bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus - a Review of the clinical aspects and detection of the infection
Authors: Choinka Martyna , Konopka Agata , Wdowiak Natalia , Szczepaniak Zuzanna , Kalisiak Jakub , Szpernalowska Anna , Ivy Matshaba Vimbisoyashe , Mrugała Karolina
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Currently, many people are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Transmission is primarily through sexual contact, with additional routes including mother-infant exposure to needles and needle sharing. Since the HIV/AIDS pandemic was first identified in 1981, more than 75 million people have been infected. Numerous new cases continue to be reported, and infection can become the starting point for the development of HIV. Clinical manifestations include acute retroviral syndrome, opportunistic infections, and dermatological, neuromuscular, and other complications. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), challenges remain, including drug resistance, opportunistic infections, and persistent HIV reservoirs in some cell types. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, and recommended testing protocols include fourth-generation serological tests and point-of-care (POC) testing. ART, which includes combinations of antiretroviral drugs, is the standard treatment, and ongoing research into gene therapy shows promise for the future.
 
Purpose of the work: The aim of this study is to review and characterize the clinical aspects and detection of human immunodeficiency virus infection.
 
Materials and methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus was undertaken using the searchterms encompassing the following keywords: HIV,  human immunodeficiency virus, ART, HIV manifestation, HIV detection, HIV diagnosis, HIV treatment.
Desafios e Práticas da Engenharia de Requisitos no Contexto de Fábrica de Software com foco na Documentação e Gestão do Conhecimento.
Authors: Souza Luana , Miranda Erica , Lucena Márcia , Gomes Apuena
Published: October 2024

As dificuldades na elaboração da documentação de requisitos e a gestão do conhecimento entre os engenheiros de requisitos nas fábricas de software foram a motivação para realização de uma etnografia organizacional adaptada. O objetivo geral foi investigar desafios em duas equipes de engenheiros de requisitos de uma fábrica, que impactem na produção e na manutenção de uma documentação. Os desafios identificados foram agrupados em três categorias e após a triangulação, práticas foram indicadas, baseadas na literatura, para suplantar os desafios encontrados. Os desafios identificados, o benefício no uso das práticas sugeridas e o próprio processo etnográfico são as contribuições deste trabalho.
PRE-BDC: Processo de Especificação de Banco de Dados em Sistemas Críticos
Authors: Yelisetty Sarasuaty , Marques Johnny , Dias Luiz Alberto Vieira
Published: October 2024

O software de sistemas críticos em segurança, incluindo banco de dados, requer processos robustos de especificação, desenvolvimento, validação, verificação, gerenciamento de configuração e garantia de qualidade.   A pesquisa reportada neste trabalho, em seu estágio atual, propõe a criação de um processo de especificação e validação de requisitos para bancos de dados em sistemas críticos. A metodologia utilizada envolve a condução de uma Re visão Sistemática da Literatura em processos de especificação de bancos de dados. Adicionalmente, inclui-se um diagrama do processo de especificação e validação de requisitos para bancos de dados em sistemas críticos que inclui a criação dos cenários de validação de requisitos. Espera-se que o processo possa ser utilizado por empresas desenvolvedoras de sistemas críticos e apresentará rastreabilidade para as necessidades regulatórias de alguns domínios selecionados como o aeronáutico, médico e ferroviário. Adicionalmente, o processo também permitirá uma construção organizada de bancos de dados orientados por requisitos, visando a mitigação de erros inseridos em sua construção e mecanismos de garantias desde a especificação até a integração com o software de aplicação.
Solving Jayme’s favorite problem through a triangle catwalk
Authors: Alcon Liliana , Faria Luerbio , Figueiredo Celina , Gutierrez Marisa
Published: October 2024

This is an account of our pursuit to solve the recognition of clique graphs, a problem open for 40 years, and one of Jayme's favorite problems.
What can weighted clique graphs tell us about graph classes?
Authors: Bonomo-Braberman Flavia
Published: October 2024

In this paper, I will briefly survey the joint work with Jayme on weighted clique graphs, and how they are a tool to characterize graph classes.
Codes for Compression and Error Detection
Authors: Pinto Paulo
Published: October 2024

This article summarizes the main results about codes that combine the data compression power of Huffman trees with the error detection mechanisms proposed by Hamming. Two methods are described: the even trees method and the Hamming-Huffman trees method. Most of the works are the result of a close collaboration with Jayme Luiz Szwarcfiter.
Parallel implementations of TSP brute force algorithm
Authors: Almenara Ventura Alves Rafael , Bentes Cristiana , S. Castro Maria Clicia
Published: October 2024

The traveling salesman problem is a famous combinatorial optimization problem. Despite its great importance, there is no good exact solution for the generic case. Considering the existence not only of CPUs with many cores but also of GPUs allowing a more generic use and being more popular, this work tries to answer the question: up to what size of problem is it possible to solve in parallel through brute force in a timely manner? For this, implementations were developed in OpenMP, MPI, and CUDA.
Explorando redes neurais e engenharia do conhecimento uma revisão narrativa
Authors: Weber Luciano
Published: October 2024

Ao produzir tecnologias de Inteligência Artificial, a Engenharia do Conhecimento pode utilizar diferentes abordagens, técnicas e ferramentas. Uma dessas abordagens refere-se às Redes Neurais. Este artigo propõe uma revisão narrativa sobre a relação entre Redes Neurais e Engenharia do Conhecimento, sob a perspectiva de autores renomados no assunto e publicações recentes. O objetivo, então, é explorar estudos atuais sobre Redes Neurais, por meio do método de pesquisa em bases de artigos científicos e em literatura amplamente utilizada na academia. O artigo traz de forma abrangente os principais conceitos e definições, com alguns exemplos práticos, sobre como redes neurais artificiais trazem soluções à vida prática humana.
Social and psychological work with military personnel and veterans of the armed conflict in Ukraine
Authors:   ME ", Chernetska Yuliia ,   Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy",   of the Kharkiv Regional Council
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to the problem of social and psychological work with military personnel and veterans of the armed conflict in Ukraine, which is becoming increasingly evident and extremely relevant in the context of prolonged hostilities. It has been established that servicemen and veterans of the armed conflict have become perhaps the most vulnerable categories of social services, since the mechanisms for providing social and psychological support are still imperfectly developed due to the presence of a set of problems in the military (medical, psychological, social, social and personal) and the simultaneous need to implement multidisciplinary tasks by the subjects of social assistance. Social and psychological work with military personnel and veterans is understood as professional activities aimed at helping soldiers overcome crises related to their military service, reduce the risks of maladjustment in civilian life, learn to overcome challenges caused by acquired disabilities, etc. Such activities also include work with personal psychological problems, development of new social skills, and adaptation to civilian life. Social and psychological work can be realized with the help of specially developed methods and technologies of social work adapted to the personal needs of military clients. The content areas of social and psychological work with servicemen and veterans include psychological support in overcoming post-traumatic stress disorders, psychological conditions caused by combat stress; social rehabilitation of servicemen and veterans, which is aimed at overcoming maladjustment in civilian life and helps soldiers to navigate the labor market, to retrain in accordance with the capabilities and functionality of the body, the presence of disabilities, etc.; social readaptation of servicemen and veterans, which is aimed at overcoming maladjustment in civilian life and helps soldiers to navigate the labor market, retrain in accordance with the capabilities and functionality of the body, the presence of disabilities, etc.
Use of STEM-technologies in the educational process for teaching natural sciences
Authors:   Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav, Truskavetska Iryna
Published: September 2024

The article focuses on modern approaches to education aimed at developing creativity, innovation, and the use of advanced technologies in the context of teaching natural sciences. Key aspects of integrating STEM approaches are highlighted through the application of interactive teaching methods (project activities, experimental research, interdisciplinary integration, problem-based learning, 3D modeling, maker activities, etc). The research concentrates on the practical aspects of implementing STEM technology in the educational process and its impact on enhancing the quality of teaching in biology, chemistry, and physics. The main advantages of using interdisciplinary connections in the training of teachers in the natural sciences field are outlined, including knowledge integration, increased student motivation, development of communication skills, flexibility, and adaptability. The role of creativity in STEM-oriented educational practices is examined, theoretical aspects of a creative personality are clarified, and the necessity of developing a strategy that fosters innovation in key aspects of teacher training is determined. The positive impact of the STEM approach on the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and independent problem-solving abilities is analyzed. Examples of project-based and problem-based tasks that can be offered to students in the context of studying biology, chemistry, and physics are provided. An educational course, «STEM Technologies in Teaching Biology», has been introduced into the training process for future biology and health education teachers at Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav. This course aims at mastering modern methodologies and tools used in STEM education with practical application in professional activities. The effectiveness of implementing STEM technology elements is confirmed by the increased motivation of learners to study natural sciences, and the development of their critical thinking and creative abilities.
Social and pedagogical work on the formation of experience of socially safe behaviour of adolescents in the process of online-socialization
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Krasnova Nataliia , Duvanska Kateryna ,   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: September 2024

This article characterizes the problem of forming the experience of socially safe behaviour of teenagers in the process of online socialization; characteristics of the process of socialization of the younger generation (learning, identification, education, protection, imitation, education, adaptation) and features of the social situation of adolescent development are given. The principle of forming the experience of socially safe behaviour of adolescents is revealed: the correspondence of the components of socially safe behaviour of an individual (value-motivational, cognitive, operational-active, regulatory, reflective) to socio-pedagogically significant elements of social networks (information generation, collective creation of communication exchange, etc.) in internet spaces. Blocks of socio-pedagogical work on forming the experience of socially safe behaviour of adolescents in the process of online socialization (targeted, theoretical, technological, effective) are defined, the content of which is divided into three stages: familiarization (confessional and visual training; search, storage, exchange of information about social dangerous facts; organization of mutual training); training (resolving specific socially dangerous situations, collective creation and editing of texts and hypertexts); practical (independent use of learned strategies of socially safe behaviour in interaction with the social environment in real life conditions through inclusion in real socially significant web projects).
Mechanisms of information aggression influence on citizens’ consciousness: social and psychological aspects
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Kurylo Vitalii , Karaman Olena ,   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Stepanenko Viktoriia ,   Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University
Published: September 2024

The article defines the mechanisms of information aggression influence on citizens’ consciousness, taking into account the social and psychological characteristics and components of such influence. The relevant mechanisms are presented as cognitive, emotional and social processes that affect the nature of information perception by individuals or groups, their thinking, activity, direction of activity, are used to form and change motives, attitudes, behaviour and needs. These include mechanisms and effects of social perception, mechanisms and phenomena of perception, memory, attention, influence on public opinion, manipulation of consciousness and informational violence. Attention is drawn to the fact that the mechanisms of information aggression influence on citizens’ consciousness are constantly being improved and modified. It is emphasized that the use of mechanisms of destructive informational and psychological influence in conditions of information aggression allows to program actions and behaviour, manipulate consciousness and misinform citizens, predisposing them to make the right decision and behaviour. Understanding the mechanisms of information aggression influence, which poses a threat to the national interests and national security of Ukraine in the information sphere, is one of the ways to ensure individual, group and mass consciousness of citizens. Prospects for further research are outlined, which consist in determining the specifics of information aggression influence on different population groups in the context of the problem of countering the consciousness’ manipulation and the formation of critical thinking as a security factor of citizens.
Is an AI-Generated Icon an Icon? A Case Study in Artificial Intelligence and Christian Spirituality
Authors: Herzfeld Noreen
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This article examines the potential for AI-generated icons from the viewpoints of the iconographer, the worshiper, and the liturgical community. The ability of AI programs to produce convincing images reopens questions previously thought put to rest in the eighth and ninth centuries during the iconoclastic controversy. These questions go beyond icons themselves, questioning our materiality, the nature of spiritual experience, and the centrality of the incarnation for a Christian faith. While AI-generation may produce images virtually indistinguishable from those made by human hands, the processes involved in their generation and dissemination risk spiritually deskilling iconographers and distancing those who acquire them from the community of faith.
What Is That in Your Hand? A Diary
Authors: Hooks Angela R.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The author of this autobiographical narrative entered seminary assuming a call to a preaching ministry. However, her ongoing diary-writing practice gradually clarified her unique preparation for a complementary ministry of spiritual direction and soul companionship, a fairly new concept and practice within the African American community. This essay describes how her longstanding interest in personal writing, especially once it morphed into spiritual journaling, uniquely equipped her with an effective means for facilitating spiritual direction of others. Her personal journey of vocational discovery validates writing as a form of prayer and a pathway to discernment.
To Reenact the Invisible Monster: Demon House and Fury of the Demon
Authors: Devine Jonathan
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This article brings together the television documentary Demon House (dir. Zak Bagans, 2018) and mockumentary Fury of the Demon (dir. Fabien Delage, 2016). In media, demons are invisible monsters, shown primarily by the aftereffects of possession (such as a change in voice or in an abject way like vomiting). They can also be depicted via artistic interpretation. In both films, the filmmakers claim to be providing "evidence" of the titular demons, yet the bases of evidence comprise artworks (paintings, sculptures, wood engravings and wax models), rather than the photographic archive that audiences would expect in "traditional documentaries." Images that do not evince any sort of photographic realism are used as placeholders to retell a completely different event—that may or may not have taken place—to uphold the notion of an invisible monster. The representations are mere copies, a reenactment of a reenactment . These layers of intangibility exemplify both the lack of evidence and the invisibility of the monster.
The Relationship between Sovereign Debt and Politics
Authors: Guzman Martin , Horas Yanne , Wiedenbrüg Anahí , Colodenco Maia
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT: With the rise of bonded private debt over the past 15 years, there is an increased dependency on private creditors for sovereign nations that borrow to finance their government activities. The power of private creditors gained through increased sovereign debt burdens is affecting the internal political dynamics of these borrower countries, especially in the Global South, including Latin America. A larger external debt burden creates internal political conflict around the distribution of benefits, so debt is intimately linked with politics. Standard economics literature ignores this problem by hypothesizing markets based on perfect competition. We outline a set of hypotheses regarding the relationship between creditors' political preferences in sovereign debt markets that feature "power rents," when relatively powerful foreign investors can obtain significantly higher returns by lending to smaller, weaker nations. Bringing power asymmetries into the debt discussion, we also present a research agenda for economics and political science.
The Political Economy of China’s Relations with the Maghreb Countries: Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia
Authors: Jackson Steven F.
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT: The political–economic relationship between China and the five countries of the Maghreb region vary substantially. China’s relations with Algeria are older and much more established than with the other countries, but China has been seeking to deepen its relationship with Morocco since the 2010s. The poor strategic relations between Algiers and Rabat, however, make it difficult, and China has sought to work with both. Politically, China has always focused on diplomatic relations with all countries, and the north African states were among its earliest contacts. Maintaining formal relations with other countries and excluding Taiwan from the world stage are paramount goals for Beijing. At the same time, developing economic relations, not only in accessing resources but also in developing markets are high priorities for China. These countries’ proximity to and access to European markets are also a strong attraction for China. For the Maghreb countries, economic relations with China helps them balance their dependence on their post-colonial and proximate European economies. For Libya and Tunisia, the Arab Spring unrest undid much of China’s political and economic efforts in the early 21st century.
China’s Geopolitics and Geo-Economics in the Middle East and the Gulf Countries to Achieve Sustainable Development and Common Interests
Authors: Geukjian Ohannes
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT: The aim of this paper is to examine and analyse China’s growing interest and influence in the Middle East (ME) in general and the Arab countries in particular after Xi Jinping was elected President in 2013. In addition, this article highlights the interest of the Arab countries, including the Gulf countries, in establishing strong economic and trade relations with China because they are aware that Beijing will play a bigger role in global economic relations, thus limiting the dominance of the United States (U.S.) in the global economy. We argue that China has sought to deepen its cooperation with the ME under the Belt and Road (BRI) initiative framework and to increase Chinese investments and trade ties in the Gulf countries, mainly because these countries constitute a cornerstone of China’s energy security. For their part, the ME countries supported the BRI because it aimed to improve communication infrastructure between Asia, Africa and Europe. In addition, China’s policy of promoting multilateralism will contribute to building a global community with a shared future.
Research and Industry News
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin , Curtis Susan , Daukantas Patricia , Kim Meeri , Kirkland Alessia , Lanford Hannah , Sender Rachel , Wills Stewart
Published: October 2024

Hyperspectral view of auroras / Lens-free water-contamination sensor /
Quantum “network register” / Boost for infrared thermometers /
Methane-sensitive satellites / Industry news
Improving student engagement with a flipped classroom instruction model in Ethiopian higher education institutions: The case of Mattu University
Authors: Faro Mekonnen Haile , Gutu Tariku Sime , Hunde Adula Bekele
Published: October 2024

Currently, the flipped classroom instruction model has received greater attention for its multifaceted advantages in improving student learning by boosting learning environments. To this end, a flipped classroom model was employed in the current study with the purpose of increasing student engagement across all three dimensions—behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. To look at the improvement observed as a result of this model, this study used a mixed-methods design, mainly a convergent parallel design. In the present study, fifty-five students from two distinct academic departments participated. In addition, the instructors of the courses that were chosen to be taught using a flipped classroom model were also participants in this study. The study employed focus groups, interviews, self-report surveys, and classroom observation strategies to gather the necessary data. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive aggregate means and paired sampling t-tests, while the qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic data analysis approach. The findings revealed that a flipped classroom greatly improved each of the three dimensions of student engagement. Moreover, the findings showed that the instruction model improved student engagement by creating learning environments where students could participate actively in class activities, interact more effectively with teachers and other students as well as with learning resources, and acquire the necessary knowledge from the courses. Future research may employ a large sample size with a sufficient time frame to make the findings more applicable to different educational institutions.
Explainable AI and optimized solar power generation forecasting model based on environmental conditions
Authors: Rizk-Allah Rizk M. , Abouelmagd Lobna M. , Darwish Ashraf , Snasel Vaclav , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a model called X-LSTM-EO, which integrates explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), long short-term memory (LSTM), and equilibrium optimizer (EO) to reliably forecast solar power generation. The LSTM component forecasts power generation rates based on environmental conditions, while the EO component optimizes the LSTM model’s hyper-parameters through training. The XAI-based Local Interpretable and Model-independent Explanation (LIME) is adapted to identify the critical factors that influence the accuracy of the power generation forecasts model in smart solar systems. The effectiveness of the proposed X-LSTM-EO model is evaluated through the use of five metrics; R-squared (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of variation (COV), mean absolute error (MAE), and efficiency coefficient (EC). The proposed model gains values 0.99, 0.46, 0.35, 0.229, and 0.95, for R2, RMSE, COV, MAE, and EC respectively. The results of this paper improve the performance of the original model’s conventional LSTM, where the improvement rate is; 148%, 21%, 27%, 20%, 134% for R2, RMSE, COV, MAE, and EC respectively. The performance of LSTM is compared with other machine learning algorithm such as Decision tree (DT), Linear regression (LR) and Gradient Boosting. It was shown that the LSTM model worked better than DT and LR when the results were compared. Additionally, the PSO optimizer was employed instead of the EO optimizer to validate the outcomes, which further demonstrated the efficacy of the EO optimizer. The experimental results and simulations demonstrate that the proposed model can accurately estimate PV power generation in response to abrupt changes in power generation patterns. Moreover, the proposed model might assist in optimizing the operations of photovoltaic power units. The proposed model is implemented utilizing TensorFlow and Keras within the Google Collab environment.
Effects of resisted sprint training with ball on speed and agility performance in U-19 elite soccer players
Authors: Sal-de-Rellán Alejandro , Ben Brahim Mehdi , Hernaiz-Sánchez Ariadna , Tarwneh Raghad , Martín Víctor
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects on speed and agility of including ball driving during resisted sprint training in relation to regular soccer training. Thirty male soccer players (age: 18.10 ± 0.66 years; height: 179 ± 0.06 cm; body mass: 76.22 ± 4.76 kg; systematic practice: 8.6 ± 1.73 years) participated in the study and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 18) or a control group (CG; n = 12). The research was conducted during a training camp. The intervention period lasted 6 weeks and during that period all players performed their usual soccer training. However, the EG performed two weekly sessions of a supplementary training of resisted sprints with a ball. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in 5-m (p = 0.005) and 10-m (p = 0.016) sprint performance; and New multi-change of direction agility test (NMAT; p = 0.002), Illinois (IAT; p = 0.002), T-test (p = 0.003), Arrowhead COD (Arrowhead-R, p = < 0.001; Arrowhead-L, p = < 0.001) test and Zigzag agility test (Zigzag-B; p = 0.006) from pretest to posttest in EG. However, the CG didn’t show any significant improvements. Between-groups analysis revealed differences in favor of the EG in Zigzag-B, IAT, Arrowhead-R, Arrowhead-L and NMAT. This study’s results support the efficacy of a short-term training program that includes resisted sprints exercises to improve the performance of soccer players.
Impacts of knowledge and trust on consumer perceptions and purchase intentions towards genetically modified foods
Authors: Ngo Thi Thuy An , Phan Thi Yen Nhi , Le Thi Ngoc Trang
Published: October 2024

Genetically Modified Foods (GMF) have emerged as a significant topic within the global food industry, provoking extensive debates over their safety and impact on consumer choices. This research aims to explore the impact of knowledge and trust in GMF on Vietnamese consumers’ perceptions and their subsequent purchase intentions. By employing a quantitative methodology, this study gathered data from 424 valid respondents. The research model focuses on five constructs: knowledge, trust, perceived benefits, perceived risks, and purchase intentions. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test hypotheses and examine the interrelationships among these constructs. The results showed that increased knowledge of GMF is linked to heightened perceptions of benefits and reduced perceptions of risks, thereby elevating purchase intentions. Trust in GMF significantly enhances perceived benefits but does not significantly affect risk evaluation, although it is positively correlated with purchase intentions. Moreover, perceptions of greater benefits are positively associated with higher purchase intentions, whereas increased risk perceptions negatively influence them. These results underscore the complex relationship among knowledge, trust, perceived benefits, and perceived risks in shaping consumer purchase intentions toward GMF. The study proposes a comprehensive model delineating how knowledge and trust impact Vietnamese consumers’ perceptions and purchase intentions regarding GMF. These findings provide implications for policymakers, business managers, and marketers, emphasizing the importance of disseminating transparent information, prioritizing trust-building, and adopting nuanced communication strategies. By effectively enhancing perceived benefits and addressing perceived risks, these strategies aim to foster positive consumer intentions and behaviors toward GMF.
European Trends in Local Public Administration: Adapting to Globalization
Authors: Florentina CRETU Raluca , DOBRE Florin , MONCEA Madalina , Octavian MANESCU Catalin
Published: October 2024

The trend of globalization, accompanied by the dynamic development of social systems, places national states in a completely new position, in which institutions and administrative systems must be adapted. Any intervention in the field of public administration reform implies changes in major components, including central administration, local administration and public services. On the other hand, the development of democracy calls for the establishment of a new relationship between citizens and the administration, increasing and strengthening the role of local authorities and reconsidering the partnership with civil society. There are numerous reasons for the structural and functional modernization of the public administration in Romania, starting from the need for more efficient functioning of government institutions to the aspiration to become a member of the European Union. The present study aims to address these aspects, taking into account the impact of the reform measures at the public administration level that have been undertaken recently. Through the coherent and continuous development of the decentralization process in the next period, we will be able to witness the increase in the quality and efficiency of public services, and local administrations will respond to the demands of citizens and local development in an improved way.
 
 
Keywords: development, Europe, municipalities, public administration
Green Economy from a Regional Perspective – a Polish Case Study
Authors: Jędrzejczak-Gas Janina , Barska Anetta , Wyrwa Joanna , Nowak Leopold
Published: October 2024

The article presents the elaboration and specification of the green economy concept, where resource scarcity, global climate change and environmental degradation are paving a new path towards sustainable development. The article addresses the issue of implementing the principles of green economy at the regional level. The implementation of a green economy at a regional level provides an excellent space for scientific deliberations. The aim of the research is to identify and assess the level of regional disparities in green economy development across Polish regions using a synthetic measure. The basis for the analysis was a set of substantively and statistically analyzed diagnostic variables from the years 2012-2022. The synthetic indicator of the green economy was calculated for every Polish region (NUTS 2) and the regions were ranked based on their score from highest to lowest. As a result of the analysis, the regional polarization and the ordering of regions in Poland in terms of the synthetic metric - green economy development - were discussed.
 
 
Keywords: green economy, green growth, sustainable development, taxonomic methods.
Investigating the Dynamics of Workforce Stability: The Influence of Perceived Employability on Career Resilience, Task Performance, Learning Agility and Employee Retention
Authors: Khalid Komal , Al Zahrani Mona Abdul Kareem
Published: October 2024

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the complex interrelationships among perceived employability, employee task performance, employee retention, career resilience, and learning agility to cover this knowledge gap and provide HR practices and policies supported by evidence that can increase service sector development and contribute to Saudi Arabia's economic goals. The study used a cross-sectional quantitative design and conducted an online survey of employees in the service sector of Saudi Arabia. Snowball sampling was used during the data collection, and 403 usable responses were collected and utilized for data analysis. Data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and composite assessment analyses were conducted through SPSS 28. For hypothesis testing, the PLS-SEM model was used through SmartPLS4. R2adj, standardized root means square residual, Normed fit index, and Q2predict were used for model evaluation. The research findings highlighted the importance of perceived employability which is positively related to task performance and retention and show the need for organizations to train their employees so that they are characterized by career resilience and learning agility, which relate positively on their task performance and their retention within the Saudi service industry. Acquiring knowledge and understanding regarding these relationships is essential to develop targeted practices and policies to improve employee outcomes and elevate the organization's competitiveness in an economy undergoing rapid transformations. This study's findings provide practical implications regarding human resource management and organizational development strategies in Saudi Arabia that will support future research by enhancing perceived employability, building career resilience, developing employee task performance, improving learning agility, and ensuring a higher rate of employee retention, realizing the significance of each element in developing organizational goals and success.
 Keywords: perceived employability, employee task performance, employee retention, career resilience, learning agility.
Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy Policies in the European Union: Transformations and Impacts
Authors: CIOBANU Ghenadie , Cristian VASILACHE Petruț , Roxana COSMA Maria , Maria CALIN Ana
Published: October 2024

The development of renewable energies in the EU is essential for sustainable development and energy security, having a significant impact on labor markets. Strategies and policies target the EU's objectives and commitments, financial incentives, regulations, innovations, research, in line with labor market opportunities. Reconversion of the workforce and transition to renewable energies are needed, as well as reskilling from traditional industries to green energy sectors. and reducing dependence on fossil energy sources contributes to energy security in the EU. Our proposals emphasize the importance of renewable energies in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of the environment, with a particular emphasis on the promotion of sustainable development. Ensuring energy security and sustainable development strategies necessitates multilateral cooperation in the development of renewable energies. To analyze the theme, we propose theoretical and practical approaches, correlating sustainable development theory, labor market theory and public policy theory, with practical applications in renewable energy sector strategies and policies and impact on labor markets.
 
 Keywords: renewable energies, labor markets, sustainable development, financial incentives, multilateral security
Assessing the Role and Viability of Nuclear Power in Ukraine's Post-War Energy Strategy
Authors: Osadcha Natalia , Zaverbnyj Andrij
Published: October 2024

Ukraine's nuclear power industry is partially under russian occupation, which poses a significant energy threat. This applies to both Ukraine and European countries.  Nuclear power plants in Ukraine operate on imported uranium. The article analyses trends in the development of nuclear energy in the world and in Ukraine. The energy system of Ukraine depends on imported uranium.  The article presents an assessment of the exhaustibility of uranium resource. Steps to improve the safety of nuclear energy are presented and the necessity of transition to green energy is substantiated. The problems of atomic energy of Ukraine in conditions of sustainable development are analysed.
Keywords: energy, uranium, resource exhaustibility, energy strategy, nuclear power plants
Formation and Sustainability in Historical Squares: An Analysis on The Example of Nicosia Historical Urban Texture
Authors: Turkan Zihni
Published: October 2024

Squares, which are social meeting and community areas of societies, have shaped important public open spaces of settlements. Located in historical urban textures, such spaces are also a source reflecting the history of the city with the artefacts from their formation processes. The squares acquired their identity through surrounding formations from different periods in the history of Cyprus and have come to the present day with their active lives. Sarayönü, Selimiye and ?nönü squares in the walled city of Nicosia have developed from their first formation during the Lusignan period of the island up until Venetian, Ottoman, British, Republic of Cyprus. The historical squares, which completed their development relatively during the British period, have been damaged by multi-storey reinforced concrete buildings, which are controversial and incompatible with traditional architecture, added to their textures because of inadequacies in protection, especially after the mid-1970s, and their historical textures have lost their sustainability. This study aims to analyse the historical squares in Nicosia, which have been formed over a period of more than eight hundred years with cultural heritage works from different civilisations, and to reveal the damage caused to their identities by incompatible buildings added to their textures and the importance of sustainability in historical textures with protection. 
Keywords: Square, sustainability, texture, Nicosia, historical
Circular Economy in Action: Examining the Decoupling of Economic Growth and Material Use across EU Countries
Authors: Huttmanová Emília , Chovancová Jana , Petruška Igor , Sallaku Karolina
Published: October 2024

The circular economy (CE) is a transformative approach that not only preserves and reuses resources but also redefines how economic growth can be achieved in a more sustainable manner. The aim of the paper is to assess whether economic growth in EU countries can be decoupled from resource use through CE practices. Using data from Eurostat spanning 2010-2022, we analyze key indicators such as Raw material consumption (RMC), Gross domestic product (GDP) and Circular material use rate (MUR). We apply correlation analysis and decoupling analysis to assess the efficacy of CE practices in achieving sustainable economic growth. The results indicate significant variability among EU countries in their ability to decouple economic growth from resource consumption. Some countries demonstrated strong absolute decoupling, indicating successful CE integration, while others faced challenges with expansive negative decoupling. The study underscores the necessity for tailored strategies to enhance CE implementation across diverse economic contexts within the EU.
 
 
Keywords: decoupling, circular economy, raw material, circular material, GDP, EU countries
Human Morality and Sustainability: Insights from The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri
Authors: Whitmore Lawrence
Published: October 2024

In this paper it is argued that the root cause of the environmental crisis is the moral condition of mankind. Over-indulgence, over-consumption and a desire for material wealth and possessions, far in excess of what is needed for survival and comfort, callous use of technology to overexploit the land and seas for profit, lack of diligence in addressing threats to the environment, and the tendency towards aggressive conflict, all contribute towards the decimation of natural eco-systems. Moral improvement is therefore considered as a possible pathway towards sustainability. The impact of human morality upon the environment is examined using the system of capital vices and virtues. Particular reference is given to The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri, which provides profound insight into the human condition. The capital vices are shown to play a significant part in the decline of the environment by driving mankind's overconsumption and overindulgence, while cultivation of the capital virtues is shown to provide a pathway of moral improvement allowing human beings to live responsibly and in greater harmony with the planet. Embracing these moral virtues can provide a necessary course correction for human beings today so that we can build upon the successes of our past and thrive as one species sharing the planet with other species and securing a sustainable future.
 
 
Keywords: morality, ethics, sustainable development, The Divine Comedy, moral philosophy.
Narratives Behind Climate Strategy in Finland
Authors: Havukainen Minna
Published: October 2024

The 2015 Paris Agreement (PA) represents a profound change in global climate governance becoming a blueprint for other governance arenas. However, the varying success of reaching the national climate targets, unstable security, and growing right-wing populism poses a question of which direction the EU climate policy is moving after ten years of PA. The success of this agreement depends heavily on the effectiveness of national climate change policies wherein political parties have a critical role in developing these policies while also impacting public attitudes on climate change.
We use the case of Finnish climate strategy as a case of national climate strategy. We analyzed Finnish climate policy documents by using Ostrom’s IAD Framework and Multiple stream framework analysis to create the narratives behind the Finnish climate strategy. The Institutional Analysis and Development framework (IAD) is a conceptual tool that Ostrom and her colleagues developed to analyze and understand the complex interactions and dynamics within institutions that govern common-pool resources. Our research question is: What are the narratives behind the Finnish climate strategy?
 
Key words: Climate strategy, narrative, IAD framework, Multiple stream analysis framework
Effect of Rural Banditry on Food Security and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria
Authors: Nwankpa Nneka
Published: October 2024

This research investigates how rural banditry hinders sustainable food security and poverty reductions in Nigeria. The Food and Agricultural Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, the National Bureau of Statistics, the United Nations Development Programme, scholarly journals, and field surveys were the sources from which the data were gathered. Three hundred questionnaires were administered to farmers in six states via Plateau, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Oyo and Niger, in addition to a focused group discussion with selected farmers in each of the study areas. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that unemployment, poverty, poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient security measures and lack of effective institutional coordination, create a network of individuals who support or engage in banditry; farmers experienced disruptions in farming activities, psychological distresses and loss of livestock. Among the socio-economic impacts of banditry include: loss of income and economic opportunities, displacement and migration of the rural population, reduced productivity and infrastructural degradation. These led to food shortages, hikes in food prices, malnutrition and increased poverty level in Nigeria. This study emphasizes the urgent need by the federal and state governments to tackle the problems of unemployment and poverty; develop infrastructure; increase security expenditure; and implement targeted rural development policies. These solutions will curb rural banditry, ensure food security and reduce poverty in Nigeria.
 
Keywords: Rural Banditry, food security, poverty reduction, food production, development policies, farmers.
Exploring Ethical and Emotional Dimensions of Customer Value in Financial Services through Employee-Customer Dynamics
Authors: Charni Hanen , Yusuf Nadia , Ahmed Manzar
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on exploring the ethical and emotional dimensions of customer perceived value (CPV) in financial services. This area is crucial to understanding customer dynamics within the finances sector, yet it remains underexplored in existing literature. Utilizing a quantitative analysis of 652 customer surveys from Canadian financial institutions, this research employs SmartPLS3 for structural equation modeling to ascertain the impacts of frontline employee job satisfaction on customer's ethical and emotional perceptions as well as their overall CPV. The data analysis reveals that customer-perceived employee job satisfaction positively affects CPV by significantly influencing ethical and emotional benefits. Although ethical benefits alone do not directly impact loyalty or word-of-mouth (WOM) recommendations, their influence is significant when mediated through CPV, with emotional benefits directly amplifying WOM and indirectly boosting loyalty. Correspondingly, the results highlight the importance of employee-centric policies and their direct correlation to customer loyalty and satisfaction. As such, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by linking employee satisfaction with ethical and emotional customer benefits, suggesting a reevaluation of business practices to integrate these dimensions for enhanced customer value creation. Future research is encouraged to explore these dynamics across varied contexts to expound upon these relationships' applicability and robustness. Our inquiry into the subject concludes by highlighting the strategic importance of fostering employee satisfaction when seeking to elevate CPV and achieve enduring customer loyalty. 
Keywords: Customer Perceived Value, Customer Loyalty, Employee-Customer Interactions, Employee Satisfaction, Financial Services