bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Science Before Dinner: Science popularization in Francoist Spain through the Los Progresos Científicos Broadcast
Authors: Boleda Jordi Ferran
Published: December 2024

Through the case study of Manuel Vidal Españó (1905-1984), a Spanish engineer and science popularizer, this paper addresses some features of science popularization in Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975), such as the apolitical and uncritical techno-optimism and the (dis)continuities with the previous political regime. Vidal Españó conducted science radio talks on Radio Barcelona from 1924 until the late 1960s, particularly in his show Los Progresos Científicos (the Scientific Advances), which broke the typical one-way radio communication, establishing a dynamic relationship with his audience. His techno-optimistic and uncritical stance toward science and technology was a strategic approach for navigating the Francoist regime, allowing him to express occasional dissent. In addition to analysing his adaptation to new political conditions, the article explores his connection with the public, illustrating how an effective exchange of knowledge emerged, revealing the working classes’ understanding of science and technology during Francoism.
The Public Image of Soviet Science During Franco’s Spain
Authors: Ruiz-Castell Pedro
Published: December 2024

During the second half of the 1950s, Spain received economic and technological assistance from the Western bloc, which encouraged a transformation of the country’s socioeconomic structures. Spanish political leaders adopted a technocratic approach to increase the efficiency and economic growth of the State. However, they also aimed to normalize relations and establish commercial agreements with Eastern European countries as a form of external support for their new economic policy. After years of exploiting anti-Communism to enhance political stability, many Spaniards became suspicious of the Soviets and were convinced of the threat that their political ideology represented. To depoliticise such relations and mobilise consensus, the press developed a new rhetoric towards the Soviet Union. This had a significant impact on how scientific and technological news were presented in Spanish newspapers, particularly when reporting on the progress of the space race and nuclear physics.
On Race and Miscegenation: Portuguese Racial Studies During the 1930s and 1940s
Authors: Cabrita Alexandra
Published: December 2024

In the first half of the twentieth century, miscegenation was widely discussed internationally, particularly as to the possibility of being biologically harmful. In Portugal, the scientific debate on miscegenation was complex, being generally in tune with different positions that aligned with political agendas of the dictatorial regime.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Portuguese scientific debate regarding miscegenation, which in general favoured its rejection, was nuanced, reflecting different perspectives on inheritance, eugenics, and evolution.

This article aims at elucidating how different racial and inheritance conceptions contributed to the nuanced scientific discourse on miscegenation in Portugal. While considering eugenics, it will focus on publications within the field of Anthropobiology, particularly related to inheritance, physiology and human biochemistry, from the Anthropology schools of Porto and Coimbra. The article opens a window into a rarely studied topic: the way Portuguese scholars regarded miscegenation during the first decades of the Estado Novo, in connection with their ideological and scientific concerns.
The Empiricist Impulse: Doers and Thinkers in Sixteenth-Century Spain
Authors: Portuondo María M.
Published: December 2024

This essay explores the tension that existed between empiricism and the metaphysical underpinnings of Aristotelian natural philosophy in Spain during the sixteenth century. This tension was most apparent in the range of science practitioners described in this essay as “Doers” and “Thinkers.” Using the figures of cosmographer Andrés García de Céspedes, architect Juan de Herrera, and theologians Benito Arias Montano and Francisco Suárez, this essay explains how they engaged with the limitations, but also the strengths of pre-Galilean natural philosophy.
Lessons from a Book in Alba Iulia Tamás Balásfi: Epinicia, 1616
Authors: Ajkay Alinka
Published: December 2024

The only complete copy of Tamás Balásfi’s Epinicia Benedicto Nagi known today is preserved among the old books at the Batthyaneum in Alba Iulia (Gyulafehérvár). This work was published in Pozsony in 1616. According to current knowledge, only three copies of this small volume, consisting of about forty pages, have survived. The copy in the Hungarian National Library is missing the entire first sheet (A), including the title page and dedication, as well as two pages from the end. This small book is particularly significant for the study of Péter Pázmány’s controversial writings before his archbishopric, representing the final piece in a series of polemics (1614–1616) written against the Lutherans of Western Transdanubia. Pázmány became archbishop in 1616 and was either unable or unwilling to continue engaging in this controversy, leaving Tamás Balásfi to conclude the polemic on his behalf. At the end of this paper, I will provide a transcription of a missing part from the Budapest copy: the Latin dedication at the beginning of the book.
Land: Distribution, Concentration, and Social Meanings
Authors: Töhötöm Szabó Á.
Published: December 2024

The analysis argues that the social history and meaning of landed property is far from a closed process, and makes the important point that land should be seen as an integral part of the human world, society and culture. As such, we need to map out the roles and meanings that land assumes in particular social situations. In this sense, the land is a kind of social actor, not an entity outside society, independent of it, behaving and changing in a certain sense. Thus, the study sees land as endowed with agency in relation to human society, a land that can be seen as elastic even in its physical extent, as the wrangling over restitution has shown. The first three parts of this paper will review the social meanings of land and the issue of land reform. The fourth part illustrates the evolution of these meanings through some concrete examples of Transylvanian rurality.
The Capital Structure Dynamics of SMEs in Kosovo: Evidence Using Panel Data
Authors: Qerimi Argjentë , Balaj Driton , Krasniqi Besnik A.
Published: December 2024

This paper evaluates the applicability of capital structure theories in assessing the financial choices made by SMEs in Kosovo. Additionally, it examines whether previously studied determinants of capital structure, such as firm age and size, liquidity, profitability, firm growth, asset structure, effective tax rate, and non-debt tax shield, can explain the capital structure choices of SMEs in Kosovo. Utilizing annual firm-level data, a panel data methodology is employed to test empirical hypotheses on a sample of 90 SMEs in Kosovo from 2013 to 2018. Dynamic panel model findings reveal that the financial behavior of Kosovo’s SMEs is influenced not only by internally generated funds but also by various specific firm characteristics, including liquidity, effective tax rate, non-debt tax shield, size, asset structure and growth. Finding aligns with the pecking order theory, which suggests that more profitable SMEs tend to rely less on debt financing. The study offers implications and recommendations for both firms’ managers and policymakers.
Prospective teachers’ attitudes towards using Indonesian in English classes: Does study duration matter?
Authors: Subekti Adaninggar Septi , Arrang Judith Ratu Tandi , Kurniawati Lemmuela Alvita , Tulaktondok Linerda
Published: December 2024

This survey study aimed to investigate the attitudes of Indonesian second/foreign language (L2) learners of English towards the use of Indonesian, learners’ first language (L1), in English class and to see whether learners’ study duration influenced these attitudes. 101 prospective English teachers in their first, second, third, and fourth year of study at the English Language Education department participated in this study. Descriptive statistics revealed that learners held very positive attitudes toward using Indonesian in English classes. Through a chi-square test of independence, it was also found that these attitudes did not significantly differ among learners from different batches. Informed by the findings, pedagogical implications include adjustment of assessments allowing learners to practice L2 more, enhancing exposure to L2 in and outside the class, and conducting confidence-building activities allowing learners to use L2 in a more relaxing environment, minimising fear of making mistakes. Suggested directions for future studies include conducting longitudinal or comparative studies assessing how bilingual instruction or learners' attitudes towards it contribute to learning outcomes. Investigating how these attitudes affect learners' language skills, such as listening and speaking, is also strategic.
The Relationship between the Reorganization of Higher Education Institutions' Operations in Poland During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Student Loyalty
Authors: Sojkin Bogdan , Bartkowiak Paweł , Michalak Szymon
Published: December 2024

The aim of the study was to determine the nature of the relationship between the reorganization of higher education institutions in Poland, including the quality of online class delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and student loyalty - using the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Given the sudden transition to online learning, HEIs faced challenges in delivering educational continuity, with varying degrees of success across institutions. The study was conducted on a sample of 2,832 Polish students. Using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the main components were identified for various variables pertaining to the functioning, organization, and delivery of online classes, as well as for aspects associated with university operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of administrative and organizational support, as well as technical and didactic assistance during the pandemic, universities were rated relatively highly. However, respondents held a slightly less favorable view of the atmosphere and practical value of online classes. The lowest ratings were given to the offerings for professional and academic development. Our findings also indicate a higher satisfaction among female and part-time students, and a positive correlation between administrative efficiency and student loyalty. The analysis also reveals that first-year students and graduate-level participants displayed higher loyalty, while loyalty tended to decrease with the length of study. In the area of student loyalty, the analysis of NPS indicates that first-year undergraduate students and graduate students exhibit a higher level of loyalty – the NPS values were positive, although overall relatively low. Regarding the factors influencing loyalty, the strongest correlations with student loyalty were observed in the case of the administrative and organizational efficiency of the university and the technical and didactic support in remote education – higher correlation values were recorded for female students and part-time students. These findings highlight critical areas for HEIs to address in enhancing stu-dent satisfaction and loyalty in a rapidly changing educational environment.
Preliminary Studies on the Utilization of Silicomanganese Slurry
Authors: Dumitrache Mariana Ionela , Traistă Camelia , Lang Mihaela Dana
Published: December 2024

Silico-manganese sludges are a waste resulting from the ferroalloy industry, more precisely from the manufacture of silico-manganese. From a technological point of view, they come from the sludge resulting from the filtration of furnace gases. From a chemical point of view, they are made up of a large number of combinations of manganese and silicon. The manganese content varies widely between 5-35% MnO. Due to the fact as there are limitations for the manganese content in waters and soils, the presence of these sludge deposits constitutes a permanent risk of environmental contamination. In addition to the definitive closure (greening) of the deposit, there is also the possibility of valorizing this waste. The present paper presents the preliminary research carried out to identify a sustainable technology for the recovery of useful elements from the sludge.
Economic Inequality and the Size of Government Expenditure Shocks: An Empirical Exercise
Authors: Senekovič Marko
Published: December 2024

Empirical literature explains the heterogeneity of fiscal multiplier estimates through the analysis of various cyclical and structural determinants of economies, with economic inequality, as one of the key structural characteristics, receiving relatively little attention so far. In this study, using a wide sample of countries and applying the vector autoregression methodology, we first estimated fiscal multipliers and the impact of fiscal stimuli on the dynamics of the price level. The findings indicate that the estimated fiscal multipliers are mostly positive, and fiscal stimuli tend to produce an inflationary effect. Subsequently, we examined the variability in the size of fiscal multipliers in relation to various indicators of income and wealth inequality. The key findings of this study reveal that as economic inequality increases, particularly in the context of income disparities, the size of fiscal multipliers also rises. This insight is particularly important for policymakers in designing appropriate fiscal measures in an evolving macroeconomic environment.
Pull Factors and Capital Inflows: Empirical insights from Transformative Dynamics in Southeast Europe
Authors: Ganić Mehmed , Gavranović Nedim
Published: December 2024

This study seeks to examine pull factors of capital inflows, offering an empirical analysis based on a panel study of eleven Southeast European countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Romania, Serbia, and Türkiye) over the period of 2004 – 2021. Methodologically, the study utilizes a fixed effects (FE) regression model with robust Driscoll-Kraay standard errors to address issues of heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, and potential cross-country correlation. The study finds that several pull factors can be relevant in driving capital inflows as follows: market size, inflation, financial and trade openness. The empirical analysis confirms that the forces of trade liberalization, financial liberalization, market size, real interest rates and inflation stability are the elements that encourage capital inflows. On the other hand, the estimated effects of current account balance and real economic growth are not very convincing. Finally, we stress that more study is required to fully understand the pull variables' ultimate macroeconomic implications at the national level. The overall influence of these positive (or negative) inflows may be moderated by several characteristics, even if certain countries may be extremely susceptible to these factors.
Work-Related Factors Influencing Presenteeism in Croatia during COVID-19: A Logistic Regression Approach
Authors: Dulhofer Markus
Published: December 2024

This article analyses the work-related factors that impact the occurrence of presenteeism in Croatia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective is to examine the connection between key variables and the prevalence of presenteeism among employees in Croatia. The study used logistic regression analysis to examine data from the 2021 European Working Condition Telephone Survey (EWCTS), encompassing a sample of 491 employees from Croatia. The study investigated work-related factors such as job demands, working hours, supervisory responsibilities, telework, and cooperation with coworkers. The analysis also takes into account demographic control variables, including age, gender, and educational level. The findings suggest that there is a significant relationship between work stressors and presenteeism. Employees who lack good collaboration with colleagues are more prone to attending work even when they are unwell. Age was also determined to be a significant factor. The study indicates that work-related factors have an impact on presenteeism in Croatia. To mitigate the adverse effects of presenteeism, firms should adopt strategies to enhance working conditions and foster a conducive work atmosphere. The results offer valuable perspectives for future research and practical strategies to reduce presenteeism and improve employee wellbeing.
Heat Loss Determination of District Heating Pipelines. A Comparison of Numerical and Analytical Methods
Authors: Wieland Aaron , Dollhopf Stefan , Weidlich Ingo , Langroudi Pakdad Pourbozorgi
Published: December 2024

Assessing the energy efficiency of district heating systems considers the network heat losses. For example, life cycle assessments of engineering structures like these necessitate an understanding of heat losses incurred during their operational phase. Therefore, it is essential to know the heat losses of district heating pipelines with the utmost accuracy. In this study, three different methods for determining specific heat losses for buried pre-insulated steel pipes are compared. The first method involves an analytical calculation in accordance with EN 13941, while the second utilizes an equivalent mesh current approach. The third method employs finite element analysis. The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of the methods, the achievable range of results, and the possible input parameters. Therefore, typical 2-dimensional cross sections including different pipe diameters were selected. In situ measurements were not part of this study. Consequently, the analysis centres on the deviation between the methods. All three methods determine the heat loss in both the supply and return pipes. While the analytical calculation method does not consider multiple soil layers, the equivalent mesh current method can handle more complex tasks and gives detailed results at predefined points in the system. With the finite element method, a high degree of detail can be achieved, but the number of input parameters for solving the algorithms increases. An emerging trend in district heating involves reducing operational temperatures in both new and existing networks. This will change the relation between heat losses and heat delivered to the customers. Subsequently, an increasing interest in the actual heat losses and the precision of calculation is expected within this development. Therefore, it remains essential to evaluate the performance of different models.
Behavior of Modified Coastal Soil using Corex Slag and Hydrated Lime: A Laboratory Investigation
Authors: Faraz Mohammed Islamuddin , Kumar Rakesh
Published: December 2024

The current study aims to determine the impact of lime and Corex slag on the strength, durability, and compaction properties of coastal soil from Gujarat, India. Twelve mixes of soil with Corex slag (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and lime (2% and 4%) were added to determine their suitability as admixtures for stabilizing the subgrade layer. The Atterberg limits, free swelling index (FSI), compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio (CBR), durability, and unconfine compressive strength (UCS) of the stabilized soil with different curing days (0, 7, and 28) using standard Indian procedures were determined for the flexible pavement’s subgrade layer. The test results show that Corex slag positively affects the maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), and soil plasticity. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that the strength properties and durability were effectively improved after stabilization. The strength of the stabilized coastal soil significantly improved as a result of the binding gel formation, according to examinations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Comparison of Eco-Hydrological Limits as Water Scarcity Indicators for the Water Balance Inventory of Slovakia
Authors: Danáčová Michaela , Danáčová Zuzana , Hlavčová Kamila , Škrinár Andrej , Kalicz Péter , Výleta Roman
Published: December 2024

Various methods for determining environmental flows can be based on hydrological characteristics, a combination of morphological and hydrological characteristics, or solely on hydraulic characteristics. Such methods may also be based on multi-criteria decision-making, where a low flow regime and its variability are considered. The methods for determining environmental flows as hydrological limits (sometime called desktop methods) are solely based on hydrological statistics and are believed to implicitly incorporate links to the state of river ecosystems. In the paper, we compared the performance of several methods in the set of the 137 official water balance inventory profiles of the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute, which are evenly distributed over the territory of Slovakia. The analysis also accounted for the dependence between hydrological characteristics and environmental flow values. We also compared the frequency of the occurrence of their critical values (ecohydrological) in the reference periods 1931-1960 and 1991-2019. We proposed an intermediate system of regionalized relationships based on simple Tennant methods, which does not disturb the existing system of water allocations and uses in the water balance inventory.
Advances in Remote Sensing for Monitoring Soil Conditions in Forest Ecosystems: Techniques, Challenges, and Applications
Authors: Kubiak Katarzyna , Spiralski Marcin , Pompeu Joao , Levavasseur Vincent , Wawer Rafał
Published: December 2024

Advances in remote sensing technologies have revolutionized the monitoring of soil conditions in forest ecosystems, providing valuable insights into soil moisture, nutrient content, and degradation without requiring physical access to remote areas. This article explores the application of key techniques, including satellite-based L-band radiometry, UAV-enabled LiDAR, and visible–NIR spectroscopy, in assessing forest soil properties. Challenges such as canopy interference, spatial resolution limitations, and data validation are discussed, alongside innovative solutions like machine learning and high-resolution digital elevation models. Case studies highlight the effectiveness of remote sensing in addressing environmental and forestry challenges, such as tracking the effects of climate change, logging, and erosion. By integrating advanced imaging technologies with ground-based observations, remote sensing supports sustainable forest management, conservation practices, and ecological research. Future developments in sensor technology, data integration, and machine learning hold promise for even greater precision and scalability in forest soil monitoring.
Improvement after tacrolimus ointment in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Althomali Talal , Alsulimany Lara , Sabbagh Yousef , Althobaiti Ghadi , Alharbi Abdullah , Alolayani Rayan , Almansouri Raghad
Published: December 2024

Objective: The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment in improving symptoms and visual acuity among vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) patients in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This was a retrospective study. Data were collected from the medical files in Tadawi Surgical Medical Complex.
Result: A total of 33 patients with VKC were treated with tacrolimus ointment. Improvement was observed in 21 patients (63.6%), one patient (3%) relapsed after initial improvement, three patients (9.1%) showed no improvement, one patient (3%) was non-compliant, and six patients (18.2%) had no follow-up data. Complications occurred in five patients (15.2%), with redness reported in three cases (60%), hyperemia and injection in one case (20%), and one case relapsing after stopping the medication. Most patients (66.7%) experienced no complications.
Conclusion: Tacrolimus ointment significantly improved symptoms in vernal VKC, with about two-thirds of patients improving. This aligns with findings from other studies demonstrating its efficacy and safety over both short- and long-term use. While some patients reported minor side effects such as redness and itching, the treatment was generally well-tolerated. Relapse rates were low, and tacrolimus was effective even in severe VKC cases where other treatments failed. These results support tacrolimus ointment as a viable option for managing VKC.
Problem z podmiotowością we współczesnej szkolnej edukacji
Authors: Myrdzik Barbara
Published: December 2024

The article focuses on the fundamental and still relevant problems of subjectivity in education, which require re-examination by considering new contexts. This issue concerns the evolving nature of human beings – their way of existence, development, and, consequently, their education and schooling, their understanding of life and the challenges it poses. Therefore, the attention in the text is focused on the change of the “problem situation”, i.e. on the conditioning of a certain contextual whole, which consists of the relationship of the subject with the environment, the configuration of circumstances at a given cultural moment, and a unique system of values and attitudes providing justifications for planned actions and assessment of the consequences. The coming age of the young generation takes place among many diverse influences and conditions. In the literature, the youth is called Generation Z and Alpha, characterised by being more educated by the media than by school. What would young people like to change in education? What would they convey to adults – parents and teachers? When asked, they answer: “Listen to us”, “Let us make mistakes and make our own mistakes”, “Respect should not be age-dependent”, “You can also learn something from us”. What we hear in these statements is an encouragement to dialogue. Young people often notice that their parents, teachers, “significant others” are unable to listen and talk.  The author of the text outlines the possibilities of applying desires in the school situation.
Instytucjonalne obszary wolności vs. zniewolenia polonisty w dobie Chatbotów GPT
Authors: Pieniążek Marek
Published: December 2024

The author discusses contemporary conditions of the subject actions of Polish teachers in educational institutions. He analyses areas of pedagogical freedom that can be exploited and the forms of its limitation in the context of universal access to GPT Chats. The author emphasises that exams which are transformed into multi‑level control systems and specifically constructed teacher evaluation surveys become tools that narrow the areas of pedagogical freedom. As a result, systemic solutions reduce most of the actions of Polish teachers to depersonalised functions that can be performed by artificial intelligence Chatbots.
The Health-Related Quality of Life scores and joint health in children and young adults with hemophilia
Authors: Günyel Buse , Bulakçı Mesut , Başkent Gamze , Ünüvar Ayşegül
Published: December 2024

Background. Patients with hemophilia should be evaluated for joint health and overall health in their visits. The aims of this study were to evaluate joint health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with mild, moderate, and severe hemophilia; determine which patient groups to focus on and whether there are any neglected patient groups.
Methods. This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. Patients were evaluated by ultrasonography (Hemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound [HEAD-US]), physical examination (Hemophilia Joint Health Score version 2.1 [HJHS-2.1]), and HRQoL scales (EQ-5D/EQ-VAS and Haemo-QoL).
Results. Thirty-nine patients with regular follow-up were evaluated for a total of 234 joints. When hemophilia severity was compared with the HEAD-US and HJHS-2.1, a significant difference was found between severe and non-severe hemophilia. On the other hand, when patients’ total HEAD-US scores were compared with total HJHS-2.1 scores, no statistically significant correlations were found; only a statistically significant but negligible correlation was detected when HEAD-US and HJHS-2.1 scores were examined at joint level. No significant difference was found when mild, moderate or severe hemophilia were compared with the HRQoL scores. Also, HEAD-US scores and HRQoL scores were not correlated, showing that the HRQoL score did not change whether the patient has arthropathy or not.
Conclusion. Despite recent advances in treatment options for hemophilia, arthropathy in patients with severe hemophilia remains challenging. For the follow-up of pediatric hemophilia, the HEAD-US and HJHS should be used together because their correlation was weak. Although patients with severe hemophilia are at higher risk in terms of arthropathy, patients with mild/moderate hemophilia should not be ignored because their HRQoL is not different from that of severe hemophilia.
Is Privatization the Key to The Expansion of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) to Rural Surgical Care—A Commentary on The Novel Start-Up, Goldfinch Health, and Their Early Reported Outcome Improvements in The State of Iowa
Authors:   Department Of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States, Alvis Bret D
Published: December 2024

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs represent evidence-based approaches designed to improve patient outcomes following surgery
Pemanfaatan Digital Marketing sebagai Branding Usaha Kelompok Tani Koto XI Tarusan Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan
Authors: Afriani Tinda , Khasrad Khasrad , Hafizah Dian , Fadhilah Ade
Published: December 2024

Digital marketing adalah salah satu bentuk pemasaran yang memanfaatkan jaringan internet untuk mempromosikan, mengedukasi, memperkenalkan dan memberikan informasi produk kepada konsumen sehingga dapat terjadi suatu koneksi yang kuat antara produsen dan konsumen. Bentuk bentuk digital marketing ada banyak diantaranya yang paling banyak dimanfaatkan dalam bentuk website, blog, sosial media seperti tiktok, Instagram dan facebook. Kegiatan pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk mendorong penggunaan digital marketing secara luas oleh peternak melalui pelatihan hands on dan juga focus group discussion sehingga peternak dapat mandiri mengembangkan sosial medianya sendiri. Diharapkan dengan makin terampilnya peternak menggunakan social media maka akan semakin mendorong untuk melakukan edukasi terkait dengan kegiatan peternakan dan keseharian yang dilakukan oleh peternak.
Heat transfer test method development: Consideration for design and safety of household oven mitts
Authors: Petrova Adriana , Peksoz Semra , Jayadas Aditya
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to develop a test method – an apparatus and a protocol for evaluating the rate of heat transfer across a sample of layered materials commonly used in oven mitts. Using the apparatus, effects of contact temperature and pressure as well as design features such as quilting stitching pattern of the sample on heat transfer were examined. The apparatus featured a round wooden base with three silicone-covered wooden “fingers” equipped with thermocouples where the test samples were mounted. The device was lowered with the samples down onto a hot plate kept at stable high “pan” contact temperature. Upon contact, changes of the “skin” contact temperatures (at the “fingers”) were recorded at 10 Hz for 300 s. Tests were carried out at six levels of pressure on the sample (exerted by variable weights), 3 levels of “pan” contact temperature, and 3 different quilting stitch patterns of the material. Time to reach critical skin threshold temperature was affected by stitch pattern; it decreased exponentially with increasing pressure and increasing hot plate contact temperature. The shape of the temperature-time curve indicated how the material configuration of the sample affects the transfer of heat.
Цена ошибки
Authors: Милка А.П.
Published: December 2024

При восстановлении событий прошлого ученым приходится иногда опираться на исторические документы, в которых по тем или иным причинам факты изложены неверно. В ходе изучения произошедшего исследователями многих поколений событие обрастает новыми «сведениями» и в результате этой «эволюции» оказывается представлено иначе, чем оно было на самом деле. После научно-фантастического рассказа Рэя Брэдбери подобные случаи стали характеризовать устойчивым выражением эффект бабочки. В предлагаемой статье проблема рассмотрена на материале широко известного сюжета о паломничестве И. С. Баха из Арнштадта в Любек, а так же о цели и результатах этого похода. Опираясь на два документа, в которых события отражены не в соответствии с реальностью, — Протокол консисторского заседания (две реплики И. С. Баха и суперинтендента И. Г. Олеариуса), а также восемь строк из Некролога памяти Баха, — исследователи приходят к неверным выводам. Ошибочной в конечном счете оказывается интерпретация цели визита И. С. Баха в Любек, пла на визита, сформированного самим композитором, последовательности событий, их хронологии, результатов путешествия, а также характеристики личности героя исто рии, о которой идет речь. Столь велика оказывается цена ошибки — случайной или намеренной — в исходных документах.

When reconstructing past events, scientists sometimes have to rely on historical documents which, for one reason or another, get the facts wrong. As events are studied by generations of researchers, new “information” is added and, as a result of this “evolution”, the event is portrayed in a different way to what it really was. After Ray Bradbury’s science fiction story, these kinds of cases began to characterize as the butterfly effect. In the proposed article, the problem is examined using the material of the well-known story of Johann Sebastian Bach’s pilgrimage from Arnstadt to Lübeck, as well as the purpose and results of this journey. On the basis of two documents in which the events do not correspond to reality — the min utes of the consistory meeting (two copies by Johann Sebastian Bach and the superintendent J. G. Olearius) and eight lines from Bach’s Obituary — the researchers come to erroneous conclusions. The interpretation of the purpose of Johann Sebastian Bach’s visit to Lübeck, the plan of the visit drawn up by the composer himself, the sequence of events, their chronology, the results of the journey and the characterisation of the story’s main character in question are ultimately wrong. Such is the cost of error — accidental or deliberate — in the source documents.
Developing Intergenerational Learning Resources: Lessons from Designing and Testing a Card Pack
Authors: Yuan Yanyue , Zhang Yaqi
Published: December 2024

While China is facing the challenge of an aging population and increasing age segregation, research and practices on intergenerational interactions is still in its infancy with a heavy focus on grandparenting in family settings. Adopting a “design as research” approach, we designed and tested a card pack aimed at improving interactions between “skipped generations” in the Chinese context. This article introduces the card pack informed by insights from previous pilot studies. We connect our self-reflections and discussions with our review of empirical studies published in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships and offer our thoughts and suggestions when it comes to designing more inclusive intergenerational learning resources in the future that integrate more cultural and community resources.
Lean Management Practices and Organizational Performance: An Experience from Brewing Plants in South East, Nigeria
Authors: Agu Okoro , Al Et
Published: December 2024

The Study focuses on effect of Lean Management practices on the Performance of Brewing plants in South East, Nigeria. Specifically the study aimed to pursue the following objectives to determine the effect of continuous improvement on Product Quality in of Brewing Plants in South-East, Nigeria, ascertain the nature of correlation between Supply Chain and Production Cost of the Brewing plants in the South-East, Nigeria and Identify the influence of Just-In-Time delivery practice on Customer Satisfaction of Brewing plants in South-East, Nigeria. The study had a population size of (1528) of employees of the selected first banks, and sample of 431 were derived using Cochran’s sample size determination formula. The total number of 431 copies of the questionnaire was distributed while 401 copies were properly filled/returned - used while 30 copies were not properly filled. Descriptive Survey research design was used for the study. three hypotheses were tested using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and simple linear regression tool. The findings indicated Continuous improvement had significant effect on Product Quality of the Brewing Plants of South-East, Nigeria (r = 0 .555; F = 177.326; t = 13.316; P smaller than 0.05) .There was a significant positive correlation between Supply Chain and Production Cost of the Brewing plants in the South-East, Nigeria (r = 0. 957, P smaller than .05). Just-In-Time delivery practice had significant effect on Customer Satisfaction of the Brewing Plants in South-East, Nigeria (.r = 0 .869; F= 1227.494; t = 35.036; P smaller than 0.05). The study recommends that Brewing plants in South East, Nigeria should embrace Continuous improvement which will help to maintain the realms of quality on a consistent and continuous basis, also enable firms to conduct market research and study on a regular basis having a drive in offering the products that stand as a testimony to the quality and its principles.
Commitment of Fraud Activities in Relation with Corporate Governance
Authors: Elezi Alketa , Balla Rezana
Published: December 2024

Corporate Governance of legal entities is very important on determination of criminal responsibility. The theory and practice of criminal law, not only in our jurisdiction but also in a wider area, has elaborated. regarding the criminal liability of legal entities, especially of well-organized companies, such as second-tier banks, for the very position they occupy in a market and in the economy of a given country. Furthermore, we would like to emphasize the distinguish of criminal responsibility of the employee (employees) and how it is combined and separated from that of the legal entity. In our analysis below, we will show the Prosecutor interpretation of the criteria provided by the special law. Specifically, articles 3 and 4 of Law 9754/2007 "On the criminal liability of legal persons", which is the legal basis on which the criminal liability of any legal organization, in the form of a legal person, is based, according to the provisions of the Civil Code, the Law on Non-Profit Organizations ( 8788/2001) and the Law on Commercial Companies (9901/2008). To this we must also add the arguments that show that the evidence brought during trial, are not placed in the context of the criminal fact alleged to have been committed by the legal entity, moreover in some cases were deliberately distorted. As we emphasized above, we think that the strategy of the investigation was clear and not in the function of providing justice, i.e. confronting the criminal responsibility of the legal entity, in order to have a future argument for a trial possible civil, to seek civil liability from the latter, in the absence of the ability to pay of the one who caused this civil and non-criminal conflict, the Company and the party itself that claims to be the victim of this criminal process. We think that, in the event that an investigation developed and defended in this trial, in function of this strategy, would create a dangerous precedent for the business environment and would make it liable not only criminally but also civilly, for any action illegal actions carried out by its employees during the exercise of their functional duties, regardless of the fact that its governing bodies have authorized it, or moreover have been aware of these actions. The article presents concrete analysis of the legal interpretation of the legal person's criminal responsibility, but also of the evidence taken during trial in its function, we would like to dwell on some general considerations of criminal theory and practice, for the criminal liability of the legal person, since it was born as such, how it has been developed and adopted in practice in our jurisdiction, after the entry into force of the law. 9754/2004 "On the criminal liability of legal entities", seeing it in the context of the charge brought by the Prosecution body, against the person protected by me, the Legal Entity.
The Import of Symbolism in African Religious Experience
Authors: Sunday Agama Christian , Al. Et
Published: December 2024

The foundation of all religious rituals worldwide is the concept of symbolism. This is because most belief systems are abstract and depend on symbols to teach their followers the truth different religions teach. It acts as intermediaries between humanity and the divine giving form to the viable elements of the greater powers.  There are symbols in many other faiths. Symbols could be concrete, verbal, or expressive actions. It refers to something; it does not point to itself as a thing. While the problem is not just that most symbols have complicated meanings, but that their functions and understanding of the nature of this symbols varies in unique in different religions. This paper explores the need to enhance meanings that are vaguely discerned in daily life and to clarify these nuances of the impact of symbols in African religious practice. Hence, it is the opinion of this paper that symbolism is an important source of the affective power of African religious experience. It restores valuable meanings through which a code of conduct is created within the African religious practice. It helps to bring African religion down to earth by using different things that are physical to symbolize the tradition of African religion. The activities of African religion can only be effectively facilitated and complemented by symbolism. This research adopted hermeneutic and analytic methods in exposing the roles and importance of symbols in the African religious experience. Data collected were based on library research method.
Analogues of Natural Macarangin B Display Potent Antiviral Activity and Better Metabolic Stability
Authors: Jézéquel Gwenaëlle , Fargier Jules , Bigay Joëlle , Polidori Joël , Geslin Justine , Hue Nathalie , El Kalamouni Chaker , Desrat Sandy , Roussi Fanny
Published: December 2024

The development of innovative antiviral strategies is critical to address the global health threats posed by RNA viruses, including the Zika virus (ZIKV), which can cause severe neurological complications. The lipid transporter OxySterol Binding Protein (OSBP), essential for cholesterol and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate trafficking, is exploited by many positive-strand RNA viruses, making it an attractive novel antiviral target. This study investigates simplified analogues of macarangin B, a natural compound with potent OSBP-targeted antiviral activity against ZIKV, but limited stability due to its flavonol moiety. A series of analogues was synthesized, replacing the flavonol with a flavone core while retaining the essential hexahydroxanthene (HHX) motif. These compounds demonstrated improved stability, high OSBP binding affinity, and low cytotoxicity. The most active compounds exhibited antiviral activity comparable to established OSBP inhibitors and were stable in physiologic media, highlighting their potential as leads for therapeutic development. This work advances the structure-activity relationship (SAR) understanding of macarangin B analogues and provides a foundation for designing effective antivirals targeting in ZIKV infections.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Literature on Optimum Currency Areas and Monetary Integration
Authors: Matonana Ntombi , Phiri Andrew
Published: December 2024

Our study presents a pioneering bibliometric analysis of optimum currency areas literature and monetary integration, utilising 9,228 research outputs published between 1960 and 2022. We employ the biblioshiny function in R-studio to comprehensively analyse this data. Our findings reveal a growing body of literature on optimum currency areas, with increased author productivity. Remarkably, influential authors, despite their lower research volume, receive extensive citations and publish in prestigious journals such as The Quarterly Journal of Economics and The American Economic Review. Additionally, our analysis exposes a lack of representation from non-European/American institutions, as well as an underrepresentation of female and non-White researchers. We propose future research directions to address these gaps. Notably, our study is the first to conduct a bibliometric analysis on optimum currency areas and monetary integration, highlighting its originality.
O GARIMPO COMO PRÁTICA ILEGAL NA REGIÃO AMAZÔNICA BRASILEIRA: UMA PROPOSTA DE EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL NA ESCOLA
Authors: Farias João Paulo Hermano , Yamaguchi Klenicy Kazumy de Lima
Published: December 2024

A Floresta Amazônica é reconhecida por sua vasta diversidade ecológica e desempenha um papel fundamental na regulação climática, no depósito de carbono e na preservação da biodiversidade. No entanto, enfrenta desafios significativos devido à degradação causada pelo desmatamento, extração ilegal de madeira, garimpos e outros problemas ambientais. Este trabalho objetivou realizar uma intervenção educativa focada no garimpo ilegal, visando sensibilizar e informar os alunos da importância da preservação ambiental, da sustentabilidade e da saúde relacionadas a essas práticas. A pesquisa buscou uma abordagem qualiquantitativa e envolveu uma turma do 1° ano do Ensino Médio da cidade de Coari, Amazonas. Utilizou-se um questionário diagnóstico para coleta de dados iniciais sobre o garimpo e suas implicações no meio ambiente. Em seguida, a intervenção educativa incluiu a exibição de vídeos informativos e aulas teóricas abordando tópicos como o processo de garimpo, os impactos nos ecossistemas, a distinção entre garimpo legal e ilegal, os riscos associados ao uso de mercúrio na extração de ouro pelos garimpeiros, e uma apresentação de cartazes pelos alunos para a comunidade escolar. O projeto contribuiu com conhecimentos adicionais sobre a temática e suas implicações socioambientais. Os alunos não apenas compreenderam as diferenças entre garimpo legal e ilegal, mas também expressaram preocupação com a contaminação ambiental, com os riscos à saúde e com o impacto para as comunidades indígenas. As ações realizadas mostraram-se eficazes acerca da promoção da sensibilização sobre o garimpo ilegal e seus riscos, enfatizando a importância da educação ambiental na formação de cidadãos mais conscientes, informados e proativos na sociedade.