bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Personal Mobile Devices to increase flexibility and equity in learning in resource constrained contexts.
Authors: Brown Cheryl , Haupt Genevieve
Published: September 2023

This paper examines how in a resource constrained context, access to personal mobile devices for first year university students increases their flexibility of learning and creates a environment of greater inclusivity at University. In 2016, at the start of their first year 201 students in an extended degree program in the Humanities at the University of Cape Town were surveyed about their access to Personal Mobile Devices (PMDs). Based on need, 68 students were given an entry level tablet to use as their own for the duration of their studies.  As a consequence of establishing a learning context where students all had access to a PMD the lecturers could engage students in multimodal blended learning and teaching approach. This paper draws on data in the form of student surveys and focus groups and explores not only the challenges and opportunities for students in using PMDs for their learning both in and out of the classroom but the flexibility of learning enabled through PMDs. The study shows that creating an equitable context in terms of physical access to digital technology enables students’ learning but also presents some new challenges.
Manu Tukutuku, ma te huruhuru ka rere te manu - empowering learners to soar. Phase One; Opening the doorway for Māori to succeed in a digital community where cultural capacity and knowledge is valued and respected.
Authors: Te Kiri Christine
Published: September 2023

This paper discusses Māori student achievement and how the first step to enable this is engaging the whānau and the student in situations where their mana and tuakiri remains intact. The paper identifies steps for culturally critical and sustaining practice when engaging whānau and students. It highlights some positive examples as well as reflecting on lessons learnt. This is phase one of a multi layered project - Ngā Manu - Manu Tukutuku empowering learners to soar.
Addendum: Reading and studying on the screen
Authors: Nichols Mark
Published: September 2023

In 2016 the article “Reading and Studying on the Screen: An Overview of Literature Towards Good Learning Design Practice” was published in the Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning (Nichols, 2016b). The article overviewed comparative studies related to reading from the screen and reading from print, and proposed recommendations for on-screen learning design. This addendum to that article considers various additional studies analysed in subsequent blog posts (see http://tel-lingit.blogspot.com/2018/02/an-update-to-reading-and-studying-from.html and https://tel-lingit.blogspot.com/2018/11/a-further-update-to-reading-and.html) up to end November 2018. As this is an invited addendum, I take the opportunity to adopt a more personal and self-disclosing style to talk more about my own position and experience regarding digital education and on-screen reading. This piece alternates across the scholarly and polemic.
Taking Stock of Our Journal’s Journey: A Statement of Impact
Authors: Fields Alison , Hartnett Maggie
Published: September 2023

Pausing to take stock of progress on a journey can achieve many things, including identifying how far you’ve come, which way you’ve come, and which way you want to go. A statement of impact for the Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning (JOFDL) has been prepared, taking stock of the Journal at the current time in its journey. This statement identifies the Journal and its impact in terms of reach, use, and contribution to global academic research and publishing. The Editorial is rounded off with an overview of the articles in this issue.
Designing a Social Exploration MOOC - Visual Literacies: Exploring Educational Practices and Technologies
Authors: Sime Julie-Ann , Themelis Chrysoula , Arapoglou Yiannis , Marantou Asteria , Theodoridou Katerina
Published: September 2023

Social exploration is the key to how ideas spread through networks (Pentland, 2014).  When people talk with others outside their immediate group, they can bring fresh ideas into the group leading to improved outcomes.  So, to improve impact on educational practice we should increase communications within the professional community as well as increase the knowledge and competences of individual professionals.  To improve social exploration opportunities for educators, we have developed a massive open online course (MOOC) with a technology-enhanced learning perspective on Visual Literacies.  The two main challenges were to: gather content suitable for a multi-disciplinary audience; and design a MOOC that supports social exploration.  The content was derived from analysis of interviews with 21 experienced educators about their use of visuals in education and communication.  The educators came from a wide variety of disciplines and educational settings thereby offering multi-disciplinary case studies.  The design of the ‘social exploration MOOC’ is based on Networked Learning theory, a pedagogical approach that emphasises openness, democratic relationships between teachers and learners, and support for diversity and inclusivity of participants.  Participants can explore the MOOC content, share ideas and reflect on their own practice in a learning community that emphasizes sharing and discussion.  Issues of engagement, drop-out, completion and retention rates are discussed in this descriptive case study using learning analytics and feedback from participants on their experience.  The design of the MOOC promoted strong engagement and retention rates with the live webinar, in particular, enhancing participation, discussion and a feeling of community amongst participants.
Exploring transformative learning in vocational online and distance education
Authors: Nichols Mark , Choudhary Neeru , Standring Doug
Published: September 2023

reformulation of their experience, and new ways of acting in the world) is widely understood as an important outcome of adult education (Mezirow, 1990, 2018). Various studies have been performed over the last 30 or so years since Mezirow’s theory was first proposed, confirming its presence and importance in higher education. However, it is questioned as to whether transformative learning takes place in vocational distance and online education, particularly if not explicitly promoted.  This paper investigates the extent of transformative learning taking place in adult learners studying at a distance, online. Drawing on King’s (2009) Learning Activities Survey (LAS), Open Polytechnic students (n=499) across 7 qualifications (6 discipline areas) responded to a survey asking about their experiences of perspective transformation. The instrument also sought insight as to how vocational providers of vocational online and distance education might promote transformative learning outcomes in learners.Survey results show evidence of perspective transformation in students, to varying degrees mainly determined by the qualification being studied. The results also reveal which instructional design approaches and teaching activities might contribute to transformation.
Learning Management System Adoption by Academics
Authors: Brown Stephen , Murphy Lyn , Hammond Kay
Published: September 2023

An academic’s adoption of online learning during the 2020 lockdown required new levels of engagement with the learning management system (LMS). In this position piece, we suggest that academics are pivotal to online course development, and they should determine alternative means of instruction and assessment during any transition to online learning. We present two models of an academic’s interactions with the LMS and propose that the academic’s engagement with the LMS, and their willingness to be in partnership with experts in e-learning, should remain central to their university’s strategic development. The 2020 lockdown presented both challenges and opportunities to academics regarding their engagement with the LMS and online teaching—we suggest that the role of the academic is critical for successful implementation of the post-pandemic online ambitions of New Zealand universities.
Accessibility and Engagement
Authors: Crary Sarah , Huseth-Zosel Andrea , Beseler Thompson Erika
Published: September 2023

To reach more students, many colleges are using technology to teach courses via a blended learning model, which allows students to attend class face to face or through a video network. The blended–synchronous format (a blended learning model) is defined as the synchronous instruction of face-to-face and remotely located students. Although it provides flexibility for students in terms of location, the blended–synchronous model also has challenges, including accessibility. This study aimed to understand the expectations and experiences of graduate students who attend blended–synchronous courses. The authors surveyed students in a midwestern, mid-sized research university, who were enrolled in programmes that use the blended–synchronous model. The survey focused on their experiences with, and expectations for, their typical mode of attendance. An analysis of quantitative data using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests determined whether there were significant differences between students who attended in person or via a video network (VN) regarding their ideal expectations and actual experiences with classroom engagement. Authors coded open-ended responses to capture and interpret key themes. Results indicated students did not experience significant differences in their ideal or actual classroom engagement regardless of the mode of attendance, although there were significant differences in actual experiences of accessibility—VN students are less able to hear and see the instructor and classmates. Additionally, a sense of “us versus them” emerged between the two groups, with VN students struggling to participate actively. Systems need to be developed to increase participation and social interaction in blended–synchronous courses.
Time for Change
Authors: Hartnett Maggie , Fields Alison
Published: September 2023

Associate Editor Maggie Hartnett says farewell while casting an eye over the achievements of the Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning in the past 8 years. This issue presents four articles providing a rounded view of managing and improving emergency remote teaching (ERT) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first two articles focus on the experience of teachers in ERT; one provides empirical research; and one is a position piece on the uptake and value of learning management systems (LMSs) for delivering this remote teaching. These practical and timely articles provide research and thought of substance as the pandemic continues.
Sociodemographics and Psychosocial Experiences of Distance Learners in Nigeria: A Comparison of Single-mode and Dual-mode Universities
Authors: Adebisi Tajudeen , Olatunji Taiwo
Published: September 2023

The study explored the psychosocial experience of distance learners at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife. Psychosocial experience refers to the aggregate outcome of events and feelings that define or affect a person’s knowledge and perception of their prevailing social environment. The study adopted mixed-methods phenomenology research design. We deployed multiphase mixed-method sampling involving a quota sampling technique to select 182 respondents, and a purposive sampling technique to select eight interviewees selected from the initial respondents—four students from each of NOUN and OAU. Two researcher-designed instruments—a questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide—were deployed for data collection. The collected data were analysed with frequency counts, percentage analysis, and phenomenological analysis. Analysis of their sociodemographic characteristics showed that the profile of the students at the dual-mode university (OAU) reflects characteristics of conventional distance learners more than does the profile of the students at the single-mode university (NOUN). Distance learners at NOUN and OAU had both similar and different psychosocial experience. Their experience was largely positive—only 14% and 12.3% of NOUN and OAU students (respectively) had considered dropping out. Factors affecting learners’ experience in both institutions included personal motivation, the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of distance learning, insufficiency of facilitator-led tutorials (at NOUN), and difficulties due to work and family responsibilities (at OAU). The study concluded that Nigerian distance learners possess the requisite psychosocial capacity to negotiate meaning and acquire knowledge in single-mode or dual-mode institutions.
An Initial Assessment of Soft Skills Integration in Emergency Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Learners’ Perspective
Authors: Miano Leomar
Published: September 2023

Faculty members’ soft skills are vital for developing students’ knowledge, understanding, values, and skills. How teachers integrate soft skills with the subject matter influences how their students acquire the skills they need in their academic life and beyond. Soft skills are a key factor for students’ success—not just in their academic work, but also in their careers. These skills are also highly sought by employers when recruiting new graduates. The main purpose of this study was to determine students’ perceptions of soft skills integration in emergency remote learning (ERL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A self-constructed questionnaire distributed through Google forms was used for data collection. Forty-three Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) first-year students from Southern Luzon State University (Philippines) participated in the study. It was found that most BSBA first-year students perceived that soft skills were moderately integrated during ERL. There was a mean of 3.16 for personal skills, 3.02 for character-building skills, and 2.95 for organisational skills. It was also found that there was no significant difference in students’ perception of the integration of soft skills in emergency remote learning when the students were grouped according to gender and learning modalities. This paper suggests that further study should be conducted with a wider scope.
Technology, Teaching, and the Many Distances of Distance Learning
Authors: Dron Jon
Published: September 2023

The “distance” in “distance learning”, however it is defined, normally refers to a gap between a learner and their teacher(s), typically in a formal context. In this paper I take a slightly different view. The paper begins with an argument that teaching is fundamentally a technological process. It is, though, a vastly complex, massively distributed technology in which the most important parts are enacted idiosyncratically by vast numbers of people, both present and distant in time and space, who not only use technologies but also participate creatively in their enactment. Through the techniques we use we are co-participants in not just technologies but the learning of ourselves and others, and hence in the collective intelligence of those around us and, ultimately, that of our species. We are all teachers. There is therefore not one distance between learner and teacher in any act of deliberate learning— but many. I go on to speculate on alternative ways of understanding distance in terms of the physical, temporal, structural, agency, social, emotional, cognitive, cultural, pedagogical, and technological gaps that may exist between learners and their many teachers. And I conclude with some broad suggestions about ways to reduce these many distances
Marketing Activities of Łódź Voivodeship Companies on Foreign Markets – Research Findings
Authors:   University of Lodz, Poland, Faculty of Management, Grzegorczyk Wojciech
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The aim of this article is to determine the content of marketing strategies pursued by companies based in the Łódź Voivodeship on foreign markets. Design/methodology/approach: Literature studies and primary research by means of structured interviews and a questionnaire. The companies were sampled for the study from the Statistics Poland (formerly known as the Central Statistical Office) data, section C. These were companies registered in the National Business Registry system (REGON) in the Łódź Voivodeship at the end of 2016. From the list of over 2,800 units, 900 units were qualified for the study, and the number of returned questionnaires was 117. Findings: The expansion of Łódź Voivodship companies focuses primarily on exports. This was indicated by over 93% of the surveyed enterprises. These are so-called reactive companies, i.e. companies that export as a response to inquiries received from abroad. Marketing activities are not comprehensive. Only a quarter of the surveyed companies conducted marketing research on foreign markets. The surveyed companies implement the strategy of product and price adaptation, with intermediaries from foreign markets being mostly responsible for promotional activities. Distribution is dominated by foreign intermediaries. Less than half of the surveyed companies conduct research on the effectiveness of their marketing activities on foreign markets. Research limitations/implications: Research limitations include difficult access to surveyed companies and their reluctance to provide answers. The research results can serve the preparation of exporters’ marketing strategies and can be useful for national, regional and local governments responsible for supporting exporters. Originality/value: Expansion of knowledge about the behavior of Polish companies on foreign markets and their marketing strategies there.
FinTech regulation and the development of the FinTech sector in the European Union
Authors:   Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Krakowie, Ciukaj Radosław , Folwarski Mateusz ,   Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Krakowie
Published: September 2023

The aim of the article is to identify the relationship between the level of regulation of various segments of the FinTech industry and the level of development of this sector. To address this research problem, the paper analyses the scope of regulation in 14 segments of the FinTech sector, and based on that, develops the FinTech Regulation Index for the individual European Union countries. Then, the paper uses this index to examine if there is a relationship between the level of regulation and the level of FinTech development in the various European Union countries. The econometric analysis confirmed the initial hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between the level of FinTech sector regulation and the level of its development.
Millennials’ willingness to pay for socially responsible investment and its institutional and individual antecedents – evidence from Italy, Poland, and Ukraine
Authors:   University of Economics in Katowice, Doś Anna , Foltyn-Zarychta Monika ,   University of Economics in Katowice, Pedrini Matteo ,   Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy, Shkura Iryna ,   Alfred Nobel University, Dnipro, Ukraine
Published: September 2023

The readiness to sacrifice profit while making socially responsible investments among millennials, as future investors and managers, was examined. Specifically, a multi-level perspective on willingness to pay for socially responsible investment was assumed to understand how nationality, personal values and investment knowledge affect millennials' readiness to sacrifice profit to achieve sustainability goals. Using survey data of 521 business students from Italy, Poland and Ukraine, it is showed that a considerable share of millennials prefer social and environmental performance of investment over financial return and that their nationality is the most powerful factor in explaining willingness to pay for socially responsible investment along with their sensitivity to environmental issues that takes the leading role among all personal values motivating investors to accept lower rates of return. The results can be relevant for financial institutions aiming at developing socially responsible investment products. Policy implications of the results are insights into nationality-related tensions while Europe-wide regulation of socially responsible investment could enter into force.
“Básicamente, todo lo puedes encontrar ahí”: Creencias, sesgos y estrategias de búsqueda de estudiantes universitarios en los motores de búsqueda
Authors: Vidal-Sepúlveda Martha , Olivares-Rodríguez Cristian , Cárcamo-Ulloa Luis
Published: September 2023

Esta investigación indaga las percepciones de estudiantes universitarios respecto delfuncionamiento de los motores de búsqueda. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 13estudiantes universitarios que previamente participaron de una sesión de búsqueda experimental.Posteriormente, se analizaron los datos del comportamiento de búsqueda con las respuestas delas entrevistas para identificar las creencias, criterios de selección de páginas webs y la operaciónde sesgos cognitivos en la búsqueda de información. El principal hallazgo es la observación de lossesgos de familiaridad, ranking, confirmación e información. Particularmente, se establece que lapreferencia del motor de búsqueda Google está asociada a la operación del sesgo de familiaridad con la plataforma. De esta manera, la mayoría de los participantes elige los primeros resultados basado en la confianza con el buscador. Lo que conlleva a un bajo número de consultas, independiente del tipo de tarea a resolver.
Editorial
Authors: Cano-Orón Lorena
Published: September 2023

Nos encontramos ante una nueva e impactante revolución, una transformación que supera con creces la democratización de internet y la irrupción de los blogs y las redes sociales. La inteligencia artificial y el big data son conceptos que llevan tiempo siendo objeto de estudio y aplicación, pero ahora se expanden a una escala sin precedentes y con una sorprendente accesibilidad para un gran número de personas. Los cambios que estamos experimentando están afectando significativamente a todas las áreas de estudio, dando forma a lo que será una verdadera revolución.
Estamos viviendo un momento histórico en el que la desinformación se ha convertido en una moneda de cambio que inunda tanto los medios tradicionales como los digitales. Y con la facilidad que ahora presenta la inteligencia artificial para crear contenidos, las posibilidades de saturar a la ciudadanía con determinados relatos -verídicos o no- son muy elevadas. Esta saturación informativa, que ya declaran muchas personas en las encuestas, contribuye al desinterés por las noticias y representa un desafío para los medios y los investigadores.
En este contexto, los estudios en el ámbito de la comunicación y el periodismo están enfrentándose al desafío de adaptarse a esta vertiginosa transformación. Reconocemos que, para poder seguir el ritmo de una sociedad en constante cambio, es necesario contar con el apoyo económico y el tiempo necesario para dedicarse al aprendizaje y la investigación de calidad.
En estas circunstancias presentamos nuestra novena edición de la revista, en la que abordamos a través de investigaciones rigurosas y reflexiones críticas cómo estos avances tecnológicos están transformando la comunicación, el periodismo y la sociedad en su conjunto.
El monográfico de esta novena edición...
Technoeconomic Optimization of a Recuperator Considering Pressure Drops And Operating Costs
Authors: KAYABAŞI Erhan
Published: September 2023

In this study, heat transfer and cost optimization of a gas-to-gas heat exchanger (recuperator) operating in the targeted temperature range has been made. Firstly, the thermophysical properties of the waste heat source and the volumetric flow rates of the flows were obtained, and the maximum heat that could be recovered was obtained. Afterward, a parametric study was carried out to size the recuperator. The parameters affecting the cost, such as hot flow and cold flow outlet temperatures, were determined by the overall heat transfer coefficient, effectiveness, and pressure drop. Finally, the thermal parameters obtained from the parametric study are used in the technoeconomic analysis. The recuperator geometry with the maximum saving coefficient was determined considering investment and operating costs. As a result, the 108th simulation resulted in maximum savings with 653 252 $/year using 321.19 m2 heat transfer surface area.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Pistacia Species with rbcL Chloroplast Gene Region
Authors: ÇABUK ŞAHİN Ezgi
Published: September 2023

The phylogeny of five species in the genus Pistacia was assessed using the plastid rbcL gene region. Genomic DNA was isolated from leaf tissue and PCR analysis with primer of rbcL gene region and DNA sequencing were performed. Using obtained sequence data, phylogenetic and PCoA (Principle Component Analysis) analyses were performed for reveal the phylogenetic relationships among Pistacia species. According to the result of phylogenetic analysis, closer grouping in clades was observed between P. vera; P. khinjuk and P. atlantica; between P. palaestina and P. terebinthus. Result of PCoA analysis supported the result of phylogenetic analysis. As a result, rbcL gene region was found powerful at species-based grouping. Revealed sequence information of chloroplast gene region is reliable to elaborate a molecular database to conduct breeding programs on local pistachio gene pool.
Ewolucja sztuki wojennej Araukanów-Mapuche w latach 1536-1641. Część II
Authors: Ulmer Andrzej
Published: September 2023

Artykuł dotyczy sztuki wojennej Araukanów Mapuche w okresie 1536-1641. Podsta-wą rozważań autora były kroniki hiszpańskie z XVI, XVII i XVIII w. W artykule tym przedstawiono uzbrojenie formacji pieszych i konnych, trening sprawnościowy wojowników, dietę wojenną oraz szyk bojowy araukańskiego wojska. Zwrócono uwagę na ważny aspekt jakim było pojawienie się indiańskiej kawalerii. Formacje konne w znaczący sposób zrównoważyły dotychczasową przewagę białego człowieka w próbach podboju Chile. Uwypuklone zos¬tały umiejętności Araukanów w budowie fortyfikacji, które podczas bitwy chroniły wojowników przed ostrzałem z broni palnej oraz szarża-mi kawalerii. Odrębny rozdział poświęcony został obrzędom religijnym związanym z wojną. Jak pokazał autor rytuały te nie ulegały istotniejszym zmianom na przestrzeni wieków. W ostatnim rozdziale autor przeanalizował, jak w związku z nieustannym zagrożeniem Araukanie zmieniali swoje uzbrojenie i sposoby walki, by móc skutecznie się bronić i zachować niezależność swojej kultury i swojego terytorium.
The importance of patient-partnered research in addressing long COVID: Takeaways for biomedical research study design from the RECOVER Initiative’s Mechanistic Pathways taskforce
Authors: Kim C , Chen Benjamin , Mohandas Sindhu , Rehman Jalees , Sherif Zaki A , Coombs K ,   RECOVER Mechanistic Pathways Task Force,   on behalf of the RECOVER Initiative
Published: September 2023

The NIH-funded RECOVER study is collecting clinical data on patients who experience a SARS-CoV-2 infection. As patient representatives of the RECOVER Initiative’s Mechanistic Pathways task force, we offer our perspectives on patient motivations for partnering with researchers to obtain results from mechanistic studies. We emphasize the challenges of balancing urgency with scientific rigor. We recognize the importance of such partnerships in addressing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), which includes ‘long COVID,’ through contrasting objective and subjective narratives. Long COVID’s prevalence served as a call to action for patients like us to become actively involved in efforts to understand our condition. Patient-centered and patient-partnered research informs the balance between urgency and robust mechanistic research. Results from collaborating on protocol design, diverse patient inclusion, and awareness of community concerns establish a new precedent in biomedical research study design. With a public health matter as pressing as the long-term complications that can emerge after SARS-CoV-2 infection, considerate and equitable stakeholder involvement is essential to guiding seminal research. Discussions in the RECOVER Mechanistic Pathways task force gave rise to this commentary as well as other review articles on the current scientific understanding of PASC mechanisms.
Metacognition in anxious-depression is state-dependent: an observational treatment study
Authors: Fox Celine A , Lee Chi Tak , Hanlon Anna K , Seow Tricia XF , Lynch Kevin , Harty Siobhán , Richards Derek , Palacios Jorge , O’Keane Veronica , Stephan Klaas E , Gillan Claire M
Published: September 2023

Prior studies have found metacognitive biases are linked to a transdiagnostic dimension of anxious-depression, manifesting as reduced confidence in performance. However, previous work has been cross-sectional and so it is unclear if under-confidence is a trait-like marker of anxious-depression vulnerability, or if it resolves when anxious-depression improves.Data were collected as part of a large-scale transdiagnostic, four-week observational study of individuals initiating internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) or antidepressant medication. Self-reported clinical questionnaires and perceptual task performance were gathered to assess anxious-depression and metacognitive bias at baseline and four-week follow-up. Primary analyses were conducted for individuals who received iCBT (n=649), with comparisons between smaller samples that received antidepressant medication (n=82) and a control group receiving no intervention (n=88).Prior to receiving treatment, anxious-depression severity was associated with under-confidence in performance in the iCBT arm, replicating previous work. From baseline to follow-up, levels of anxious-depression were significantly reduced, and this was accompanied by a significant increase in metacognitive confidence in the iCBT arm (β=0.17, SE=0.02, p<0.001). These changes were correlated (r(647)=- 0.12, p=0.002); those with the greatest reductions in anxious-depression levels had the largest increase in confidence. While the three-way interaction effect of group and time on confidence was not significant (F(2, 1632)=0.60, p=0.550), confidence increased in the antidepressant group (β=0.31, SE=0.08, p<0.001), but not among controls (β=0.11, SE=0.07, p=0.103).Metacognitive biases in anxious-depression are state-dependent; when symptoms improve with treatment, so does confidence in performance. Our results suggest this is not specific to the type of intervention.
Introduction
Authors: Barnett Michael , Brown Nathan J. , Telhami Shibley
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses the state reality of Israel/Palestine. It offers an alternative history of Israel/Palestine that focuses on how parties debated alternative visions. After World War I, Palestine became a political unit with a future that was yet to be determined. Thus, Israel/Palestine is in a state of becoming something else due to the contested political status of the areas by numerous parties. The chapter notes that sovereignty is central to the modern world order and states without can seem to be an anomaly. It then mentions how apartheid will become a reality if current trends of unequal rights continued.
Conclusion
Authors: Lynch Marc
Published: September 2023

This chapter considers the past patterns and future possibilities of recognizing a one state reality. Ontological uncertainty and policy stalemate kept diplomacy locked within the two state solution framework. Moreover, the disconnect between policy formulations and realities along with shifting political realities and new forms of activism has opened considerable space for new ideas outside the formal policy realm. The chapter explains how policy toward Israel and Palestine is locked in by a wide range of familiar structural factors despite the rapid conceptual change. It notes how one state reality deeply and formally entrench apartheid-like regimes of control even if it could trigger the opportunity for a democratic state based on equality and citizenship rights.
Introduction
Authors: Kostovicova Denisa
Published: September 2023

This chapter studies how people talk about war crimes and advances the concept of reconciliation by stealth. Reconciliation through public engagement with former adversaries has been overlooked because scholars have focused on what people say when they discuss past wrongs. The chapter seeks to understand and explain how the pursuit of transitional justice can deliver on its normative goal of advancing peace by promoting reconciliation. The chapter employs the concept of reconciliation by stealth to explain the repair of interethnic relations. Anchoring the concept of reconciliation in mutuality, which refers to norms of civility and recognition in public communication, the chapter directs attention to features of discourse in transitional justice consultations involving former adversaries. It particularly looks at how people enact their ethnic identities in interethnic interactions and shows that reconciliation occurs through the combination of deliberative rationality and discursive solidarity. Ultimately, the chapter demonstrates that a sense of difference along the ethnic identity axis figures prominently despite evidence of a high quality of deliberation. It shows that people enact their ethnic identity in ways conducive to the emergence of solidary bonds across ethnic lines. These discursive identity practices offset divisive identity politics and make way for reconciliation during deliberation about war crimes.
The Sensation of Security
Authors: Larkins Erika Robb
Published: September 2023

This book explores how private security guards are a permanent, conspicuous fixture of everyday life in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. The book examines the provision of security in Rio from the perspective of security personnel, providing an analysis of the racialized logics that underpin the ongoing work of securing the city. It shows how guards communicate a sensação de segurança (a sensation of security) to clients and customers who have the capital to pay for it. Cultivated through performances by security laborers, the sensation of security is a set of culturally shaped racialized and gendered impressions related to safety, order, well-being, and cleanliness. While the sensação de segurança indexes an outward-facing task of allaying fears of crime and maintaining order in elite spaces, it also refers to the emotional labor and embodied worlds that security workers navigate.
Integrating chromatin conformation information in a self-supervised learning model improves metagenome binning
Authors: Ho Harrison , Chovatia Mansi , Egan Rob , He Guifen , Yoshinaga Yuko , Liachko Ivan , O’Malley Ronan , Wang Zhong
Published: September 2023

Metagenome binning is a key step, downstream of metagenome assembly, to group scaffolds by their genome of origin. Although accurate binning has been achieved on datasets containing multiple samples from the same community, the completeness of binning is often low in datasets with a small number of samples due to a lack of robust species co-abundance information. In this study, we exploited the chromatin conformation information obtained from Hi-C sequencing and developed a new reference-independent algorithm, Metagenome Binning with Abundance and Tetra-nucleotide frequencies—Long Range (metaBAT-LR), to improve the binning completeness of these datasets. This self-supervised algorithm builds a model from a set of high-quality genome bins to predict scaffold pairs that are likely to be derived from the same genome. Then, it applies these predictions to merge incomplete genome bins, as well as recruit unbinned scaffolds. We validated metaBAT-LR’s ability to bin-merge and recruit scaffolds on both synthetic and real-world metagenome datasets of varying complexity. Benchmarking against similar software tools suggests that metaBAT-LR uncovers unique bins that were missed by all other methods. MetaBAT-LR is open-source and is available at https://bitbucket.org/project-metabat/metabat-lr.
Difusão da inovação por meio do mapeamento de patentes em instituições de ensino superior (IES)
Authors: Nunes Rafael dos Santos , Correia Ana Maria Magalhães , Gonçalves Helen Silva , Gomes Maria de Lourdes Barreto , Wickboldt Leandro Araújo
Published: September 2023

Este artigo aborda a difusão da inovação das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) públicas do Estado da Paraíba, tendo como base o mapeamento dos pedidos de patentes. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica, de natureza descritiva e abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados se deu junto ao Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Intelectual (INPI), a partir da verificação do número de pedidos de patentes depositados pelas IES, por meio de pesquisa online no site do órgão. Para obter-se os resultados, foram analisados todos os pedidos de depósitos de patentes identificados, individualmente. Assim foi possível identificar que a UFPB, UFCG, IFPB e UEPB possuem pedidos de depósitos concedidos, sob sigilo e anulados. Além disso, identificou-se, de modo geral, que a grande área das Engenharias é a que possui o maior número de pedidos de depósitos de patentes. Portanto foi possível constatar que a UFPB se evidencia como sendo a IES que mais difunde inovação dentre as instituições estudadas.
Remuneração aos acionistas: a influência da divulgação dos dividendos e juros sobre capital próprio sobre a capacidade informacional dos lucros contábeis
Authors: Da Silva Silvio Freitas , Sarlo Neto Alfredo , Zaro Cláudio Soerger , Reina Donizete
Published: September 2023

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a influência da divulgação da composição de remunerações aos acionistas sobre a capacidade informacional (informativeness) dos lucros contábeis nas ações das empresas listadas na B3. A amostra foi composta por 172 ações de empresas negociadas na Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo (B3) durante o ano de 2010 a 2014, com o total de 595 observações por variável. Os dados utilizados nesta pesquisa foram obtidos por meio de informações coletadas na base de dados do software Comdinheiro e site da B3. Em relação às informações principais, dividendos e juros sobre capital próprio (JCP) a coleta foi realizada pontualmente nas demonstrações financeiras padronizadas e disponibilizas no site da Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM). Verificou-se ao longo do estudo que a remuneração total dos acionistas, os dividendos e a remuneração futura contribuem positivamente para a capacidade informacional dos lucros contábeis para explicar o retorno das ações das empresas listadas na B3. Além disso, constatou-se que no momento da divulgação das DFPs, os juros sobre capital próprio e as remunerações passadas não contribuem para capacidade informacional dos lucros contábeis, dado que já foram refletidos nos preços das ações. O lucro líquido mostrou-se positivo e estatisticamente significativo em todos os modelos, como a principal variável que impacta nos retornos das ações, este resultado é condizente com os achados de Ball e Brown (1968), Beaver (1968) e Sarlo Neto (2009).
A Rare Case of Tuberculosis in the Lumbar Facet Joint
Authors: Balasubramanian Vijayanand , Mehta Parth , Kalirajan Rajavel
Published: September 2023

Tuberculosis of the posterior elements is a rare and destructive form characterised by the destruction of the lamina, pedicle, or facet joints. Delay in clinical diagnosis and presentation is common because of poor visualisation of facet joints in X-rays. A 55-year-old male presented with back and left leg pain lasting for six months, accompanied by weakness in dorsiflexion of the left foot and ankle. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed features suggestive of L4-L5 facetal arthritis on the left side, including marrow oedema, bone erosions, a posterior paraspinal abscess, and nerve root compression. The patient underwent posterior decompression and stabilisation, along with abscess drainage. The specimen was sent for histopathological examination, confirming the diagnosis of facetal joint tuberculosis. Antituberculous treatment was given for 12 months, that showed improved neurological status. This case is presented due to its rarity, highlighting the importance of considering facetal joint tuberculosis as a potential cause in cases of progressively increasing lower back pain, even in the absence of constitutional symptoms.
Association of Clinicopathological Profile and Immunohistochemical Expression of KRAS and BRAF in Colorectal Carcinoma: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mitra Mandira , Ghosh Suman , Sarkar Niladri , Chowdhury Anadi Roy
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) is a multi-step process that occurs due to the accumulation of several genetic alterations. The most important alterations are related to the rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) and Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma (RAF), which have been implicated as key intermediates in the RAS-mediated signalling cascade. However, the levels of Kristen Rat Sarcoma Virus (KRAS) and v-raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (BRAF) protein expression and their prognostic evaluation in CRC patients remain unknown. Aim: To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of KRAS and BRAF proteins in CRC. Materials and Methods: The present institutional-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in West Bengal, specifically in the Department of Pathology in collaboration with the Department of Surgery at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, Berhampore, West Bengal, India. A total of 26 CRC cases were enrolled in the present study, received over a period of one and a half years from January 2021 to June 2022. The parameters studied included demographic and clinical information of the patients, histopathological findings, pathological grade and stage of carcinoma, and immunohistochemical findings for KRAS and BRAF. For statistical analysis, data were entered into Microsoft (MS) Excel. Descriptive measures such as mean±Standard Deviation (SD), range, and percentage were used. The Chi-square test was used to determine the significance of the study. Results: A total of biopsy-proven CRC specimens were studied, consisting of 17 male patients (65.38%) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.9:1. The most common age group involved was 51-60 years (38%). Conventional adenocarcinoma accounted for the majority of cases (85%), with mucinous carcinoma comprising the remaining 15%. Among the 26 cases, 15 (58%) showed KRAS positivity, which was significantly associated with tumour grade and stage. Most of the cases were BRAF-negative. Out of the 21 cases where either KRAS or BRAF or both were positive, 20 cases showed high T stage (T3 and T4) and/or metastatic lesions (p-value 0.001). All four cases that were negative for both BRAF and KRAS belonged to the low T stage. Conclusion: A significant correlation was observed between the expression of KRAS and high-grade, high pathological Tumour, Node, Metastasis (TNM) T stage (T3 and T4) CRC. Therefore, KRAS Immunohistochemistry (IHC) biomarkers should be included in the standard diagnostic protocol for colorectal cancer, as they help identify KRAS-positive CRC cases that are resistant to targeted immunotherapy.
Awareness and Utilization of Various Weather Based Advisory Services in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Rathip Kumar J.  , Anandaraja N.  , Nirmala Devi M.  , Sathyamoorthy N. K.  , Pangayar Selvi. R.
Published: September 2023

Weather-centric crop advisory services offer timely updates on weather trends, crop condition, and recommended actions, empowering farmers to make knowledgeable choices regarding diverse crop management techniques. This ultimately results in improved yields and augmented income. This study was carried out to find the Awareness and Utilization level of various Weather Agro advisory services disseminated through various sources among the farmers. Ex post facto research Design was followed in the study. The Salem and Coimbatore district were purposively selected because dissemination of weather information to the farmers in the district through District Agromet units (DAMU). Based on simple random sampling technique 120 respondents were taken for the study. The responses were interpreted using frequency and percentage analysis. Correlation was used to find the relationship between the independent variables and dependent variables using the Statistical packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The result indicates that there was medium level of awareness about 67.5 per cent of respondents and utilization level of about 71.67 per cent of respondents. The variables such as education, extension agency contact, use of media tools, source of weather information are significant and positively correlated to Awareness and utilization The Weather forecast information credibility and accuracy can be increased to high level of awareness and utilization by providing the credible weather data on timely basis.
Optical Properties of Monazite Nanoparticles Prepared Via Ball Milling
Authors: Onu Chiamaka Peace , Ekpunobi Azubike Josiah , Okafor Chiedozie Emmanuel , Ozobialu Lynda Adaora
Published: September 2023

This research work focused on the preparation of Monazite nanoparticles using ball milling technique and the determination of its optical properties. High energy ball milling was used to prepare nanoparticles from the bulk materials using the top-down technique. Debye–Scherer formula was used to determine the crystalline size of the nanoparticle. Optical properties such as transmittance, refractive index, extinction coefficient, optical conductivity and band gap energy were determined. The result showed that the crystalline size was about 64.23nm on the average. The dislocation density calculated ranged from 0.149 x 10-3nm to 0.460 x 10-3nm. The absorbance decreased as the wavelength spectrum moved from the ultraviolet region to the visible region and the near-infrared region. The refractive index increased from 1.57 a.u to 2.65 a.u as the photon energy increased from about 1.38eV to 1.14eV. The transmittance at the near-infrared region was even up to 90.9% in some cases. The band energy gap was between 3.57eV and 4.11eV. The properties of the Monazite nanoparticles determined showed that it can have possible applications in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.
Student’s Willingness to Change a Pathway to Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Seiyabo Tonbra Inemo
Published: September 2023

To lower human-induced carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere, the world must aim toward a carbon-neutral future to successfully combat climate change. The research aimed to investigate students’ willingness to change their attitude as a pathway to achieving carbon neutrality. An online survey was created using the JISC tool to examine students at the University of Salford's desire to change their behaviour to meet a carbon neutrality objective. Overall, 122 responses were received from the respondents and a non-parametric statistical approach was used to analyse the data. The Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient of respondent’s familiarity level with climate change and their willingness to change was found to be moderate negative and statistically significant at 0.001 level. Out of 122 respondents who completed the study survey, 30 (24.6%) of them said that they first learned about climate change in school, Internet and television sources came second on sources utilised for information. In addition, 93 (76.2%) of the respondents were ready to give up certain individual benefits to reduce CO2 emissions. Carbon neutrality seems like an ambitious goal for policymakers to attain; though people are willing to alter their lifestyles to reduce CO2 emissions in the areas of energy consumption, food waste, and transportation. However, they are not willing to go beyond if doing so will cost them more; people need to be made more aware of the issue and adopt a pattern to reduce wasteful lifestyles to reduce their carbon footprint, and it will require true political and widespread social commitment.