bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Betrayal
Authors: Dutta Pushpita , Ahmed Razina
Published: July 2024

In the era of ubiquity of cell phones and internet, revenge pornography is an act which poses a mushrooming threat to right to privacy and right to dignity in India. This chapter dives into the legal dimensions of revenge pornography, addressing the complex web of legal issues and considerations that emerge as a result of it. It is significant to understand that specific legal acknowledgement of such acts will aid in comprehensively limiting such crimes and reduce the social stigma attached to it. The lack of any definition of the act and specific legal framework in India, makes it difficult to criminalise different categories of such cases which are trying to find space under the umbrella of revenge pornography. By critically analyzing existing laws, cross-jurisdictional perspectives, platform accountability, and ethical considerations, this chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and potential solutions surrounding this critical issue. The objective of the chapter is to take the stagnant discussion on revenge pornography in India forward.
Understanding the Sourcing and Manufacturing of Technology
Authors: Pareek Shishtaa
Published: July 2024

This chapter explores the human rights violations that arise out of the process of sourcing and manufacturing of technology. Human right exploitations begin at the very source where mining for natural resources workers face human rights abuse. Cobalt is a mineral found in lithium-ion batteries that power the majority of electric cars and cell phones. Some of the largest tech companies in the world are using cobalt that is mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by children and adults in horrific conditions. These artisanal mines employ Congolese cobalt miners who operate in hazardous, congested underground tunnels with hazardous materials without even the most basic safety measures or protective gear. Increasing electrical consumption from data centres, carbon-intensive mining and manufacturing processes, and product obsolescence generates tonnes of e-waste and result in biodiversity loss. Furthermore, big tech companies set up factories in Southeast Asian countries. These factories are oftentimes sweatshops, where workers are treated poorly with one day off every two weeks, and employees have to put in 11 to 12 hours a day. They have two 10-minute breaks each day to drink water or use the lavatory in addition to a half-hour for lunch. However, if the employee doesn't hit a daily quota, they have to work overtime for free. Overall, it's said that wages are so low that employees must put in extra time to make even close to a livable income. The supply chain of tech companies should be subject to strict transparency requirements and other human rights procedures. They have the power to impose sanctions on enterprises that don't comply with the rules and to establish laws that are actually effective in levelling the playing field between employers and employees.
Avaliação das aprendizagens na disciplina de Sociologia para o Curso Complementar: reflexões a partir de manuais didáticos das décadas de 1930 e 1940
Authors: Pires Welkson , Lima Lucas Matheus
Published: July 2024

O estudo analisou cinco manuais escolares de Sociologia, produzidos entre as décadas de 1930 e 1940, visando apreender suas propostas de avaliação das aprendizagens. Utilizando a análise de conteúdo, foram examinados objetivos, conteúdos e metodologias adotados por esses manuais, tendo em vista seus possíveis impactos sobre a configuração da avaliação. Também foram analisadas as atividades constantes em tais obras, por serem instrumentos importantes do processo avaliativo, a fim de classificá-las de acordo com os objetivos educacionais pretendidos. Os resultados apontam que, dado o objetivo propedêutico do ensino de Sociologia no período, a avaliação acabou focando, prioritariamente, na alfabetização sociológica dos estudantes, ou seja, na assimilação de conhecimentos teórico-conceituais das Ciências Sociais.
Mulheres e escrita no Centro Psychico de Caetité-BA (1905-1930)
Authors: Reis Joseni Pereira Meira , Jinzenji Mônica Yumi , Souza Maria José Francisco de
Published: July 2024

O artigo apresenta análise sobre a participação de mulheres, por meio da produção escrita, no Centro Psychico de Caetité-BA, nas primeiras décadas do século XX. Busca-se contribuir para ampliar a visibilidade da atuação de mulheres em instâncias de formação não escolares em um contexto em que a população alfabetizada ainda era bastante restrita em todo o país. Por intermédio de indícios encontrados em atas de reuniões, de documentos psicografados e do jornal do centro espírita, identifica-se a presença de mulheres em funções de destaque, como a transcrição final de atas, escritas psicografadas, escrita jornalística e o envio de cartas e cartões. Evidencia-se o protagonismo de mulheres da elite socioeconômica e política em funções equivalentes às ocupadas por homens nessa instância educativa.
Assessment of environmental chemical contamination and histamine levels in the production of Colatura di Alici di Cetara
Authors: D’Anza Emanuele , Di Paolo Marika , Alvino Silvana , Danese Amalia , Peretti Vincenzo , Gallo Pasquale , Marrone Raffaele
Published: July 2024

Colatura di alici di Cetara is a fish sauce obtained from the fermented seasoning of anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus L.) in salt and produced in the province of Salerno (Campania, Italy). The anchovies used in its production could indicate the degree of the ecosystem's well-being through the study of heavy metals. Histamine represents one of the major hygienic and health concerns in fish products belonging to the Engraulidae family and those derived from them through enzymatic maturation. The current study aimed to: i) investigate the levels of heavy metals in anchovies; and ii) assess histamine content in two distinct production processes: the first following the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) protocol, which involves anchovy’s evisceration; and the second employing an experimental protocol using whole anchovies. The determined parameters were: i) heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and mercury (Hg) using a direct mercury analyzer on the raw material (T0), coarse salt, and processed anchovies at T1; ii) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to fluorescence detection at T1; and iii) histamine using an ultra HPLC-diode-array detection analysis at all stages throughout the process (T0 to T8). The results of the heavy metals analyzed show values below the permitted limits for Cd (0.013±0.006 mg/kg), Pb (not detected), and Hg (0.072±0.003 and 0.043±0.026 mg/kg). The PAHs were not detected. All histamine concentrations determined were below the maximum limit set by the European legislation for fish sauces. The highest values were found in the anchovies gutted at T2 (0.86±0.08), in the respective colatura (51.00±1.70) of the PDO procedure, and in the experimental procedure at T8 (7.00±0.60). No significant differences were found between the colatura obtained by both production processes. The study highlighted the importance of raw material selection and monitoring of the process for producing a product like Colatura di Alici di Cetara.
Die Eerste Vryheidsoorlog: Van verset en geweld tot skikking deur onderhandeling 1877-1884
Authors: Oberholster A.G.
Published: July 2024

No abstract available.
Early history of the Victoria West branch of the Standard Bank of South Africa
Authors: Immelman Elbie
Published: July 2024

The Victoria West Branch of the Standard Bank of South Africa was only the second to be established when it opened on 15 April 1863. The Bank occupied several premises consecutively before moving into the present modern building. For more than a century it has shared the weal and woe of the local population. The Bank's inspection reports are a valuable source of information on local economic conditions, such as the effects of droughts and floods on farming, the exploitation of the farmers by shopkeepers, the change in farming methods, and the contribution of the region to the country's total production. The Bank, never an indifferent spectator, was itself hard-pressed in difficult times.
Hobbs's local history and the library
Authors: Tempelhoff Johann W.N.
Published: July 2024

No abstract available.
Oos-Vrystaatse Grensgordel: 'n Streekhistoriese voorstudie en bronneverkenning
Authors: Van Rensburg A.P.J.
Published: July 2024

No abstract available.
Treatment of Ulcerative Lesions with Low-level Laser Therapy in a Patient with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Castro Evllen do Vale , Freitas Joao Victor de Paula , Oliveira Francisco Artur Forte , Maia Lucas Alexandre , Dantas Thinali Sousa , Forte Clarissa Pessoa Fernandes
Published: July 2024

Ulcerated lesions have been observed in SARS-CoV-2 patients and their treatment is a challenge. We aim to report the treatment of oral lesions with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in a patient with SARS-CoV-2. The patient diagnosed with COVID-19 was admitted to the intensive care unit, on mechanical ventilation, and on a nasogastric tube diet that persisted due to oral lesions. Painful ulcerated lesions, clinically diagnosed as viral ulcer, were found on the tongue, palate, labial commissure, and oropharynx during the oral evaluation. An antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with methylene blue and red laser (high energy) was performed, followed by treatment with LLLT with red laser. Significant clinical improvement of the lesions was observed after seven sessions of LLLT, with the oral diet being reestablished. Oral mucosal lesions in patients with COVID-19 are usually symptomatic and with onset after systemic symptoms. LLLT has been used in the management of these lesions, with promising results.
Cohomological $\chi$-independence for Higgs bundles and Gopakumar–Vafa invariants
Authors: Kinjo Tasuki , Koseki Naoki
Published: July 2024

The aim of this paper is two-fold. Firstly, we prove Toda’s

\chi

-independence conjecture for Gopakumar–Vafa invariants of arbitrary local curves. Secondly, following Davison’s work, we introduce the BPS cohomology for moduli spaces of Higgs bundles of rank

r

and Euler characteristic

\chi

which are not necessary coprime, and show that it does not depend on

\chi

. This result extends the Hausel–Thaddeus conjecture on the

\chi

-independence of E-polynomials proved by Mellit, Groechenig–Wyss–Ziegler and Yu in two ways: We obtain an isomorphism of mixed Hodge modules on the Hitchin base rather than an equality of E-polynomials, and we do not need the coprime assumption. The proof of these results is based on a description of the moduli stack of one-dimensional coherent sheaves on a local curve as a global critical locus which is obtained in the companion paper by the first author and Naruki Masuda.
Caracterización de la comunidad académica experta en el proceso constituyente chileno
Authors: Fuentes S. Claudio
Published: July 2024

Este artículo realiza una caracterización de la comunidad académica experta que participó del proceso constituyente chileno entre 2020 y 2023. A partir de una sistematización de publicaciones, eventos, pertenencia a redes, y participación en cargos públicos asociados al proceso, se establece una tipología que considera dos dimensiones: la cercanía/distancia con orgánicas políticas y la participación directa/indirecta en la toma de decisiones. Se destaca el predominio de la disciplina del derecho en este debate; el vínculo entre determinadas escuelas de formación y posturas ideológicas y el predominio de una intelectualidad pública asociada a los partidos que continúa caracterizando el debate experto chileno.
Marentalidades y parentalidades positivas. Un estudio desde las narrativas de adultos/ as responsables pertenecientes al programa de Prevención Focalizada (PPF)
Authors: Brito-Rodríguez Sonia , Basualto-Porra Lorena , Azócar-González Rodrigo , Flores-Rivas Claudia
Published: July 2024

El presente artículo tiene como propósito analizar comprensivamente el ejercicio de la marentalidad/parentalidad (m/p) de adultos/as responsables de niñas, niños y adolescentes pertenecientes al programa de Prevención Focalizada (PPF) de las comunas de Cerro Navia, Renca, San Joaquín, El Monte, El Bosque y Punta Arenas, desde la dimensión territorial y generacional, considerando brechas institucionales, de violencia estructural y de género. Se desarrolla desde una metodología cualitativa a través del instrumento de entrevista en profundidad y de la técnica de grupo de discusión que permite aportar en la construcción de una marentalidad/parentalidad positiva. Los principales resultados refieren a que el rol de marentalidad y parentalidad está mediado por el territorio, el género, biografías de vida y las condiciones estructurales, tales como tipos de familia, educación, factores sociales y económicos, además de verse atravesadas por el uso y abuso de las nuevas tecnologías.
Etnografiando matinales: Migración y vigilancia mediática en pandemia
Authors: Carvajal-Hicks Diego , Reyes-Muñoz Vania
Published: July 2024

El artículo presenta la vigilancia política de los cuerpos migrantes, particularmente haitianos, durante los primeros meses de la pandemia COVID-19 en Santiago de Chile, a través de la observación e interpretación etnográfica de dos piezas de matinales de la televisión abierta, transmitidos en el mes de abril del 2020, y que resultan ilustrativas de periodos de alta intensidad discursiva sobre este tema en un tiempo acotado. El contenido de estas notas da cuenta de discursos de control social, discriminación y racismo; además, evidencia la construcción de la amenaza que significaría a los connacionales supuestas formas de habitar migrante en la ciudad, las que deben ser expuestas y mediatizadas como mecanismo de vigilancia colectiva para contener la propagación del virus que, invisible, se alojaría en los cuerpos otros, criminalizados y racializados.
Can the preoperative prognostic nutritional index be used as a postoperative predictor of gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Feng Yu-Wei , Wang Hai-Ying , Lin Qiang
Published: July 2024

Gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction are major challenges to global public health due to their high morbidity and mortality. Despite continuous improvements in treatment techniques, patient prognosis is still affected by multiple factors. The preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI), a simple clinical indicator, has received widespread attention in recent years. Fiflis et al conducted a systematic review and reported that a high PNI was associated with significantly better survival in patients with gastric cancer. They also found that the PNI had prognostic value in patients with cancer of different TNM stages and had a positive effect even in advanced gastric cancer patients. Although the study did not address the impact of treatment regimens and had limited data sources, the results support the validity of the PNI as a biomarker for predicting the survival of gastric cancer patients. Future studies should further standardize the calculation method of the PNI, explore its applicability in different populations, and integrate other clinical parameters to construct more accurate prediction models.
Network pharmacology- and molecular docking-based exploration of the molecular mechanism underlying Jianpi Yiwei Recipe treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Peng , Wu Huan-Yu
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used as an important complementary and alternative healthcare system for cancer treatment in Asian countries. Network pharmacology, which utilizes various database platforms and computer software to study the interactions between complex drug components in vivo, is particularly useful for studying the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of multi-pathway and multi-target Chinese medicines.

AIM

To explore the potential targets and function of Jianpi Yiwei Recipe treatment of gastric cancer (GC) through network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

Data on the components of Jianpi Yiwei Recipe (Radix Astragali, Radix Codonopsis, Agrimonia eupatoria , Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Poria cocos , stir-baked rhizoma dioscoreae, Amomum villosum Lour., fried Fructus Aurantii, pericarpium citri reticulatae, Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparata, and Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) were collected and screened by using the TCM systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP). Then the targets of these compounds were predicted. GC-related targets were screened using the GeneCards database. Venn diagram was used to identify common targets. An active ingredient-core target interaction network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were built. Moreover, we performed gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses on the core targets and validated them by molecular docking.

RESULTS

TCMSP screening revealed 11 active components and 184 targets, whereas GeneCards found 10118 disease-related targets, with 180 shared targets between them. Topology analysis of the PPI network identified 38 targets, including ATK1, TP53, and tumor necrosis factor, as key targets for the treatment of GC by Jianpi Yiwei Recipe. Quercetin, naringenin, luteolin, etc. , may be the main active components of Jianpi Yiwei Recipe. GO enrichment analysis identified 2809, 1218, and 553 functions related to biological process, molecular function, and cellular component, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 167 related pathways, mainly involved in cancer, endocrine resistance, and AGE-RAGE signaling in diabetic complication. Validation with molecular docking analysis showed docking of key active components with core targets.

CONCLUSION

Jianpi Yiwei Recipe plays a therapeutic role in GC through multiple components, targets, and pathways. These findings form a basis for follow-up exploration of Jianpi Yiwei Recipe in the treatment of GC.
Integrated single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing revealed an epigenetic signature predicts prognosis and tumor microenvironment colorectal cancer heterogeneity
Authors: Liu Han-Xuan , Feng Jie , Jiang Jing-Jing , Shen Wan-Jun , Zheng Yu , Liu Gang , Gao Xiang-Yang
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis prediction is currently a major challenge. Epigenetic regulation has been widely reported for its role in cancer development.

AIM

To construct a robust prognostic signature, we used developed and validated across datasets.

METHODS

After constructing the signature, the prognostic value of the signature was evaluated in the TCGA cohort and six independent datasets (GSE17526, GSE17537, GSE33113, GSE37892, GSE39048 and GSE39582). The clinical, genomic and transcriptomic features related to the signature were identified. The correlations of the signature score with immune cell infiltration and cell-cell interactions were analyzed. The correlations between the signature score and the sensitivity to different drugs were also predicted.

RESULTS

In the TCGA cohort, patients in the low-risk group according to the signature score had longer survival than those in the high-risk group, and this finding was validated in the validation datasets. The signature was a prognostic factor independent of age and sex and was correlated with stage and PD-1 /PD-L1 expression. Area under the receiving operating characteristic curve was 0.72. Genomic association analyses revealed that samples from high-risk patients exhibited chromosomal instability. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that the signature score was significantly associated with multiple cellular pathways. Bulk RNA-seq and single-cell sequencing data revealed that the signature reflected differences in infiltrating immune cell-tumor cell interactions, especially for macrophages. The signature also predicted the putative drug sensitivity of CRC samples.

CONCLUSION

The signature is a valuable biomarker for predicting CRC prognosis and reflects multiple features of CRC, especially macrophage infiltration in the microenvironment.
Water Treatment Practices and Misperceived Social Norms among Women Living with Young Children in Rural Uganda
Authors: Perkins Jessica M. , Kakuhikire Bernard , Baguma Charles , Meadows Meredith , Abayateye Raphael , Rasmussen Justin D. , Satinsky Emily N. , Gumisiriza Patrick , Kananura Justus , Namara Elizabeth B. , Bangsberg David R. , Tsai Alexander C.
Published: July 2024

Access to water safe for consumption is critical for health and well-being, yet substantial structural barriers often necessitate household action to make water safer. Social norms about water treatment practices are understudied as a driver of personal water treatment practice. This study assesses reported and perceived water treatment practices among women in a rural, water insecure setting. We used cross-sectional data from a population-based study of women living with children under 5 years old across eight villages in southwest Uganda. Participants reported their typical household water treatment practices and what they perceived to be the common practices among most other women with young children in their own village. Modified multivariable Poisson regression models estimated the association between individual behavior and perceptions. Of 274 participants (78% response rate), 221 (81%) reported boiling water and 228 (83%) reported taking at least one action to make water safer. However, 135 (49%) misperceived most women with young children in their village not to boil their water, and 119 (43%) misperceived most to take no action. Participants who misperceived these norms were less likely to practice safe water treatment (e.g., for boiling water, adjusted relative risk = 0.80; 95% CI 0.69–0.92, P = 0.002), adjusting for other factors. Future research should assess whether making actual descriptive norms about local water treatment practices visible and salient (e.g., with messages such as “most women in this village boil their drinking water”) corrects misperceived norms and increases safe water treatment practices by some and supports consistent safe practices by others.
Knowledge and Preventive Practices of Abattoir Workers toward Bovine Tuberculosis in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mathewos Mesfin , Atiso Tilahun , Fesseha Haben , Kebede Isayas Asefa
Published: July 2024

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic bacterial disease of animals that causes substantial economic losses in underdeveloped countries such as Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to August 2021 in the Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia using a designed questionnaire to assess risk, perception, and protective behavior against bTB. For this purpose, a total of 250 randomly chosen meat handlers working at six main, purposively selected abattoirs were interviewed, and the data were analyzed using STATA v. 13 software. Of the total participants interviewed, 37.0% (57/152) of the respondents strongly agreed that contracting bTB would prevent them from coming to work, whereas 32.4% (44/136) of them stayed in bed for an extended period. Knowledge-based analysis revealed that butcher house men were more aware than abattoir workers about factors related to the spread of bTB from animals to humans (73.3%), that healthy-looking meat contains bTB-causing pathogens (67.5%), and that consumption of contaminated meat can be a source of infection in humans (65.6%). These findings revealed that abattoir and butcher house employees are at higher risk of bTB exposure and a lack of understanding about the nature and transmission of the infection. Thus, abattoir and butcher house workers should be encouraged to pursue regular medical follow-ups and should be provided with better personal protective equipment.
Diagnostic Utility of Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction in Patients of Clinically Suspected Pure Neuritic Leprosy by Identifying Mycobacterium leprae in Skin Biopsy Samples and Nasal Swabs
Authors: Pathak Vinay Kumar , Sharma Apoorva , Sharma Ayush , Singh Itu , Kaur Manjot , Narang Tarun , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Pandey Pragati , Modi Manish , Dogra Sunil , Chhabra Seema
Published: July 2024

Pure neuritic leprosy (PNL) often remains underdiagnosed due to the lack of simple, reliable diagnostic tools to detect Mycobacterium leprae. This study aimed to investigate the utility of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MPCR) in easily accessible and less invasive biopsy sites, including skin biopsy samples and nasal swabs (NSs), to detect M. leprae. A total of 30 (N = 30) clinically suspected and untreated patients with PNL were recruited. Nasal swabs and skin biopsy samples from the innervation territory of an “enlarged nerve” were collected. DNA was extracted and subjected to MPCR (targeting leprae-specific repetitive element [RLEP], 16S rRNA, and SodA genes) and RLEP-PCR (individual gene PCR). The PCR products were analyzed by 3% agarose gel electrophoresis. In 30 patients with clinically suspected PNL, 60% (N = 18) of skin biopsy samples and 53% (N = 16) of NSs were found positive for M. leprae DNA by MPCR, whereas only 23.3% (N = 7) of skin biopsy samples and 10% (N = 3) of NSs were found positive by RLEP-PCR. MPCR demonstrated a greater positivity rate than did RLEP-PCR for detection of M. leprae. Serologic positivity for anti-natural disaccharide-octyl conjugated with bovine serum albumin (ND-O-BSA) antibodies was 80% (16/20), including 35% (7/20) of PNL patients for which the skin MPCR was negative. Both serologic positivity and skin MPCR positivity were observed in 65% of patients (N = 20). Multiplex polymerase chain reaction is a useful tool for detection for M. leprae in skin biopsy samples and NSs in clinically suspected cases of PNL, with the added advantages of being less invasive and technically easier than nerve biopsy.
Resurgence of Dengue Virus Serotype 2: Findings from the 2023 Bangladesh Outbreak
Authors: Hasan Anamul , Zamil Md Fahad , Trina Afrida Tabassum , Biswas Rajat Sanker Roy , Kumkum Asifa , Ahmed Dilruba , Alam Mohammad Shafiul
Published: July 2024

Bangladesh experienced the largest and deadliest dengue outbreak in 2023, after the virus had reappeared in the country 2 decades earlier. A total of 1,705 people died in Bangladesh, representing the highest case fatality rate (0.5%) due to dengue in the world for that year. The severity of dengue infection is to some extent related to the emergence of new circulating serotypes. To identify the possible predominant serotype in 2023, the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-based identification technique was used on stored serum samples of suspected dengue patients during the period between July and December 2023. The overall result of molecular serotyping showed that dengue virus (DENV-2) reappeared as the predominant serotype (74.1%), followed by a moderate number of samples with DENV-1 (19.8%) and DENV-3 (6.1%), in 2023. However, DENV-1 was found to be dominant in a few rural areas of Cox’s Bazar districts. During the 2019 outbreak, DENV-3 was the dominant serotype, which seemed to be replaced by the DENV-2 serotype; this may have impacted the increased case fatality in 2023.
Fertility Evaluation Of Soils After Ten Years Of Intensive Rural Vegetable Production In Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Promise Ogechi Okpara , Chinyere Blessing Okebalama
Published: July 2024

A medium-term assessment of soil fertility of continuously cultivated fields for vegetable production is an important factor for long-term soil sustainability. This study investigates the potentials and limitations of ten-year nutrient management on the fertility of soils under semi-commercial cultivation of four different vegetables [fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), red, and green pepper (Capsicum annuum)] in Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria. Topsoil samples (0-30 cm) were collected in triplicate from the different vegetable fields and characterized. The results showed that the soils were sandy loam, loamy sand and sandy clay loam (SCL) with similar bulk density, total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity. However, the soils under red and green peppers had the lowest percentage of the 0.50-1.00 mm water-stable aggregate (WSA), but the highest percentage of aggregate stability (AS) than the other soils. The soils differed significantly in pH, organic matter (OM), available phosphorus (Av.P), exchangeable magnesium (Mg²⁺), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), hydrogen (H⁺) and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC). The moderately acid pH soils under red pepper and tomato cultivation had the highest values for OM, Na⁺, K⁺ and H⁺, as well as ECEC, while the slightly acid pH soil under fluted pumpkin cultivation had the highest Mg²⁺ content. The soils had low N but high Av.P reserves, indicating low P use efficiency. While the favourable pH, organic matter, and Av.P represent the potential of the soils for vegetable cultivation, N and K are the main potentially limiting nutrients in the studied soils. Overall, the soils under red pepper and tomato cultivation had a better fertility status due to their SCL texture and the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, which contributed to better soil structure and greater nutrient retention compared to the soils under fluted pumpkin and green pepper.
Utilization Of Authentic Assessment Method Among Basic Education Teachers In Nigeria
Authors: Etta Idaka Idaka , John Arikpo Okri , Janet Menku Anoh , Mary Imo Inyang , Mathias Bebeia Obi
Published: July 2024

The study was designed to assess the level of utilization of authentic assessment as personal method among basic education teachers and to determine whether their level of utilization of authentic assessment as influenced by teacher’s gender and teaching interest. The study was a survey, with questionnaire as instrument for data collection. Basic education teachers in Cross River State were sampled for the study using stratified sampling technique to select 722 teachers. Three hypotheses were tested using t-test and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings were as follows: (i) Nigerian basic education teachers sampled displayed a significant high utilization of authentic assessment method, (ii) Gender had no influence on utilization of authentic assessment and (iii) There was a significant positive relationship between teaching interest and utilization of authentic assessment. Based on the findings some important recommendations were made. It is therefore recommended that administrators of Nigerian Universal Basic Education and State governments should be bold enough to give the teaching profession its pride of place, and significantly motivate the workforce at that foundation level of our educational system, if the secondary and tertiary levels are to be effective.
Managerial Characteristics Of Principals: A Panacea For Secondary School Teachers’ Job Performance In Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyobo Gladys Tom Abam , Paul Imeh Amos , Osedumme Igwebuike
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
This study investigated Principals’ managerial characteristics: A panacea for teachers’ job performance in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the aim of the research, three hypotheses were raised and tested at .05 significance level. The research design used in this study was survey design. The population of the study consist of all serving teachers with government secondary schools in Cross River State. Records available at Ministry of Education (State Secondary Education Board) shows that there are 5,057 serving teachers with the State. The population comprises 2,732 junior school teachers and 2,325 senior school teachers respectively. The sample for this study comprises 147 teachers comprising 73 female and 74 male teachers proportionally selected from the population. A Questionnaire title Principals’ Administrative Variables and Teachers’ Job Performance Questionnaire (PAVTPQ) was used for data collection. Data were analyzed with Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) for hypothesis one and One-Way Analysis of Variance for hypotheses two and three. The findings of the study showed that there is a significant influence of variables of Principles’ managerial characteristic and teachers’ performance Cross River State, Nigeria. The researcher recommended that among other things that there is need for the principals of secondary schools to enhance their supervisory skills by having a regular or periodic assessment of the teachers with reference to instructional method and punctuality.
Species Composition And Distribution Of Leech (Annelida: Clitellata) In Zaria, Northern Guinea Savana, Nigeria
Authors: Iliyasu Abdulrasheed , U Anele Emmanuela
Published: July 2024

Leeches are distributed worldwide and are found in aquatic and humid terrestrial environments. They play important roles in trophic systems as parasites, predators and prey and, in determining water quality and biodiversity of aquatic and wetland ecosystems. This study was carried out to determine the species composition and effects of physico-chemical parameters on the distribution of leeches in Zaria located within the northern guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. Leeches were collected from August - October 2019 in rice farms and the banks of a stream and a pond with the aid of forceps. The pH, temperature, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids of each sampled location were taken in-situ using a Hanna Instrument. The average of each physico-chemical parameter was recorded as mean ± Standard Error. A total of 12 leeches belonging to 3 families were collected (Erpobdellidea: Erpobdella octoculata, Glossiphoniidae: Placobdella costata and Hirudinidae: Hirudo species). The species composition (3) which constitutes 25% and abundance (9) constitutes 75% of leeches were highest in the rice farm. Temperature, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were relatively higher in the rice farm as compared with the stream and pond. However, the physico-chemical parameter did not affect the distribution and abundance of Erpobdella octoculata which was collected in all sampled locations. Species composition of leeches in Zaria was generally low due to reduced precipitation and vegetation type in the study area. Temperature, electrical conductivity, pH and total dissolved solids have effects on the distribution and abundance of Placobdella costata and Hirudo species. Intense survey of Leeches species composition is recommended in the study area.
Effect of aqueous Chasmanthera dependens leaf extract on mercury chloride-induced gastric damage in adult Wistar rats.
Authors: Imafidon E.O. , Aig-Unuigbe J.E.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Mercury, used in industries and consumer products, poses serious health risks through contaminated food, water, occupational hazards, and inhalation. Chronic exposure causes neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and gastrointestinal damage. Mercury chloride is particularly harmful to the stomach, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. Traditional medicinal plants, like Chasmanthera dependens, contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the study was aimed at evaluating the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Chasmanthera dependens on mercury chloride-induced gastric damage in Wistar rats.
METHODOLOGY: Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (A-F). Group A served as control; Group B - 10 mg/kg of Mercury chloride only; Group C - 200 mg/kg body weight of Chasmanthera dependens aqueous leaf extract and 10 mg/kg of Mercury chloride; Group D - 400 mg/kg body weight of Chasmanthera dependens aqueous leaf extract and 10 mg/kg of Mercury chloride; Group E - 800 mg/kg body weight of Chasmanthera dependens aqueous leaf extract and 10 mg/kg of Mercury chloride; Group F - 800 mg/kg body weight of Chasmanthera dependens aqueous leaf extract.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results showed that mercury chloride increased lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, causing significant gastric damage. Pre-treatment with Chasmanthera dependens improved the antioxidant defense system, reducing MDA levels and increasing SOD, CAT, and GPx activity. Histological findings showed reduced tissue erosion, with higher doses of Chasmanthera dependens offering better protection against mercury chloride-induced gastric damage.
Etale descent obstruction and anabelian geometry of curves over finite fields
Authors: Creutz Brendan , Voloch Jose Felipe
Published: July 2024

Let $C$ and $D$ be smooth, proper and geometrically integral curves over a finite field $F$. Any morphism from $D$ to $C$ induces a morphism of their \'etale fundamental groups. The anabelian philosophy proposed by Grothendieck suggests that, when $C$ has genus at least $2$, all open homomorphisms between the \'etale fundamental groups should arise in this way from a nonconstant morphism of curves. We relate this expectation to the arithmetic of the curve $C_K$ over the global function field $K = F(D)$. Specifically, we show that there is a bijection between the set of conjugacy classes of well-behaved morphism of fundamental groups and locally constant adelic points of $C_K$ that survive \'etale descent. We use this to provide further evidence for the anabelian conjecture by relating it to another recent conjecture by Sutherland and the second author.
A Study on the Effectiveness of Lessons to Improve Critical Thinking Ability in University Students
Authors: Kim Jongsuk , Kim Youngwoo
Published: July 2024

This study analyzes the effects of lessons on critical thinking-related subjects operated in basic liberal arts and major subjects and seeks ways to improve critical thinking skills. The research design is a mixture of pretest-posttest and posttest designs. The critical thinking test was administered from the second semester of the 2022 academic year to the second semester of the 2023 academic year. Analysis of the study showed no statistically significant difference between the pretest-posttest critical thinking ability of students in the experimental group in the pretest-posttest design. On the other hand, the posttest designs showed that the experimental group had higer critical thinking ability than the control group, showing a statistically significant difference. When comparing the effectiveness of critical thinking ability by teaching method, there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding the total score, but the experimental group was more effective when it came to the rational evaluation subscale. This study found that short-term education does not necessarily lead to overall improvement in critical thinking ability and suggested continuous research expansion on critical thinking ability and evaluation of long-term effects.
Writing in the Era of Artificial Intelligence from the Perspective of Transformative Competencies
Authors: Kim Hyeonjeong
Published: July 2024

With the recent development of artificial intelligence technology such as ChatGPT, various discussions have been raised regarding writing education in the era of artificial intelligence. Therefore, this study aims to explore the direction of writing education from the perspective of transformative competencies. To this end, this study examined the meaning of transformative competencies presented in the OECD's Future of Education and Skills 2030 Project and suggested the direction in which writing education in the era of artificial intelligence should be heading.The ‘transformative competencies’ presented in the OECD's Future of Education and Skills 2030 Project focuses on the ability of humans to do better when matched against artificial intelligence. In the future society, it is necessary to be able to cope with fluctuating and uncertain situations by having a flexible attitude toward new technologies and an attitude that encourages the continuous acquirement of new knowledge or skills through transformative competencies.Based on transformative competencies, this study set the direction of writing education in the age of artificial intelligence as ‘creative writing to create new values’, ‘practical writing for individuals and communities’, and ‘heuristic writing to awaken a sense of good writing and responsibility’. The direction of writing education in this era of artificial intelligence is not limited to the education of required college writing subjects, but is also the direction of overall college education as well as that of the humanities. Through the establishment of this direction, writing education should be aimed at actively responding to changes in the future era of artificial intelligence, while still allowing students to maintain certain human qualities.
Analysis of ‘Publicity’ and ‘Information’ in Public Language of Administrative Agencies : Focusing on the Press Release of Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education and Korea Housing Finance Corporation
Authors: Bae Hyejin , Kim Sujeong
Published: July 2024

Since the Press Release of the Administrative Agency is it is necessary to deliver accurate information regarding Public Nature. If the Public Language of the Press Release undermines the publicity, some readers may perceive the Press Release itself negatively. In addition, if the information of the Press Release is not accurately communicated, the public may have difficulty understanding the content of the article. In particular, topics such as education and housing directly affect the lives of the people, so this is especially true. Therefore, in this study, press releases from the the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office and Korea Housing Finance Corporation of Education were analyzed focusing on Public Nature and Informativity. First, Public Nature was examined based on overbearing or authoritative expressions and discriminatory expressions, In the case of discriminatory expressions, direct, indirect, and personal information were examined. Next, Informativity was reviewed focusing on the format, quantity, and arrangement of information. As a result, there were few cases in which overbearing or discriminatory expressions were directly revealed in press releases from the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education and the Korea Housing Finance Corporation. However, indirect discriminatory expressions or unnecessary personal information exposure were found. In terms of Informativity, errors were found in the format of information common to both institutions, and there were differences in the amount and arrangement of information in the two institutions. It is hoped that the results of this study, which reviewed Press Releases focusing on Public Nature and Informativity, will be helpful in writing better and easier to understand Press Releases.
A Preliminary Discussion on Revitalizing Humanities Based General Education in the Era of Generative AI
Authors: Seo MinGyu , Kim Jiyoung , Choi Yejung , Cho Hye Kyung
Published: July 2024

This research aims to analyze the educational changes and issues occurring in the field of university general education, especially in the humanities curriculum, which are heavily influenced by generative AI technology, and to propose the direction and tasks that humanities based general education should pursue in the future. Chapter 2 examines cases of educational use of generative AI in current Korean universities. Chapter 3 considers the implications and ripple effects of generative AI technology from a humanities based general education perspective and analyzes what the new role of humanities based general education should be. Chapter 4 presents content and methods to substantiate humanities based general education in the era of generative AI through specific course examples. Throughout this study, the researchers have concluded that humanities based general education, which explores humanity, needs to be strengthened further in the AI era, albeit in a different way than before. In particular, it emphasizes the need for a diversified education in text criticism, analysis, and creative problem-solving centered on humanistic classics, enhancing the roles of logical, critical, and creative thinking education in an integrated manner. Additionally, the study examines some examples that are needed for an integrated humanities based general education needed in the AI era and explores the possibility of true integrated education that transcends the boundaries of humanities, science, technology, and the arts.
Criticism of Market-centered Education ideology : Consideration from a Humanistic Perspective
Authors: Seo Jungil
Published: July 2024

This paper will shed light on the reality of the human capital and economic imperial educational ideology from a humanities perspective. This educational ideology was based on human resources and applied education to the category of economic analysis. In addition, this study examines the phenomenon that emerged as the main source of education and reviews the arguments for criticism against it. In this way, we explore the essential meaning of education that fosters critical thinking skills as an ethical subject and the task of education regarding it.
The Lecturer as a Researcher in a Tertiary Level Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institution
Authors: Griffith Stafford ,   The University of the West Indies
Published: July 2024

This article explores the issue of the lecturer as a researcher in the context of a tertiary level technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institution in Jamaica. Much of what is said, however, will find easy application to TVET institutions in small developing countries in the Commonwealth Caribbean and elsewhere. The article first explores, broadly, the concept of research in education and its general application to the field of TVET. It then addresses a number of issues more specifically related to the lecturer as a researcher in a TVET institution.
Kompetensi Kepribadian Guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen dalam Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila
Authors: Purnamawati Yuli , Widyawati Ni Kadek Sri
Published: July 2024

Pemerintah terus meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan. Salah satu langkah awal yang dilakukan pemerintah adalah meningkatkan kualitas layanan pendidikan dan menyelaraskan program pendidikan dengan pertumbuhan. Pemerintah sedang mengembangkan kurikulum, dengan aspek yang paling penting adalah pengembangan profil pembelajaran Pancasila. Artikel ini memberikan kerangka konseptual pemahaman kompetensi guru pendidikan Kristen dalam konteks profil pembelajaran Pancasila. Analisis literatur digunakan untuk memperoleh ringkasan topik penelitian. Dalam pengembangan profil pembelajaran Pancasila, kompetensi guru PAK dapat membantu menciptakan lingkungan belajar yang inklusif di mana berbagai tingkat kepercayaan dan keyakinan dipupuk dan dipupuk. Kemudian, guru PAK memiliki kemampuan untuk meningkatkan toleransi dan mengurangi konflik. Setelah itu, kompetensi guru PAK terkait dengan pendidikan moral dan etika. Kompetensi kepribadian guru PAK juga memainkan peran penting dalam pengembangan keterampilan sosial siswa, termasuk kemampuan untuk bekerja sama, berempati, dan memahami perspektif orang lain.