bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Disparities of Health-related Quality of Life in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: A Real-world Analysis from the Swiss Psoriasis Registry (SDNTT)
Authors: Lichtenberger Ramtin , Maul Lara Valeska , Birkenmaier Ion , Oyanguren Iker , Ak Melike , Heidemeyer Kristine , Schlapbach Christoph , Yawalkar Nikhil , Egeberg Alexander , Thomsen Simon Francis , Thyssen Jacob P. , Sorbe Christina , Boehncke Wolf-Henning , Conrad Curdin , Cozzio Antonio , Kokolakis Georgios , Micheroli Raphael , Wu Jashin J. , Kündig Thomas , Navarini Alexander , Maul Julia-Tatjana
Published: February 2025

Real-world data on gender differences in quality of life among psoriasis patients before and during treatment are scarce. This study analysed data of 748 adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis enrolled in the Swiss Dermatology Network of Targeted Therapy registry between 2011 and 2023. Quality of life was assessed using the Dermatological Life Quality Index at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. At baseline, women reported significantly lower quality of life than men, with higher Dermatological Life Quality Index scores in the IL-17 inhibitor group (15.0 vs 11.0, p = 0.027), IL-12/23 inhibitor group (7.5 vs 7.0, p = 0.049), and non-biologic therapy group (13.0 vs 9.0, p < 0.001). Although quality of life improved across all subgroups during the follow-up period, women treated with IL-12/23 inhibitors continued to report worse quality of life compared with men after 2 years (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed with other therapies. These findings emphasize that women with psoriasis experience lower quality of life at treatment initiation and throughout non-biologic and biologic therapies, underlining the importance of addressing gender-specific differences in the management of psoriasis.
Muscle selection and dosing in patients undergoing treatment with abobotulinumtoxinA for lower limb spasticity in real-world practice
Authors: Zorowitz Richard D. , Jacinto Jorge , Ashford Stephen , Beneteau Mathieu , Maisonobe Pascal , Hannes Christian , Esquenazi Alberto
Published: February 2025

Objective: Describe abobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) dosing parameters in the real-world management of lower limb spasticity (LLS).
Methods: Prospective, observational study (NCT0​4050527) following ambulatory adults with unilateral LLS treated with aboBoNT-A.
Results: The effectiveness population included 384 adults with LLS. Across the study, total lower limb doses were higher in patients who received only lower limb injections (n = 131, median 771U) than those who also received ≥ 1 upper limb injection (n = 253, 567U). Total doses increased over subsequent cycles in both subgroups. Six muscles (gastrocnemius medial and lateral heads, soleus muscle, tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus) were identified as the main targets for the treatment of LLS; other lower limb muscles were injected in fewer than 15% of patients. The most frequent therapy interventions (mean ± SD of 1.8 ± 1.3h/week with a qualified therapist and 5.3 ± 5.9h/week self-rehabilitation in Cycle 1) were task-specific practice, passive stretch, strength training, and positioning.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates how a diversity of muscle patterns are currently treated in routine practice where the primary goal was related to the lower limb and highlights important issues for further debate, such as potential underdosing and the need to balance upper and lower limb priorities when devising a treatment plan.
Bokrecension: Tyst kunskap. En teoretisk ram för praktiknära forskning
Authors: Bjørklund Lars
Published: February 2025

"I den här antologin, Tyst kunskap: en teoretisk ram för praktiknära forskning, diskuterar och analyserar fyra författare begreppet tyst kunskap med ett fokus på undervisning av såväl vårdpersonal som blivande lärare men även hur tyst kunskap skapas. De utgår från bl.a. Michael Polanyi och Bertil Rolf men utvecklar också en egen teoretisk forskningsram för praktiknära forskning. Denna forskningsram vidareutvecklar en teori om utveckling av expertis som skrevs fram av bröderna Dreyfus och det kan därför vara intressant att helt kort nämna dem och deras arbete." Läs hela Lars Björklund sin recencion av boken her.
Hope as a Catalyst for Adaptive Emotions: A Psychological Exploration of Emotional Responses in the Cancer Journey
Authors: NA Cynthia Botchway
Published: February 2025

The emotional journey of a cancer diagnosis is marked by a nonlinear interplay of emotions such as fear, hope, anger, and
sorrow, challenging the linear model proposed by Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief. This study explores the role of hope as a catalyst
for emotional resilience and adaptive coping during cancer treatment. Using a narrative inquiry methodology grounded in
personal experience and thematic analysis, recurring themes of resilience, faith, and social support were identified. Snyder’s
Hope Theory, Religious Coping Theory, and the Health Belief Model frame the analysis, emphasizing the influence of cultural
and spiritual beliefs on emotional adaptation. Findings reveal that hope and social support mitigate distress, while access to
healthcare and systemic barriers significantly shape emotional responses. The study advocates for holistic, patient-centered
care integrating psychological and spiritual support to enhance resilience and quality of life, empowering patients to navigate
their journey with strength and optimism.
EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO COMO ALICERCE: CONTRIBUIÇÕES PARA A MANUTENÇÃO DO TERRITÓRIO E DA PAISAGEM RURAL: UM DEBATE TEÓRICO
Authors: Folmer Ivanio , Müller Liziany , Flores Carmen Rejane , Cancelier Janete Webler , Paprosqui Juliane , Conti Valquiria , Fontoura Mirieli da Silva , Sudati Larissa Schlottfeldt , Fontoura Sandra Isabel da Silva
Published: February 2025

Este artigo aborda a interação entre território, cultura local e educação rural, explorando como as perspectivas geográficas e ambientais podem contribuir para a construção de um ensino mais conectado à realidade das comunidades do campo. A pesquisa analisa a relação intrínseca entre o espaço geográfico e as práticas culturais das populações rurais, destacando como a educação no campo pode ser um instrumento poderoso para a preservação e valorização do território. A metodologia utilizada inclui uma análise qualitativa com base em estudos de caso e revisão bibliográfica, enfocando as práticas educacionais em diferentes regiões rurais. O estudo aponta a necessidade urgente de incluir questões ambientais e culturais nos currículos escolares das zonas rurais, enfatizando a relevância do conhecimento local no processo de aprendizagem. Além disso, sugere que o ensino deve ser contextualizado, respeitando a diversidade cultural e promovendo a conscientização ambiental como um componente fundamental para o desenvolvimento sustentável dessas comunidades. Por fim, o artigo propõe estratégias para integrar a educação geográfica e ambiental nas escolas do campo, destacando sua importância para a formação de cidadãos críticos e comprometidos com a preservação do território e da cultura local.
TERRITÓRIO E CULTURA LOCAL NA EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO: PERSPECTIVAS GEOGRÁFICAS E AMBIENTAIS
Authors: Folmer Ivanio , Müller Liziany , Cancelier Janete Webler , Paprosqui Juliane , Fontoura Mirieli da Silva , Conti Valquiria , Wizniewsky Mariana Flores , Sudati Larissa Schlottfeldt , Fontoura Sandra Isabel da Silva
Published: February 2025

Este artigo aborda a interação entre território, cultura local e educação rural, explorando como as perspectivas geográficas e ambientais podem contribuir para a construção de um ensino mais conectado à realidade das comunidades do campo. A pesquisa analisa a relação intrínseca entre o espaço geográfico e as práticas culturais das populações rurais, destacando como a educação no campo pode ser um instrumento poderoso para a preservação e valorização do território. A metodologia utilizada inclui uma análise qualitativa com base em estudos de caso e revisão bibliográfica, enfocando as práticas educacionais em diferentes regiões rurais. O estudo aponta a necessidade urgente de incluir questões ambientais e culturais nos currículos escolares das zonas rurais, enfatizando a relevância do conhecimento local no processo de aprendizagem. Além disso, sugere que o ensino deve ser contextualizado, respeitando a diversidade cultural e promovendo a conscientização ambiental como um componente fundamental para o desenvolvimento sustentável dessas comunidades. Por fim, o artigo propõe estratégias para integrar a educação geográfica e ambiental nas escolas do campo, destacando sua importância para a formação de cidadãos críticos e comprometidos com a preservação do território e da cultura local.
Tax Minimization Moderate Transfer Pricing
Authors: Lidya Manda Sari  , Arisandy Nelsi
Published: February 2025

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sniffed out potential tax evasion through a transfer pricing scheme  on alleged illegal nickel ore export practices to China.  KPK Deputy for Prevention and Monitoring Pahala Nainggolan said that his agency is currently reviewing if there are weaknesses in the nickel governance system. The system in question is the Coal Mineral System or Simbara, which was launched in March 2022. The population of this study is mining sector manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from the period 2020 – 2023. Determination of samples in this study using the purposive sampling method. The number of samples used was 18 companies with 72 research units. The source of data in this study is taken from  the company's published annual report. Testing in this study using E-Views 12 software. The results of the study based on the panel data regression analysis test showed that debt convenant and intangible assets had an effect on transfer pricing, while the size of the company and the bonus mechanism did not affect transfer pricing. Tax minimization is able to moderate the relationship between company size, debt convenant, intangible assets, and bonus mechanisms for transfer pricing.
Determinant Analysis of SAKTI Implementation (Delone and Mclean Information System Success Model Approach)
Authors: Miftahul Hadi  , Ambarwati Ria Dewi , Hari Sugiyanto  , Anjahul Khuluq
Published: February 2025

Currently,the process of budgeting, expenditure budget execution and reporting the state revenue and expenditure budget in ministries/agencies uses an integrated information system. Using an integrated system, all data is available in an information system and can be accessed easily, faster and more safely. This study aims to analyze how successful the implementation of web-based SAKTI pilot project. The data used comes from a questionnaire on the number of respondents who obtained 244 samples from 10 ministries/ government agencies. Data analysis used descriptive statistical analysis and Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) using R-Studio and WarpPLS 7.0 software. According to the findings, system quality, information quality, service quality all had a positive significant effect on user satisfaction and user satisfaction had a significant and positive effect on net profit. Based on the results of the hypothesis, it can be concluded that the implementation of the SAKTI piloting has been going well and according to user expectations.
Determinants of Transfer Pricing Decisions and Its Impact on Tax Avoidance
Authors: Alexander Nico
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to obtain empirical evidence regarding the variables that may affect a company's decision of employing transfer pricing along with how that choice may affect tax avoidance. The variables that are used consist of the bonus mechanism, debt convenant, and tunneling incentive. The study used a two-stage regression analysis to analyze its hypotheses. 12 multinational manufacturing corporations listed between 2019 and 2021 on the Indonesia Stock Exchange represent the research sample. The purposive technique was the method used for selecting the research sample. The findings proved that the tunneling incentive has a negative impact on the decision of transfer pricing. This indicates the decision to utilize transfer pricing will be fewer depending on the percentage of foreign ownership in the business. In meanwhile, transfer pricing decisions are unaffected by bonus mechanism and debt covenants. Additionally, the findings demonstrate that tax evasion is unaffected by transfer pricing. This outcome demonstrates that there are still alternative strategies for avoiding taxes; transfer pricing has not become a significant one. The results of this study cannot be applied to other sectors within the company because it solely examines multinational manufacturing companies. Future research can use different variables or different measurements to get better results because not all of the variables used have an impact on transfer pricing or tax avoidance. The study's findings may be useful as a framework for other researchers looking into related subjects, and the results can also provide parties responsible for Indonesian taxation with more information to help them develop regulations related to transfer pricing and tax avoidance.
Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Vietnamese Listed Firm’s Financial Distress Risk
Authors: Tran Thi Xuan Anh , Vũ Thu Thảo
Published: February 2025

The research focuses on examining the impacts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the financial distress risk of 50 Vietnamese-listed firms in the plastic-chemical production industry from 2019 to 2023. The research performs some regression models such as OLS, FEM, and REM, then inspect and overcome the defects of the model. The results indicate that social responsibility scores at Vietnamese enterprises tend to increase, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the more businesses comply with CSR criteria, the more likely it will reduce the financial distress risk. However, CSR targets have not been implemented uniformly, posing strategic policies needed to overcome and more strongly promote CSR within Vietnam.
CEO Narcissism and Corporate Tax Avoidance: Testing The Moderating Role of ESG
Authors: Fifi Aswita Mandala Sari  , Sasongko Noer , Triyono
Published: February 2025

Examining the effects of capital intensity, board gender diversity, and CEO narcissism on company tax avoidance with ESG acting as a moderating factor is the aim of this study. Companies that manufacture food and beverages that are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the years 2017–2023 make up the research population. Purposive sampling techniques were used to pick 126 companies for the sample. The research methodology used in this study is quantitative, and linear regression is used to examine the data. The findings show that CEO narcissism has a positive but insignificant effect on corporate tax avoidance, while board gender diversity has a significant positive effect. In contrast, capital intensity does not show a significant effect. However, ESG significantly moderates the relationship between CEO narcissism and board gender diversity with corporate tax avoidance, but not with capital intensity. In conclusion, ESG can reduce the tendency for tax avoidance in companies with more gender-diverse boards and those led by narcissistic CEOs.
Intellectual capital and innovativeness of enterprises in Poland in comparison with the European Union countries
Authors: Brożek Katarzyna , Sieradzka Katarzyna
Published: February 2025

The development of enterprises mostly depends on their innovation. Intellectual capital is one of the factors in building the innovative potential of enterprises. The aim of the article is to analyze and evaluate the impact of intellectual capital on the innovativeness of enterprises in Poland compared to the European Union. The article utilized a critical analysis of the literature on the subject, while the empirical section employed statistical analysis, which included a characterization of the sample's selected features, analysis of a series of Pearson correlations examining the linear interdependence of features, and an examination of the obtained results. Data were obtained from the European Statistical Office for the years 2012-2021. The gathered data were processed using descriptive statistics – mean values, changes in dynamics, and Pearson correlation coefficient.
Employer branding in the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises sector. Results of qualitative research
Authors: Kamosiński Sławomir
Published: February 2025

Employer branding, succinctly explained as the creation of an employer brand, can be described as the effort by entrepreneurs to undertake focused actions aimed at ensuring stable employment within a company and creating competitive job positions. These positions, in the competition for so-called talent in the labor market, become an asset. This marketing direction is not unfamiliar to entrepreneurs operating in the microenterprise sector and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Recruiting an employee whose creativity directly impacts the efficiency of the company is a key task for many entrepreneurs. This paper aims to analyze employer brand management methods in the segment of micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It posits the hypothesis that employer branding for SMEs and microenterprises is, in the era of a constant decrease in available, qualified labor in the market, a fundamental form of employer brand management. The research method used is in-depth qualitative interviews, which the author has continuously conducted since 2017 with entrepreneurs representing SMEs and microenterprises. These interviews enable the identification of practical solutions used in managing the employer brand. Due to this fact, the subject matter is presented exclusively from the perspective of entrepreneurs and the actions they undertake and initiate in the organization.
The influence of capital markets on Austria's economic growth
Authors: Weinert Adam , Czupryn Rafał
Published: February 2025

This research undertook a comprehensive assessment of how capital market have affected Austria's economic development, scrutinizing data spanning from 1975 to 2020. In pursuit of this objective, the study meticulously constructed an econometric model utilizing the GRETL software, a tool known for its robust analytical capabilities in economic modeling. This model was specifically designed to probe the extent to which the capital market have been a driving force behind Austria's economic progress. Once the model was in place, it was applied to the aforementioned dataset using the GRETL program, allowing for a detailed and nuanced analysis. The results derived from this process were pivotal in establishing a clear and quantifiable understanding of the capital markets' impact on Austria's economic growth trajectory over this extensive period. This comprehensive approach, integrating long-term data analysis with sophisticated econometric modeling, provided valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between capital market fluctuations and national economic performance.
The development of the Polish green bond market in comparison to selected European countries
Authors: Chamera Klaudia
Published: February 2025

The issue of "green finance" in the modern economy is one of many elements that determine the competitiveness of countries on an international scale. The current climate targets resulting from the desire to shape the correct relationship between economic growth and the natural environment mean the need to incur appropriate financial outlays, the availability of which is often limited. One of the innovative sources of financing pro-environmental projects are green bonds.
The aim of the study is to determine the role of green bonds in the development of the Polish economy and to analyze and evaluate the development of the Polish green bond market in comparison to selected European countries. A critical literature review, comparative analysis, and financial data were used in this research. The article is divided into two sections The first part encompasses a literature review that explores the essence of green bonds, considering both the benefits and barriers associated with this type of financing source. The second part comprises the analysis of statistical data. The scope of the study covered green bonds issued in Poland and selected European countries over the years 2018-2022. The conducted research indicates that the green bond market in Poland and selected countries worldwide is developing dynamically, but it faces numerous barriers hindering its growth. Among the most significant ones, it is crucial to point out the lack of uniform standards for green bonds and higher issuance costs compared to traditional bonds.
Digitalization of citizens in EU member states: globalization and EU initiatives
Authors: Luft Radosław , Wójtowicz Łukasz
Published: February 2025

The development of digitalization in the countries of the European Union (EU) is a crucial factor shaping modern economies and societies. In the era of globalization, digitalization has become a foundation that influences the competitiveness of economies, innovation, and the quality of life of citizens. This article aims to provide a detailed assessment of the level of digitalization in individual EU countries based on available statistical data. The analysis includes indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), households with Internet access at home, households with broadband Internet access, individuals who used the Internet away from home or work, individuals who have never used a computer, individuals ordering goods or services online for private use, individuals using the Internet to interact with public authorities, and the frequency of Internet use and online activities. These indicators have been normalized to allow for direct comparison and the creation of a ranking of the digitalization levels of EU countries. The results of the analysis indicate significant disparities in the level of digitalization between Western and Eastern EU countries, resulting from economic, social, and infrastructural differences.
Sustainable urban mobility - an important element of EU climate policy
Authors: Zagożdżon Beata
Published: February 2025

Sustainable urban mobility, decarbonisation and improving the mobility of the population itself are among the objectives of European climate policy - commonly referred to as the 'Green Deal'. In order to achieve this goal, the main focus is on public transport, especially rail transport - the most sustainable, environmentally friendly mode. The railway provides a convenient and fast connection between the suburbs and satellite towns and the centre of the agglomeration. It makes it possible to move large numbers of passengers in an efficient, safe and faster way than by car. The railway should form the basis of the transport system of cities, especially agglomerations. This paper presents a synthetic analysis of the place of railways in the transport service of Polish agglomerations. This issue is presented in the aspect of ecological problems of contemporary cities, and against the background of the main trends of the entire rail passenger transport market in Poland. The analysis covered the years 2010-2022, and on its basis the essential features and trends of the market were identified.
Enhancing of the partnership capacity of local communities: Scientific and practical approaches
Authors: Kudak Kristina , Stoika Viktoriia , Tranovych Yuliia
Published: February 2025

The aim of the article is to analyse and assess the main scientific and practical approaches regarding the increase of partnership capacity of local communities. In particular, an assessment of the level of partnership capacity of the Transcarpathian region communities was carried out on the basis of semistructural interviews with the heads of local communities of the region.The main stimulating and destructive factors preventing the partnership relations development in communities with other subjects, in particular representatives of business and the public sector, have been identified. It was determined that when justifying strategic directions of partnership activation in local communities, the key element would be the deepening of synergy between all participants of partnership relations. The main directions of partnership activation in communities with a high, medium and low level of partnership capacity are suggested. On the basis of the analyzed experience of the activity of public organizations and the implementation of grant projects, tools are proposed for establishing effective partnership cooperation between communities and businesses and creating better conditions for conducting entrepreneurial activities in communities.
Perception of Ghanaian Construction Employers’ Safety Awareness
Authors: Kotey Samuel , Mustapha Zakari , Akomah Benjamin Boahene , Clement Dondomah
Published: February 2025

The construction industry is considered one of the most exposed industries in relation to safety risks at work. The establishment of codes of standards for safety has not minimized the rate of accidents on construction sites in a developing country, like Ghana. The study sought to assess the conceptions of construction employers’ safety awareness on construction sites in the Central Region of Ghana. Out of one hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires administered, only eight-six (86) questionnaires were returned which represents seventy-two percent (72%) of the response rate. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 and Relative Importance Indices (RII) were used to rank the variables of construction employer’s safety awareness. Findings show that the introduction of safety compliance rules on construction sites and adequate safety equipment to employees were the most influential factors to construction safety awareness sites and existing measures for construction safety awareness respectively. Further findings show existing measures for safety on construction site helps in the reduction of cost on construction projects. It was concluded that safety regulations and rules, safety practices, and laws must be enforced at the beginning of a project. Employees must observe and abide by all safety rules and regulations on construction sites.
Measures of Energy Destitution: A New Complemented Methodology
Authors: Abbas Khizar , Deyi Xu
Published: February 2025

Although the multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI) gauges the extent and depth of energy poverty but overlooks gradations among energy-poor households that also have vital importance, as understanding degrees of energy poverty will lead to their reduction subsequently. This inability to differentiate the poor from the poorest urges to take a step further and design a new deep and complemented methodology, Measures of Energy Destitution: a subset of the MEPI and denoted with a superscript MEPID. All the parameters such as dimensions, indicators, and weights have remained unchanged except for deprivation cut-offs and poverty cut off- an intensity approach sets a stringent poverty cut-off, and a depth approach constitutes an extreme deprivation cut-off to discriminate between the energy-poor and the poorest (destitute). With the application of these novel approaches, we can calculate the extent, depth, and degrees of ‘energy destitution’ across the multiple dimensions of energy services. The results showed widespread energy destitution across the 59 selected countries. Consequently, it is helpful to assess the status of energy-destitute households and eradicate severe energy poverty by announcing various additional incentives, allocating resources, and providing special assistance to those who are at the bottom.
The Interplay between Climate Change Skepticism and Anti-Environmentalism in United States: A Critical Analysis of Trump’s Era
Authors: Butt Mominyar Khalid , Malyka Khalid
Published: February 2025

Climate change is a global security threat as emphasized by climate scientists and revealed by climate-related disasters all over the world. However, in the United States, right-wing political leadership along with contrarian scientists, conservative think-tanks as well as media powered by the fossil fuel industries propagate climate change skepticism. This study demonstrates how climate skeptic machinery in the US has gained strength over time in the backdrop of growing anti-environmentalism. It particularly focuses on Trump’s era; marking how Trump administration and its policies clearly denied the existence of climate crises. It lays emphasis on Trump’s speeches and policies against climate change including appointment of anti-environmentalists to key positions, weakening the environmental laws, initiating environmentally damaging projects, withdrawing US from the Paris Agreement, cutting NASA’s climate monitoring program and dropping climate change as a national security threat.
Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Academic Achievements
Authors: Razzaq Hafiz Abdul Rafah , Majeed Muhammad Faisal Majeed , Bajwa Muhammad Shoaib Ali Bajwa
Published: February 2025

The present study finds out the relationship between socioeconomic status and academicachievements. The study analyzed individual differences among students, the socio-economicconditions, and academic achievements at the higher secondary level. It carried out inJaranwala, a tehsil of district Faisalabad, Punjab. Data were collected through questionnaireand analyzed by using SPSS Version-21. Statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean,standard deviation, and rank order were utilized for data analysis and interpretation. Todetermine an order of importance, we multiplied the score value assigned to each category ofthe scale by the number of times that category appeared in the data. The averages weredetermined by dividing the total by the total number of measurements taken. After that, theaverage values of each factor were considered as they were ranked. As an outcome of theindirect caciques, it was shown that children’s Academic Achievements were significantlyimpacted by their socioeconomic status. The study came to conclusion that occupations, income,social status residential area and other indicators of socioeconomic status of a householdinfluenced the academic achievements of students.
The Political Foundations of Economic Development in China: Lessons for Pakistan
Authors: Warraich Muhammad Zaka Ullah Khan
Published: February 2025

China’s unique governance system involving centralization - decentralization mixture, political meritocracy, and the institutionalization of leadership succession has facilitated its economic miracle during the reform era. Substantial political reforms have been implemented in Chinese polity during past four decades ranging from the power succession system to decentralized local administration. Both these parts of political reform have provided China not only with enhanced political stability and legitimacy but also with the fruits of good governance and efficient administration. The Chinese development is a state-led development with regional decentralization. Pakistan also needs a proactive role of state in a decentralized framework to stimulate economic development. The Pakistani state needs to devolve its economic, fiscal and administrative functions to lower levels of government. The element of political decentralization by encouraging citizens’ participation in public decision making is also critical for improving governance standards.
Why Regional Cooperation is Facing a Challenge in South Asia
Authors: Mansab Maria
Published: February 2025

Despite lofty intentions for regional cooperation and connectivity, regional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have been unable to turn their vision into reality due to regional diversity, anarchic world structure, and instability in the South Asian region due to foreign meddling. South Asia has long struggled with regional connectivity: infrastructure is weak, political relations are difficult, and regional trade accounts for barely 5% of overall trade. Because of this low degree of trade, the World Bank has classified South Asia as one of the least interconnected areas in the world. This paper will look at how South Asia's idea of regional connection gained traction and why regional connectivity remains a difficulty in the area. By assessing the realist paradigm of state behavior and the emerging consequence of mistrust among the member states of South Asia, which generates a lack of political will to integrate, this paper will also inspect foreign intervention in the region, which impedes regional connectivity and growth, and seek to regionalize South Asia in the manner of ASEAN.
Comparative Analysis of Learning Styles and Academic Stress Among HSSC, A Level, and IBDP Students in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Bashir Zainab , Zakar Rubeena
Published: February 2025

This study was conducted to examine the learning styles and the status of academic stress prevalent among Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC), Advanced Level (A Level), and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) students hailing from Punjab, Pakistan – methodologically entailing a ‘descriptive research using a survey design’ framework. Data was gathered from 983 students enrolled in the local HSSC, A Level and IBDP streams employing a systematic random sampling technique via a self-developed questionnaire. This input was organized, coded, and analysed using SPSS software, applying both inferential and descriptive statistics, with the results revealing significant differences in the learning styles among the three student cohorts. Most of the pupils in the HSSC stream consistently adopted surface learning style, while most A Level student deployed strategic learning style. The majority of IBDP students, however, regularly adopted both strategic and deep learning styles. Moreover, a significant difference in academic stress levels was found between the three groups, with HSSC students experiencing more perceived stress compared to A Level and IBDP students. Education stakeholders have, therefore, been recommended to train students to adopt appropriate learning styles to improve their academic performance and reduce concurrent academic stress.
Fabryka bakteryjnej broni
Authors: Mikruta Katarzyna , Madej Mariusz
Published: February 2025

Zrozumienie jednego z mechanizmów wirulencji bakterii Porphyromonas gingivalis może pomóc w opracowaniu lepszych metod zapobiegania i leczenia paradontozy oraz związanych z nią chorób.
Co nas w ściekach wścieka
Authors: Ziembińska-Buczyńska Aleksandra
Published: February 2025

Ścieki zawierają nie tylko organiczne zanieczyszczenia, lecz także często ślady farmaceutyków, w tym antybiotyków, które mogą przyczynić się do wzrostu antybiotykooporności bakterii.
Healthy Darkness
Authors: Kotarba Andrzej Z.
Published: February 2025

Imagine picking up a prescription, but instead of a list of medications, you see a recommendation for: “Darkness – to be taken for about eight hours each night.” This is no joke, as our health depends greatly on the conditions in which we sleep, with darkness playing a critical role.
The “Ten Percent” Concept
Authors: Kubasek Krzysztof
Published: February 2025

Krzysztof Kubasek from the Socially Oriented Design Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław shares his perspective on how design should go beyond aesthetics and profit, to prioritize serving society.
A Factory of Bacterial Weaponry
Authors: Mikruta Katarzyna , Madej Mariusz
Published: February 2025

Understanding one of the key virulence mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria could lead to improved methods for preventing and treating periodontitis and related diseases.
“I’m healthy, for now…”
Authors: Chodkowska Anita
Published: February 2025

A new look at archival records sheds light on the heartbreaking struggles endured by surviving WWII resistance fighters in postwar Poland.
Outer Space at Arm’s Reach
Authors: Łosiak Anna
Published: February 2025

“Morasko Meteorite Craters Day,” an outdoor educational event, was held on the outskirts of the city of Poznań.
Fecal bacterial microbiota diversity characterized for dogs with atopic dermatitis: its alteration and clinical recovery after meat-exclusion diet
Authors: Swain Swagatika , Sahoo Priyadarshini , Biswal Sangram , Sethy Kamadev , Panda Ananta Narayan , Sahoo Niranjana
Published: February 2025

Objective

To achieve clinical recovery in canine atopic dermatitis affected pet dogs via alteration of the gut microbiome, following a meat and egg exclusion diet for 60 days.

Methods

24 atopic dermatitis-affected pet dogs, all fed poultry meat and egg, and another 48 apparently healthy controls fed both poultry meat and egg (n = 24) or vegetable diet (24) were included in the study. The study was undertaken in the Bhubaneswar Smart City, Odisha, India, from July to December 2023. Fecal samples were collected at 2 points for DNA analysis, ie, on day 0 and day 60 of the change from a meat/egg-based diet to a vegetable-based diet. Extracted DNA samples were pooled category-wise and subjected to the gut microbiome analysis in the Nanopore sequencer targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Burrows-Wheeler Transform, Ferragina-Manzini index, and Krona charts were used for taxonomical classification and visualization of relative abundances of bacterial species within the metagenome. Alpha- and beta-diversity analyses were performed.

Results

Atopic pets at day 0 showed elevation in the gut microbiome population with an adequate concentration of pathogens like Escherichia coli and Clostridiodes difficile with lower amounts of the beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus sp, while the pets at 60 days after dietary intervention showed a significant decline in bacterial species like E coli and C difficile with higher amount of Lactobacillus sp. Both control groups showed variations of microbiome between them as well as from the atopic pets.

Conclusions

We found a close association of poultry meat/egg diet with gut microbiome population and atopic symptoms as well in dogs, and elimination of such diet could be helpful in clinical recovery.

Clinical Relevance

Dietary intervention with the exclusion of potential allergens from poultry meat and egg sources can be an effective approach for the management of canine atopic dermatitis.
Shape and topological derivatives as Hadamard semidifferentials
Authors: Delfour Michel C.
Published: February 2025

The object of this paper is to further investigate the notion of shape and topological derivatives in the light of the general notion of Hadamard semidifferential for a function defined on a subset of a topological vector space.

The use of semitrajectories and the characterization of the adjacent tangent cone provide simple tools for defining Hadamard semi-differentials and differentials without a priori introduction of geometric structures such as, for instance, a differential manifold. Such a simple notion retains all the operations of the classical differential calculus, including the chain rule, for a large class of nondifferentiable functions, in particular, the norms and the convex functions. It also provides a direct access to functions defined on a lousy set or a manifold with boundary.

This direct approach is first illustrated in the context of the classical matrix subgroups of the general linear group GL(n) of invertible n×n matrices, which are the prototypes of Lie groups. For the shape derivative we have groups of diffeomorphisms of the Euclidean space ℝ
n
with the composition operation, and the adjacent tangent cone is a linear space; for the topological derivative we have the group of characteristic functions with the symmetric difference operation and the adjacent tangent cone is only a cone at some points.
Auguste Comte: Breve contextualização de uma passagem de Cours de Philosophie Positive, Vol. I
Authors: Iturra Raúl
Published: February 2025

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IDENTIFIKASI GAYA BELAJAR SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR GUNA MENGAPLIKASIKAN PEMBELAJARAN BERDIFERENSIASI
Authors: Fianto Zeva Adi , Krisgiyanti Novita Ardian , Cahyani Bekti Setya , Suci Siti Nurwita Sekar , Susanti Maria Melani Ika , Nainggolan Elsima
Published: February 2025

Implementasi kurikulum merdeka bermaksud guna memerdekakan siswa dalam pembelajaran. Fakta di lapangan siswa belum terpenuhi kebutuhan dalam kesiapan pembelajaran seperti gaya belajar. Penelitian ini dijalankan guna mengetahui gaya belajar SD K Sengkan guna mengaplikasikan pembelajaran berdiferensiasi. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dan memanfaatkan metode survei. Angket yang disebarkan di kelas 5C SD Kanisius Sengkan digunakan untuk pengumpulan data. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan karakteristik siswa pada gaya belajar berbeda-beda. Adapun gaya belajar siswa yang dimiliki meliputi gaya belajar auditorial, visual, maupun kinestetik. Mampu ditarik kesimpulan bahwasanya pembelajaran berdiferensiasi dapat diterapkan dengan memperhatikan gaya belajar dari masing-masing siswa. Guru juga mampu memfasilitasi siswa dalam memberikan materi yang disesuaikan dengan gaya belajar siswa masing-masing.
PEMBELAJARAN KETERAMPILAN MENULIS PERMULAAN PADA SEKOLAH DASAR MELALUI MODEL PROBLEM BASED LEARNING DENGAN MEDIA GAMBAR
Authors: Sariyati Sri , Widayati Mukti , Nurnaningsih Nurnaningsih , Ratnaningsih Rina Iriani Sri
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan perencanaan, pelaksanaan, hambatan, serta usaha guru dalam mengatasi hambatan peningkatan kemampuan menulis permulaan pada siswa kelas 2 SDN 01 Mojogedang melalui model Problem Based Learning (PBL) dengan gambar sebagai media yang digunakan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Sumber data berasal dari dokumen, narasumber, serta peristiwa dan tempat. Data yang diambil dari penelitian ini berupa informasi yang ada pada dokumen, hasil observasi saat pembelajaran berlangsung, dan hasil wawancara dari informan. Teknik validitas data berupa triangulasi data dan sumber. Teknik analisis data terdiri dari reduksi data, sajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) perencanaan pembelajaran keterampilan menulis permulaan melalui model PBL dengan media gambar mampu menumbuhkan siswa lebih terstimulasi untuk mengeluarkan ide dan kreativitas dalam menulis kalimat sederhana dan kata. (2) Pelaksanaan pembelajaran siswa melalui model Problem Based Learning menggunakan media gambar dikatakan berhasil dengan bukti kemampuan menulis siswa meningkat. (3) Hambatan yang dihadapi: siswa kesulitan memilih kata yang sesuai dalam mendeskripsikan gambar dan juga siswa kesulitan menyusun kalimat yang terstruktur dengan SPOK. (4) Usaha guru dalam mengatasi hambatan tersebut yaitu memberi soal pada siswa yang kurang fokus dan memotivasi, membantu siswa dalam mencari kata yang tepat ketika siswa mengalami kesulitan dan menentukan kata yang tepat dalam penulisannya.
Angela Giallongo's The Historical Enigma of the Snake Woman from Antiquity to the 21st Century
Authors: Giallongo Angela
Published: February 2025

Angela Giallongo's The Historical Enigma of the Snake Woman from Antiquity to the 21st Century
Brazilian Higher Education in the 1960s and 1970s of the 20th Century: International Agreements and the Reform of the Brazilian University
Authors: Vechia Ariclê , Gomes Ferreira António
Published: February 2025

After World War II, cooperation agreements in the educational area were signed between Brazil and the United States. However, from the 1960s, there was a closer relationship between the two countries, with new agreements signed between the Ministry of Education (MEC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), known as the MEC-USAID Agreements. This study’s objective is to analyze the influence of the MEC-USAID Agreements on the reform of the university approved by Law 5.540 / 1968, which established norms for the organization and functioning of higher education. Regarding the methodology, it is a documentary and bibliographic study. The results indicate that although there are criticisms of the agreements, there is no denying that they had influence on the 1968 reform, mainly regarding the cathedra extinction as well as the teaching career institution and the adoption of the departmental regime and credits in subjects. In addition, the university structure established by Law 5.540 / 68 remains virtually unchanged to this day.
Artwork: There's less shade now
Authors: Costello Angela
Published: February 2025

Artwork by Angela Costello.
Artists and Artwork
Authors: Bruno-Jofré Rosa
Published: February 2025

Biographical information about the artists whose work is featured in this issue.
Contributing Authors
Authors: Bowry Cal
Published: February 2025

Biographies of authors whose articles are featured in Encounters Volume 24.
The Legitimization Discourse of Virtue Education Under Dictatorship and Its Reception in the Schools of Soviet Latvia from 1947 to 1982
Authors: Fernández González Manuel Joaquín , Ķestere Iveta , Depaepe Marc
Published: February 2025

This study addresses the official legitimization discourse of Soviet virtue education and its reception in school practice in Latvia. The sources capturing the official discourse were two teacher training books (1948 and 1971) and three collections of scientific papers by Latvian academics (1962, 1964, and 1967). A random sample of 10 student characterizations (graduation reports) per year from 1947 till 1982 (N=367) was used for capturing the discourse reception in school practice. The comparison of the virtue system emerging from the 3,054 mentions to students’ virtues found in the characterizations with the official Soviet virtue system revealed many similarities and also notable differences and surprising omissions: “collectivism” held a preeminent position both in the official discourse and in school practice, and “discipline” lost relative weight in both spheres, but surprisingly, the officially important “patriotism” and “internationalism” were almost absent in the characterizations. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.
Keywords: legitimization discourse, school practice, Soviet Latvia, student characterizations, virtue education