Relative Imbalance Research Articles

Striving for effective social development interventions in South Africa

The socio-economic conditions of the poor in South Africa remain dire, and little has been done to improve them. However, many faith-based organizations (FBOs) have entered into agreements with the state to overcome various social development problems. Nevertheless, since questions continue to be raised regarding the rate of resolution of social development problems in South Africa, the difficulty may lie with the conceptualization and understanding of the partnership between church and state and the role that this partnership plays. This article reports on a critical assessment of the partnerships between FBOs in Elsies River and some Western Cape government organizations. The study entailed semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample to understand how both role players understood the FBO-state partnership, and how their understanding and social praxis either brought about more complexities and negative consequences or had a beneficial and positive influence on how poor social conditions in the communities are attended to. The study found that the South African government is not always adequately resourced to provide the necessary social welfare services and therefore makes use of alternative service providers to render social development services on its behalf. Furthermore, the study raises a deep concern about the imbalance in the power relations between the two stakeholders.

The Current Situation and Trend of Sino-US Trade Development in the Context of Economic Globalization

The evolution of trade and commercial relations between China and the US is particularly noteworthy, given the significant impact of economic globalization and its role as a fundamental pillar of global economic stability and progress. The trade volume between China and the US is steadily increasing, and this is happening at the same time as the trade structure is changing significantly. The process of commerce between China and the US is not without its difficulties, though, as seen by the US's gradual growth in trade protectionism, the frequency of trade disputes, and the imbalance in trade relations. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamic evolution trend of China-US trade in the context of economic globalization and discusses the current status and challenges of China-US trade relations, as well as the future trend based on global economic, political, and technological development trends. In addition, the paper forecasts how China-US trade relations will develop in the future in light of new technological advancements, policy adjustments, and shifts in the global economic landscape. It also offers policy recommendations and strategic adjustment guidelines to encourage collaboration between the two sides and produce win-win outcomes.

Abusive Supervision as a Social Phenomenon: Causes and Coping Strategies

The paper analyzes the phenomenon of abusive supervision (AS) in Russian organizations. The study is based on semi-structured in-depth interviews and a standardized survey of employees. The analysis demonstrates that half of the respondents had encountered various manifestations of AS at their current or previous jobs. The imbalance of power relations at workplace, employee’s socio-economic dependence on a supervisor are the core conditions of AS. Factor analysis results reveal 4 behavioral strategies of employees faced with AS – “neglect”, “exit”, “balance of power” and “loyalty”. A most effective strategy to reduce the manifestations of AS, according to respondents, was the “balance of power” strategy involving employees’ individual value enhancement and coalition formation.

Межбюджетные отношения в Казахстане: состояние и основные тенденции

Balance of the state budget is one of the necessary conditions for the effective functioning of the budget system of the country. This balance is largely determined by inter-governmental fiscal relations and the resulting redistribution of financial resources between the central, regional and local levels of the budget system. Inter-budget relations in Kazakhstan over the past two decades have undergonesignificant changes, which further increased the relevance of research on this topic. Such aspects of inter-budget relations as the increase in the volume and specific weight of transfers from the republican budget to the budgets of lower state bodies, the growth of the number of subsidized regions, the reduction of revenues to the republican level from the regional level, caused special attention to this problem in the budget process of Kazakhstan. The article examines the state and development of inter-budget relations in Kazakhstan in terms of these aspects in order to identify the main trends of their transformation and assess their impact on the budget process. The article analyses the main parameters of inter-budget relations in Kazakhstan, reveals trends in the role of subsidies and exemptions from local budgets, and considers the dynamicsof the number of subsidized regions and donor regions of the republican budget. It is noted that there is no noticeable improvement in the situation at the level of regional budgets, despite the increase in their revenue base due to the transfer of a number of tax revenues to the local level in 2020. Based on the analysis, the author concludes that the situation in the sphere of inter-budget relations in Kazakhstan is deteriorating, which is manifested in a constant decrease in the number of donor regions and an increase in the number of regions receiving subsidies, an increase in the share of subsidies in the revenues of local budgets, and a decrease in the share of exemptions from local budgets in the state budget revenues. It is also noted that the imbalance of inter-budget relations leads to the complication of the budget process at the republican level, which requires the adoption of measures to further increase the financial independence of the regions.

Theory of Time – 2024 R (Universal Theory for Everything)

“Theory of Time” is a research and analysis report on ‘All kind of Transformation processes’ to find out the reason for changes, this is a Universal Theory & applicable for all natural phenomena. I had found some systematic/ logical/ relational imbalance among the principles of AC Transformer, Ohm’s law, series parallel circuits and law of conservation of energy. I did systematic analysis and research on above said combination principles and identified / formulated/ organized a common transformation mechanism for all and is called ‘Universal Transformation System’(UTS). Here, relative components of all kind of transformation systems are determined, organized systematically for better understanding on relations and also all physical phenomena mechanisms are interpreted through the lens of UTS & found the reformed results are meeting with the general/ natural principles of all kind of transformation systems. I did deeper and wider analysis on electro-magnetic circuits to understand the structure/ mechanism of the transformation system. Law of conservation of energy, AC Transformer’s principles, Newton’s laws and Ohm’s law are base for this theory. By doing relational analysis I could derive Equivalent mechanical transformation principles from Electricity Transformation principles and Mechanical Resistance () to Transformation (RMech.) equation has been successfully formulated. Finally Obtained / reformed results are compared with our practical science and found that the derived principles are meeting with the natural principles of system and its transformation processes. Further, explaining about “how the time is running?”; “what are all the relative components of the time?”; Whether is it possible to stop the time running process? etc. This ©2024 is going to be the final/ completed report on ‘Theory of Time’… in the name of ‘Theory of Nature’. I have finished my research and analysis on all kind of transformation systems. This is updated one, here, I have added some new analysis on secret behind the Black Hole, exact mechanism of Gyroscopic Effects, Donut formation of matter, about human beings, ‘Relation between Centripetal and Centrifugal controls’, importance of Newton’s Absolute time, galactic control on solar system, gravity generator, fusion generator, mechanism of Lagrange Points, there are two differences only in all, review on General Relativity & Special Relativity, constancy of light speed under UTS, optimized free body diagrams, Thermodynamics, ‘𝒎𝒗𝒓’ under UTS, atomic formation structures under gravity & electromagnetism, soul, Law & Justice, tug of war, all mechanisms, you &me

Metabolic alkalosis: a new red flag in status epilepticus

BackgroundStatus epilepticus (SE) is a heterogeneous neurological emergency with significant variability in prognosis, influenced by underlying disease and pathophysiological context. Acid–base disturbances are common in critically ill patients, yet their distribution and impact in SE patients remain poorly understood.MethodsThis was an observational cohort study including non-hypoxic SE patients with available blood gas analysis within the first 24 h of SE, treated at the University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland between 2015 and 2023. Acid–base disturbances were classified using the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation, with prevalent metabolic alkalosis confirmed through the Stewart approach. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge, and return to premorbid neurologic function.FindingsAmong 540 SE patients, 365 were included. Half of patients exhibited acid–base disturbances within the initial 24 h of SE, with metabolic and respiratory acidosis being the most prevalent, though not prognostically significant. After correction for possible confounders, metabolic alkalosis (6%) was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (P = 0.011; OR = 4.87, 95% CI = 1.29–7.84), worse GOS (P = 0.012; OR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.29–7.84), and reduced likelihood of returning to premorbid function (P = 0.017; OR = 3.30, CI95% = 1.24–8.80). Following the Stewart approach, 9% of patients had predominant metabolic alkalosis, associated with worse GOS (P = 0.005; OR:3.37, 95%CI = 1.45–7.82), and reduced chance of returning to baseline (P = 0.012; OR = 3.29, CI95% = 1.30–8.32). Metabolic alkalosis was related to hypoalbuminemia and lower serum potassium.ConclusionMetabolic alkalosis strongly predicts mortality and adverse functional outcome in SE patients. Prospective studies should assess whether early detection and correction of metabolic alkalosis and related electrolyte imbalances can improve SE prognosis.

So How Did We Get Here? A Historical Case Study of Migrant Employment in the New Zealand Hotel Sector

This article maps the transition from a corporatist to a neoliberal consensus in the hotel industry in New Zealand, focussing on the changing labour conditions for migrant workers. We show how the current vulnerabilities for migrant workers, such as poor pay and conditions, and low unionisation, came into being. While much “presentist” research takes migrant worker vulnerability in hospitality and tourism for granted, this article finds that migrant workers did not always experience such vulnerability but, rather, this was constructed over time. The impacts of employment legislation and ownership changes during the 1980s and 1990s were crucial. By taking a critical historical employment relations approach, we better contextualise the current moment of labour shortages, reliance on migrant labour and by “race to the bottom” employment conditions. This suggests that the drive for sustainable employment practices will remain “aspirational” until the power imbalance in New Zealand employment relations is addressed.

Impact of Hearing Loss and Auditory Rehabilitation on Dyads: A Microsocial Perspective

AbstractHearing loss severely hampers verbal exchange and thus social interaction, which puts a high burden on hearing-impaired and their close partners. Until now, nonverbal interaction in hearing-impaired dyads has not been addressed as a relevant factor for well-being or quality of social relationships. Nonverbal synchrony of head- and body-movement was analysed in N = 30 dyads of persons with hearing impairment (PHI) and their significant others (SO). In a 10-minute conversation before (T1) and 6 months after cochlear implantation (T2), Motion Energy Analysis (MEA) automatically quantified head- and body-movement. Self-report measures of both dyad members were used to assess aspects of quality of life and closeness in the partnership. After cochlear implantation, nonverbal synchrony showed a downward trend and was less distinct from pseudosynchrony. Higher synchrony was associated with worse hearing-related quality of life, shorter duration of hearing impairment and less closeness in the relationship. This negative association was interpreted as an indication for the effort one has to make to cope with difficulties in a dyad`s relationship. Endorsing a holistic approach in auditory rehabilitation, we propose the assessment of nonverbal synchrony as a suitable tool to detect subtle imbalances in the interpersonal relation between PHI and SO outside conscious control and to provide cues for possible therapeutical strategies.

Active listening, shared decision-making and participation in care among older women and primary care nurses: a critical discourse analysis approach from a gender perspective

BackgroundNursing care for older women represent a challenge worldwide due to its characteristics. When communication is impaired between primary care nurses and older women living alone, an imbalance in power relations occurs. The main objective of this study is to analyse the power relations between older women and primary care nurses in situations of active listening, shared decision-making and participation in care.MethodsWe developed a qualitative study in southern Spain using a discursive and gender approach. We used purposeful sampling to interview older women who lived alone and received home nursing care. Simultaneously, we conducted focus groups with primary care nurses who provided home care to older women. A linguistic analysis of the transcripts was carried out.ResultsNine semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with older women who lived alone and two face-to-face focus groups with four primary care nurses in each. The discourse of the participants demonstrated an imbalance in power relations. Influenced by work overload, active listening was considered a privilege in primary care nurses´ discourse. Regarding shared decision-making, older women´s discourses revealed “mirages” of real situations where they thought they were deciding. Participation in care was difficult since older women saw themselves as a nuisance in nurses´ presence, and primary care nurses did not facilitate older women’s engagement. Older women weren´t considered when organising home visits and had interiorised a subordinated feeling. Similarly, a strict sense of identity made primary care nurses feel powerful in their relationships with older women.ConclusionsThe discourse of older women represented them as victims of a hostile panorama whilst they were sometimes satisfied with the deficient care received. The discourse of primary care nurses used more discursive strategies to represent themselves as professionals committed to caring. However, it also revealed deficiencies in care, discriminatory elements, and feelings of being limited by their working conditions. Active listening to older women and engagement in decision-making readjust empower the older women. Attending to the needs and concerns of primary care nurses could recalibrate the power imbalance between them and healthcare organisations.

Potassium deficiency enhances imbalances in rice water relations under water deficit by decreasing leaf hydraulic conductance.

Potassium (K+) is an essential macronutrient for appropriate plant development and physiology. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the regulation of leaf water relations by K under water deficit. A pot experiment with two K supplies of 0.45 and 0 g K2O per pot (3 kg soil per pot) and two watering conditions (well-watered and water-deficit) was conducted to explore the effects of K deficiency on canopy transpiration characteristics, leaf water status, photosynthesis, and hydraulic traits in two rice genotypes with contrasting resistance to drought. The results showed that K deficiency reduced canopy transpiration rate by decreasing stomatal conductance, which led to higher canopy temperatures, resulting in limited water deficit tolerance in rice. In addition, K deficiency led to further substantial reductions in leaf relative water content and water potential under water deficit, which increased the imbalance in leaf water relations under water deficit. Notably, K deficiency limited leaf gas exchange by reducing leaf hydraulic conductance, but decreased the intrinsic water use efficiency under water deficit, especially for the drought-resistant cultivar. Further analysis of the underlying process of leaf hydraulic resistance revealed that the key limiting factor of leaf hydraulic conductance under K deficiency was the outside-xylem hydraulic conductance rather than the xylem hydraulic conductance. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive perspective for assessing leaf water relations under K deficiency, water deficit, and their combined stresses, which will be useful for optimal rice fertilization strategies.

Vertical saccades during horizontal head impulses: a sign of posterior semicircular canal hypofunction.

We describe an uncharacteristic vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) pattern, studied by video head impulse tests (VHIT) in patients suffering from unilateral isolated posterior semicircular canal (PSC) hypofunction. In these patients, we found an upward sliding of the eyes, followed by an oblique downward catch-up saccade during horizontal head impulse to the healthy side. We present a retrospective study of all VHIT exams presenting isolated PSC hypofunction between May 2020 and November 2022. We found 37 patients, which led to the discovery of such incongruent eye movement in 19 cases; their gain data are shown and compared to the remaining 18 cases in which such an anomaly was absent. A control group of 31 healthy subjects was recruited to define the reference criteria for VHIT gain values. The correlation between the amplitude of the vertical saccade and the relative functional imbalance of the vertical semicircular canals was studied. We have observed that in approximately half of the subjects with isolated CSP deficiency, there is a VOR anomaly. A possible pathophysiological explanation of the unbalanced effect of vertical semicircular canal stimulation of a labyrinth during horizontal head thrust toward the opposite side is proposed. The planar incongruity of the response of the VOR described here appears more evident at the onset of the CSP deficit. Current VHIT systems do not detect this incongruent eye reflex. They can lead to an error in gain evaluation (pseudo-deficit) of the lateral semicircular canal of the healthy side and problems in performing the test (trace rejected). In the future, software for VHIT should take into account the possibility of non-coplanar ocular responses to cephalic stimuli.

Intra- and inter-limb strength imbalance and asymmetry in soccer: A comparison of elite senior and junior players.

Evaluation of muscle strength imbalance can be an important element in optimizing the training process of soccer players. The purpose of the study was to examine isokinetic peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) exerted by both knee extensors (quadriceps or Q) and flexors (hamstrings or H), intra-limb imbalance and the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetry in top elite senior (n = 109) and junior (n = 74) soccer players. An isokinetic dynamometry was used to measure maximum peak torque of quadriceps (PT-Q) and hamstrings (PT-H) at an angular velocity of 60° ·s-1, as well as the total work for extensors (TW-Q) and flexors (TW-H) at an angular velocity of 240° ·s-1 in the dominant (DL) and non-dominant leg (NDL) during concentric muscle contraction. Intra-limb imbalance and inter-limb asymmetries were calculated using a standard equation. Statistical analysis using t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test revealed: (a) no differences (p > 0.05) between groups for PT-Q and PT-H, (b) greater strength levels (p < 0.05) for TW-Q and TW-H of senior players than juniors, and (c) no differences (p > 0.05) between groups for intra-limb imbalance and inter-limb asymmetry. Additionally, Pearson's chi-kwadrat (χ2) analysis showed no differences (p > 0.05) between groups for intra-limb imbalance and inter-limb asymmetry in relation to the 'normative' values accepted in the literature that indicate an increase in the risk of knee injury. This study shows that isokinetic assessment can be an important tool to identify imbalances/asymmetries and to develop strategies to reduce the risk of muscle injury.

Identification, management and pecuniary impact of major carbon footprint contributor in potato production system of north-west India

Assessment of carbon footprint of a crop is an important component of sustainable crop production, as it helps in framing effectual and viable crop management strategies to minimize ecosystem tampering. Thus, in present investigation carbon footprint of potato production system in different agro-climatic zones viz. undulating plain zone, central plain zone and western plain zone of North-west India were estimated, and compared with the recommended practices of these zones. The carbon footprint was higher in undulating plain zone followed by central plain zone and western plain zone with values being 343, 296 and 220 kg CO2 eq./t tuber yield (TY), sequentially, whereas same were 198 kg CO2 eq./t tuber yield (TY) in case of recommended practices. The social cost of carbon (SCC), that represents economic damage from the CO2 emissions, was also estimated. The integrated net economic balance (net return from yield – SCC) was also better in case of recommended practices. The major sources of emission from potato production system were fertilizer (NPK) application (42 %), irrigation (20 %), seed (14 %), fertilizer production (13 %) and energy use (excluding Irrigation) (5 %). Top most in the list of carbon footprint contributors was fertilizer application which was due to imbalanced application of these, and for getting the clear picture of this imbalance as well as its impact, a new and exclusive index- Relative Imbalance Fertilization Index (RIFIcf) was developed and tested. Carbon footprints were also related to tuber yield and an empirical model was developed that can be used to predict tuber yield on the basis of carbon footprint of potato production system. An increase in tuber yield with increasing carbon footprint was noticed, which became somewhat static at higher emissions. The findings of this investigation provide a clear picture of quantitative GHG emissions due to imbalanced inputs that can be plummeted to some extent if already existing recommendations are followed.

Modeling of stakeholder influence on effectiveness of team decisions in the digital network space of crisis management centres of the EMERCOM of Russia

The article deals with issues related to modeling of stakeholder influence on effectiveness (sustainability) of teamwork in crisis management centres (hereinafter referred to as CMC) of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (hereinafter referred to as EMERCOM of Russia) while analysing, forecasting development and resolving/reducing conflictness of social emergencies (hereinafter referred to as SE). The problem is considered from the perspective of using a nonlinear approach in modeling in the form of the Verhulst equation which allows to analyse complex social processes. The influence of different stakeholder groups is modeled at different values of the “a” parameter of its intensity– weak, medium, strong. The article presents the results of practical research on assessing the influence of stakeholders, primarily the external ones, on effectiveness (sustainability) of the CMC teamwork in the analysis, forecast of development, and resolution/reduction of conflictness of SE. The definition of SE is given as an attractor that has emerged due to unresolved social contradictions which have caused an imbalance in public relations. The work of the CMC teams is conducted in the digital network environment of the centres, and it introduces certain specifics into its activities. The research shows the general scheme of the stakeholder approach implementation in team management in the analysis, forecast of development and resolution/reduction of conflictness of SE. The author presents the results of the nonlinear modeling of effectiveness (sustainability) of the CMC teamwork, depending on the intensity of stakeholder influence on decisions made by the team. A system of indicators characterising the regression model of the “a” coefficient of stakeholder influence is proposed, the specific values of which can be measured during field research. Three modes (three types of attractors) of teamwork are investigated. The key objective of the study is to create prerequisites for the formation of a digital twin of the CMC teamwork of the EMERCOM of Russia in SE.

Prebiotic diet normalizes aberrant immune and behavioral phenotypes in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a cluster of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in communication and behavior. Increasing evidence suggests that the microbiota-gut-brain axis and the likely related immune imbalance may play a role in the development of this disorder. Gastrointestinal deficits and gut microbiota dysfunction have been linked to the development or severity of autistic behavior. Therefore, treatments that focus on specific diets may improve gastrointestinal function and aberrant behavior in individuals with ASD. In this study, we investigated whether a diet containing specific prebiotic fibers, namely, 3% galacto-oligosaccharide/fructo-oligosaccharide (GOS/FOS; 9:1), can mitigate the adverse effects of in utero exposure to valproic acid (VPA) in mice. Pregnant BALB/cByJ dams were injected with VPA (600 mg/kg, sc.) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) on gestational day 11 (G11). Male offspring were divided into four groups: (1) in utero PBS-exposed with a control diet, (2) in utero PBS-exposed with GOS/FOS diet, (3) in utero VPA-exposed with a control diet, and (4) in utero VPA-exposed with GOS/FOS diet. Dietary intervention started from birth and continued throughout the duration of the experiment. We showed that the prebiotic diet normalized VPA-induced alterations in male offspring, including restoration of key microbial taxa, intestinal permeability, peripheral immune homeostasis, reduction of neuroinflammation in the cerebellum, and impairments in social behavior and cognition in mice. Overall, our research provides valuable insights into the gut-brain axis involvement in ASD development. In addition, dietary interventions might correct the disbalance in gut microbiota and immune responses and, ultimately, might improve detrimental behavioral outcomes in ASD.

Descriptive Analysis Of Electrolyte Imbalance In Relation To Severity Of Illness In Covid-19 Pediatric Patients Admitted In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Rawalpindi Pakistan

Objective To determine the frequency of electrolyte imbalance in pediatric COVID-19 patients and their impact on the severity of disease and outcome. Methods: A retrospective observational study was done from January 2021 to July 2021 on 61 children admitted in Benazir Bhutto Hospital Rawalpindi, a tertiary care teaching hospital affiliated with Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) Pakistan. The age of the patients ranged from infants to 12 years. All the children who were PCR positive or those whose HRCT was suggestive of COVID-19 were included in the study. Results: During the study period of 7 months, 61 confirmed COVID-19 patients were admitted. 37(60.7%) were males and 24 (39.3%) were females. The age of the patients ranged from infants to 12 years with a mean age of 27.25 months. Out of 61 admitted cases, 28 children (45.9%) had moderate &amp; 33(54.1%) patients had severe disease. 46(75%) patients were discharged while 15(25%) patients expired. A number of electrolyte abnormalities were observed. A total of 30 patients (49.2%) were hyponatremic &amp;13 patients (21.3%) were hypernatremic. Hypokalemia was observed in 34(55.7%) &amp; hyperkalemia was found in 2 patients (3.3%), hypochloremia was observed in 13(21.3%) while hyperchloremia was present in 3(4.9%) patients. Hypocalcemia was found in 9(14.7%) patients. 11(18%) patients with Hyponatremia and 6(9.8%) patients with hypernatremia expired. The potassium abnormalities were also associated with significant mortality.14(22.9%) patients with hypokalemia and 2(3.2%) with hyperkalemia expired. Hypocalcemia was found in 9(4.9%) patients who expired. Conclusion: Hypokalemia and hyponatremia were frequent electrolyte disorders in children with COVID-19. These electrolyte abnormalities were associated significantly with severity of disease and a higher risk of death in children with COVID-19 Keywords: COVID-19, Electrolytes, Hypokalemia, Hyperkalemia, Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia, Hypocalcemia

박정희 정부의 전력증강 정책 추진에 대한 미국의 대응 분석

This article examines the response of the U.S. to the Korean government's power enhancement project in terms of alliance management. The Park Chung-hee administration resolved security concerns caused by increased threats from North Korea and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Korea, and promoted a policy to increase power for self-defense. A dual-path strategy was implemented by the Park Chung-hee administration's power enhancement policy, which combined the conventional power enhancement policy and the nuclear weapons development policy. The U.S. showed double-faced strategy to the Korea’s power enhancement policy. First, the U.S. was in a favorable position to Korea’s conventional power enhancement policy. Second, the U.S. thwarted Korea’s nuclear weapons development by checking and obstructing it. Through this study, it can be confirmed that the success or failure of an attempt to change power through the power enhancement of a weaker country in an asymmetric alliance system depends on the interests of the powerful countries. Therefore, in order to resolve the imbalance in alliance relations through the increase of its own power, weaker countries must consider and persuade the interests of powerful countries.

Structured Equations to Assess the Socioeconomic and Business Factors Influencing the Financial Sustainability of Traditional Amazonian Chakra in the Ecuadorian Amazon

This study focuses on investigating the dimensions of sustainability and their influence on financial-economic sustainability (FES) in traditional agroforestry systems (TAFS) using the case of the Amazonian Chakra. The main objectives were to analyze the dimensions of sustainability and to establish the causal relationships between these dimensions and the FES. To carry out this research, 330 households in Napo Province that use the Amazonian Chakra system to grow cocoa were selected in order to analyze the relationship between the different dimensions of sustainability and FES in this unique context. The results of the study show that practices related to food security (FS) and business factors (BF) have a positive and significant impact on the FES of cocoa-producing households in the Amazonian Chakra system. These findings support the importance of ensuring the availability and quality of food and promoting responsible business practices in these environments. In contrast, the dimensions of environmental resilience (ER) and biodiversity conservation (BC) showed a negative impact on FES, highlighting an economic-financial imbalance in relation to conservation and environmental resilience actions in the Amazonian Chakra. This study contributes to the knowledge needed to promote agricultural practices that include an equal focus on FES, biodiversity conservation, and environmental resilience practices in a globally significant area, providing valuable information for the design of sustainable agricultural policies and practices in the Amazonian Chakra.

Trends in Admittance and Equity in Higher Education: Are Male Students in Uganda Disadvantaged?

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of trends in admittance and equity in higher education. Using Qualitative approach in data collection, this study answered the following questions: Are Male students currently disadvantaged in admittance to higher education in favour of female students? What is the impact this imbalance in relation to job market demands for skilled labour from both sexes? What long-term initiatives might significantly increase the number of male students admitted to higher education institutions for gender equity? The findings were that the available data on trends in admitting students in higher institutions show an almost equal number of the ratio of females to male with some exceptional institutions where female ratios have exceeded male ratios. It is recommended that the government should review affirmative action policies so that the recruitment does not favor one gender as it were before the programs.

한국의 중석수출과 한미중석협정의 체결

This study examines the historical context and process leading to the signing of the US-ROK Tungsten Agreement, which legitimized American intervention in Korea’s key natural resource and resulted in imbalances in trade relations. Tungsten emerged as a pivotal strategic mineral in the 20th century for weapons production. In WWII, the United States classified the mineral as a ‘strategic material’ and sought to secure a stable stockpile. The communization of China expedited the search for alternative sources, with South Korea emerging as a non-communist alternative after heavy reliance on Chinese tungsten until 1947. Efforts to faciliate exports of Korean tungsten ores to the US commenced under the US Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK), gaining momentum during the Korean War and culminating in the signing of the Agreement in 1952. The Korean War marked two pivotal shifts in the US-SK bilateral trade relationship as well as in the SK tungsten mining industry. First, the Korean War halted US aid agencies’ plans to rehabilitate Korean economy. Simultanesously, the global surge in demand for tungsten emphasized the need for an exclusive purchase contract to ensure seamless war effort and sustained ore production. Conversely, the Korean War stopped the increasing trend in ore exports since 1948, removing a major source of SK government’s foreign exchange. However, as the conflict extended, discussions about postwar reconstruction initiated, with SK tungsten providing a crucial financial asset for reconstruction efforts. The signing of the Agreement led SK into an exclusive trade relationship with the US. However, this outcome did not arise from unilateral intent but rather exemplified a conflict of interests between SK and US. This paper calls for understanding geopolitical considerations and nuanced negotiations that shaped the exclusive trade ties during this critical period.