bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
高校美术设计教育新模式探索：基于OBE理念的传统文化弘扬策略
Authors: 黄朝伟  , 王小冬
Published: May 2024

在信息技术迅猛发展和全球化深入推进的背景下，高等艺术教育遇到了前所未有的挑战和机遇。特别是，传统文化的传承与推广已成为艺术设计教育领域的焦点。本研究基于传统美术设计教育模式，深入探讨了基于成果的教育（Outcome-Based Education，OBE）理念，目的是探索一种新的传统文化美术设计教育模式。本研究分析了我国高等院校美术设计教育的现状，特别强调了现有教育模式在传统文化传承方面的限制，并通过深入分析和比较案例教学、教学工作坊和项目实践等多样化教学策略的效果，将OBE理念与实践教学相结合，旨在促进学生深入理解和创新性地应用传统文化。基于这些发现，本研究提出了一套具体的高校美术设计教育中传统文化教学策略和实施细节，旨在丰富传统文化继承的理论与实践探索，希望能为高等教育体系的改进与完善、传统文化的活力与创新发展提供有价值的参考和实际意义。With rapid advancements in information technology and deepening globalization, higher art education faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Specifically, the inheritance and promotion of traditional culture have become focal points in the field of art and design education. This study, grounded in the traditional art and design education model, thoroughly examines the concept of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) to explore a new model for traditional cultural art and design education. The study analyzes the current state of art and design education in Chinese higher institutions, particularly emphasizing the limitations of existing education models in preserving traditional culture. By comprehensively analyzing and comparing the effectiveness of diverse teaching strategies such as case studies, workshops, and project practices, this study integrates the OBE concept with practical teaching to foster students' deep understanding and innovative application of traditional culture. Based on these findings, the study proposes a set of concrete strategies and implementation details for traditional culture education in university art and design programs, aiming to enrich the theoretical and practical exploration of traditional cultural inheritance. It aspires to provide valuable references and practical significance for improving the higher education system, revitalizing traditional culture, and fostering innovative development.
PECULIARITIES OF APPLICATION OF FEDERAL HISTORY TEXTBOOKS FOR GRADES 10–11 IN ACHIEVING SUBJECT OUTCOMES IN THE CONTEXT OF CURRENT TENDENCIES IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
Authors: ФРОЛОВА Н.В. , ГАВРИСЕНКО Е.А.
Published: May 2024

Система школьного исторического образования вынуждена быстро отвечать на общественно-политические, социально-экономические и культурные вызовы современности. В связи с этим в 2023 году по заказу Министерства Просвеще- ния Российской Федерации были разработаны новые федеральные учебники по исто- рии для 10–11 классов. В статье представлен анализ методического аппарата федераль- ных учебников с точки зрения соответствия персонализированной модели обучения и системно-деятельностному подходу, которые рассматриваются как основные тенденции современной системы образования. Приводятся примеры конкретных заданий, представ- ленных в учебниках, и их характеристика с учетом указанных тенденций. Анализ вопро- сов и заданий позволил авторам обосновать важную роль новых учебников в достижении обучающимися предметных результатов.

The system of school history education needs to respond quickly to the socio-political, socio-economic and cultural challenges of our time. In this regard, in 2023 the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation commissioned the development of new federal history textbooks for grades 10–11 to address the socio-political, socio-economic and cultural challenges of our time. The article presents the analysis of the methodological apparatus of federal textbooks from the point of view of compliance with the personalised learning model and the system-activity approach, which are considered to be the main tendencies of the modern education system. Examples of specific tasks presented in the textbooks and their characteristics in relation to these tendencies are given. The analysis of questions and tasks allowed the authors to justify the important role of new textbooks in achieving subject outcomes by students.
THE PRINCIPLES OF CREATING AN EDUCATIONAL AND METHODOLOGICAL MANUAL IN RUSSIAN AS A NON-NATIVE LANGUAGE
Authors: СИРОТКИНА Т.А.
Published: May 2024

В современной методике создания учебников по русскому языку как неродному вы- деляют следующие основные принципы их построения: текстовый, культурологи- ческий, принцип системности и функциональности и некоторые другие. Все эти принципы, безусловно, должны соблюдаться и при создании учебно-методических посо- бий. Цель настоящей статьи — рассмотреть основные принципы создания учебно-методических пособий для детей-инофонов, проживающих в ХМАО-Югре. Материалом описания послужила рукопись учебного пособия «Мой край, моя Югра», программа которого создана учителями школы № 22 г. Сургута. Основным методом иссле- дования являлся метод педагогического проектирования, традиционный для современной методики. Результатом работы послужит учебное пособие, созданное по описанным в статье прин- ципам. Новизна темы состоит во введении в научный обиход нового, регионального мате- риала.

In the modern methodology for creating textbooks on Russian as a non-native language, the following basic principles of their construction are distinguished: textual, cultural, the principle of consistency and functionality, and some others. All these principles, of course, must be observed when creating teaching aids. The purpose of this article is to consider the basic principles of creating educational and methodological aids for non-native speaker children living in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. The material for the description was the manuscript of the textbook “My Land, My Yugra,” the program of which was created by teachers of school No. 22 in Surgut. The main research method was the method of pedagogical design, traditional for modern methods. The result of the work will be a training manual created according to the principles described in the article. The novelty of the topic lies in the introduction of new, regional material into scientific use.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE INCLUSIVE COMPETENCE OF THE FUTURE TEACHER IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS OF THE UNIVERSITY
Authors: НИЯЗОВА А.А. , КОРОТОВСКИХ Т.В.
Published: May 2024

Статья выполнена в рамках деятельности временного научно-исследовательского коллектива на тему «Инклюзивная компетентность педагогов как ресурс образо- вательной системы ХМАО-Югры», поддержанную Департаментом образования и науки Ханты-Мансийского автономного округа — Югры. В статье анализируются современные подходы к проблеме развития инклюзивной компетентности будущих педагогов. В рамках исследования она рассматривается как со- ставляющая профессиональной компетентности, включающая совокупность ценностных ориентиров, мотивов профессиональной деятельности и способность педагога к целево- му достижению результатов в педагогической деятельности с детьми с особыми образо- вательными потребностями. Результаты исследования показывают, что высокий уровень инклюзивной компетентности будущих педагогов обеспечивается комплексным форми- рованием ее структурных компонентов на основе выделенных психолого-педагогических условий развития инклюзивной компетентности.

The article analyzes modern approaches to the problem of developing the inclusive competence of future teachers. Within the framework of the study, it is considered as a component of professional competence, including a set of value orientations, motives for professional activity and the ability of a teacher to achieve results in educational activities with children with special educational needs. The results of the study show that a high level of inclusive competence of future teachers is ensured by the complex formation of its structural components based on the identified psychological and pedagogical conditions for the development of inclusive competence.
INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL ROUTE AS A WAY TO DEVELOP A PRESCHOOL CHILD WITH SIGNS OF MUSICAL TALENT
Authors: ФЕРЗАЛИЕВА А.Т. , ЗЫРЯНОВА С.М.
Published: May 2024

Статья посвящена проблеме развития детей дошкольного возраста с признаками музыкальной одаренности в условиях дополнительного образования. Решение про- блемы авторы видят в использовании индивидуальных образовательных маршрутов в работе с одаренными детьми в дошкольной образовательной организации. На основе изучения нормативно-правовых документов, регламентирующих работу с одаренными детьми, анализа психолого-педагогических исследований, авторы раскрывают роль ин- дивидуализации в дошкольном образовании, представляют характеристику содержания понятий «индивидуальный образовательный маршрут», «дети с признаками музыкальной одаренности», описывают этапы разработки, содержание разделов индивидуального об- разовательного маршрута, а также предлагают авторское понимание проблемы. Опираясь на собственный практический опыт, авторы описывают пути разработки и ре- ализации индивидуальных образовательных маршрутов для детей с признаками музыкаль- ной одаренности в условиях дополнительного образования в дошкольной образовательной организации. Авторы приходят к выводу о том, что ключевой идеей при разработке и реализации индивидуального образовательного маршрута является создание индивидуализированного образовательного пространства, ориентированного на интересы и склонности ребенка, учитывающего уровень развития его актуальных способностей и творческого потенциала.

The article is devoted to the problem of the development of preschool children with signs of musical talent in the conditions of additional education. The authors see a solution to the problem in the use of individual educational routes in working with gifted children in a preschool educational organization. Based on the study of regulatory documents regulating work with gifted children, analysis of psychological and pedagogical research, the authors reveal the role of individualization in preschool education, present a description of the content of the concepts “individual educational route”, “children with signs of musical talent”, describe the stages of development, the content of sections of the individual educational route, and also offer the author’s understanding of the problem. Based on their own practical experience, the authors describe ways to develop and implement individual educational routes for children with signs of musical talent in the conditions of additional education in a preschool educational organization. The authors come to the conclusion that the key idea in the development and implementation of an individual educational route is the creation of an individualized educational space, focused on the interests and inclinations of the child, taking into account the level of development of his current abilities and creative potential.
FORMATION OF IDEAS ABOUT THE CONTENT OF TRADITIONAL SPIRITUAL AND MORAL VALUES AMONG STUDENTS: PROBLEM STATEMENT AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCE
Authors: БЕРЕЗИНА Т.Ю. , ПУЗЕП Л.Г.
Published: May 2024

В современном обществе актуальным становится формирование ценностных ориен- тиров молодого поколения, которое является фундаментальным началом и продол- жением будущего страны. Сегодня многие современные молодые люди не задумы- ваются над содержанием традиционных ценностей. В статье транслируется опыт работы по реализации грантовых проектов при поддержке Международного грантового конкур- са «Православная инициатива». Данные проекты строились на основе обобщения опыта по реализации духовно-нравственного воспитания со студентами педагогического вуза.

In modern society the formation of value guidelines of the younger generation as the fundamental beginning and continuation of the future of the country becomes relevant. Today, many modern young people do not think about the content of traditional values. The article conveys the experience of implementing grant projects with the support of the International Grant Competition “Orthodox Initiative”. These projects were built on the basis of generalizing experience in the implementation of spiritual and moral education with students of a pedagogical university.
ON THE RESULTS OF USING THE TECHNOLOGY OF CRITICAL THINKING DEVELOPMENT IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGE AT A MILITARY COLLEGE
Authors: ЦЫБЯКОВА Е.С. , ОРЕХОВА Ю.М.
Published: May 2024

Поиск эффективных педагогических технологий направлен на повышение качества образования по учебной дисциплине «Иностранный язык». В статье обоснована целесообразность внедрения технологии развития критического мышления в курс профессионально ориентированного английского языка в Ярославском высшем военном училище противовоздушной обороны. Чтобы доказать эффективность данной технологии, были проведены анализ психолого-педагогической литературы, осуществлено наблюде- ние за курсантами, проведены рефлексивные опросники, тестирование и методический эксперимент. Рассмотрены результаты опытно-экспериментальной работы, организован- ной при изучении темы «Международные организации и военно-политические блоки. Итоговое тестирование и опрос курсантов показали, что внедрение данной технологии в образовательный процесс военного вуза способствует развитию ключевых компетенций и умений, важных для успешной профессиональной деятельности. Даны рекомендации, которые могут быть полезны при переработке дидактических материалов и подготовке к практическому занятию английского языка с применение ТРКМ.

The search for the effective teaching technologies is aimed at improving the quality of education on the academic discipline “Foreign language”. The article substantiates the reasonability of the technology of critical thinking development to teach English for specific purposes in Yaroslavl Higher Military Institute of the Air Defense. The analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature, monitoring and testing of cadets, reflexive questionnaires and the methodological experiment were carried out to prove the efficiency of this technology. The results of experimental studies under the topic “International organizations and military-political blocs” are described. The final testing and cadets’ interviewing have shown that the introduction of this technology in the educational process of a military university contributes to the development of key competences and hard skills which are necessary for successful professional growth. The paper also provides guidance on how to prepare for the English class in accordance with the concept of the technology of critical thinking development.
Chapter III. Demographic challenge and renewable energies: is Spain an example for Europe?
Authors: Terrón Santos Daniel
Published: May 2024

Since the issue of the abandonment of rural territories has been reintroduced into the agenda of national and European public policies, decisions and rules have been made with an aim that seem to be leading to an entrenchment of the conflict between the interests of the population that remains in the forgotten areas and the interests of other policies that are strongly anchored in long-term strategies. The rules in which these strategic decisions are translated clash with territories and communities on which a decrease or a set of rules is imposed that makes it impossible for traditional activities to develop and adapt to the new times. In this context, the citizens of remote (or, in popular Spanish terminology, ‘empty’) areas, who observe how other interests prevail over their demands, are confronted with a tide of ‘alien’ rules, imposed, experienced as ‘impositions’ that necessarily generate conflict, just when it seemed that positive discrimination in favour of their particular conditions would have been passed in the context of the ‘European long-term strategy for rural areas’. Against this backdrop, this collective work aims to provide an study of some of these conflicts, to balance the particular interests of rural territories with the major strategic objectives that mark the institutional agenda, and to vindicate the importance of orienting the actions of public authorities towards the ever necessary restoration of the dignity of rural communities.
Chapter V. Security management in rural areas with demographic challenges: analysis of public crime prevention policies from the perspective of formal social control
Authors: Rodríguez Sánchez Alicia
Published: May 2024

Since the issue of the abandonment of rural territories has been reintroduced into the agenda of national and European public policies, decisions and rules have been made with an aim that seem to be leading to an entrenchment of the conflict between the interests of the population that remains in the forgotten areas and the interests of other policies that are strongly anchored in long-term strategies. The rules in which these strategic decisions are translated clash with territories and communities on which a decrease or a set of rules is imposed that makes it impossible for traditional activities to develop and adapt to the new times. In this context, the citizens of remote (or, in popular Spanish terminology, ‘empty’) areas, who observe how other interests prevail over their demands, are confronted with a tide of ‘alien’ rules, imposed, experienced as ‘impositions’ that necessarily generate conflict, just when it seemed that positive discrimination in favour of their particular conditions would have been passed in the context of the ‘European long-term strategy for rural areas’. Against this backdrop, this collective work aims to provide an study of some of these conflicts, to balance the particular interests of rural territories with the major strategic objectives that mark the institutional agenda, and to vindicate the importance of orienting the actions of public authorities towards the ever necessary restoration of the dignity of rural communities.
Vespasian and Mettius Pompusianus
Authors: Woods David
Published: May 2024

Several ancient sources agree that the emperor Vespasian did not punish a certain Mettius Pompusianus when he learned that he had received an imperial horo- scope, but appointed him as consul. It is argued here that Vespasian intended his appointment of Pompusianus as consul as the fulfilment of this horoscope which was vaguer in its original language than the surviving sources suggest. This saved him from having to punish Pompusianus.
Universalization and Its Limits: An Anthropological Perspective on Cultural Interaction in the Roman Empire
Authors: Christensen Kristian Kanstrup
Published: May 2024

This paper employs an anthropological framework to understand the inter- action between imperial culture and local traditions in the Roman world by introducing the model of universalization and localization, designed by Redfield and Marriott for the study of Indian village communities. This model is applied to evidence for provincial languages supplemented with an analysis of a corpus of material culture to illuminate how constraints to communication, transportation and education affected cultural interaction. It demonstrates that while Roman imperialism spread shared practices across wide areas, due to the aforementioned conditions provincial populations were often only partially able to access them.
The History of Lucan Scholia and Gerbert Of Aurillac’s Copy of the Bellum Civile (Ms. Erlangensis 389, = E)
Authors: Mancini Alessio
Published: May 2024

The importance of the very rich paratext of Lucan’s manuscript Erlangensis 389 has so far been greatly underestimated; a new comprehensive analysis of its exegetical materials, along with our updated knowledge of the vicissitudes of the manuscript itself, provides a better understanding of its role in the history of Lucan scholia and allows for several improvements in the text of the Commenta Bernensia and the Supplementum ad- notationum super Lucanum.
Inventing Patron Saints: The Cult of St Fulk between Civic Reality and Historical Fiction
Authors: Ricci Luca
Published: May 2024

Seventeenth-century sources attest the cult of English pilgrims in southern Lazio. Focusing on the case of Fulk, I argue that the seventeenth-century tradition is supported neither by the literary accounts nor by topographical analyses. Instead, Fulk’s cult, based on Peter Deacon’s twelfth-century Vita Fulconis, was central in processes of civic formation. Changing religious attitudes in the twelfth/thirteenth century are linked with lay sainthood. An English pilgrim coming back from the Holy Land, through the sanctuary on Mount Gargano, brought great prestige to the urban centre vis-à-vis other urban centres, having visited and, thus, been a witness to some of the greatest places in Christendom.
Mythological References in Ausonius’ Epistolary
Authors: Di Serio Chiara
Published: May 2024

Ausonius’ letters constitute a specimen of the way he employs references to Greek mythology. The process by which Ausonius reworks mythological material fol- lows patterns that were already well established in the Latin literary tradition of re-working Greek sources. The recycling of such material is not only proof of his technical prowess, but also demonstrates his ability to perform precise thematic choices. Frequently, the use of mythology is part of the metaliterary and metapoetic discourses tackled by Ausonius while addressing his friends as recipients of letters. The analysis of individual letters reveals how the poet used mythological references for two main purposes. The first is to elevate the tone and content of the discourse, employing a series of artificial comparisons with mythical characters and events. Brief mythological references used to formulate playful numerical periphrases are also worth noting here. The second aim is encomiastic, namely the celebration of his friends, the recipients of his letters, who are transferred from everyday reality to the higher level of the mythical dimension and the superhuman sphere.
Two Conjectures in the ‘Fabella Sulpiciae’ (EP. BOB. 37.65–66)
Authors: Hardy Maxwell
Published: May 2024

Two conjectures are offered on the text of the Fabella (or Conquestio) Sulpiciae(Ep. Bob. 37). It is argued that at v. 65 aequos ‘equal, fair, reasonable’ is an anagrammaticcorruption of quaeso ‘please’, and that at v. 66 nostro ‘our’ is a corruption of nullo ‘no’.
The Young, The Old and the Blessed: Corporate Bodies and Elite Reproduction in Roman Asia Minor
Authors: Eckhardt Benedikt
Published: May 2024

The article traces the impact of Roman rule on the organisational history of Asia Minor through a comparative study of three well-attested institutions: associations of young men (neoi) tied to the gymnasium, councils of elders (gerousiai) that could claim authority and decision-making capacity in their respective cities, and groups of initiates (mystai) who acted on behalf of their cities in public settings. While their Hellenistic origins would suggest a clear-cut distinction between civic institutions such as the neoi and private associations such as the mystai, their operations and status in the Roman period appear remarkably similar, and are difficult to classify within a traditional pri- vate/state binary. It is argued here that two features of Roman rule, the reliance on civic elites and the use of legal privileges for certain kinds of associations, created the condi- tions for wide-ranging institutional change, driven by a combination of Roman administrative input and local agency.
Monasterium in Kala: Commentaire linguistique de trois authentiques de reliques provenant de l’abbaye royale Notre-Dame de Chelles
Authors: Reisdoerfer Joseph
Published: May 2024

In an article published in the Revue des Langues Romanes (2012), Professor Banniard insisted on the linguistic interest of authentics, i.e. relic tags or labels, dating from the Merovingian period. In my contribution, I studied the language of relic labelsoriginating from the abbey of Chelles by presenting a linguistic commentary of three tags. The stunning results of this study allowed me to illustrate the passage from Merovingian Latin to Old French.
Communities of Romans and Italians abroad
Authors: Zoumbaki Sophia
Published: May 2024

This paper focuses on groups of Romans and Italians attested outside Italy, in all parts of the Roman oecumene, from the Iberian Peninsula and Britain to Asia Minor and the eastern frontier in Syria as well as from the Rhine and Danube to northern Africa. Groups of Romans and Italians are attested at different times in various places, in towns of varying legal status, of various size and importance, even in villages or settlements next to camps of legions. The duration of their presence and the terms adopted for their (self-)definition also display a certain variety. Out of an abundant source material and numerous local particularities that require a closer examination, I will attempt to focus on those data that could elucidate the nature, the legal status, and the organizationof these groups. Taking all this into account, I will reassess the possibility to classify groups of Romans and Italians abroad as private associations, as they are often mentioned in the related bibliography, the term used either consciously or just with the intentionto show that these groups were clearly visible and identifiable in the host-societies.
Running for Remembrance
Authors: Mann Christian
Published: May 2024

Plataiai is a lieu de mémoire, and the Eleutheria, an athletic agon held every fourth year, played an important part in activating and reshaping the memory of the battle of 479 BC. According to Strabo, Plutarch and others, the agon had been founded directly after the battle, but this is an invention; the earliest reliable evidence dates back to the third century BC. From this time onwards, the Eleutheria formed an important event in the Greek agonistic system, the festival being attested in numerous agonistic inscriptions. In addition to the usual gymnic disciplines, a race apo tou tropaiou was held, in which the contestants had to run a long distance of 15 stadia with heavy armour. Sucha race was unique in Greek athletics, and Philostratos writes about a very peculiar rule: athletes who had won this race and tried to repeat their victory were killed if they failed. The Eleutheria refer both to the battle of Plataiai and to the unity of the Greeks and are thus of crucial importance for the topic of this volume. This contribution collects the scattered evidence and discusses, first, the position of the Eleutheria in the system of Greek athletics and, second, the symbolic power of the peculiar hoplite race mentioned by Philostratos.
Greek Deities as Single or Plural Figures?
Authors: Pirenne-Delforge Vinciane
Published: May 2024

Greek deities are a valuable touchstone for assessing the opposite or complementary notions of ‘unity and diversity‘, and the same issue could have been be raised from the perspective of sacrificial ritual. In the context of ancient Greek religion, but also of Greek culture as a whole, no generalizing statement can be made without testing it against the fragmented evidence from several hundred cities. Some scholars have therefore come to consider that we should speak of ‘Greek religions’ in the plural in order to reflect the fragmentation, considering both the representation of the gods and the rituals performed in their honour. Focusing on the divine world, this paper asks the question: which dimension prevails in the (ancient as well as modern) way of dealing with a Greek deity, the apparent unity given by its theonym or the diversity of its cultplaces, images, cult-titles, etc.? The argument here is for addressing together unity and diversity, singleness and plurality when studying Greek gods.
Intertemporal Memories of a Shifting Unity
Authors: Kaponis Antonios S.
Published: May 2024

In ancient Greece, a metropolis and its apoikiai constituted a form of kinship unity. In Thucydides’ view, at least in his era, particular bonds of kinship connected the Corinthian apoikiai on, or in the vicinity of, the Ambracian Gulf with Corinth itself, and literary tradition endowed Ambracia, Leucas and Anactorion with a special cultural unity. Modern research ranging over political institutions, foreign policy, ideology, economic factors, cults, myths, calendar and burial customs has shown that these poleis regarded themselves as members of a Corinthian colonial family. Initially highly dependent on Corinthian policy during the archaic period, by the end of this period the western apoikiai had admittedly begun to diverge from a Corinthian-centred economy and to move away from Corinthian traditions. Internal social diversification also caused these poleis to move away from Corinthian institutions and habits. Nevertheless, despite various political fluctuations, western Corinthian apoikiai remained within the Corinthian sphere of influence and after Timoleon’s campaign they revived old Corinthian traditions and institutions. Indeed, other Greeks of late classical times regarded the citizens of these poleis as if they were indeed Corinthians. The area remained under Corinthian economic influence throughout Hellenistic times and memories of affinities with and ties to Corinth survived in her apoikiai. Lastly, Hellenistic monarchs and even Augustus himself took advantage of the peculiar Corinthian identity of these apoikiai for their own ends.
ABO-incompatible liver transplantation – exploring utilitarian solutions to restricted access and organ shortages: A single-centre experience from Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Wessels E U , Loveland J , Maher H , Gaylard P , Bobat B , Mahomed A D , Parbhoo D , Beretta M R , Hajinicolaou C , Walabh P , Berkenfeld S , Demopoulos D , Rambarran S , Ströbele B , Van der Schyff F , Fabian J , Brannigan L
Published: May 2024

Background. Liver transplantation is the definitive management for severe acute liver failure refractory to supportive management, and end- stage chronic liver failure. Owing to a shortage of deceased liver donors, South Africa requires innovative techniques to broaden the donor pool.
Objectives. This study evaluated the outcomes of the Wits Transplant Unit ABO-incompatible liver transplant (ABOi-LT) programme. Methods. This retrospective record review compared all adult and paediatric patients receiving ABO-compatible (ABOc) and ABO-incompatible (ABOi) liver transplants from January 2014 to December 2021 with a minimum one-year follow-up. Primary outcomes were recipient and graft survival and secondary outcomes included vascular, enteric and biliary complications, relook surgery, acute cellular rejection (ACR) and lenghth of hospital stay. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to examine the effect of ABO-compatibility group on recipient and graft survival. The relationship between the ABO-compatibility group and categorical outcomes was assessed by binomial regression.
Results. During the study period, 532 liver transplants were performed; 44/532 (8%) were ABOi of which 14/44 (32%) were paediatric and 30/44 (68%) adult recipients. Within the pediatric group, the proportion of transplants performed for acute liver failure was significantly higher in the ABOi group (7/14; 50%) compared with the ABOc group (33/207; 16%) (p=0.005). Comparable recipient and graft survival estimates were noted: one-, three- and five-year recipient survival in the ABOi group was 77% (95% confidence interval (CI) 44 - 92), 58% (95% CI 17 - 84) and 58% (95% CI 17 - 84) respectively. There were significantly increased relative risks of relook surgery for the ABOi group compared with the ABOc group, both overall (relative risk (RR) 1.74; 95% CI 1.10 - 2.75) and at 90 days (RR 2.28; 95% CI 1.27 - 4.11); and also, for pre-discharge bloodstream infection (BSI), (RR 1.84; 95% CI 1.11 - 3.06). In adults, there were significantly more acute indications for liver transplantation in the ABOi (10/30; 33%) compared with the ABOc group (26/281; 9%) (p=0.0007) with the most common cause being drug or toxin ingestion (16/36; 44%). For the ABOi group, recipient survival estimates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 71% (50 - 84), 63% (41 - 78) and 58% (37 - 75) which, as noted with complication rates, were similar between ABO groups.
Conclusion. This study confirms ABOi-LT as a feasible option to increase the liver donor pool in this organ-depleted setting as recipient survival and complication rates were similar between ABO-compatibility groups.
An unmet need: Pancreatic beta cell replacement
Authors: Mohamed F , Adams C , Mansfield B
Published: May 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing public health concern in South Africa (SA) and poses a substantial economic burden on healthcare globally. A century has passed since the discovery of insulin, and despite advances in diabetes management, exogenous insulin remains a primary treatment for type 1 DM, posing challenges of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia. Pancreas transplantation should be considered a treatment for insulin-deficient DM, offering sustained euglycaemia and preventing complications associated with the disease. However, there has been a global decrease in the number of transplants performed. In SA, only a few pancreas transplants have been performed, primarily because of surgical risks and the need for immunosuppression. Islet transplantation is an alternative but faces limitations due to donor scarcity and immunosuppression requirements. This review explores recent progress in pancreas and islet transplants for DM, with the aim of providing insights into expanding treatment options for people with insulin-deficient DM.
Ultrastructure of the Jurassic serpulid tubes–phylogenetic and paleoecological implications
Authors: Słowiński Jakub , Vinn Olev , Zatoń Michał
Published: May 2024

The ultrastructural diversity of the Middle and Late Jurassic serpulid tubes from the Polish Basin has been investigated. The inspection of 12 taxa representing the two major serpulid clades allowed for the identification of three ultrastructure types—irregularly oriented prismatic structure (IOP), spherulitic prismatic structure (SPHP), and simple prismatic structure (SP). Six of the studied species are single-layered and six species possess two distinct layers. Ultrastructural diversity corresponds to certain serpulid clades. The members of Filograninae have single-layered tube walls composed of possibly plesiomorphic, irregularly oriented prismatic structure (IOP). Two-layered tubes occur solely within the clade Serpulinae, where the external, denser layer is built of either the ordered spherulitic (SPHP) or simple prismatic microstructure (SP), and the internal layer is composed of irregularly oriented prismatic structure (IOP). Apart from phylogenetic signals provided by the tube ultrastructure, it can be used in analyzing paleoecological aspects of tube-dwelling polychaetes. Compared to the more primitive, irregularly oriented microstructures of Filograninae, the regularly oriented microstructures of Serpulinae need a higher level of biological control over biomineralization. The advent of the dense outer protective layer (DOL) in serpulids, as well as the general increase in ultrastructure diversity, was likely a result of the evolutionary importance of the tubes for serpulids. Such diversity of the tube ultrastructural fabrics allowed for maximizing functionality by utilizing a variety of morphogenetic programs. The biomineralization system of serpulids remains more complex compared to other tube-dwelling polychaetes. Physiologically more expensive tube formation allows for mechanical strengthening of the tube by building robust, strongly ornamented tubes and firm attachment to the substrate. Contrary to sabellids, which perform a fugitive strategy, an increased tube durability allows serpulids a competitive advantage over other encrusters.
Constraints Faced and Suggestions Offered by Women Self Help Group Members in Cuddalore District, India
Authors: Vaishnavi P. , Ramesh P.
Published: May 2024

Women's empowerment is essential to ensuring equal access to opportunities and their rights are properly respected. This is accomplished by enhancing and expanding women's social, economic, political, and legal existence. The present study was conducted in Cuddalore Block of Cuddalore District. A proportionate random sampling procedure was applied to select 120 respondents. They were members of Mahalir's Women Self-Help Group.  Thittam project under, the organizational efforts taken by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women (TNCDW) to define the constraints faced and suggestions offered by the members of SHGs. The study found that lack of awareness about credit sources, followed by a lack of adequate communication skills and more dependence on leaders are the major personal constraints faced by women SHG members. Also, insufficient credit facilities, followed by a lack of periodical training and a lack of marketing channels for selling their produce, are the major organisational constraints women SHG members face. Among the suggestions, the majority of the members offered to increase the loan amount, enhance the subsidy amount to the women members and create employment opportunities for women members.
Impact Evaluation and Adoption of Climate Resilience and Nutrition Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato in Burundi: A Case Study of the Rural Bujumbura Province
Authors: Marcel Ndayitwayeko Willy , Melance Nkengurutse
Published: May 2024

The new orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties have been adopted with the aim of increasing production, farmers' welfare, and combating chronic malnutrition. This study analyzed the impact of orange-fleshed sweet potato adoption on production in Gihanga commune using the propensity score matching method. A survey of 385 households was carried out on April 2023, including 161 orange-fleshed sweet potato adopters and 224 non-adopters. The determinants and rate of adoption of orange-fleshed sweet potato were also analyzed using the logit model and the Average Treatment effect on the Treated (ATT) method respectively, while Kendall's Concordance Coefficient was used to determine adoption constraints. Thus, unpredictable weather and climatic conditions, lack of capital, unavailability of PDCO cuttings, insufficient arable land as well as high labor costs are the main constraints to orange-fleshed sweet-potato adoption. The adoption rate for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes is estimated at 42%. Adoption of PDCO was positively and significantly influenced by the household head's level of education, family labor, access to credit, access to extension services and membership of producer organizations, while the household head's age and household size had a negative impact on adoption. The ATT revealed that the adoption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes increased production per adopter household by an average of 369.88 kg, although the difference was not statistically significant. The government and other players in the agricultural sector should do their part to raise awareness, disseminate, facilitate access and mobilize farmers to adopt sweet potato varieties in order to improve their productivity.
Evaluation of Iodine and Goitrogens in Selected Vegetables from Owerri Imo State in Nigeria
Authors: Nwokocha George Chukwuemeka
Published: May 2024

The prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders remains a challenge in numerous developing nations despite widespread advocacy for iodized salt and iodine-fortified foods. As a result, this study assesses the iodine content of ten selected vegetables—water leaf, okra, green, tomatoes, lettuce, “okazi”, “ugu”, cabbage, “uha” leaf, and garden egg leaf. The result revealed varying iodine concentrations among these vegetables: 159.93±2.25 μg/kg for water leaf, 151.27±1.61 μg/kg for okra, and 160.43±4.37 μg/kg for green. Tomatoes exhibited 110.10±2.76 μg/kg, while lettuce had 181.27±1.76 μg/kg. “Okazi”, “ugu”, cabbage, “uha” leaf, and garden egg leaf showed iodine levels of 155.10±3.50 μg/kg, 153.43±2.47 μg/kg, 96.10±2.00 μg/kg, and 127.77±3.01 μg/kg, respectively. The evaluation for goitrogens demonstrated sufficient presence in these vegetables, with notable exceptions such as zinc, which was found in lower concentrations in “ugu”, lettuce, “okazi”, and cabbage, and was absent in “uha” leaf, garden egg leaf, green, water leaf, and okra.  Based on these results, it was concluded that Owerri's vegetables exhibit relatively high iodine content within recommended dietary allowances. Consequently, ongoing vigilance is advised for the salt iodization program to prevent excess iodine intake, particularly among high-risk populations.
Carbon Emission Pathways of Biodegradable Thermoplastic-based Species in Natural and Simulated Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Dada Omotola E. , Bada Adeola A.
Published: May 2024

This study assessed the carbon emission pathways of the biodegradation processes of bio-based thermoplastic moieties in two aqueous (surface and simulated marine water) environments and its implications on environmental quality. The physicochemical parameters of the aqueous media were determined using standard methods. The American Society for Testing and Materials’ standard was used to assess amount of CO2 evolved. Cellulose, bioplastic and polyethylene were inserted in two aquatic environments and arranged thrice in a randomized experimental arrangement of 2x4x3. Ultimate biodegradations of the test films were monitored using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The amount of CO2 evolved was assayed using the titration method. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. After biodegradation, the initial values of the physicochemical parameters were within recommended values of the WHO standards with slight (less than 2%) differences. Moreover, CO2 captured from the two aqueous  conditions were lower than the amount of CO2 evolved in aqueous solution with cellulose which is a natural polymer in this order: 88.725×102 mg from the soaked cellulose samples in marine > 85.215×102 mg of CO2 evolved from cellulose entrenched in surface  water > 82.758×102 mg of CO2 evolved from bioplastic soaked in marine water > 82.758×102 mg of CO2 evolved from bioplastic soaked in surface water > 65.046×102 mg of CO2 evolved from polyethylene soaked in marine water > 60.152×102 mg of CO2 evolved from polyethylene soaked in surface water. Moreover, the SEM results revealed high level of biodegradation and growth of biofilm on the biodegradable thermoplastics while the nylon 6 had little or no biofilm growth because of the recalcitrant nature. This study concluded that some biodegradable thermoplastics can biodegrade totally in aquatic environments without the release of greenhouse gases that could threaten the integrity of the aquatic environment as well as the release of toxic residues.
Human Wildlife Conflicts: The Case of the Olive Baboon (Papio anubis) in the Mbam and Djerem National Park and the Implications for Conservation Attention
Authors: Lacatus Njikam Aboubacar Sidik , Akwanjoh Seino Richard , Awa II Taku , Ngwayi Itoe Constantine Nfor , Fonkwo Sylvie Nguedem
Published: May 2024

In Cameroon, studies on adverse conflicts between humans and wildlife have focused mainly on elephants and great apes. The lack of information on monkey conflicts motivated the present study in the periphery of the Mbam Djerem National Park (MDNP) where human-olive baboon conflicts exist (Papio anubis) due to the extension of agricultural land around the park. This study was carried out in two phases: questionnaire survey administered to the population bordering the protected area to determine the crop consumed by olive baboons in the fields and field visits to measure the total area of the field and the devastated areas using a GPS to assess losses per farmer and to determine the control strategies to fight crop raiding. From July 2021 to August 2022, we administered a questionnaire to 171 people, 74 of whom were farmers around the MDNP to examine the human-olive baboon conflicts. Results obtained indicated that human-olive baboons conflicts exist, we have: crop raiding, hunting of olive baboons, bullying, disturbances caused by olive baboons, and domestic animals predation by baboons. Although ecotourism and leisure were cited as other interactions. The crop raided by olive baboons is the origin of the conflicts with Human. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is the crop most frequently raided by olive baboons in the dry season, followed by maize (Zea mays) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in the rainy season.  Despite the use of control strategies such as field patrols, the installation of scarecrows, the use of traps and guns, the guarding of straw huts, and the guarding of dogs. 83% of the respondents lost approximately 25% of their crop annually due to olive baboons, and 5% of the respondents lost 25 to 50% of their crop annually, 4% of the respondents lost approximately 75% of their crop and 8% lost almost nothing. Economic losses were estimated on average at 150.647 ± 21.695 FCFA with a maximum loss of 1.058.000 FCFA [1.765 USD] and a minimum loss of 16.000 FCFA [about 27 USD]. The surface areas damaged annually by olive baboons ranged from 0.2 ha to 2.3 ha. These results showed that the crop raided by olive baboons created a conflict between humans and nature that had a negative impact on the conservation of this monkey and the survival of the local population in this region. To mitigate these conflicts, we suggest sensitizing local population on the use of the gun in the inspection of crop fields and strengthening of day and night field inspection during the crop maturity period.
Climatic Variations and Challenges to Socio-economic Development amongst Mbororo Communities in Mbum Plateau, North West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Awudu Ngwani , Ngwa Funwi Godlove , Paul Suiven John , Randy Yinkfu , Nformi Ngeh Roland
Published: May 2024

This study sets out to investigate the challenges hindering Mbororo sources of livelihood in Mbum Plateau, North West Region of Cameroon. Explanatory research was used where it specify the nature and direction of the relationships between the studied variables. The study used mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study employed the primary and secondary data sources to bring out realistic results. Rainfall Seasonality Index (SI) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) were employed to assess the vulnerability of the agro-hydrological system to climate variation. The major primary data sources used were field survey, interviews and questionnaires. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed using stratified random and snow ball sampling techniques. The data obtained was complemented by secondary sources from published and unpublished materials. Data collected during the field survey were analyzed through two statistical techniques. The qualitative data obtained was analyzed through the content analysis whereas themes and codes were given to the different opinions and perceptions of the informants and their frequencies and percentages were being determined from there. Data were presented in tables, charts, maps, and graphs with some attempted interpretations. Data were analyzed using the chi-square and multiple regression models. The findings revealed that climate variability, dwindling pasture and low streams discharge are having negative effects on Mbororo communities. It was observed from satellite images that, land use over the years has been changing with reducing aerial extent and quality of pasture, reducing water points in Mbum Plateau. In order to adapt the decreasing cattle numbers on the side of the Mborroro, they have taken farming, diving, hawking arm rubbery, and schooling as new livelihoods sustenance. The study recommends a sustainable pastoral activity by encouraging the introduction of drought resistant cattle species, Bracharia and Guatemala grass to supplement the natural pasture. MINEPAI should regularly control herd size so as to ensure ecosystem balance and avoid overgrazing. Transhumance tracts and areas should be well demarcated to avoid frequent farmer-grazers’ conflicts and frequent cattle theft observed in the region.