bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commitment and Conflict in Unanimity Bargaining
Authors: Miettinen Topi , Vanberg Christoph
Published: January 2025

We theoretically investigate how the application of unanimity rule can lead to inefficient delay in collective decision-making. We do so in the context of a distributive multilateral bargaining model featuring strategic precommitment. Prior to each bargaining round, players can declare a minimum share that they must receive in return for their vote. Such declarations become binding with an exogenously given probability. We characterize the set of stationary subgame perfect equilibria (SSPE) under all q-majority rules. Our results suggest that unanimity rule is uniquely inefficient. All other rules, including all-but-one, are fully efficient. (JEL C78, D71, D72, F53)
Μελέτη εκπομπής και μετασχηματισμού ατμοσφαιρικών ρύπων σε βιομηχανικές περιοχές
Authors: Βερούτη Ελένη
Published: January 2025

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει ως θέμα τη μελέτη εκπομπής και μετασχηματισμού ατμοσφαιρικών ρύπων σε βιομηχανικές περιοχές και, πιο συγκεκριμένα, σε βιομηχανική – αστική περιοχή, τη συνεισφορά της σωματιδιακής ρύπανσης στην ποιότητα του ατμοσφαιρικού αέρα και τις επιπτώσεις της ατμοσφαιρικής ρύπανσης στην υγεία των κατοίκων της περιοχής μελέτης, καθώς και τη μελέτη σχηματισμού και κατανομής του δευτερογενούς οργανικού αερολύματος στην ατμόσφαιρα.Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, αξιολογήθηκε η ποιότητα του αέρα, χρησιμοποιώντας τον καθημερινό Δείκτη Ποιότητας Ατμόσφαιρας - Air Quality Stress Index (AQSI), ο οποίος δίνει μια συνολική εκτίμηση της ποιότητας του αέρα, συμπεριλαμβάνοντας τις συνέπειες των μετρούμενων ρύπων στον άνθρωπο. Εξετάστηκε η συνεισφορά των αιωρουμένων σωματιδίων στον ημερήσιο Air Quality Stress Index (AQSI), που παράγεται από τα επίπεδα τεσσάρων συμβατικών ρύπων, που μετριούνται στην περιοχή (διοξείδιο του θείου, διοξείδιο του αζώτου, όζον και αιωρούμενα σωματίδια-ΡΜ10) και έγινε σαφές το μέγεθος της συνεισφοράς των αιωρουμένων σωματιδίων στην ποιότητα του αέρα. Επίσης, πραγματοποιήθηκε έρευνα στα πρωτογενή και στα δευτερογενή αερολύματα της αστικής/βιομηχανικής περιοχής, επιβαρυμένης από διάφορες πηγές, με στόχο να μελετηθούν οι δείκτες Δευτερογενών Οργανικών Αερολυμάτων, καθώς και οι πιθανές επιρροές των ανθρώπινων δραστηριοτήτων στον σχηματισμό αυτών. Εξετάστηκε επίσης, κατά πόσο οι ανεξέλεγκτες καύσεις, που λαμβάνουν χώρα στην περιοχή, με μεγάλη συχνότητα, επιβαρύνουν περεταίρω την ποιότητα της ατμόσφαιρας και σε τι ποσοστό. Τέλος, έγινε μια προσπάθεια συσχέτισης μεταξύ της ημερήσιας θνησιμότητας και α) του Δείκτη Ποιότητας Ατμόσφαιρας - Air Quality Stress Index (AQSI), και β) του Δείκτη Δυσφορίας –Discomfort Index(DI), καταλήγοντας σε αξιόλογα προς περαιτέρω διερεύνηση ευρήματα.
Αξιολόγηση και Στοχοθεσία
Authors: EEA Ελληνική Εταιρεία Αξιολόγησης
Published: January 2025

Ο κ. Jean Paul Delattre είναι πτυχιούχος της HEC (Haute École de Commerce) του Παρισιού, Οικονομικών και Νομικής από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Σορβόννης και κατέχει MBA από το κρατικό πανεπιστήμιο του Οχάιο. Έχει ασκήσει μέρος της καριέρας του στην «Société d'Economie et de Mathematiques Appliqués» (SEMA Group) ", τη σημερινή Atos Origin, η οποία είναι μία από τις μεγαλύτερες Ευρωπαϊκές εταιρείες συμβούλων, όπου διετέλεσε επικεφαλής της Διεύθυνσης Συμβούλων Διοίκησης, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του Τμήματος Οικονομικών Μελετών. Το 1992 ίδρυσε την εταιρεία συμβούλων European Consultants Organisation (ECO) στις Βρυξέλλες, η οποία έχει υλοποιήσει πλήθος έργων αξιολόγησης σε πολλές χώρες εντός και εκτός ΕΕ, και για την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή.
Understanding the Dynamics of consumer behaviour and purchase intentions for Green Cosmetic Products in North India: A Gender-Neutral Approach
Authors: Singh Neha , Rawat Babita , Shanker Chaubey Dhani , Prakash Mani Ambica , Singh Aditi
Published: January 2025

Background The increasing popularity of green cosmetic products among consumers who prioritize skin health, quality, and beauty has driven the production of these products. Growing awareness of harmful toxins in traditional cosmetics is leading consumers to prefer natural alternatives. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing Indian consumers’ buying behaviour and purchase intentions toward green cosmetics, focusing on both male and female consumers. Methods To achieve this, a thorough evaluation of the literature from Scopus-indexed journals was conducted, employing the theory of planned behavior as the theoretical framework. The study used Smart PLS 3.0’s structural equation modeling to analyze data and performed a multi-group analysis to explore variations in purchasing intentions and actions between male and female consumers. Results The research indicated an increasing demand for green cosmetics among males in North India. Findings revealed that subjective norms significantly influenced both purchase behaviour and purchase intention. Additionally, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms positively impacted purchase intention, which in turn indirectly affected purchase behaviour. Interestingly, environmental concerns did not influence consumers’ actual purchasing intentions or behaviour. The analysis also demonstrated no significant differences between male and female consumers regarding the impact of various factors on their purchase intentions and behaviours. Conclusion These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and marketing managers aiming to promote green cosmetic product purchase behaviour. Recognizing that subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are crucial drivers of purchase intention and behaviour can help in devising effective marketing strategies. Despite the absence of significant gender differences in the factors influencing purchase behaviour, the increasing interest in green cosmetics, especially among males, highlights a broader market potential for these products. This research underscores the importance of focusing on social and behavioural influences to encourage the adoption of green cosmetics
PHRASEOLOGICAL EXPRESSIONS WITH THE COMPONENT ‘SHOES’ IN THE LINGUOCULTURAL PICTURE OF THE CHINESE WORLD
Authors: Guangdong Ma
Published: January 2025

The study of phraseological expressions with the component “shoes” in Chinese language and culture involves an in-depth study of the rich connotation and meaning of this unique cultural symbol. Phraseologisms, as treasures of the Chinese language, are not only the historical heritage, but also the wisdom and emotions of the nation. “Shoes”, being an indispensable item in daily life, shows a special style in phraseological expressions, and its unique status cannot be ignored.
The purpose of the study is to identify the unique value of phraseological expressions with the component “shoes” in portraying characters, containing philosophical wisdom, reflecting social customs and history through systematic analysis and classification.
The subject of the study is to identify the cultural role of phraseological phrases with the component “shoes” for a deep understanding of interpersonal relationships and moral concepts of Chinese society.
Relevance. From the perspective of intercultural communication, the spread and acceptance of phraseological expressions with the component “shoes” is also of great significance. In the process of globalization, Chinese culture is gradually entering the world stage. As an important part of Chinese culture, phraseological phrases with the component “shoes” have unique cultural connotation and expression, exerting a positive influence on cross-national cultural understanding and identity. Through translation and interpretation, phraseological idioms with the component “shoes” can overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, connecting different civilizations and cultures.
The research on idioms of “shoes” in Chinese language and culture should be further deepened and detailed. The study of interesting idioms of “shoe” not only helps to better understand and inherit the high traditional Chinese culture, but also promotes the international dissemination and exchange of Chinese culture. The famous linguist Mr. Wang Li said: “Language is the carrier of culture, and phraseology is the essence of language” [1].
Methodology and research methods. The study uses the semiotic method to reveal the symbolic essence of phraseological phrases with the component “shoes”; the comparative method necessary for comparing phraseological phrases with the component “shoes” in Chinese culture and other cultures of the world; as well as methods of scientific analysis, synthesis, comparison and generalization.
The use of ultrasound to determine volume status and identify sites of edema in patients with heart failure
Authors: Tran Vivie , Swarna Subash , Nugent Kenneth
Published: January 2025

The management of patients with congestive heart failure requires an accurate working diagnosis and frequent assessment of responses to treatment.  In addition, the prediction of short-term and long-term outcomes is important to both the clinician and the patient.  The development of pulmonary edema usually represents an acute deterioration of cardiac status and requires immediate attention.  The development of peripheral edema usually represents chronic heart failure and warrants evaluation and possibly therapeutic adjustments.  Noninvasive tests to identify sites of extravascular fluid formation can help the clinician manage his or her patients.  Lung ultrasound can identify B-lines that usually represent pulmonary edema.  Ultrasound studies of the inferior vena cava and its dimensions can help determine volume status and make decisions regarding fluid management.  This review outlines the use of ultrasound to determine sites of edema formation in patients with heart failure.
 
Key words: ultrasound, inferior vena cava, pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure
5-aminolevulinic acid in photodynamic therapy used in dermatology as a method of treating acne vulgaris.
Authors: Sacher Karolina , Zabojska Krystyna , Cygnarowicz Aleksandra , Turemka Mariola , Hosseinnejad Negar , Wojtas Aneta Klaudia , Biskupski Mikołaj , Korotko Urszula , Witowska Kinga , Mandziuk Aneta
Published: January 2025

Acne therapy is a difficult task and the number of patients struggling with the disease is increasing, but new treatment options are emerging. One such indication is precisely the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid in photodynamic therapy for the treatment of acne lesions. The given issue has been widely discussed on the basis of a number of research papers from around the world, whose publications have promising results. The results of the studies show the effectiveness of using ALA-PTD terpy in the treatment of acne lesions occurring in acne vulgaris. Photodynamic therapy with 5-ALA acid may also serve as a good complementary treatment to other substances. However, studies need to be conducted to obtain data to develop procedures to achieve the most effective results, with the development of minimal side effects, which include pruritus, redness, transient hyperpigmentation coming off without leaving a scar and the occurrence of allergic reactions
Mentoring adoption across the information systems project management process: Perceptions of IS project managers
Authors: Tan Felix B , Leong Paul TM
Published: January 2025

To-date, there appears to be a dearth of information systems (IS) project management mentoring research relating to mentoring practices across the IS project management process. This study contributes to our understanding of the nature of mentoring practices in IS projects. Practicing IS project managers in multinational companies were asked about their mentoring experiences. Findings were based on data collected via a web-based descriptive survey. Four key observations were noted. Mentoring practice adoption was perceived as positive. Practicing IS project managers were cognizant of the benefits that can accrue from mentoring adoption. The drive for project success was a key motivation. Adoption was more expedient and forthcoming in an informal relationship situation. Overall, mentoring was perceived to enhance IS project management practice. The paper concludes by providing some directions for future research.
A TV expandida pelas 9 telas da #RedeBBB
Authors: Stefano Luiza de Mello , Ferreira Soraya
Published: January 2025

As transformações que atualmente os meios de comunicação tradicionais estão enfrentando fez com que a televisão, em vez de ser extinta, expandisse sua presença para outros suportes tecnológicos, potencializando seu poder de penetração e hibridização. O aparelho tradicional não é mais o único meio transmissor de conteúdo: a combinação da internet, redes sociais e os novos fenômenos emergidos pela convergência dos meios levaram ao surgimento de uma inédita experiência televisiva. O presente trabalho reflete sobre as novas possibilidades e características da televisão expandida e identifica como o engajamento e participação ativa dos usuários no ciberespaço força os programas de TV a mudarem o modelo televisivo. Para isso, serão analisadas e categorizadas as estratégias transmídias usadas no BBB17 para expandir seu conteúdo no ciberespaço.
Being a “Lay Expert”: A Choice for Chinese Parents of Young Autistic Children
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Chen Junting , Li Xiaoyan
Published: January 2025

The lack of rehabilitation teachers for autistic children is common in lower-middle income countries. Designing programs to train parents to become “para-rehabilitators,” that is, “lay experts,” is one of the ways to solve this problem. The purpose of this study was to explore the feelings, problems, and hopes of Chinese parents participating in the parent-implemented rehabilitation model. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with 19 parents of autistic children were conducted and analyzed thematically. The study found positive changes in the parental understanding of and response to autism disorders, suggesting that training parents to become para-rehabilitators to address the shortage of rehabilitators is useful, and that improvements in training methods are needed.
Correlates of School-Home Communication From Caregivers of Children With Autism
Authors: Li Chak , Burke Meghan M.
Published: January 2025

School-home communication may be especially critical for families of children with autism given their tenuous partnerships with school professionals. In this study, we explored the child, caregiver, and family-professional partnership correlates of school-home communication. Data were collected from 179 caregivers of children with autism (age 3-21) via a national survey. Participants overwhelmingly reported having less than monthly communication with educators (i.e., general and special education teachers) despite wanting at least weekly communication. A preference for email communication negatively correlated with participants who were Black and/or from lower-income households, but this should be met with caution due to limited sample diversity. These findings indicate that it is necessary to attain a nuanced understanding of school-home communication and identify other potential correlates.
Exploring Oral Narrative Abilities of Chilean School-Age Children With Down Syndrome: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez Victoria , Amor González Antonio M. , Zampini Laura , Verdugo Miguel Ángel , Calvo María Isabel
Published: January 2025

Narrative abilities are essential for school achievement and quality of life, yet children with Down syndrome (DS) often struggle with these skills. This work explores the oral narrative abilities of school-age Chilean children with DS. The participants were 11 children with DS aged between 7;2 and 12;1 (years; months). All participated in a retelling task using a wordless picture book. Microstructural and macrostructural performance were analyzed and compared with data from a reference database of typically developing Spanish-speaking children, matched by chronological age or linguistic abilities. Children with DS showed proficiency in identifying introductory story elements but faced difficulties with cohesion. Restricted microstructural performance and task completion time were observed. Ethical-methodological challenges and recommendations for practice and research are discussed.
Physical Educators’ Training and Confidence in Implementing Evidence-Based Practices for Students With ASD
Authors: Layden Selena J. , Nowland Lindsey A. , Haegele Justin A.
Published: January 2025

Educators working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) should be utilizing evidence-based practices (EBPs) that have been identified for this group of students to promote better outcomes. Physical education (PE) teachers are highly likely to work with students with ASD in educational settings, yet little is known about their level of training and confidence in implementing EBPs for students with ASD. This study used survey methodology to ask PE teachers about their training in EBPs and their perceived confidence in implementing such practices. The results indicate that, although there was little reported training on individual EBPs specific to students with ASD, PE teachers reported feeling relatively confident in supporting students with ASD. Further findings and implications are discussed.
Fast lithographic thick-mask model using overlapped patch matching
Authors: Liu Sheng , Ma Xu
Published: January 2025

Modeling thick-mask effects is essential for lithography simulation at
advanced technology nodes. This paper proposes a fast and accurate
learning-based thick-mask model, dubbed as the fast diffraction
transfer matrix (F-DTM) model, to solve this problem in deep
ultraviolet lithography. The proposed method decomposes the whole mask
pattern into overlapped patches. A set of diffraction transfer
matrices (DTMs) is pre-calibrated, mapping the mask patches of
different geometric features to the corresponding thick-mask
diffraction near-fields. The overlapping decomposition can effectively
alleviate the crack effects along the decomposition boundaries, thus
reducing the model errors. Additionally, an acceleration technique is
proposed to greatly improve the computational efficiency of DTMs,
breaking through the speed bottleneck for model calibration. The
results show that the proposed methods can effectively improve the
calculation accuracy and efficiency compared to the traditional
thick-mask models used extensively.
Photonic time-intensity integrator based on the polarization sensitivity and amplitude modulation characteristics of the Mach-Zehnder modulator
Authors: Feng Jinjian , Jiang Yang , Xu Jing , Lan Xiaohong , Long Qianyou , Luo Yunkun
Published: January 2025

A photonic time-intensity integrator is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By leveraging the polarization sensitivity and amplitude modulation characteristics of the Mach-Zehnder modulator, the signal to be processed is modulated on the complex envelope of the optical field. A Fabry-Perot filter subsequently performs the integration operation on the complex envelope, which is linearly converted into an optical intensity envelope to produce the desired intensity integration result. Detailed theoretical analysis and experimental procedures are provided. In the experiment, the integrator converts square waveforms with various duty cycles into triangular waveforms with different symmetry factors and transforms a Sinc waveform into a sawtooth waveform, effectively verifying its performance. The system features a simple structure and operates without the constraint of an integration time window, providing a new approach for flexible microwave waveform generation, transformation, and signal processing..
Compact SPR magnetic field sensor based on an inner wall waveguide fiber filled with magnetic fluid
Authors: Liu Wei , He Hao , You Yong , Zhu Jin , Yang Yifei , Xu Baoxiong
Published: January 2025

We propose and demonstrate a compact surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on an inner wall waveguide fiber (IWWF) for magnetic field sensing. The diameter of the central hole in the IWWF is 65 μm, which is propitious for metal deposition and infiltration of magnetic fluid (MF). We deposit a silver film on the inner surface of the IWWF by employing the silver mirror reaction method, and an evanescent field near the inner wall will excite SPR. MF is filled into the central hole of the IWWF, and the transmission spectrum will change with different magnetic field intensities by utilizing the tunable refractive index (RI) of the MF. The proposed sensor achieves a maximum sensitivity of 19.3 nm/mT in the magnetic field intensity range of 0.5–2.3 mT. The temperature sensitivity is measured to be −0.26 nm/°C in the temperature range of 25–50℃. Compared with other optical fiber magnetic field sensors, the sensor proposed in this paper has the advantages of simple structure, miniaturization, and high sensitivity, exhibiting great application potential.
Event-driven neuromorphic holography for dynamic particle imaging
Authors: Ge Zhou , Wang Chutian , Huang Jianqing , Lam Edmund Y.
Published: January 2025

Digital holography has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating dynamic particle behaviors in the spatiotemporal domain. However, the performance of this technique is fundamentally limited by the system’s space–time bandwidth, leading to a trade-off between accuracy and speed. This study presents a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach integrating event-driven neuromorphic imaging with digital holography for dynamic particle imaging. Through comprehensive analysis of synthetic and real-world experiments, we demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves data efficiency and hologram contrast by over tenfold. This technique, termed “neuromorphic holography,” offers promising applications for efficient dynamic particle imaging.
Polarization-insensitive and low-loss O-band edge coupler for silicon photonics
Authors: Yi Xiaolin , Zhao Weike , Zhang Long , Dai Daoxin
Published: January 2025

Fiber-to-chip edge couplers (ECs) are critical for integrated photonic systems. Currently, the ECs are often designed with tiny structure sizes to achieve high coupling efficiency, which, however, are hindered by the lithography resolution limitation in foundry fabrication capabilities. In this work, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a low-loss and polarization-insensitive EC that overcomes the fabrication constraints in the feature size. This is enabled by an ultra-low-loss mode conversion happening in a specially developed bi-level taper with an ultra-tiny tip, which is formed by introducing a shallowly etched tilted taper on a fully etched inverse taper, showing an ultra-large overlay fabrication tolerance. The simulated coupling loss for TE- and TM-polarizations are 0.53–0.57 dB and 0.45–0.55 dB in the wavelength range of 1260–1360 nm, respectively, when coupled to a fiber with a mode field diameter of ∼4 µm. It is experimentally shown that the minimum coupling loss is ∼0.54 dB and the polarization-dependent loss is as low as ∼0.18 dB. The proposed method assisted by the overlay technology enables the easy fabrication of the structure with tiny feature sizes not only for high-efficiency edge coupling but also for other on-chip structures, making it a promising solution for a wide range of applications in photonic integration.
Game instructors as cultural workers: Dialogic teaching and intercultural games higher education
Authors: de Paula Bruno
Published: January 2025

In this article, I discuss the potential that a dialogic approach to teaching game (design) in an intercultural postgraduate classroom in UK higher education can have to unsettle limited and universalist models to engage with video games. Through reflections on my own teaching practice, supported by interviews with former students who undertook my course in the period between 2019 and 2022, I argue that game educators can be understood as cultural workers, as suggested by Paulo Freire. This argument is supported by the concept of game literacies and Freirean critical pedagogies, more specifically his ideas on dialogic teaching – one that understands ‘dialogue’ as the mutual understanding of interlocutors’ realities – which I argue offer paths towards a more critical and less dissociated games education, bridging the rift between vocational and critical approaches and fostering more nuanced models to engage with games as a global – intercultural, interconnected – phenomena.
Whale Music, David Rothenberg (2023)
Authors: South Alex
Published: January 2025

Review of: Whale Music, David Rothenberg (2023)

Cambridge, MA: Terra Nova Press, 376 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-94959-725-7, p/bk, $27.95
Unspooled: How the Cassette Made Music Shareable, Rob Drew (2024)
Authors: Katz Nathan
Published: January 2025

Review of: Unspooled: How the Cassette Made Music Shareable, Rob Drew (2024)

Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 205 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47802-559-7, p/bk, $26.95
locura en Torres Villarroel: el frenesí en los Sueños Morales
Authors: Ibarburu Antón  Julen
Published: January 2025

Diego de Torres Villarroel fue uno de los grandes referentes intelectuales del siglo XVIII. No obstante, su carrera académica, la calidad de sus escritos y el gran número de textos publicados fueron en numerosas ocasiones empañados por las polémicas mantenidas con sus contemporáneos. En todo caso si bien fueron incontables los temas que trató, sobre toda su obra se aprecia un interés manifiesto por la locura y que plasmó en obras como los Sueños Morales. En estos volúmenes Torres presentó a varios enfermos de locura en sus momentos finales, desahuciados en el hospital. A lo largo de este ensayo estudio a uno de ellos: el frenético y el modo en que el autor salmantino comprendió y representó la locura. El curso de la enfermedad, la diversidad de tratamientos empleados sobre él o el trasfondo social de la insania son algunos de los puntos fundamentales.
Phytogenic feed additives as alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production: A review
Authors: Aminullah Noor , Mostamand Allauddin , Zahir Ahmadullah , Mahaq Obaidullah , Azizi Mohammad Naeem
Published: January 2025

The overuse of antimicrobials in food-producing animals, particularly poultry, has led to growing concerns about multidrug microbial resistance, posing significant risks to both human and animal health. Subtherapeutic doses of antibiotics have traditionally been used to enhance growth and improve economic efficiency in poultry farming. However, these practices have facilitated the emergence of resistant microbial strains, threatening global health security and prompting a search for sustainable alternatives. This review highlights the significance of phytogenic as feed additives (PFAs) as promising substitutes for antibiotic as feed additives (AFAs) in poultry production. PFAs, derived from plant-based compounds, exhibit multiple beneficial properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory effects. Moreover, they offer the potential to produce high-quality organic poultry products while reducing the likelihood of microbial resistance. Despite these advantages, inconsistent results among studies underscore the importance of standardized approaches to maximize their efficacy. This review aims to evaluate the current status of antibiotic use in poultry farming globally, explore the properties and mechanisms of PFAs, and assess their potential as viable alternatives to antibiotics. By consolidating available knowledge, this review provides insights into the benefits and challenges associated with PFAs, offering guidance for future research and practical applications in sustainable poultry production.

Keywords: alternatives, antibiotics, phytogenic, poultry production.
How Governments Can Do More with Less: A Guide to Low-cost Innovation for Policy-makers
Authors: Secretariat Commonwealth
Published: January 2025

This publication is a guide to assist policy-makers, civil servants and public administrators across government ministries, departments and public service delivery agencies, particularly in developing and low-income countries. It is a resource to help design and improve policies, programmes and services that can stimulate low-cost innovation and help organisations and individuals in the public, private or voluntary sector overcome structural and resource constraints.
PACER Plus Implementation: A Development Opportunity for Commonwealth FICs
Authors: Zhuawu Collin
Published: January 2025

The potential for trade-led sustainable development in most Forum Island Countries (FICs) in the Pacific remains largely untapped. These countries experience several challenges to trade, such as a lack of economies of scale, low levels of foreign direct investment (FDI), inadequate and underdeveloped infrastructure, high costs of doing business and a host of other supply-side contraints. Recent changes in the global economic and trading landscape, including growing trade tensions and protectionism, growth in mega regional trade arrangements, and the rapid advancement in technology have created an additional layer of challenges, producing further impediments for these countries to trade. In addition, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic further worsed their situation, impacting on their trade-led development prospects. However, the coming into force of the Pacific Closer Economic Relation (PACER) Plus Agreement in December 2020 offers a promising opportunity for these countries to deepen regional integration in the Pacific region and expand their trade for post-COVID-19 recovery and trade-led sustainable development in general. This paper provides and analysis of the possible opportunities for FICs presented by the PACER Plus Agreement and argues for the implementation of the Agreement for FICs to take adavantage of these benefits.
Morphology and initial development of Hancornia speciosa var speciosa in different substrates
Authors: Silva Ana Veruska Cruz , Muniz Evandro Neves , Souza Juliana Lopes , Soares Adrielle Naiana Ribeiro , Ledo Ana da Silva
Published: January 2025

The impact of commercial demand on fruits explored through extractivism requires sustainable production strategies. Among these strategies is seedling propagation for reforestation and/or commercial plantations. The substrate and its impact on the quantity and quality of propagated plants are critical aspects of seedling propagation. Hancornia speciosa, commonly known as mangabeira, is a native fruit species that has been primarily explored through extractivism; thus, the goal of this study was to assess the early development of H. speciosa var. speciosa seedlings in different substrates using morphophysiological parameters. The seeds were processed and sown in six different substrates (sand, sand + powder coconut coir, sand + vermiculite, commercial substrate, commercial substrate + powder coconut coir, vermiculite, commercial substrate + vermiculite). To evaluate seedling development, the parameters First Emergence Count, Emergence Percentage, Emergence Speed Index, Total Seedling Size, Shoot Height, Root Length, Stem Diameter, Number of Leaves, and Shoot and Root Dry Massa were used. The pure vermiculite substrate performed best across all parameters, followed by the commercial substrate + powder coconut coir and the commercial substrate. As a result, substrates containing pure vermiculite are recommended for the propagation of H. speciosa var. speciosa, whereas substrates containing higher concentrations of sand, 50 to 100%, have a negative impact on seedling development for this variety.
Weed interference on organic carrot yield under different sowing methods
Authors: Souza Luís Gustavo de Souza e , Félix Ferreira Regina Lúcia , Elviro de Araújo Neto Sebastião , Lemos Uchôa Thays , Mendes da Silva Nilciléia , Penha Pinto Geazí , De Moura Francisco Wagner , Bezerra da Silva Sandra
Published: January 2025

Weed cause serious problems to vegetable cultivation, justifying the importance of studies on the interference of these plants in agricultural crops and management techniques in the context of organic production. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the interference of weed on the yield of carrot grown under different sowing methods. The study was conducted at the Seridó Ecological Station in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. Control and coexistence experiments with weeds were set up in a split-plot design (5 x 2), with the plot corresponding to the coexistence or control periods: 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 days after sowing, and the subplots corresponding to the sowing methods: direct seeding and water conditioning. Cultivation followed the recommendations for carrot and for the organic system. The harvest and evaluations were performed after 80 days by evaluating the biometric variables, the carrot yield, and the weed mass. The statistical analysis consisted of the test of assumptions followed by analysis of variance. Non-linear regression was used for the yield parameters by determining the interference periods. In contrast, linear regression was used for the other variables. Carrot coexistence with weeds reduced the conventional commercial yield by 75.73% and the organic commercial yield by 57.07%. Organic carrot cultivation should occur free of weed from 21 to 28 days. Water conditioning increased the organic carrot yield.
Winter pruning timing, development and quality of Cabernet Sauvignon in Southern Brazil
Authors: Aloy Keila , Gobi Samuel Francisco , Martins Hyoran Caius Genindo Barreto , Jacobs Suziane Antes , Eckhardt Daniel Pazzini , Brighenti Alberto Fontanella , Schumacher Rafael Lizandro , Costa Vagner Brasil
Published: January 2025

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of winter pruning timing on phenology, productivity, and quality of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and wines in 2022/2023 production cycle. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with 3 replications, each experimental unit consisted of 5 plants. The treatments involved four pruning timings (end of May, June, July and August). Phenology assessments were beginning and end of bud break, flowering, maturation and percentage of bud break. Production was evaluated by the number of clusters per plant, weight and size of clusters, productivity per plant and per hectare. The analyzes of must were pH, total acidity and soluble solids (°Brix). In wine, pH, total acidity, sugars, alcohol, volatile acidity and color were analyzed. In the end a wine sensory analysis was carried out. The results showed that the bud break of plants pruned early, in May, occurred at the same time as plants pruned in June and July. Early pruning resulted in lower productivity. The grape must from plants pruned late, in August, showed higher total acidity and lower values ​​of soluble solids and sugars. Early pruning did not change the duration of the cultivar's phenological subperiods, nor did it bring forward the harvest in relation to the control. The different pruning times influenced productivity more than the composition of grapes and wines, indicating that it is possible to extend the pruning period.
Electronic Interventions to Improve Quality for Inpatient Cirrhosis Care: A Prospective Evaluation
Authors: Romain Dustin , Hao Shengchen , Grzyb Katie , Bashaw Linda , Parikh Neehar D. , Tapper Elliot B.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION:

Efforts to improve adherence to quality measures in cirrhosis care are encouraged by American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) to improve clinical outcomes.

METHODS:

We prospectively evaluated 2 best practice advisory (BPA) interventions to alert clinicians caring for patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal hemorrhage or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

RESULTS:

Our BPAs increased utilization. Ceftriaxone use was associated with adverse outcomes such as more blood product and broad-spectrum antibiotic use. The albumin BPA was associated with reduced mortality.

DISCUSSION:

BPAs should be used with care and are best in settings with low baseline utilization of quality indicators.
The Archive of Sylvia Townsend Warner and Valentine Ackland
Authors: Bond Judith
Published: January 2025

This article recounts the history of the Sylvia Townsend Warner and Valentine Ackland Archive from its first location in the Dorset County Museum to its current housing in the Dorset History Centre. It describes Judith Bond’s work in recording the thousands of miscellaneous items and describes some of the most interesting holdings and features of this Archive.
ANALISIS EKSPOSUR NILAI TUKAR RUPIAH TERHADAP DOLLAR AMERIKA PADA INDUSTRI MANUFAKTUR YANG GO PUBLIC
Authors: Aryanti Naning Wessiani , Basuki Basuki
Published: January 2025

The primary objective of this research is to examine exchange rate exposure between Rupiah with American Dollar in manufacturing industrial sector that go public before and during crisis happened in Indonesia. Having found any significant exchange rate exposure in significant period, than this study will also evaluate which sub sectors in manufacturing industrial sector are exposed with the fluctuation of exchange rate.The data was collected using pooling method. Thirty-eight firms were chosen and divided into seven sub sectors. The statistical method used to test hypothesis is multiple regressions.The empirical results show that significant exchange rate exposure is only found in manufacture industry during crisis period, and from seven subsectors only three sub sectors (food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and plastics) that significantly exposed because of the exchange rate fluctuation. This result shows that all firms must considered exchange rate management to reduce the exposure.
MEMBANGUN SINERGI BANK-BUMN-UKM: PROBLEM DAN SOLUSI
Authors: Isgiyarta Jaka
Published: January 2025

Role of micro, middle business a.nd Cooperation firm in national Economics is significant, specially in Indonesia Economics crisis. Government regulation by  KEPMEN BUMN NO 236/MBU/2003  has strong effect in empowerment for micro, middle business and Cooperation firm, even Its focus in funding resources. Based on empiricial analysis, the weakness of micro, middle businees and Cooperation firm not only in funding, but in production, marketing, management too. It is better make value chain relationship BUMN - micro, midle business and Cooperation firm   to increase their capability. In the others,  focus on  tunding resources, It is necessary to create understanding relationship between bank and micro, midle businees and Cooperation firm.
MODEL HUBUNGAN LINGKUNGAN EKSTERNAL-KEWIRAUSAHAAN- KINERJA : KASUS DI USAHATANI TEMBAKAU
Authors: Priyanto Sony Heru
Published: January 2025

Few study have been made of how farmers' entrepreneurship affects his farm result. Factors that constructed entrepreneurship also haven't explored by researcher very much.  This study aims to know relationship model beetwen external environment-entrepreneurship-farm performance at tobacco industry.This research will be conducted by multilevel analysis with Structural Equation Model to know causal relationship between environment factors such as economics, natural resources, institutions and organization, individual background, entrepreneurship, and farm performance. For cross sectional data in 2003 obtained for 4 Kabupaten which are dominan producers tobaco in Central Java, multilevel model with relationship amongexternal environment, entrepreneurship, found to be adequate representation of the data to estimate farm performance.The empirical result indicate factors like personal aspect together with physical, economic and institutional environment effect farmers' entrepreneurship, which personal aspect to become dominan factor determine entrepreneurship and farm performance. This study also show farmers' entrepreneurship effect with farmer outcome farm performance. Economic structure such as agriculture, Farmers' group or associated, goverment policy and cigareth company supported, also determine level of entrepreneurship and farm performance.The next study, this model can implement in the other field such as the small and medium enterprise and other companies. To test goodness of fit the model, this model can research in the cross cultural context and cross national context, both cross sectional data and longitudinal data .
ESTIMASI PENGARUH INFLASI DAN TINGKAT OUTPUT TERHADAP RETURN DAN VOLATILITAS SAHAM DI INDONESIA (PENDEKATAN MODEL GARCH, TARCH DAN EGARCH)
Authors: Rahayu Dyah Sih , Firmansyah Firmansyah
Published: January 2025

This study examines whether movement in two key macroeconomic variables - level output and inflation - in Indonesia influence the monthly stock returns and volatility.By mainly applying GARCH, TARCH and EGARCH models, this study has demonstrated that time varying and the leverage effect appears to exist in Indonesia's stock returns volatility. At any models, inflation and output level have no effect on stock returns. The result for the variance equation show that only the inflation has significance effect on stock returns volatility.
INOVASI DI INDUSTRI ECERAN : MAMPUKAH BERPERAN SEBAGAI MEDIATOR ANTARA ORIENTASI PASAR DAN KINERJA ORGANISASI
Authors: Raharso Sri
Published: January 2025

Market orientation has been identified as a managerial focus which can enhance firm performance.  However, this assumption increasingly is met with skepticism. There is no unequivocal evidence as to if and when market orientation has a positive impact on business performance. The exact mechanisms concerning performance enhancement are not fully understood. Current research proposes that the mechanisms by which market orientation enhances performance relies on the existence of aninnovative culture.  Innovativeness mediates the relationship between market orientation and performance.
Karakteristik Mekanik Mulsa Organik Lembaran Serat Aren dan Aplikasinya pada Lahan Pertanian
Authors: Thoriq Ahmad , Pratopo Lukito Hasta , Perwitasari Sophia Dwiratna Nur , Arip Muhamad
Published: January 2025

Hasil samping dari aktivitas produksi tepung aren adalah limbah cair dan limbah padat. Pada kondisi saat ini limbah cair dibuang secara langsung ke Sungai sedangkan limbah padat berupa serat dan kulit batang aren menumpuk di sekitar pabrik pengolahan. Salah satu solusi penganganan limbah serat aren adalah dengan membuat lembaran mulsa organik. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis karakteristik fisik dan mekanik lembaran mulsa organik dari serat aren berdasarkan jenis perekat, dan menganalisis efektivitas setiap lembaran mulsa organik dari serat aren berdasarkan jenis perekat dalam menghambat pertumbuhan gulma. Penelitian ini menggunakan lima jenis perekat yaitu lateks, lempung, tepung aren dan tepung tapioka. Pengujian karakteristik mekanik dilakukan menggunakan alat uji tarik instron 1026. Pengujian efektivitas dalam menghambat pertumbuhan gulma dilakukan pada lahan pertanian menggunakan media tanam di dalam polibag hingga mulsa mengalami kerusakan. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa perekat lateks memiliki karakteristik mekanik dan kemampuan menghambat pertumbuhan gulma terbaik yaitu 87,32% dibandingkan dengan jenis perekat lainnya. Hasil uji kuat tarik mulsa dengan perekat lateks pada hari ke-0 sebesar 73,30 N, hari ke-7 sebesar 69,19 N, hari ke-14 sebesar hari ke-21 sebesar 30,63 N, hari ke-28 sebesar 12,50 N dan hari ke-35 sebesar 0 N. Sementara kemuluran perekat lateks dari hari ke-0 hingga hari ke-35 setelah pemakaian, masing-masing sebesar 15,73%, 12,67%, 11,83%, 9,67%, 7,50%, dan 0%. Modulus young perekat lateks dari hari ke-0 hingga hari ke-35 setelah pemakaian, masing-masing sebesar 23,27 kPa, 25 kPa, 15,79 kPa, 16,74 kPa, 10,35 kPa, dan 0 kPa.
Analisis Multikriteria dalam Pemilihan Teknologi Pengolahan Sampah Plastik untuk Skala Bank Sampah di Jakarta Pusat
Authors: Rahdhani Amadira , Frimawaty Evi , Astuti Lina Tri Mugi
Published: January 2025

Sebagai pusat pemerintahan dan bisnis, Jakarta Pusat mengumpulkan jumlah sampah plastik terbanyak di bank sampah dibandingkan dengan kota administrasi DKI Jakarta lainnya, yaitu mencapai 95.760 kg/bulan pada tahun 2021. Jumlah ini meningkat dari tahun 2020 yang mencapai sekitar 76.471 kg/bulan. Meskipun demikian, pada praktik sebagian besar bank sampah di Jakarta Pusat belum menerapkan teknologi yang dapat menunjang keberlanjutan pengelolaan sampah plastik. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi karakteristik sampah plastik yang dikumpulkan di bank sampah dan memilih teknologi pengolahan sampah plastik yang ideal dengan mempertimbangkan 4 (empat) kriteria. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah kombinasi AHP dan TOPSIS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata jumlah sampah plastik yang dikumpulkan di bank sampah adalah 60-250 kg/hari yang didominasi oleh jenis botol plastik. Hasil perhitungan nilai bobot menunjukkan bahwa kriteria yang dianggap penting secara berurutan adalah lingkungan (0,56), ekonomi (0,21), sosial (0,16), dan teknis (0,07). Berdasarkan nilai tersebut diperoleh alternatif teknologi pengolahan sampah plastik yang ideal untuk skala bank sampah adalah mesin press hidraulik (C*=0,648). Melalui hasil ini, diharapkan pemilihan teknologi pengolahan sampah plastik di bank sampah dapat mempertimbangkan berbagai kriteria yang memberikan manfaat, baik secara praktis maupun ekonomis.
Topics in Contemporary Music. Some Archetypal Structural Processes (and TSU) in the Writings and Works of Contemporary Composers
Authors: Grabócz Márta
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this article is to present an astonishing convergence in the creative processes and theories of some contemporary composers on the one hand, and to confront this convergence with TSU theory (Temporal Semiotic Units) on the other. My analyses carried out in the field of electroacoustic music since 1988 have revealed the same broad categories of structuring processes, regardless of the country of origin and the aesthetic conceptions of each creator.The composers in question are the following, according to the chronological order of theorizing their compositional process: F.-B. Mâche, T. Wishart, D. Smalley, C. Miereanu, S. Sciarrino, F. Bayle.After having examined their structural processes, I have drawn up the four main summarizing categories according to their approaches:1) emergence or beginning; 2) extinction or collapse; 3) culmination point, explosion, or zenithal form; 4) the different cases of “stasis” and stillness, repetitive and discontinuous forms.The archetypal processes of the six composers will be compared to the 19 Temporal Semiotic Units (TSU) established by the composers of Marseille studio of electroacoustic music (GMEM) and of the GRM composers (Paris). This theory has been published in different books and articles in France since 1996.We believe that this view on the convergences of current compositional theories and “temporal semiotic units” provides us with new analytical tools for a better understanding of contemporary musical works.