bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviewing the impact of cloud computing on small and medium enterprises in Africa
Authors: Noluthando Zamanjomane Mhlongo  , Favour Oluwadamilare Usman  , Olubusola Odeyemi  , Chinedu Ugochukwu Ike  , Oluwafunmi Adijat Elufioye  , Andrew Ifesinachi Daraojimba
Published: February 2024

The advent of cloud computing has significantly transformed the business landscape globally, offering a plethora of opportunities for organizations to enhance their operational efficiency and competitiveness. This paper aims to review and analyze the impact of cloud computing specifically on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the African context. As cloud computing continues to gain traction worldwide, its implications for SMEs in Africa, which constitute a significant portion of the region's economic fabric, become increasingly crucial. The study will adopt a comprehensive approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to assess the various dimensions of cloud computing adoption among SMEs in Africa. It will delve into the challenges faced by SMEs in embracing cloud technology, including issues related to infrastructure, data security, and skill gaps. Additionally, the paper will explore the potential benefits derived from the adoption of cloud solutions, such as cost savings, scalability, and improved accessibility to advanced technologies. Furthermore, the research will investigate the role of government policies, industry collaborations, and infrastructure development in shaping the cloud computing landscape for SMEs in Africa. By examining case studies and success stories, the paper will highlight best practices and identify potential strategies for overcoming barriers to adoption. The findings of this review aim to contribute valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and technology providers to formulate effective strategies that promote the widespread adoption of cloud computing among SMEs in Africa. Ultimately, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of the dynamics surrounding cloud technology in the African SME sector and provide recommendations for fostering a conducive environment for its sustainable and inclusive growth.
Assessing user satisfaction in construction services: Analyzing contractor performance in central Kalimantan’s power projects
Authors: Asriadi Adri  , Aqli Mursadin
Published: February 2024

Background: User satisfaction is an essential indicator in assessing the quality of construction services. A deep understanding of the factors contributing to user satisfaction is crucial, especially in the context of electrical projects. Objective: This study aims to examine the satisfaction level of PT PLN (Persero) UIP West Kalimantan towards the performance of electrical project contractors and to develop strategies for improving contractor performance based on the findings. Methods: This research adopts an observational approach using Descriptive Analysis. A survey employing questionnaires was designed and distributed to employees of PT PLN (Persero) UIP West Kalimantan. Data analysis was conducted using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) to identify key performance indicators. Results: The study indicates a high level of satisfaction from PT PLN (Persero) UIP West Kalimantan towards the contractor's performance, with a CSI value of 70% within a 95% confidence interval (66%-81%). The IPA analysis revealed 12 performance indicators within the 'concentrate here' quadrant, indicating priority areas for improvement. Conclusion: These findings affirm the effectiveness of the strategies and management implemented by contractors in achieving user satisfaction. This study provides valuable insights for other contractors in the construction sector to enhance service quality, especially through improvements in project managerial recruitment strategies, support for work equipment, and collaborative strategies with banking institutions for project financing.
Implementation of safety management system in nickel mining: A case of PT Putra Perkasa Abadi Job Site MLP in 2023
Authors: Agus Amirudin  , Ikhsan Hidayanto  , Faham Burhanudin  , Syawal Kamiluddin Saptaputra
Published: February 2024

Background: The audit of the Mineral and Coal Mining Safety Management System aims to obtain an overview of the level of implementation of the mineral and coal mining management system, assess the capacity of the mining system to ensure compliance with the legislative requirements, evaluate the effectiveness of mining systems in meeting the set targets and identify the potential application of the MSMS to be enhanced at the P.T. Putra Perkasa Eternal Site of PT Makmur Lestari Primatama from the period January 1, 2023 until December 2023. The purpose of this study was to find out the implementation of the safety management system in nickel mining of PT. Putra Perkasa Abadi Job Site MLP in 2023. Method: This type of research is quantitative descriptive. The research conducted in December 2023. Compliance measurements are carried out on 7 elements consisting of Policy, Planning, Organization and Personnel, Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Follow-up Action, Documentation, and Management Review and Performance Improvement. Data collection methods are carried out with interviews, observations, and document explanations. Results: The policy element achieved 74% compliance from the maximum achievable value. Although the maximum value has not been reached, it still shows a good level of compliance. The planning element achieves 59% compliance from the maximum achievable value. Further evaluation is needed to understand the factors that lead to this achievement. Organizational and staff elements reach 51% compliance from the maximum value. Implementation elements reach 38% compliance. There is great potential for improvement in the implementation of this element. The monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up elements reached 46% compliance. More effort is needed to improve performance in this regard. Despite low maximum values, documentation elements reach 58% compliance, indicating a good focus on document management but still requiring optimization. Management review elements and performance improvements reached 46% compliance. This aspect can be a focus of improvement to improve overall performance. Overall, the management system achieved 49% compliance from the maximum value. Conclusion: In general, PT Putra Perkasa Abadi Job Site MLP has procedures and mechanisms that support the creation of a mining safety system. However, improvements are needed that can be directed to elements with lower compliance scores. It requires optimization of each element consisting of Policy, Planning, Organization and Personnel, Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Follow-up, Documentation, as well as management review and performance improvement. Data collection methods were carried out using interviews, observation and document review.
An analysis of multiple comparisons is conducted to account for correlations among various investigated variables across four categories of antipsychotics
Authors: Maher A J. Alasasleh  , Raafat Hani Aburumman  , Arafat Khalaf Alzoubi  , Hala Abdel Hamid Al Najada  , Mohammad Wa'el Hindeyeh
Published: February 2024

Background: First-generation antipsychotics are dopamine receptor antagonists, while second-generation atypical antipsychotics are serotonin-dopamine antagonists. Aim: The study aims to compare the effectiveness of current anti-psychotic drugs in treating schizophrenia, focusing on their correlation with responsiveness rates in positive, negative, and psychopathological symptoms. Methods: The study focuses on schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in adults and elderly psychiatric patients at the Princess Aisha Bint Al Hussein Medical Centre. The study will assess the initial severity of patients and evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of four categorical-based oral and LA-APDs: older oral drugs, older oral and depot drugs, newer oral drugs, and newer oral and depot drugs. The reduction percentages in each component will be monitored, and a Chi Square test will be performed to analyze other variables. Pearson or spearman correlations will be used to explore correlation values. Results: Upon aggregating the various symptom categories into a unified score using the Positive and Negative Scoring Scale (PANSS), this study revealed that 63.7% of patients exhibited a positive response, whereas 36.7% of patients did not respond favourably. This equated to 110 out of 303 patients responding, compared to 193 patients who did not respond. The Pearson and Spearman correlations exhibited a statistically significant positive relationship, with values of +0.581±0.038 and +0.574±0.040, respectively (χ 2=131.885, p-value=0.000). Conclusion: Our study concluded that Psychopathological symptom therapy and patient adherence improved significantly. The efficiency of pleasant symptoms decreased significantly, whereas negative symptoms increased slightly.
Determinants of body fitness in youth Wushu Athlete Saburai Lampung
Authors: Dewi Sri Sumardilah  , Anggela Meylia Maharani  , Reni Indriyani
Published: February 2024

In addition to having good technique, a wushu athlete who wants to achieve optimal performance must also have a high level of body fitness. One component that can be used to measure fitness is endurance (Endurance). VO2Max is a measure that can be used to assess endurance, which is the body's ability to be able to breathe oxygen optimally during strenuous physical activity. Research results (Zawawi, 2021)in wushu athletes in Kediri city showed that 42.86% of wushu athletes turned out to have (VO2Max) with less category. This study aims to determine the most dominant factors related to the body fitness of Saburai Lampung wushu adolescent athletes. The research design used was cross sectional with a total sample of the population, which was 20 people. Data collection was conducted by means of interviews to determine age, sex, smoking habits, and supplement use, while measurements were used to determine nutritional status, body type, and VO2Max. Bivariate analysis using correlation test Rank Spearman and multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression tests. The results of this study showed that there were 6 people (30%) wushu athletes who had body fitness with less categories. Then there is a very strong relationship between age and VO2Max (p = 0.007; correlation coefficient = 0.728), there is a strong relationship between nutritional status and VO2Max (p = 0.004; correlation coefficient = 0.655), there is a very strong relationship between smoking and VO2Max (p = 0.009; correlation coefficient = -0.800), and there is a sufficient relationship between body type (somatotype) and VO2Max (p = 0.016; correlation coefficient = 0.480). Sex was not associated with VO2Max (p = 0.160), and supplement use was not associated with VO2Max (p = 0.124). Nutritional status is known to be the most dominant factor associated with VO2Max (p = 0.001; OR = 7.025). To increase VO2Max, Saburai Lampung wushu athletes need to maintain good nutritional status through the consumption of nutritious, diverse, and balanced foods every day.
Creative work of Vladimir Cherny – from the images of M. I. Glinka to modernity
Authors: Skorobogacheva Ekaterina Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2024

The aim of the research is to identify the genesis and artistic-semantic specifics of the creative work of the modern artist V. A. Cherny. The paper examines the main themes, figurative interpretations, and ideological dominants of his paintings, which testify to the development – the continuity of traditions and innovation – of Russian academic art. The paper is novel in that it is the first to analyze the little-studied creative work of V. A. Cherny from a scientific perspective, while a number of his paintings and archival materials are introduced into scientific use. As a result of the research, a wide range of themes, plots, genres, technical and technological characteristics and figurative interpretations in the artist’s creative work have been revealed. As early as in the years of study, the artist acquired a high level of skill, the ability to synthesize traditions and vary the individual style of painting, which currently allows him to work at a high professional level, proves the relevance of academic skill and realistic art. The study of the creative work and activities of V. A. Cherny testifies to the evolutionary development of both realism and art education in Russia. The versatility of his art, the complex nature of the artistic language prove the conceptual specificity of Russian academicism in the early 21st century, which is dominated by the preservation of timeless spiritual meanings of national culture inseparable from the ideas of patriotism and Orthodox teaching and the synthesized nature of the professional language.
A terminological frame-network model of the conceptual and semantic organization of notions of computational linguistics
Authors: Prokhorova Olga Nikolaevna , Polshchykova Olga Nikolaevna
Published: February 2024

The research object is the conceptual and semantic organization of the terminological apparatus, the research subject is the logical and conceptual structure of notions denoted by terms of computational linguistics. The study aims to identify the features of the systemic organization of notions of computational linguistics based on the use of a terminological frame-network model. The paper briefly analyzes the use of the frame approach to modeling the structure of terminological systems by linguists. A terminological frame-network model of the subject area “Computational linguistics” is proposed. The study is illustrated with fragments of the terminological network of frames of the subject area “Synonymy of terms of computational linguistics” presented in the form of diagrams. The work is novel in that it provides an original definition of a terminological network of frames and is the first to formulate the rules for its construction. The research findings showed the possibility of using a terminological frame-network model to analyze the logical and conceptual structure of the subject area “Computational linguistics” and the organization of semantic term-formation processes and lexicosemantic relations in the terminology under study.
Micro-field “Alcohol” of the lexico-semantic field “Food” in the novel “The Rebel Angels” by Robertson Davies
Authors: Kurenkova Tatyana Nikolaevna , Strekaleva Tatyana Vladimirovna
Published: February 2024

The aim of the study is to determine the structure, composition and interaction of lexical units in the lexico-semantic field “Food” in the novel “The Rebel Angels” by Robertson Davies as exemplified by the micro-field “Alcohol”. The study is original in that it is the first in linguistics to use a field approach to examine the vocabulary with the semantics of food based on the material of R. Davies’s work “The Rebel Angels”, which contributes to the detailed differentiation of special terminology related to the topic of “food” in the English language. As a result, the vocabulary with the semantics of food was identified in the text of the novel, its repetitions were eliminated. The remaining 482 lexical units formed the lexico-semantic field “Food”, consisting of 2 large micro-fields “Foods” and “Drinks”. The micro-field “Foods” is divided into 2 large micro-fields “Dishes” and “Receiving guests”. The micro-field “Drinks” contains 2 micro-fields: “Drinks proper” and “At a drinking establishment”. The micro-field “Alcohol”, which is a part of the micro-field “Drinks proper”, was analyzed in detail, distinctive features within the micro-field were revealed, its structure was presented.
Verbs ‘работать’ (to work) and ‘делать’ (to do) in N. S. Dashevskaya’s individual style: A pragmasemantic aspect
Authors: Golosova Ekaterina Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2024

The aim of the research is to characterize the author’s pragmatic attitude related to the use of lexemes belonging to the lexico-semantic group of verbs naming work activities in general (‘работать’ (to work), ‘делать’ (to do)) in the texts of N. S. Dashevskaya’s novellas; to determine the reasons for the preference for the lexeme ‘делать’ and the specifics of its functioning in the texts under study. The research is original in that it is the first to examine the functioning of the verbs ‘работать’ and ‘делать’ as units belonging to the lexico-semantic group ‘Work activities’ to comprehend the author’s pragmatic attitudes in a text addressed to children or adolescents. The research findings showed that the author’s reference to the specified lexico-semantic group is associated with the wide collocability of the verb ‘делать’, which affects its general linguistic use, and with the features specific to the texts of children’s and youth literature. Phraseological units and set expressions that include the lexeme ‘делать’ make it possible to describe the specific behavioral features of a child or adolescent protagonist, the grammatical compatibility of the lexeme with direct additions naming academic disciplines (‘делать алгебру’ (to do algebra homework), ‘делать проект’ (to do a project)) serves as a reliable representation of the ordinary life of schoolchildren, which emphasizes the realism of N. S. Dashevskaya’s novellas.
CONSTRUÇÃO DE ALGORITMO DE CONDUTAS DE SINAIS E SINTOMAS NAS FERIDAS NEOPLÁSICAS MALIGNAS EM ADULTOS
Authors: Furtado Arielly Rosa Dantas , Sagica Tais dos Passos , Silva Marcos José Risuenho Brito , Mendes Clarissa Porfírio , Simor Alzinei , Pereira Odenilce Vieira , Silva Adams Brunno , Ramos Aline Maria Pereira Cruz
Published: February 2024

Objetivo:Construir um algoritmo de condutas sobre controle de sinais e sintomas de feridas neoplásicas malignas em adultos. Método: Pesquisa metodológica, de caráter exploratório, para construção de algoritmo clínico fundamentado em uma revisão de escopo. Resultados: Foram encontrados 107 estudos nas bases de dados, dos quais nove foram incluídos nessa revisão. Quatro estudos são experimentais randomizados, quatro são estudos de caso e um estudo é observacional documental retrospectivo. O odor foi o sinal mais abordado, seguido de exsudato, sangramento, infecção, dermatite associada à umidade e dor. Conclusão: Foram observadas lacunas, como a necessidade de mais estudos originais e experimentais, além da inexistência de um descritor específico para ferida neoplásica maligna, contudo foi possível construir o algoritmo, que oferece condutas fundamentadas na literatura para maior respaldo teórico e segurança da enfermagem em relação aos pacientes oncológicos.
SOMATOMEDIN C (IGF-1) IN BRAIN TRAUMA: POTENTIAL EFFECT ON NEUROPROTECTION
Authors: Luis Rafael Moscote Salazar  , Reyes Bello Juan Sebastian , Juan Jose Beltran Ruiz  , Claudia Marcela Restrepo Lugo  , Katherine Garzón Gonzales
Published: February 2024

In recent years, through experimental studies, the effects of various neurotransmitters, as well as proteins, enzymes, and hormones involved in the inflammatory response during and after traumatic brain injury, have been investigated in depth, finding a substance called insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-1), this protein, has shown to be important in processes of neuroprotection, synaptogenesis, myelination, and prevention of apoptosis, among others.
This article aims to clarify the role of Somatomedin C or type I insulin-like factor and its potential neuromodulatory function after head trauma. Factors such as age, sex, physical activity, diet, and the influence of other hormones have been related to the brain's levels and functioning of somatomedin C. IGF-1 receptors are found in higher concentration in some specific regions of the nervous system where neuronal tissue is more susceptible and have binding proteins that regulate the degradation of this substance, which in inflammatory conditions such as brain trauma has been shown to promote angiogenesis and attenuate the production of proinflammatory cytokines.
Analysis of China’s Interests in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Policy in Pakistan
Authors: Martadinata Ilham , Hadianto Muhammad , Risman Helda
Published: February 2024

This research aims to analyze China’s interests through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) policy in Pakistan. Currently, Pakistan is China’s strategic partner in implementing the BRI project. Infrastructure development for several sectors in Pakistan is being carried out massively through direct financial loans from China. Of course, this raises questions about China’s interests in Pakistan and this study attempts to answer these questions. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods, with literature study as a data collection technique. In analyzing the issues raised, this research uses the theories of offensive realism, hegemony, and national interests. The results of this research show that China’s efforts in Pakistan are a form of Chinese maneuvering that plays an active role in achieving its interests, namely hegemony. Through the BRI project, China can connect with the largest oil-producing countries to meet high industrial needs. Second, the connectivity created by BRI allows China to increase its force projection capabilities in the South Asia region. Third is political interests, where China can create a positive image to ensure a substantial increase in diplomatic power in strengthening its international status. Meanwhile, the last one is ideological interests, where China uses slogans such as “Chinese Dream” for the stability and legitimacy of Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party towards their domestic society.
A Peculiarity in Educational Measurement Practices
Authors: White Mark
Published: February 2024

This essay discusses a peculiarity in institutionalized educational measurement practices. Namely, an inherent contradiction between guidelines for how scales/tests are developed and how those scales/tests are typically analyzed. Best practices for developing scales/tests emphasize developing individual items or subsets of items to capture unique aspects of constructs, such that the full construct is captured across the test. Analysis approaches, typically factor analysis or related reflective models, assume that no individual item (nor subset of items) captures unique, construct-relevant variation. This contradiction has important implications for the use of factor analysis to support measurement claims. The implications and other critiques of factor analysis are discussed.
Preprint Perspectives: Unveiling the Attitudes of Indian Researchers - A Survey Analysis
Authors: Chatterjee Sriparna , Bharadwaj Jahnab , Molla Kutubuddin , Dhaka Rajendra Singh , Koley Moumita
Published: February 2024

The movement towards open access has led to significant transformations in the scientific publishing system. One emergent area is the publication of an early version of the research paper in a preprint repository prior to the submission in the journal of choice. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Indian researchers' attitudes towards preprints, drawing from a nationwide survey conducted by the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology's Centre for Policy Research (DST-CPR), IISc. The survey aimed to understand preprint publication patterns and awareness across career stages and disciplines, commonly used preprint servers, perceived benefits, and concerns regarding preprints among Indian researchers.Findings indicate a modest engagement with preprints among Indian researchers, with a considerable majority yet to consider preprints as a viable option for early research dissemination. While researchers recognize that preprints can speed up research dissemination and increase visibility, concerns about scooping ideas and potential impacts on journal publication persist. The survey also highlights a discipline-wide variation in preprint adoption. This paper contributes to the ongoing dialogue on open science by highlighting the potential of preprints to democratize access to research findings while addressing the challenges that must be overcome to realize their benefits fully.
A Randomized Controlled Component Study of Cognitive Reminiscence Therapy for Psychological Resources and Mental Well-Being: Group-Based CRT versus Self-Guided Homework Sheets
Authors: Hallford David John , Gerring Kate Samantha , Button Maddy , Campbell Robyn , Sutton Kate
Published: February 2024

Background: Reminiscence-based interventions involve the recall and adaptive review of meaningful autobiographical memories. The current component study compared standard facilitator-guided, group-based brief cognitive-reminiscence therapy (CRT) to the single component of self-guided homework sheets only, assessing impacts on psychological resources (i.e., self-schemas relating to self-esteem, self-efficacy, meaning in life, and optimism), mental well-being and putative change processes. Methods: The community sample (N=93, Mage=42.3 (SD=16.2), 65% females) were randomised to conditions and completed measures at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Results: Despite non-trivial effect sizes between the groups, they were not statistically significant on any outcomes (p > .05 after corrections). Main and within-group effects revealed that both groups improved self-esteem, self-efficacy, optimism and meaning in life (η² = 0.04-0.10), reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress (η²= 0.02-0.06), and produced effects on automatic negative thoughts and awareness of narrative identity (η²= 0.02), maintained at one-month follow-up. Conclusions: Overall, the results replicate effects of a CRT group-based approach and indicate that a single component of self-guided homework tasks may also have effects. Future studies may require larger sample sizes to detect differences in format, with the homework tasks potentially relevant for individuals with low time
The Performance of Large Language Models on Quantitative and Verbal Ability Tests: Initial Evidence and Implications for Unproctored High-stakes Testing
Authors: Hickman Louis , Dunlop Patrick Damien , Wolf Jasper Leo
Published: February 2024

Unproctored assessments are widely used in pre-employment assessment. However, the recent emergence of widely accessible large language models (LLMs) poses challenges for unproctored personnel assessments, given that applicants may use them to artificially inflate their scores beyond their true abilities. This may be particularly concerning in cognitive ability testing, which is widely used and is thought to be less fakeable by humans than personality tests. Thus, this study compares the performance of LLMs on two common types of cognitive tests: quantitative ability and verbal ability. The tests investigated are used in real-world, high-stakes selection. We also examine the performance of the LLMs across different test formats (i.e., open-ended vs. multiple choice). Further, we contrast the performance of two LLMs (GPT-3.5 and GPT-4) across multiple prompt approaches and ‘temperature’ settings (i.e., a parameter that determines the amount of randomness in the model’s output). We found that the LLMs performed extremely poorly on the quantitative ability test and well on the verbal ability test, even when accounting for the test format. GPT-4 outperformed GPT-3.5 across both types of tests. Notably, although prompt approaches and temperature settings did affect LLM test performance, those effects were mostly minor relative to differences across tests and language models. We provide recommendations for securing pre-employment testing against LLM influences. Additionally, we call for rigorous research investigating the prevalence of LLM usage in pre-employment testing as well as on how LLM usage influences selection test validity.
Ignored visual context does not induce latent learning
Authors: Vadillo Miguel A. , Aivar M Pilar , Giménez-Fernández Tamara , Cubillas Carmelo P.
Published: February 2024

People usually become faster at finding a visual target after repeated exposure to the same search display. This effect, known as contextual cueing, is often thought to rely on a highly efficient learning mechanism, relatively unconstrained by the availability of attentional resources. Consistent with this view, experimental evidence suggests that contextual cueing can be found even when participants are instructed to ignore the repeated visual context, although this learning remains latent until the context receives full attention. The present study explores the contribution of selective attention to contextual cueing in four high-powered preregistered experiments. None of them supported the hypothesis that latent learning can occur without selective attention. In general, our results suggest that selective attention to visual context plays an essential role in both the acquisition and the expression of contextual cueing.
Recognition memory fluctuates with sustained attention regardless of task-relevance
Authors: Corriveau Anna , Chao Alfred , deBettencourt Megan T , Rosenberg Monica D.
Published: February 2024

Sustained attention fluctuates over time, affecting task-related processing and memory. However, it is less clear how attentional state affects processing and memory when images are accompanied by irrelevant visual information. We first quantify behavioral signatures of attentional state in an online sample (N1=92) and demonstrate that images presented in high attentional states are better remembered. Next, we test how sustained attention influences memory in two online samples (N2=188, N3=185) when task-irrelevant images are present. We show that high attention leads to better memory for both task-relevant and task-irrelevant images. This suggests that attentional state is not a selective spotlight, but rather affects processing broadly in a manner akin to a “floodlight.” Finally, we show that other components of attention such as selective attention contribute to the mnemonic fate of stimuli. Our findings highlight the necessity of considering and characterizing attention’s unique components and their effects on cognition.
Ecoexpansive Kinship: A Model for Expanding Conceptualizations of Family to Include Non-Human Animals
Authors: Schmitz Rachel M. , Love Heather A. , Tabler Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Non-human animals have long been embedded in society, and are well-documented as integrated into people’s lives and families. However, researchers and practitioners inconsistently incorporate pets, or companion animals, into conceptualizations of family despite growing empirical evidence of the substantive impact of pets in people’s lives. To more accurately capture people’s lived realities of pets as family members, we advance a model of “ecoexpansive kinship,” which validates expansive family forms and functions (Bowen, 1978) across multiple levels of social ecological influence (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). To illustrate our model’s applicability, we explore key definitions, and then outline major theoretical foundations and applications of pets research to demonstrate both the theoretical significance and empirical reality of where non-human animal kinship fits into family dynamics. An ecoexpansive kinship approach can promote more conceptual, cohesive theorization of how to holistically model kinship to be inclusive of non-human animals that can be applied across research and practice.
Who is likely to have illegal eel products after the market regulations?
Authors: Mameno Kota , Hsu Chia-Hsuan , TSUGE Takahiro , ONUMA Ayumi , KUBO Takahiro
Published: February 2024

Wildlife overexploitation is a significant challenge in biodiversity conservation. Regulation can enforce consumer behaviour change to be biodiversity-friendly but also cause unintended negative impacts. A quantitative investigation of consumer preference for alternative goods is needed before the regulation intervention. This study focused on a case of Japanese eels that are threatened with extinction due to commercial fishery and overfishing and clarified potential alternative choices after the market regulations. This study employed a best–worst scaling technique. Our analysis specifies the two consumer groups; approximately 30% of consumers (“Potential Illegal” group) may select illegal eel consumption as their second-best preference. The Potential Illegal group tends to contain males, younger, and people who eat eels once or more annually, in comparison to the other group. Our findings can contribute to setting effective regulations as useful information about potential consumer choice changes.
Every Forest Has Its Shadow: The Demographics of Concealment in the United States
Authors: Grigoryeva Maria , Robbins Blaine G
Published: February 2024

This article examines what people conceal, who conceals from whom, and whether there are demographic differences in how much and what people conceal. We map concealment using a two-wave probability survey and behavioral experiment of U.S. adults (N = 1,281). Our survey measures self-reports of 37 different concealable attitudes, behaviors, and characteristics over a 12-month period, while the experiment provides a concrete behavioral measure of concealment. These data yield four principal findings that extend theory and research on concealment. First, misinformation is commonplace in the United States, but it varies depending on what is being concealed. Second, certain demographic characteristics, such as age, predict rates of concealment, the proportion of things concealed, and lying in a behavioral experiment. Third, most demographic groups are similar in how much they conceal, but all demographic groups differ in what they conceal. Fourth, while some types of strong ties are more likely to be targets of concealment than weak ties, there is greater heterogeneity in concealment across different kinds of strong ties than between strong ties and weak ties, with spouses and partners being concealed from the least, on average. We conclude by discussing implications for theory and research on concealment.
Cartografía generacional del docente amazónico. Caso provincia de Sucumbíos, Ecuador
Authors: Mantilla-Falcón Luis Marcelo , Lozada-Tacoamán Jaime Rodrigo
Published: February 2024

La clasificación sociológica de una línea temporal mediante la taxonomía generacional ha permitido agrupar a las últimas generaciones del siglo XX y primeras del siglo XXI en grupos como “S” o silenciosa, Baby Boomers, generación X, Y, Millenials, etc. y caracterizar sus particularidades con rasgos sobresalientes que lo definen y diferencian unas de otras; en tal virtud, el presente estudio busca identificar los grupos generacionales de docentes de la provincia ecuatoriana de Sucumbíos, siendo los más relevantes los Baby Boomers y los de la generación X. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, con muestreo no probabilístico y no experimental. Se concluye que hay una hibridación de generaciones docentes que están presentes en el sistema educativo provincial y que son los protagonistas de la formación de las presentes y futuras generaciones, y que, por lo mismo, requieren hacer ciertos cambios y modificaciones en sus prácticas pedagógicas en pro de mejorar la calidad de la educación local y provincial.
विज्ञानकथामा प्रयुक्त विज्ञानको स्वरूप {The nature of science used in science fiction}
Authors: ज्ञवाली Gyanwali विष्णुप्रसाद Bishnu Prasad
Published: February 2024

प्रस्तुत लेख विज्ञानकथामा प्रमुख पक्ष बन्ने विज्ञानको सैद्धान्तिक स्वरूपको विमर्शमा आधारित छ । यस लेखमा विज्ञानकथामा प्रयुक्त विज्ञानको स्वरूप केकस्तो हुन्छ भन्ने प्राज्ञिक प्रश्न र उक्त प्रश्नको उत्तरको खोज गर्नु उद्देश्य रहेको छ । विज्ञानको स्वरूपमाथि छलफल गर्नका निम्ति लेखमा द्वितीय स्रोतका सामग्रीको उपयोग गरिएको छ । पुस्तकालय स्रोतबाट त्यस्ता सामग्री सङ्कलन गरिएको छ । सामग्रीको विश्लेषणमा शोधको गुणात्मक पद्धतिअनुरूप विश्लेषणात्मक विधिको उपयोग गरिएको छ । विश्लेषित सामग्रीबाट विज्ञानकथामा प्रयुक्त विज्ञान साहित्यिक चरित्रको हुने हुनाले त्यसको आस्वादन र मूल्याङ्कन साहित्यिक कोणबाट गर्नु अर्थपूर्ण हुने निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ ।
पौरस्त्य वाङ्मयमा न्यायदर्शनको महत्त्व एवं लोकोपयोगिता {The Importance and Utility of Nyaya Darshan in Eastern Literature}
Authors: आचार्य Acharya पुरुषोत्तम Purushottam
Published: February 2024

प्रस्तुत आलेख पौरस्त्य वाङ्मयमा न्याय दर्शनको महत्त्व एवं लोकोपयोगितामा केन्द्रित रहेको छ । समग्र पौरस्त्य वाङ्मयमा न्याय दर्शनको स्थान र यसको लोकोपयोगिताको खोजी गर्ने उद्देश्यले यो आलेख तयार पारिएको हो । यसमा सङ्कलित सामग्रीहरूबाट प्राप्त तथ्यको विश्लेषण र लोकोपयोगिता प्रस्तुत गर्ने क्रममा कतै आफ्ना विचारलाई पनि आधार मानी विषयवस्तुको प्रस्तुति दिइएको छ । विषयवस्तुको प्रारम्भ दर्शनशास्त्रको प्रवृत्तिबाट गरिएको छ । आध्यात्मिक, आधिभौतिक र आधिदैविक गरी तीन प्रकारका दुःखबाट मानव विक्षिप्त रहेको र त्यस्तो दुःखमय संसारबाट आत्यन्तिक निवृत्तिका लागि दर्शनशास्त्रको प्रवृत्ति भएको हो भन्ने कुरा यसमा आएका छन् । वास्तविक तत्त्वको ज्ञान जसबाट हुन्छ, त्यो दर्शन हो । न्याय दर्शनको विश्लेषण गर्ने क्रममा सर्वप्रथम न्यायको परिभाषा प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ । प्रत्यक्ष, अनुमान आदि प्रमाणहरूद्वारा प्रमेय पदार्थ) को परीक्षण गरी वस्तुस्थिति पत्ता लगाउनु न्याय हो । न्याय दर्शनलाई प्रमाणशास्त्र पनि भनिन्छ । पौरस्त्य वाङ्मयमा न्याय दर्शनलाई कसरी प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ र यसको लोकोपयोगिता कसरी सिद्ध गर्न सकिन्छ भन्ने विषयवस्तु राख्दै लौकिक पारिवारिक, सामाजिक, राष्ट्रिय) व्यवहारमा न्याय दर्शनसम्बद्ध चिन्तनहरूको प्रत्यक्ष प्रभाव रहेको छ भन्ने निष्कर्ष यस आलेखमा निकालिएको छ ।
DE LICENCIADO A PROFESSOR DE BIOLOGIA: UM ESTUDO FENOMENOLÓGICO SOBRE FORMAÇÃO E IDENTIFICAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL
Authors: DURÉ Ravi Cajú , ANDRADE Maria José Dias de , ABÍLIO Francisco José Pegado
Published: February 2024

A pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar os aspectos decisivos para a escolha pelo curso de Biologia e pela carreira docente. Para tanto, utilizamos o método Fenomenológico para realizar entrevistas com 13 professores de Biologia. Como resultado, observamos que tanto a escolha pelo curso quanto pela carreira docente teve um forte polo de influência na identificação com a atuação dos professores do ensino médio, demonstrando o fraco potencial de engajamento profissional que a Licenciatura exerceu nesse processo. Também compreendemos que, para a maioria dos professores, se tornar professor não era uma intenção prioritária, sendo uma escolha mediante a ausência de outras oportunidades de trabalho. Dados que reforçam o baixo envolvimento dos biólogos com o universo pedagógico no período da Licenciatura.
CONTRIBUTOS TEÓRICOS PARA PENSAR A FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES NA PERSPECTIVA DA PROFISSIONALIDADE
Authors: PINHEIRO Daiane , FREIRE Sofia
Published: February 2024

Este artigo consiste em um estudo bibliográfico sobre a formação e profissionalidade docente, aprofundando aspetos sobre as competências e a identidade profissional de professores. Inicialmente faz-se uma abordagem conceitual sobre formação de professores, chegando ao termo profissionalidade e seus desdobramentos, como competências e identidades. Neste cenário, o texto transita por diferentes olhares teóricos sobre os processos de formação docente, aproximando o pensamento de autores que transitam pela teoria crítica e pós crítica. Foram levantados contributo teóricos para discutir os modos de constituição de identidades docentes considerando o exercício das competências profissionais. É possível compreender que as perspectivas sobre a constituição profissional docente, dimensionadas em competências e identidades, envolvem um processo dinâmico, regido pelas mudanças sociais e delimitado em diferentes contextos que as produzem.
ОПІРНІСТЬ КОРОТКОСТЕБЛОВОГО ЖИТА ОЗИМОГО ЩОДО НАКОПИЧЕННЯ РАДІОНУКЛІДІВ У ЗЕРНІ
Authors: Simonenko N. , Skoryk V.
Published: February 2024

Перспективним напрямком селекції жита озимого в Україні є створення сортів толерантних щодо накопичення екотоксикантів, важких металів, радіонуклідів особливо у забруднених від військових дій чи техногенного впливу місцях. Ці властивості сортів жита повинні поєднуватись із короткостебловістю, високою стійкістю рослин до вилягання, крупним зерном високої якості цільового використання для хлібопечення, кормовиробництва, глибокої переробки, що дозволить отримувати екологічно безпечну житню сировину. Метою роботи було вивчити сортові особливості короткостеблового жита озимого різних морфотипів щодо рівня накопичення екотоксикантів, а також вивчити вплив погодних умов вирощування на здатність зразків акумулювати радіонукліди, намітити шляхи використання потенціалу зразків із стабільно низьким накопиченням радіонуклідів у селекційних програмах. Визначення вмісту 137Cs і 90Sr у зерні короткостеблового жита озимого з альтернативними ознаками здійснювали гамма-радіометричним методом. Вихідний матеріал – 5 сортів і 25 популяцій жита озимого з альтернативними ознаками, які є носіями домінантної короткостебловості (ген Hl), резистентності до бурої і листової іржі (ген Rd), борошнистої роси (гени Er), стеблової іржі (ген Sr), рецесивної крупнозерності (гени lg і tg). Жито озиме не є активним аккумулятором радіонуклідів навіть у забруднених зонах, діапазон вмісту їх варіює в межах нижче ГДК: за цезієм 3,3 – 13,9 Бк/кг, за стронцієм 6,4 – 22,3 Бк/кг. Щодо вмісту 90Sr розподіл зразків за групами накопичення близький до нормального, тоді, як за 137Cs крива розподілу здвинута в бік зразків з низьким накопиченням. В якості вихідного матеріалу для селекції на стабільно низький сумарний вміст радіонуклідів – це зразки № 8 (Альдана), 20, 23 (Ласкаве). Вихідним матеріалом для селекції на стабільно низьке накопичення радіонуклідів із низьким варіюванням ознаки є зразки № 8, 20, 23. Ці зразки доцільні для включення їх в асортимент зразків при вирощуванні жита у зонах техногенного забруднення, а також зразки № 12 (Оріана), 16, 24, Алатир. Зразки № 2 і 7 (іноземний гібрид і Єліка) можна використовувати у селекційних програмах, як стандарти, що характеризуються найбільш високим рівнем вмісту 137Cs і 90Sr.
PENGARUH DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM MELALUI RETURN ON EQUITY
Authors: Siddik Galih Purnama , Khofiyah Nida’an , Damayanti Fitria
Published: February 2024

“Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menyelidiki dampak dari PT. Nippon Indosari Corpindo, Tbk rasio utang terhadap ekuitas terhadap harga saham yang diukur dengan return on equity. Penelitian ini menggabungkan strategi kuantitatif dengan metode deskriptif asosiatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan hubungan yang positif dan kecil secara statistik antara rasio utang terhadap ekuitas dan ROE. Berdasarkan analisis koefisien determinasi, kontribusi debt to equity ratio terhadap ROE adalah sebesar 36%, dengan faktor lain sebesar 99%. Penelitian tentang hubungan antara harga saham dan Return On Equity (ROE) secara umum menunjukkan pola yang positif. Koefisien determinasi menunjukkan bahwa Return On Equity (ROE) menyumbang 21% dari variasi harga saham selama periode waktu yang berbeda, dengan variabel lain menyumbang 78% sisanya.”
Clinical effect of phytosterol-enriched saw palmetto extract on urinary function in healthy middle-aged and older males: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized comparative study
Authors: Hisajima Tatsuya , Waki Hideaki , Suzuki Takuya , Izumi Takashi
Published: February 2024

Background: Saw palmetto extract (SPE) is one of the most widely used supplements for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) due to its pharmacological effects. β-sitosterol-enriched saw palmetto oil (VISPO™) contains more than 3% β-sitosterol and 85% total fatty acids and has been shown to improve symptoms in patients with BPH. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) require primary preventive measures in countries with accelerated population aging, including Japan. VISPO™ is expected to be effective against the early symptoms of LUTS. However, the effect of VISPO™ on urinary function in healthy individuals has not been elucidated.
Objective: This clinical study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of VISPO™ in the management of urinary complaints among healthy middle-aged and older men who did not require treatment.
Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included 54 male participants who were assigned to consume VISPO™ or placebo (olive oil) capsules for 12 weeks. Biometric data, uroflowmetry results, and salivary hormone levels were assessed at weeks 1 and 12. Urinary function and quality of life were assessed at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12 using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS), and WHOQOL-26.
Results: Two-way analysis of variance revealed that IPSS and OABSS were significantly lower in the VISPO™ group that in the placebo group. However, there were no significant differences in urine volume, urinary flow rate, or salivary hormone levels. In addition, no participants reported adverse effects (diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.). 
Conclusion: The results of the present study, which is the first randomized controlled trial of VISPO™ conducted among healthy participants, demonstrate the effectiveness of VISPO™ in the management of lower urinary tract complaints that do not require treatment. 
Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000046386).

Keywords: saw palmetto, VISPO™, β-sitosterol, fatty acids, healthy subjects, primary preventive, IPSS, OABSS, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the liver: A rare case report
Authors: Chen Keke , Wang Feihang , Deng Minying , Yuan Kai , Wang Xi , Zhao Qiannan , Dong Yi , Wang Wenping
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND: Hepatic reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) is a rare benign lymphoproliferative lesion and a poorly understood disease. It is usually asymptomatic and incidental, but it is difficult to distinguish from hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver tumor on imaging, and percutaneous biopsy is not sufficient to distinguish from low-grade malignant lymphoma and extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma), making diagnosis difficult. CASE SUMMARY: A 69-year-old woman came to our hospital for reexamination of pulmonary nodules followed by liver occupation. The lesions showed “wash-in and wash-out” on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Enhanced magnetic resonance also showed annular envelope enhancement and limited diffusion on the ADC map during the delay period. Imaging revealed metastatic liver cancer, and the patient underwent a partial hepatectomy. However, the final histopathological diagnosis was RLH. CONCLUSION: If small isolated nodules are found in the liver of middle-aged and elderly female patients with no risk factors for liver malignancy, when the enhanced imaging suggests “wash-in and wash-out”, further focus should be placed on whether the enhanced imaging shows perinodular enhancement and whether the DWI shows limited diffusion in MRI, in order to emphasize the possibility of liver RLH diagnosis.
Research on the Innovation Trend Direction of Fitness Products Based on the Construction Method of Patent Knowledge Graph
Authors: Yu Shuwei , Weng Jiongzhou , Liu Feiyang , Huo Hao , Lu Jinwei , Hu Jinhong , Zhang Ming , Wu Yue
Published: February 2024

To accelerate fitness product development and innovation, we propose a patent knowledge graph. Using a patent database and TF-IDF, we identify key areas and terms. This forms a keyword graph with inflation word analysis, guiding innovation direction. Applying this to fitness rowing machine innovation identifies needs. Empowering R&D for swift decisions enhances competitiveness.
Research on Sustainable Development of Intangible Cultural Handicraft from the Perspective of Social Innovation Design
Authors: Han Jian , Xu Weimeng
Published: February 2024

This paper first expounds the definition and development of social innovative design and sorts out several characteristics of social innovative design. Secondly, by analyzing the difficulties and problems encountered by intangible cultural heritage handicraft in contemporary inheritance and innovation, combined with the analysis and induction of cases of intangible cultural heritage handicraft in social innovation design, the experience and prospect of sustainable development of intangible cultural heritage handicraft under social innovation design are summarized.