriormente se examinan los principales factores que subyacen a las tasas de participación observadas, para concluir con una serie de propuestas de política.
The End of Informality in Mexico?: Fiscal Reform for Universal Social Insurance
Authors: Antón Arturo , Hernández Fausto , Levy Algazi Santiago
Published: March 2024

Mexico is characterized by a dual social insurance architecture. Firms and workers in salaried contractual relations are obligated to pay for a bundled set of health, pension and related programs. Nonsalaried workers benefit from an unbundled set of parallel programs paid by the government. We develop a model to study the implications of this architecture in a context of informality and imperfect tax enforcement. We argue that this architecture: (i) provides workers with erratic and incomplete coverage against risks, (ii) fosters evasion and narrows the tax base, (iii) delinks contributions from benefits undermining fiscal sustainability, and (iv) distorts the labor market lowering real wages and total factor productivity.
Diasporas, Philanthropy and Hometown Associations: The Central American Experience
Authors: Orozco Manuel
Published: March 2024

This is the last version available of "Diasporas, Philanthropy and Hometown Associations: The Central American Experience". This paper looks at the experience of Hometown Associations (HTAs) in Central America as an illustration of voluntary work on development and a manifestation of a transnational identity characterized by the interplay between micro and macro dynamics living in a real world of "distant proximities". The paper analyzes the formation of transnational migrants as diasporas that are formed by the influx of history, migration and contact, and identifies characteristic and features of HTAs within a broader context of identity and belonging. The paper also looks at the ways in which these associations operate and posits questions about the challenge to development players to engage with diasporas as partners in development. We argue that development work today needs a deterritorialized approach that includes the realities and desires of migrants as organized diasporas or as individuals with concrete preferences.
It Can Be Done: An Integrated Approach for Controlling and Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases
Authors: Tristao Ignez , Cali Jonathan
Published: March 2024

The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region has experienced dramatic gains in health and life expectancy in the past century. Yet hundreds of millions of people in the region are still at risk of contracting at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), a class of diseases that cause chronic suffering and disabilities, impede physical and social development, and result in stigmatization of people living in poverty. Unfortunately, many existing programs designed to combat NTDs are underfunded, do not collaborate with each other, and are not integrated with the general health system and other sectors vital for addressing risk factors.This book analyzes the efforts made by the Neglected Tropical Disease Initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC NTD Initiative) to control or eliminate these dreadful diseases through integrated NTD programs that address multiple diseases by combining interventions from health, water and sanitation, education, and other sectors in a unified, coordinated way. It shares the LAC NTD Initiatives experiences advocating for the financing, design, and implementation of integrated programs to combat the diseases, and it highlights several important lessons learned and challenges confronted throughout the process. Unlike previous works, this book employs a single conceptual framework to compare and contrast the integration of projects implemented in different contexts. The experiences, case studies, and analyses presented here offer ideas and best practices for building partnerships for promoting NTD control, and for integrating the management structures, financing arrangements, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation activities of NTD projects and programs. Accordingly, the LAC NTD Initiative believes that this book is a valuable resource for donors, advocates, policy makers and program managers who are working to control and eliminate NTDs in LAC and around the world.
Pueblos indígenas y Programas de Transferencias Condicionadas (PTC): Estudio etnográfico sobre la implementación y los efectos socioculturales del Programa Juntos en seis comunidades andinas y amazónicas de Perú
Authors: Correa Aste Norma , Roopnaraine Terry
Published: March 2024

Los Programas de Transferencia Condicionadas (PTC) han sido reconocidos como instrumentos exitosos para mejorar los resultados de salud, nutrición y educación de las poblaciones en situación de pobreza y vulnerabilidad. Desde su creación en el año 2005, el Programa Nacional de Apoyo Directo "Juntos" se ha posicionado como un pilar de la red de protección social peruana y es reconocido como uno de los programas sociales más emblemáticos del país. Con la presente investigación se busca contribuir profundizando la comprensión de los efectos, logros y retos del programa y fortalecer las operaciones, así como al estudio de la economía política de los programas sociales desde la antropología. Las seis comunidades indígenas andinas y amazónicas comprendidas son: asháninka (Junín), aymará (Puno), awajún (Amazonas), quechua (Ayacucho y Huancavelica) y shawi (Loreto). Este documento extenso se encuentra organizado en seis capítulos que contienen: el estado actual de la literatura sobre PTC, los objetivos de estudio y metodología de investigación; interpretación de la base conceptual y racionalidad técnica del programa; situación de operaciones del programa encontrada durante el trabajo de campo; por último se describe el proceso de pago, usos del bono y tensiones asociadas al mismo.
Emprendimiento de la energía geotérmica en Colombia
Authors: Marzolf Natacha C.
Published: March 2024

El Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) comprometido con la causa de la defensa racional del medio ambiente, propugnando por un desarrollo sostenible que le permita a los países en desarrollo aprovechar de una manera óptima sus recursos naturales, potenciando el crecimiento y la creación de valor para todos los grupos de interés de la sociedad, acogió con entusiasmo la propuesta formulada por ISAGEN S.A. E.S.P. (ISAGEN), empresa colombiana de servicios públicos mixta, de llevar adelante el desarrollo y aprovechamiento del recurso geotérmico disponible en Colombia. Es por esta razón que el BID, con recursos del Fondo de Consultoría Japonés (JCF) y el Fondo para el Medio Ambiente Mundial (GEF) impulsó la iniciativa de ISA GEN de desarrollar el potencial geotérmico, con el soporte técnico del consorcio Nippon Koei Geothermal Integral. Durante este trabajo, se realizó la integración de la información obtenida en los estudios técnicos de superficie realizados previamente por ISAGEN y se desarrolló el modelo geotérmico conceptual conducente a la selección de un área de interés para exploración y uso de la geotermia en la zona de influencia del Macizo Volcánico del Ruiz en Colombia. Los trabajos realizados por ISAGEN han contado con el apoyo de un grupo interdisciplinario conformado por profesionales y expertos de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, el Servicio Geológico Colombiano (antes Ingeominas), el Centro Internacional de Física, la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México y la cofinanciación de USTDA y COLCIENCIAS. El BID pone a disposición de los lectores interesados, la presente monografía, en la cual se condensan las experiencias y lecciones aprendidas en el desarrollo de este proyecto y en especial de la cooperación técnica Inversiones Catalizadoras para Energía Geotérmica en Colombia.
Educación técnico profesional en Chile
Authors: Arias Ortiz Elena , Farías Mauricio , Huneeus Cristóbal , González-Velosa Carolina , Rucci Graciana
Published: March 2024

El rol del capital humano como motor de desarrollo productivo y crecimiento de los países es uno de los temas más estudiados en ciencias sociales. El consenso es amplio: la educación, entendida como el proceso continuo de adquisición de habilidades y/o capacidades, determina la productividad de los trabajadores, sus niveles de ingresos, y en último término, el nivel agregado de bienestar de la sociedad. Una población mejor formada aumenta la capacidad de innovación de una economía, agilizando el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías y productos, y facilitando también la difusión de conocimientos para adoptar nuevas tecnologías desarrolladas por terceros (Bassi, Rucci y Urzúa 2013). Por estos diversos canales, mayores niveles de capital humano individuales se traducirían en mayores niveles de crecimiento y desarrollo económico. Más aún, la evidencia reciente enfatiza que son las habilidades de las personas y la calidad de éstasno necesariamente los años de educación- las que explican una parte significativa de la variación del ingreso per cápita de los países (Hanushek et al 2015). El sistema de educación superior chileno ha realizado una expansión importante en los niveles medio superior y superior durante las últimas décadas. La tasa de graduación de educación secundaria superior ha tenido un aumento dramático pasando de 46% en 1995 a 83% en el 2011, el promedio de países de la OCDE.
Inventario de los registros civiles e identificación de América Latina y el Caribe
Authors: Harbitz Mia Elisabeth , Arcos Axt Iván , Benítez Molina Juan Carlos
Published: March 2024

El objeto del presente documento es describir de forma breve las principales características del registro civil y la situación de identificación en los países miembros del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) en América Latina y el Caribe. El documento también señala las barreras e implicaciones que existen en cuanto al acceso de las personas a sus derechos y a la participación en programas sociales, así como también en los sectores de salud, educación y en programas encaminados a la reducción de la pobreza.
Gobernanza y sostenibilidad de los sistemas de agua potable y saneamiento rurales en Colombia
Authors: Smits Stef , Benavidez Alberto , Bey Valérie , Rojas Johnny , Ibarra Vanessa , Tamayo Shirley Paola
Published: March 2024

Existe un amplio reconocimiento en la literatura sobre la gran importancia que tiene el apoyo post-construcción a prestadores rurales (comunitarios) para incrementar la sostenibilidad de los servicios de agua potable en estas zonas. Sin embargo, hay poca evidencia cuantitativa para sustentar esta afirmación. Tampoco se conoce cuáles aspectos del apoyo post-construcción son los más significativos para brindar un apoyo eficaz y eficiente. El presente estudio realiza un análisis cuantitativo del impacto que diferentes formas de apoyo post-construcción tienen en el desempeño de prestadores rurales de servicios de agua y en los niveles de servicio que los usuarios reciben en 40 sistemas de agua en 3 departamentos de Colombia. Casi todos los prestadores incluidos en el estudio recibían algún tipo de apoyo por parte de entidades externas. Pero aquellos prestadores que reciben un apoyo estructurado tienen mejores indicadores de desempeño que los prestadores que reciben un apoyo puntual. Factores que explican la eficacia del apoyo post-construcción incluyen el grado de institucionalización del modelo, el contar con personal calificado, la frecuencia del apoyo y el carácter inter-institucional de los modelos de apoyo.
Odyssey in International Markets: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Export Promotion in Latin America and the Caribbean: Special Report on Integration and Trade: Summary
Authors: Volpe Martincus Christian
Published: March 2024

Export promotion is costly, and the resources it requires might be better employed elsewhere. In order to ascertain that these resources are, in fact, being well invested, it must be first determined whether the policy initiatives they finance have an impact on those variables that they are supposed to affect--in this case, exports. Making this determination is the aim of this report. Odyssey in International Markets begins by making a comprehensive analysis of export promotion organizations in some three dozen countries and regions. Second, it provides robust evaluations, using state-of-the-art econometrics and original datasets, of the impacts that policies have had on export outcomes of countries and firms. At the same time, the report points to areas where further research would produce deeper insights into its relative merits.
A Toolkit for the Measurement of Youth Risk Behavior
Authors: Vivo Sigrid , McCoy Sandra , Muñoz Rodrigo , López-Peña Paula , Saric Drina , Bautista-Arredondo Sergio
Published: March 2024

A toolkit for the measurement of youth risk behavior This publication is the third in a series of monographs prepared by the Inter-American Development Bank's Social Protection and Health Division to support the measurement of youth at risk. In this context, this document has been created to support and strengthen the monitoring and evaluation processes of programs aimed at youth. With an emphasis on effective results measurement, it is structured as a user-friendly operational guide for teams of specialists who work with this population group.
Variable Renewable Energies and Their Contribution to Energy Security: Complementarity in Colombia
Authors: Paredes Juan Roberto , Ramírez C. John J.
Published: March 2024

This monograph describes the linkages between the concept of capacity in energy markets and the characteristics of Variable Renewable Energies (VRE), hydro, solar, and wind. We live in a carbon-constrained world challenged by climate change. This document provides practical ways for member countries to increase their energy security and to assess the complementarity between variable renewable energies such as wind or solar. The publication assesses the complementarity between variable renewable energies such as wind or solar and one of the most abundant renewable resources in Latin America, hydropower, taking the Colombian electricity system as a case study.
Social Pulse in Latin America and the Caribbean 2016: Realities & Perspectives
Authors: Duryea Suzanne , Robles Marcos
Published: March 2024

Social Pulse describes the trends in a comprehensive set of key social indicators and highlight findings that warrant attention by policymakers. The report includes information from 22 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. In the first section of the document, "Reality and perspective of social conditions", the analysis of social indicators follows a life cycle framework. This section highlights that since before the global financial crisis erupted in 2008 the region ceased to be predominantly poor while the number of middle class people almost doubled in the last decade. The growth in women's contributions to total household labor earnings is also documented. The publication highlights specific indicators where progress has been made in closing differences in outcomes across race and ethnicity, and areas where large gaps still remain. The second section of Social Pulse, "The new dynamic between generations: poverty and family structure", examines demographic shifts in the region, including the evolution of family living arrangements and trends in the age profile of poverty.
Qualitative Phytochemical Screening, Fatty Acid Profile and Biological Studies of the Bark of Mallotus nudiflorus (Pitali) Plant
Authors: Mimi Sauda Sulatana , Hasan Mohammad Mahmudul , Rahman Md. Hasanur , Chowdhury Tofail Ahmad
Published: March 2024

In the present study, the Mallotus nudiflorus (L.) plant has been taken to determine the in-vitro analysis to find out the therapeutic value. The bioassays of the raw extract of methanol of bark of M. nudiflorus and by Kupchan’s extraction method collecting n-Hexane (HEX), Dichloromethane (DCM), Chloroform (CHCl3), Ethylacetate (EA) and Aqueous (AQ) fractions were scrutinized to find out its therapeutic value. The findings of phytochemical screening of the methanol extract of barks revealed the presence of several secondary metabolites. By using the GC-FID method the result showed that M. nudiflorus contained four bound fatty acids and four free fatty acids. EA fraction had the maximum phenolic content among all the fractions at (133.67±0.99) mg of GAE/g where the Folin- Ciocalteu reagent was used as an oxidizing agent. The antioxidant activity was measured in terms of its ability to scavenge free radicals (DPPH assay). Among all extractives, the greatest ability to scavenge for free radicals was shown by EA extract with an IС50 value (12.08±0.15) μg/ml. In the toxicity of brine shrimp test, the HEX fraction had the maximum toxicity with an LC50 value of (0.12±0.01) μg/ml. Cell cytotoxicity was observed for sample CHCl3 and EA on both the Vero (kidney epithelial cells taken from an African green monkey) and HeLa (a human cervical cancer cell) cell line. All the fractions were subjected to in vitro microbial screening, which revealed that DCM, CHCl3, and EA fractions showed growth inhibition, particularly against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by disc diffusion method. The maximum zone of inhibition in the antimicrobial activity was produced by CHCl3 fraction against Staphylococcus aureus (17 mm). The results of in vitro experiments have demonstrated that the extracts from the barks of M. nudiflorus have great potential for medicinal uses and might be studied for further chemical exploration.
Formulation and Evaluation of Topical Delivery Diosgenin Emulgel for Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Lanjekar Deepali , Salunke Malati , Mali Ashwin , Muthal Amol , Shinde Vaibhav
Published: March 2024

A variety of cellular processes work together in a highly coordinated manner to facilitate a complex and dynamic process of wound healing ensuring the efficient restoration of injured tissue. Diosgenin, a plant sterol saponin is primarily found in various plants. The aim of this research was to create an emulgel containing Diosgenin and examine its effects on wound healing in diabetic rats with excision wounds. Histopathological findings further supported the efficacy of the emulgel and results indicate that the application of Diosgenin Emulgel (DE) shows an effective approach for healing of diabetic wounds. The objective of the research stands to explore the possibility of formulation development and wound-healing capabilities of DE. The study evaluated the wound healing effects of the DE in Streptozotocin-induced (STZ) (55 mg/kg) given by intraperitoneal route diabetes and control group. The emulgel was topically applied to assess its effectiveness in promoting wound healing. The application of DE on the rat wounds resulted in a notable wound closure within a 21-day period and significant epithelization was observed with p < 0.001. The study concluded that the formulation demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in promoting the functional recovery of diabetic wounds.
Hepatoprotective Activity of Flueggea virosa Against d-Galactosamine Induced Liver Damage in Rats
Authors: Reddy G. Dayanand , Ganesan R. , Kowsalya J. , Ahamed Shahana , Ali A. Arshad , Podh Sunil Kumar
Published: March 2024

Flueggea virosa belonging to the family Phyllanthaceae, commonly known as White berry bush was traditionally used for the treatment of rheumatism, sterility, and rashes, and an infusion of the root is taken to relieve malaria. The study was intended to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of hydroethanolic extract of the roots of Flueggea virosa (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) against d-Galactosamine-induced liver damage in rats. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was used as a reference drug. Blood samples were collected after 24 h for haematological and biochemical investigation before the rats were euthanized, and liver samples were taken for histopathology. Oral administration of the HEFV at a dose of 200 mg/kg displayed a significant hepatorenal protective effect against d-Galactosamine by lowering liver biomarkers (SGPT, SGOT, and ALP), kidney biomarker levels (urea and creatinine) and hematological parameters when compared with the disease control group. These findings were strongly supported by the histopathological results of liver sections with fewer pathological changes in comparison with the group treated by the standard drug silymarin and verified the protective effect of the plant extract. The LCMS report of the extract revealed the presence of hepatoprotective ingredients like Tocopherol, Fraxetin, Glaucine, Kaempferol, Methicillin, Capsaicin, and Austinol in the hydroethanolic extract of Flueggea virosa root. The results show that the selected dose of Flueggea virosa (200 and 400 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent hepatoprotective effects on d-Galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The protection of Flueggea virosa against d-Galactosamine-induced liver damage and restoration of biochemical values could result from the content of tocopherols and tetrahydroxy flavones.
Littering Activities Monitoring using Image Processing
Authors: Husni Nyayu Latifah , Handayani Ade Silvia
Published: March 2024

Littering is a human behavior that become a habit since childhood. Even though there are rules that prohibit this behavior, the community still continues to do so. In order to limit this bad behavior, a device that can monitor and provide notifications is needed. In this research, a device is offered that can identify human activities in real time using webcam-based image processing. Then, it is processed by machine learning using the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). The monitoring device produced in this research works by comparing the captured image data with a dataset. The captured image data will then be extracted features and form several coordinate points on the human body, then the system will classify these human activities into the category of normal activities or littering activities. This device will provide an output in the form of a warning every time the activity of littering is detected.
On Some Requirements for the Sole Executive Body of a Limited Liability Company
Authors:   Lecturer of the Department of Civil Law of the Saratov State Academy of Law, Aitova Yulia F.
Published: March 2024

The article deals with topical and important issues in the field of corporate law concerning certain requirements imposed on a person exercising the powers of the sole executive body of a limited liability company. Some legislative acts and court decisions on these issues are analyzed, author’s conclusions are made.
Voluntary Involvement in Exercising Public Control in the Russian Federation as Its Principle: The Constitutional Law Analysis
Authors:   Dean of the Faculty of Higher Education of the Polytechnic Institute (Branch) of the Don State Technical University, PhD (Law), Associate Professor, Goncharov Vitaly V.
Published: March 2024

This article is devoted to the constitutional and legal analysis of the principle of voluntary participation in the exercise of public control in the Russian Federation. The subject of the analysis is the relevant provisions of the legislation of the Russian Federation devoted to the organization and implementation of public control in Russia and the practice of their application; general and private scientific methods are used — analysis, synthesis, analogy, formal legal, comparative legal, interpretation of legal norms, sociological, historical and legal, etc. The article substantiates the role and place of this institution of civil society in the system of legal guarantees for the implementation, protection and protection of the constitutional principles of democracy and the participation of society in the management of state affairs. The main approaches in the scientific and educational literature concerning the content of the concept of voluntary participation in the implementation of public control in Russia of citizens of the country, public associations and other non-profit organizations are investigated. The paper formalizes and studies the main problems that prevent the optimal implementation of this principle of public control in the organization and conduct of its events. The article develops and substantiates a system of measures to resolve these problems, including by introducing amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the current legislation on public control.
On the Prospects for Reducing the Workload and Developing the Competence of Justice of the Peace
Authors:   Justice of the Peace of the 1st Judicial Division of the Chany Judicial District of the Novosibirsk Region, Usoltsev Egor Yu.
Published: March 2024

Although they do not hold the highest place among the courts of general jurisdiction, justices of the peace play a crucial role in ensuring the functioning of the entire judicial system of the Russian Federation. Therefore, creating favorable conditions for their professional activities is an important task of the state. This study aims to identify measures to reduce the workload of justices of the peace. Doing so will improve the quality of justice and ensure that court cases are considered within reasonable timeframes. The author suggests addressing this issue by changing the competence of justices of the peace in civil and administrative proceedings, as well as in cases of administrative offenses, and delegating some of their powers to state executive bodies. Furthermore, it is proven that transferring criminal cases of private prosecution to the private-public category would optimize the work of justices of the peace.
Examination in Civil Proceedings: Certain Issues
Authors:   Acting Head of the Department of Procedural Law of the Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences Chief Research Scientist, LL.D., Associate Professor, Mikhaylova Ekaterina V.
Published: March 2024

The article discusses the court’s evaluation of expert opinions in civil cases. It is established that since the issues for which an expert is involved in case proceedings, are not within the court’s competence, the evaluation of the expert opinion should be motivated. In case of disagreement with the expert’s conclusions, the court should provide a justification based on additional or repeated expert examinations. The text discusses the legal status of prosecutors, state authorities, and local selfgovernment bodies entering civil cases to give their opinion. It also addresses the significance of their opinions for the court. It suggests considering the opinions of prosecutors, state authorities, and local self-government bodies as evidence in cases. It also suggests treating the opinions of representatives of legal science as expert opinions. It is recommended to engage state expert organizations in civil proceedings as expert organizations.
Nematodos asociados al cultivo de pepino (Cucumis sativus) y efecto de rhizobacterias promotoras de crecimiento sobre Meloidogyne incognita (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae)
Authors: GARRIDO FABIOLA , DÁVILA MEDINA MIRIAM DESIREE , Hernandez Juarez Agustín
Published: March 2024

Se analizaron muestras de suelo y raíces del cultivo del pepino. Se extrajeron e identificaron los nematodos fitopatógenos presentes. Juveniles de Meloidogyne incognita fueron los más abundantes en suelo, otros como Aphelenchoides sp., Pratylenchus sp., Tylenchorynchus sp., y Aphelenchus sp. se encontraron con menor presencia. De las raíces se obtuvieron hembras y huevos de  M. incognita. Con el fin de encontrar alternativas a los productos químicos fumigantes utilizados en exceso, se evaluaron las rizobacterias Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus velezensis y Pseudomonas fluorescens, que fueron fermentadas y filtradas para ponerse en contacto con estos nematodos bajo condiciones in vitro, observando su efecto cada 24 h. Los tratamientos se analizaron en concentraciones de 100% y 50%. El filtrado de P. fluorescens presentó la mejor actividad nematicida, ocasionando una mortalidad de 95% en la concentración más alta y de 93 % en la concentración de 50 % a las 24 h, seguido por los tratamientos de B. vallismortis y B. velezensis con 83 y 77 % de respectivamente, en las concentraciones más altas. Los tres tratamientos ocasionaron un 100 % de mortalidad de los nematodos a 48 h de exposición, indicando, que contienen acción nematicida y pueden ser una alternativa viable para el control de estos fitopatógenos.
Effectiveness of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on cardiometabolic health in university labourers
Authors: Phaswana Merling , Khumalo David Vusimuzi , Constantinou Demitri , Gradidge Philippe Jean-Luc
Published: March 2024

Background: The prevalence of obesity continues to drive the growth of chronic, non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan African countries. Little evidence is available to prevent the spread of chronic diseases in vulnerable African communities and amongst workers living in these settings. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiometabolic health in a cohort of African workers.

Methods: Forty-three Black South African university professional workers employed at the University of the Witwatersrand were randomized into 3 groups: HIIT (n = 17), a MICT (n = 15) and a control group (n = 11). The HIIT performed progressive supervised exercise on a cycle ergometer, the MICT performed continuous aerobic activity and the control group maintained their usual routines. Changes in body composition, blood glucose, blood pressure and VO2max outcomes were measured at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

Results: Compared to controls both HIIT and MICT significantly reduced waist circumference (−5.3 and −4.0 cm), BMI (−2.4 and −1.9), and blood pressure (systolic & diastolic - moderate to large effects) (p ♯αμπ;λτ; 0.05). Similarly, blood glucose levels dropped in both intervention groups (−1.9 and −2.0 mmol/L−1) (p ♯αμπ;λτ; 0.05). Notably, both interventions significantly improved VO2max (+7.5 and +7.0 mL.kg−1.min−1) (p ♯αμπ;λτ; 0.05).

Conclusions: These findings suggest both HIIT and MICT effectively improve key health markers. In the context of a growing chronic diseases crisis, our study provides important formative data for developing feasible workplace interventions to improve health outcomes.
Advocacy in a Collapsing Public Healthcare Sector
Authors: De Maayer Tim , Coovadia Ashraf
Published: March 2024

The last 15 years have seen a decline in public health services with poor performance and outcomes while the disease burden has increased. Many South African healthcare workers, whilst working in the public sector, are increasingly exposed to deteriorating conditions in which they work and are often witnesses to poor practices and suboptimal treatment. A feeling of futility adds to the burden of moral injury caused by these circumstances. South Africa has a tradition of muzzling healthcare workers who speak up and expose any malpractice, but this should not deter us from performing due diligence on our patients’ care. We need to find innovative ways of documenting and reporting health delivery deficiencies, holding people to account, and if the issues are not addressed, following them up with protected disclosure to an appropriate authority.
Ruch zetowy w Drugiej Rzeczypospolitej wobec zagadnienia roli państwa w gospodarce
Authors: Waingertner Przemysław
Published: March 2024

Przedmiotem artykułu jest przedstawienie i analiza poglądów przedstawicieli ruchu zetowego w Polsce międzywojennej na kwestię roli państwa w gospodarce. Początek ruchowi zetowemu dał zakonspirowany, niepodległościowy Związek Młodzieży Polskiej „Zet”, utworzony w 1886 r. Jeszcze w okresie zaborów stworzył on sieć organizacji społecznych, politycznych i kulturalno-oświatowych. W Drugiej Rzeczypospolitej zetowcy nadal kontrolowali liczne stowarzyszenia społeczno-polityczne, kulturalno-oświatowe i gospodarcze, wspierając równocześnie poczynania Józefa Piłsudskiego. Po przewrocie majowym 1926 r. weszli w skład obozu piłsudczykowskiego. Opowiadali się za wprowadzeniem systemu prezydenckiego. Propagowali wizję Polski jako państwa prowadzącego politykę prospołeczną. Byli orędownikami idei Rzeczypospolitej integrującej region Europy Środkowo- Wschodniej. Charakterystyczną cechą koncepcji ekonomicznych wypracowanych przez środowisko „Zetu” było akcentowanie konieczności zaangażowania państwa w gospodarkę. Miało ono wyrażać się w stosowaniu planowania ekonomicznego w skali ogólnokrajowej, wykorzystywaniu instrumentów interwencjonizmu gospodarczego, wreszcie – w posunięciach etatystycznych. Przywiązanie zetowców do zasady udziału państwa w życiu gospodarczym wynikało z ich stosunku do samej instytucji niepodległego polskiego państwa, w którym widzieli ,,najwyższy wytwór” narodu. Traktowali oni możliwość skutecznego kształtowania przez nie życia ekonomicznego jako dopełnienie wpływu instytucji państwowych w sferze politycznej i społecznej. Równocześnie działanie czynnika państwowego miało wpływać, według zetowców, na wyrównywanie szans społecznych, w konsekwencji – uzupełniać hasło demokracji politycznej ideą społecznej sprawiedliwości.
Polskie doświadczenia z operą w dobie oświecenia
Authors: Markiewicz Grzegorz
Published: March 2024

Elity polskie obcowały ze sztuką operową niemal od początków jej istnienia. W  1628  r. na zamku królewskim w  Warszawie artyści z  Mantui zaprezentowali pierwsze na ziemiach polskich dzieło operowe La Galatea. Warszawa była również pierwszym miastem na północ od Alp, w  którym powstała stała scena operowa. Był nią teatr dworski Władysława IV Wazy działający w  latach 1635–1648 i  będący faktycznie stałym teatrem operowym. Stałym, czyli mogącym „w każdej chwili” znaleźć librecistę i kompozytora potrafiących stworzyć dzieło operowe, dysponujący, sprowadzanymi z zagranicy, profesjonalnymi śpiewakami, muzykami, scenarzystami i  choreografami, potrafiącymi przygotować spektakl operowy. Do drugiej połowy XVIII w. opera miała charakter elitarny. Od momentu powstania Teatru Narodowego w 1765 r. jako sceny publicznej, dostępnej dla każdego, kto kupił bilet, dzieła operowe dla mieszkańców Warszawy oraz przybyszów z innych części kraju powoli przestawały być nowością. Jedni chodzili do opery, ponieważ chcieli zobaczyć konkretne dzieło, inni byli zainteresowani występem konkretnego śpiewaka, dyrygentem, reżyserem, dla innych był to rytuał towarzyski, kwestia prestiżu, bycia dobrze widzianym. Problemem podstawowym pozostawało zagadnienie, czy opera może być wystawiana w języku polskim?
„Walka klasowa” łódzkiego proletariatu (1905–1939) w świetle wspomnień działaczy komunistycznych z Bałut część i: działalność w SDKPiL i PPS-lewicy do chwili odzyskania niepodległości przez Polskę
Authors: Antczak Marcin
Published: March 2024

Całość problemu zostanie ujęta w trzyczęściowy artykuł prezentujący pamiętniki działaczy komunistycznych jako ważnego źródła do dziejów „walki klasowej” w okresie od rewolucji 1905–1907 do wybuchu II wojny światowej. Pierwsza jego część zawiera opis metod badawczych oraz analizę doświadczeń poszczególnych pokoleń rewolucjonistów wraz ze wskazaniem zarówno punktów wspólnych, jak i różnic w ich życiorysach. Niezależnie bowiem od propagandowej funkcji omawianych tekstów, pozwalają one przyjrzeć się różnym wydarzeniom z historii Łodzi (np. strajkom i demonstracjom) niejako pod mikroskopem, oddając emocje towarzyszące ich uczestnikom, a czasem też indywidualne odczucia i charaktery autorów.
The Attributed Work To Sibawayh Outside His Book: Analytical Examples
Authors: Al-Marshudi Abdulwahid Bin Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Sebawayh is the pioneer in grammar and morphology, and his book forms the basis for many subsequent Arabic books. Incorrect attributions could transfer to later grammatical works, leading to erroneous judgments and attributions of opinions. Understanding Sibawayh's opinion and observing his statements, evidence and explanations is through his book. The aim is to pave the way for authenticating the opinions of prominent scholars who had an influence on the development, foundation, and refinement of Arabic, especially in books composed after the 5th century Hijri. The researcher endeavored to collect various examples from some of the leading figures in Arabic studies who encountered such discrepancies. The results: most of the opinions attributed incorrectly to Sebawayh resulted from scholars misunderstanding Sebawayh's phrases and intentions, issuing judgments based on the apparent understanding rather than the phrase's actual context. Some opinions attributed to Sebawayh outside his book pertain to lost books like 'Al-Wadih' and 'Al-Basit.' This indicates missing links in certain passages of the book, prompting scholars of Sebawayh's heritage to examine and attempt to fill these gaps, which undoubtedly will contribute novelty to the book and its texts.
Backlash and Counter-Backlash: Safeguarding Access to Legal Abortion in Brazil
Authors: Sardenberg Cecília , Sacchet Teresa , Mano Maíra Kubík , Campelo Luire , Daltro Camila , Fernandes Talita Melgaço , Bandeira Heloisa
Published: March 2024

This article addresses the backlash against reproductive rights during Jair Bolsonaro’s government, focusing on access to legal abortions. Although access to abortion is quite restricted in Brazil, under Bolsonaro it was further curtailed through institutionalised spaces of power. This was met by counter-backlash actions, with an intensification of feminist activism in an attempt to secure an agenda of hard-won reproductive rights. To address this struggle for reproductive rights and against restrictions, we focus our analysis on the high-profile media case of an 11-year‑old girl, pregnant after being raped.
Disrupting Anxious Masculinity: Fraternity as Resistance
Authors: Das Abhijit , Dasgupta Jashodhara , Mukhopadhyay Maitrayee , Contractor Sana , Singh Satish Kumar
Published: March 2024

Within the experience of our work in India, context and positionality determine what we perceive as backlash against gender justice. An important underlying cause of backlash today is the widespread crisis of masculinities, where subaltern masculinities are evolving differently in response to the aggressive nationalist Hindutva masculinity. Gender and development strategies have failed to recognise or address this. This article analyses grounded examples from our action research towards generating new knowledge on how two collectives are negotiating backlash. These include the community-based transgender organisation Kolkata Rista and Humqadam, a platform comprising male activists in Uttar Pradesh working with men on gender equality. Applying the framework of ontological insecurity, this article explores ways for discovering common ground in situations where polarisation destroys the space for debate and discussion. Reflecting on the political practice of fraternity, the article examines how social movements can shift strategies when faced with exclusionary discourses.
HOW EFFECT FINANCIAL RATIO AND COMPANY SIZE ON ISLAMIC SOCIAL REPORTING DISCLOSURE
Authors: Afandi Muhammad Farhan , Meylianingrum Kurniawati
Published: March 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of Profitability Ratio, Liquidity Ratio, Company Size on Islamic Social Reporting (ISR) disclosure at Islamic Banks registered in JII for the 2018-2022 period. The data used in this study is secondary data with documentation data collection techniques and literature studies sourced from financial statements. Sample selection using purposive sampling method. The data analysis used was panel data regression with eviews 10. The results of this study show that the variables of Profitability Ratio proportioned by ROA and Company Size portioned by Total Assets have no effect on the disclosure of Islamic Social Reporting (ISR). Meanwhile, the variable Liquidity Ratio portioned by FDR has a negative and significant effect on the disclosure of Islamic Social Reporting (ISR). Then the results of this study show that ROA, FDR, and Company Size together or simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on the disclosure of Islamic Social Reporting (ISR).
The Effect of Menopause Symptoms on Female Genital Self-Perception in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Bilgin İncinur , Tunç Karaman Sibel , Basat Okcan
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of menopausal symptoms on Female Genital Self-Perception (FGSP) in postmenopausal women.
Methods: This descriptive and relationship-seeking study was conducted with women aged 40 and above who applied to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary hospital between June and December 2022, who have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months, and who met the inclusion criteria. The Patient Information Form, The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Vulvovaginal Symptom Questionnaire (VSQ), and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) were used to obtain the data.
Results: The mean age of 203 women included in the study was 57.53±6.70. The total mean scores obtained from the scales was 15.40±7.7 for MRS, 3.75±3.96 for VSQ, and 18.99 ±4.34 for FGSIS. An inverse and statistically significant relationship were found between MRS and VSQ total and sub-dimension scores and FGSIS scores (p:0.001 for all). A significant relationship was found between FGSIS score and body mass index and parity (r:-0.154, p:0.028 and r:-0.258, p:0.001). University graduates, those who had regular gynecological examinations, and people with a very good perception of general health status had significantly higher FGSIS scores (p:0.001 for all).
Conclusion: According to the scale scores, the FGSP of postmenopausal women was moderate and negatively affected by the increase in menopausal symptoms. Obesity, an increase in the number of parities, low education level, and poor health perception were the factors that negatively affected FGSP.
Critical Reading inside a Cross-curricular Approach
Authors: Cruz-Roa Rubiela
Published: March 2024

This qualitative action research study explores six reading strategies to engage students in more dynamic reading through the implementation of workshops focused on the cross-curricular approach to develop critical reading skills among ninth graders at a public school. The study was conducted with 22 students selected, in the city of Manizales, Colombia. The data collection instruments were students’ artifacts, teachers’ field notes, focus group questionnaires, survey questionnaires, and documentary analysis. The findings demonstrate that the use of reading strategies within a cross-curricular approach facilitates the development of critical reading in students. In addition, the design of materials (workshops), based on topics related to the students' environment, has an impact that not only contributes to improving their knowledge of English but also to expanding their knowledge in other areas of the academic field.
Pedagogies of Well-being: A Narrative Perspective to Explore Two English Student-Teachers’ Experiences
Authors: Ubaque-Casallas Diego
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article reports on a series of narrative events extracted from an action research methodology that explores teaching practices and pedagogical experiences to foster well-being in English language student-teachers. Although the study adopted an action research methodology, it does not account for the implementation of the pedagogical process per se. Instead, it resorts to its stages (i.e., planning, reflecting, and acting) to situate the narrative events regarding well-being. The study was conducted in a public university in Bogotá, Colombia, exploring the experiences of two student-teachers at the practicum stage. The purpose was to document narrative events concerning teaching practices and pedagogical experiences implemented to foster well-being. These experiences reveal that student-teachers engage in thought-affective pedagogies or pedagogies of well-being that coexist with traditional language pedagogy, although they are not cognitive-oriented pedagogies. Interestingly, student-teachers could engage in more human pedagogical practice to see the other not as a learning object but as someone who feels and requires attention and care.
The Contribution of Board Games to Pre-Kindergarten Students’ Oral Production
Authors: Werlinger B. Leslie , Inostroza A. Maria-Jesus
Published: March 2024

During the last decades, global interest in learning English as a foreign language has increased, encouraging countries to include it in school education. This trend was followed by the Chilean Ministry of Education, which suggests teaching English based on a communicative approach starting in early childhood education. To foster students’ learning, it is imperative to acknowledge that children learn differently than older learners and that English as a foreign language teachers should be able to identify their needs and implement age-appropriate strategies. This article reports the action research findings that explore the contribution of board games, memory, and bingo on pre-kindergarten students’ oral expression when participating in English lessons. A group of 19 children aged four from a private school in Concepción, Chile, took part in this study by playing online and board bingo, and memory games. Data were gathered by qualitative methods, such as an observation checklist, a semi-structured interview applied to the co-teacher, and group interviews carried out with students at the end of the intervention. The group and semi-structured interview data were analyzed through the thematic data analysis technique, along with frequency data analysis used to process the observational checklists. The results show that students increased their English oral production when games were implemented in their lessons.
Shahrastani’s Exposition of Judaism in al-Milal wa al-Nihal in the Light of Comparative Theology
Authors: Maulana Abdullah Muslich Rizal , Untung Syamsul Hadi , Nuriz M. Adib Fuadi , Awaludin Asep , Qorib Khoffifa Assakhyyu
Published: March 2024

This article aimed to offer a closer comprehension concerning Judaism in the work of Abū al-Fath Muhammad ibn ’Abd al-Karīm ibn Ahmad al-Shahrastānī’s (d. 1153) work in the study of religions, al-Milal wa al-Nihal. Employing content and document analysis methods, this research goes over the framework of Comparative Theology, advancing further perspectives and considerations of Islamic-Jewish relations built within medieval Islamic literature. This research concluded that the employment of Comparative Theology as a framework led to an enhancement of reading the content of al-Milal wa al-Nihal¸ involving a novel procedure to develop the dialogue between Islam and other religions through the schema of ‘Commitment’ and ‘Openness.’ With a particular reference to the research question offered, this research was able to grasp a deeper yet broader cognition of the relevance of Comparative Theology as a cutting-edge perspective concerning the discussion of Sēp̄er Yəṣīrā, Tanakh, aséret ha-dvarím, and Joshua continued leadership in Judaism about Islam, which, as such, provided an extensive discussion of the study of Islam and Other Religions, particularly on Jews-Islam theological encounters.