bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central Bank Financial Policy Mechanism and Taxation Earning in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Omodero Cordelia Onyinyechi
Published: January 2025

A strong monetary policy is critical to the overall health of an economy. Again, funding availability for firms is crucial and acts as a spur for well-designed monetary policy. The implications are far-reaching and have an impact on government revenue collection, which helps to enhance social welfare since providing basic social amenities is an essential component of effective governance, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of monetary policy on tax revenue growth in SSA. The investigation makes use of data from the World Bank Development Indicators and the International Monetary Fund spanning the years 1990–2022. The study also uses the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to investigate the short- and long-run relationships between monetary policy instruments and tax revenue growth. Monetary policy methods employed include monetary authority credit to the private sector, domestic credit to the private sector, and wide money supply, while the tax revenue growth proportion to GDP is used. According to the findings, both the monetary authority and domestic credit to the private sector have considerable negative influences on tax revenue growth, whereas wide money has an encouraging but small effect. The consequence is that the private sector in SSA is underfinanced, making it harder for the government to collect substantial tax income to meet social duties. The paper recommends that the government and monetary authorities in SSA should adopt stronger monetary policies that promote private sector business growth, which, if implemented, will result in tax revenue increase.
The Effect of Foreign Direct Investment, Domestic Investment, and Trade on Economic Growth: Evidence from the Baltic Countries
Authors: Yeboah Evans
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), domestic investment, and trade on economic growth in the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). Using annual time-series data from the World Bank for the period 1995–2022, the analysis employs the Pooled Mean Group Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG-ARDL) approach. To ensure robustness, the study also applies the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) methods. The findings reveal that FDI negatively impacts economic growth in the long term, although it has a positive effect in the short term. In contrast, gross fixed capital formation (used as a proxy for domestic investment) positively influences economic growth over the long term but has no significant short-term effect. Domestic savings are found to contribute positively to long-term economic growth, while having a negative impact in the short term. Exports exhibit a negative long-term effect on economic growth, despite their positive short-term impact. The robustness checks using FMOLS and DOLS largely confirm the results obtained from the PMG-ARDL model. Additionally, the causality analysis reveals a unidirectional relationship between economic growth, domestic savings, and FDI. These findings emphasize the importance of considering both the short-term and long-term effects of FDI on economic growth. Policymakers in the Baltic countries are advised to adopt strategic investment policies that balance the benefits and challenges of FDI to address its long-term impacts. The practical implications include the need for targeted policies to promote sustainable economic growth by addressing the dynamic interactions between FDI, domestic investment, and trade.
Cultura digital en el estudiantado universitario del norte y del sur de México: Una aproximación comparativa
Authors: Henríquez Ritchie Patricio Sebastián , Domínguez Pozos Fernando , López Gamboa Galo E. , Domínguez Castillo J. Gabriel
Published: January 2025

Se realizó un estudio piloto para analizar algunos aspectos relacionados con la cultura digital en estudiantes pertenecientes a dos universidades públicas del norte (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California) y sur (Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán) de México, en función de variables contextuales (demográficas, socioeconómicas y tecnológicas). La cultura digital, comprendida como un constructo multidimensional, y estimada a partir de un conjunto de variables (edad, nivel socioeconómico, autoconcepto tecnológico, entre otras) que la afectan, se abordó por medio de un cuestionario elaborado con base en cuatro aspectos: sociodemográficos, académicos, tecnológico-institucionales y actitudinales. A partir de un diseño cuantitativo con alcance descriptivo y comparativo, el instrumento fue piloteado durante el segundo semestre de 2023, en una muestra intencional no representativa del estudiantado universitario que lo contestó de manera asincrónica y en línea. Los resultados muestran contrastes significativos en las personas participantes del noroeste y sureste de México en función de características demográficas (edad), socioeconómicas (escolaridad de madre o padre, trabajo paralelo a sus estudios), tecnológicas (años de experiencia, autoconcepto) y frecuencia de uso. Lo anterior permite inferir elementos distintivos en torno a la cultura digital en el alumnado de ambas universidades. Sin embargo, estos hallazgos deben tomarse con cautela dada la limitación de la muestra de estudio, aun así, significan un buen punto de partida para analizar con mayor profundidad algunos aspectos en torno a la cultura digital del estudiantado universitario de zonas geográficas opuestas dentro de México.
Flexibilidad universitaria y modelos de evaluación de la calidad: El caso de la Universidad de Costa Rica
Authors: Hurtado-Hernández Priscilla , Gallardo-Allen Eugenia
Published: January 2025

Este artículo analiza la noción de flexibilidad en la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) por medio de las perspectivas de las personas integrantes de las Comisiones de Docencia y de Autoevaluación durante el periodo 2023-2024. También, se examina la conceptualización de flexibilidad por parte de la agencia acreditadora SINAES, así como las políticas transnacionales, nacionales e institucionales relacionadas. El análisis se realiza mediante un enfoque mixto, que combina teoría fundamentada y análisis cuantitativo. La investigación tiene un alcance descriptivo y busca identificar las percepciones sobre el concepto de flexibilidad curricular. La recolección de la información sobre la noción de flexibilidad y los elementos que la componen se realizó a través de un cuestionario que fue aplicado mediante el programa Lim esurvey. Los hallazgos revelan una alineación entre las opiniones de las personas integrantes de las comisiones y las políticas de flexibilidad, centradas en las preferencias específicas del estudiante en cuanto a la selección de cursos y horarios; no obstante, la cultura administrativa de la institución se identifica como una limitante para lograr la flexibilidad universitaria. Además, las personas consultadas exponen una noción de flexibilidad que responde a las demandas sociales desde lo inter, multi y transdisciplinar. En cuanto a la noción de flexibilidad universitaria del SINAES, el modelo actual evaluó la adaptación de los planes de estudio a las necesidades del estudiantado, mientras que el modelo más reciente concibe la flexibilidad como la capacidad de las instituciones para adaptarse a un contexto global. Finalmente, se destaca el papel de la oficina de evaluación en la actualización de los planes de estudio para incorporar elementos que logren una flexibilidad estructural, tales como el pensamiento crítico, la interdisciplinariedad y transdisciplinariedad.
Percepciones del estudiantado universitario en el uso y apropiación de la inteligencia artificial
Authors: Ávarez Hernández Gabriel Alejandro , Pérez Velasco Arturo Alejandro
Published: January 2025

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo comprender el uso y apropiación de la inteligencia artificial en estudiantes universitarios de la Universidad Rosario Castellanos (URC) en la Ciudad de México. El trabajo se enmarca en una perspectiva hermenéutica y comprensiva. Partiendo de la premisa de que la experiencia humana es fundamental para entender el fenómeno del uso de la IA en la educación superior, este estudio destaca tanto sus potencialidades pedagógicas como los riesgos asociados. En ese sentido, la IA ha sido teorizada desde la década de 1950, su impacto real en la educación ha tomado mayor relevancia en años recientes, especialmente en el nivel superior donde se observan transformaciones significativas en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. El estudio adopta un enfoque cualitativo mediante el empleo de técnicas como cuestionarios y grupos focales para la recolección de datos. Se trabajó con un grupo heterogéneo de 125 estudiantes, seleccionados por sus conocimientos y uso de la IA. El análisis de datos se realizó con el apoyo de herramientas como ChatGPT 3.5 y Gemini, lo que permitió identificar patrones y construir categorías de análisis. Los resultados develan la importancia de integrar competencias digitales en la formación del estudiantado universitario, se destaca la necesidad de diseñar estrategias educativas que consideren tanto las oportunidades como las limitaciones de la IA. El estudio concluye con la presentación de hallazgos clave, organizados en dos categorías de análisis: la perspectiva utilitaria en la cotidianidad y el estudio y la consciencia ética: preocupaciones y requerimientos de regulación.
Análisis de los Trabajos Finales de Graduación en la carrera de Orientación de la Universidad de Costa Rica durante el periodo 2012-2023
Authors: Arroyo Quesada Karla , Barboza Arrieta Carmen , Salazar Hernández Mary , Ureña Salazar Viria
Published: January 2025

En el marco del 60 aniversario de la carrera de Orientación de la Universidad de Costa Rica, reviste especial importancia referirse a los Trabajos Finales de Graduación (TFG) como actividad académica que contribuye a la investigación que se desarrolla. Este estudio se realizó entre septiembre del 2023 y junio del 2024, su objetivo es: analizar los TFG realizados en el periodo 2012-2023 en la carrera de Orientación de la Universidad de Costa Rica, mediante una revisión documental, para que sus resultados sean un insumo en la toma de decisiones de las personas responsables de la gestión académica y administrativa. El proceso investigativo se sustenta en el paradigma positivista y en el enfoque cuantitativo. La unidad de análisis son los Trabajos Finales de Graduación realizados entre los años 2012 – 2023, periodo durante el cual la carrera se encuentra acreditada por el Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior (SINAES). La técnica utilizada para la recolección de la información es el análisis documental, considerando ocho variables: etapa del desarrollo, ubicación geográfica, contexto laboral, modalidad de TFG, área de la Orientación, paradigma, enfoque de investigación y diseño. Entre los resultados se tiene que, de los 51 TFG, el 64.7% fueron elaborados desde el paradigma naturalista; el 54.9%, con población adulta; el principal contexto laboral en el que se desarrollaron es el Ministerio de Educación Pública, con 49%, el área personal social es en la que se han realizado más Trabajos Finales de Graduación (41%) y la modalidad es la de seminario de graduación (82%). Entre las principales conclusiones, se encontró que el paradigma naturalista es el más utilizado, las personas participantes del estudio se ubican más en la adultez y el área más investigada es la personal social.
Las relaciones entre la enseñanza de la Historia Reciente Presente y la formación ciudadana
Authors: Díaz-Zúñiga Francisca , Santisteban Fernández Antoni , González-Monfort Neus
Published: January 2025

El presente ensayo es una discusión teórica que tiene por objetivo identificar la relación -o relaciones-entre la enseñanza de la Historia Reciente Presente (en adelante HRP) y la formación ciudadana del alumnado. Es un estudio que emerge desde la Didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales. La metodología fue una revisión bibliográfica o Scoping Review a partir del trabajo con bases de datos de acceso abierto y actas de seminarios. La proposición de esta revisión es que la enseñanza de la HRP permite abordar los contenidos de la memoria histórica como parte inherente a la educación democrática y crítica de la ciudadanía. Entre los hallazgos encontrados en la literatura específica de la Didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales y en investigaciones historiográficas, se destaca la importancia de un aprendizaje situado, donde la memoria debe estar al servicio de la educación democrática. El vínculo entre la HRP y la formación ciudadana es clave para historizar la experiencia personal y colectiva del alumnado. Dentro de las conclusiones que son posibles de plantear, se encuentra que la enseñanza de la historia puede promover que el alumnado comprenda dinámicas persistentes y promueva la búsqueda de alternativas a problemáticas que le sean cercanas y atingentes. En este proceso la formación del profesorado, su pensamiento y su práctica son esenciales para un cambio educativo.
Teacher perspectives on implementing the action-oriented approach in rural settings: Single case study
Authors: Rojas-Alfaro Roberto , Montenegro Sánchez Ana Marcela
Published: January 2025

This case study investigates the implementation of the action-oriented approach (AoA) within rural primary schools in Costa Rica, focusing particularly on its adaptation and challenges in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Using a qualitative case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with two English as a foreign language teachers and a rural primary school principal during June and July 2023. Prior to the interviews, informed consent was obtained from the participants. The interviews explored how the AoA helps teachers facilitate the curriculum and the contextual factors affecting its implementation. For data analysis, thematic analysis was employed, and the information was validated with participants. The study identifies significant barriers, including socioeconomic disparities affecting student behavior, limited professional development for teachers, and the limited relationship between parents and the school. These findings are crucial as they highlight the need for specific AoA adaptations and emphasize the necessity for targeted professional development and improved communication strategies with parents. The study contributes to the sparse literature on AoA in Spanish-speaking rural contexts and underscores the need for changes in educational policy for the effective implementation of such educational innovations.
Perfil de las personas graduadas de posgrado que realizan investigación en las universidades estatales costarricenses
Authors: Azofeifa Ureña Cinthia , Corrales Bolívar Karen , Sandí Araya Katherine
Published: January 2025

El artículo presenta el análisis que se llevó a cabo para determinar el perfil de las personas que realizan investigación posterior a la graduación del posgrado en las universidades estatales de Costa Rica, ya que no se han desarrollado análisis que identifiquen las características principales de las personas investigadoras. Además, permite determinar el aporte de los posgrados a la vinculación y al desarrollo de la investigación para la toma de decisiones. El enfoque de la investigación es cuantitativo, la base de datos se obtuvo del “Estudio de las personas graduadas de posgrado 2017-2019 de las universidades estatales”, los datos fueron recolectados en el año 2021 por el Consejo Nacional de Rectores. Para el análisis se seleccionaron las personas graduadas de posgrado que participaron en procesos de investigación posteriores a la graduación, en total 1 240 personas. Se utilizaron las técnicas de conglomerados jerárquicos para construir grupos y perfilar a las personas graduadas que realizan investigación. Se calcularon las distancias: el vecino más cercano, el vecino más lejano, el salto promedio y la distancia de Ward para determinar las similitudes dentro de la composición de los grupos. En relación con la distancia entre las personas graduadas que realizan investigación, se utilizó la distancia de Gower. Se concluye que se conforman tres grupos de personas que realizan investigación a nivel de posgrado, caracterizados principalmente por el dominio de idiomas y el sector laboral al que pertenecen.
Atención educativa de la Comunidad Sorda: aportes para la formación profesional, Universidad de Costa Rica
Authors: Ovares Fernández Yanúa , Salazar Carvajal Irene , González Chacón Ana Gabriela , Ramírez Hidalgo Geannina , Barboza Zuñiga Nancy
Published: January 2025

Este ensayo académico tiene como objetivo explorar las dinámicas de las ofertas y servicios educativos a nivel nacional, así como las situaciones que han influido en la educación de las personas sordas y con pérdida auditiva. Al mismo tiempo, examina cómo la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), a través de la carrera de Educación Especial desde los niveles de bachillerato y licenciatura, ha procurado responder a las necesidades del contexto. Mediante revisión documental y entrevistas con 10 personas de la comunidad sorda, se observan los apoyos generados a nivel de formación universitaria. El análisis deja ver que, a nivel nacional, el Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) ha hecho esfuerzos por dar respuesta a la atención de personas sordas mediante las diferentes modalidades y servicios educativos. Las experiencias de este grupo de personas, así como la estructura de los diferentes servicios educativos del MEP, evidencian la necesidad de fortalecer el proceso de formación profesional para responder a las demandas actuales con una población cada vez más diversa. Desde la UCR, se ha tratado dar respuesta a los requerimientos de apoyo; no obstante, es necesario hacer una revisión del planteamiento actual de la licenciatura para la titulación respectiva, además de robustecer un programa de capacitación para las personas docentes que laboran con personas sordas.
Morphometric analysis of the infraorbital groove, canal, and foramen on computed tomography scans of an Iranian population
Authors: Vaezi Mojtaba , Karagah Aida , Taghavi-Damghani Farnaz , Tofangchiha Maryam , Alizadeh Ahad , Reda Rodolfo , Testarelli Luca
Published: January 2025

This study morphometrically assessed the infraorbital groove (IOG), canal (IOC) and foramen (IOF) on computed tomography (CT) scans of an Iranian population. This cross-sectional study evaluated the CT scans of 126 patients presenting to a hospital in Qazvin city, Iran during 2020-2022, who were selected by convenience sampling. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an oral and maxillofacial radiologist identified the relevant anatomical landmarks and the measurements were made by a trained senior dental student. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, and Pearson’s correlation test (alpha=0.05). The mean IOC length was 9.86±1.34 mm, the mean IOG length was 12.78±1.57 mm, the mean IOC-IOG angle was 136.78±6.90 degrees, the mean IOC-vertical plane angle was 26.92±5.74 degrees, the mean IOC-horizontal plane angle was 58.54±6.18 degrees, the mean horizontal distance between the IOF and the sagittal plane passing through the supraorbital notch (SON) was 4.85±0.98 mm, the mean horizontal distance between the IOF and the sagittal plane passing through the midline was 23.04±2.90 mm, the mean vertical distance between the IOF and infraorbital rim (IOR) was 9.22±1.45 mm, the mean distance between the IOF and anterior nasal spine (ANS) was 27.63±10.99 mm, the mean angle between the IOF and ANS was 33.52±5.46 degrees, and the mean soft tissue thickness over the IOF was 10.60±2.04 mm. No significant difference was found in the parameters based on age (P>0.05). IOF-midline and IOF-IOR distances were significantly greater in males than females (P<0.05). No other significant differences were found based on gender (P>0.05). According to the results, the IOF-midline and IOF-IOR distances were significantly greater in Iranian males than females. The obtained results regarding the position of IOC, IOF, and IOG on CT scans of the Iranian study population can help maximize the success of related clinical procedures.
Ζήτει, ‘cerca!’: un copista alla ricerca del lamento della Vergine (Ciclo della Passione cipriota, Vat. Pal. gr. 367)
Authors: Ghidoni Andrea
Published: January 2025

Between the end of the 13th century and the early decades of the following century, the manuscript now marked Vat. Pal. gr. 367 was compiled in Cyprus. On folios 33v–39v, it includes the text known today as the Cypriot Passion Cycle. The article focuses primarily on the episode of the Crucifixion (Περὶ τῆς σταυρώσεως), where the text presents some interpretative issues, including a blank space precisely where the Virgin Mary should utter her lament. How should this gap be interpreted? Beyond the nature of the threnos that should have been inserted (impossible to determine precisely), attention here is shifted to the fact that the need to insert a lament at this point could only have come from Western models.
Catherine Michael Chin, Life: The Natural History of an Early Christian Universe
Authors: Wagenfuhr Gregory
Published: January 2025

Catherine Michael Chin, Life: The Natural History of an Early Christian Universe (Oakland: University of California Press, 2024), 258 pp., $29.95 (pbk), ISBN: 9780520400689.
Ryan Emanuel, On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenous Environmental Justice
Authors: Berry Damon T
Published: January 2025

Ryan Emanuel, On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenous Environmental Justice (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 2024), xiv + 291 pp., $19.95 (pbk), ISBN: 978-1-4696-7832-0.
Katherine M. Quinsey (ed.), Christian Environmentalism and Human Responsibility in the 21st Century: Questions of Stewardship and Accountability
Authors: Nita Maria
Published: January 2025

Katherine M. Quinsey (ed.), Christian Environmentalism and Human Responsibility in the 21st Century: Questions of Stewardship and Accountability (London & New York: Routledge, 2024), xii + 237 pp., £108.00 (cloth), ISBN:13:978-1-032-43090-4.
Md. Abu Sayem, Religion and Ecological Crisis: Christian and Muslim Perspectives from John B. Cobb and Seyyid Hossein Nasr
Authors: Muhammad Nayawiyyah
Published: January 2025

Md. Abu Sayem, Religion and Ecological Crisis: Christian and Muslim Perspectives from John B. Cobb and Seyyid Hossein Nasr (New York: Routledge Publishers, 2023), 190 pp., $144 (hbk), ISBN: 9781032249476.
Ive Brissman, Paul Linjamaa, and Tao Thykier Makeeff (eds.), Handbook of Rituals in Contemporary Studies of Religion: Exploring Ritual Creativity in the Footsteps of Anne- Christine Hornborg
Authors: Hanssen Korsbrekke Mari
Published: January 2025

Ive Brissman, Paul Linjamaa, and Tao Thykier Makeeff (eds.), Handbook of Rituals in Contemporary Studies of Religion: Exploring Ritual Creativity in the Footsteps of Anne- Christine Hornborg (Leiden: Brill, 2024), 308pp., $172,99 (hardback), ISBN: 978-90-04-54292-1.
Bruno Latour, If We Lose the Earth, We Lose Our Souls, translated by Catherine Porter and Sam Ferguson
Authors: Doran Chris
Published: January 2025

Bruno Latour, If We Lose the Earth, We Lose Our Souls, translated by Catherine Porter and Sam Ferguson (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2024), 110pp., $14.95 (pbk), ISBN: 9781509560462.
Lisa Yin Han, Deepwater Alchemy: Extractive Mediation and the Taming of the Seafloor
Authors: Machado Victoria
Published: January 2025

Lisa Yin Han, Deepwater Alchemy: Extractive Mediation and the Taming of the Seafloor (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2024), 264 pp., $27.00 (pbk), ISBN: 9781517915940.
Comparative effects of the probiotic bacteria and carob powder on the quality properties of peanut butter
Authors: Turhan Emel Unal , Kadakal Esma , Çınkır Nuray İnan , Cengiz Seyfullah
Published: January 2025

The present study examined the effect of carob powder and probiotic culture addition on the quality characteristics of peanut butter during a three-month storage period. Carob powder enhanced the growth of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus in MRS broth. It also demonstrated technofunctional properties such as oil retention capacity (2.48 g/g), water retention capacity (2.42 g/g), emulsion activity (47.67%), and emulsification index (45.35%). Furthermore, the addition of carob powder to peanut butter promoted a prebiotic effect on the growth of probiotic culture and reduced oil loss in the peanut butter samples. Overall, the effect of storage on the quality properties of peanut butter was negligible (p>0.05), whereas the impact of probiotic culture on carob powder was significant (p<0.05). Probiotic viability in peanut butter without carob powder and with carob powder ranged from 5.95 to 6.45 log CFU/g and from 6.15 to 6.82 log CFU/g, respectively. Specifically, oil loss in probiotic peanut butter with carob powder was lower compared to other peanut butter samples, owing to the oil retention capacity of carob powder. Additionally, all peanut butter samples maintained desirable sensory quality properties throughout storage.
ADA-NAF: Semi-Supervised Anomaly Detection Based on the Neural Attention Forest
Authors: Ageev Andrey , Konstantinov Andrei , Utkin Lev
Published: January 2025

In this study, we present a novel model called ADA-NAF (Anomaly Detection Autoencoder with the Neural Attention Forest) for semi-supervised anomaly detection that uniquely integrates the Neural Attention Forest (NAF) architecture which has been developed to combine a random forest classifier with a neural network computing attention weights to aggregate decision tree predictions. The key idea behind ADA-NAF is the incorporation of NAF into an autoencoder structure, where it implements functions of a compressor as well as a reconstructor of input vectors. Our approach introduces several technical advances. First, a proposed end-to-end training methodology over normal data minimizes the reconstruction errors while learning and optimizing neural attention weights to focus on hidden features. Second, a novel encoding mechanism leverages NAF’s hierarchical structure to capture complex data patterns. Third, an adaptive anomaly scoring framework combines the reconstruction errors with the attention-based feature importance. Through extensive experimentation across diverse datasets, ADA-NAF demonstrates superior performance compared to state-of-the-art methods. The model shows particular strength in handling high-dimensional data and capturing subtle anomalies that traditional methods often do not detect. Our results validate the ADA-NAF’s effectiveness and versatility as a robust solution for real-world anomaly detection challenges with promising applications in cybersecurity, industrial monitoring, and healthcare diagnostics. This work advances the field by introducing a novel architecture that combines the interpretability of attention mechanisms with the powerful feature learning capabilities of autoencoders.
Intelligent Agent-Controlled Elevator System: Algorithm and Efficiency Optimization
Authors: Gharbi Atef , Ayari Mohamed , El Touati Yamen
Published: January 2025

The study introduces an innovative intelligent agent-controlled elevator system specially designed to improve passenger wait times and enhance the efficiency of high-rise buildings. By utilizing the classic single-agent planning model, we developed a unique strategy for handling calls from halls and cars, and combined with this strategy we significantly improved the overall performance of the elevator system. Our intelligent control methods are in-depth compared with conventional elevator systems, assessing three important performance indicators: response time, system capacity to handle multiple active elevator cars simultaneously, and average passenger waiting time. The results of the full simulation show that an intelligent agent-based model consistently exceeds conventional elevator systems in all measured criteria. Intelligent control systems have significantly reduced response times, and improved simultaneous elevator management and passenger wait times, especially during high traffic. These advances not only improved traffic flow efficiency, but also greatly contributed to passenger satisfaction and brought smoother and more reliable transport experiences within the building. Furthermore, the increased efficiency of our systems is in line with the goals of building energy management, as it minimizes unnecessary movements and idle time. The results demonstrate the system's ability to meet dynamic, high-occupation environment requirements and mark a significant step forward in intelligent infrastructure management.
Investigating design parameter effects on the curvature of composite soft actuators by automated numerical simulation with Python integration
Authors: Hiep Trinh Xuan , Phung Van Binh
Published: January 2025

In the realm of soft robotics, investigating the effect of design parameters on the deformation of complex structures like soft composite actuators is a challenging task. Existing mathematical models often rely on limiting assumptions, while traditional simulation approaches demand substantial computational time and resources, hindering concurrent investigations of multiple design parameters. To address these issues, this paper introduces a new technique to expedite the deformation simulation of composite soft actuators. This automation program enables automatic modification of input parameters while preserving critical properties, constraints, and boundary conditions, resulting in a significant reduction in simulation time. Compared to traditional methods requiring approximately 60 minutes for a single task, our technique achieves the same in merely 10 minutes. The developed program is applied to analyze the impact of design parameters on the curvature of composite soft actuators, leading to the identification of optimal parameters. Through experimental verification, the reliability and efficiency of our technique are demonstrated, showing simulation results with less than a 10% error when compared to physical experiments. The proposed approach enables swift investigation of design parameter influence, facilitating the identification of optimal soft robotic structures for specific objectives. As a result, it has the potential to become a promising tool for advancing soft robotics design and analysis.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFICACY OF MELANIN AS A FOOD INGREDIENT
Authors: Cherno N. , Kapustian A. , Naumenko K. , Gural L. , Osolina S.
Published: January 2025

Melanin is a biological pigment formed by indoles and phenolic compounds that is widespread in nature. It is found in mammalian skin and hair, cephalopod ink, plants and various types of bacteria and fungi. It has a wide range of functions in the biosystem. The most common classification of melanin is eumelanin, pheomelanin and allomelanin based on the structure of the monomeric subunit of the pigment. In biological systems melanin performs several important functions including photoprotection, free radical scavenging and antioxidation, metal chelation, electrical and photoconductivity. These functions are determined by its chemical and physical properties, namely molecular, supramolecular and aggregate structure. The physical and chemical properties of melanin lead to its potential multifunctional application in various biological, environmental and technological fields. Melanin has a wide range of biological effects that are beneficial to human health, including antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and cancer-protective effects, hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties, etc. It does not show cytotoxicity, side effects or antigenic responses. The various physiological effects of melanin, combined with its biocompatibility and physiological properties as a component of traditional food sources, determine the prospects for the use of melanin as a physiologically functional food ingredient that can play a significant role in human nutrition.
MODERN TECHNOLOGIES OF WINE PRODUCTION IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL WARMING AND ORGANIC APPROACH IN VINEYARD
Authors: Kamenieva N. , Verechuk O.
Published: January 2025

The article is of practical importance for Ukrainian winemaking, as global warming can provide the country with additional regions and terroirs. Even the most pessimistic forecasts of global warming and rising temperatures on the planet leave all our zones suitable for growing grapes and expand them to the north. The article analyses modern technologies in the field of white wine production, paying attention to both new technologies that are already successfully working and those that are at different stages of research. The biggest and most meaningful challenge facing winemaking science in the context of global warming at wineries today is to minimise the impact of rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall in the vineyard. All wine production processes are interconnected, so changes will inevitably affect each of them - from the temperature regime of berries at the beginning of crushing, to technologies for maceration and must purification, to new developments and protocols for yeast inoculation, yeast feeding and aging processes in different containers. The technologies of wine production are considered, taking into account modern equipment, various chemical compounds and biotechnologies, everything related to yeast, as well as their products: enzymes, amino acids, vitamins. The directions of development of organic viticulture and winemaking have been identified, using local grape varieties, local yeast races, no additives, irregular temperature control during fermentation and less sulphites, which are more suitable for the sustainable terroirs of historical regions. Attention is also paid to interesting studies on the influence of the size of fermentation and aging tanks, as well as materials for their production. The article discusses the challenges of creating a mass high-quality and terroir wine that must meet the organoleptic qualities and technologies that are strictly prescribed by the legislation of the country of origin. The wine legislation in Ukraine is still in its infancy, so it is especially important to understand the capabilities, resources, needs of our market and the prospects of export markets in order to implement all possible adjustments as efficiently as possible.
IMPROVING THE TECHNOLOGY OF EXTRA VIRGIN PEACH KERNEL OILS
Authors: Kotliar Ye. , Iegorov B. , Dets N. , Skrypnichenko D. , Lanzhenko L.
Published: January 2025

The possibility of using the peach stone kernels of varieties ‘Cardinal’, ‘Nectarine’, ‘Flamingo’ and ‘Moldavian’ as a promising raw material for the production of oil and fat products was investigated. The peach kernels were characterised and it was found that the oil content in the seeds of the studied peach kernels was 33–38%. The physical and chemical characteristics of the quality of oils from peach kernels of different varieties are presented. The technology of production of oil from kernels of different varieties of peaches from Odesa and Moldova has been improved, namely, the technological modes of moisture-heat treatment and pressing (Extra Virgin) have been substantiated. It is recommended to carry out the moisture-heat treatment of crushed stone kernels at a temperature of 40–50°C for 15–20 minutes. The most effective pressing mode is the following: load holding time of 3.0 minutes, compression force of 10.0 kN and loading speed of 5.0 kN/cm, the thickness of the pressed pulp under these parameters is 33.0 mm, and the oil yield is about 94.0%. Sensory studies have shown that oil from peach kernels of the ‘Cardinal’ variety has the best average sensory score of 4.9, followed by oil from peach kernels of the ‘Nectarine’ variety with an average score of 4.8, and oil from peach kernels of the ‘Moldavsky’ and ‘Flamingo’ varieties with a sensory score of 4.76 and 4.75, respectively. As a result of the research, it was determined that the fatty acid composition and the ratio of fatty acids practically does not change before and after the technological processing of peach kernels. The content of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and ω-9 monounsaturated fatty acids in peach kernel oil of the ‘Cardinal’ variety is 95.2% and 98.2% of the original content, respectively, of the ‘Nectarine’ variety – 97.1% and 98.0%, of the ‘Flamingo’ variety – 97.8% and 97.9%, of the ‘Moldavian’ variety – 97.5% and 97.5%.
من جمالياتِ التَّلقِّي قراءةٌ في قصَّةِ "الابتسامة" لزكريَّا تامر
Authors: مراشدة عبد الباسط
Published: January 2025

الملخص
عُنيتِ الدِّراساتُ النَّقديَّةُ بمقارباتٍ متنوِّعةٍ لقراءةِ النَّصِّ الإبداعيِّ بُغيةَ الولوجِ إلى شعريَّتِهِ وجماليَّاتِهِ وأساليبِهِ وتقنيَّاتِهِ. ويُعَدُّ التَّلقّي منَ النَّظريَّاتِ الّتي يمكنُ الإفادةُ منها في قراءةِ النُّصوصِ ومنها قصَّةُ "الابتسامةُ" الواردةُ في مجموعةِ "النُّمورُ في اليومِ العاشرِ" لزكريَّا تامر.
ويبدو أنَّ القصَّةَ المذكورةَ تشكِّلُ بيئةً ثريَّةً لقراءاتٍ متنوِّعةٍ؛ إذ تسمحُ أساليبُها المتنوِّعةُ مثلَ توظيفِ الفراغاتِ أو البياضاتِ كسرَ أفقِ التَّوقُّعِ والانتظارِ، وبناءَ جُمَلٍ تستندُ إلى التَّكثيفِ والاقتصادِ اللُّغَويّ، والتَّقسيم... إلخ، إضافةً إلى الإفادةِ من تنوُّعِ طرائقِ السَّردِ الحداثيَّةِ فيها وصولًا إلى اللُّغةِ الإبداعيَّةِ المتناسبةِ معَ القصَّةِ القصيرةِ والقصَّةِ القصيرةِ جدًّا، معَ الأخذِ بعينِ الاعتبارِ الإسهامَ في فتحِ أفقِ الدَّلالاتِ المتجدِّدَةِ في هكذا نصوصٍ وذلكَ عن طريقِ محاولةِ إشراكِ المتلقِّي في فكِّ شيفراتِ النَّصِّ وترميزاتِهِ، والوقوفِ على المتناصَّاتِ الكامنةِ في طرائقِ التَّعبيرِ، كلُّ هذا وغيرُه يشكِّلُ مادَّةً يمكنُ أن يقامَ عليها غيرُ نشاطٍ نقديٍّ مكتنزٍ ومتجدِّدٍ مع معاودةِ القراءةِ. وهذا التَّوجُّهُ ما يسعى إليهِ الباحثانِ وهما يتوسَّلانِ بشكلٍ أساسيٍّ بنظريَّةِ التَّلقّي وما يتفرَّعُ عنها منْ عناصرَ ومكوِّناتٍ ومحمولاتٍ. ولن يكتفيَ الدَّارسانِ بالجوانِبِ التَّنظيريَّةِ وإنَّما سيذهبانِ إلى التَّحليلِ والتَّطبيق على سياقاتٍ منَ القصَّةِ مدارَ هذهِ الدِّراسةِ.
الكلمات المفتاحية: التّلقّي، الابتسامة، طرائق السّرد.
هويّةٌ مشوّهةٌ أم أنوثةٌ مجروحةٌ دراسةٌ في سيمائيَّةِ "نواقيسُ العزلةِ"
Authors: الكيلاني رحاب
Published: January 2025

الملخص
تطرحُ هذهِ الدِّراسةُ روايةَ "نواقيسُ العزلةِ" منْ خلالِ تحليلِ الهويَّةِ المشوَّهةِ لشخصيَّةِ البطلةِ؛ إذ تعرضُ الرِّوايةُ معاناةَ البطلةِ مريم في سعيِها لاكتشافِ هويَّتِها الأُنثويَّةِ وسطَ التَّحدّياتِ النَّفسيَّةِ والاجتماعيَّةِ الّتي تواجهُها. ويركِّزُ البحثُ على تجربةِ مريم الشَّخصيَّةِ منْ خلالِ أحداثِ الرِّوايةِ وتفاعلِها معَ الشَّخصيَّاتِ الأخرى، وكيفَ تسعى لإيجادِ ذاتِها منْ خلالِ محاولاتِها اليائسةِ لتحقيقِ الأمومةِ، ودورِ زوجِها والظُّروفِ المحيطةِ بها في تعقيدِ هذا السَّعي. وتكمنُ أهمّيَّةُ هذا البحثِ في تسليطِ الضَّوءِ على قضيَّةِ الهويَّةِ والأنوثَةِ في الأدبِ الإماراتيّ الحديثِ، وكيفَ عبّرت الكاتبَةُ عن التّحدّياتِ النَّفسيَّةِ والاجتماعيَّةِ الّتي تواجهُ النِّساءَ في مجتمعٍ معاصرٍ.
الكلمات المفتاحية
الهويّة، الأمومة، النسوية، العزلة النفسية، الأدب الإماراتي.
تصويتُ الصَّوامتِ في العربيَّةِ بينَ الوصفِ النُّطقيِّ والبياناتِ الرَّقميَّةِ
Authors: المومني هاجر
Published: January 2025

الملخص
تهدفُ هذهِ الدِّراسةُ إلى:
• التقريبِ بينَ المفاهيمِ في وصفِ عمليَّةِ التَّصويتِ بينَ الدَّرسِ الصَّوتيِّ في التُّراثِ والدَّرسِ الصَّوتيِّ المعاصرِ.
• الحصولِ على المعاييرِ الفيزيائيَّةِ لكلِّ صامتٍ في العربيَّةِ.
• الوصولِ إلى تصنيفِ صوامتِ العربيَّةِ منْ حيثُ معاييرِها الفيزيائيَّةِ.
هذا البحثُ قائمٌ على المنهجِ الوصفيِّ التَّحليليّ. وبمقتضاهُ وُصِفَتِ الصَّوامتُ العربيَّةُ وصفًا نطقيًّا في الجزءِ النَّظريِّ منَ البحثِ. وقد اختيرَ للجزءِ التَّطبيقيِّ الرَّقميّ مئتانِ وستّونَ كلمةٍ، تمثِّلُ مواقعَ الصَّوامتِ السِّتَّةِ والعشرين، واستُخدِمَ البرنامج (CSL) بنطقٍ واحدٍ لأجلِ هذهِ الدِّراسةِ.
توصَّلتِ الدِّراسةُ إلى نتائجَ كلِّيَّةٍ تحقَّقَ بها الهدفُ الأساسيُّ الأوَّلُ والثَّلاثَةُ الأخرى المتفرِّعةُ عنْهُ؛ فقد توصَّلَ البحثُ إلى التَّقريبِ بينَ مفهومِ التَّصويتِ بفرعَيْهِ الهمسِ والجهرِ بينَ التَّوصيفِ التُّراثيِّ والتَّوصيفِ المعاصرِ. كما توصَّلَ إلى قياسِ كلِّ صامتٍ، وأُجريَت تصنيفًا للصَّوامتِ العربيَّةِ. وتوصَّلتِ الدِّراسةُ كذلكَ إلى الكشفِ عنْ صفاتٍ خاصَّةٍ ببعضِ الصَّوامتِ العربيَّةِ.
الكلمات المفتاحيّة: التّصويت، سعة التّصويت، الصّوامت العربيّة
Morphological evolution of mid-channel bars in the Middle Yangtze River in response to upstream damming
Authors: Zhou Meirong , Xia Junqiang , Deng Shanshan
Published: January 2025

Since operation of the Three Gorges dam, the mid-channel bars (MCBs) in the Middle Yangtze River (MYR) have experienced significant deformation, thus crucially affecting the stability of the river regime. However, systematic understanding of the morphodynamics of the MCBs and their linkage to upstream damming still remains largely unknown. In this work, Landsat images were collected to perform an analysis of the deformation of the MCBs in the MYR. The following conclusions are obtained. The total exposed area of MCBs presented a decreasing trend owing to upstream damming; moreover, the shrinking degree decreased in the longitudinal direction. The process of deformation of the MCBs was consistent with the process of channel degradation during the dam operation period (erosion, slight erosion and strong erosion). The deformation of the MCBs is mainly attributed to altered flow–sediment conditions. The magnitude of sediment transport capacity changed slightly after upstream damming, but the concentration of suspended sediment was greatly reduced, which resulted in a general erosion trend of MCBs. Moreover, the sediment concentration recovered owing to channel degradation, and the differences between sediment transport capacity and suspended sediment concentration decreased along the MYR, which made the dam effect generally diminish in the longitudinal direction.
Análise da situación dos museos e outros centros museísticos en Galicia
Authors:   Observatorio da Cultura Galega
Published: January 2025

O obxectivo do presente informe é diagnosticar o estado dos centros museísticos en Galicia, principalmente os museos e as coleccións museográficas. Para isto deseñouse unha investigación na que se combina unha explotación das fontes estatísticas secundarias relacionadas cos museos coa obtención de datos propios.
The Impact of the OER Module ‘Force and Motion’ on Physics Teachers’ Knowledge and Practices
Authors: Karma Utha  , Ugyen Pem
Published: January 2025

Students' performance in STEM subjects is a growing concern globally, with coinciding factors cited, as ineffective teaching methods, students' lack of interest, and the abstractness of STEM content. This study in particular investigated the impact of an Open Educational Resource module on teachers' understanding of Force and Motion. The goal was to enhance the professional efficacy of Secondary School Science and Mathematics teachers, promoting an inclusive and equitable higher-order learning in their classrooms with the help of OER. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 36 teachers from 32 different schools. Data collection included pre-tests and post-tests, evaluations of lesson plans and reflections, assessments of teacher participation in a community of practice and the Moodle platform, and interviews. Findings indicated a modest yet positive shift in teachers' content knowledge, with an increase in the number of participants classified as 'accomplished' in post-test assessments. While teachers demonstrated the improved awareness of their students' needs and engagement strategies, challenges still remain in effectively integrating Universal Design for Learning principles and diverse assessment methods. The study highlights the importance of ongoing professional development and clearer guidelines to support teachers in implementing these practices. Recommendations for future research include longitudinal studies to assess the long-term effects of OER modules on teaching practices and student outcomes.
Методические рекомендации по повышению удобочитаемости текстов: Как написать нормативный правовой акт простым языком?
Authors: Алимпеев Даниил , Кнутов Александр , Плаксин Сергей , Чаплинский Александр
Published: January 2025

Корней Чуковский называл канцелярит единственной по-настоящему существенной болезнью русского языка, а Нора Галь сравнивала стиль официальных актов с питанием «сухомяткой». В последние десятилетия нормативные акты стали значительно сложнее для восприятия: это объясняется обилием длинных предложений, речевой избыточностью и многократными повторами, активным использованием страдательного залога и причастных оборотов. Осознавая проблему, коллектив авторов предлагает всем интересующимся, особенно государственным служащим, отвечающим за разработку нормативных правовых актов, методические рекомендации по повышению удобочитаемости таких текстов. Хотя они не являются исчерпывающей инструкцией по написанию совершенного документа, следование восьми основным правилам позволит избежать наиболее распространенных ошибок. Для наглядности каждое правило снабжено как позитивными, так и негативными примерами употребления
Timber Transport – Reduction of Empty Runs by Back Haulage and Triangle Routes
Authors: Thomas Smaltschinski , Martin Müller
Published: January 2025

Back haulage or triangle routes are a suitable means of achieving a reduction in empty runs in timber transport. The calculation is done using linear programs. One problem with linear programs is the high complexity caused by the combinatorics involved in generating the routes. This can be reduced if the characteristics of back haulage or triangle routes are taken into account. The complexity then drops drastically and well-compatible linear programs are obtained. The methodology presented in this study was tested for the harvest sizes of the 2015 fiscal year of the Bavarian State Forest Enterprise. Pure back haulage routes lead to a reduction in empty runs of 17.2% and the combination of back haulage and triangle routes lead to a reduction of 20.2%.
Evaluación de los efectos del entrenamiento de fuerza con bandas elásticas en jugadores jóvenes de balonmano. Revisión sistemática
Authors: Carlos Montes Salas  , Santiago Marta Victoria , Susana Pulgar  , Miguel Heres
Published: January 2025

Handball is a cooperation-opposition sport, mediated by a succession of throws, grabs, movements, and brief and intense actions. This sport requires the execution of various motor and technical-tactical actions involving specific strength components. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of strength training using elastic bands in young handball players. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted in the Pubmed, Dialnet, and Google Scholar databases. Five studies were selected that analyzed the effects of strength training using elastic bands in handball players aged between 13 and 26 years. The results obtained in this review show significant improvements in strength, power, and throwing speed, as well as in specific motor actions of handball. In conclusion, strength training with elastic bands in young handball players has positive impacts on increasing strength capacity, explosive strength, strength endurance, and muscle power. Similarly, it helps improve crucial aspects of sports performance, including throwing speed, movement, and specific game actions such as jumps and changes of direction and pace.
Water Kefir Preparation (5 gallon batch) v1
Authors: Hinkley-Kellum Nicole
Published: January 2025

Instructions for the preparation of a 5 gallon batch of 10% DBS medium to be used for water kefir.