bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LA SOSTENIBILIDAD DE LOS SISTEMAS AGROALIMENTARIOS
Authors: López Simón Fernando
Published: January 2025

El actual modelo agroalimentario imperante —global, intensivo e industrial— no es sostenible y difícilmente podrá perdurar en el tiempo sin agotar los recursos naturales o dañar gravemente el medio ambiente, además de generar iniquidades. Es necesario un cambio en la producción, transformación, distribución y consumo de alimentos. Existen ya múltiples propuestas y alternativas para paliar las externalidades negativas generadas por el modelo mentado
—los sistemas alimentarios locales, la agroecología, el cambio de hábitos alimenticios, el comercio justo, la incorporación de tecnologías agroalimentarias y la innovación, medias correctoras de las desigualdades entre los actores de la cadena, etc.— en la configuración de las cuales el Derecho está llamado a jugar un papel trascendental como instrumento de ordenación y ponderación de intereses. En los quince trabajos que integran esta obra, destacados expertos en Derecho, desde sus respectivas áreas de especialización, abordan los retos y las oportunidades que presenta la transición hacia sistemas agroalimentarios más sostenibles. El libro pretende ser una invitación a la reflexión. A través de este esfuerzo colectivo esperamos contribuir a un debate esencial para el futuro de nuestras sociedades y de nuestro planeta: la construcción de sistemas agroalimentarios sostenibles capaces de alimentar a la población mundial ahora y en el futuro, sin poner en jaque el mundo que habitamos.
ARE GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS SUSTAINABLE? SOME RESEARCH SUGGESTIONS
Authors: Lunghi Emma Sofia
Published: January 2025

El actual modelo agroalimentario imperante —global, intensivo e industrial— no es sostenible y difícilmente podrá perdurar en el tiempo sin agotar los recursos naturales o dañar gravemente el medio ambiente, además de generar iniquidades. Es necesario un cambio en la producción, transformación, distribución y consumo de alimentos. Existen ya múltiples propuestas y alternativas para paliar las externalidades negativas generadas por el modelo mentado
—los sistemas alimentarios locales, la agroecología, el cambio de hábitos alimenticios, el comercio justo, la incorporación de tecnologías agroalimentarias y la innovación, medias correctoras de las desigualdades entre los actores de la cadena, etc.— en la configuración de las cuales el Derecho está llamado a jugar un papel trascendental como instrumento de ordenación y ponderación de intereses. En los quince trabajos que integran esta obra, destacados expertos en Derecho, desde sus respectivas áreas de especialización, abordan los retos y las oportunidades que presenta la transición hacia sistemas agroalimentarios más sostenibles. El libro pretende ser una invitación a la reflexión. A través de este esfuerzo colectivo esperamos contribuir a un debate esencial para el futuro de nuestras sociedades y de nuestro planeta: la construcción de sistemas agroalimentarios sostenibles capaces de alimentar a la población mundial ahora y en el futuro, sin poner en jaque el mundo que habitamos.
ESL teaching methods and approaches: essential strategies for encouraging effective language acquisition.
Authors: Alisoy Hasan
Published: January 2025

The present study contributes to the field of English as a Second Language education by examining the effectiveness of different teaching methods, including interactive techniques, technology integration, and culturally responsive teaching strategies. By relying on a mixed-methods research methodology that relied on a triangulation of classroom observations, literature review, and ESL teacher surveys, this study identified several strategies that may have a positive impact on language learning. In particular, the results suggested that interactive activities improve student engagement and promote hands-on practical language application, technology use in classrooms ensures inclusivity and supports the diverse needs of learners via multimedia supports, and culturally responsive teaching that integrates students’ social and cultural backgrounds into the learning process increases relevance and motivation. The current paper also addresses the implications of these findings for ESL practitioners and lists potential avenues for further studies that could help advance ESL pedagogy in the future. The results of the study serve as a call to ESL teachers to employ these methods in their classrooms and modify them to fit their specific teaching and learning context to promote the effectiveness of this type of language instruction and inclusivity within classrooms.
The History and Development of Noun Gender in the German Language
Authors: Abbasova Kovser
Published: January 2025

This article explores the historical development, cognitive aspects, and sociolinguistic influences on noun gender in the German language. It traces the evolution of grammatical gender from Proto-Indo-European roots through Old High German and Middle High German to Modern German, highlighting key changes and the impact of external influences such as Latin and other languages. The study examines phonological and morphological shifts, semantic roles, and the challenges faced by learners due to inconsistencies in gender assignment. It also delves into ongoing debates about the necessity and complexity of gender, proposed reforms, and the importance of understanding historical context for language learning and teaching. The article concludes with potential future directions for the German gender system, emphasizing the balance between linguistic heritage and inclusivity.
Transformative Pedagogies: Innovations in 21st Century Education
Authors: Aliyeva Elnaz
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of transformative pedagogies on language teaching, focusing on improvements in language proficiency, critical thinking skills, and intercultural competence among learners. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. The findings reveal that students exposed to transformative pedagogies demonstrated a 20% increase in language proficiency test scores and enhanced critical thinking abilities. Additionally, these students reported greater confidence and capability in engaging with diverse cultural contexts. The study highlights the need for professional development and institutional support to effectively implement these pedagogies. Future research should explore larger-scale and longitudinal studies to further validate these findings and identify best practices for transformative pedagogy in language education.
PENGARUH MEDIA TANAH TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN SEMAI KASUARI PANTAI (Casuarina equisetifolia)
Authors: Rumfot Salija , Tetelay Febian , Aponno Hendrik S. E. S
Published: January 2025

Coastal Cassowary or Sea Spruce (Casuarina equisetifolia) is one type of biodiversity from coastal ecosystems that need to be preserved. This research was conducted in the nursery of the Forestry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Pattimura University from March to September 2024. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of soil media on the growth of Pantai Kasuari seedlings (Casuarina equisetifolia). The method used in this research is Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 1 treatment and 3 levels, namely Regosol Soil (A0), Mossy Regosol Soil (A1) and Cambisol Soil (A2). The results showed that the A2 treatment (Cambisol Soil) gave the highest results on the height and percentage of plant life followed by the A0 treatment (Regosol Soil).
ANALISIS PENDAPATAN PETANI AGROFORESTRI TRADISIONAL DUSUNG DI NEGERI HATU (SERAM SELATAN) KECAMATAN TEHORU KABUPATEN MALUKU TENGAH
Authors: Walalayo Maikel , Hatulesila Jan Willem , Sahureka Mersiana
Published: January 2025

Agroforestry, commonly referred to as wanatani in Indonesia, can be simply defined as the practice of planting various types of trees on agricultural land, typically carried out by farmers. Agroforestry studies are not only analyzed from technical and biophysical aspects but also from socio-cultural and economic perspectives. This study examines the traditional agroforestry system, particularly the dusung farming pattern that combines forestry and agricultural crops in Negeri Hatu, Central Maluku Regency. The purpose of this research is to determine the income of farmers practicing the dusung agroforestry pattern and to identify the factors influencing their earnings. Data collection in the field was conducted using purposive sampling. The characteristics of respondents managing dusung agroforestry systems were determined based on age, education level, land area, number of land units, and land ownership status, ensuring they represented the target farmer population for the study. The results of the study showed that the income of agroforestry farmers in the hamlet in Negeri Hatu was Rp 353,955,000,-, but the per capita income per month was only Rp. 14,211 below the Provincial Minimum Wage. Three factors that affect the income of agroforestry farmers in the hamlet in Negeri Hatu are land area, production costs, and market prices.
EKSPLORASI BAKTERI ENDOFIT PADA TANAMAN SAMAMA (Anthocephallus macrophyllus )
Authors: Mendez Syeren , Matinahoru Johan , Hadijah Miranda
Published: January 2025

Bacterial exploration aims to find out how endophytic bacteria associate with the roots of samama plants and find out the morphological characteristics of the endophytic bacteria found. So we can determine the type/family of endophytic bacteria on the Samama plant. Sampling of samama plants (Anthocepalus macropyllus) was taken on the campus of the Faculty of Agriculture, Pattimura University. The parts of the plant samples taken were roots, bark, leaf twigs and leaves. The number of tree samples taken as examples was 3 individual trees. Each plant organ sampled is 200 gr. The data analysis method used is by adjusting the data resulting from the identification of macroscopic and microscopic characteristics with the characteristics of bacterial families that are available according to references. Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that: there are 9 isolates of endophytic bacteria, namely KB1 KB2 KB3 KB4 A1 A2 A3 A4 and B1 in the root, stem and bark tissues of Samama plants. Endophytic bacterial isolates Kb1, Kb2, kb3, kb4, A2, A4 have similar characteristics to the bacterial group of the genus Bacillus with the characteristics of rod-shaped cells and are classified as gram positive, while isolates Kb4, A2 and A4 have the characteristics of the genus Bacillus and have rod-shaped characteristics and classified as gram negative. Then isolate A1, A3, B1. It has similar characters to members of the coccus genus, namely round cells and is classified as gram positive, but the isolate code is classified as gram negative. The results of biochemical analysis show that samama plants have 3 types of bacteria, namely Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus pumilus and Bradyrhizobium sp.
JENIS DAN SEBARAN SATWA BURUNG PADA HUTAN PANTAI NEGERI MAMALA KECAMATAN LEIHITU KABUPATEN MALUKU TENGAH
Authors: Sahmony Randa Cahya , Sahusilawane John , Tuhumury Andri
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to determine the types and distribution of birds in the coastal forest of Negeri Mamala, Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency. The method used to determine the types and distribution of birds is the point count method or count points made in five plots. The results of the study showed that there were 14 species of birds at the research location, namely river kingfisher (Todirhamphus chloris), long-tailed shrike (Pycnonotus aurigaster), pariah eagle (Milvus migrans), garden fantail (Riphudara leucophrys), great egret (Ardea alba), honey sriganti (Nectarinia jugularis), metallic black dove (Columba vitiensis), rock dove (Columba livia), Eurasian kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), black magpie (Dicrurus macrocercus), common turtle dove (Streptopelia chinensis), plain swallowtail (Aerodramus vanikorensis), cow swallowtail (Collocalia escuenta), and white-nested swallowtail (Aerodramus fuciphagus). Distribution of birds found on route 1 (5 individuals), route 2 (7 individuals), route 3 (9 individuals), route 4 (12 individuals), route 5 (9 individuals), route 6 (10 individuals), route 7 (11 individuals) with the total frequency of all types of birds per route, namely route 1 (3%), route 2 (2.66%), route 3 (4.33%), route 4 (5.33%), route 5 (4.33%), route 6 (4.67%) and route 7 (5.33%).
RETENSI BAHAN PENGAWET CAMPURAN BORAKS DAN ASAM BORAT MENGGUNAKAN METODE RENDAMAN DINGIN PADA BILAH BAMBU SERO (Schizostachyum brachycladum Kurz) MENURUT ARAH PANJANG BATANG
Authors: Samal Muhammad Miraz , Liliefna Leonard Dantje , Tan Lieke
Published: January 2025

The objectives of this study were to determine the retention of a mixture of borax and boric acid solution at a concentration of 6% with a ratio of borax:boric acid = 2:1 on sero bamboo strips soaked for 72 hours, and to analyze the effect of position along the bamboo culm on the retention of preservatives. This study was designed using a factorial experiment on randomized block design with one factor, namely position along the culm with six treatment levels of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%, and with four bamboo culms as groups. The response variables observed included air dry moisture content and retention of preservatives into the bamboo strips. The results showed that the moisture content was evenly distributed among all test samples and the preservative retention level was between 16.8 - 26.9 kg/m3 with an average value of 22 kg/m3, while the position along the bamboo culm had no effect on preservative retention.
Netralitas Bagi Aparatur Sipil Negara dalam Penyelenggaraan Pemilihan Kepala Daerah
Authors: Muksalmina  , Nabhani Yustisi  , Tasyukur
Published: January 2025

Aparatur Sipil Negara (ASN) memiliki peran penting dalam sistem demokrasi sebagai pelayan masyarakat, pelaksana kebijakan publik, dan perekat persatuan bangsa, dengan kewajiban untuk menjunjung asas netralitas, terutama dalam pemilihan kepala daerah (Pilkada). Netralitas ini bertujuan untuk menjaga profesionalitas, integritas, dan kepercayaan masyarakat. Namun, sering terjadi pelanggaran, seperti keterlibatan ASN dalam kampanye terselubung, yang merusak citra mereka dan mencederai proses demokrasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian hukum normatif dan pendekatan perundang-undangan (statute approach), yang dipilih karena topik yang dibahas berkaitan dengan pengaturan netralitas ASN dalam UU No. 20 Tahun 2023 tentang Aparatur Sipil Negara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat tiga faktor yang menyebabkan ASN tidak netral dalam Pilkada. Pertama, faktor sistematis, yaitu lemahnya penegakan aturan hukum dan kenyataan bahwa promosi jabatan serta penilaian kinerja ASN dikelola oleh pejabat politik. Kedua, faktor budaya, yaitu anggapan bahwa berafiliasi dengan partai politik tertentu dapat memberikan manfaat bagi karier mereka. Ketiga, faktor politik, yaitu tekanan dari pejabat politik atau penguasa daerah yang meminta ASN untuk mendukung kandidat tertentu dalam Pilkada.
Content and scope of activities of internal inspection at public higher education institutions
Authors: Le Truong Son  , Nguyen Van Tri
Published: January 2025

This article analyzes the content and scope of internal inspection activities in public higher education institutions according to current regulations. It also identifies key issues that need to be addressed, including inspection and examination processes, citizen reception, resolving complaints and denunciations, and preventing and combating corruption, while emphasizing the need to avoid overlap with legal functions within public higher education institutions.
The Effect of Particle Size and Time in the Ashing Process on the Yield of Rice Husk Silica Extraction
Authors: Amirullah Rizki , Kusuma Prasdinata Meidaus , Sari Ni Ketut
Published: January 2025

Indonesia is agrarian country that produces a wide variety of agricultural products. One of the agricultural products that is widely produced is rice. It has the main components of cellulose (38.3%), hemicellulose (31.6%), lignin (11.8%) and silica (18.3%). The percentage of silica (SiO2) in ash ranges from 80% to 99%, but different operating conditions during the ashing process make the silica levels obtained also not the same. In this research, it was carried out with a variety of conditions, namely the burning time and particle size of the rice husk. This research aims to determine the effect of particle size and combustion time on silica obtained from rice husks. To obtain silica from rice husk ash, it is necessary to extract it using 10% KOH solvent for 90 minutes at a temperature of 85°C with a liquid solid ratio of 1:12. The larger the size of the husk, the better the combustion process. The ashing temperature used was 700°C and the highest silica content was 81% at a particle size of 20 mesh and a fumigation time of 120 minutes. And the lowest silica content is 31% at a particle size of 100 mesh and ashing time of 30 minutes.
Impact of a 14-week basic swimming program on liver enzymes and plasma lipids in adult women
Authors: Yenturk Burcu , Çelik Nuri Muhammet , Köroğlu Mihraç
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate some liver enzymes and blood lipids in adult women after 14 weeks of swimming training. The study was voluntarily participated by 28 women students between the ages of 18-24 studying at the faculty of sports sciences. Participants were divided into two groups experimental and control groups. The experimental group received basic swimming training 2 days a week for 14 weeks. Each study session was planned for 90 minutes. The control group did not participate in any study. Blood samples were taken from the experimental and control groups before and after the start of the training program. Shapiro-Wilk test was applied to determine whether the obtained data showed normal distribution and it was determined that the data showed normal distribution. Therefore, Paired Samples T Test and Independent Samples T Tests were used. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Urea, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Triglyceride (TG), and Cholesterol values of the experimental and control groups were compared according to the values obtained from the blood samples. There were significant differences between the post-test measurements of Triglyceride and Cholesterol values in the comparison between the groups. The intra-group comparison showed significant differences in HDL and triglyceride values in the experimental group. As a result, it was observed that 14 weeks of basic swimming training in adult women had positive effects on some plasma lipid levels but did not show any significant changes in liver enzymes.
Sporcu öğrencilerin stresle mücadele tutumlarının sosyodemografik özelliklerle ilişkisinin incelenmesi
Authors: Baş Mustafa , Kabak Serkan
Published: January 2025

Stres durumunda bireyler tehdit durumu hissetmektedirler. Öyle ki tehdit algılamanın özünde birey için engellenme, imkanlar veya kişinin istekleri bulunmaktadır. Stres faktörü normal durumlarda kontrol altında tutulamadığında canlıları bütüncül olarak etkileyen bir kavramdır. Araştırmanın amacı Türk Toplumu’nun spor, sosyal, kültürel ve ekonomik alanlarda geleceği olan sporcu öğrencilerin stres düzeylerinin belirli değişkenler üzerinden incelenerek aralarındaki ilişkinin ortaya konulmasıdır.  Araştırmanın evrenini 2024-2025 eğitim-öğretim yılında Trabzon Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi’nde öğrenim görmekte olan öğrenciler oluştururken, örneklemini ise basit tesadüfi örnekleme yöntemi ile belirlenen Trabzon Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi’nde öğrenim gören 153 aktif spor yapmakta olan sporcu öğrenciler oluşturmaktadır. Veri toplama aracı olarak araştırmacı tarafından oluşturulan kişisel bilgi formu ile ‘Stresle Başa Çıkma Tutumları Envanteri’ kullanılmıştır. Nicel bir bakış açısıyla ele alınan çalışmada ilişkisel tarama yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Veriler basit tesadüfi örnekleme yöntemi ile yüz yüze anket yoluyla toplanmıştır. Verilerin karşılaştırmalarında katılımcıların demografik özeliklere göre dağılımının tespiti amacı ile tanımlayıcı analizler uygulanmıştır. Bu kapsamda Parametrik testlerin uygunluğu test edilerek basıklık, çarpıklık değerleri kontrol edilmiş olup, T testi ve Tek Yönlü Varyans Analizi (One Way ANOVA) uygulanmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarında cinsiyette kaçma soyutlama-duygusal eylemsel alt boyutunda kadınların erkeklerden istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde yüksek ortalamalara sahip oldukları belirlenmiştir. Öğrencilerin bölüm, yapılan spor türü, psikiyatrik servise gitme, psikiyatrik ilaç kullanma, anne-baba hayatta olma, gelir durumu, yaş ve spor yapma yılı değişkenleri ile stresle mücadele tutumları arasında anlamlı ilişki olmadığı tespit edilmiştir.
Comparison of Efficacy of Oral Tofacitinib (JAK Inhibitor) Combined with Narrow Band UVB Vs Alone Oral Tofacitinib in Patient with Vitiligo at Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi
Authors: Soonha Iqra  , Rabia Ghafoor  , Muhammad Tarish Abro  , Misbah Zari Qadir  , Muhammad Khurram  , Asif Ali
Published: January 2025

Objective: compare the oral Tofacitinib added to NB-UVB phototherapy versus Tofacitinib monotherapy in patients with vitiligo, at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Karachi. Methods: After the ethical approval from the institutional review board, this open-label, non-randomized study is conducted at the Department of Dermatology, JPMC, Karachi from April 2024 to Sep 2024. Through non-probability consecutive sampling, 40 patients aged 18 above, both genders, diagnosed of vitiligo with stable lesions for half a year were included in the present study. The patients were divided into groups: Group B patients that received only oral Tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day (n=20) and Group A patients treated with oral Tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day in combination with NB-UVB phototherapy three time weekly (n=20). Results: At 12 weeks, the VASI score showed significant improvement in the Tofacitinib + NB-UVB group (36.8 ± 8.3) compared to the Tofacitinib alone group (54.15 ± 9.5, p < 0.0001). The percentage improvement in VASI was also significantly higher in the combination therapy group at 57.4 ± 9.7% versus 36.7 ± 9.9% in the monotherapy group (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the efficacy outcome, defined as ≥51% improvement in re-pigmentation, was achieved in 15 patients (75%) in the Tofacitinib + NB-UVB group compared to only 1 patient (5%) in the Tofacitinib alone group, with a highly significant p-value of <0.0001. Conclusion: Oral tofacitinib complemented with NB-UVB phototherapy is more effective than Tofacitinib monotherapy in re-pigmentation in vitiligo patients.
Prevalence of Myopia and Its Associated Risk Factors Among the Medical Students of SMBBMU, Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Aliza Samo  , Rukhsar Samo  , Amara Mustafa  , Imran Ali Pirzado  , Aqsa Khokhar  , Fahad Jibran Siyal
Published: January 2025

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error characterized by difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, Prevalence of myopia has been reported to be increasing worldwide. An increase in myopia frequency poses a threat to the health. The aim of this research is to determine the prevalence of myopia and its associated risk factors among the medical students of SMBBMU, Larkana. A cross sectional Descriptive study was conducted at SMBBMU, Larkana with stratified sampling of 250. The prevalence of myopia was 67.6%. A total of frequency 173(69.2%) were females and with frequency 77(30.8%) were males. Majority of myopic students with a percentage of 38.6% had lens power between 1 to 2D. Final year students had the greatest percentage of myopia, 22.48%. Prevalence of myopia was higher in urban students as compared to rural students. Positive association with reading/studying> 3 hours, indoor work<5 hours. More than 45.5% students had screen time> 8 hours and inverse with outdoor activity. More than 63.2% students spent less than 3 hours in outdoor activity. High prevalence of myopia was found among the medical students. The increased use of electronic gadgets, decreased outdoor activity, increased indoor activity, and positive family history were found to be the major associated risk factors.
ADVANCEMENTS IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES: REVOLUTIONIZING POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY IN COLORECTAL SURGERY
Authors: Fazliwadud Dr
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates advancements in minimally invasive techniques (MITs) and their impact on postoperative recovery in colorectal surgery patients
 
METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from January 2024 to December 2024. Patients undergoing MITs were compared to those treated with conventional methods regarding postoperative outcomes, focusing on recovery times, complication rates, and patient satisfaction.
 
RESULT: A total of 200 patients were analyzed. MITs showed a significant reduction in recovery times and complication rates compared to conventional methods. Key metrics, such as satisfaction scores and pain relief levels, indicated superior outcomes for MITs.
 
CONCLUSION: MITs represent a revolution in colorectal surgery, enhancing postoperative recovery and reducing complications. Continued adoption and refinement of these techniques are essential for improving patient care
Akan Civilization and History
Authors: Ampene Kwasi
Published: January 2025

Like most African societies, there is ample evidence that the Akan in West Africa developed sophisticated methods in the visual and musical arts (or expressive arts) for recording and storing historical experience, to express religious worldview and philosophy, and created societies with unique social values. The historicized texts of ivory trumpets, flutes, drums, songs, poetry of Kwadwomfoɔ (Chronicle Singers), and referential poetry of Abrafoɔ (the Constabulary), and Adinkra pictographic writing bear ample testimony to the undeniable presence of expressive arts in Akan socio-political and economic sophistication. In this paper, I use one of the texts of Fontomfrom Akantam (Oath Swearing) dance suite as a launching pad to respond to Kwasi Konadu’s (2015) disagreement with late nineteenth and twentieth century historians for not considering expressive arts as foundational to Akan civilization. To address the above questions and to complement the larger discourse in the socio-political and economic history of the Akan, I speculate on the formative processes of Akan musical development and the construction of sound producing as well as musical instruments, and the emergence of court music and verbal art forms, community-based vocal ensembles, drumming and dance genres from the Stone Age to the present. My assessment takes into account, the Stone Age from approximately 2000 BCE-500 BCE proposed by James Anquandah (1982), and Kenya Shujaa’s (2015) three broad chronological phases of Akan historical and cultural development namely, the Early Iron Age from 500 BCE-500 CE; the Middle Iron Age from 500 CE-1500 CE; and the Late Iron Age from 1500-1900.
Carta do Organizador
Authors: Acosta da Rosa Pedro Fernando
Published: January 2025

Carta do Organizador do Dossiê “Etnomusicologia Negra: Caminhos, Contribuições, Pensamento e Legado”, Professor Dr. Pedro Fernando Acosta da Rosa
Factors Influencing the Mental Health of University Students in the Czech Republic
Authors: Vltavska Kristyna , Krejčová Kristýna , Šulc Zdeněk
Published: January 2025

The importance of mental health care has increased significantly in recent years. It is being used more by both the younger and older generations. This article focuses on the mental health of university students in the Czech Republic based on the annual reports data and data from the EUROSTUDENT 8 survey. The only official data source comes from the annual reports published by individual universities regarding students with special needs. Students with mental health problems belong to Group F, which includes Other Mental Health Problems. The number of registered students with specific needs grew by 16% on average every year between 2016 and 2022. For Group F, the numbers increased by 23% annually. More detailed data from the international EUROSTUDENT survey tracks university students' social and living conditions. The dataset contains over 10,000 observations. This paper uses binary logistic regression to look for factors that influence the mental health of university students. The results show that female students, students in humanities, students with financial difficulties, and students with some form of impairment have higher chances of mental health problems.
The political ecosystem of the digital age: integration of network and ecosystem approaches
Authors: Samoilov Pavel Andreevich
Published: January 2025

The subject of the study is the influence of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the formation and development of the political ecosystem of society. The article analyzes and compares two key approaches – network and ecosystem, revealing different aspects of the digital transformation of political processes. Particular attention is paid to the need to integrate these approaches for a deeper and more comprehensive analysis of the political ecosystem in the context of digitalization. The author proposes a theoretical model combining network and ecosystem concepts, which allows taking into account both the dynamics of horizontal interactions and the stability of the system. The research covers issues of civic identity, decentralization of power, and self-organization, demonstrating how digital platforms and patriotic content contribute to strengthening social cohesion and transforming the political environment. The work offers the author's definition of the political ecosystem of society, reflecting the complexity and multidimensionality of social processes in the era of digitalization. The research methodology is based on a comparative analysis of network and ecosystem approaches in order to integrate them to create a comprehensive model of the political ecosystem. The analysis of theoretical concepts presented in the works of leading researchers is used, as well as conceptual modeling aimed at forming the author's model of the political ecosystem of society. The novelty of the research lies in the development and substantiation of an integrated model of the political ecosystem, which combines the principles of network and ecosystem approaches. The main conclusions of the study are the provisions that information and communication technologies (ICT) play a key role in the formation of horizontal political structures, ensuring the decentralization of power and self-organization of civil society. A special contribution of the author to the research of the topic is the formulation of the author's definition of a political ecosystem as a dynamic system where information flows and inter-network interactions occupy a central place. An important result of the research is the identification of factors that ensure the stability and adaptability of the political system in the context of digitalization. The practical significance of the work is shown in the possibility of using the developed model to analyze modern political processes, predict their development and form strategies for digital interaction between government institutions and society.
The co-receptor Tetraspanin12 directly captures Norrin to promote ligand-specific β-catenin signaling
Authors: Bruguera Elise S , Mahoney Jacob P , Weis William I
Published: January 2025

Wnt/β-catenin signaling directs animal development and tissue renewal in a tightly controlled, cell- and tissue-specific manner. In the mammalian central nervous system, the atypical ligand Norrin controls angiogenesis and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier and blood-retina barrier through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Like Wnt, Norrin activates signaling by binding and heterodimerizing the receptors Frizzled (Fzd) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 or 6 (LRP5/6), leading to membrane recruitment of the intracellular transducer Dishevelled (Dvl) and ultimately stabilizing the transcriptional coactivator β-catenin. Unlike Wnt, the cystine knot ligand Norrin only signals through Fzd4 and additionally requires the co-receptor Tetraspanin12 (Tspan12); however, the mechanism underlying Tspan12-mediated signal enhancement is unclear. It has been proposed that Tspan12 integrates into the Norrin-Fzd4 complex to enhance Norrin-Fzd4 affinity or otherwise allosterically modulate Fzd4 signaling. Here, we measure direct, high-affinity binding between purified Norrin and Tspan12 in a lipid environment and use AlphaFold models to interrogate this interaction interface. We find that Tspan12 and Fzd4 can simultaneously bind Norrin and that a pre-formed Tspan12/Fzd4 heterodimer, as well as cells co-expressing Tspan12 and Fzd4, more efficiently capture low concentrations of Norrin than Fzd4 alone. We also show that Tspan12 competes with both heparan sulfate proteoglycans and LRP6 for Norrin binding and that Tspan12 does not impact Fzd4-Dvl affinity in the presence or absence of Norrin. Our findings suggest that Tspan12 does not allosterically enhance Fzd4 binding to Norrin or Dvl, but instead functions to directly capture Norrin upstream of signaling.
Opposing roles for Bmp signalling during the development of electrosensory lateral line organs
Authors: Campbell Alexander S , Minařík Martin , Franěk Roman , Vazačová Michaela , Havelka Miloš , Gela David , Pšenička Martin , Baker Clare VH
Published: January 2025

The lateral line system enables fishes and aquatic-stage amphibians to detect local water movement via mechanosensory hair cells in neuromasts, and many species to detect weak electric fields via electroreceptors (modified hair cells) in ampullary organs. Both neuromasts and ampullary organs develop from lateral line placodes, but the molecular mechanisms underpinning ampullary organ formation are understudied relative to neuromasts. This is because the ancestral lineages of zebrafish (teleosts) and Xenopus (frogs) independently lost electroreception. We identified Bmp5 as a promising candidate via differential RNA-seq in an electroreceptive ray-finned fish, the Mississippi paddlefish (Polyodon spathula; Modrell et al., 2017, eLife 6: e24197). In an experimentally tractable relative, the sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus), we found that Bmp5 and four other Bmp pathway genes are expressed in the developing lateral line, and that Bmp signalling is active. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis targeting Bmp5 in G0-injected sterlet embryos resulted in fewer ampullary organs. Conversely, when Bmp signalling was inhibited by DMH1 treatment shortly before the formation of ampullary organ primordia, supernumerary ampullary organs developed. These data suggest that Bmp5 promotes ampullary organ development, whereas Bmp signalling via another ligand(s) prevents their overproduction. Taken together, this demonstrates opposing roles for Bmp signalling during ampullary organ formation.
Internationalization Processes of Local Enterprises: The Case of Kalyon PV
Authors: Çavaç Ferdi , Yıldız Neşe
Published: January 2025

This study investigates how locally established businesses expand into international markets and transform into international enterprises. The internationalization process of Kalyon PV has been analyzed in depth. In this process, a qualitative interview was conducted with the company's sales supervisor, and the data were analyzed. The findings indicate that Kalyon PV initially focused solely on domestic sales in its early years, expanded into the United States through exports in its third year, and plans to progress using an innovative internationalization model. Among the limitations of the study is the analysis based on a single company example. Future research is recommended to compare the internationalization processes of businesses in different sectors. This study offers valuable insights into the transformation processes of local enterprises at the international level.
Application of machine learning techniques for warfarin dosage prediction: a case study on the MIMIC-III dataset
Authors: Wani Aasim Ayaz , Abeer Fatima
Published: January 2025

Warfarin, a commonly prescribed anticoagulant, poses significant dosing challenges due to its narrow therapeutic range and high variability in patient responses. This study applies advanced machine learning techniques to improve the accuracy of international normalized ratio (INR) predictions using the MIMIC-III dataset, addressing the critical issue of missing data. By leveraging dimensionality reduction methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), and advanced imputation techniques including denoising autoencoders (DAE) and generative adversarial networks (GAN), we achieved significant improvements in predictive accuracy. The integration of these methods substantially reduced prediction errors compared to traditional approaches. This research demonstrates the potential of machine learning (ML) models to provide more personalized and precise dosing strategies that reduce the risks of adverse drug events. Our method could integrate into clinical workflows to enhance anticoagulation therapy in cases of missing data, with potential applications in other complex medical treatments.
Chile frente al nuevo acuerdo sobre conservación de la biodiversidad marina: áreas protegidas e interacciones con el régimen jurídico de la pesca en alta mar
Authors: Urrutia Silva Osvaldo
Published: January 2025

Después de casi dos décadas de discusiones, el Acuerdo relativo a la Conservación y el Uso Sostenible de la Diversidad Biológica Marina de las Zonas situadas fuera de la Jurisdicción Nacional fue adoptado el 19 de junio de 2023. El presente trabajo aborda el eje más relevante del nuevo tratado para Chile: las medidas de gestión zonales, incluyendo la creación de áreas marinas protegidas. Se analiza cómo el nuevo régimen se relacionará con tratados y organizaciones ya existentes con competencia sobre la biodiversidad marina, especialmente los organismos regionales de pesca y la Organización Regional de Pesca del Pacífico Sur. El artículo también propone elementos para equilibrar los intereses nacionales de conservación y económicos de largo plazo en el Pacífico Suroriental.
A 50 años del Curso de Derecho administrativo de Eduardo García de Enterría y Tomás Ramón Fernández
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vergara Blanco Alejandro
Published: January 2025

Luego de una crónica sobre el Curso de Derecho administrativo de Eduardo García de Enterría y Tomás Ramón Fernández, cuya primera edición del primer tomo apareció en 1974 y del segundo en 1977, contiene este escrito la transcripción de una entrevista realizada en Madrid, en abril de 2024, a uno de los coautores, el profesor de Derecho administrativo de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, hoy emérito, Tomás Ramón Fernández.
La fiscalización y retroactividad del impuesto territorial ante el Derecho administrativo
Authors:   Universidad de Chile, Phillips Letelier Jaime , Arancibia Mattar Jaime ,   Universidad de los Andes, Benítez Kufferath Eugenio ,   Universidad de los Andes
Published: January 2025

El artículo analiza la fiscalización y aplicación retroactiva del impuesto territorial en Chile. Propone una reinterpretación de los deberes de fiscalización de la autoridad y de información del contribuyente, con el fin de restringir la retroactividad como medio de protección de la confianza.
Acto administrativo y derecho privado: ¿una relación antagónica? Las decisiones de los prestadores de servicios públicos domiciliarios en Colombia
Authors:   Universidad EAFIT, Díaz Díez Cristian Andrés
Published: January 2025

Actualmente, el Consejo de Estado colombiano expresa que los prestadores de servicios públicos domiciliarios, por regla general, no expiden actos administrativos, porque se rigen por Derecho privado. En tal sentido, sostiene que, salvo excepción, las decisiones precontractuales y contractuales de dichas empresas son “actos privados”. El presente trabajo estudia esta tesis, preguntándose si entre el acto administrativo y el Derecho privado hay una relación antagónica o si, por el contrario, este no lo desnaturaliza. Se argumenta que el Derecho administrativo no debería verse como una categoría monolítica, sino como un “concepto gradual”. Con fundamento en esta idea, se brindan razones para considerar que la aplicación del Derecho privado no implica necesariamente la destrucción de los conceptos dogmáticos del Derecho administrativo.
Effect of Biochar Type in the Performance of Biochar-Modified Binder
Authors: Sanchez Xiomara , Varamini Sina
Published: January 2025

Biochar is obtained from the thermochemical conversion of biomass and stores carbon in a stable form. Adding biochar to asphalt could enable carbon offsetting. Biomass sources and pyrolysis technologies yield biochar with different chemical and physical characteristics. This study investigated the effect of two types of wood biochar on the binder characteristics. 5% and 10% biochar were added to a PG 58S-28 asphalt. Four biochar-modified binders and one control were characterized using rotational viscosity, penetration, frequency sweep tests, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate that biochar increases the viscosity and reduces the penetration. The rheological analysis suggests that biochar could increase the rutting resistance but decrease the cracking resistance. Additionally, biochar alters the oxidative ageing of the binders. This study demonstrated that the biochar type impacts the binder performance, and source and content should be considered to understand the effect and determine the dosage of biochar to asphalt.
Use of reclaimed fly ash for the production of sustainable cementitious composites
Authors: Delgado Tomas , Altschwager Jose F. , Paul Alvaro
Published: January 2025

This study analyzes the use of reclaimed fly ash (RFA) as an alternative cementitious material in engineered cementitious composites (ECC) mixtures. The performance of RFA-ECC is assessed by evaluating the tensile properties at 7 days, for two replacement levels of ordinary portland cement (OPC) (50% and 70%) and three polyethylene (PE) fiber contents (1.5%, 1.75%, and 2% by volume fraction). Results showed that RFA-based ECC can produce strain-hardening behavior and reach high tensile stress and strain. RFA-ECC with 50% OPC replacement and 1.5 vol.% PE fiber content exhibits average tensile strength and strain of 6.4 MPa and 8.9%, respectively. Furthermore, at 28 days, the ductile behavior remains. The study shows that RFA can be considered an alternative low carbon constituent to replace OPC in ECC mixtures, to reduce their carbon footprint, hence leading to a more sustainable cementitious composite.
Soil Wetness Classification in Agriculture Using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Shuaeb S M Abdullah Al , Hassan Md. Rakib , Uddin Machbah
Published: January 2025

Soil wetness is the most important factor for a plant to survive. If the soil is completely dry for a long time, the plants will perish. Many plants will also die if the soil is submerged in the water for a long period of time. Without water, plants will not be able to take nutrients from the soil. Besides, different plants have different soil wetness or moisture requirements. To ensure proper plant growth, soil wetness levels should be monitored and maintained continuously. But most of the time, it is not possible to continuously monitor the water level manually. Therefore, in this work, we have proposed an image-based soil wetness classifier using different machine learning algorithms. We have classified the soil in six different wetness levels and have used five machine learning algorithms for classifying the soil wetness levels as an artificial neural network, convolutional neural network, decision tree, k-nearest neighbor, and support vector machine. We have compared these algorithms and found that the convolutional neural network achieves the highest accuracy which is 97.7%. Our proposed method can be used by the stakeholders to increase crop production by ensuring proper soil water levels for continuous plant growth.
A multicenter study of radiation doses to the eye lenses of clinical physicians performing radiology procedures in Japan
Authors: Nagamoto Keisuke , Moritake Takashi , Nakagami Koichi , Morota Koichi , Matsuzaki Satoru , Kunugita Naoki
Published: December 2021

Purpose

We investigated occupational dose to the lens of the eye for physicians engaged in radiology procedures. We evaluated the potential for compliance with the new-equivalent dose limits to the lens of the eye. Further, a “multiple radiation protection” protocol was proposed according to the basic principles of occupational health, and its effectiveness was estimated.

Methods

Physicians engaged in radiology procedure at medical facilities in Japan were included in this study. The eye lens dose (3-mm dose equivalent: Hp(3)) for each participant was measured using a small radio-photoluminescence glass dosimeter mounted on lead glasses. Physicians were directed to procedure multiple radiation protection measures to evaluate their usefulness.

Results

The Hp(3) was reduced by multiple radiation protection in all physicians. In particular, the Hp(3) reduced from 207.7 to 43.2 μSv/procedure and from 21.6 to 10.2 μSv/procedure in cardiovascular internal physician and cerebrovascular physician, respectively, after the implementation of the proposed multiple radiation protection measures. The dose reduction rate of these measures was 53% (range: 37%–79%).

Conclusions

The radiation doses received by the eye lenses of physicians engaged in radiology procedure may exceed the dose limits to the lens of the eye if radio-protective equipment and imaging conditions are not properly controlled. However, based on the lens equivalent dose data, the implementation of “multiple radiation protection” according to the basic principles of occupational health can ensure compliance with the new-equivalent dose limits to the lens of the eye without placing an undue burden on individual physicians or medical facilities.
E‐cadherin is a robust prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer and low expression is associated with sensitivity to inhibitors of topoisomerase, aurora, and HSP90 in preclinical models
Authors: Bruun Jarle , Eide Peter W. , Bergsland Christian Holst , Bruck Oscar , Svindland Aud , Arjama Mariliina , Välimäki Katja , Bjørnslett Merete , Guren Marianne G. , Kallioniemi Olli , Nesbakken Arild , Lothe Ragnhild A. , Pellinen Teijo
Published: December 2021

Cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion proteins that have been implicated in colorectal epithelial integrity and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition could be robust prognostic and potential predictive biomarkers for standard and novel therapies. We analyzed in situ protein expression of E‐cadherin (ECAD), integrin β4 (ITGB4), zonula occludens 1 (ZO‐1), and cytokeratins in a single‐hospital series of Norwegian patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) stages I–IV (n = 922) using multiplex fluorescence‐based immunohistochemistry (mfIHC) on tissue microarrays. Pharmacoproteomic associations were explored in 35 CRC cell lines annotated with drug sensitivity data on > 400 approved and investigational drugs. ECAD, ITGB4, and ZO‐1 were positively associated with survival, while cytokeratins were negatively associated with survival. Only ECAD showed independent prognostic value in multivariable Cox models. Clinical and molecular associations for ECAD were technically validated on a different mfIHC platform, and the prognostic value was validated in another Norwegian series (n = 798). In preclinical models, low and high ECAD expression differentially associated with sensitivity to topoisomerase, aurora, and HSP90 inhibitors, and EGFR inhibitors. E‐cadherin protein expression is a robust prognostic biomarker with potential clinical utility in CRC.