Academic Circles Research Articles

Yoga in Communist Poland

This article explores the popularization of yoga by Tadeusz Pasek (1925–2011). His characterization of yoga as ‘relaxation and concentration exercises’—cwirki—allowed practices derived from yoga to gain popularity in communist Poland. Classes were officially taught through the centres of the Society for the Propagation of Physical Culture (TKKF), a state institution funded by the communist authorities. Details of these classes were published in 1973 by the State Medical Publishing House (PZWL) in Theory and Methodology of Relaxation and Concentration Exercises. Pasek created a system of instructor training and certification within the framework of the TKKF, coordinated on a national level. He innovated model ‘calming centres’, combining TKKF structures within state-run housing cooperatives, functioning as yoga studios, community centres, and venues for psychiatric rehabilitation after in-patient treatment. Pasek introduced relaxation and concentration exercises for the rehabilitation of patients with neurotic disorders. Consequently, yoga practices, smuggled under the official name of relaxation and concentration exercises, entered academic circles of scientists and doctors, and also popular culture. Although its popularity waned as more yoga schools established themselves in Poland after 1989, Pasek’s innovation of culturally embedding the practices established a foundation for the development of many yoga traditions in post-communist Poland.

Channel estimation for backscatter communication systems with retrodirective arrays

AbstractBackscatter communications, which originated from World War II, have been widely applied in the logistics domain, and recently attract emerging interest from both academic and industrial circles. Here, the backscatter communication systems equipped with retrodirective arrays that can re‐transmit the impinging signals back toward the direction of incidence are studied so as to reduce the power loss of the signals. Specifically, the authors consider the tag is equipped with retrodirective arrays to improve reliability and enhance communication range. The probability density function of channel coefficients is then derived. Next, a channel estimator based on Bayesian theory is proposed to acquire the modulus values of channel parameters and calculate its Bayesian Cramer–Rao Lower Bound. Finally, simulation results are provided to corroborate these theoretical studies.

Напрямки подолання наслідків впливу пандемії COVID-19 на м’які навички кадрового потенціалу України

The purpose of the work is to develop a single comprehensive system that will helpto overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the soft skills of the personnel potential of Ukraine. In order to determine the main methods of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic consequences, a survey of random respondents was conducted. In addition, the purpose of the survey was to assess respondents’ own soft skills during the pandemic and their changes before and after it. The article used the historical method, methods of abstraction, forecasting and analysis. The method of systematization became one of the main ones in achieving the goals and objectives of the research. Thus, we were able to systematize the research results, assess the possibilities for developing a mechanism for overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, and form them in a single system. It has been established that the COVID-19 pandemic has a direct impact on the soft skills of personnel potential in Ukraine. People learned how to adapt to new working conditions, how to communicate in an unfamiliar mode, thereby acquiring new skills. The concepts of self-motivation, stability, and adaptability have become more important. The survey conducted in this study confirmed the importance of all these components. The authors of the article propose several strategies for coping with the consequences of the pandemic. The first is independent continuous development and improvement of skills. It can be online training, participation in events, etc. It is also important to provide employees with online tools for collaboration so that employees feel comfortable using the latest technologies. Providing employees with flexible working conditions is also an important aspect, as this will allow them to learn and develop more willingly and effectively. A favorable working environment will help maintain psychological health. Employers can offer employee assistance programs, counseling services, and more. These approaches can significantly increase the effectiveness of the functioning of employees and improve the development of soft skills in the conditions of any crisis. The research is valuable for economic science and has practical significance. The article reveals an understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the soft skills of employees, their ability to solve problems, make decisions, communicate, etc. This is how we can formulate people’s ideas about how to improve their skills, how to learn to solve problems that arose during the pandemic. An effective mechanism for overcoming the consequences of the pandemic on the soft skills of human resources (both private and public sectors) is becoming an urgent task for companies, government structures and educational institutions, and therefore important for analysis and research in academic circles. The research is very relevant in modern conditions, as the ability to overcome a crisis is important not only during a pandemic, but also in connection with other factors, in particular, with the beginning of a war and its impact on people’s lives.

Causes and countermeasures of research-integrity problems in the new era: From the perspective of the culture of science

Research integrity is now one of the most important issues in the governance of science and technology (S&T) ethics in China. Many research results have been produced in the academic circle on this topic. A series of regulations and normative documents has been issued by government authorities, and numerous measures have been taken by universities and scientific research institutions. Despite this notable progress, the problems of research integrity have not been eradicated. Incidents such as rejections of papers by journals due to plagiarism and falsification of research results happen from time to time. Also, the awareness of research integrity among some S&T personnel and students has yet to be strengthened. The new challenge for research integrity in the new era is that of being able to locate the deep-seated causes of research-integrity problems and find effective ways to solve them. Exploring the causes of and countermeasures against those problems from the perspective of the culture of science is a research field that deserves greater attention.

Proposal of a Gender Balance Index: An instrument for Enhancing Equality in Corporate Management Structures

Abstract The persistent underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles across various levels of management within companies is a critical issue that has garnered significant attention in both academic and professional circles. Despite numerous legislative efforts and policy initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the workplace, women continue to face substantial barriers to accessing leadership positions. These challenges are not confined to specific sectors or company sizes; they are pervasive, affecting organizations worldwide. This paper proposes a novel instrument designed to measure women's participation in decision-making across all levels of management in a company. The versatility of this tool allows for its application across a broad spectrum of industries and organizational structures, making it a valuable asset for any company committed to advancing gender equality within its ranks. The proposed instrument seeks to address a gap in the current methodologies used to assess gender diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. By providing a comprehensive framework for evaluating women's representation in decision-making positions, this tool not only highlights areas where disparities exist but also facilitates the tracking of progress over time. Its implementation can serve as a cornerstone for developing targeted strategies aimed at eliminating barriers to women's advancement and fostering a more inclusive corporate culture. In contributing to the amelioration of women's situation regarding access to decision-making in companies, this instrument aligns with broader efforts to achieve gender equality. It not only aids companies in complying with legal requirements and societal expectations but also enhances their competitiveness and innovation by leveraging the full potential of a diverse workforce. Through its widespread adoption, this tool has the potential to catalyze significant shifts in how companies approach gender diversity and inclusion, marking a critical step towards the equitable representation of women in leadership across the corporate landscape.

Japan’s construction of defensive fortifications and its implications for East Asian relations during the Tang dynasty

Japan’s construction of fortifications throughout its history has been a subject of scholarly interest. Japan has been building fortifications for generations, from Muzuki and stone fortifications at home to Japanese fortifications on the Korean peninsula. While it is commonly believed that the need for castle building in Japan emerged after the Battle of Baekgang, this paper suggests that Japan’s sense of external tensions predates this event. Specifically, this paper examines the construction of defensive fortifications at Itojo and Onojo during the Tang Dynasty and its implications for Japan’s relations with East Asia. Through an analysis of historical records and archeological evidence, this paper argues that the construction of Onojo may have begun as early as around AD 650, challenging the prevailing view in academic circles, which holds that Onojo was built after the defeat of Baekgang. By examining the development of Japan’s relations with East Asia during this period, this paper sheds light on the geopolitical significance of Japan’s construction of defensive fortifications.

LA FORMACIÓN EN MEDICINA FAMILIAR EN CHILE

The training of Family Medicine specialists in Chile started in academic circles, with a strong focus on primary care shaping its core elements. This includes practical training to address common health issues, a holistic approach considering biological, psychological, and social aspects, and a push for health promotion. Currently, fourteen universities offer residency programs, mostly in Family Medicine, while three universities have differentiated programs targeting specific population groups. In the growth of training programs, key milestones include the 2005 health reform that introduced the Comprehensive Health Care Model (MAIS), the accreditation of training programs, the certification process for medical specialties, and a law enforcing payment for Family Medicine specialists in primary care. Despite reaching around 1,500 professionals, Family Medicine practitioners represent only 4% of specialists in the Chilean health system, mainly working in the public sector and particularly in primary care. The upcoming health system reform suggests Universal Primary Care as a central focus. To achieve this goal, it is crucial to encourage the training of Family Medicine specialists and ensure they stay within the system, recognizing the valuable contributions they make to the overall health network.

Communicating research to practitioners – between scientific rigor, easy science and practitioners' self-perception of expertise

PurposeResearch shows that there are mechanisms of information simplification that lead to the danger that first, laypeople rely on their own epistemological skills when assessing scientific claims. Second, laypeople underestimate their dependence on experts when they receive simplified information. This underestimation can be problematic because scientific knowledge, due to its complexity, usually cannot be fully understood without further advice from experts. Compared to laypersons, adult education practitioners can be expected to have a higher level of scientific literacy in relation to knowledge in their professional field because they are familiar with the structure of knowledge through their formal education. The present study examines whether the “easiness effect” also occurs in adult education practitioners when they read simplified and highly simplified texts about research findings.Design/methodology/approach The sample consisted of 1.267 continuing education institutions. For the survey experiment, particioants were randomly assigned to tree text types at the end of the survey: easy, less scientific and scientific text. We used the difference-in-difference method to analyze the data. FindingsThe study examined whether easily presented research findings influenced self-assessment and reliance on experts. The results of our study support the hypothesis that the easiness effect is also present among professional practitioners.Originality/valueThe use of clear and nontechnical language is essential for ensuring that scientific knowledge is accessible and utilizable outside of academic circles. This aspect gains particular significance in educational research, as it enables professional practitioners to comprehend and ideally implement, research findings in their daily routines to address and resolve real-world challenges in their educational environments. Previous studies have demonstrated that the way text is presented influences laypeople's perceived reliance on experts. Building upon the conceptual framework of the easiness effect, this survey experiment took an additional step by focusing specifically on a targeted audience: professional practitioners in adult education.

The Path to Establishing an Antitrust Regulatory System for Self-preference of Digital Platforms

China's Anti-Monopoly Law currently fails to adequately cover the circumscribed regulation of self-preferential behavior on digital platforms. There are controversies in the academic circle about the definition of the illegality of digital platform self-preference. The purpose of this paper is to provide an institutional supply for the regulation of self-preference on digital platforms and to construct a localized system of self-preference on digital platforms through empirical research and comparative law study. Through the idea of "clear entry into the law - entry into the expansion - justified exemption", it defines, judges the illegality and regulates the self-preferential behavior of digital platforms, and explores the concise analysis path of anti-competitive behavior of digital platforms. It also explores the concise analysis path of anti-competitive behavior of digital platforms.

Quantifying Intellectual Terrain: Islamic Jurisprudence, Ethical Discourse, and Scholarly Impact

This research aims to reveal the trend and development of scientific literature about Islamic law, ethics, and its worldwide significance, spanning the years 1954 to 2023. The utilization of quantitative and network analysis enables the mapping of alterations in publication patterns, the identification of affiliations and highly productive authors, and the highlighting of journals with substantial influence. The findings indicate a significant increase in the number of published works since 1995, particularly in the early 21st century. Notably, the International Islamic University Malaysia and writers El-Seoudi, A.W.M.M. and Jadalhaq, I.M. have made considerable contributions to this surge. The examination of journals emphasizes the significant influence of "Islamic Law and Society" in the relevant literature. Furthermore, specific works like Ashraf D's publication in the "Journal of Business Ethics" in 2016 demonstrate a considerable impact in the scientific literature. Through a comprehensive examination of publication trends and influential works, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of Islamic law and ethics within academic circles. It underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with diverse perspectives to grasp the complexities of Islamic jurisprudence and ethical frameworks. In conclusion, this research provides a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to navigate the intricate terrain of Islamic law and ethics. By delineating trends, identifying key contributors, and highlighting influential publications, the study offers a nuanced perspective on the evolving discourse surrounding these critical subjects.

Tomato Leaf Disease Detection using Flask Frame Work

In recent years, plant leaf diseases has become a widespread problem for which an accurate research and rapid application of deep learning in plant disease classification is required, tomato is also one of the most important plants and seeds which are used worldwide for cooking in either dried or fresh form, tomato are a great source of protein that offer many health benefits, but there are a lot of diseases associated with tomato leaf which hinder its production. Thus, an accurate classification of tomato leaf diseases is needed to solve the problem in the early stage. A deep learning approach is proposed to identify and classify leaf disease by using public dataset of leaf image and CNN model with the open source library TensorFlow. In this project, we proposed a method to classify tomato leaf disease and to find and describe the efficient network architecture (hyper parameters and optimization methods). Moreover, after applying each architecture separately, we compared their obtained results to find out the best architecture configuration for classifying tomato leaf diseases and their results. Furthermore, to satisfy the classification requirements, the model was trained using CNN architecture check if we could get faster training times, higher accuracy and easier retraining. Deep learning is a branch of artificial intelligence. In recent years, with the advantages of automatic learning and feature extraction, it has been widely concerned by academic and industrial circles. It has been widely used in image and video processing, voice processing, and natural language processing. At the same time, it has also become a research hotspot in the field of agricultural plant protection, such as plant disease recognition. The application of deep learning in plant disease recognition can avoid the disadvantages caused by artificial selection of disease spot features, make plant disease feature extraction more objective, and improve the research efficiency and technology transformation speed. This review provides the research progress of deep learning technology in the field of crop leaf disease identification in recent years. In this project, we present the current trends and challenges for the detection of plant leaf disease using deep learning and advanced imaging techniques. We hope that this project will be a valuable resource for researchers who study the detection of plant diseases. At the same time, we also discussed some of the current challenges and problems that need to be resolved.

From evangelist to sinologist: Matteo Ricci’s secularization in post-unification Italy

ABSTRACT The current discourse on Matteo Ricci often focuses on his remarkable contributions to sinology and his role as a bridge between Chinese and Italian cultures. However, it is important to note that this perspective has not been constant throughout history. Over the years, Ricci’s image has undergone significant changes, and only recently has he been recognized as someone who embodies values that go beyond the strictly Catholic dimension. This article examines a crucial moment in this transformation, which occurred towards the end of the nineteenth century within the academic circles of post-unification Italy. During that period, the discussion around Ricci expanded to encompass his identity as a sinologist, that overlapped or ran alongside his identity as a missionary.

Two Racial Capitalisms: Marxism, Domination, and Resistance in Cedric Robinson and Stuart Hall

AbstractThe popularity of the concept of “racial capitalism” has exploded over the past decade, penetrating both academic and activist circles. Two thinkers have been foundational to this revival: Cedric Robinson and Stuart Hall. Whereas previous scholarship has tended to merge these two thinkers into a single framework, we argue that they develop divergent, and potentially irreconcilable, theories of racial capitalism. Robinson and Hall both challenge an orthodox Marxism that crudely reads politics from class position, and both point to the constitutive roles of culture and racism in mass mobilisation. Yet they diverge in two key ways. First, they root their theories in incongruous systemic logics: Robinson emphasises racial differentiation and domination, whereas Hall emphasises the maintenance of capitalist hegemony. And second, Robinson's theories of domination and resistance are rooted in spatial connections, most importantly via Western racialism and what he calls the Black radical tradition, both of which envelop the globe. By contrast, Hall insists on the spatial fragmentation of domination and resistance, which emerge as conjunctural articulations in specific contexts. Challenging the idea that there is a singular racial capitalism lens or frame, we urge scholars and activists alike to rigorously interrogate the specific mechanisms linking racism and capitalism.

Influencing Factors and Prevention of Enterprise Debt Default Risk

In recent years, our country enterprise debt default phenomenon is frequent. In view of the debt default phenomenon, the academic circle has made rich research on the factors influencing the risk of enterprise debt default. However, the existing research results are still lacking in the aspects of review articles and risk prevention. Based on this, this paper makes a comprehensive review of the factors affecting corporate debt default from both internal and external perspectives, and puts forward corresponding preventive measures.

Revisiting façade design and its contribution to the urban experience in the 21st century

ABSTRACT As one of the most exteriorized architectural elements, façades are significant features of the urban image and important contributors to the aesthetic and other urban experiences. However, discussions on the subject have lost relevance in academic and professional circles following arguments about physical determinism, façadism, beautification, and aestheticisation practices. Reflecting on the multiple contributions of façades to contemporary urban life, this article re-engages with the debate on façade design and the aesthetic and other urban experiences it affords from a political perspective to interrogate the impact of individualistic design practices in an era dominated by capitalist place-making.

Revealing the metaphorical code: Heterogeneous effects and mechanisms of tourism advertising style in cultural heritage sites

Tourism advertising is linked to market competitiveness and sustainable development of cultural heritage sites (CHSs). However, current academic circles do not adequately discuss its impact effects and mechanisms methodically. This study explores the heterogeneous effects of different tourism advertising styles. The results reveal that metaphorical tourism advertising (vs. straightforward tourism advertising) can encourage a stronger intention to visit. Moreover, experience expectation and awakening of interest play mediating roles in this process. Heritage familiarity is an effective moderator. As heritage familiarity increases, the positive effects of metaphorical tourism advertising will diminish. This paper innovates a research perspective on tourism advertising and marketing in CHSs and provides practical insights into tourism advertising strategies.

Why Should the Role of the House of Representatives in Monitoring and Review Local Regulations Be Strengthened?

The enactment of Law No. 15 of 2019, which established the Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) institution, marked a pivotal shift in the formation of laws and regulations (PUU) in Indonesia. This legislation ushered in a comprehensive cycle for PPU, fundamentally altering the landscape of legislative processes. Despite this progress, a prevailing assumption persists that the PLS mechanism is solely within the purview of the People's Representative Council (DPR) concerning national laws, while oversight of Regional Regulations (Perda) falls under the authority of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), with limited discourse on the latter's role in academic circles. This study endeavors to elucidate the theoretical underpinnings of PLS within international parliamentary frameworks, analyze the regulatory framework of PLS Perda as delineated in Law No. 23/2014 and PP No. 12/2018, scrutinize its implementation in Provincial DPRD Rules of Procedure, and advocate for bolstering the DPRD's role in conducting PLS Perda. Findings reveal a lexicon of PLS terminology within Indonesian legislative context, alongside a bifurcation of PLS Perda oversight between the DPD and DPRD. Alarmingly, a staggering majority (93.10%) of Provincial DPRDs nationwide have yet to formalize PLS procedures in their Rules of Procedure, with only the DIY Provincial DPRD demonstrating comprehensive implementation among the 34 surveyed. The imperatives for empowering DPRD's Bapemperda include evaluating Regional Regulations' efficacy, fostering legal coherence, preempting discriminatory legislation, enhancing legislative quality through experiential learning, and resolving the institutional dualism between DPD and DPRD in PLS Perda oversight. These measures not only fortify legislative processes but also mitigate jurisdictional ambiguities, ensuring robust governance at both national and regional levels.

Which labour for the CE? An exploration of narratives on labour and circularity in Flanders

The circular economy (CE) and its impact on the labour market has received increasing attention in both academic and practitioner circles over the past decade. The CE aims to close material and energy loops through various transition pathways or strategies, which are often ranked in a waste hierarchy based on their contribution to the CE. Using discourse analysis, this paper examines how labour market actors in Flanders understand the role of labour in the transition to the CE. We find three distinct future-visions of labour in a CE, closely related to which circular strategies are imagined to become dominant. The findings show that specific storylines shape incremental change through engendering low-ranked strategies which do not require significant shifts in worker skills or policies. On the other hand, alternative discourses show that more radical changes require new or marginalised skills and more fundamental changes in policies and systems.

Nitrogen Effects Endowed by Doping Electron-Withdrawing Nitrogen Atoms into Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Fluorescence Emitters.

Unveiling innovative mechanisms to design new highly efficient fluorescent materials and, thereby, fabricate high-performance organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is a concerted endeavor in both academic and industrial circles. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been widely used as fluorescent emitters in blue OLEDs, but device performances are far from satisfactory. In response, we propose the concept of "nitrogen effects" endowed by doping electron-withdrawing nitrogen atoms into PAH fluorescence emitters. The presence of the n orbital on the imine nitrogen is conducive to promoting electron coupling, which leads to increased molar absorptivity and an accelerated radiative decay rate of emitters, thereby facilitating the Förster energy transfer (FET) process in the OLEDs. Additionally, electronically withdrawing nitrogen atoms enhances host-guest interactions, thereby positively affecting the FET process and the horizontal orientation factor of the emitting layer. To validate the "nitrogen effects" concept, cobalt-catalyzed multiple C-H annulation has been utilized to incorporate alkynes into the imine-based frameworks, which enables various imine-embedded PAH (IE-PAH) fluorescence emitters. The cyclization demonstrates notable regioselectivity, thereby offering a practical tool to precisely introduce peripheral groups at desired positions with bulky alkyl units positioned adjacent to the nitrogen atoms, which were previously beyond reach through the Friedel-Crafts reaction. Blue OLEDs fabricated with IE-PAHs exhibit outstanding performance with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 32.7%. This achievement sets a groundbreaking record for conventional blue PAH-based fluorescent emitters, which have an EQEmax of 24.0%.

The preparation and performances of Co-Zn 18H hexagonal ferrite with an ultra-high magnetic resonance frequency and low-loss characteristics

Modern 5G communication technologies require evolution of antennas towards high frequency and miniaturization. The search for magneto-dielectric materials with simultaneous high permeability, matched dielectric constant, and low loss properties for sub-6 GHz band applications has received considerable attention from both academic and industrial circles. Due to the low magnetic resonance frequency and high magnetic loss, traditional spinel and hexagonal ferrites hardly meet these requirements. In this study, polycrystalline Co-Zn 18H ferrites (Ba5Co2-xZnxTi3Fe12O31) were synthesized by co-precipitation method with only one-step sintering process. The polycrystalline Co-Zn 18H hexagonal ferrite possesses an ultra-high natural resonance frequency (14.5 GHz) and low magnetic loss (tanδμ≤0⊡10), which provides a better performance factor (PF= 68.6 GHz) at a higher operating frequency (4.97 GHz) compared to traditional microwave ferrites. The miniaturization rate of the planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) with Co-Zn 18H ferrite working at 4.0 GHz reaches 13.3 %. These results demonstrate the high potential of Co-Zn 18H ferrites for high frequency and low loss applications.