bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La doctrine Poutine
Authors: Binette Pierre
Published: January 2024

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In this article we will analyze the main approaches to which the Putin doctrine belongs. Russia presents itself to the international community as responsible for the protection and development of Russian civilization and as leader of a movement opposed to Western civilizational imperialism. Russia is trying to diversify its international relations by developing new partnerships, particularly with China. However, Russian military intervention alongside Bashar al-Assad in Syria and the Ukrainian crisis have largely undermined these efforts to build new alliances. If the new partnership with China is not challenged, on the other hand, its positioning as a pole of resistance to Western civilizational imperialism is compromised. The regained power and the opposition to the hegemonic policies of the West are factors that largely explain the exceptional popularity of President Putin. The Russian economy remains fragile, however, its modernization is necessary to reduce its dependence on exports of energy products. However, this modernization is difficult because of Russia’s isolation of European dynamics. Will Putin maintain his level of popularity despite a difficult economic situation?

Dans cet article nous analyserons les principales approches auxquelles se réfère la doctrine Poutine. La Russie se présente à la communauté internationale comme responsable de la pérennité de la civilisation russe et comme leader d’un mouvement d’opposition à l’impérialisme civilisationnel occidental. Celle-ci tente de diversifier ses relations internationales en développant de nouveaux partenariats notamment avec la Chine. Or, l’intervention militaire russe au côté de Bachar el Assad en Syrie et la crise ukrainienne viennent miner en bonne partie ces efforts de construire de nouvelles alliances. Si le nouveau partenariat avec la Chine n’est pas remis en question, en revanche, son positionnement comme pôle de résistance à l’impérialisme civilisationnel occidental est quant à lui compromis. La puissance retrouvée et l’opposition aux prétentions hégémoniques de l’Occident sont des facteurs qui expliquent en grande partie l’exceptionnelle popularité du Président Poutine. L’économie russe reste pourtant fragile, sa modernisation est nécessaire pour réduire sa dépendance face aux exportations de produits énergétiques. Or, cette modernisation s’annonce difficile en raison de son nouvel isolement des dynamiques européennes. V. Poutine saura-t-il maintenir son niveau de popularité malgré une situation économique difficile?

International audience
La loi sur le renseignement du 25 juillet 2015 ou la nécessité…
Authors: Rousset Michel
Published: January 2024

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International audience
Quelles perspectives pour le Fonds Européen de Défense au niveau des Etats membres de l’UE : l’exemple du triangle de Weimar
Authors: Massaux Alexandre
Published: January 2024

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International audience

The European Defence Fund (EDF) leaves a predominant place for EU member states. The Weimar Triangle provides a snapshot of the main trends within the EU in this area. The EDFef is proving to be well received in the three countries, demonstrating its capacity to respond to the challenges despite the persistence of divergences linked to national interests. Moreover, as a fund intended for the defence economy, the Fund have to deal with the economic differences between the States. However, it appears that these difficulties have not prevented the development of certain joint projects.

Le Fonds Européen de défense (FEDef) laisse une place prédominante pour les Etats membres de l’UE. Le triangle de Weimar permet d’offrir une photographie des grandes tendances au sein de l’UE en la matière. Le FEDef s’avère être bien reçu au sein des trois pays démontrant sa capacité à répondre aux enjeux malgré la persistance de divergences liées aux intérêts nationaux. En outre, en tant que Fonds destiné à l’économie de défense, le Fonds doit faire face aux différences économiques entre les Etats. Il apparait néanmoins que ces difficultés n’ont pas empêché l’élaboration de certains projets en communs.
Vue d'ensemble de la conflictualité en 2019 et 2020
Authors: Guilhaudis Jean-François
Published: January 2024

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International audience
Human security and biodiversity
Authors: Ardito Giovanni
Published: January 2024

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International audience

Introduction.-1. The protection and conservation of marine genetic resources for human security.-1.1 'The shifting and bridging' concept of security.-1.2 From the 'cold desert' to thriving biodiversity: The deep-sea ecosystems.-1.3 Bioprospecting for human health: the need to protect and conserve marine genetic resources.-2. Addressing marine genetic resources through the existing legal framework: a legal lacuna.-2.1 The legal framework of the Convention on Biodiversity.-2.2 The legal framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.-2.3 The protection and conservation of marine genetic resources from the Ad hoc Working Group on BBNJ to the Intergovernmental Conference.-2.4 Regulating marine genetic resources: three approaches.-3. The International Seabed Authority: An effective tool for the protection of marine biodiversity?-3.1 The International Seabed Authority and its mandate: from mineral to genetic resources?-3.2 The environmental mandate of the International Seabed Authority.-4. Which role for the International Seabed Authority under the new treaty on BBNJ?-Conclusion.
La sécurité sanitaire internationale face à la pandémie de la Covid-19
Authors: Balmond Louis
Published: January 2024

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La pandémie de la Covid-19, crise sanitaire majeure, s'est progressivement transformée en crise globale touchant tous les domaines économiques, sociaux et culturels et tous les États du monde. La riposte a été à la fois globale parce qu'elle a mobilisé aussi bien les institutions internationales, les États que les acteurs privés mais fractionnée parce qu'elle s'est développée sans gouvernance réelle de la part notamment de l'ONU et de l'OMS. Crise dont tous les effets ne sont pas encore mesurés, elle a accentué la tendance à une nouvelle bipolarisation entre les États-Unis et la Chine et confirmé l'influence des grands groupes privés dans les relations internationales.

International audience

The Covid-19 pandemic, a major health crisis, has gradually turned into a global crisis affecting all economic, social and cultural fields and all States of the world. The response was both global because it mobilized both international institutions, States and private actors, but fragmented because it developed without real governance on the part of the UN and the United Nations in particular. 'WHO. A crisis whose full effects have not yet been measured, it has accentuated the trend towards a new polarization between the United States and China and confirmed the influence of large private groups in international relations.
Chronique « Catastrophes et victimes »
Authors: Balmond Louis
Published: January 2024

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International audience

L'impact global du dérèglement climatique sur les catastrophes naturelles est sans cesse croissant et justifie une attention particulière pour que les instruments et les moyens susceptibles de limiter leurs effets soient efficaces. Les catastrophes anthropiques ayant une portée internationale semblent par contre en régression, celle qui a touché le Liban en 2020 fait cependant exception. Les mouvements de population provoqués par les catastrophes et les conflits font de la question des migrants et des réfugiés un enjeu majeur pour la construction d'une sécurité humaine internationale. La règlementation internationale demeure sur ce point encore embryonnaire, prenant principalement des formes non contraignantes. Pour les victimes des conflits armés, la justice pénale internationale, malgré la persistance de la méfiance des États, connaît un certain nombre d'avancées.

The global impact of climate change on natural disasters is constantly growing and justifies special attention so that the instruments and means likely to limit their effects are effective. On the other hand, man-made disasters with an international scope seem to be on the decline, the one that affected Lebanon in 2020 is however an exception. Population movements caused by disasters and conflicts make the issue of migrants and refugees a major challenge for the construction of international human security. International regulations on this point are still embryonic, mainly taking non-binding forms. For the victims of armed conflicts, international criminal justice, despite the persistence of mistrust on the part of States, has seen a certain number of advances.
Vue d'ensemble de la conflictualité en 2021
Authors: Guilhaudis Jean-François
Published: January 2024

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International audience

Based on the contributions of the main instruments for studying and monitoring conflicts, this annual overview places conflicts of interest to international and european security within a global approach to conflictuality. It takes stock of their human and societal costs (II), their actors (III), their objects (IV), their regional distribution (V), their dynamics (appearance, aggravation, improvement, termination) (VI). Finally, it indicates the trends in the most active conflicts and in conflictuality in general (VII).

À partir des apports des principaux instruments d'étude et de suivi des conflits, cette vue d'ensemble annuelle inscrit les conflits intéressant la sécurité internationale et européenne, dans une approche globale de la conflictualité. Elle fait le point sur leur coût humain et sociétal (II), leurs acteurs (III), leurs objets (IV), leur répartition régionale (V), leur dynamique (apparition, aggravation, amélioration, terminaison) (VI). Elle indique enfin la tendance des conflits les plus actifs et celles de la conflictualité en général (VII).
Chine et Europe centrale et orientale : dans la tourmente des espoirs déçus
Authors: Lasserre Frédéric , Alexeeva Olga V.
Published: January 2024

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Créée en 2012, l’association des 16 pays d’Europe centrale et de la Chine a suscité de vives craintes après le lancement en 2013 de Belt and Road Initiative. Aux yeux de plusieurs pays européens, le rapprochement de la Chine avec les pays d’Europe centrale et orientale (ECO) risquait de faire d’eux des chevaux de Troie de l’influence chinoise au sein de l’Union européenne. Après un enthousiasme initial, les pays de l’ECO ont connu des trajectoires variables dans leur appréciation de cette coopération, allant du maintien officiel de cet enthousiasme en Hongrie, à une réévaluation critique de la portée de celle-ci. Comment est-on passé en quelques années d’un a priori aussi favorable, à une certaine désillusion ? Et quelles sont les perspectives, surtout dans le contexte de l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie ?

Created in 2012, the association of China with the16 Central European countries sparked serious fears after the 2013 launch of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the eyes of several European countries, the rapprochement of China with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) risked making them Trojan horses of Chinese influence within the European Union. After an initial enthusiasm, CEE countries have experienced varying trajectories in their appreciation of this cooperation, ranging from officially maintaining this enthusiasm in Hungary, to a critical reassessment of its scope. How did we go in a few years from such a favorable perception, to a certain disillusionment? And what are the prospects, especially in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

International audience
Conflits et sécurité internationale 2023 1
Authors: Guilhaudis Jean-François
Published: January 2024

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The list of conflicts of importance from the point of view of international security is longer than that of the conflicts currently active. Some conflicts that are still far from war can lead to a new large-scale war. Conflicts, which were violent, seem to have slumbered, or even ended, but could be reawakened. Beyond active conflicts, there is a stock of conflicts that need to be constantly monitored. This study does that every year. It gives an overview of international conflict and then reviews them into six categories – potential conflicts/ conflicts with the potential for aggravation/ active conflicts/ frozen, inactive, dormant, forgotten conflicts/ conflicts in the process of being termi-nated/ and outdated conflicts – 48 conflicts. For each conflict, "Benchmarks" are given - i.e. basic information on the conflict, its determinants, its drivers, its scope (systemic, global/regional, etc., of interest to the State, international law, etc.), the context, the parties, the history, the relevant economic, political, legal elements, etc. - and then in italics the "conflict situation in 2022, 2023". Tables by category and a general table at the end bring together the relevant data.

La liste des conflits importants du point de vue de la sécurité internationale, est plus longue que celle des conflits actuellement actifs. Certains conflits encore loin de la guerre peuvent être porteurs d'une nouvelle guerre de grande ampleur. Des conflits, qui furent violents, semblent endormis, voire terminés, mais pourraient se réveiller. Il existe, au-delà des conflits actifs, un stock de conflits à surveiller constamment. C'est ce que fait, chaque année, cette étude. Elle donne une présentation générale de la conflictualité internationale puis passe en revue en les répartissant en six catégories-conflits potentiels/ conflits à potentiel d'aggravation/ conflits actifs/ conflits gelés, peu actifs, endormis, oubliés/ conflits en voie de terminaison/ et conflits dépassés-48 conflits. Pour chaque conflit sont donnés des « Repères »-c'est à dire des informations de base sur le conflit, ses déterminants, ses ressorts, sa portée (systémique, global/régional…, intéressant l'État, le droit international…), le contexte, les parties, l'histoire, les éléments économiques, politiques, juridiques pertinents etc.-, puis en italiques la « situation du conflit en 2022, 2023 ». Des tableaux par catégorie et un tableau général, à la fin, rassemblent les données significatives.
L'Europe de la défense à l'heure de la guerre d'Ukraine
Authors: Dumoulin André
Published: January 2024

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What progress has the EU made in terms of the European Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) since the second window of opportunity in the 2010s? In what direction have the budgetary, capacity and strategic files evol-ved? The Strategic Compass adopted in March 2022 was strongly “shaken” by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Events in Eastern Europe will overshadow –temporarily or permanently– the most Europeanist postures, precautionary principle… transatlantic requires. This new belligerent environment has cer-tainly upset the CSDP project, partly weakened the most Europeanist percep-tions and highlighted the importance of the transatlantic link within NATO. In addition, Brexit, the Franco-German dilemmas and the new European geo-politics make it necessary to approach European security and defense with new approaches, new scenarios. European credibility is indeed at stake, if not its survival in a world where emerging military powers are shaking up the reassuring certainties of international law while European countries are experiencing a decline in terms of relative economic and demographic weight.

Quelles furent les avancées de l'UE en matière de Politique européenne de sécurité et de défense (PSDC) depuis la deuxième fenêtre d'opportunité des années 2010 ? Dans quel sens ont évolué les dossiers budgétaires, capacitaires et stratégiques ? La Boussole stratégique adoptée en mars 2022 fut fortement « secouée » par l'invasion russe en Ukraine. Les événements à l'Est de l'Europe vont occulter-temporairement ou durablement-les postures les plus européistes, principe de précaution… transatlantique oblige. Ce nouvel environnement belligène a assurément bouleversé le chantier de la PSDC, fragilisé en partie les perceptions les plus européistes et mis en avant l'importance du lien transatlantique au sein de l'OTAN. En outre, le Brexit, les dilemmes franco-allemands et la nouvelle géopolitique européenne imposent d'aborder la sécurité-défense européenne avec de nouvelles approches, de nouveaux scénarios. La crédibilité européenne est bel et bien en jeu, sinon sa survie, dans un monde, où les puissances militaires émergentes bousculent les certitudes rassurantes du droit international alors que les pays européens vivent un déclin en termes de poids relatif économique et démographique.
Le Traité d’Aix-la-Chapelle et la coopération franco-allemande en matière de sécurité et de défense
Authors: Deschaux-Dutard Delphine
Published: January 2024

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This article presents the provisions of the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle concerning security and defence, after recalling the founding act of the Treaty of the Elysée in 1963 and the advances of Franco-German cooperation in the meantime. The Treaty of Aix-la Chapelle is not revolutionary and it does not erase the divergences between the two States but it has an important symbolic significance when the European construction is in a difficult pass.

International audience

Cet article présente les dispositions du traité d’Aix la Chapelle concernant la sécurité et la défense, après avoir rappelé l‘acte fondateur que fut le traité de l’Élysée en 1963 et les avancées de la coopération franco-allemande dans l’intervalle. Le traité d’Aix -la Chapelle n’a rien de révolutionnaire et il n’efface pas les divergences entre les deux États mais il revêt une portée symbolique importante au moment où la construction européenne est dans une passe difficile.
Traité d’interdiction des armes nucléaires, US Nuclear Posture Review 2018…Observations sur les développements récents du dossier nucléaire
Authors: Guilhaudis Jean-François
Published: January 2024

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International audience

After presenting the disturbances that have just affected the nuclear file, since mid 2017 -conclusion of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), nuclear posture Review, questioning of the Iranian nuclear agreement, hardening and then abrupt thinning on the North Korean front...-, this Article attempts to assess their foreseeable and possible impacts on the major constituents of the nuclear file – actors, especially the relations between Have and Have Not, standards, diplomacy – and the dossier itself. This reflection ends with a question: Is it not on the eve of the changeover to another phase of the history of the nuclear dossier, that of the end of the NPT and of widespread deterrence? Or, failing to go so far in the upheaval, of a new period of very strong tensions in the diplomacy of disarmament?

Après avoir présenté les perturbations qui viennent d’affecter le dossier nucléaire depuis la mi 2017 - conclusion du Traité d’interdiction des armes nucléaires (TIAN), Nuclear Posture Review, remise en cause de l’accord nucléaire iranien, durcissement puis brusque éclaircie sur le front nord-coréen… -, cet article tente d’évaluer leurs incidences prévisibles et possibles sur les grands constituants du dossier nucléaire – acteurs, en particulier les relations entre Have et Have Not, normes, diplomatie – et le dossier lui-même. Cette réflexion se termine sur une interrogation : n’est-on pas à la veille du basculement dans une autre phase de l’histoire du dossier nucléaire, celle de la fin du TNP et de la dissuasion généralisée ? Ou, à défaut d’aller si loin dans le bouleversement, d’une nouvelle période de très fortes tensions dans la diplomatie du désarmement ?
La modernisation des arsenaux nucléaires (Inf.5/1-29)
Authors: Guilhaudis Jean-François , Chabbi Mourad
Published: January 2024

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International audience
Les Alliances collectives. (Inf. 2/ 1-11)
Authors: Guilhaudis Jean-François
Published: January 2024

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International audience
Análisis de la relación entre comunicación, periodismo y paz
Authors: Arévalo-Salinas Alex Iván , Barranquero Carretero Alejandro , Herrera Barreda Dagmar
Published: January 2024

Los medios de difusión masiva, como partícipes cada vez más activos de los procesos sociales, poseen inevitablemente un rol sustantivo en la transformación de todo aquello que reflejan. Mediatizan el modo en el que los públicos perciben e interpretan la realidad. El siguiente artículo plantea un análisis histórico conceptual de la relación entre comunicación y paz, sintetizando las interpretaciones otorgadas desde la academia y las instituciones supranacionales. A nivel específico, a partir de la vertiente mediática que tiene como centro los debates en torno a la comunicación de o para la paz y el periodismo de paz, se detiene en este último como paradigma relativamente nuevo que representa una propuesta de movilización y acción comunicativa alternativa para subvertir la violencia cultural. Se concluye que la relación entre la comunicación y la paz es una respuesta ética a la necesidad de mejorar un mundo desigual e injusto desde los discursos, la sensibilización y el diálogo público, partiendo de la premisa de que abordar la paz es una reivindicación por recuperar la función social de los medios, defensores de la democracia.
Application of Real-Time Deep Learning in integrated Surveillance of Maize and Tomato Pests and Bacterial Diseases
Authors: Kirongo Amos Chege , Muketha Geoffrey Muchiri , Mworia Eric , Maitethia Daniel
Published: January 2024

With an emphasis on maize and tomato crops specifically, this research explores the creative fusion of computer vision (CV) and machine learning (ML) to address the enduring problem of pests and crop diseases impacting Kenya's crucial agricultural industry. This study aims to provide farmers with a reliable and accurate tool for identifying pests and diagnosing diseases by using a MobileNetV2-based model. An extensive dataset including photos of both healthy and sick crops was gathered, and preprocessing approaches, such as data augmentation, were used to improve the model's training procedure. The resulting mobile application for real-time digital imaging signifies a major advancement in agriculture technology as it provides farmers with rapid and accessible diagnostic capabilities in addition to professional advice. The transformational potential of CV and ML in transforming agricultural practices is highlighted by this research, despite faced constraints such as data limits and technical accessibility. This research proposes a future where these cutting-edge technologies serve as pillars fortifying food security, empowering farmers with actionable insights, and significantly mitigating crop losses in Kenyan agriculture. It does this by arguing for improved data collection strategies, addressing algorithmic biases, and encouraging technology adoption. This paper contributes an important step toward a more technologically advanced farming environment, where innovative solutions utilizing CV and ML methodologies promise to improve farmer livelihoods and protect Kenya's agriculture from widespread threats in addition to preserving crop health.
PROCESS OF NATIONALISING COMMUNITY SCHOOLS IN MALI
Authors:   Université des Lettres et des Sciences Humaines de Bamako  – ULSHB, Bagayoko Sidy Lamine , Traoré Tiemoko ,   Université des Lettres et des Sciences Humaines de Bamako  – ULSHB
Published: January 2024

In Mali, community schools are non-profit making schools which aim at acquiring and developing instrumental and professional knowledge. They are created and managed by rural or urban communities or associations. Since 2013, the government of Mali has started the process of transformation of community schools in public schools. That process should have as results, the recruitment of all the community schools’ teachers in the State civil service. Ethnographic fieldwork in some community schools and analysis of recent reports on community schools’ transformation in public school are adopted as the core methodological approach of the study. Findings indicated that still in 2020, more than 2/3 of those community schools remained in their former situation, managed by local communities, having the same problems like the lack of proper premises in urban areas. Though some community schools have been nationalised by the government in order to reduce the charge of local communities in terms of funding and management, still they must continue to pay in order to keep their schools functioning. In addition, to know the level of understanding of communities regarding the importance of community schools, this paper is a contribution making the inventory of the state of progress of the process of nationalisation of community schools in Mali and at the same time, the living conditions of newly nationalised school
Ocaso de la metafísica. Epifanía del Eikon
Authors: Llamas Roig Vicente
Published: January 2024

Examen de la doble razón de objetualidad, material / formal, y las subdivisiones de esta última extraídas del tomismo a fin de dirimir el déficit de razón que privaría a la metafísica de su acta de ciencia con la declinación de la causalidad ejemplar. ¿Podría la sustantividad envolvente en sus actuaciones de la totalidad de un sistema sustentar una metafísica contemporánea en pulso con fenomenologías desviadas del autárquico eîdos y del principio de suficiencia constitucional?
Abstract: Examination of the dual reason of objectuality, material / formal, and the subdivisions of the latter extracted from Thomism in order to resolve the deficit of reason that would deprive metaphysics of its certificate of science with the decline of exemplary causality. Could the enveloping substantivity in its actions of the totality of a system support contemporary metaphysics in a fight with phenomenologies deviated from the autarkic eîdos and the principle of constitutional sufficiency?
Implementing an ecoculture: living beyond fear
Authors: Vilas Boas Susana
Published: January 2024

In light of Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si' I will defend the necessity and urgency of implementing an ecoculture in such a way that it is possible to live the present and look to the future beyond the fear of destruction.

The happy dream for the human family, as described in Laudato Si', will mean breaking free from the chains of the paradigm of fear, where having takes precedence over being and, consequently, leads to the agony of the whole Creation in a spiral of survival, where the fullness of life has no place. Ecoculture will make possible a sobriety that is able, without despair or fatalism, to develop an action of compassion for Creation - a compassion in which the human being understands himself as an integral part of Creation, suffering with it whenever destruction is victorious. In an ecoculture, human beings reassume their original role in Creation, abandoning all ambitions and attempts at superiority, but rather seeking the common good of Creation, in which technical progress, policies, and social relations are allies in safeguarding the common home and never sacrificers of integral ecology.
Implementation of Inquiry-Based Learning to Improve Students’ Learning Outcomes in Grade 7 Biology
Authors:   Phnom Penh Teacher Education College, Nang Sreyneath , Kim Boryphal ,   Phnom Penh Teacher Education College, Kong Sam Ol ,   Phnom Penh Teacher Education College
Published: January 2024

Teachers' teaching methods are an important factor in influencing students' learning outcomes. However, some teaching methods are not yet widely used. The objectives of this research are (1) to understand the effectiveness of the implementation of an inquiry-based learning (IBL) method to improve learning outcomes in the biology subject, and (2) to understand the interest and knowledge of students after practicing IBL. The study was conducted in a New Generation School of Preah Sisowath High School with a total of 72 participants from two different classes. The research lasted 10 weeks. It used quantitative research tools, such as a pre-test, post-test, and questionnaire based on a Likert scale. Data analysis was performed in Microsoft Excel to calculate the mean, standard deviation, and p value. The research results showed that, through the implementation of IBL, students’ post-test results had an average score of 33.83, while through the implementation of a traditional method, the average score was 24.57 (p<0.001). Based on the research results, the implementation of IBL enabled students to have better learning outcomes than the traditional teaching and learning method. After implementing IBL, students were satisfied with the practice and developed their knowledge and skills. Overall, the use of IBL not only increased students’ learning outcomes but also helped them develop their experiment skills, collaboration, and responsibility for their work.
Promoting research in Cambodian higher education: Opportunities, challenges, and policy implications
Authors:   Department of Scientific Research, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Heng Kreng , Heng Kimkong ,   Department of Scientific Research, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport
Published: January 2024

• Research in higher education in Cambodia has seen new developments over the past decade. However, there are remaining challenges that need to be addressed to nurture a robust culture of research in the subsector. • To ensure the smooth process of research development in Cambodian higher education, it is important to establish a clear vision and policy for research, with a clear financial commitment, at both the national and institutional levels. Although some research policies exist, more efforts are needed to ensure the effectiveness of the implementation of such research-oriented policies. • It is also crucial to develop research-supporting mechanisms or systems that can stimulate research interests and encourage research activities among Cambodian researchers, academics, and students. This can be done through various means, including the ongoing provision of competitive research funding, research reward schemes, research incentives, research mentorship and training, and research dissemination platforms. • The development of research-supporting mechanisms or systems is essential to nurture a conducive environment for research to grow. Developing such an environment requires a lot of efforts and commitment, and great attention needs to be paid to various factors that facilitate research, including investment in research and research infrastructure, development of an ecosystem that supports research such as research training and mentoring programs, development of communities of research practice, as well as academic promotion, recruitment, and retention that are based on research.
Altitudo sonorum. La conceptualisation de la hauteur de son dans les gloses sur Martianus Capella de Jean Scot, dit l’Érigène
Authors: Anger Violaine
Published: January 2024

La notion de hauteur de son, altitudo sonorum, est essentielle pour la mise au point de l’écriture musicale occidentale : elle associe un élément visuel, le haut et le bas, au son. Elle existe de façon intuitive dans l’écriture neumatique. Une convergence de faits laisse penser que le concept de hauteur de son a été élaboré au ixe siècle dans les milieux scolaires entourant Jean Scot, dit l’Érigène, sous Charles le Chauve, dans une réélaboration de la conception du monde et une réinterprétation de la science léguée par les savants de l’Antiquité.
Vatikano dokumentai, skirti meno ir istorijos paveldui saugoti
Authors: Kajackas Algimantas Vincas
Published: January 2024

The Second Vatican Council declared the Cons titution on the Sacred Liturgy (Lat.: Sacrosanctum Consilium”) in 1963. It started the liturgical renewal of the Church. The Second Vatican Council farsaw that during the process of liturgical renewal, a reform of the interior of church buildings would be inevitable. In order to prevent the change of the heritage of religious art and history it promulgated sound and extensive articles regarding the building of new churches and the protection of heritage of art and history preserved in ancient churches (SC 44-46; 121-129). In 1971 “Congregatio pro Clericis” issued “Litterae circulates” for chairmen of national conferences of bishops which supplemented articles of “Sacrosanctum Consilium” paying particular attention to the preservation, registration and ivaluation of treasures of art. The Code of Canon Law newly published in 1983 reiterates laws issued in previous codes which administrate the building of new churches, their ornamenting and articles about the preservation of the ancient historical heritage (can. 821; can. 1216; can. 12922; can. 1317; can 13712). Finally, the Constitution “Pastor bonus” promulgated by Pope John Paul II which reorganized the Roman Curia, established at Congregatio pro Clericis Pontifical Commision for preservation of art and history. This Commission is charged with consulting and assisting local Churches in looking after the cultural heritage. It is obvious that we do have wide and exhaustive documents of the Church which regulate the heritage of art and history.
Protected areas management: A case study of the State enterprise "Srbijašume"
Authors: Vasić Vladimir , Jančić Gordana
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to perform an analysis of the management of protected areas in the Republic of Serbia, with special reference to the management of protected areas entrusted to the State Enterprise for Forest Management “Srbijašume”. Method of evaluating the natural and created values of an area, procedures for placing certain parts of nature under protection, management of protected natural assets, appointment of the manager of the protected area were analyzed. For this purpose, data on the protection and management of protected areas on the territory of Serbia in the period 1948–2022 were collected and analyzed, i.e. data on the protection and management of protected areas under the jurisdiction of SE “Srbijašume”. Serbia is characterized by a rich and diverse natural heritage that is reflected in a wide range of geological, geomorphological, pedological, climatic, hydrological and biological diversity. A large number and diversity of plant and animal species, their communities and ecosystems make Serbia a Europe in miniature, and one of the centers of its biological diversity. In order to preserve special natural values and improve their condition, certain parts or natural ecosystems, as well as species, are declared protected natural assets. According to the Law on Nature Protection, protected natural assets in Serbia are protected areas, protected species and movable protected natural documents. For the management of 93 protected areas of national importance that cover an area of 623 011 ha (90% of the total area protected in Serbia), 49 managers have been appointed. The State Enterprise for Forest Management “Srbijašume” manages 54 protected areas on a land surface of 348 725 ha, which is 51.4% of the total land surface of protected areas in Serbia (691 434 ha or 7.81% of the Republic of Serbia). Preservation, protection and improvement of natural values represent part of the strategy and one of the key goals in the business policy of SE “Srbijašume”, the leading enterprise in the management of protected areas. Of the total land surface of protected areas, there are 9445.63 ha (2.71%) in the protection regime of 1st degree, 64 679.07 ha (18.52%) in 2nd degree of protection, and 274 699.96 ha (78,77%) in 3rd degree of protection. In paper stated that protected and preserved nature ensures the permanent existence of fundamental values and potential for the development of Serbia. Based on the analysis of the current way of managing of the protected areas, the paper proposed the measures that should be implemented for the efficient functioning of protected areas.
Morphometric characters of Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd. leaves under the heterogeneous urban environments in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Hrkić Ilić Zorana , Šumatić Nada
Published: January 2024

Urban environments are often polluted with numerous contaminants originating from extensive traffic, industry and heating systems. London planetree (Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd.) is considered as a tree species resistant to air pollutants and climate changes in urban environments. Its resistance is based on the traits of adaptation to dry and warm conditions, bioindication of the degree of urban pollution and plant species with an important role in the nature-inspired solutions for urban areas sustainability. Therefore, this study aims to determine the differences in the morphometric traits of the leaf blade of London planetree, regarding the urban conditions of several cities in the Republic of Srpska. The study was carried out during May-June 2019. Trees for leaf sampling were selected in urban parks and alleys surrounded by high-traffic density streets. At the morphological level, the following leaf blade traits were analyzed: leaf blade length (L), maximum width of the axis of the midrib (W), distance from the midrib to the right margin (X), distance from the midrib to the left margin (Y), distance from the right lateral vein to the main vein (WR), distance from the left lateral vein to the main vein (WL), length of the right lateral vein (RL) and length of the left lateral vein (LL). The results showed that foliar comparisons have been useful in the determination of morphological differences of urban trees influenced by contrasting urban environments. Our results indicate that, based on leaf blade morphometric characters, Bijeljina was distinguished as a separate urban area, Doboj and Prijedor were grouped, while Banja Luka and Trebinje formed the second group. The results indicate the importance of applied analysis in the biological monitoring of the pollution level of urban environments.
Traditional ecological knowledge in forestry: Trends and prospects
Authors: Czarny Toby
Published: January 2024

Ensuring the protection of natural environments is vital for the prosperity of future generations. In all forested regions of the globe, local traditions have been essential in creating healthy human-forest relationships. These practices can be summed up as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), forming an increasingly important factor to consider when developing practical and effective forestry policy. Despite the international community’s gradual acceptance of TEK as a valid policy guide, the field of forestry in many regions of the world continually ignores this crucial concept. As such, many forest ecosystems are harvested in ways that do not reflect the values of local - and often indigenous - communities, resulting in socio-economic divisions and unsustainable environmental degradation. This paper examines the state of TEK in the forestry sector through conducting a comprehensive literature synthesis of thirty-six published papers. Based on trends within the selected literature, the majority of articles identify TEK as providing social, political and economic benefits to the forestry sector. The literature also indicates that governmental and non-governmental forestry actors have and continue to neglect TEK as a policy tool, with 72% of the works examined directly discussing the damaging effects of this trend. The implications of these results are discussed in the light of temporal issues relating to the forestry sector, providing an impetus for both academics and leaders in forestry to consider the importance of TEK in policy and research.
Moral and ethical aspects of the activities of private military companies. Part 2.
Authors: Sokolov Roman , Melnikov Anton , Ryzhov Igor , Rogozhina Evgeniya Mikhailovna
Published: January 2024

As part of the continuation of the study of the moral and ethical aspects of the activities of private military companies, the authors in this work study the internal factors of PMC activities that form their perception by society. The work becomes particularly relevant in the context of the special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces on the territory of Ukraine, where, according to official media reports, private military companies of Russia played a significant role in achieving the goals of the SVO. The rhetoric of the media about PMC fighters on the side of Russia changed to the opposite after the demarche of PMC "Wagner". The focus of this study is made on the causes and patterns in the operational activities of PMC concerning the formation of a staff to the use of various tactics of armed operations, which are the greatest triggers of negative perception. The research methodology is based on a systematic approach that allows to fully explore the directions of the relationship between individual criteria in recruitment, management methods and principles in the activities of PMCs and their representation in the public consciousness. Content analysis of publications in the media and social networks was used as a basis for the study of public perception. The consideration of private military companies from the point of view of their corporate culture is unique. The image of the company is formed by its actions and those who work for it and those for whom they work. The authors establish a system of relationships between these factors and the attitude to these companies on the part of society, systematize the directions of influence of these factors and draw a general and private conclusion about what role they play and how to reduce negative manifestations.
Resting-state alterations in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia are related to the distribution of monoamine and GABA neurotransmitter systems
Authors: Hahn Lisa , Eickhoff Simon B , Mueller Karsten , Schilbach Leonhard , Barthel Henryk , Fassbender Klaus , Fliessbach Klaus , Kornhuber Johannes , Prudlo Johannes , Synofzik Matthis , Wiltfang Jens , Diehl-Schmid Janine ,   FTLD Consortium, Otto Markus , Dukart Juergen , Schroeter Matthias L
Published: January 2024

Background:

Aside to clinical changes, behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is characterized by progressive structural and functional alterations in frontal and temporal regions. We examined if there is a selective vulnerability of specific neurotransmitter systems in bvFTD by evaluating the link between disease-related functional alterations and the spatial distribution of specific neurotransmitter systems and their underlying gene expression levels.

Methods:

Maps of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) were derived as a measure of local activity from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging for 52 bvFTD patients (mean age = 61.5 ± 10.0 years; 14 females) and 22 healthy controls (HC) (mean age = 63.6 ± 11.9 years; 13 females). We tested if alterations of fALFF in patients co-localize with the non-pathological distribution of specific neurotransmitter systems and their coding mRNA gene expression. Furthermore, we evaluated if the strength of co-localization is associated with the observed clinical symptoms.

Results:

Patients displayed significantly reduced fALFF in frontotemporal and frontoparietal regions. These alterations co-localized with the distribution of serotonin (5-HT1b and 5-HT2a) and γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAa) receptors, the norepinephrine transporter (NET), and their encoding mRNA gene expression. The strength of co-localization with NET was associated with cognitive symptoms and disease severity of bvFTD.

Conclusions:

Local brain functional activity reductions in bvFTD followed the distribution of specific neurotransmitter systems indicating a selective vulnerability. These findings provide novel insight into the disease mechanisms underlying functional alterations. Our data-driven method opens the road to generate new hypotheses for pharmacological interventions in neurodegenerative diseases even beyond bvFTD.

Funding:

This study has been supported by the German Consortium for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF; grant no. FKZ01GI1007A).
Dynamics of macrophage polarization support Salmonella persistence in a whole living organism
Authors: Leiba Jade , Sipka Tamara , Begon-Pescia Christina , Bernardello Matteo , Tairi Sofiane , Bossi Lionello , Gonzalez Anne-Alicia , Mialhe Xavier , Gualda Emilio J , Loza-Alvarez Pablo , Blanc-Potard Anne , Lutfalla Georges , Nguyen-Chi Mai E
Published: January 2024

Numerous intracellular bacterial pathogens interfere with macrophage function, including macrophage polarization, to establish a niche and persist. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of macrophage polarization during infection within host remain to be investigated. Here, we implement a model of persistent Salmonella Typhimurium infection in zebrafish, which allows visualization of polarized macrophages and bacteria in real time at high resolution. While macrophages polarize toward M1-like phenotype to control early infection, during later stages, Salmonella persists inside non-inflammatory clustered macrophages. Transcriptomic profiling of macrophages showed a highly dynamic signature during infection characterized by a switch from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory/pro-regenerative status and revealed a shift in adhesion program. In agreement with this specific adhesion signature, macrophage trajectory tracking identifies motionless macrophages as a permissive niche for persistent Salmonella. Our results demonstrate that zebrafish model provides a unique platform to explore, in a whole organism, the versatile nature of macrophage functional programs during bacterial acute and persistent infections.
Toolkits for detailed and high-throughput interrogation of synapses in C. elegans
Authors: Majeed Maryam , Han Haejun , Zhang Keren , Cao Wen Xi , Liao Chien-Po , Hobert Oliver , Lu Hang
Published: January 2024

Visualizing synaptic connectivity has traditionally relied on time-consuming electron microscopy-based imaging approaches. To scale the analysis of synaptic connectivity, fluorescent protein-based techniques have been established, ranging from the labeling of specific pre- or post-synaptic components of chemical or electrical synapses to transsynaptic proximity labeling technology such as GRASP and iBLINC. In this paper, we describe WormPsyQi, a generalizable image analysis pipeline that automatically quantifies synaptically localized fluorescent signals in a high-throughput and robust manner, with reduced human bias. We also present a resource of 30 transgenic strains that label chemical or electrical synapses throughout the nervous system of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, using CLA-1, RAB-3, GRASP (chemical synapses), or innexin (electrical synapse) reporters. We show that WormPsyQi captures synaptic structures in spite of substantial heterogeneity in neurite morphology, fluorescence signal, and imaging parameters. We use these toolkits to quantify multiple obvious and subtle features of synapses – such as number, size, intensity, and spatial distribution of synapses – in datasets spanning various regions of the nervous system, developmental stages, and sexes. Although the pipeline is described in the context of synapses, it may be utilized for other ‘punctate’ signals, such as fluorescently tagged neurotransmitter receptors and cell adhesion molecules, as well as proteins in other subcellular contexts. By overcoming constraints on time, sample size, cell morphology, and phenotypic space, this work represents a powerful resource for further analysis of synapse biology in C. elegans.