bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative data analysis software: Reflecting on 10 years of Quirkos
Authors:   International College, Krirk University, Bangkok, Thailand, Ting Hiram , Turner Daniel ,   Quirkos, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Memon Mumtaz Ali ,   Faculty of Business, Sohar University, Sohar, Oman,   Chandigarh University, Mohali, India, Gong Jiankun ,   5Department of Media and Communication Studies, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
Published: December 2024

Qualitative data analysis (QDA) software tools are often underutilised in business studies, although they can significantly enhance the speed and rigour at which qualitative data can be analysed. This Editorial outlines the core features and benefits of one qualitative software package, namely Quirkos, which has now been available for 10 years. It was originally designed to make the qualitative data analysis process more participatory, where new researchers with specialist knowledge but limited experience can contribute to data interpretation. We thus detail its key operations and recent development as well as compare it against other paper-based and non-specialist software, aiming to illustrate how Quirkos can facilitate the interpretation, collaboration, and reporting of qualitative findings while preserving data richness and depth. The availability, ease-of-use, and visual and tactile experiences provided by this software can increase the appeal of CAQDAS. It is believed that greater acceptance and understanding of Quirkos can encourage business researchers to adopt more qualitative methods, explore issues in greater depth, and increase confidence in their findings to draw meaningful conclusions.
Human capital and post-retirement employment: The role of shared leisure and informal care
Authors:   Faculty of Economics & Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, Suppiah Ravikumar , Shahiri Hazrul Izuan , Khain Wye Chung , Saukani Mohammad Nasir Mohammad
Published: December 2024

The current study examines the influences of leisure preferences and caregiving
responsibilities on the relationship between human capital and post-retirement
employment among Malaysian older adults. Cross-sectional data were collected
between May and August 2023 from 770 participants aged between 60 and 74 years
in the Klang Valley through survey questionnaires. Binary logistic regression was
subsequently conducted to discover the relationships between the study variables.
The results demonstrated a significant negative relationship between education and
post-retirement employment, whereas work experience was positively correlated to
post-retirement employment. Moreover, a positive interaction effect of human capital
on post-retirement employment posited that higher human capital would increase the
tendency to return to work after retirement. Meanwhile, spouse employment
negatively impacted retirees’ intention to return to work, which propounded that
married couples preferred shared leisure activities. Grandchild care and unpaid care
produced minimal impacts on post-retirement employment decisions. The study
findings provided several implications for Malaysian companies, including the need
for more training programmes, flexible work arrangements, and family-friendly
policies, to accommodate retirees’ employment preferences and caring
responsibilities. Policymakers should also apply the current insights when developing
pertinent strategies to improve economic resilience and employability of the ageing
workforce.
Technostress at workplace: Antecedents, decisions and outcomes (ADO) and future research pathways through a systematic literature review
Authors:   OB&HRM, Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi, India, Jain Sweta , Varma Virajanand , Vijay Tata Sai ,   Marketing, Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi, India, Cabral Clement ,   Department of Commerce, St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery, Kochi, India
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the proliferation of Information and
Communications Technologies (ICTs) at the workplace as organisations adopt
teleworking, causing stress in employees, termed technostress. The authors aim to

conduct an in-depth systematic literature review on technostress by adopting the four-
stage “preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses”

(PRISMA) protocol for article retrieval and selection. Only technostress-related
studies were chosen from peer-reviewed journal articles from two prominent
databases: Scopus and Web of Science. We focused on studies published in journals
with high rankings to enhance the review quality. We conducted this by selecting
only those studies published in journals classified as “A*” and “A” according to the
Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) journal ranking list. This yielded 73
high-quality studies for the systematic review. The antecedents, decisions, and
outcomes (ADO) framework was leveraged to conduct a scientific review. This is
one of the pioneering studies to conduct an ADO framework-based technostress
review and formally report the Decisions related to the technostress process, namely
a) challenge and hindrance technostressors, b) challenge and hindrance coping
responses. Research is moving towards studying new technological and non-work
life-related antecedents (e.g., cyberbullying) and outcomes (e.g., loneliness).
Considering the changing workplace realities after the COVID-19 pandemic, sixteen
future research objectives have been put forward based on three research pathways:
advancing conceptual robustness, contextual novelty, and methodological rigour.
Organisations can leverage insights on key sources, outcomes, and mitigation
measures of technostress to develop human resource strategies, as well as training
plans to maximise the benefits of their ICT initiatives.
Purpose-built cultural tourism attraction and ways forward: A case study of Gaozhuang Xishuangjing
Authors:   Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism International Program, Architecture Faculty, Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, Liu Shengyu
Published: December 2024

This study examines Gaozhuang Xishuangjing (hereafter GZ), a purpose-built
cultural tourism attraction, to assess its potential cultural heritage values and
management challenges. Research has primarily focused on existing cultural heritage
tourism; this study addresses the newly constructed attraction GZ and its role in
cultural conservation. This study applied qualitative methods to gather first-hand data

from 52 domestic respondents and 10 key informants from two rounds semi-
structured interviews, supplemented by observations and document analysis. The

findings demonstrate the complex impacts of cultural tourism and highlight the
necessity of adopting a multi-stakeholder approach for sustainable management. By
engaging local communities and tourists, GZ can link cultural conservation and
business development, offering a model for long-term sustainability. The study
underscores the importance of collaboration between local villages and communities,
managers and policymakers to formulate strategies for and support diverse initiatives
in cultural heritage preservation. Additionally, these insights can allow managers to
anticipate the challenges of cultural tourism and policymakers to foster a more
integrated cultural-business landscape.
PERFORMANCES OF CREATIVE HUBS IN INDONESIA: LESSONS FROM SEMARANG’S EXPERIENCE
Authors: Tyas Wido Prananing , Surahman Idha Apriliani
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the performance of Creative Hub Semarang (CHS) in fulfilling its dual objectives as a collaborative space for creative economy actors and a tourism destination. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys with visitors to capture perceptions and satisfaction and qualitative in-depth interviews with government and creative actors. Results reveal that CHS’s strategic location in Kota Lama presents an opportunity to bridge the creative economy with tourism. About its role as a creative hub, while CHS has provided essential infrastructure and networking opportunities, its operational model and fragmented management hinder its ability to foster active collaboration and innovation. Challenges include limited trust between government entities and creative actors, bureaucratic constraints, and restrictive regulations. To strengthen CHS’s role, a more integrated and collaborative management approach is needed, alongside clearer communication of its objectives.
IMPLIKASI PENETAPAN PUSAT PERTUMBUHAN TERHADAP PERUBAHAN PEMANFAATAN RUANG (STUDI KASUS: KOTA BENGKULU)
Authors: Mustika Winda , Suhartini Ninik
Published: December 2024

Pemusatan kegiatan ekonomi yang disebabkan oleh adanya pengembangan pusat pertumbuhan wilayah merupakan suatu bentuk eksternalitas positif yang menyebabkan terjadinya pertumbuhan kota, namun dibalik itu semua hal ini juga menimbulkan eksternalitas negatif yang dapat dilihat dengan munculnya sektor informal akibat dari ketidaksempurnaan praktek pembangunan yang lahir dari tingginya tingkat urbanisasi dari luar daerah ke pusat pertumbuhan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis implikasi dari penetapan pusat pertumbuhan terhadap perubahan pemanfaatan ruang dengan studi kasus di Kota Bengkulu, Provinsi Bengkulu. Metode analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode analisis deskriptif menggunakan aplikasi Google Earth Engine (GEE) untuk mengidentifikasi perubahan tutupan lahan di Kota Bengkulu pada tahun 2013 dan 2023.  Berdasarkan hasil analisis yang telah dilakukan, luas tutupan lahan vegetasi berkurang sebesar 1.127,9 Ha (19,43%), sedangkan tutupan lahan untuk lahan terbangun, badan air, dan sawah mengalami peningkatan masing-masing sebesar 885 Ha (27,17%); 233,1 Ha (2,94%); 78,7 Ha (16,04%), serta lahan kosong berkurang sebesar 68,9 Ha (38,26%).  Hal ini mengindikasikan bahwa terjadinya perubahan penggunaan lahan vegetasi akibat adanya perluasan pembangunan. Dari hasil penelitian yang telah dilakukan dapat disimpulkan bahwa penetapan pusat pertumbuhan memiliki implikasi terhadap perubahan penggunaan lahan dan pemanfaatan ruang yang disebabkan oleh adanya interaksi dan dinamika antara aktivitas manusia dan lingkungan alam.
TINGKAT ASET PENGHIDUPAN RUMAH TANGGA TERDAMPAK BANJIR ROB DI BANDENGAN, PEKALONGAN
Authors: Risna Anandharu , Esariti Landung , Rahdriawan Mardwi
Published: December 2024

Bandengan adalah salah satu kelurahan di pesisir Kota Pekalongan yang rawan banjir rob akibat perubahan iklim dan penurunan muka tanah. Dalam menghadapi rob, rumah tangga terdampak dapat mengupayakan seluruh aset penghidupan yaitu modal manusia, modal alam, modal finansial, modal sosial, dan modal fisik untuk bertahan hidup. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tingkat kondisi aset penghidupan rumah tangga terdampak rob di Bandengan, Kota Pekalongan. Riset ini penting untuk melihat bagaimana rumah tangga di Bandengan mengelola dan memanfaatkan lima aset penghidupan dalam menghadapi resiko banjir rob. Populasi adalah rumah tangga terdampak banjir rob sebanyak 100 sampel melalui survei kuesioner. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan modal alam berada pada kategori rendah sebanyak 92% dikarenakan kurangnya lahan produktif. Modal manusia berada pada kategori sedang sebanyak 66%, dikarenakan jenjang pendidikan yang masih sebatas lulusan SD. Modal sosial berada pada kategori rendah dengan persentase 48%, dikarenakan kurangnya partisipasi masyarakat dalam komunitas sosial seperti karang taruna, PKK, arisan RT/RW, serta kurangnya akses informasi peringatan dini. Adapun kondisi modal finansial berada pada kategori rendah sebanyak 72%, dikarenakan pendapatan keluarga yang mayoritas kurang dari Rp2.500.000,00. Penilaian modal fisik kategori tinggi sebesar 64% mengindikasikan mayoritas rumah tangga telah melakukan renovasi tempat tinggal melalui pengurugan, peninggian pintu, peninggian jendela. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa modal penghidupan di Kelurahan Bandengan didominasi oleh modal fisik dan modal manusia. Penelitian menjadi masukan pemerintah untuk merancang manajemen resiko bencana rob berdasarkan potensi lokal masyarakat sebagai people centered seperti penguatan peringatan dini, edukasi pelatihan kerja, membentuk komunitas arisan penanganan bencana rob, dan membentuk komunitas peduli lingkungan tingkat kelurahan.
Markéta	Kulhánková: K čertu ať táhne studium. Výbor z byzantské žebravé poezie
Authors: Kalenda František
Published: January 2025

A review of the book by Markéta Kulhánková.
Interakce a kontakty mezi městy
Authors: Klusáková Luďa
Published: January 2025

Při mezinárodních konferencích zaměřených na urbánní studia je v posledních dvaceti letech vždy zastoupena finská historiografie početně rostoucí skupinou v urbánněhistorické diskusi respektovaných badatelů, za nimiž je vidět řada zajímavých projektů a publikací. Byla jsem proto zvědavá na výroční pracovní konferenci urbánních historiků v Helsinkách, kterou 6. března 2012 pořádala Finská historická společnost. Konference měla neformální pracovní charakter, tematicky byla zaměřena na různé formy interakce a utváření vazeb mezi městy a uvnitř měst. Byť bylo téma formulováno velmi široce, výsledný soubor referátů se zajímavě doplňoval a představil jak výzkumy zkušených badatelů, tak začínající doktorské projekty. Během dne zaznělo šest, respektive sedm příspěvků, které provázela živá diskuse. Konferenci zahájili Peter Clark a Marjaana Niemi, ocenili ohlas na téma konference, které oslovilo badatele věnující se městům po celé linii časové osy.
Existencialismus a sociologie
Authors: Petrusek Miloslav
Published: January 2025

This article follows two aims: to inform and to analyse. It demonstrates how the topics elaborated by classical French and German schools of existentialism have been spontaneously mixed, and, at the same time, disregarded since the 1950's. It also shows how these topics later started to reappear in the newly constituted „sociology of everyday life". The overall aim of this study is to provide a plastic account of the themes and the authors (especially from the field of philosophy) that significantly influenced the development of sociological thinking in the late 20th century. It is also indicated that this „existential urgency" has not disappeared from sociology, and we can find distinct traces of it in various accounts of social life even today.
Kronika naší rodiny" vojvodovské Češky Ester Karbulové
Authors: Jakoubek Marek
Published: January 2025

This edition presents a commented transcription of the memoirs of Ester Karbulová, a former inhabitant of the only Czech village in Bulgaria - Vojvodovo. The memoirs cover many aspects of the (ex)Vojvodovo villager's life in Bulgaria as well as in South Moravia, where almost all Vojvodovan Czechs settled after their remigration following World War II. The edition is supplemented by informative commentaries and prefaced by a short introduction explaining the background of the manuscript in the context of history of Vojvodovo and its Czech (ex)inhabitants. A brief review of other manuscripts written by Vojvodovo (ex)villagers, as well as of existing academic literature concerning Vojvodovo is also presented.
Jakub Rákosník: Sovětizace sociálního státu. Lidově demokratický režim a sociální práva občanů v Československu 1945–1960
Authors: Nešpor Zdeněk R.
Published: January 2025

A review of the book by Jakub Rákosník.
Sex evolution path involved in flowering plant family Cucurbitaceae: A review
Authors: Pattnaik Animesh , Prusty Pradip Kumar , Barik Madhusmita , Mishra Rukmini , Mohanty Jatindra Nath
Published: December 2024

The predominant sexual system in the plant kingdom is hermaphroditism, where both female and male reproductive organs coexist within a single flower. The major parameters that influence the sexual systems are genetic variation, pollinator availability and type, mating system, ecological factors, geographical isolation, selective pressures, evolutionary history, polyploidy, hybridization and sexual conflict. These factors all play significant roles. Plants may evolve self-fertilization or outcrossing mechanisms based on their specific environmental conditions, reproductive strategies and evolutionary history. The interplay of these factors shapes the diverse range of sexual systems observed in plant species worldwide. The Cucurbitaceae family exhibits a highly specialized sex chromosome differentiation scheme with three major sexual patterns (monoecy, dioecy and hermaphroditism).  In the present review, we focus on the evolution of gender in flowering plants of the Cucurbitaceae family, exploring the various paths and drivers involved in the evolution of dioecy. We also shed light on the sex chromosomes and phytohormones that contribute to gender diversification. Several molecular and genomic approaches have been recently applied to uncover the genetic basis of gender differentiation in different flowering plant species.
Biostimulants: Mitigation strategy for salinity stress in fruit crops
Authors: Maanik  , Sharma Reetika , Kumar Rakesh , Bakshi Parshant , Thakur Nikhil , Sharma Neetu , Sharma Peeyush , Raina Vishal
Published: December 2024

The burgeoning specter of abiotic stresses caused by global climate change, including drought, salt, extremely high temperatures, heavy metals and UV radiation, has rendered fragile agroecosystems increasingly precarious. This has reduced the production and quality of fruit crops. The burden on plants might be even worse if several stressors occur at once. These multifarious stressors have led to a 70 % reduction in annual agricultural production globally, sparking the embers of food scarcity and stoking the fires of hunger within our ever-expanding populace. However, within this seemingly hopeless situation, a number of alternatives have surfaced as a glimmer of light. Biostimulants, derived from natural or organic sources, enhance plant development and resilience by enhancing their capacity to absorb nutrients, withstand stress and sustain overall health. The exogenous application of biostimulants on an organic basis has emerged as a powerful treatment for certain of them, promoting plant growth and production in the face of adversity. These biostimulants work across a wide range of pathways, composing a symphony of resistance to stress-related difficulties. Only a few papers have provided information on plant biostimulants’ impacts on fruit quality, which is connected to appearance, chemical composition and physical characteristics. The objective of this review is to assess the efficacy of externally applied organic biostimulants in improving plant growth and productivity, especially in challenging environments. These biostimulants enhance plant resilience, nutrient absorption and overall health, providing a sustainable solution to agricultural difficulties. They also have a sustainable appeal since they are organic, satisfying the desire of customers who are concerned about the advantages of eating healthier food.
Evaluation of variability and principal component analysis in segregating populations of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Vishnupraba R Sangeetha , Viswanathan PL , Manonmani S , Rajendran L , Selvakumar T
Published: December 2024

Groundnut is a favourable and profitable crop for resource-poor farmers in Africa and Asia, both for edible oil production and direct consumption. There is significant potential to breed high-yielding, better-quality groundnut cultivars by generating new variations through artificial techniques. In this study, the F2 generations of the crosses CO 7 × Chico and ICGV 07222 × Chico was analysed to assess the variability created through artificial hybridization in groundnut. The various yield and yield-related traits were analysed to estimate genetic parameters, skewness, kurtosis and subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). The variability study of the F2 population from both crosses revealed significant variations for the traits under study. The traits “days to accumulation of 25 flowers” and “shelling %” showed low GCV (genotypic coefficient of variation) and PCV (phenotypic coefficient of variation) in both populations. Most traits exhibited moderate to high heritability and genetic advance, whereas “days to accumulation of 25 flowers” and “maturity duration” had moderate heritability and low genetic advance. Only shelling % had low estimates of heritability and genetic advances. Tests for skewness and kurtosis revealed that both F2 population did not follow a normal distribution. The traits “days to maturity”, “shelling %”, “kernel yield,” and “hundred kernel weight” displayed significant positive skewness. The traits “days to accumulation of 25 flowers”, “number of matured pods”, “height of main axis”, “shelling %”, “hundred pods” and “hundred kernel weight” and “pod yield” showed platy- kurtosis, while “Kernel yield” displayed lepto-kurtosis in both populations. The first principal component explained 37 % and 32 % of the total variance in the 2 F2 populations respectively, with a focus on yield-related traits. The PCA biplot effectively clustered the genotypes based on the 10 different traits studied and clearly, grouped the population based on maturity duration. Thus, hybridization created significant variation in groundnut for all yield-related traits and yield, except for “days to maturity”. The traits require further enhancement using additional sources and could be improved through intense selection.
Exploring issues and solution in biodiversity management at Ramsar sites
Authors: Athira A Nair , Ragunath K P , Pazhanivelan S , Muthumanickam D , Prabu P C
Published: December 2024

Ramsar Sites are designated wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty established in 1971. These sites play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and providing ecosystem services. The Ramsar Convention encourages countries to designate and manage Ramsar Sites sustainably, aiming to maintain the ecological character of these wetlands. Wetlands are areas that include marsh, fen, peat land, or water, and it is well known that these wetlands are important ecosystems that have a major positive impact on productivity, biodiversity, and the well-being of residents. Though preserved, Ramsar Sites face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and climate change, warranting management, conservation efforts, and international cooperation to safe guarding these valuable wetland ecosystems for future generations. Pollution from agriculture, industry, and urban runoff threatens water quality. Climate change exacerbates these issues, affecting wetland ecosystems and altering migration patterns. Due to the importance of Ramsar sites and to preserve for better livelihood, this paper explores the issues and challenges pertaining to the biodiversity of Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu for better management through appropriate solutions.
Optimizing hardening substrates and homozygosity testing for anther culture derived doubled haploid sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum L.) lines
Authors: Kaushik J , Pradeep C K , Arun A
Published: December 2024

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum L.), a valuable vegetable crop, faces significant challenges in large-scale doubled haploid (DH) production due to high mortality rates during the hardening phase. This study aimed to optimize substrate conditions for successful DH hardening and to validate genetic uniformity using molecular markers. The research focused on four genotypes of sweet pepper: Asha, Sympathy, Namelite, and Indra. Various substrate combinations were evaluated, including coco peat, perlite, vermiculite, yard manure (FYM), and vermicompost. The results show that substrates containing coco peat, perlite, vermiculite, and vermicompost consistently achieved high survival rates and superior growth parameters. Specifically, substrate T6 (coco peat + perlite + vermiculite + vermicompost, (1:1:1:1)) achieved the highest survival rate, with the Asha genotype reaching 97.64%. This substrate also promoted optimal plant height and leaf production, with Asha reaching 11.75 cm and producing 14.5 leaves on average. Homozygosity testing using SSR markers (CAM-8, CAM-19, CAM-54, CAM-79) confirmed that 447 (97.0%) of the 461 DH plants were accurate homozygous lines, with minimal diploid contamination across all genotypes. Among the genotypes, Indra exhibited the highest efficiency, with 98.4% of plants identified as proper DH lines. Chi-square analysis showed no significant deviation from expected Mendelian ratios, affirming genetic stability. These findings highlight the importance of substrate optimization in enhancing the acclimatization and survival of DH lines and demonstrate the effectiveness of SSR markers in ensuring genetic uniformity. This study provides valuable insights for improving DH production protocols in sweet pepper breeding programs.
A meta-analysis of root herbivore-induced communication cascades affecting above-ground herbivores, parasitoids, and pollinators via host plants
Authors: Karchikumar AS , Nalini R , Usha RB , Prema P , Kumutha K , Paramasivam M , Suresh K , Saai VB
Published: December 2024

Several research papers over the past three decades have reported the profound influence of root herbivores on above-ground plant-insect interactions. Root-feeding insects significantly alter plant nutrient levels—carbon, nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), and amino acids(AA)—triggering the production of defensive compounds like terpenoids, phenolics, gossypol, and DIMBOA in shoots. Jasmonate translocation from roots to shoots impairs shoot herbivore performance, while root herbivory suppresses salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defenses, benefiting phloem feeders. Reduced leaf water content and increased abscisic acid (ABA) levels enhance phloem feeder success. Nematode infestations lower AA and N, but increase foliar nicotine, aiding leaf chewers. Mycorrhizal fungi reduce plant N but raise carbon and P, while earthworms increase phytosterols, hindering aphid fecundity. These systemic changes cascade through trophic levels, even affecting hyperparasitoids. This review highlights root herbivory's intricate, cascading effects, reshaping our understanding of plant defense mechanisms and ecological interactions.
Chili pestiferous thrips Thrips parvispinus (Karny, 1922) and Thrips tabaci (Lindman, 1889) (Thripidae: Thysanoptera) antennal structural characterisation
Authors: Thandra R , Chitra N , Murugan M , Soundararajan R P , Kavitha M , Uma D
Published: December 2024

Thrips are among the most serious pests attacking many economically important crops. They causes significant damage to plants by lacerating and sucking sap from the leaves, growing tips, flowers, and fruits leading to silvery spots, stunted growth, flower drop, and fruits deformation, ultimately resulting in severe economic yield losses in many crops. In addition to the damage caused, they act as vectors for various viral plant diseases. Antennal sensilla plays a crucial role in the chemical communication of thrips. However, studies on the types of sensilla in thrips are limited to a few species. Therefore, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), this study examined the different types of sensilla in two pestiferous thrips species, Thrips parvispinus Karny and T. tabaci Lindman. The antenna of the thrips were found to consist of nine types of sensilla viz., Bohm bristles (BB), microtrichia (MT), sensilla basiconica(SB), sensilla campaniformia(SCa), sensilla cavity(SCav), sensilla chaetica(SCh), sensilla coeloconica(SCo), sensilla styloconica(SSt), and sensilla trichoidea(ST). The microscopy observations revealed that all these sensilla were present in T. parvispinus while SSt was absent in T. tabaci. Sensilla chaetica were more abundant in Thrips tabaci than in Thrips parvispinus. Based on the results, the types of antennal sensilla and their functions in thrips are also discussed.
In vitro assessment of Bionectria ochroleuca metabolites: A promising approach for controlling root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Shravani V , Nallusamy S , Govindasamy J , Annaiyan S , Eswaran K , Iruthayasamy J , Venkatesan P
Published: December 2024

Meloidogyne incognita, a highly destructive root-knot nematode, causes substantial crop losses worldwide by infesting plant roots, which disrupts nutrient and water uptake. This pest is notoriously challenging to manage due to its broad host range and growing resistance to many chemical nematicides, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives. In this context, the current study investigated the nematicidal potential of secondary metabolites derived from the entomopathogenic fungus, Bionectria ochroleuca against M. incognita. The in vitro assays demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of egg hatching and juvenile survival. At a crude metabolite concentration of 100%, egg hatching was reduced to 5.64% and juvenile mortality increased to 95.4% after 72 h. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified key metabolites, including palmitic acid, butanedioic acid, lactic acid, and oleic acid, which appear to inhibit nematode growth through mechanisms that impair cell membrane integrity, disrupt energy metabolism, and interfere with essential metabolic pathways. Further, metabolite enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in the biosynthetic pathways, such as unsaturated fatty acids, galactose metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism. Molecular docking studies supported these findings by showing high binding affinities of these metabolites to virulent nematode proteins, including Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and NAD(H) oxidase, suggesting interference with essential biological processes within the nematode. Overall, these findings position the metabolites of B. ochroleuca as promising candidates for managing nematode infestations, offering a potent alternative to chemical nematicides and thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
A bi-objective Genetic Algorithm for flexible flow shop scheduling: A real-world application in the electrical industry
Authors: Escobar D. , Chivata B. , Nino K.
Published: December 2024

The electrical sector forces manufacturing companies of electrical solutions to continually innovate and implement new processes for greater efficiency. The growing demand for electrical energy, as well as the need to adapt to hybrid operations that combine multi-project operation models with continuous production models, requires efficient workflow management. Accordingly, this article proposes a Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach for solving the scheduling problem in a Flexible Hybrid Flow Shop (FHFS) environment considering a transfer batch approach to minimize makespan and total tardiness. The approach is inspired by a real-world application in the electrical industry and also accounts for unrelated parallel machines, precedence, release times, and due dates for jobs at each production center as key constraints. Three real-data scenarios were generated and evaluated. In the first scenario, a 7 % improvement in makespan was observed compared to real execution times. In Scenario 2, the makespan improved significantly by 33 %, and only 17.4 % of jobs were delayed, compared to 96 % in the real data. Likewise, GA showed a lightly better performance over Tabu Search (TS) in 3.01 % for makespan while the delayed jobs found by GA were 25 % below those obtained by TS. These results highlight the potential of the proposed method to improve overall production efficiency, not only in the electrical sector but also in similar industries.
Przestępstwo uchylania się od wykonania orzeczonego przez sąd środka kompensacyjnego jako instrument wsparcia pokrzywdzonego: uwagi na tle porządków prawnych wybranych państw europejskich
Authors: Lach Arkadiusz , Gołdyn-Badowiec Renata
Published: January 2025

Do podstawowych filarów sprawiedliwości naprawczej należą prawo ofiary do rekompensaty, a także zobowiązanie sprawcy do naprawienia wyrządzonej szkody, co powinno zmierzać do uświadomienia sprawcy jego winy i zrozumienia przez niego skutków przestępstwa. Praktycznym wymiarem stosowania sprawiedliwości naprawczej może być więc restytucja finansowa dla po-krzywdzonego. W polskim porządku prawnym ustawodawca jako jeden z przejawów sprawiedliwości naprawczej określił przepis art. 244c Kodeksu karnego, który wszedł w życie 1 października 2023 r. Celem opracowania jest ocena nowej regulacji w polskim porządku prawnym, dotyczącej przestępstwa uchylania się od wykonania orzeczonego przez sąd środka kompensacyjnego jako instrumentu wsparcia pokrzywdzonego w uzyskaniu kompensaty. W tym celu autorzy wskazali przyczyny wprowadzenia omawianej normy oraz dokonali jej analizy. W opracowaniu zostały wykorzystane metody dogmatyczna oraz prawnoporównawcza. Najważniejszym wnioskiem z dokonanej analizy jest fakt, że przyjęte rozwiązanie poprawia faktyczną sytuację pokrzywdzonego, który otrzymał istotny instrument skłonienia sprawcy do wykonania obowiązku w sytuacji uchy-lania się przez niego od wykonania orzeczonego przez sąd środka kompensacyjnego albo nawiązki. W artykule ujęte zostały także postulaty de lege lata oraz postulaty de lege ferenda związane z regulacją art. 244c k.k. oraz przedstawiona została jej ocena na tle porządków prawnych wybranych państw europejskich.
Reflections on the possible application of Rome I Regulation to obligations related to crypto-assets
Authors: Mariański Michał
Published: January 2025

Regulation No. 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and Council of 31 May 2023 on cryptoasset markets is a crucial component of financial market regulation that has significantly contributed to increasing the legal security of its participants. This study does not aim to analyse the basic rules of crypto-asset trading or make an assessment of their legal status but rather seeks to determine how the law applicable to obligations related to crypto-assets could be determined. Linking a given transaction to more than one legal area is one of the essential features of modern global financial markets. Given the above, this paper analyses possible subsidiary application of the Regulation No. 593/2008 on the law applicable to contractual obligations (Rome I to cryptoassets). The primary research method employed is the dogmatic-legal method, supplemented by the theoretical-legal method. The most important goals of these research methods are to identify the scope of validity of given norms, analyse their practical application, and draw conclusions. Both methods were used to determine whether the scope of the Rome I regulations allows the application of its provisions to obligations related to crypto-assets. Therefore, this article seeks to address whether the rules related to contractual obligations can also be applied to crypto-assets. The arguments presented in this work do not exclude such a possibility. However, the author notes that the level of regulation of financial markets in terms of conflicts of laws cannot be considered sufficient and completed.
The Matter at Hand: Prime Matter as an Unqualified Body in a Post-Hellenistic Pseudepigraphic Text
Authors: Trovato Giovanni
Published: December 2024

The treatise On the Nature of the Universe, attributed to the Pythagorean Ocellus, has frequently been the subject of scholarly attention due to its engagement with Aristotle’s theory of elemental transformation or its role in the late Hellenistic debate on the eternity of the universe. In this paper, I argue that its author endorses a peculiar conception of matter: prime matter is an unqualified body, only potentially perceptible. Ps.-Ocellus draws this doctrine from Stoicism but reworks it for his purposes outside the framework of Stoic corporealism. The author presents it as an antecedent to both Plato’s receptacle and Aristotle’s prime matter. As it turns out, the doctrine was meant to address some of the challenges posed by an incorporeal material principle.
An optimization study on the sol–gel process to obtain multifunctional denim fabrics
Authors: Genç Ayşe , Güneşoğlu Cem , Yüceer Mehmet
Published: January 2025

This study introduces the results of an optimization study on sol–gel application conditions applied to obtain multifunctional (water repellent/flame retardant) denim fabrics using the Design Expert software and a step-by-step approach. The study started by obtaining the proper drying/condensation parameters and water-repellent additive amount, followed by determining the proper co-precursor and flame-retardant additive amount, and finally covering the mechanical tests of the samples to determine if the results would be applicable for industrial purposes. The results indicate that it is possible to approach the optimum process conditions applicable to industrial-scale working conditions to produce denim fabrics with high levels of water repellency and flame retardant performance.
The prediction method of the content of salt mist aerosol in marine atmospheric environment based on mechanism and data
Authors: Chen Chuan , Xiang Li , Zhang Jingyi , Wang Jun , Wang Yang
Published: January 2025

Salt mist is a significant environmental factor that causes corrosion of marine and coastal engineering facilities and electronic equipment failures. This paper presents a numerical analysis of the properties, formation, migration, and deposition processes of salt mist aerosols according to previous research. We find that salt mist is distributed as exponential distribution in the sea of vertical direction, and the number of them is directly proportional to the wind speed and the effective wave height, the critical velocity of salt mist sedimentation is proportional to the square of the particle radius. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of related parameters, an empirical model of salt mist concentration distribution and deposition process are established, thereby enabling the calculation of salt mist concentration and deposition rate in coastal land and marine atmospheric environments. To compare with existing prediction methods, the parameters of this model are more comprehensive, not only include various meteorological data, but marine environmental data and other geographic data for calculating location. To illustrate, the model is applied to predict the salt mist concentration and deposition in the Philippines, using readily available meteorological data inputs such as wind speed, direction, temperature, and humidity. This enables the evaluation of corrosion levels.
(Post-)Nukleare Rückversicherungssignale in der männlichen Kommunikation als indirekter Geschlechtsindex: vermittelte Positionierungen und Funktionen in analysierten männlichen Communitys
Authors: Khrystenko Oksana
Published: December 2024

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird auf die prosodische Organisation von Rückversicherungsfragen als möglicher Genderindex in der männlichen Kommunikation im theoretischen Rahmen der interaktionalen Linguistik und der kontextsensitiven Analyse fokussiert. Der Artikel zeigt, wie sich die Rückversicherungssignale in der männlichen Kommunikation im Hinblick auf effort code voneinander unterscheiden, und demonstriert gleichzeitig, wie phonologische Merkmale von Tags zur Erkennung von Positionierungen in Verbindung mit geschlechtsbezogenen Merkmalen beitragen können. Auf Basis eines Korpus gesprochener Face-to-Face-Kommunikation, das in Männergruppen österreichischer Studenten und Handwerker erhoben wurde, beschreibt diese Studie verschiedene Verwendungen und Funktionen der deutschen Rückversicherungssignale (oder, oder was, nit, wasch (eh), ge etc.) und berücksichtigt dabei Parameter wie Tonhöhenbereich, Intensität, Nuklearität und Postnuklearität. Der Beitrag bietet einen kurzen Überblick über die Vorkommenshäufigkeit von Rückversicherungsfragen in rein männlichen Studenten- und Handwerkergruppen.
Bonobo optimizer: dynamically adaptive heuristic for enhanced MPPT in photovoltaic systems under partial shading – experimental validation with buck converter
Authors: Ait El Ouahab Soufyane , Bakkali Firdaous , Amghar Abdellah , Sahsah Hassan , El Mentaly Lahcen , Boudouane Meriem
Published: December 2024

The integration of shunt bypass diodes in photovoltaic (P-V) module to mitigate hot spots frequently leads to the emergence of multiple in the PV array characteristics. Researchers consistently strive to develop, integrate, and refine innovative techniques inspired by various natural processes to achieve a global optimum that enhances the overall efficiency of PV systems. However, these techniques face challenges in adapting parameters to strike a delicate balance between exploration and exploitation, which is essential for circumventing local optima, reducing computation times, and refining precision to optimize energy capture. In this context, this paper introduces a groundbreaking new adaptive Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller inspired by the social behavior and reproductive tactics observed in bonobos (BO). This innovative approach is underpinned by two key strategies: fission and fusion, with dynamic parameter adjustment in real-time. this enables for efficient exploration and exploitation of the search space, following the positive and negative phases of the BO. This method was compared with three methods: PSO, DE, and ICS, and evaluated through six simulation scenarios, ranging from 1 to 6 peaks, as well as three experimental scenarios: one uniform and the other two involving partial shading, using an Arduino board and a buck converter. According to the comparative analysis, the new BO algorithm outperforms the three other approaches in all performance evaluation parameters. It shows an average improvement in convergence time of more than 39.18 % and an average precision exceeding 99 %, with minimal oscillation in steady-state operation. This translates into an average MPE efficiency of over 96.66 %. Additionally, the experimental results confirm the findings from the simulations.
Exploring the gelatinization behavior of wheat and tapioca starch at different hydration levels
Authors: Rakhshi Elham , Cambert Mireille , Fautrel Alain , Rondeau-Mouro Corinne , Lucas Tiphaine
Published: December 2024

The impacts of hydration (45 % of water as intermediate level, 80 % for excess water) and botanical origin of starch (wheat WS, tapioca TS) on swelling, leaching and crystallinity loss were studied. A novelty was the wide temperature range (30–90 °C including the reversible domain) and the use of imaging techniques (laser scattering, optical microscopy) for swelling, in addition to the conventional technique (weighting after centrifugation). Swelling before the gelatinization onset was better revealed by using imaging techniques, while swelling in excess water at high temperature (>60–75 °C) differed between the conventional and laser scanning techniques, suggesting overestimation of the former. Gelatinization of high water-demanding starch under intermediate to low hydrations has been poorly documented and little anticipated in breadmaking for which the selected intermediate hydration applies. The study showed that TS at 45 % hydration gelatinized to a lesser extent than WS, with lower increase in granule size (<60 °C) and more heterogeneous granule integrity (>60 °C).
Lived experiences of international nursing students regarding the studying challenges: a phenomenology study
Authors: Hasanpour Marzieh , Bakhshi Fatemeh , Shali Mahboube
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study explores and describes the lived experiences of international nursing students regarding studying challenges.

Methods

This is a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study. Participants were undergraduate international nursing students who were purposively selected. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 students until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using a seven-step Colaizzi method.

Results

After analyzing the data four main themes with fourteen sub-themes were extracted. The main themes of the study were “estrangement and confusion in an unfamiliar environment,” “new self in a new situation,” “inconsistent educational structure,” and “communication as a multidimensional challenge.”

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate the need for effective interventions to transform and improve the learning environment for international nursing students. Creating a specialized curriculum and recruiting experienced professors and mentors to teach international students, to instruct nursing students in practical environments, are vital solutions. It is advisable to provide preliminary courses for international students to familiarize them with the culture and specific issues in the destination country. It is also recommended that international campuses in universities worldwide review and revise the educational curriculum to help international nursing students better manage the educational and cultural issues that they face when studying abroad and provide care for patients.
International experiences of implementing the Fundamentals of Care Framework in nursing curricula
Authors: Waltrovitz Krystle , Conroy Tiffany , Feo Rebecca
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To explore university-based nurse educators’ experiences of implementing the Fundamentals of Care Framework in nursing curricula.

Methods

A qualitative research design employing interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with eight nursing educators in five different countries.

Results

The analysis identified three main themes: (1) Participants’ positive experiences when utilising the framework to link theory to practice; (2) strategies for implementing the framework, including considering the context for teaching, introducing the relationship dimension of the framework first, utilising case-based learning, and integrating the framework into laboratory skills sessions; and (3) limited availability of teaching and learning resources, highlighting the need for further resource availability.

Conclusions

This study has generated new knowledge from the perspectives of university-based nursing educators. Several strategies have been identified resulting in the formation of recommendations to help guide nurse educators. The Fundamentals of Care Framework was developed to address global deficits in how patients’ fundamental care needs are addressed. The knowledge from this study can assist nurse educators from different countries to implement the framework into nursing curricula. Utilising the framework in nursing curricula could help to transform nursing practice, by assisting nursing students to identify and meet their patients’ fundamental care needs.