bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey on Revolutionizing E-Learning: Notes, Chatbots and Data Analysis
Authors: Jagtap Avantika Anil , Mane Aditya Rajendra , Shinde Dhairyasheel Santosh , Jugale Pooja Amar , Nimbalkar Pratham Prakash
Published: May 2024

In today's technology-driven era, E-Learning Management Systems (LMS) are revolutionizing education and professional development. These comprehensive digital platforms facilitate the delivery, administration, and evaluation of online courses and training programs. With features such as progress tracking, assessments, and detailed reporting, LMSs offer a structured, flexible, and accessible learning experience. They have transformed traditional classrooms into virtual learning spaces, offering online courses, blended learning programs, and entirely digital degree programs in the academic realm. In the corporate world, businesses rely on these systems to provide professional development and compliance training, ensuring consistency and standardization across geographical locations. Highly adaptable and customizable, E-Learning Management Systems cater to diverse learning needs, incorporating features like discussion forums, chat tools, and interactive multimedia content to enhance engagement and collaboration among learners.
Place-based post graduate education case analysis: Experiential learning at the work-place
Authors: Carlos Tria Ma. Felma , Gano Leila R. , Filoteo Justinian , Imingan Eva , Gonzales Mary Jane , Dellosa Leny
Published: May 2024

This research analyzed three (3) cases in the Institute of Graduate & Professional Studies (IGPS) at Universidad de Manila where place-based education (PBE) was realized at the place of work of post graduate students through experiential learning. In addition, actual experiences of executive scholars who underwent training at  the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) under the CHED-AIM program “Global Academic Leadership Program (GALP) for Local Universities and Colleges” (LUC) shared their experiences to give additional enlightenment on the impact of place-based education. Results underline the success impact of PBE to post graduate students’ integration of principles, theories, skills, frameworks, and methodologies learned from the courses of the program and applied in the place of work.  Utilization of the PBE learning approach has proven to increase the academic achievement of students in their post-graduate studies. Two (2) models were formulated from results, both giving evidence of  the
utilization and implementation of graduate students’ own learning to the real-life experiences at the workplace,
in response to and in alignment with  the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) No. 4 (Quality Education)
Memlûk Kıpçak Sahasında Yazılmış Sözlük–Gramerlerde Kılınış
Authors: Sökmen Süleyman Alper
Published: May 2024

Çalışmamız üç bölümden oluşmaktadır. İlk bölümde Kıpçak Türkçesiyle yazılmış eserler sıralanmıştır. Sonra fiil kavramı üzerinde durulmuş; geleneksel ve dilbilimsel fiil sınıflandırmaları verilmiştir. Bu bölümde ayrıca kılınış, kılınış görünüş ilişkisi ve kılınışa göre yapılmış fiil tasnifleri üzerinde durulmuştur. İkinci bölümde Memlûk Kıpçak sahasında yazılmış sözlük-gramerlerde geçen fiillerin kılınış uygulaması yapılmıştır. Memlûk Kıpçak sahasında yazılmış sözlük- gramerlerde yer alan fiilleri tespit ettikten sonra, Johanson’un ortaya koyduğu kılınış ölçütlerine göre bu fiillerin iç zamanlarını üç grupta (ön sınırı vurgulayanlar, son sınırı vurgulayanlar ve sınır vurgulamayanlar) ele aldık. Dolayısıyla çalışmamız, metin bağlamsal değil, sözlüksel bir çalışma olmuştur. Değerlendirme ve sonuç başlığında ise Memlûk Kıpçak sahasında yazılmış sözlük-gramerlerde geçen fiillerin kılınış özellikleriyle ilgili bulguları sayısal ve oransal olarak ortaya koyup yorumladık.
The Cuban pañoleta and the standardization of educational individuals
Authors: Aguilar Santos Jeisil
Published: May 2024

The objective of the research is to analyze how the normalization of the individuals in Cuba is expressed through the meanings and rituals associated with the pañoleta, considered as a fetish, within the context of the Cuban primary educational institutionalism. The research seeks to understand how fetishes, as well as the rituals and myths surrounding them, contribute to the formation of political subjectivity, construction and normalization of individuals within the educational system, focusing specifically on primary education where the process of disciplining begins. Through a qualitative and interpretative methodology, the relationship between the concepts of normalization and control according to Foucault's perspective and the Cuban educational reality will be examined by means of a bibliographic review and interviews to teachers and elementary school principals. The final objective is to obtain a deeper understanding of how rituals and symbols, such as the pañoleta, influence the shaping of identity and adherence to norms within the Cuban educational context, which could provide relevant information for the analysis of the ideological discourse present in Cuban primary schools. In addition to the bibliographical review on the subject, qualified informants are interviewed to correlate the theoretical and historical aspects to the particular realities of teachers and principals of educational institutions in exercise for the last 20 years.
ANALISIS MENGENAI DAMPAK LINGKUNGAN (AMDAL) SEBAGAI INSTRUMEN UNTUK MENCEGAH KERUSAKAN LINGKUNGAN
Authors: Muhimat Kafiyal
Published: May 2024

Aktivitas pembangunan yang dilakukan dalam berbagai bentuk usaha atau kegiatan pada dasarnya akan menimbulkan dampak terhadap lingkungan. Sementara itu, eksistensi lingkungan sangat penting bagi kehidupan manusia sehingga kelestariannya perlu dijaga. Melalui AMDAL, dampak besar dan penting yang diperkirakan akan timbul dapat diidentifikasi, dievaluasi, dan diupayakan langkah-langkah penangananya. AMDAL dapat menjadi pedoman bagi pemrakarsa dan instansi/lembaga yang terlibat dan terkait, dalam menentukan kebijaksanaan pengelolaan lingkungan hidup baik pada skala tapak proyek maupun skala regional, sehingga permasalahan lingkungan yang menjadi dampaknya bisa dihindari, diminimalisir, juga dikelola dan dipantau. Selanjutnya, jika pengelolaan lingkungan bisa berjalan, maka kesehatan lingkungan bisa terjaga. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui peran Analisis Mengenai Dampak Lingkungan (AMDAL) sebagai instrumen untuk mencegah terjadinya kerusakan lingkungan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian dengan menggunakan metode studi kepustakaan atau literatur review, dengan melakukan pencarian di database online Google Scholar melalui tahapan pemilihan jurnal berdasarkan kriteria kelayakan. Hasil penelitian diperoleh 5 jurnal yang menunjukan bahwa izin mempunyai urgensi tertentu, salah satunya adalah sebagai instrumen untuk melindungi kepentingan dan sebagai alat bukti dalam hal ada kepemilikan. Undang-Undang secara langsung menyebutkan bahwa perizinan sebagai bagian dari instrumen pencegahan pencemaran, perusakan dan kerusakan lingkungan hidup. Salah satu izin lingkungan yaitu izin yang diberikan kepada setiap orang yang melakukan usaha dan/atau kegiatan yang wajib AMDAL atau UKL-UPL. Kesimpulan, AMDAL sebagai izin lingkungan berperan sebagai instrumen yang dapat mencegah terjadinya kerusakan lingkungan.
Some topical issues related to the activities of non-governmental forensic experts in the Russian Federation
Authors: Фурсов В.В.
Published: May 2024

В статье указывается на необходимость постоянного повышения профессионального уровня и квалификации судебных экспертов. Отмечено несовершенство перечней родов и видов судебных экспертиз различных ведомств в России, обусловленное отсутствием единой классификации судебных экспертиз. Предложено совершенствование методического обеспечения для экспертов. С целью формирования нормативной правовой базы, с помощью которой будет регулироваться, деятельность негосударственных (частнопрактикующих) судебных экспертов и организаций в Российской Федерации предлагается изучить положительный опыт функционирования негосударственных судебных экспертов в различных странах.

The article points to the need for continuous improvement of the professional level and qualifications of forensic experts. The imperfection of the lists of genera and types of forensic examinations of various departments in Russia is noted, due to the lack of a unified classification of forensic examinations. The improvement of methodological support for experts is proposed. In order to form a regulatory legal framework with the help of which the activities of non-state (private practitioners) forensic experts and organizations in the Russian Federation will be regulated, it is proposed to study the positive experience of the functioning of non-state forensic experts in various countries.
Влияние природных полисахаридов и их производных на всхожесть семян растений
Authors: Мұсабаева Б.Х. , Сүлейменова М.С. , Силыбаева Б.М.
Published: May 2024

Зертханалық жағдайда табиғи полисахаридтер мен олардың туындыларының шалғам мен үрмебұршақ тұқымдарының өсу энергиясы мен өнгіштігіне әсері зерттелді. Ол үшін тұқымдар Петри табақшаларында полисахаридтердің 1% ерітінділерімен өңделіп, 200С температурадағы термостатта қараңғыда өсірілді. Жүргізілген эксперименттер нәтижелері барлық зерттелген полисахаридтердің шалғам тұқымдарының өнуіне оң әсер ететінін көрсетті. Үрмебұршақ тұқымдарының өнуі барлық жағдайларда шалғам тұқымдарына қарағанда төмен болды, алайда полисахаридтермен өңделген үрмебұршақ тұқымдарының өсу энергиясы және өнгіштігі бақылаумен салыстырғанда жоғары болатыны көрсетілген. Айрықша қасиетті метолоза полисахариді көрсетті, метолозомен өңдеу үрмебұршақ тұқымдарының өнуін тежейтіні көрсетілген. Жалпы, табиғи полисахаридтерді өсімдіктердің өсуін реттеуші ретінде тұқымның өну кезеңінде де, өсімдіктердің одан әрі өсу фазаларында да пайдалануға болады деп санаймыз.

В лабораторных условиях изучено влияние природных полисахаридов и их производных на энергию прорастания и всхожесть семян редиса и фасоли. Для этого семена в чашках Петри были обработаны 1% растворами полисахаридов, затем помещены в термостат при температуре 200С. Результаты проведенных экспериментов показали, что все изученные полисахариды оказывают положительное влияние на всхожесть семян редиса. Всхожесть семян фасоли оказалась ниже, чем у семян редиса во всх случаях, однако, показано, что полисахариды повышают энергию прорастания и всхожесть семян фасоли по сравнению с контролем. Исключение составила метолоза, обнаружено, что обработка метолозой угнетает всхожесть семян фасоли. В целом, считаем, что природные полисахариды могут быть использованы в качестве регуляторов роста растений как в фазе прорастания семян, так и при дальнейшем росте растений.

The effect of natural polysaccharides and their derivatives on the germination energy and germination of radish and bean seeds was studied in the laboratory. To do this, the seeds in Petri dishes were treated with 1% polysaccharide solutions, then placed in a thermostat at 200C. The results of the experiments showed that all the studied polysaccharides have a positive effect on the germination of radish seeds. The germination rate of bean seeds was lower than that of radish seeds in all cases, however, polysaccharides were shown to increase the germination energy and germination rate of bean seeds compared to the control. The exception was metolose, it was found that treatment with metolose inhibits the germination of bean seeds. In general, we consider that natural polysaccharides can be used as plant growth regulators both during the seed germination phase and during further plant growth.
Cuando una línea sale a pasear...
Authors: Apolonio Laura , Garrido-Román Mar
Published: May 2024

Investigamos en este artículo la relación entre caminar y dibujar como acciones que presentan múltiples afinidades porque revelan nuestra con-dición existencial espacio-temporal. También nos hacen percatarnos de que vivir es transitar, reco-rrer un camino y dejar una huella. Desde el dibujo como gesto, huella personal y testigo de nuestra interrelación con el ecosistema en el que vivimos, a las caminatas de los Walking-artists donde el gesto se hace dibujo, caminar y dibujar se muestran como actividades impulsadas por un mismo afán de ampliar el horizonte y aprehender nuevos territo-rios tanto físicos como conceptuales. Ambas ponen el cuerpo en movimiento y nos llevan a la toma de conciencia de nuestra unicidad existencial. Son ges-to, recorrido, trayectoria y también conquista, toma de posesión, delimitación. El resultado en ambas crea una línea. Caminar y dibujar son acciones que, al aumentar nuestra conciencia del aquí y ahora y del entorno, pueden llegar a transformar nuestra reflexión estética, ofreciendo un espacio privile-giado para la formación de un pensamiento crítico capaz de dar respuestas éticas y de producir un significativo cambio social, especialmente en esta época de crisis climática.
Autoras contemporáneas en el cómic español. María Medem, Ana Galvañ, Marta Cartu y Miriam Muñoz
Authors: Hernández Ávila Marina , Muñoz Seco Eva María
Published: May 2024

El cómic de autoras femeninas se ha incrementado a lo largo de los últimos años en el panorama español y, su desarrollo expresivo y visual, se ha visto impulsado gracias a las editoriales e imprentas especializadas en dar visibilidad y soporte a este tipo de publicaciones. Y es, en el mercado de cómic para adultos, donde han ganado en popularidad, evolucionando de la autoedición de fanzines alternativos con pequeñas tiradas, a ocupar los primeros puestos en las librerías españolas. Las redes sociales como Tik Tok e Instagram, han contribuido a su difusión e impacto entre un público juvenil e internacional.
Partiendo de los escasos estudios académicos publicados sobre autoras de cómic contemporáneo español, se ha considerado realizar una investigación enfocada en la obra gráfica y trayectoria profesional de las autoras María Medem, Ana Galvañ, Marta Cartu y Miriam Muñoz. El estudio tiene como objetivo principal, el análisis comparativo de la obra gráfica de las autoras, así como de sus influencias estéticas y técnicas visuales utilizadas que demostrará, a modo de conclusión, el impacto e influencia en la narrativa gráfica española, en la actualidad.
La evolución del diseño posmoderno y su reflejo en la marca-país de España (1980-1992)
Authors: Díaz Mesa Haridian , Ruiz Rallo Alfonso
Published: May 2024

El artículo analiza la evolución del diseño posmoderno en España y su influencia en la construcción de la marca-país, popularmente conocida como el «sol de Miró». En los años del franquismo, España había ocupado una posición generalmente periférica respecto a la modernidad, pero la transición hacia la democracia trajo consigo un ambiente de libertad y marcó el inicio de una explosión creativa. Este periodo de transformación cultural se caracterizó por una actitud de protesta y la búsqueda constante de enfoques innovadores. Los argumentos a favor del «buen diseño» perdieron relevancia frente a una estética de «antidiseño» que rechazaba lo formal y lo conceptual, alejándose del Estilo Internacional que había dominado previamente. Los límites entre el diseño y el arte se fusionaron, considerando al diseñador como un artista en sí mismo. En este contexto, nace la imagen de España como destino turístico, convirtiéndose en un hito en el mundo del diseño gráfico y dejando una profunda huella en la promoción de destinos turísticos a nivel mundial.
El objetivo principal de este artículo es explorar la relación entre el diseño posmoderno en España y la creación de su marca-país. Este estudio proporciona un análisis del movimiento posmoderno en el diseño, evalúa los elementos que contribuyeron a la formación de la imagen de marca de España e investiga la relevancia del «sol de Miró» y su influencia en el diseño de otras marcas.
Geological mapping in the Argentine Frontal Cordillera (~30°30’ S) using ASTER images
Authors: Bertoa del Llano Macarena , Mescua José Francisco , Litvak Vanesa Dafne , Lothari Lucas Daniel , Mackaman-Lofland Chelsea , Vanderleest Rebecca A. , Echaurren Andrés
Published: May 2024

The eastern flank of the Argentine Frontal Cordillera at ~30°30’ S is a remote area with rugged topography and high elevations that hinder geological field mapping. This task is also challenging because several outcrops are dominated by Permian-Triassic and Cenozoic volcanic rocks of intermediate to acid compositions with scarce geochronological age constraints. In this work, we use ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) data to clarify the structural and stratigraphic framework of the region. Visible and near infrared (VNIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) band combinations, integrated with field observations, are effective in identifying first-order geological features. In addition, the Semi-Automatic Classification Plugin (SCP; a free open-source plugin for QGIS) is capable of discriminating lithological units and is especially useful to visualize their distribution. Results presented here allow us to characterize Permian-Triassic and Cenozoic units, propose tentative correlations between the Permian-Triassic rocks, and outline major tectonic structures in the study area. This work demonstrates the capability of ASTER data to improve geological mapping, especially in those places where field work is difficult.
Blessed Victors
Authors: Sutcliffe Ruth
Published: May 2024

The late second through third centuries saw the remarkable confluence of the early church’s developing identity, theological understanding and praxis, with a period of opposition and intermittent persecution from the world around it. Theology necessarily engaged with the persecution experience, as the church considered the goodness and providence of God, the Name to be confessed and the purposeful outcome of the antagonism they faced. Ruth Sutcliffe argues that the early fathers’ theological understanding of the role of persecution in the Christian life informed their exhortations to individual and communal response, contributing to the church’s remarkable survival and growth through this period.

Four great thinkers of this era — Clement and Origen of Alexandria and Tertullian and Cyprian of Carthage — each have much to contribute to a theological understanding of Christian persecution, and Sutcliffe explores their widely different perspectives, intellectual milieu and experiences. She explains these differences and similarities in terms of their use of the Scriptures, in conversation with their own contexts and agendas; concluding that their differences in approach to persecution can be explained theologically, and that these differences offer a unique window into their respective thought. Despite such differences, Sutcliffe stresses that the early church did have a fundamentally coherent “theology of persecution” which speaks to the worldwide church today.

Sutcliffe analyses and compares the writings of Clement and Origen of Alexandria and Tertullian and Cyprian of Carthage to discover a theology of persecution and of martyrdom in the early church. This theology is explored through comparison of the fathers’ answers to five questions, concerning the origin, reason for and telos of persecution of Christians, and the appropriate individual and collective responses to persecution, as they perceived it. By attending to benchmark New Testament passages used by the four fathers, the role of patristic exegesis in formulating theology, and the effect of established theological ideas on scriptural interpretation is elucidated to account for the similarities and differences of their conclusions. Sutcliffe finds that, despite some significant differences in foundational theology, these four fathers had an overall common trajectory in their theologies of persecution, centred on confession of the name of Christ as a locus of victory in a cosmic battle, which renders the persecuted “blessed.” Nevertheless, important practical differences arise from their differing perspectives on the nature of Christian confession and its relationship to martyrdom, flight, apostasy and apologetics.
Doing Theology with Photographs
Authors: Dunlop Sarah
Published: May 2024

This book is the first of its kind to fully explain how to use photographs for research within Practical Theology. An essential tool for anyone exploring how visual material can shed light on their research questions, the book functions as a guide to using the methods well. It includes a rationale for using photographs within the emerging field of empirical work within theology, which is useful for students or others within the academy who need to justify using a visual approach for their research projects and dissertations.

Drawing on the author’s own experience of using visual approaches, the book covers a variety of visual methods, including photojournalism, different types of photo elicitation, photo voice and studies of visual social media. Each chapter illustrates the method under discussion via a case study and photographs and contains a practical guide to using the method well and avoiding pitfalls. Additionally, the book explores how photographs can be used to resource theological reflection and spirituality, thus linking research and faithful practice within the rational for using visual material.

Designed for the classroom use, each chapter contains:

- Chapter summary (learning points)

- Background information

- ‘How to’ with examples of research projects

- Advantages and limitations of the method

- Conclusion
Female Art and Agency in Yugoslavia, 1971–2001
Authors: Foerschner Anja
Published: May 2024

Despite having become marginalized on the map of contemporary art since the wars of the 1990s, the regions of former Yugoslavia continue to be a hub of creative activity. Especially noteworthy is the strong presence of women artists, scholars, and activists whose deeply personal, yet highly political artwork is rooted in a long legacy of female artistic agency. Building on existing scholarship as well as original research, this book highlights how female figures – through art and exhibition making, writing, mentorship, and activism – have shaped the alternative art scene in former Yugoslavia and placed the region firmly on the map of the international post-avantgarde.

Using the founding of the Student Cultural Center Belgrade in 1971 as a starting point, the book details the pioneering work of women in the realm of curation, where they developed radical exhibition concepts and programs that furthered the development of the New Art Practice and embedded Yugoslavia firmly on the map of the international postwar-avantgardes. It highlights the agency of female artists in the then-novel realms of performance art, video art, and new media art and shows how their work has helped these disciplines to gain the impact they retain until the present day. What is more, it shows how female cultural workers have courageously used their work to further the discourse on gender, sexuality, and the female body and, at a time when they saw themselves stripped of basic rights by the chauvinist-nationalist regimes emerging after Yugoslavia’s breakup, formed a strong artistic and activist opposition.

Highlighting the role of women in the diversification of the ex-Yugoslavia states and its highly unique cultural and political landscape, this book addresses the noticeable gap in art historical scholarship that exists not only around Yugoslavia and its successor states, but especially on its female representatives.
Exploring Ecolinguistics
Authors: Ponton Douglas Mark
Published: May 2024

Contributing to the rapidly emerging field of Ecolinguistics, this book explores the role of language in mediating and determining our relationship with nature and in shaping attitudes and social practices in environmental areas. In doing so, it maps out research pathways for informed ecological debate that concerns both the planet and the discipline.

The book centres on two case studies. The first is a nature reserve near Siracusa in Sicily run by Fabio Cilea, where flamingos have begun to breed despite the devastation of the nearby coastline by one of the largest petro-chemical plants in Europe. The second is High Ash farm, a small farm near Norwich. Farmer, Chris Skinner, is a passionate naturalist who for thirty years has presented a programme on BBC Radio Norfolk. Through analysing the discourse of both Skinner and Cilea, the book explores what it can reveal about the underlying environmental visions that sustain them. Together with the discourse of other engaged ecological figures, a picture emerges of the connections that exist between our beliefs/attitudes, language and the natural world.

Presenting a framework for analysing environmental discourse from a primarily positivist standpoint, the book draws attention to the discourses that underline social practices felt to be useful, necessary and beneficial in these moments of environmental crisis. Although these contexts are European, the methodologies applied, as well as the ecological and linguistic issues dealt with, are universal, clarifying the relationship between social practices and language itself, viewed in the book as an ecosystem that is also in need of loving attention.
Projected Fears
Authors: Phillips Kendall R.
Published: May 2024

Movie audiences seem drawn, almost compelled, toward tales of the horrific and the repulsive. Partly because horror continues to evolve radically—every time the genre is deemed dead, it seems to come up with another twist—it has been one of the most often-dissected genres. Here, author Kendall Phillips selects ten of the most popular and influential horror films—includingDracula,Night of the Living Dead,Halloween,The Silence of the Lambs, andScream, each of which has become a film landmark and spawned countless imitators, and all having implications that transcend their cinematic influence and achievement. By tracing the production history, contemporary audience response, and lasting cultural influence of each picture, Phillips offers a unique new approach to thinking about the popular attraction to horror films, and the ways in which they reflect both cultural and individual fears. Though stylistically and thematically very different, all of these movies have scared millions of eager moviegoers. This book tries to figure out why.
The Reconstruction of Economics
Authors: Gruchy Allan G.
Published: May 2024

Allan Gruchy, the elder statesman of the institutionalist school of economic thought, has written a book which is important because it is both insightful and profound. Gruchy seeks to identify and to describe the essential unity of institutionalist economic thought. He finds the essence of institutionalism in the paradigmatic shift away from the old scientific paradigm of orthodox economics, which emphsizes static equilibrium, to the new scientific paradigm of institutionalist economics, which emphasizes dynamic process. . . . Gruchy calls for a reconstruction of economics which is long overdue.Review of Social Economy

The interpretations and solutions generated by orthodox economics, with its emphasis on efficiency and personal market forces, have failed to satisfy many economists. An alternative framework has been developed in the past eight decades by institutional economists, who view the economic system not as a competitive equilibrium to be kept in balance but as an ongoing economic process through which the material needs of its human participants are to be met. Although insitutional economics represents a major and growing body of work, it has not always been clear how it differs from other approaches. In his new book, Allan Gruchy, considered the dean of institutional economics, addresses this problem. Pointing up the underlying unity of work done in this field, he provides a clear, basic statement of what it is all about and what intellectual and social currents have shaped it.
Red over Black
Authors: Halliburton R
Published: May 2024

[No abstract available]
Repression, Resistance, and Women in Afghanistan
Authors: Emadi Hafizullah
Published: May 2024

Afghan women have faced an exhaustive struggle in the battle to change their status and improve their situation. Emadi takes a long look at the role of development and modernization policies implemented by the state in the pre- and post-Soviet eras, under the Taliban, and beyond. He finds that such policies have failed to bring about much- needed change and improvement for women. Modernization strategies benefited only a small segment of urban women and left the plight of rural women unchanged. Although a small segment of middle- and upper-class women organized themselves and fought to bring about changes in their status and to end gender inequality, their efforts alone did not meet with much success.

Islamic orthodoxy and orthopraxy in the Taliban era restricted women's freedom of movement, access to education, and medical care. Using personal accounts not readily available to researchers or scholars, Emadi explores the diverse factors that contributed to women's oppression both at home and in society. This study provides a detailed analysis of state policies toward women's emancipation within the context of a traditional Islamic society. It chronicles the course of the women's movement and women's organizations still active in the political arena and puts forth an alternative plan to involve women in the reconstruction process in both urban and rural areas.
Research Methods for Public Administrators
Authors: Johnson Gail
Published: May 2024

Without jargon or mathematical theory to hinder a quick understanding and use, here are the research tools and techniques you can grasp and immediately apply to obtain research services from others or do research yourself. Johnson makes clear that to succeed in any public agency management position, you have to be able to think analytically and know how to assess the quality of research results. By providing the underlying concepts and just enough methodology to operationalize them, she gives you exactly what you need—in a clear, straightforward way that takes the fear out of learning. You will find here an especially wide range of practical guidelines and examples, all from the author's own and others' experiences in a variety of settings within the public sector. Throughout her book she emphasizes the how of research—how to do it, how to make sense of its findings—and covers all the basic statistical tools, concetrating steadily on interpreting research results. An important, reader-friendly text for students of public administration, and for their often perplexed colleagues already on the job.

Johnson explains that public administrators do not do research themselves all that often. But with the rising demand for results measurement, balancing scorecards, benchmarking and assessing customer satisfaction, they do need to understand the basics of what research is and at least have more than just a glimmer of how it is done. Her book offers both—a simple, easily grasped presentation of research concepts and principles, plus all of the essentials of doing program evaluation, policy analysis, and applied social science. It is especially useful as a text in such courses as research methods, program evaluation and introduction to applied statistics, usually found in public administration programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. And for people already in jobs outside the academic community, people who are now asked to do tasks that they seldom did before—and never expected they would be asked to do—it is essential.
Revisiting John Grisham
Authors: Pringle Mary Beth
Published: May 2024

John Grisham is one of the most prolific and beloved mystery writers today, still reaching the top of the bestseller lists with books likeThe Testament(1999) andKing of Torts(2003). In recent times, he has also experimented with different genres, such asA Painted House(2001), a semi-autobiographical work, andSkipping Christmas(2001), a holiday narrative. This volume follows up the critical analysis of Grisham's work in John Grisham: A Critical Companion, examining his writing from 1997 to the present.
Rifles
Authors: Westwood David
Published: May 2024

From the musket to the M-16, rifles have played a major role in battle—sometimes tilting the scales in a pivotal moment of war. Yet all too often, poor decisions and ill-conceived "innovations" resulted in putting inappropriate weapons into ill-trained hands, with disastrous consequences.

Ranging primarily from the late 18th century to the present, this richly illustrated volume tells the fascinating, sometimes problematic, history of rifled weapons and ammunition for military use. Battle to battle, readers will see how faster-loading, more accurate rifles changed the battlefield. Readers will also encounter many instances where decisionmakers chose to issue rifles ill-suited for the task at hand when better options were available.

Author David Westwood has handled every weapon he describes, from muskets to breechloaders, from repeaters and bolt-action rifles to semiautomatics and self-loaders. His exhaustive research reveals new insights into both the successes and failures of rifled weapons. The result is a fresh look at a common weapon's most uncommon story.
Right Brain/Left Brain Leadership
Authors: Décosterd Mary Lou
Published: May 2024

Leaders of all kinds, in all fields, need to be methodical and logical, but also strategic, innovative, and intuitive. Yet the two different styles require different modes of thinking, or what author Mary Lou Décosterd describes as shifts to right brain, or left brain, thinking. Those who operate in what she explains as the left brain mode develop strong logical, rational, and analytical abilities, but they may downplay the value of right brain thinking, which spurs intuition, subjectivity, and creativity. And those who operate primarily in the latter mode lose the value of the former. A leader who is habitually a right-brainer sees only the big picture, rather than its parts, is creative but not usually analytical, is an emotional far more than logical. So who is more effective? Veteran consultant Décosterd shows how those with maximum success are leaders who understand both styles and have the ability to switch between the two at certain key moments to broaden their overall effectiveness.

In the language of leadership, this pragmatic guide provides an all-encompassing view of how to maximize brain power and get to next-level leadership impact. Through case examples, simple assessment and unique learning tools, this book takes the reader through a new process for examining his or her current leadership style and skill sets, and framing a plan for greater success. Décosterd explains how, through use of popular leader exemplars, leadership examples and concise steps and summaries, every person can, at virtually any stage of personal and professional accomplishment, become a more consummate leader.
Robin Hood
Authors: Forgeng Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2024

Among the narrative traditions of the Middle Ages, the Robin Hood legend holds a unique, important, and often overlooked position. Robin Hood's uniqueness and importance begins with his status as the only English contribution to world mythology. His is also the only lasting myth to arise from the High Middle Ages and the last Western legend to achieve a sustained international appeal. Several Robin Hood ballads survive from the Middle Ages, and from the 15th to the 17th centuries he figured prominently in folk drama. Since then, he has appeared in numerous proverbs, placenames, operas, novels, children's stories, films, and television series. A tale told so often must be profoundly significant to the society that retells it. Yet in spite of its importance and popularity, the legend of Robin Hood has received surprisingly little study. This book overviews the genesis and development of the Robin Hood legend from the Middle Ages to 1700.

As is appropriate for a work that bridges the divide between the worlds of fiction and history, this volume incorporates the strengths of both historical and literary approaches, respecting both the circumstances of the historic setting and the legend's status as a fictive creation. The principal focus of the book is the interaction between the text and the social context in which the legend arose and developed. The first two chapters examine the early Robin Hood tradition, including the initial nondramatic manifestations of the legend and the later dramatic representations. The volume then looks at the transformation of the legend in the 16th and 17th centuries and considers how the various elements of the legend interacted with each other and with society as a whole.
School Library Makerspaces
Authors: Preddy Leslie B.
Published: May 2024

An essential resource for intermediate, middle, and high school librarians that guides the planning, learning, and implementation of a school library makerspace.
The South Asian Americans
Authors: Leonard Karen
Published: May 2024

Immigrants from South Asian countries are among the fastest growing segment of our population. This work, designed for students and interested readers, provides the first in-depth examination of recent South Asian immigrant groups—their history and background, current facts, comparative cultures, and contributions to contemporary American life. Groups discussed include Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, Nepalis, and Afghans. The topics covered include patterns of immigration, adaption to American life and work, cultural traditions, religious traditions, women's roles, the family, adolescence, and dating and marriage. Controversial questions are examined: Does the American political economy welcome or exploit South Asian immigrants? Are American and South Asian values compatible? Leonard shows how the American social, religious, and cultural landscape looks to these immigrants and the contributions they make to it, and she outlines the experiences and views of the various South Asian groups. Statistics and tables provide information on migration, population, income, and employment. Biographical profiles of noted South Asian Americans, a glossary of terms, and selected maps and photos complete the text.

The opening chapter introduces the reader to South Asian history, culture, and politics, material on which the rest of the book draws because of its continuing relevance to South Asians settled in the United States. Leonard provides a fascinating look at the early South Asian immigrant Punjabi Mexican American community whose second and third generations are grappling with the issue of being Mexican, Hindu, and American. A comparative examination of immigrant groups from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan illuminates the similarities and differences of their rich cultural and religious traditions, the social fabric of their communities, and how these immigrants have adapted to American life. Leonard looks closely at the diversity of cultural traditions—music, dance, poetry, foods, fashion, yoga, fine arts, entertainment, and literature—and how these traditions have changed in the United States. Keeping the family together is important to these immigrants. Leonard examines family issues, second generation identities, adolescence, making marriages, and wedding traditions. This work provides a wealth of information for students and interested readers to help them understand South Asian immigrant life, culture, and contributions to American life.
Space Technology
Authors: Angelo   Jr. Joseph A.
Published: May 2024

Here is a ready-reference guide for the nonspecialist with current information about developments in space technology as well as the present and future social, political, and technical impact of those developments on everyday life. It includes a history of the evolution of space technology; a discussion of applications; a chronology of major developments; profiles of prominent people and institutions; explanations of key principles; a discussion of the major impacts and implications of space technology; an examination of major issues surrounding the use of such technology; and predictions for future advances. Also offered are a glossary, a list of key associations, a list of print and electronic information resources, 40 illustrations, and an index.

Space Technology, the first volume in the Sourcebooks in Modern Technology Series, is a ready-reference guide that provides nonspecialist users with current information about important developments in space technology and about the social, political, and technical impact of those developments on everyday life—now and in the future.

The book includes a detailed history of the evolution of space technology; a discussion of both civilian and military applications of such technology; a chronology of major developments and discoveries; profiles of prominent scientists, politicians, popularizers, and institutions; explanations of key principles; discussion of the major impacts and implications of space technology; an examination of major issues surrounding the use of such technology; and predictions for possible future advances.Space Technologyalso offers a glossary of terms, a list of key associations, a list of print and electronic information resources, 40 illustrations, and an index.
The Supreme Court's Retreat from Reconstruction
Authors: Scaturro Frank J.
Published: May 2024

As the nation turned its back on Reconstruction, the Supreme Court in turn narrowed Thirteenth-, Fourteenth-, and Fifteenth-Amendment protections of former slaves, thus straying from the understanding of the amendments' framers. Tracking a long line of cases that employed narrow constructions of these amendments and accompanying statutes, this study compares the Court's propositions to the framers' own interpretations. The resulting portrait makes it clear that the Court contributed in a significant way to the nation's retreat from Reconstruction. Before analyzing the relevant cases, Scaturro provides a historical synopsis of the collapse of Reconstruction. The final section demonstrates how the twentieth-century Court handed down decisions that accommodated the demands of the Civil Rights Movement, but did so with constitutional interpretations that preserved several misunderstandings about the Reconstruction Amendments, especially the Fourteenth.

This study helps to resolve a contemporary dilemma regarding the consequences of the Court's narrowing of the Interstate Commerce Clause. It also challenges long standing assumptions about the state action requirement of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments as well as the Fourteenth Amendment's Privileges and Immunities Clause. Besides being valuable to Supreme Court historians, the subject matter of this volume, which covers both constitutional law and legal history, will be of substantial interest to lawyers, judges, and political scientists, particularly in view of recent developments on the high Court. The lessons taught by this chapter of Supreme Court jurisprudence offer insight into constitutional interpretation in general, and the conclusion develops this idea by looking at the problematic interaction between law and outside historical influences.
The Taiwanese Americans
Authors: Ng Franklin
Published: May 2024

Despite the relatively short history of the Taiwanese in the United States, they have been a significant presence in America. Since 1965, immigration law changes have led to a dramatic increase in the Asian population in the United States. Taiwanese Americans, the immigrants from Taiwan and their descendants, are a prominent group in this increasing Asian population. This is the first book-length study about the Taiwanese American community in the United States. While most articles have discussed the economic impact of their immigration, this study focuses on their community organization, information networks, religious practices, cultural observances, and the growing second generation. Finally, it concludes with an assessment of the contributions of Taiwanese Americans to U.S. society. Biographical sketches of noted Taiwanese Americans complete the text.

The identity of the Taiwanese American community is complex and evolving, because it is partly determined by the politics between Taiwan and China. As relations between Taiwan and China change, so will the identity of Taiwanese Americans. Other variables affecting their identity include the relations between mainlanders and native Taiwanese in Taiwan, political liberalization within Taiwan, the role of U.S. policy towards Taiwan and China, and the nurturing of a Taiwanese consciousness. An increasingly important variable is the orientation of the second generation, American-born Taiwanese Americans. They have the options of being simultaneously Taiwanese American, Chinese American, Asian American and American. Taiwanese Americans are helping to reinvent America by transforming the economic and cultural landscape of the U.S. as have previous waves of immigrants.
Teen Guide to Getting Started in the Arts
Authors: Ritzenthaler Carol
Published: May 2024

Teens interested in preparing for a career in the arts will find this introductory resource invaluable as it is the first book to guide them long before they apply to college or seek a position in their field. Whether they would like to become actors or filmmakers, artists, architects, dancers, musicians or singers, photographers, or writers, this book will show them how to do so. For each of the arts, an overview of the career, training, and a discussion of related careers is provided, along with lists of books, web sites, and organizations for further information. Sections directed to parents and teachers of the teens, with advice on how to support and encourage teens in their careers, are also included.

Teens wanting to gain an edge in their craft by practicing and preparing early will find a wealth of information: advice from experts in each field provide an inside look on what skills are necessary for the twenty-first century. Suggestions for building discipline are provided, such as keeping a writing or sketching journal, and finding the proper trainers in music, dance, and acting. Contests and other opportunities that teens can submit work to or apply for auditions are provided, along with an extensive list of books, trade journals, Web sites, and professional and non-professional organizations. Using the resources in this book will ensure teens are experienced and well-prepared in their art form when they apply to college or other professional training and seek positions in their field.
Terrible Beyond Endurance?
Authors: Stohl Michael , Lopez George
Published: May 2024

Stohl and Lopez argue that such developments in international aggressive policies demand more serious scholarly attention than has up to now been paid them, and they suggest a number of emerging trends that warrant examination by political scientists. Such trends include superpower deployment of the troops of regional power centers to avoid direct military action in the Third World; renewed efforts by the United States to develop counterterrorist and rapid deployment approaches; and the rise of terror bombing and related military acts even in arenas where conventional warfare is already being conducted. The editors also argue that these trends will intensify in the future.