Lack Of Cohesion Research Articles

Developing regional Diabetes Registries in Italy: pilot projects implementation within JACARDI

Abstract Issue/Problem In Italy a National Diabetes registry is planned but not yet set up at the Ministry; JACARDI is contributing to speed up the process so that critical gaps in health data availability can be filled. While some regional registries exist, the lack of cohesion and standardization hinders the tracking of prevalence, incidence, and sequelae, crucial for evidence-based policymaking amidst rising diabetes rates. Description of the Problem The JACARDI project, supported by EU funding and running for four years, engages 76 partners from 21 countries and includes 142 national-level projects. Among its focus areas is enhancing data availability, aiming to establish harmonized regional Diabetes registries in Italy to tackle this issue. These efforts aim to create a scalable model enabling data linkage, diabetes type differentiation, and socio-demographic integration. Collaboration with health authorities and societies, drawing insights from existing registries, informs the development process. Results A total of 11 regional Diabetes registries are currently in the design phase of implementation. They adhere to a clearly defined methodology, with established essential parameters and data linkage. Consensus on these parameters and linkage was reached through stakeholder discussions, drawing on past registry experiences. The primary goal of the registries is to monitor diabetes prevalence, stratify incidence by demographics, and track sequelae to inform targeted interventions and resource allocation. While scalability beyond Italy may encounter administrative challenges, standardized protocols facilitate transferability. Data Protection stands out as a significant implementation obstacle. Lessons Standardized data collection, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainability are vital in registry development. Leveraging data availability for surveillance demonstrates adaptability and scalability, offering valuable insights for enhancing diabetes management. Key messages • Standardized data collection and stakeholder collaboration are pivotal in establishing effective diabetes registries, fostering equity and improving health outcomes. • Leveraging data availability for surveillance offers a scalable and sustainable approach to diabetes management, facilitating informed policymaking and interventions.

Barriers to obtaining cohesion policy funds from the perspective of municipalities that received the least funding under the 2014–2020 budget period

Cohesion policy is one of the most important European Union’s policy.The lack of cohesion between states and regions would not only result in less-than-optimum use of the endogenic potential of the EU, but it might also threaten the existence of the common market, and thus, the whole European integration. This problem has become particularly evident after the enlargement of the European Union by 10 new Member States in 2004. It is therefore justified to study the effectiveness of this policy and the barriers that accompany it. The aim of the study was a qualitative analysis of problems in obtaining funding by communes that received the least EU funds in the 2014–2020 financial framework. The study was conducted using the CAWI method. The text presents and discusses the results of the study, which allowed, among others, to confirm the still persistent problem with generating own contribution for most local government units.

Crises of Authority in the Arab World: Readings from Contemporary Tunisia

Antonio Gramsci’s thought has increasingly inspired the study of the contemporary MENA, reaching far beyond the complex and specific details of politics, history, and culture in which his writings are steeped. Taking the cue from a new generation of Gramscian research, this article provides an additional temporal and geographical test case for such critical scholarship. Through primary and secondary sources, it deploys a Gramscian toolkit to empirically explore the first post-2011 uprisings decade in Tunisia. It argues that the country is mired in an ‘interregnum’ condition due to the combined effect of a ‘crisis of authority’ from above and lacking viable alternatives from below. Since opposing masses advanced disorganized yet revolutionary claims, leadership hinging on consensus to pursue ‘great political feats’—from delivering substantive democracy through political and socio-economic change to navigating the country during Covid-19—continued to fail. Whereas protests persistently pointed to the distance between political elites and the ‘people,’ the hyper-homogenizing look at the latter unmasked citizenry’s lack of cohesion and homogeneity. This ‘double fragmentation’ of the ruling—and, eventually, dominant—classes and the subaltern groups adds to the unbridged disjoin between them for the crisis to persist, and thus reopens the way to coercion.

مكانة اللغة العربية: تحديات التراجع وآفاق الارتقاء من منظور سياسي

This study addresses the issue of the declining status of the Arabic language from a political perspective, focusing on the role of political factors in this regression. These factors are examined on two levels: externally, the analysis explores the impact of foreign influence policies and the resulting cultural infiltration in the Arab world; internally, it investigates the political frameworks of Arab regimes that often lack serious political will for cultural and linguistic revitalization, alongside the fragility of the Arab regional system and the shortcomings of educational policies that have contributed to weak language usage. The study concludes that the decline in the status of the Arabic language is attributable to both internal and external political factors. Chief among these are the absence of genuine political will for cultural and linguistic advancement, the lack of cohesion and strength within the Arab regional system, the prevalence of unilateral agreements over integrative diplomacy in Arab relations, and the inadequacy of legislation and laws necessary to regulate language usage effectively.

AI Systems Modeling Enhancer (AI‐SME): Initial Investigations into a ChatGPT‐enabled MBSE Modeling Assistant

AbstractAs artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integral across industries, there is a growing opportunity to transform the generation of models for systems engineering. This research investigates the integration of OpenAI's GPT‐4 Turbo into CATIA Magic for Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), resulting in the creation of AI Systems Modeling Enhancer (AI‐SME). This study explores the comparison between models generated by AI, specifically OpenAI's GPT, and those crafted by human systems engineers. While recognizing challenges in AI‐generated models, this research underscores the potential of AI assistants to enhance the speed and accuracy of SysML model creation. Results demonstrate AI‐SME's successes in generating requirements, block definition diagrams, and internal block diagrams. Despite identified limitations such as redundancy and lack of cohesiveness in AI‐generated models, the study concludes that AI‐SME represents a notable advancement in AI‐assisted systems engineering.

Civil society’s development in Tunisia’s democratization process, 2011-2021

ABSTRACT In the years following the 2011 overthrow of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, the international democracy promotion community enthusiastically embraced Tunisia’s burgeoning civil society. Ten years later, however, when the democratically-elected president Kais Saied began to dismantle the country’s democratic institutions, civil society largely stood on the side-lines. This paper examines what happened during the intervening decade that left civil society’s international funders so disappointed. The paper finds that three key changes over time help explain the gap between donor expectations and what civil society ultimately delivered: the development of an antagonistic and uncooperative relationship between civil society and the state; differences between Tunisian civil society activists and international donors on the types of issues they prioritized and other matters; and an overall lack of trust and lack of cohesion among civil society activists in working towards common goals – despite some successful coalition work around particular legislation – which came on full display after July 2021. This paper contributes to studies of Tunisian civil society’s development process in the context of its transition experience between 2011 and 2021, and of how and why donors continue to ‘miss the mark’ in their efforts to support civil society as a means of promoting democracy.

Insights from elite soccer players: understanding the downward spiral and the complex dynamics of crises

This study focused on identifying the factors that lead to prolonged crises in soccer teams and how players view the development of these crises. A qualitative analysis of interviews with six current and three former professional soccer players revealed that the failure to meet team expectations is often the starting point of crises, which can impact both individual and team levels. The issues at the individual level include anxiety, pressure, lack of self-confidence, somatic manifestations, negative body language, loss of motivation, rumination, and self-focus. At the team level, conflicts arise, the team atmosphere deteriorates, which is reflected in impaired communication and lack of cohesion. During soccer matches, on-field behavior frequently evolves into a more defensive mindset and a desire to avoid mistakes and responsibility, resulting in lower team performance. Poor results usually ensue, perpetuating and even intensifying the crisis process which players refer to as a vicious circle, negative spiral, or vortex. Societal factors such as media landscape, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, club structures, or fans, and individual factors such as crisis experiences, players’ resilience, family cohesion, or support from friends affect the development of crises. The study’s insights illustrate the negative impacts of pressure on the team’s emotional state and social interaction, leading to a downward spiral, and thus, reinforcing the crisis process. The study concludes that crisis management training and support should focus on managing expectations, promoting positive affective states, and supporting healthy motivation among team members, and should expand coaches’ crisis competency training.

Hair steroid before and after COVID-19 in preschoolers: the moderation of family characteristics

BackgroundFrequent or prolonged exposure to stressors may jeopardize young children’s health. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with disruptions in daily routines and social isolation resulting from public health preventive measures, have raised concerns about its potential impact on children’ experienced stress, particularly for young children and vulnerable families. However, whether the pandemic was accompanied by changes in physiological stress remains unknown as perceived stress is not a good proxy of physiological stress. This study examined if preschoolers showed increasing hair steroid concentrations following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether family characteristics may have exacerbated or buffered these changes. Methods136 preschoolers (2–4 years) provided hair for steroid measurement (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisone, cortisol-to-DHEA ratio, cortisol-to-cortisone ratio) in October-November 2019 (T0) and in July-August 2020 (T1). A 2-centimeter hair segment was analyzed, reflecting steroid production over the two months leading up to collection. Family income, conflict resolution and lack of cohesion, as well as parents’ COVID-19 stress were reported by parents. Linear mixed models for repeated measures and Bayes factors were used. ResultsNo significant changes were noted from before to after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic for most hair steroids. However, a moderating role of family conflict resolution was noted. Children living with parents with a better ability to resolve conflicts had lower levels of DHEA compared to those who had more difficulty managing conflicts. Additionally, lower levels of family cohesion and income were linked to some steroids, especially DHEA, suggesting that these factors may relate to children’s physiological stress. Finally, boys had higher DHEA levels than girls. ConclusionOur findings suggest that stress biomarkers were comparable from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. This observation holds true despite the pandemic being perceived by many as a novel, unpredictable, and potentially threatening event. Findings further suggest that family characteristics are associated with hair steroid, especially DHEA, which deserves further investigation.

The future of Afghanistan under Taliban-led regime: challenges and likely scenarios

Since the takeover of the Afghan Taliban, there has been a lack of cohesion on the internal and external front and critical issues, including international recognition, the question of ethnicity, inclusive government, human rights, internal and external security, economy, and regional implication of the security and insecurity. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the likely challenges for the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Being the centre stage of the regional security complex and the diverse ethnic composition, Afghanistan remains an active ground for various fundamental ideologies. The Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) elements are freely roaming in Afghanistan, along with the news that the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISK) has regrouped itself in various parts of Afghanistan. The questions of terrorist groups are a major concern for the world and the neighbouring states of Afghanistan. Political legitimacy and international recognition are significant challenges for the Taliban regime. Similarly, economic problems and human rights violations are also critical challenges for the Taliban regime. Maintaining good relations with neighbouring states is crucial in ending the diplomatic isolation of the Taliban regime. All these are essential questions for the Taliban regime and the world, and this study has attempted to investigate and analyse possible solutions.

Dilemma in primary care facility development:a qualitative study based on grounded theory in Guilin city

BackgroundSince the new medical reform, remarkable progress was achieved in primary care facilities in the number of consultations and essential public health service program. However, the problems including low quality and high mobility of personnel, weakened capacity and low efficiency of service still remain. Therefore, it has become an urgent task to solve the dilemma in primary care facility development. ObjectiveTo analyze the development dilemma of primary care facilities and propose corresponding countermeasures. MethodsFrom April to May 2021 the managers of 16 primary care facilities in 6 counties and 2 districts in Guilin were selected using multi-stage sampling method and invited to attend semi-structured interviews, which main contents included resource allocation, service capacity building, health insurance policy implementation, and development dilemmas. Grounded theory method was applied to classify, summarize and refine the original interview data at each level by NVivo 11.0 software. ResultsA total of 38 initial concepts, 9 initial categories, 4 main categories, and 1 core category were extracted, and nodes of stagnation in four dimensions including "Constraints in Resource Allocation," "Deviation in Functional Positioning," "Obstacles in the approach of the joint reform of 3Ms(medical service system, medical security system and medicine system)," and "Lack of Cohesion in Hospital Group Construction" were obtained. ConclusionThe development of primary care facilities is constrained by a variety of factors, with resource allocation balance and compensation mechanism improvement as core issue, "approach of the joint reform of 3Ms" as an external condition, "adjustment of functional positioning"(adjustment of functional positioning of primary care facilities) as key link, and the construction of cohesion hospital group as important approach.

River Gem Mining, its Impacts and Mitigation: A Case from Kumbukkan Oya, Monaragala Divisional Secretariat Area

Gem mining is one of the oldest industries and a major source of income in Sri Lanka. Both traditional and recent mechanical gem mining methods are currently being practiced. However excessive, uncontrolled and illegal gem mining activities have caused many adverse impacts. This study was carried out to analyze the environmental impacts of river gem mining and to propose suitable remedial and mitigatiory measures, with more emphasis on existing legal framework. Study was conducted along a 15 km stretch of Kumbukkan Oya in Monaragala Divisional Secretariat area, where both legal and illegal gem mining activities are taking place at a high intensity. Data were collected by spatial surveys, field surveys and interviews with mine-owners, government officials and general public. All observed mining sites were within the 60m area on both sides of riverbanks. More than 80.00% of the localities from 36 observed sites were unlicensed mines. Natural vegetation had been removed and banks were collapsed due to uncontrolled mining, destructing riverine and aquatic ecosystems. Deep pits were observed in riverbeds at 12 locations. Removed trees and debris were accumulated at the middle of the river, causing flow direction changes. Washing out of damaged banks and disturbances to the riverbed had increased river turbidity and siltation. High number of unlicensed mines, negligence of miners for license conditions, poor monitoring by relevant authorities, lack of cohesion in gem mining policies and laws and the lack of awareness have triggered these issues. Immediate cancellation of condition-violated mining licenses and initiation of legal actions against illegitimate mining activities are important in preventing unregulated mining activities. Systematic rehabilitation of damaged riverine vegetation and riverbanks shall be conducted. Issuance of mining licenses in compliance with the National Environmental (Prohibition of the use of equipment for exploration, mining and extraction of sand and gem) Regulations No.01 of 2006 in Gazette Extraordinary No.1454/4 dated 17.07.2006, demarcation of the ―Reservation Limit‖ of the river mentioned in the said Gazette Notification and obtaining Environmental Recommendations from Central Environmental Authority prior to issuing the license are important to avoid conflicts between the provisions of National Environmental Act and National Gem and Jewellary Authority Act. Issuance of licenses only subject to an acceptable rehabilitation plan submitted by the mine owners, continuous monitoring by relevant authorities and raising awareness among all the stakeholders shall be implemented. More comprehensive studies can be carried out to find the ability of implementing modern environmentally friendly mining technologies. 
 Keywords: River gem mining, Impacts, Mitigation, Kumbukkan Oya

Geotechnical investigations of lead-silver ore processing residues at the Auzelles site, Auvergne (France)

<p>Mining operations generate a significant quantity of mining waste in the form of sterile rocks and processing residues. These mining wastes are typically placed on the surface and can cause geotechnical and geochemical disturbances, as well as contaminants in surface water (through runoff) and groundwater (through infiltration), thus posing environmental risks. This article aimed to characterize the geotechnical properties of lead-silver ore processing residues at the Auzelles site in order to assess their stability and propose recommendations for their management and rehabilitation. The adopted methodology included in situ tests (such as density measurement and permeability) and laboratory analyses (grain size distribution, moisture content, methylene blue test, direct shear test, and standard Proctor test). The results showed a wet density of 1.63 g/cm<sup>3</sup> for the residues compared with 1.65 g/cm<sup>3</sup> for the waste rock, as well as a permeability of the residues measured at 5.5 × 10<sup>-5</sup> m/s, indicating significant drainage capacity. Laboratory analyses revealed that the samples were primarily composed of very silty sands and gravel, classified as B5 according to the Guide to Road Settlements. The cohesion of the residues was found to be zero, while the internal friction angle varied between 28° for the residues and 30° for the foundation soils. These geomechanical properties, particularly density, lack of cohesion, and friction angle values, raise concerns about the long-term stability of the residues. Due to their high permeability and lack of cohesion, the residues are susceptible to mass movement and erosion, which may exacerbate contamination risks. Therefore, it is essential to integrate these parameters into any potential residue stability analysis. Proactive management, based on these results, requires the implementation of appropriate rehabilitation techniques, such as drainage optimization and incorporation of vegetation covers, to minimize environmental impacts and ensure the long-term sustainability of mining waste structures.</p>

A Sociological Analysis of the Role of Good Governance in Social Cohesion (Case Study: Citizens of Garmsar City)

At present, given that Iran is in a transitional period from a traditional society to a modern one, the issues arising from a lack of cohesion and the limited participation of various social groups in social and political arenas are becoming increasingly evident across different fields. Governance, by either disrupting or fostering social relations and interactions between individuals and society, can either promote or diminish civil life. The aim of the present study is a sociological analysis of the role of good governance in social cohesion. The research method of this dissertation is quantitative, utilizing a survey. The data collection tool was a questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of the citizens of Garmsar city. Using a cluster sampling method followed by quota sampling, 384 individuals were selected as the statistical sample. The data were analyzed based on descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS22 software and structural equation modeling software Lisrel. The data analysis indicates that there is a significant relationship between good governance and commitment, belonging, order, and belief. Additionally, using structural equation modeling, the factors of the right to voice (0.30), political stability (0.20), effectiveness (0.16), regulatory quality (0.20), rule of law (0.31), and control of corruption (0.31) altogether explain the relationship between good governance and social cohesion (0.65).

Strengthening the Capacity of Indonesian and Malaysian Student Institutions with a Project-Based Education Approach

Student institutions play an important role in the educational process and social life. In the era of rapid technological development, innovation is needed in every movement and activity of students to maintain their existence. One form of adaptation needed is openness to new methods to expand reach, as well as international collaboration. Student institutions in study programs, such as the Student Association (HIMA) of the Islamic Education Study Program (PAI) at the Faculty of Islamic Religion (FAI) of the University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) and the Islamic Education Lajnah (LPI) of Universiti Malaya (UM), have roles and tasks that have been arranged. Both of these institutions already have work programs and organizational activities, both in academic and non-academic aspects. However, based on initial observations, activists in these two institutions face several problems in carrying out management. Among others are the lack of cohesiveness between members and fluctuations in the mental well-being condition of student activists which have an impact on the performance of the institution. Given the importance of the role of student institutions, solutions in the form of counseling related to the welfare of student activists are certainly needed. This solution includes aspects of self-regulated learning, socio-emotional management, and mentoring in the implementation of project-based student activities on a global scale. This program aims to increase students' understanding of roles and responsibilities in education and society. The focus of this program is to strengthen emotion regulation and performance management based on the values of cooperation, care, and responsibility. It is hoped that this program can strengthen the character of students and increase their creativity in facing the challenges of the industrial revolution 4.0 and the era of society 5.0, while still upholding Islamic and educational values. Methods used to achieve this goal include: a) FGDs with partners; b) Dissemination of activities; c) Implementation of workshops to strengthen the capacity of student institutions; d) Assistance through the Website on emotional literacy ; and e) Monitoring and evaluation of activities. The result of this service activity is the implementation of several program collaborations, both face-to-face and hybrid. Among them: workshops related to organizational management and emotions for activist students, World Women's Day webinars in commemoration of International Women's Day, and International Seminars on graduate profiles of education study program students. In addition to the collaboration program between the student body of PAI UMY and LPI UM, in this service, a website on emotional literacy has also been released which is expected to be one of the media for the general public to improve emotional management and digital literacy skills, especially for both institutions.

Strengthening the Capacity of Indonesian and Malaysian Student Institutions with a Project-Based Education Approach

Abstract. Student institutions play an important role in the educational process and social life. In the era of rapid technological development, innovation is needed in every movement and activity of students to maintain their existence. One form of adaptation needed is the openness to new methods to expand reach, as well as international collaboration. Student institutions in study programs, such as the Student Association (HIMA) of the Islamic Religious Education Study Program (PAI) at the Faculty of Islamic Religion (FAI) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) and the Islamic Education Lajnah (LPI) of Universiti Malaya (UM), have roles and tasks that have been arranged. Both of these institutions already have work programs and organizational activities, both in academic and non-academic aspects. However, based on initial observations, activists in these two institutions face several problems in carrying out management. Among others is the lack of cohesiveness between members and fluctuations in the mental well-being condition of student activists which have an impact on the institution's performance. Given the importance of the role of student institutions, solutions in the form of counseling related to the welfare of student activists are certainly needed. This solution includes aspects of self-regulated learning, socio-emotional management, and mentoring in the implementation of project-based student activities on a global scale. This program aims to increase students' understanding of roles and responsibilities in education and society. The focus of this program is to strengthen emotion regulation and performance management based on the values of cooperation, care, and responsibility. It is hoped that this program can strengthen the character of students and increase their creativity in facing the challenges of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the era of Society 5.0, while still upholding Islamic and educational values. The methods used to achieve this goal include a) FGDs with partners; b) Promotion of activities; c) Implementation of workshops to strengthen the capacity of student institutions; d) Assistance through the Emotional Literacy website; and e) Monitoring and evaluation of activities. The result of this service activity is the implementation of several program collaborations, both face-to-face and hybrid. Among them are workshops related to organizational management and emotions for activist students, World Women's Day webinars in the commemoration of International Women's Day, and International Seminars on graduate profiles of Education Study Program students. In addition to the collaboration program between the student body of PAI UMY and LPI UM, in this service, an emotional literacy website has also been released which is expected to be one of the media for the general public to improve emotional management and digital literacy skills, especially for both institutions.

Heterogeneous Diazotroph Communities in the Subtropical‐Subantarctic Transition and Aphotic Zones Off the Coast of Patagonia, Eastern South Pacific Ocean

AbstractSubtropical‐subpolar transition water is a potential domain for N2 fixation, but the understanding of N2 fixation in such waters remains incomplete. We simultaneously examined the N2 fixation activity and community structures of diazotrophs and all prokaryotes from the surface to just above the seafloor off Patagonia in the transitional region of the eastern South Pacific Ocean. N2 fixation activity was not detected in the surface waters, but was observed sporadically and only in subpolar bathypelagic waters (>1,000 m) at very low rates (0.02–0.06 nmol N L−1 d−1). By contrast, the nifH gene, a key gene involved in N2 fixation, was detected widely from the surface to the bottom waters. The majority of diazotrophs were classified as non‐cyanobacterial diazotrophs (NCDs), and the nifH amino acid sequences of major diazotrophs were similar to sequences detected in the Southern Ocean, the aphotic zone and sediment of other oceans, and estuarine waters, suggesting that the NCDs are distributed across diverse marine environments. The overall prokaryotic communities were generally similar to those in other open ocean regions at the phylum level (class level for Proteobacteria) and differed among water depths. Diazotrophs, in contrast, showed vertical and horizontal heterogeneity below the euphotic zone and little association with water depth, indicating a lack of cohesion within the community, which may characterize diazotroph community in the transitional surface water and aphotic zones. Elucidating this community heterogeneity may provide pivotal information about N2 fixation in these waters.

Solidarity and the protection of migrants under European Union law

The management of migration flows in the European Union (EU) faces significant challenges due to the substantial increase in migrants and refugees. The lack of cohesion and modernization in the common migration policy weakens the protection of their rights. In this context, solidarity plays a vital role in addressing legal demands, particularly in EU Law, where it serves as a fundamental principle. This study aims to analyze the legal concept of solidarity within EU Law, with a specific focus on the protection of migrant rights. Adopting a theoretical approach, the research utilizes documental and bibliographical analysis. The study is divided into two parts. The first part examines solidarity in the context of international law and EU law, considering its challenges and significance in state-to-state relations. The second part explores solidarity as a fundamental principle for safeguarding the rights of migrants in the EU. It investigates the role and operationalization of solidarity within specific legal frameworks. The findings reveal that the unique social, political, and economic circumstances of each state or group of states present significant obstacles to the effective implementation of solidarity and the protection of migrant rights. The future of common migration policies in the EU remains uncertain. Therefore, it is crucial to harmonize regulatory instruments, enhance migration management, and address the socio-political and economic challenges to ensure adequate protection for migrant rights. This study emphasizes the need for a more cohesive and comprehensive approach to managing migration flows within the EU, aiming to guarantee the fundamental rights of migrants and refugees. Overcoming existing obstacles and promoting the effective implementation of solidarity are essential in improving migration policies and strengthening mechanisms for the protection of human rights.

Perceptions of Saudi EFL Teachers on the Adequacy of Textbooks

This study evaluated elementary school EFL textbooks (We Can Series) from the perspectives of male and female teachers in Saudi Arabia. A quantitative approach was used, with data collected through a questionnaire. The questionnaire, adopted from Alharbi (2017), consisted of 49 items arranged into five textbook evaluation criteria: layout and design, textbook objectives, language methods and activities, language skills, and general evaluation. The questionnaire was administered online using Google Forms to 51 primary school teachers. The results of the study revealed that the primary-stage textbooks are efficient in terms of layout and design. The objectives are stated and highlighted in each section, all language skills are included, there are an appropriate number of activities and exercises, and there are instructions beside each part of the content. However, the study also found that the book's objectives, exercises, skills, and teaching methods are inappropriate for learners' needs at these levels; the number of lessons allocated each week is insufficient for the book's content; there is no logical progression between topics; and supplemental materials such as test models are not available. Additionally, there was a lack of cohesion and sequencing between textbooks in the "We Can Series." In light of these results, the researcher suggested some recommendations for addressing the drawbacks of the EFL primary school textbooks. These recommendations include: revising the objectives and exercises to better align with learners' needs; increasing the number of lessons allocated each week; providing a logical progression between topics; and developing supplemental materials such as test models. The study concludes that the We Can Series has the potential to be an effective EFL textbook series, but that some revisions are necessary to address the identified drawbacks. The recommendations made by the researcher should be considered by the publishers of the We Can Series in order to improve the textbooks and make them more suitable for use in Saudi Arabian elementary schools.

Landscape ecology and urban spatial configuration: Exploring a methodological relationship. Application in Pelotas, Brazil

Urbanization has been expanding rapidly in Brazil, negatively impacting the natural environment. Achieving sustainable development requires understanding the interdependencies between the social and natural worlds and finding a balance between them. Resilient urban planning considering green infrastructure can generate socio-environmental benefits through ecological connections. To achieve this, an integrated study between the social and environmental spheres is required, which are often developed separately. Thus, this investigation aims to develop a socio-environmental analysis by adopting urban configuration and landscape ecology models and subsequently comparing their respective outcomes. To this end, two models of spatial networks were examined in a sector of Pelotas, Brazil, based on graph theory and centrality measures. The urban configuration model was used to analyze human mobility in urban networks, while the landscape ecology model was used to study the butterfly species Heliconius erato phyllis in ecological networks. Our findings show no significant correlation between the outcomes generated by the two models, indicating a lack of cohesion in the location and connection of green infrastructure in the study area. This methodology represents a valuable tool for urban planners and researchers seeking to gain new insights into the performance of urban green areas while considering both human and species-related factors.

Young Children’s Science Learning from Narrative Books: The Role of Text Cohesion and Caregivers’ Extratextual Talk

ABSTRACT One way to support young children’s factual learning is through shared book reading (reading books with a knowledgeable other). Many books that teach factual content are narrative in structure, in which factual content is embedded within a fictional storyline. However, there are gaps in our understanding of factors influencing children’s factual learning from narrative books. In this experiment, 38 caregivers and their 4- to 5-year-old children from the Southeastern United States participated. Each caregiver read to their child two narrative books on science concepts. The books varied in their levels of cohesion (e.g. drawing connections between textual elements and providing details and comparisons). We coded caregivers’ extratextual talk while reading for the extent to which it emphasized science information (informational highlighted talk) or went beyond the text to provide further related information (informational elaborative talk). Children’s recall of the books’ science and story content was tested in free and probed recall formats. We found that children had higher recall of the story content, even though caregivers emphasized the science content through their highlighted extratextual talk. Caregivers used more elaborative extratextual talk with the low cohesion book, perhaps as compensation for the book’s lack of cohesion. However, children’s recall of the science content was most strongly predicted by the books’ cohesion and caregivers’ highlighted extratextual talk. These results emphasize the important role that books’ textual features and caregivers’ extratextual talk during book reading have on young children’s factual learning from narrative books.