bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women’s economic underdevelopment in Pakistan: The intersection of gender and female labour force participation
Authors: Maqsood Huma , Che Sulaiman Nor Fatimah , Muhamad Suriyani , Akmal Binti Rohaizad Nor Aizal
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Women’s low economic participation in Pakistan and even lower in the formal sector is a perpetual phenomenon leading to their underdevelopment, which has microeconomic and macroeconomic implications. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of women’s work and the intersection of their non-market and market activities at micro, meso, and macro levels which influences women’s chances and choices of decent economic participation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the interdependence of women’s market and non-market work to explore how gender intersects with their economic autonomy.

METHODS: Using qualitative approach, in-depth interviews of 30 purposely selected respondents from the informal sector were thematically analysed.

RESULTS: Results indicated that the interdependence of women’s non-market and market work is the outcome of the gendered dichotomy that creates work-life conflict to create women’s economic dependence and male hegemony. Moreover, although a common phenomenon, women from underprivileged backgrounds are more likely to bear the brunt of systemic deprivation leading to economic underdevelopment.

CONCLUSIONS: Pakistan’s inherently masculinised society and economy mutually benefit from women’s unpaid and informal work. Facilitated through gender norms, the patriarchal social ideology and the capitalist economic system collaborate to exploit women and their work in both domains.
Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model for Indian sign language recognition
Authors: Nihalani Rahul , Chouhan Siddharth Singh , Mittal Devansh , Vadula Jai , Thakur Shwetank , Chakraborty Sandeepan , Patel Rajneesh Kumar , Singh Uday Pratap , Ghosh Rajdeep , Singh Pritpal , Saxena Akash
Published: April 2024

The human-computer interaction process is a vital task in attaining artificial intelligence, especially for a person suffering from hearing or speaking disabilities. Recognizing actions more traditionally known as sign language is a common way for them to interact. Computer vision and Deep learning models are capable of understanding these actions and can simulate them to build up a sustainable learning process. This sign language mechanism will be helpful for both the persons with disabilities and the machines to unbound the gap to achieve intelligence. Therefore, in the proposed work, a real-time sign language system is introduced that is capable of identifying numbers ranging from 0 to 9. The database is acquired from the 8 different subjects respectively and processed to achieve approximately 200k amount of data. Further, a deep learning model named LSTM is used for sign recognition. The results were compared with different approaches and on distinct databases proving the supremacy of the proposed work with 91.50% accuracy. Collection of daily life useful signs and further improving the efficiency of the LSTM model is the research direction for future work. The code and data will be available at https://github.com/rahuln2002/Sign-Language-Recognition-using-LSTM-model.
Non-stationary signal analysis utilizing VMD and EMD algorithm for multiple fault classification for industrial applications
Authors: Pavithra R. , Ramachandran Prakash
Published: April 2024

The Hilbert spectrum images of intrinsic mode functions (IMF) of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) analysis and variational mode decomposition (VMD) analysis of faulty machine vibration signals are used in deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) for machine fault classification in which the DCNN automatically learns the features from spectral images using convolution layer. Though both EMD and VMD analysis suit well for non-stationary signal analysis, VMD has the merit of aliasing free IMFs. In this paper, the performance improvement of DCNN classification for a non-stationary vibration signal dataset using VMD is brought out. The numerical experiment uses the Hilbert spectrum images of 4 EMD-IMFs and 4 VMD-IMFs in DCNN to classify 10 different faults of the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) bearing dataset. The confusion matrices are obtained and the plot of model accuracies in terms of epochs for the DCNN is analysed. It is shown that the spectrum images of one of the four EMD-IMFs, IMF0, give a validation accuracy of 100% and in the case of VMD the spectrum images of two of the four VMD-IMFs, IMF0, and IMF1 give a validation accuracy of 100%. This reveals that non-aliasing IMFs of VMD are better at classifying bearing faults. Further to bring out the merits of VMD analysis for non-stationary signals the numerical experiment is conducted using VMD analysis for binary fault classification of the milling dataset which is more non-stationary than the bearing dataset which is proved by plotting the statistical parameters of both datasets against time. It is found that the DCNN classification is 100% accurate for IMF3 of VMD analysis which is much better than the 81% accuracy provided by EMD analysis as per existing literature. The performance comparison highlights the merits of VMD analysis over EMD analysis and other state-of-the-art methods and ensemble learning methods.
Construction and application of interactive platform of art design based on multimedia technology
Authors: Sun Yilin , Li Shufan
Published: April 2024

Contemporary art design not only pursues the quality of the work itself, but also pays attention to the sensory aspects of people’s needs for art design. Traditional art design methods can be limited by time, space and other objective conditions, and often fail to achieve the designer’s expected effect, and visitors’ experience is not strong. The usage of multimedia technology in art and design can enrich its expression and enhance visitors’ experience. In order to increase the sense of interaction between the platform and users, multimedia technology is incorporated into the interactive art design platform generated by VR technology in this paper. This article combines multimedia technology with interactive technology to construct an interactive platform for art and design, and applies it to the display of Dunhuang murals. Through the analysis of user experience feedback, the effectiveness of art and design display and interaction is verified. Display and interact with Dunhuang murals as interactive platform applications. This test is to extract women’s clothing colors from the same tradition in different times in the color extraction exploration module of the interactive platform, so as to provide accurate information for displaying women’s clothing color changes and comparing interactions. The findings show that the platform is capable of extracting and recognizing the color characteristics of the murals, accurately identifying user signals, and noticing 3D modeling of images via VR technology. This capability provides solid technical and data support for the platform’s interaction module. The interaction design, platform functionality, and layout can support the majority of users in terms of cognition, perception, and interaction, pique their interest, and enhance their experience, according to evaluation of trial user information. The interaction ends abruptly, according to a small percentage of users, and they had a bad experience overall.
The Association Between Physical Activity/Heart Rate Variability Data Obtained Using a Wearable Device and Timed Motor Functional Tests in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nakamura Akinori , Matsumura Tsuyoshi , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Kuru Satoshi , Imazaki Manami , Nonomura Hidenori , Kaiya Hisanobu
Published: April 2024

Background:

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disease. Clinical evaluation of DMD uses patient-intensive motor function tests, and the recent development of wearable devices allows the collection of a variety of biometric information, including physical activity.

Objective:

In this study, we examined differences in physical activity and heart rate variability (HRV) between patients with DMD and healthy subjects using a wearable device, and investigated any association between these parameters and motor function in patients with DMD.

Methods:

Participants were 7 patients with DMD and 8 healthy males, whose physical activity and HRV were provided by a wearable device. These data were used to investigate the relationship between both physical activity and HRV parameters and timed motor functional tests [Time to stand from supine, 10-meter walking time (10MWT), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), and 6-minute walking test (6MWT)] in patients with DMD.

Results:

Results of 24-hours physical activity, fat burning, total number of steps and active distance, average step rate, average exercise intensity during walking, exercise, degree of forward lean during walking, maximum heart rate, normalized low frequency power (LF norm), and maximum exercise intensity in patients with DMD were lower than those in control subjects. Physical activity and HRV parameters did not correlate with the time to stand from supine. The 10MWT positively correlated with average heart rate, while NSAA negatively correlated with average heart rate, total frequency power (TF), and very low frequency power (VLF) during arousal. The 6MWT negatively correlated with ratio LF/high frequency power (HF).

CONCLUSIONS:

Physical activity and HRV indices that differ from those of normal children and that correlate with motor function assessment may serve as digital biomarkers.
Examining a leadership development initiative for college students with intellectual and developmental disability: A brief report
Authors: Plotner Anthony J. , Walters Charles B. , Rother Yvette
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: The number of inclusive college programs for students with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in the United States has steadily increased in recent years. As access to college becomes a more realistic prospect for people with IDD, there is a pressing need to examine the offerings and impacts of these programs critically. OBJECTIVE: One potential offering of inclusive college programs that has not been given much attention is opportunities for student leadership development (LD). The purpose of this brief report was to evaluate the perspectives of staff members in a program geared towards providing a paid LD opportunity to students with IDD in an inclusive college program in the southeastern United States. METHODS : Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten student-employees staffing this LD opportunity and constant comparative analysis was employed to organize interview content by themes. RESULTS: Four primary themes arose as a result of the analytic process: character development, communication, opportunities for leading and mentoring others, strategic reflection, and individual empowerment. Each is explored in summation and through exemplary quotes from participants. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide important implications for professionals and future research to support maximizing the positive impact of these programs on the lives of students with IDD.
Influence of umbilical cord clamping time on cerebral oxygenation and early cardiac function in term infants
Authors: Satar M. , Erol A.H. , Özdemir M. , Özbarlas N. , Atmış A. , Özlü F. , Büyükkurt S.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Delayed cord clamping is the standard of care for both term and preterm infants worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 60-second or 180-second delayed cord clamping during labor on cerebral oxygenation and cardiac function.

METHODS:

Healthy newborns were divided into two groups: a 60-second delay in cord clamping (60-s DCC) and a 180-second delay in cord clamping (180-s DCC) at birth. Pulse oximetry and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (cNIRS) probes were placed during postnatal care. A total of 84 healthy newborns were included in this study. Preductal oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, and cNIRS values were recorded at 5 and 10 minutes after delivery. The cardiac function of the infants was assessed by echocardiography at 3–7 days postnatally.

RESULTS:

There was no significant difference between the groups in SpO2 and cNIRS values at 5 and 10 min. While there was no significant difference in the number of neonates with targeted SpO2 at the 5th and 10th min and targeted cNIRS values at the 10th min, there was a significant difference in the number of neonates with target cNIRS values at the 5th min between groups ( p < 0.001). Echocardiographic findings showed that pulmonary flow velocity was increased in the 180-s DCC group; the difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION:

Our results showed that the number of infants with normal cNIRS values regarding cerebral oxygenation was higher in the 180-s DCC group. The pulmonary flow velocity was significantly increased in the 180-s DCC group in terms of echocardiographic findings.
Swami Vivekananda, Hindu Dharma and ‘Social Ethics’ in the Nineteenth Century
Authors:   Harshvardhan Tripathy is a doctoral candidate at the School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India. His research topic is “The Ramakrishna Math and Mission: Explorations into a ‘Modern’ Religious Movement.”, Tripathy Harshvardhan
Published: April 2024

In nineteenth-century colonial India, Hindu Dharma was attacked by colonial machinery and Christian missionaries for lacking social ethics and morality, with an understanding that Christianity had an ‘inherent and timeless’ social ethic and was concerned with the social upliftment of the poor. This paradigm to criticise Hinduism was also extended to criticise those Hindu intellectuals, especially Swami Vivekananda, who were deliberating over the question of ethics and morality, intending to make Hindu Dharma an agent of social change. These developments in Hindu Dharma were criticised as an outcome of or reaction to Christian social ethics and thereby were declared inauthentic in both colonial and post-colonial periods. By historicising and contextualising the concept of Christian social ethics and morality, this paper debunks the propaganda that concern for the poor and the marginalised was an ‘inherent and timeless’ feature of Christianity.
India and Latin America: Potential Partners in a Changing World
Authors:   Priti Singh is Associate Professor and Chairperson at the Centre for Canadian, US & Latin American Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi., Singh Priti
Published: April 2024

India’s relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have seen an effective change in the last few years. The change reflects the ‘energetic’ foreign policy of India and its increasing dynamism in global politics. The Latin American and the Caribbean region, so far overlooked by India, is increasingly becoming one of the focal points of its various foreign policy overtures. This article draws attention to the growing significance of the Latin American region for India both in terms of resources and a political-diplomatic partnership. Given the recent setbacks of the pandemic, followed by the Ukraine war and the rising tensions between the United States and China, Latin American countries are looking for strategic partners without aligning themselves with any power. While India has growing relations with some LAC countries and has signed several strategic partnerships, it needs to engage with the region much more. Several economic factors favour an increased engagement. Positive perceptions about India in the region also help.
Clergy Vestment: An Analysis of the Ecclesiological and Theological Journey of African Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches in South Africa
Authors: Mzondi Modisa
Published: April 2024

Historically, African Classical Pentecostal Churches (the African sections of the Apostolic Faith Mission, the Full Gospel Church, the International Assemblies of God, and the Back to God-Assemblies of God) did not used clergy vestment. The use of clergy vestment emerged among African Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches when Gladstone Botwana, the founder, and head of Zoé Bible Church in Soweto, was elevated to the office bishop in 1996. Currently, the use of clergy vestment has become a norm among African Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches in South Africa. This article uses desktop research method to analyse the ecclesiological and theological journey of clergy vestment among African Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches in South Africa between 1996 and 2022. It shows that association with African Pentecostals from the United States of America and the Commonwealth Dominican influenced this trend and provided them with a Christian leadership accountability platform accompanied with a new ecclesiastical and theological identity.
On the Sagnac Effect and the Consistency of Relativity Theory
Authors: Lambare Justo
Published: April 2024

The Sagnac effect is an interferometric phenomenon produced by rotation. It has a rich history and presently has numerous technological applications. Despite some persistent claims to the contrary, we explain why the Sagnac effect does not prove relativity either incorrect or inconsistent. Analyzing such misunderstandings has didactic value because it allows us to review some subtle relativity concepts. It also reveals the importance of basing scientific reasoning on rigorous logical thinking to avoid confusion derived from prejudices based on our limited everyday human experience.
«Let’s protect the Second Spanish Republic!» volunteers from English-speaking coun-tries and their support for the Second Re-public during the Spanish Civil War, 1936 - 1939 (historiographical essay)
Authors:   The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Kosterev Artyom
Published: April 2024

The Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939, which in many aspects was a "rehearsal" for the Second World War, attracted the in-terest of the world community almost from the very begin-ning and caused an unprecedented surge of volunteerism, act-ing in opposition to the "non-intervention policy" of the League of Nations. The biographies of thousands of volun-teers from 54 countries have been studied in varying detailed elaboration, and some aspects remain unexplored to this day. Volunteers from English-speaking countries, who have tradi-tionally received little attention in Russian historiography, de-serve special attention. In this paper we attempt a brief histo-riographical analysis of this topic using materials from Russian and foreign studies: monographic literature, essays and publications by researchers from the USA, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, as well as digital archives, document databases and other Internet resources.
In memory of Aquilino Mata Mier, Honorary President of Association of Republican Pilots (Delegation Catalonia-North-Balearic Islands)
Authors:   Institute of World History of the Russian Academy of Science., Grantseva Ekaterina
Published: April 2024

On March 15, 2024, Aquilino Mata Mier, honorary president of the Association of Republican Pilots (ADAR, division Cat-alonia-North-Balearic Islands), laureate of the international award of the St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation “Faith and Loyalty”, passed away. Events of the Spanish conflict 1936-1939. for many years remained one of the main topics of Russian-Spanish scientific and public dialogue; it was dur-ing the civil war that the closest ties between our countries developed. The memory of the USSR's assistance to the Spanish Republic is still preserved by the Spaniards, and one of the keepers of this memory was Aquilino Mata Mier. It is difficult to overestimate the contribution that, thanks to his energy, enthusiasm, conviction in the significance of the work he is engaged in, Aquilino Mata made to the preservation of historical memory of the events of 1936-1939, as well as to the maintenance of Russian-Spanish scientific interaction and the preservation of bilateral ties in difficult modern conditions.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE GLOBAL INNOVATION MARKET
Authors:   Higher Educational Institution ", Niskhodovska Olena ,   Podillia State University"
Published: April 2024

The global innovation market illustrates the modern realities of economic development, where rapid technological shifts and globalization intertwine, shaping a new order of interaction among countries, companies, and scientific sectors. The paper unfolds key aspects related to the challenges and opportunities arising at the intersection of innovation and global business. The impact on innovation development is analyzed, as contemporary companies face the necessity to adapt to diverse cultures, markets, and technological standards, requiring not only the creation of unique and competitive products but also an understanding of the specifics of each region. Technological trends and challenges facing the global innovation market are examined. On the one hand, new technologies accelerate business development and facilitate the creation of innovative products. On the other hand, constant pressure on developers regarding the speed of innovation and continuous market changes create intense competition and demand constant adaptation. Emphasis is placed on the legal and regulatory context of the global innovation market. The complexity of using, protecting, and exchanging intellectual property arises due to different norms and policies in various countries, which can be a key factor in resolving disputes and either promoting or hindering innovation. Government measures can stimulate innovation through funding scientific research, developing technological infrastructure, and creating favorable conditions for the growth of startups and technology companies. Competitiveness and collaboration on the global market are viewed as a unique competition for resources, as talents and markets require new strategies that blend competition and cooperation, fostering the emergence of innovative ecosystems. The interconnection between innovation and sustainable development on the global market is explored. Sustainability becomes not only an ethical but also a strategic aspect of companies' and countries' development, determining their long-term competitiveness.
ECONOMIC CATEGORIES INSTITUTION AND INSTITUTE AS THE BASIS OF THE LEXICAL AND LEGAL DEFINITION OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES IN THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF THE COUNTRY
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Bodakovskyy Volodymyr
Published: April 2024

The article attempts to systematize knowledge about the financial environment by studying the scientific achievements of finance as a science and financial law as an indicator of the effectiveness of their adaptation in the practical plane. Various interpretations of such economic categories as "financial institution" and "financial institution" have been revealed. An own vision of the architecture of financial phenomena is proposed. Financial activity is implemented in the basis of financial institutions as the basis of financial science and the financial environment of society. An own concept of the architecture of the financial environment has been formed, based on which it is proposed to see financial institutions and institutions that regulate financial activities. It was established that the legal field of Ukraine contains a fragmentary identification of financial relations. The lack of a systemic vision of finance does not allow for the formation of an effective financial system, and the modern achievements of financial science are complicated and require complex transformation. We emphasize in the article that scientific systematization allows obtaining a basic result that contributes to obtaining the main priority archetype for determining economic categories. And scientific research should be based on periodicity and evidence in the layering of scientific achievements on the exclusivity of financial categories and concepts. The purpose of the research is the actualization and systematization of the theoretical and applied provisions of financial activity, the doctrinal understanding of financial institutions and institutes, the component of finance as a science. Based on the results of the scientific research, it is proposed to systematize knowledge in the field of finance as a science and to take subsidiarity as a basis as the main tool for the formation of systemic knowledge. An attempt was made to organize knowledge about financial processes in society through the prism of law as an effective indicator of the effectiveness and expediency of the implementation of theoretical achievements in the practical sphere of the functioning of the economy. It is recommended to review financial paradigms and form a clear system of the financial environment in codes, laws and regulations.
Digital competences in pedagogy, citizenship and professional development of the university professorship
Authors:   Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Mendoza Velazco Derling José , Salvatierra Choez María Andreina , Briones Ponce María Eulalia , Sánchez Azúa Iris María , Menéndez Menéndez Fabián Gustavo
Published: April 2024

In today’s digitized world, digital competences are required to facilitate the transition to the Internet. For professorship, these competences go beyond knowledge of a particular subject. They focus on the skills needed to transmit that knowledge to students. A quantitative approach study was applied. The design was non-experimental and descriptive. The population and sample correspond to the 70 teachers who worked in the Faculty of Humanistic and Social Sciences during the first semester of 2023. The instrument for data collection was a teaching self-assessment. The competencies in digital citizenship showed the highest levels of teacher mastery with a value of 5. The competencies in pedagogy and professional development showed a value of 4. 93% of UTM-CHS teachers stated they had participated in training activities on the use of ICT in education. In conclusion, university faculty in Ecuador must have a stronger digital academic background; they must establish better pedagogical and professional development skills, research capacity, knowledge of educational technologies, intercultural skills and leadership skills. To ensure a high-quality learning environment all three areas must be at the same level of outcomes. For that, university professional development leads to establishing good pedagogy. Then pedagogy is strengthened through digital citizenship.
Train in values from a virtual environment: the Club Mundos platform
Authors:   Instituto Mexicano de Tecnología del Agua, Pérez Luján Enrique
Published: April 2024

This article discusses whether it is possible to use technology to train democratic values. The response presented is developed through a story detailing institutional experiences in educational innovation. After a literature review on the subject, to identify proposals within various instructional design models, a suitable model was selected and the elements within it that facilitate the design of an educational platform aimed at training children in the values of democracy, participation and peaceful coexistence were identified. It concludes with the adoption of Jonassen’s model, which proposes a critical use of technology in educational tasks. Finally, a reflection on the relationship between education, technology and society is offered.
Интеграционная модель управления библиотекой. Кейс Самарского государственного технического университета
Authors:   Самарский государственный технический университет, Новокщенов Сергей Г.
Published: April 2024

До определённого времени библиотека являлась одним из основных источников достоверной информации, но в связи со стремительным ростом количества информации, развитием технологий её обработки и предоставления, существенным расширением спектра форматов представления, роль библиотеки уменьшается – наблюдается существенное снижение спроса на её услуги. В статье представлен кейс интеграционной модели управления библиотекой университета в условиях технологической конкуренции в сфере предоставления информационных услуг и предложены пути дальнейшего развития. Приведены результаты исследований, на основании которых производилась разработка модели и её дальнейшее внедрение. Кратко рассмотрен опыт других вузовских библиотек в решении проблемы снижения спроса, приведены тезисы о роли информационных технологий в расширении возможностей и развитии технологического обеспечения. Описаны способы организации деятельности библиотеки в условиях технологической конкуренции, вводится и объясняется понятие технической и технологической конкуренции как одной из основных причин снижения спроса на услуги библиотек. Опыт Самарского государственного технического университета показывает актуальность и эффективность модели, предложенной автором.
The State System of Sci-tech Information: Integrating information sci-tech resources of archives and libraries (online)
Authors:   Russian State Archive of Scientific and Technical Documentation, Zalaev Gennady Z.
Published: April 2024

The author examines the prospective vectors for the State System of Sci-tech Information based on the developing State Information System (SIS) “Single Information System of Sci-tech Information”. The planned first stage is to establish SIS on the foundation of three organizations encompassing three key areas, namely sci-tech information (VINITI), library information (RNPLS&T), and archival information(RGANTD). The author suggests that, to introduce such approach, the task force has to be set up comprising experts of these organizations, to make the basis for design and funding evaluation.
Analisis Pengendalian Kualitas Produksi Papan Fiber Semen dengan Metode Seven Tools dan FMEA pada PT. XYZ
Authors: Nur’Aini Vidiah , Andesta Deny
Published: April 2024

Kegagalan produk ialah suatu permasalah yang selalu ada dalam industri manufaktur. Analisa ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui jenis kecacatan yang sering mucul dan factor penyebab kegagalan produk itu muncul yang mempengaruhi kualitas produk di PT.XYZ. Analisa kali ini untuk memeriksa prosedur kontrol kualitas yang digunakan dalam pembuatan papan serat semen, berusaha menggunakan teknik Seven Tools dan FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect) untuk memastikan penyebab dan dampak kesalahan produksi di PT. XYZ. berasal dari statistik produksi PT. XYZ antara Desember 2022 dan Mei 2023, dengan jumlah output sebanyak 1.173.690 pcs dan jumlah total keseluruhan jumlah kecacatan sebanyak 72.848 pcs selama enam bulan. Temuan analisis yang diketahui mencakup fakta bahwa, dari 16.307 cacat produk, cacat produk retak adalah jenis yang paling umum. Faktor mesin juga dapat menyebabkan cacat produk, terbukti dengan hasil penghindaran, dimana angka prioritas risiko RPN adalah 392.
Inflation as a triggering theme for reading and writing of the world: promoting Financial Education in high
Authors: Jacinto Aline Sousa , Torisu Edmilson Minoru , Viana Marger da Conceição Ventura
Published: April 2024

The main objective of this article was to reveal contributions that activities, focused on financial education based on the theme of inflation, brought to new readings and writings of the world of high school students, from a critical perspective. The participants were students from a third-year high school class at a state school in the interior of Minas Gerais. In total, ten meetings were held, in which the topic of inflation was explored in various ways. For this article, we chose one of them, in which we explore calculations related to inflation and reflections on its impacts on society and possible solutions for them. The results showed that the students began to carry out new readings of the world, in a process of empowerment, which enabled essays on writing of the world.
HORTUS GRAECO-LATINUS CASSOVIENSIS IV
Authors: Brodňanská Erika
Published: April 2024

Zborník príspevkov z klasickej filológie, latinskej medievalistiky a neolatinistiky Je to už jedenásť rokov, čo Katedra klasickej filológie Filozofickej fakulty Univerzity Pavla Jozefa Šafárika v Košiciach otvorila po prvý raz bránu svojej pomyselnej pestrej záhrady. Vtedy poskytol zborník Hortus Graeco-Latinus Cassoviensis priestor prezentovať výsledky práce zo všetkých odborov vied o antickom staroveku, latinskej medievalistiky a neolatinistiky kolegom zo Slovenska. O päť rokov neskôr už „záhradu“ obohatili aj kolegovia z Čiech a Moravy a tentoraz, pri jej v poradí štvrtom otvorení, ju svojimi prácami poctili aj kolegovia z Grécka a Nemecka. Pestrosť ostala naďalej jej charakteristickou črtou. V zborníku sa predstavujú práce z antických dejín, z lingvistiky klasických jazykov, z antickej i stredovekej literatúry, antickej filozofie, z dejín antickej medicíny či neolatinistiky a nechýbajú ani príspevky venujúce sa vyučovaniu klasických jazykov. Navyše zborník vychádza ako výstup dvoch zdanlivo nesúrodých projektov VEGA realizovaných na katedre: č. 1/0109/21 Poemata de se ipso Gregora z Nazianzu a č. 1/0255/22 Medicus poeta. Novolatinská literatúra lekárskych autorov spätých so Slovenskom. Zdanie však klame, pretože Gregor z Nazianzu, hoci cirkevný otec, písal aj poéziu, v jeho diele sa nachádzajú početné alúzie z lekárskeho prostredia, mal brata lekára. Celé jeho dielo sa vyznačuje pestrosťou spracúvaných tém. V dielach lekárov básnikov zas nie sú ničím výnimočným odkazy na Bibliu. Ako sa navzájom rôznia a súčasne prelínajú projekty, rôznia a prelínajú sa aj témy jednotlivých príspevkov.
Mezi Arkádií a Nilem aneb antické krajiny reálné a imaginární
Authors:   Masaryk University, Kysučan Lubor
Published: April 2024

Řecko-římská antika představuje jedno z prvních období, v němž se krajina stává fenoménem nejen ekologickým a environmentálním, ale i společenským, estetickým a uměleckým. V návaznosti na civilizace starověkého Egypta a Mezopotámie, Řekové a Římané byli jedni z prvních, kdo vytvořil kulturní krajinu. Její charakter a percepce se v mnoha ohledech nelišily od našeho vnímání krajiny. Krajina byla v antice chápána jako fenomén přírodní, náboženský i umělecký. Vedle reálné krajiny antický člověk vytvářel ve své imaginaci krajiny ideální, do nichž promítal utopické představy o společnosti, způsobu života i exotice. Příspěvek zmapuje vzájemné souvislosti mezi krajinami reálnými (zemědělská, militární, městská, průmyslová) a imaginárními (bukolská, posvátná, exotická, utopická, politická) v klasické antice a dopad lidské činnosti na tehdejší krajinu obecně.
Niekoľko poznámok k pracovným postupom Mateja Bela pri spracovaní kapitoly o Spišskom hrade v jeho opise Spišskej stolice
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Balegová Jana
Published: April 2024

Spišský hrad uvádza druhú stať prvého oddielu Špeciálnej časti (pars specialis) Belovho opisu Spišskej stolice, vydaného pod názvom Historia Comitatus Scepusiensis v roku 1723 v Norimbergu v rámci diela Hungariae antiquae et novae Prodromus (Posol starého a nového Uhorska). Podklady preň poskytol Matejovi Belovi Juraj Bohuš formou rozsiahleho latinského rukopisu s názvom Historicogeographica terrae Scepusiensis in superiori Hungariae celeberrimae descriptio concionnata. Text pozostáva zo 6 paragrafov a okrem Spišského hradu sa Bel v tejto stati venuje Kežmarskému hradu, hradu Nedeca (Dunajec), Ľubovnianskemu hradu, Podolínskemu hradu a kaštieľom Spišskej stolice. Poradie hradov je rovnaké, ako v Bohušovom spise, obsahovo je však, najmä v prípade Spišského hradu, Belov text stručnejší. Okrem toho, že Bel nevyužil všetky Bohušom zhromaždené informácie a jeho text do značnej miery preštylizoval či preformuloval, doplnil svoj opis o viacero poznatkov, ktoré sa v Bohušových paragrafoch o Spišskom hrade nenachádzajú. Bel sa do určitej miery pridržiaval osnovy pripravenej Bohušom, pričom sa sústredil predovšetkým na opis a stručnú históriu hradu a vynechával detailné Bohušove záznamy o konkrétnych politicko-historických udalostiach a ich účastníkoch. Z dnešného pohľadu sú poznatky Mateja Bela o Spišskom hrade korektné predovšetkým pokiaľ ide o polohu, jednoduchý fyzický opis a časť histórie. Po troch storočiach od vydania diela a desaťročiach moderného výskumu je pochopiteľne k dispozícii ďaleko viac a presnejších informácií, najmä čo sa týka jeho najstarších dejín, ako aj jednotlivých stavebných etáp a úprav.
Persian Kings in Herodotus´ Writings and in Near Eastern Sources
Authors:   Masaryk University, Pecha Lukáš
Published: April 2024

Mentions of the rulers of the Persian empire appear very often in the works of Greek historians. Greek writers liked to describe primarily the military conflicts that took place as part of the Greco-Persian wars, but in addition they also dealt with events at the Persian royal court or with relations between Persia and other countries and ethnic groups. An important position in Greek historiography is occupied by the writings of the “father of history”, Herodotus, who mentions several Persian rulers (Cyrus the Great, Cambyses II, Darius I, Xerxes I and Artaxerxes I). Each of these rulers is depicted in a different way in Herodotus' Histories. While Cyrus is portrayed positively as a successful conqueror and a just ruler, Herodotus picks up rather negative traits in the other members of the Persian royal dynasty. Herodotus takes the most critical attitude towards Cambyses, who is described as a despot and a cruel ruler. If we compare Herodotus' account with sources from the ancient Near East, we find in some cases similarities between both groups of sources, but on the other hand, significant differences are also sometimes visible (especially related to Cambyses' stay in Egypt). Herodotus´ Histories, like the works of other Greek historians, were undoubtedly based on historical events, but he adapted their interpretation to his own ideological and artistic motives.
Středověké encyklopedie a jejich didaktická relevantnost
Authors:   Masaryk University, Stehlíková Dana
Published: April 2024

V současné době se čeští gymnaziální studenti učí latinu převážně dvě hodiny týdně po dobu dvou let. Za tak krátkou dobu nelze zvládnout celé pensum gramatiky a syntaxe, které je nutné pro četbu originálních antických textů. Příspěvek se snaží ukázat, že by se nemělo na četbu originálů rezignovat, nýbrž hledat možnosti, jak studentům nabídnout autentický zážitek z četby. Jednou z možností je pracovat se snadnými středověkými texty, a to především takovými, které byly určeny ve své době pro širší čtenářské publikum. Velmi vhodným zdrojem takových textů jsou středověké encyklopedie, především jejich přírodovědné části o rostlinách, zvířatech, nerostech. Encyklopedie jsou psány jednoduchým jazykem, nabízejí mnoho interdisciplinárních přesahů, metatextových informací, průniků s dnešní dobou a podnětů pro kreativní práci studentů.
Juraj Bahil a jeho protifajčiarska osveta v didakticko-reflexívnej básni Elegia de pipa (1735)
Authors:   Comenius University Bratislava, Škovierová Angela , Vaneková Oľga ,   Comenius University Bratislava
Published: April 2024

Náboženský spisovateľ, učiteľ a evanjelický duchovný Juraj Bahil (1689 – 1760) je autorom barokovej poézie, gratulačných básní a náboženského diela, ktoré z väčšej časti ostalo v rukopisnej podobe. Výnimkou je didakticko-reflexívna báseň namierená proti fajčeniu Elegia joco-seria de pipa. Táto bola takmer sto rokov po svojom vzniku publikovaná v ročenke Malohontskej učenej spoločnosti Solennia Bibliothecae Kishontanae z roku 1830, ktorej editorom bol Matej Holko mladší. V štúdii predstavujeme báseň i jej autora. Poukazujeme na jej prepracovanie do dobovej slovenčiny. Primárne sa však zameriavame na osvetový obsah latinského originálu básne i na jeho formálne charakteristiky a uvádzame krátke ukážky s pracovným prekladom.
Development of Explorative Behavior and Neophobia in Captive Sun Bears (Helarctos malayanus)
Authors: Spiero Isa , Mager Constanze , Siepel Henk
Published: April 2024

Neophobia is the aversion to novelty and is a widespread phenomenon in the animal kingdom. In bears (Ursidae) neophobic responses seem to develop around the age of 5 months, and disturbance of this development may be the cause of rehabilitation failures. However, little is known about the behavioral development of bear cubs, which may be helpful for successful rehabilitation as well as for zoo animal management. Here, the development of explorative behavior and neophobia is investigated in two captive sun bear cubs (Helarctos malayanus). The behavior of the animals is observed between the ages of 4 to 6 months and neophobic responses are tested during general observations and in novel object tests. It would be expected that explorative behavior decreases while neophobia increases and that this development is in parallel with a growth in (social) distance to their mother. The results show that there is no decrease in explorative behavior of the cubs and no evidence for the development of neophobia is found. However, the distance to the mother does increase between the ages of 4 to 6 months, indicating that this would be an evident timeframe for neophobia to develop. These findings suggest that either no development of neophobia occurs in the sun bear, or the captive environment has disturbed their natural development. Further research comparing captive and wild cubs should clarify this.
Assessment of Relative Toxicity of Common Insecticides against Adult and Grubs of Coccinella septempunctata under Laboratory Settings
Authors: Mumtaz Tamseela , Afzal Rabia , Roy Dilber H. , Akhtar Shamim
Published: April 2024

One of the significant aphid-eating predators that are natural is the ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata. C. septempunctata is a biological control agent and effective in integrated pest management strategies (IPM). In the development of IPM, chemical insecticides are routinely utilized, to boost crop protection and support the activity of biological control agents. Research on the relative toxicity of multiple insecticides on seven spotted ladybird beetle C. septempunctata L. instars was conducted in a lab environment to gauge the C. septempunctata’s reaction to powerful insecticides. Six insecticides were treated as Spinetoram 120SC (0.4%/0.5L), Steward 150EC (0.86/0.5L), Coragen 200ml (0.4%/0.5L), Siphtoram 120SE (0.8/0.5L), Chlorfenapyr 36% (1.25/0.5L), and Lufenuron 50% (1.0/0.5L) to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instars of C. septempunctata. After 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours of the treatment, the results of the proportional death were determined. Ongoing investigation was done at 60±5% RH and 25+2oC. When administered on adult ladybird beetles, Lufenuron was detrimental in 99.4 % cases, Chlorfenapyr in 88.4% Steward in 85.5% of cases, Coragen in 83.2%, and Siphtoram in 77.6%, Spinetoram was very little hazardous substance based on the death rate, followed by, Coragen, Steward, Chlorfenapyr, and Lufenuron.
Novel methods to monitor the biodegradation of polylactic acid (PLA) by Amycolatopsis orientalis and Amycolatopsis thailandensis
Authors: Yasin Najwa Mat , Pancho Farlash , Yasin Md , Van Impe Jan F. M. , Akkermans Simen
Published: April 2024

Plastics are essential in modern life, but their conventional production is problematic due to environmental pollution and waste management issues. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bioplastic that is bio-based and biodegradable, making it a key player in the bioeconomy. PLA has been proven to be degradable in various settings, including aqueous, soil, and compost environments. However, monitoring and optimizing PLA biodegradation remains challenging. This study proposes methods to improve the quantification of PLA biodegradation by Amycolatopsis spp. Ultrasound treatments (10 s) significantly improved the enumeration of viable Amycolatopsis cells by breaking the pellets into quantifiable individual cells. A separation technique combining ultrasound (120 s) and 40 μm cell strainers effectively isolated PLA particles from biomass to quantify PLA weight loss. This enabled the monitoring of PLA biofragmentation. Finally, CO2 production was measured according to ISO 14852 to quantify mineralization. Integrating these methods provides an improved quantification for PLA biodegradation along its different stages. In a case study, this led to the construction of a carbon balance where 85.1% of initial carbon content was successfully tracked. The developed techniques for monitoring of PLA biodegradation are essential to design future waste management strategies for biodegradable plastics.
Harnessing accurate mitochondrial DNA base editing mediated by DdCBEs in a predictable manner
Authors: Qiu Jiaxin , Wu Haibo , Xie Qin , Zhou Yuxiao , Gao Yining , Liu Junbo , Jiang Xueyi , Suo Lun , Kuang Yanping
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Mitochondrial diseases caused by mtDNA have no effective cures. Recently developed DddA-derived cytosine base editors (DdCBEs) have potential therapeutic implications in rescuing the mtDNA mutations. However, the performance of DdCBEs relies on designing different targets or improving combinations of split-DddA halves and orientations, lacking knowledge of predicting the results before its application.

Methods: A series of DdCBE pairs for wide ranges of aC or tC targets was constructed, and transfected into Neuro-2a cells. The mutation rate of targets was compared to figure out the potential editing rules.

Results: It is found that DdCBEs mediated mtDNA editing is predictable: 1) aC targets have a concentrated editing window for mtDNA editing in comparison with tC targets, which at 5’C8-11 (G1333) and 5’C10-13 (G1397) for aC target, while 5’C4-13 (G1333) and 5’C5-14 (G1397) for tC target with 16bp spacer. 2) G1333 mediated C>T conversion at aC targets in DddA-half-specific manner, while G1333 and G1397 mediated C>T conversion are DddA-half-prefer separately for tC and aC targets. 3) The nucleotide adjacent to the 3’ end of aC motif affects mtDNA editing. Finally, by the guidance of these rules, a cell model harboring a pathogenic mtDNA mutation was constructed with high efficiency and no bystander effects.

Discussion: In summary, this discovery helps us conceive the optimal strategy for accurate mtDNA editing, avoiding time- and effort-consuming optimized screening jobs.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8: a versatile nanoplatform for tissue regeneration
Authors: Li Zhixin , Shao Yinjin , Yang Youwen , Zan Jun
Published: April 2024

Extensive research on zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) and its derivatives has highlighted their unique properties in nanomedicine. ZIF-8 exhibits advantages such as pH-responsive dissolution, easy surface functionalization, and efficient drug loading, making it an ideal nanosystem for intelligent drug delivery and phototherapy. These characteristics have sparked significant interest in its potential applications in tissue regeneration, particularly in bone, skin, and nerve regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of ZIF-8’s feasibility in tissue engineering, encompassing material synthesis, performance testing, and the development of multifunctional nanosystems. Furthermore, the latest advancements in the field, as well as potential limitations and future prospects, are discussed. Overall, this review emphasizes the latest developments in ZIF-8 in tissue engineering and highlights the potential of its multifunctional nanoplatforms for effective complex tissue repair.