bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
D21-Digital-Index 2017/2018
Authors: Müller Antje
Published: December 2024

Innerhalb der erstmaligen Betrachtung der Akzeptanz und Nutzung intelligenter Geräte unter Onlinern und digital affinen Gruppen zeigt sich eine Zunahme bei der Kompetenz und Offenheit der Bundesbürgerinnen und -bürger ab 14 Jahren. Der Zuwachs in Offenheit auf 52 Punkten (+ 3), in Kompetenz auf 47 (+ 3) und im Zugang auf 66 Punkten (+ 1) lässt den D21-Digital-Index auf 53 Punkten (+ 2) ansteigen. Im Vergleich zu 2016 legt der Digital-Index 2017 eine Zunahme unter den digitalen Vorreitern (34 % vs. 31 %) offen, Digital Mithaltende (41 % vs. 43 %) sowie digital Abseitsstehende (25 % vs. 26 %) sind dagegen leicht rückläufig. Stark verbreitet unter den Bundesbürgerinnen und -bürgern, sind Smartphones (70 %) sowie Notebooks (62 %), Tablets werden dagegen weniger genutzt. Mobiles Arbeiten wird noch stark von den mangelnden Möglichkeiten im Beruf (58 %) bzw. Unternehmen (26 %) oder dem mangelnden Interesse (21 %) beeinflusst. Darüber hinaus besteht noch große Skepsis gegenüber Robotern im Job (50 %) oder digitalen Sprachassistenten (47 %) im privaten Bereich.
Auch eine systematische Wissensaneignung durch Trainings etc. findet noch kaum statt, und das Interesse an Fortbildung im digitalen Bereich ist gering. Für die 19 Prozent der Offliner, welche zu 94 Prozent im Alter von 50 Jahren oder älter sind, bestehen die Hauptgründe für den Verzicht auf digitale Geräte im fehlenden Interesse am Medium und mangelnden Nutzen für den Alltag. Bei den vorhandenen Digitalkompetenzen bleibt die Spaltung zwischen Jung und Alt sowie Mann und Frau weiter bestehen. Dagegen erwarten jedoch insgesamt zwei Drittel der Deutschen, dass der Umgang mit digitalen Medien und Programmierkenntnisse bereits in den Schulen vermittelt werden.
D21-Digital-Index 2017/2018 befragte 20.500 Bundesbürgerinnen und -bürger ab 14 Jahren, inklusive der Offliner. Seit 2013 werden die Schwerpunkte Digitalkompetenzen, Arbeit digital, Gerätenutzung, Zugang zum Internet, Vielfältigkeit der Nutzung und die Einstellung der Menschen zu digitalen Themen im Zeitverlauf betrachtet. Förderer und Schirmherr ist das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie. D21 wird unterstützt von der Bertelsmann Stiftung, dem Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, dem Bundesverband Digitale Wirtschaft (BVDW) e. V., Capgemini Deutschland, dem Kompetenzzentrum Technik- Diversity-Chancengleichheit e. V. und Ricoh Deutschland GmbH.
https://initiatived21.de
Das EXIT-Game für das Smartphone
Authors: Pentz Anna-Clara
Published: December 2024

Mit ‚EXIT – Der Fluch von Ophir‘ bringt KOSMOS die beliebte Escape-Game-Reihe EXIT erstmals auf das Smartphone. In bekannter EXIT-Manier schafft KOSMOS ein Mobile-Game, das die Spieler*innen in einen rätselhaften Fall hineinzieht, aus dem es durch das Lösen verschiedener Rätsel herauszukommen gilt. In ‚Der Fluch von Ophir‘ findet sich der*die Spieler*in im Hotel Ophir in den Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma wieder, in dem unnatürliche Dinge geschehen und zuletzt der berühmte Schriftsteller Tory Harlane spurlos verschwunden ist. Zu Beginn des Spiels führt eine Erzählstimme ein in die Geschichte des Hotels und die Gerüchte, die sich seit jeher um diesen geheimnisvollen Ort ranken: Gerüchte über eine angebliche Stadt aus Gold, über unerklärliche Phänomene, verschwundene Personen und einen Fluch.
Im Hotel gilt es nun, Hinweise zu suchen und Aufgaben und Rätsel zu lösen, um hinter das Geheimnis um das Hotel und Tory Harlanes Verschwinden zu kommen. Dabei wird die Suche etwa durch einen nicht auf Anhieb funktionierenden Fahrstuhl oder verschlossene Türen erschwert. Zu Beginn findet der*die Spieler*in sich in der leeren Lobby des Hotels wieder, mit einer Abwesenheitsnotiz der Hote­langestellten und einem Zimmerschlüssel auf dem Tresen beginnt nun das Abenteuer. Wie für die EXIT-Reihe üblich, bedarf es aufmerksamen Hinschauens, logischen Denkens und einigen Kombinationsvermögens, um die Aufgaben zu lösen. Glücklicherweise gibt es auch Tipps, sollte man bei einem Rätsel gar nicht weiterkommen. Allerdings zählen diese in die Auswertung am Ende hinein.
Das Hotel ist mit sehr viel Liebe zum Detail gestaltet und neben den für das Spiel relevanten Hinweisen, erfährt man durch Klicken auf manche Gegenstände im Hotel noch etwas über die Geschichte des Hotels oder beispielsweise die Tradition der Bärenjagd in Oklahoma, die zum Aussterben der Bären dort geführt hat.
Die Oberfläche des Games ist sehr intuitiv, teilweise leuchten relevante Gegenstände auf und machen so auf sich aufmerksam. Dennoch sind die Rätsel nicht allzu leicht zu lösen, weshalb sich das Spiel auch sehr ziehen kann. Die Option, das Spiel zu unterbrechen und an der abgebrochenen Stelle wieder fortzusetzen ist daher sehr nützlich. Die Altersempfehlung ab 12 Jahren ist aufgrund der Geschichte und der düsteren Stimmung, die durch die Hintergrundmusik noch deutlich verstärkt wird, an­gemessen. Für alle Rätsel-Fans ist das Spiel sehr zu empfehlen.

KOSMOS (2021). EXIT – Der Fluch von Ophir. App-Game ab 12 Jahren für IOS und Android. 5,99 €.
Schröter, Felix (2021). Spiel | Figur: Theorie und Ästhetik der Computerspielfigur. Marburg: Schüren Verlag. 348 S., 34,00 €.
Authors: Melzer Lisa
Published: December 2024

Was wäre die Gaming-Landschaft nur ohne Kultfiguren wie Super Mario, Link aus ‚The Legend of Zelda‘ oder Lara Croft als Aushängeschild? Die Popularität bestimmter Computerspiele lässt sich nicht zuletzt auf die Gestaltung ihrer Figuren zurückführen. Sie sind es, welche die Rezipient*innen an die virtuelle Spielwelt heranführen.
Umso erstaunlicher, dass trotz der sinn- und bedeutungskonstruierenden Funktion von Computerspielfiguren ihre systematische Erforschung bisher noch weitgehend vernachlässigt wurde. Felix Schröter setzt mit seiner Dissertation ‚Spiel | Figur: Theorie und Ästhetik der Computerspielfigur‘ an dieser Stelle an.
Im ersten Teil des Buches äußert sich der Autor zum Stand der derzeitigen Forschung, Darstellung, Ontologie, Rezeption und Analyse von Figuren in Computerspielen. Dafür nimmt er Figuren aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven, als fiktive Wesen, Spielfiguren und Repräsentation der Spielenden, in den Blick. Aus den theoretischen Vorüberlegungen und Erkenntnissen des ersten Teils des Buches entwickelt Schröter schließlich eine Analyseheuristik, welche die Grundlage für die rezeptionsästhe­tische Untersuchung im zweiten Teil des Bu­ches bildet.
In dieser beleuchtet der Autor anschließend figurenbezogene Darstellungs- und Rezeptionsweisen, um darauf aufbauend die Ästhetik spieler*innengesteuerter, computergesteuerter und Mitspieler*innen-gesteuerter Figuren umfassend und fundiert zu beschreiben. Anschließend nimmt Schröter drei aus­gewählte 3D-Actionspiele (‚Journey‘, ‚Alien: Isolation‘ und ‚Destiny 2‘) in den Blick und arbeitet anhand dieser heraus, wie ästhetische Dimensionen der Figurengestaltung den Spielenden sowohl Erfahrungen von Subjektivität als auch emotionale Anteilnahme und soziale Eingebundenheit in das Spielgeschehen ermöglichen.
Das Buch füllt schließlich nicht nur eine eklatante Forschungslücke, sondern zeichnet ein eindrückliches Bild des Zusammenspiels von ludischen, narrativen und ästhetischen Gestaltungsmerkmalen und Wirkungsweisen von Computerspielfiguren. Der Autor schafft es, nicht nur wichtige Anknüpfungspunkte für weitere Forschungsarbeiten aufzudecken, sondern auch Grundlagenwissen für den Einstieg in die Spiele- und Figurenanalyse zu übermitteln. Nicht nur für Forschende, sondern auch für Lehrende und Lernende eine lohnenswerte Lektüre, welche nicht nur durch den fesselnden Schreibstil des Autors überzeugt, sondern auch zum Eintauchen in die vielschichtige Welt der Computerspielfiguren einlädt.
Kircheldorff, Cornelia (2022). Gut vernetzt oder abgehängt? Gelingendes Altern in der digitalen Welt. Stuttgart: Kohlhammer. 132 S., 19,00 €
Authors: Pentz Anna-Clara
Published: December 2024

Der demografische Wandel in Deutschland ist in vollem Gange. Die Altersstrukturen verändern sich kontinuierlich. So geschieht aktuell eine Überalterung der Bevölkerung. Gleichzeitig wird die Zeit durch die Digitalisierung immer schnelllebiger. Wer hier mithalten will, muss immer offensiver und konstruktiver im Umgang mit Veränderungen sein. Hieraus ergeben sich Handlungsbedarfe: Es gilt die ältere Generation abzuholen und zu begleiten, damit diese mit den digitalen Entwicklungen Schritt halten kann.
‚Gut vernetzt oder abgehängt?‘ beleuchtet die Handlungsoptionen und Herausforderungen im sozialen, pflegerischen und gerontologischen Bereich. Neben allgemeinen Betrachtungen des Lebens im Alter in der digitalen Welt, nimmt die Autorin Cornelia Kircheldorff anhand von Fallbeispielen die Bedarfslage in den Blick. So nimmt sie etwa das Potenzial digitaler Medien bei der Alltagsgestaltung in der nachberuflichen Phase in den Blick, wie Beratungs- und Bildungsangebote sowie die Möglichkeiten zur sozialen Vernetzung. Außerdem geht es auch um die Handlungsmöglichkeiten durch digitale Technologien bei altersbedingten Einschränkungen und in Pflegesettings. Im Folgekapitel werden Denkanstöße gegeben, wie soziale Alterskategorien überdacht, technikorientierte Kompetenzen vermittelt und digitale Souveränität ermöglicht werden sollten. Hier werden auch ethische Fragen und Dilemmata beleuchtet. Das Buch enthält abschließend eine Auflistung von Anlaufstellen und Organisationen. Weiterführende Links verweisen auf Angebote für ältere Menschen im Bereich Technik und Digitalisierung.
Das Buch ist ein hilfreicher Ratgeber für Personen in der Altenpflege gleichermaßen wie Angehörige und ältere Menschen selbst, die mit den Entwicklungen Schritt halten wollen.
Das Unbehagen der Souveränität
Authors: Neuberger Olga
Published: December 2024

Der Beitrag entwickelt mit Butler die paradoxe Denkfigur der gleichzeitigen Unterwerfung und Hervorbringung des Subjektes. Entlang der Frage, wie Medien verstanden als materielle Artefakte an dieser Subjektkonstitution mitwirken, wird argumentiert, dass Artefakte immer nur im Kontext von Praktiken Bedeutung erhalten. Die These des Beitrags lautet, dass bestimmte Nutzer-Subjekte in der Unterwerfung unter Normen des ‚richtigen‘ Gebrauchs von Artefakten entstehen.
Inkommunikabilität
Authors: Pause Johannes
Published: December 2024

Das souveräne Subjekt der klassischen Bildungstheorie wird in der Netzwerkgesellschaft als Resultat vielschichtiger Subjektivierungsprozesse offenbar. Doch Netzwerke operieren nicht ungestört, sondern bringen immer auch Erfahrungen der konstitutiven Begrenztheit von Kommunikation hervor. Der Beitrag schlägt daher vor, den Begriff der Inkommunikabilität systematisch in die Theorie der Medienbildung zu integrieren. Indem der Blick auf das in jeder Vernetzungsoperation mitschwingende Andere der Konnektivität gerichtet wird, gewinnt ein virtuelles, passives Subjekt an Konturen, das sich nicht auf die Nachweise seiner Partizipation im Netz reduzieren lässt.
#44 – Medien.Pädagogik und Rassismus.Kritik Teil 3
Authors: Merz Redaktion , Schemmerling Mareike , Weiß Ana-Nzinga
Published: December 2024

Auch zu unserem Heft ‚Medien.Pädagogik und Rassismus.Kritik – Impulse einer Auseinandersetzung‘ wollen wir natürlich die Fachredaktion des Hefts zu Wort kommen lassen: Mareike Schemmerling, Leiterin der Abteilung Praxis des JFF – Institut für Medienpädagogik, und Ana-Nzinga Weiß, Institut für Publizistik- und Kommunikationswissenschaft der Freien Universität Berlin. Eine starke Besetzung für ein starkes Heft, das die beiden Disziplinen der Heft-Verantwortlichen, Medienpädagogik und Kommunikationswissenschaft, toll vereint.
Das Heft zeigt zum einen auf, wie (Online-)Medien Rassismus repräsentieren und  (re-)produzieren. Zum anderen wird darauf aufmerksam gemacht,  wie (Online-)Medien für anti-rassistische Aufklärung und zum Empowerment rassifizierter Gruppen genutzt werden können.
Zum Heft
Diversität oder Filterblase?
Authors: Materna Georg
Published: December 2024

Mit dem Begriff der Filterblase wird oftmals kritisiert, dass Soziale Medien eine immer größere Rolle für Meinungsbildungsprozesse spielen. Im Artikel werden der Begriff und die mit ihm einhergehenden Gesellschafts­diagnosen wie Polarisierung und Radikalisierung kritisch hinterfragt. Es wird argumentiert, dass die Herausforderungen für das Informationshandeln in Sozialen Medien weniger in Filterblasen liegen, sondern in den bei Rezipient*innen häufig wenig ausgeprägten Bewertungskriterien für den Umgang mit der Diversität und Fülle an Informationen in Sozialen Medien.
Dr. Georg Materna arbeitet als wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter am JFF. Seine Schwerpunkte: Meinungsbildung Jugendlicher in sich wandelnden Öffentlichkeiten und universelle Extremismusprävention am Schnittpunkt von Medienpädagogik und politischer Bildung.
Evaluating Suitable Rootstocks for Grafting in Organic Pepper System
Authors: Nagila Asmita , Crosby Kevin M. , Leskovar Daniel I.
Published: December 2024

Organic farming systems are often plagued with challenges such as nutrient stress complexing with other biotic and abiotic issues. These issues can significantly affect the growth and productivity of vegetable crops, including peppers (Capsicum spp.). Grafting with suitable rootstocks is a promising technique to address these challenges and improve the growth and productivity of peppers in low-input systems. In the United States, grafting is not as commonly practiced in pepper as compared with other solanaceous and cucurbit crops, in part because of limited availability of rootstocks. This study examined promising rootstocks with demonstrated disease resistance and further explored their suitability for organic systems under normal and reduced fertilization. A hybrid Italian sweet pepper ‘Mama Mia Giallo’ was used as scion and grafted onto four different rootstocks and grown in a greenhouse in summer with natural heat stress. The plants received organic fertilizer weekly or biweekly for a period of 5 weeks. Results showed that grafting plants with the rootstocks ‘CM-334’, ‘YC-207’, ‘Keystone Resistant Giant’, and ‘Scarface’ resulted in similar or improved growth relative to nongrafted and self-grafted plants under normal and reduced fertilization. The rootstocks showed promising traits that could be explored in further stress tolerance studies. Specifically, ‘YC-207’-grafted plants showed higher nitrogen utilization efficiency, shoot nitrate content, and phosphorous content as well as higher stomatal conductance, transpiration, and electron transport rate, which is indicative of stress tolerance. ‘YC-207’-grafted plants also had lower malondialdehyde content, indicating less oxidative damage to the cell membrane. ‘CM-334’-grafted plants showed higher antioxidant activity, nitrate reductase (NR) activity, and shoot nitrate content. This study provides evidence of the value of evaluating potential rootstocks and explores grafting as a promising technique for pepper crop to improve plant growth and performance under organic systems.
Silicon Affects Growth and Nitrogen Uptake of Young Olive Plants
Authors: Martos-García Inmaculada , Fernández-Escobar Ricardo , Benlloch-González María
Published: December 2024

Nitrogen (N) is commonly used in the fertilization plans for Mediterranean olive orchards, often regardless of the nutritional status of the plant. However, improper use of N fertilizers can reduce soil health and crop yields. Silicon (Si), although not essential for plants, could be an environmentally friendly alternative to some chemical fertilizers. The application of Si seems to positively affect many aspects of N nutrition (uptake, assimilation, and remobilization), but that related to olive is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the effect of Si application on N nutrition in the olive. To study these effects, an experiment involving young olive plants of ‘Picual’ growing mainly under shade house conditions in Córdoba, Southern Spain, was performed. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with 9 treatments resulting from the combinations of two Si levels, 0 or 20 mg·L−1 Si [YaraVita ACTISIL® (YARA, Bio Minerals N.V., Belgium);0.5% Si], applied through the irrigation water or onto leaves, and different levels of N [0, 100, 400 ppm N, Ca(NO3)2]. The results indicated that vegetative shoot growth was significantly affected by Si application, and that this effect was more marked when it was applied through the irrigation water. In addition, these plants showed longer and thinner stems. Additionally, Si fertilization increased the N concentration in plants grown under 0 or 100 ppm N. However, no response was observed in plant treated with the highest doses of N, thus showing the interaction effect. The positive effect of Si on N nutrition suggested the use of Si as a sustainable practice for olive orchards to reduce N fertilizers.
Beyond the Bones: Emotional Narratives in Archaeological Explorations of Death
Authors: Mitrović Milica
Published: December 2024

Experiencing and processing emotions, especially profound grief following a significant loss, provides deep personal insights and understanding that can inform the study of emotional practices and customs related to death and mourning. This paper explores how emotions, from basic to complex, are studied through historical artefacts, evolutionary biology, and cultural contexts, emphasizing their interconnectedness with cognition and behaviour in material culture, their biological underpinnings in brain development, and their manifestations as both group and collective phenomena in societal and interpersonal contexts. Death and funeral contexts offer opportunities to study emotions before and after death. Archaeological remains indicate mortuary rituals, customs, and human behaviour, which allows us to consider incorporating emotional narratives in prehistoric research by surveying conclusions from psychological, ethnographic, anthropological, sociological, historical, and medical studies.
Personal Ornaments and Burial Rites in Prehistory
Authors: Vitezović Selena
Published: December 2024

Archaeological burial contexts are among particularly attractive topics for both experts – archaeologists, and wider audiences. The reasons behind this are partially the rich, attractive portable finds that are usually associated with these contexts, but also the interpretative potential, i.e., insight into rituals and symbolic values of people in the past.

Archaeological finds from burial contexts are very diverse in their nature and function, and may include parts of burial constructions, remains of rituals, objects placed along the deceased and objects placed on the deceased. The interpretation of burial contexts and associated finds are tightly connected and interlinked. These finds were often regarded as a result of a single, short-lived event and were considered as particularly important for the questions of relative and absolute chronology; the contents of burial finds were used as a basis for hypotheses regarding social relations, and, overall, burial finds were used for interpreting the identity of the deceased, reconstructing rituals, etc. Personal ornaments are particularly common in burial contexts, and, at the same time, the richest finds of personal ornaments mainly originate from burial contexts. When it comes to personal ornaments, it is usually assumed that they were owned by the deceased, and they are interpreted through the prism of status, prestige, and/or identity. However, personal ornaments might have had a much wider symbolic meaning. In this paper, we will look at the possibilities in terms of the meanings of personal ornaments from prehistoric contexts – beside markings of identity and status of the deceased, they might also have represented a gift to the deceased, gift to divinities, they might have had an apotropaic and a prophylactic function, for both the deceased and the participants in the burial ritual, and they might also have had an emotional meaning.
Material Culture in the Work of Herodotus: Between Memory and Text
Authors: Tošović Ognjen
Published: December 2024

In his multi-layered and complex work, Herodotus of Halicarnassus mentions a large number of remains of material culture of various kinds. As a rule, certain isolated stories from the past are tied to these materialities, which the father of history fits into his narrative and finds a place and purpose for them in his work as a whole. Given that these materials and the stories related to them appear in different social and cultural contexts, this paper points out their political and ideological implications for the society that preserves and transmits them. However, Herodotus himself was not free from cultural and ideological frameworks and perspectives, particularly evident in his description of other peoples – the Egyptians, Scythians, and Persians – whom he tried to bring closer to his Hellenic audience and their cultural-ideological framework. Consequently, in the second part of the paper, we will point out the sign and role of material culture in the context of Herodotus’ depiction of the Other. The first part of the paper analyzes three examples of materialized memory that relate to the Greek past and are located in the Greek social and cultural context. The first two examples, which refer to votive offerings and parts of the landscape at Delphi, indicate how narratives are created and attached to material objects to convey a certain political message through them. The third example refers to a bronze statue representing a man riding a dolphin to which the story of the singer Arion is related. In connection with that story, it is pointed out that the local community’s positive memory of its ruler has been preserved in its elements. The second part of the paper analyzes how the connection between materiality and memory is presented in Herodotus’ accounts of the Others – the Egyptians and the Scythians.
Unambiguous simulation of diffusive charge transport in disordered nanoribbons
Authors: Veiga Henrique , João Simão Meneses , Alendouro Pinho João Manuel , Santos Pires João Pedro , Lopes João Manuel Viana Parente
Published: December 2024

Charge transport in disordered two-dimensional (2D) systems showcases a myriad of unique phenomenologies that highlight different aspects of the underlying quantum dynamics. Electrons in such systems undergo a crossover from ballistic propagation to Anderson localization, contingent on the system’s effective coherence length. Between the extended and localized phases lies a diffusive crossover in which the charge conductivity is properly defined. The numerical observation of this regime has remained elusive because it requires fully coherent transport to be simulated in systems whose dimensions are sufficiently large to meaningfully split the mean-free path and localization length scales. To address this challenge, we employed a novel linear scaling time-resolved approach that enabled us to derive the dc-transport characteristics and observe the three expected 2D transport regimes — ballistic, diffusive, and localized.
Superdiffusive transport in quasi-particle dephasing models
Authors: Wang Yu-Peng , Fang Chen , Ren Jie
Published: December 2024

Investigating the behavior of noninteracting fermions subjected to local dephasing, we reveal that quasi-particle dephasing can induce superdiffusive transport. This superdiffusion arises from nodal points within the momentum distribution of local dephasing quasi-particles, leading to asymptotic long-lived modes. By studying the dynamics of the Wigner function, we rigorously elucidate how the dynamics of these enduring modes give rise to Lévy walk processes, a renowned mechanism underlying superdiffusion phenomena. Our research demonstrates the controllability of dynamical scaling exponents by selecting quasi-particles and extends its applicability to higher dimensions, underlining the pervasive nature of superdiffusion in dephasing models.
PERSISTENT COAGULATION ABNORMALITIES IN RECOVERED COVID-19 PATIENTS FOLLOWING VACCINATION: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS
Authors:   Research Scholar, Govt. Madhav Science College, Ujjain (MP), India., Mali Sheetal , Khanna Rekha ,   Professor, Govt. Madhav Science College, Ujjain (MP), India.
Published: December 2024

This retrospective observational study assessed persistent coagulation abnormalities in individuals who recovered from COVID-19 and subsequently received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination. The study enrolled 250 individuals, aged 20â€“50 years, and evaluated four primary coagulation markers: prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer, and fibrinogen. Blood samples were analyzed using the STA-R coagulation analyzer. Results indicated that 10% of participants exhibited elevated D-dimer levels, 34% had elevated prothrombin times, and 85% displayed prolonged activated partial thromboplastin times, while 7.2% showed increased fibrinogen levels. Statistical analysis revealed significant deviations in D-dimer, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen from standard reference ranges. These abnormalities suggest a possible hypercoagulable state post-vaccination, potentially due to vaccine-induced mechanisms that activate coagulation pathways. Findings align with reports of vaccine-induced thrombotic complications, especially in adenovirus-vectored vaccines. This study underscores the importance of monitoring coagulation parameters in vaccinated individuals with prior COVID-19 infection to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy. Future studies should investigate the underlying mechanisms of these coagulation changes and their clinical implications.
INDIGO BLUE DEGRADATION: PROBABLE PRESENCE OF DYE ADSORBED BY IRON HYDROXIDE DURING FENTON PROCESS
Authors:   Health Science Center, Espirito Santo Federal University, VitÃƒÂ³ria-ES, Brazil., Nardy Ribeiro Joselito , Rafael Marques Trevizani Lucas ,   Federal Institute of Espirito Santo, Vila Velha-ES, Brazil., Nascimento da Silva Junior Wilton ,   Federal Institute of Espirito Santo, Vila Velha-ES, Brazil., Romero da Silva Andre ,   Federal Institute of Espirito Santo, Vila Velha-ES, Brazil., Astori Simone ,   Federal Institute of Espirito Santo, Vila Velha-ES, Brazil., Ferreira Vieira Rosa ,   Federal Institute of Espirito Santo, Vila Velha-ES, Brazil., de Bortoli Lecchi de Souza Lorena ,   Health Science Center, Espirito Santo Federal University, VitÃƒÂ³ria-ES, Brazil., Veronica Flores Nardy Ribeiro Araceli ,   Federal Institute of Espirito Santo, Vila Velha-ES, Brazil.
Published: December 2024

A chemical method using FeSO4 and H2O2 was selected for indigo blue (IB) degradation in aqueous medium. The initial experiments demonstrated that high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and iron sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O) were capable of total degradation of IB (approximately 100%). Controlled tests, varying the concentrations of both reagents, revealed that the mixture containing approximately 350 mg/L (v/v) of FeSO4.7H2O and 0.57% (v/v) of H2O2wasconsiderablyefficient in the degradation of IB (1,000 mg/L). The decay kinetics revealed rapid IB degradation and possible IB adsorption on iron (III) hydroxide precipitate [Fe(OH)3]â†“. However, the adsorbed IB also subsequently, leaves the residue of [Fe(OH)3]â†“, which suggests the occurrence of not only chemical degradation of IB but also its possible adsorption by Fe(OH)3 precipitate.
DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULAR LYMPHADENOPATHY BY CARTRIDGE-BASED NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION TEST(CBNAAT)AND ITS CORRELATION WITH FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY: AN INSTITUTION-BASED STUDY
Authors:   Post Graduate, Department of Pathology, Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi., Geetha Sushma Siriki , J. Ingin Rajashree ,   Professor and HOD, Department of Pathology, Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi., Mateen Ahmed Mohammed ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The highest burden of tuberculosis is seen in India, accounting for 21% incidence globally and a major cause of lymphadenopathy. Fine-needle aspiration cytology with Ziehl-Neelsen staining is routinely used as the diagnostic modalityfor testing Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Although a presumptive diagnosis can be made easily, but due to low sensitivity, many a times definitive diagnosis is difficult. For overcoming these limitations a rapid and reliable Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test method by WHO (2010) has been endorsed as an initial diagnostic tool in laboratories.

Aims and Objectives:To assess the efficacy of CBNAAT in the diagnosis of tubercular lymphadenopathy and to compare it with cytological features on FNA and ZN stain.

Materials and methods:This is a one-year study done on 111 clinically suspected cases of EPTB with lymphadenopathy in the Department of Pathology. Fine needle aspirates of the lymphnodes were subjected to CBNAAT. Cytological features and ZN stain of the aspirate were compared with CBNAAT results.

Results: Of the 111 suspected cases of EPTB, 32(28.8%) were positive on ZN staining whereas 65 (58.5%) were positive by CBNAAT. Of these 65 CBNAAT positive cases, cytology revealed epithelioid granulomas with necrosis in 37 (56.9%), granulomas without necrosis in 22 (33.8%)and scattered epithelioid cells in 6 (9.3%) cases respectively.

Conclusion: Compared to FNAC and Z-N staining, CBNAAT is an effective, sensitive and rapid diagnostic tool for diagnosis of EPTB and hence suggested to be done in all suspected cases of EPTB. CBNAAT provides an extra edge in management of those undiagnosed cases which are of global concern.
THE APPOINTMENT OF A MUSHIR (ADVISOR) BY SULTAN ZAINAL ABIDIN III IN EFFORTS TO AVOID BRITISH INTERFERENCE IN THE GOVERNANCE OF TERENGGANU
Authors:   Research Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Islamic Studies,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia., Suryani Mat Resad Izziah
Published: December 2024

The placement of a British agent in Terengganu following the 1909 Bangkok Treaty marked the beginning of British intervention in the state. Although the British agent stationed in Terengganu did not wield the same power as the British advisors in Kedah and Kelantan, the presence represented a foreign element in Terengganus government machinery. The British agents presence raised Sultan Zainal Abidin III and Terengganus officials awareness of a potential British threat to the states administration. The Sultan took several actions to prevent British interference, including borrowing a British officer to serve in Terengganus government. This officer, known as a Mushir (advisor or counsellor in Arabic), was incorporated into Terengganus governance structure. This study aimed to examine Sultan Zainal Abidin IIIs intent in requesting the appointment of a Mushir and the appointees role in Terengganus administration. This qualitative study adopted the historical research approach, with content analysis as the data collection method. Findings reveal that Sultan Zainal Abidin III successfully borrowed a British officer to work in Terengganus administration. His aim of delaying direct British intervention was achieved, as he was not obligated to follow the advice of the Mushir (British officer), given that the officer was only loaned to the Terengganu government. When the British realized that the officers position did not yield the desired influence over Terengganus administration, the officers service was then terminated.
ANTAGONISTIC ACTIVITY OF ACETIC ACID BACTERIA AGAINST POTENTIAL PATHOGENIC GERMS ISOLATED FROM POULTRY LITTER IN COTE DIVOIRE
Authors:   Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Biologic Resources Valorization, Faculty of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire., Essoh Akpa Eric , Kevin Ndepo Patrick-Roch ,   Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Biologic Resources Valorization, Faculty of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire., Samagaci Lamine ,   Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Biologic Resources Valorization, Faculty of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire., Suzanne Djoman Christelle ,   Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Biologic Resources Valorization, Faculty of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire., Gblossi Goualie Bernadette ,   Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Biologic Resources Valorization, Faculty of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire.
Published: December 2024

Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Biologic Resources Valorization, Faculty of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire.
OCCURRENCE OF MACROCYBE GIGANTEA A WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOM FROM KARNATAKA, INDIA - A NEW REPORT
Authors:   Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women Autonomous, Bengaluru - 560 012, India., B.R. Mownika , Reema Kumari M. ,   Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women Autonomous, Bengaluru - 560 012, India., Sasikala K. ,   Mahatma Gandhi Govt. Arts College, Mahe - 673 311, U.T. of Puducherry, India.
Published: December 2024

Macrocybe gigantea (Massee) Pegler & Lodge is reported for the first time from Karnataka. Its occurrence from Kolar district, Karnataka state forms an extended distribution. A brief description and photographs of the fungus are provided for easy identification.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF WORDS: LITERATURES IMPACT ON HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Arabic, Rangia College, Rangia, Assam (India), Abdullah Ahmed Syed
Published: December 2024

This comprehensive article undertakes an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted impact of literature on human rights advocacy, unraveling how the written word serves as a transformative force. From fostering empathy through narratives to challenging societal norms, raising awareness, inspiring activism, serving as an educational tool, fostering cultural diplomacy, prompting legal and ethical reflection, influencing policy advocacy, and adapting to the digital age, literature emerges as a powerful and expansive ally in the pursuit of justice and societal transformation. Through a meticulous examination of the diverse ways literature contributes to human rights advocacy, this article underscores the importance of storytelling and education in creating a more just and compassionate world.
NEW CONTRIBUTIONS AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO THE STUDY OF PREHISTORY IN COLOMBIA. THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF CHECUA (MUNICIPALITY OF NEMOCON, CUNDINAMARCA DEPARTMENT)
Authors:   Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy., A. Minelli , M. Cozzolino ,   Department of Agriculture, Environment and Food, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy., A.M. Groot ,   Faculty of Human Sciences, National University of Colombia, Carrera 30 N.45-03 Bogota., S. Guglielmi ,   Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy.
Published: December 2024

This paper shows the results of the archaeological investigations on the Checua site, located in the high plain of the Bogota Savanna, within the scientific research program of the Italian team, supported by the Italian Ministry of the Foreign Affairs (Archaeological and Anthropological Missions Program), finalized to give a contribution, through the application of innovative methodologies, on the most ancient human presence on the Colombian territory.
THE EXISTENCE OF PRODUCT LIABILITY IN SUBSIDIZED HOUSING PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Authors:   Universitas Malahayati., Afni Martinouva Rissa , Hamzah Hamzah ,   Universitas Lampung., Sunaryo Sunaryo ,   Universitas Lampung.
Published: December 2024

The existence of product liability in subsidized housing purchase agreements, with a focus on legality and consumer protection aspects, highlights the subsidized housing program as a government initiative to provide access to affordable housing to low-income people. There are often problems related to building quality and discrepancies between the promises of developers and the reality received by consumers, which are regulated by the Consumer Protection Law (UUPK) regarding producer responsibility for consumer losses due to defective products or not in accordance with the agreement. This research aims to provide a clear picture of the rights and obligations of consumers and developers in the subsidized house purchase agreement. Problems such as discrepancies between the developers promises and the products received by consumers, damage to buildings, and difficulties for consumers in claiming their rights are the main focus. Therefore, the existence of product liability in subsidized house purchase agreements is very important to pay attention to in order to provide legal certainty for all parties involved.
THE EFFECT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE AMONG BROADCASTING ORGANIZATION IN UGANDA. A CASE STUDY OF UGANDA BROADCASTING CORPORATION (UBC)
Authors:   MBA Graduate Researcher (2024 Class), ISBAT University., Winston David Agaba , Ronald Ssemanda ,   Lecturer, ISBAT University, Kampala-Uganda., Mbabazize Mbabazi ,   Senior Lecturer & Dean, Faculty of Business and Commerce, ISBAT University.
Published: December 2024

The concept of organizational performance is pertinent to organizations as it gauges how well organization utilizes its human resources to achieve set goals and objectives with a given period of time. UBC is a regulated broadcasting organization that has not been performing in terms of tv and radio ratings as projected. The competitive business environment among broadcasting organizations continues to grow affecting the tv and radio ratings in Uganda. To mitigate these competitive forces, Broadcasting organizations can integrate these HRM practices strategically to enhance their competitive position, differentiation, innovation, resilience, sustainability, and success in the dynamic and competitive media landscape today. Thus, the current research sought to investigate influence of HRM practices on organizational performance of broadcasting organizations in Uganda. Case study of UBC. Specific objectives of research sought to establish effect of Training and development, Recruitment and Selection, employee security and Performance Appraisal on organizational performance of UBC. Research was grounded on the High-Performance Work System (HPWS) and social exchange theory by Homans, Blua and Emerson. The study utilized a descriptive research method. Target population was 70 employees of UBC. Sample of 65 participants was chosen using Krejcie, Robert V, Morgan, Daryle W, (1970) Table of sampling determination. Primary data was gathered using closed-ended questionnaire. Reliability was determined by Cronbachs Alpha coefficient of 0.7 and above was considered adequate. Validity was established by use of content and construct validity. Quantifiable information was evaluated by both descriptive and inferential indicators while qualitative information was examined through content analysis. Outcomes of the research found out that HRM practices absolutely impact organizational performance. Training and development as well as Employee Security were found to be statistically significant while recruitment and selection and performance appraisal were not statistically significant. Budget constraints were established to partly intervene the connection between HRM practices and organizational performance in UBC. In addition, the outcomes also had shown that well-being and job security of employees regulates the connection between HRM practices and organizational performance in UBC. Management of UBC ought to increase application level of HRM practices to enhance their competitive position, differentiation, innovation, resilience, sustainability, and success in the dynamic and competitive media landscape today.
GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ORTHO-DERIVED GNEISS AND GRANITOIDS OF THE PAN-AFRICAN PROVINCE OF DAMAGARAM (SOUTH-EAST NIGER)
Authors:   Andre Salifou University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Georessources and Geosciences of Environnement Laboratory BP: 656 Zinder/ Niger., Kadri Mahaman Mansour Badamassi , Abdou Fati Boubacar ,   Abdou Moumouni University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Geology Department Groundwater and Georesources Laboratory, BP:10662 Niamey/ Niger., Issaka Abdoulkader Moussa ,   Andre Salifou University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Georessources and Geosciences of Environnement Laboratory BP: 656 Zinder/ Niger., Chekaraou Mahamane Moustapha Sanda ,   Djibo Hamani University, Faculty of Education, Department of Didactics of Disciplines, Tahoua/ Niger., Hassan Abdourazakou Maman ,   School of Mines, Industry and Geology (EMIG), Department of Geosciences, Niamey/ Niger., Moussa KonatÃ© ,   Abdou Moumouni University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Geology Department Groundwater and Georesources Laboratory, BP:10662 Niamey/ Niger.
Published: December 2024

The Pan-African province of Damagaram, object of this study, corresponds to the north-eastern extension of the Benin-Nigerian Shield. The main geological formations that outcrop in this region consist of migmatitic gneiss, banded gneiss, mylonitic gneiss, porphyritic granites, two-mica granites, biotite granites and alkaline granites. The petrogenesis of ortho-derived gneisses and granitoids of Damagaram province was studied using the methods of geochemistry on total rock (major elements, trace elements and rare earth elements). The chemical composition (major elements and trace elements) shows that the precursor magmas come from the subalkaline series. The analyzed samples are characterized by a high SiO2 content (â‰¥ 65%) and show a calc-alkaline potassium to shoshonitic affinity typical of the subduction zone. The high alkaline content (Na2O + K2O) and the A/CNK and A/NK parameters indicate that these rocks are aluminous to hyperalumino. Enrichment in certain large lithophilic elements (LILEs) (Rb, Ba, Th and Sr) and depletion in certain high field intensity elements (HFS) such as Nb, P and Ti are favorable criteria for the involvement of the crust in the genesis of these rocks. The light rare earth enrichment (LREE) and heavy rare earth depletion (HREE), as well as the negative europium (Eu) anomaly, suggest that these rocks as a whole would come from either fractional crystallization or partial melting of a pre-existing continental crust. The geochemical characteristics indicate that the geodynamic domain of these formations corresponds to the syn-collisional and intraplate volcanic arc geotectonic environments.
CEFTRIAXONE-RESISTANT NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE IN A YOUNG MALE: A CASE REPORT HIGHLIGHTING MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES IN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Banamah Omar , Kutbi Mohammed , E. Mohammed Mohammed , K. Alalshaikh Nouf , A. Al Qurashi Abdullah
Published: December 2024

This case report presents a 23-year-old male who presented with dysuria and purulent brownish urethral discharge following unprotected sexual activity. Culture results confirmed infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which exhibited ceftriaxone resistance, complicating the management. The patient was empirically treated with ceftriaxone and azithromycin however, his failure to attend follow-up care raised concerns regarding the resolution of the infection and the potential for further transmission. The absence of documented ceftriaxone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae cases in Saudi Arabia underscores the significance of this case. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains highlights the need for routine culture and susceptibility testing in guiding treatment, as well as the importance of public health strategies to improve adherence to STI treatment and follow-up protocols.
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE FOR SELF-EMPLOYED WORKERS IN MADAGASCAR: ANALYSIS OF THE DETERMINANTS AND IMPACT ON HEALTHCARE USE IN THE ANTANANARIVO-RENIVOHITRA DISTRICT
Authors:   PhD Candidate, Center for Study and Research in Health Economics, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar., H. Razafindrabe Bakolinirina , Randrianantenaina Hajatiana ,   Economic and Social Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Published: December 2024

The health of the self-employed is a key lever for economic and social development in Madagascar. This study explores disparities in access to healthcare between the self-employed and salaried workers, focusing on factors influencing healthcare-seeking behavior. The analysis is based on a survey of 418 participants, including 316 self-employed and 102 salaried workers in the Antananarivo-Renivohitra district. Statistical analyses reveal that distance from health services and lack of health coverage are major barriers to access to care for self-employed. Additionally, in situations where health coverage is unavailable, self-employed workers tend to rely more heavily on self-medication. The applied Multinomial Logit model confirms that factors such as age, distance, income and perception of illness play a significant role in access to care, with significant implications for health policy. These findings highlight the importance of implementing targeted policy measures to enhance healthcare access for self-employed, notably through the expansion of health coverage and the reduction of geographical barriers. Future research should continue to explore strategies for minimizing inequalities in access to healthcare, taking into account the socio-economic specificities of diverse populations.