bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF THE ATTITUDES OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA RESIDENTS TOWARDS THE PENSION SYSTEM AND PRIVATE PENSION INSURANCE
Authors: Grujić Miloš , Vretenar Cobović Maja
Published: August 2024

This study aims to analyze the opinions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) citizens regarding mandatory pension insurance and the possibility of incorporating private insurance in future reforms. The research involves evaluating the satisfaction of BiH residents with the current pension system, understanding their perception of the pension fund’s risks, and identifying their attitudes towards possible pension system reforms, including the potential involvement of private insurance. The study also seeks to highlight any differences in attitudes towards socio-demographic characteristics, such as gender, employment, length of service, professional qualification, and monthly income. A survey of 812 BiH adults (representative but potentially not fully capturing the entire population) explored these aspects. While acknowledging limitations, the study reveals significant differences in attitudes based on demographics. For example, men are more optimistic about future pensions, while employed individuals are more inclined towards reform. The findings suggest general public support for pension system reform and openness to private insurance. However, the study highlights the need to consider these varying attitudes across different population groups when designing future reforms. This research provides the first quantitative data on BiH residents’ views on private insurance reform, contributing to public discourse and informing future policy changes.
MODELING OF BREAKING POINT ELEMENTS IN THE PROGRAMMING FUNCTION OF OPTIMAL BUSINESS STRATEGY EXAMPLE OF ERGEL “VUČIJAK” PRNJAVOR
Authors: Landika Mirjana , Uremović Nina
Published: August 2024

The company, as a system, was founded with the objective of transforming input sizes into changed output sizes, where the primary task of output sizes is precisely to meet the appropriate, market-expressed needs, desires, preferences, and expectations of consumers with their unique characteristics. Throughout their existence, business systems must balance the ratio of inputs and outputs in the reproduction process through integrated management efforts, aiming to achieve economy, productivity, and profitability. This balance is essential to ensure that the basic principles are an integral part of their business. Each company has a specific concept regarding its way of working, organization, scope, and structure of activities. However, all business systems express and measure the quality of their business by comparing the ratio of business results and investments in their realization and reproduction. The problem facing many business systems lies in overloading, often economically unjustified, business costs, which prevents adequate market positioning. One crucial factor affecting a company’s competitive advantage is the price of its finished products. The final price of a product is controlled by the company, depending on its desired profit margin, and can be influenced by reducing the price of the finished product at the expense of potential profit. Another way for a company to influence the price of its finished product is through effective cost management. Competitive advantage requires an optimal balance between results and investments in the business system, achieved by maximizing output value through revenues and/or minimizing input value through costs. Every company aims to produce a unit of product at the lowest possible cost or at least not more expensive than the competition. Therefore, company management is expected and required to carefully monitor cost behavior and incorporate this knowledge into its business decisions. Lack of knowledge about cost behavior can lead to serious problems for a company. Understanding cost behavior and flow can enable company management to create a successful business that not only maintains its existing state but also develops and grows. The goals of this paper are to highlight the importance of managing business costs, provide an analytical framework for their rationalization, and include the obtained results in determining the optimal volume of business activity for manufacturing companies on a concrete example. This work is based on scientific knowledge about costs and aims to demonstrate models of different business alternatives and include information about costs in the decision-making process.
FREE ECONOMIC ZONES IN FUNCTION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND STRENGTHENING COMPETITIVENESS OF BUSINESS COMPANIES
Authors: Đurić Željko , Višković Radovan
Published: August 2024

Free economic zones represent a simple but strategic link between the economies of countries in transition and technologically and technically equipped companies interested in strategic investing and investments. Following global trends, empirical experiences and noting the interdependence of the potential of raw materials as the basis and the resource on the global market, it is necessary to prove the hypothesis of “interconnection between techno-technological production plants and business progress within free economic zones with the aim of strengthening supply chains”. In the paper, we have put forward another hypothesis: “business in free economic zones brings greater results and measurable parameters compared to business activities in business zones of local communities”. In order to understand the set hypotheses, our work included extensive research and experience, where we used inductive and deductive methods, methods of analysis and synthesis, methods of abstraction and concretization, methods of generalization and specialization, methods of classification, methods of description, methods of compilation, as well as the comparative method. Experiences, economic indicators of business activities in free economic zones were the source for data processing, with the aim of comparative analysis of parameters and indicators of business results that were key in the management’s decision making to move companies’ production capacities, transfer technology, training and educate the staff necessary for work in free economic zones. In the conclusion, we clearly link global, regional and local trends and experiences with recommendations to define the basic development directions in a consistent and integral way through a multidimensional approach and presentation of the platform for creation of strategic documents as necessary and sufficient assumptions for the launch of free economic zones and thier realization in the coming years. In this Paper, we have proven that by developing free economic zones, in relation to business zones of local communities, we establish new strategic partnerships with international companies, investors with clearly created value chains within strategic, tactical level of connection and introduction of new technologies beside adding new values in production capacity of free economic zones.
MANAGERIAL AND INDIVIDUAL IMPACT OF APPRAISAL ON EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Šašić Đevad , Tanović Merima
Published: August 2024

Establishing an evaluation system can be considered a key step towards the institutional development of the civil service. The valorization of employees work is equally important in the public sector as in the real sector. The first rules on evaluation that were adopted by agencies for the civil service/administration in Bosnia and Herzegovina were based on the traditional European assessment model, which is based on a larger number of standardized evaluation criteria. The application of this model showed its weaknesses in practice due to the difficulty of objectively determining the performance evaluation, so a few years later, all levels of state structures in BiH began the transition to modern evaluation models that are based on work goals as the main criterion for performance appraisal. In this research paper, in the context of human resource management in public administration, the measurement of employee performance will be described with procedural, substantive problems and errors that lead to serious and long-term consequences for organizational development, general management culture and individual performance of employees on the basis of examination of units local governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This paper also includes an analysis of the results of the research conducted in 12 (twelve) local self-government units in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through a presentation of the typical impact of evaluation on the work results, commitment and employee performance in the public sector.
Bioactive compounds as plant-based functional foods for human health: current scenario and future challenges
Authors: Negi Rajeshwari , Negi Rajeshwari , Jan Tawseefa , Kaur Tanvir , Khan Sofia Sharief , Yadav Neelam , Rai Ashutosh Kumar , Rustagi Sarvesh , Shreaz Sheikh , Kour Divjot , Ahmed Naseer , Negi Puneet , Chowdhury Sohini , Kapoor Monit , Singh Sangram , Yadav Ajar Nath , Sharma Babita
Published: August 2024

In the past few years, people have been more conscious of a healthy diet to sustain their health. The plant’s bioactive compounds play a vital role by exhibiting functional activity and preventing many diseases. Bioactive compounds are extra nutritive constituents that typically occur in small quantities in foods and provide beneficial health properties. Thus, functional characteristics that are directly linked to the health advantages of different medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, cereals, condiments, and spices have been the focus of significant study in the past few years. This scientific investigation was sparked by numerous epidemiologic studies that showed the preventive effects associated with the presence of secondary metabolites, namely polyphenols, glucosinolates, carotenoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, vitamins, and fibers, among others, derived from their antioxidant, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antithrombotic, cardioprotective, and vasodilator properties. However, their use is often limited, and only a few products are available for commercial use. In this perspective, plant derived bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity could be used as environmentally friendly food conservatives. The use of bioactive compounds in different commercial sectors, such as pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, signifies the need for the most appropriate and standard method to extract these active components from plant materials. Along with conventional methods, numerous new methods have been established, but till now, no single method is regarded as the standard for extracting bioactive compounds from plants. The use of novel and combined novel technologies increases extractability, resulting in yields with higher extraction rates. It also yields lower impurities in the final extract, preserves thermosensitive compounds, uses different inorganic solvents, and consumes low energy. The present review deals with the properties, source, extraction methods, encapsulation, and uses of bioactive compounds from plants as a fresh supply of functional food components and food preservatives.
Poronhoidon nykytila ja haasteet Norjassa,Ruotissa ja Suomessa
Authors: Åhman Birgitta , Hannu Ulrika , Holand Øystein
Published: August 2024

This report is based on the book "Reindeer Husbandry and Global Environmental Change - pastoralism in Fennoscandia". The book, which was published in 2022, brings together previous and new research compiled within a Nordic collaboration project, ReiGN (Reindeer husbandry in a Globalizing North), funded by NordForsk during the years 2016 – 2021. Grants from NordForsk also funded this report.
The report, published in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and North Sámi, summarizes some of the main results from the book. In nine chapters it describes how reindeer herding is affected by climate change, the continuous loss of reindeer grazing land and other external factors that together represent large challenges for reindeer, reindeer herders and the reindeer herding community as a whole. The report contains perspectives from many different research areas. Each chapter in the report has one or more references and links to chapters in the above mentioned book, which is freely available online (https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003118565).
The chapters in the report cover a range of different topics, like present and historical reindeer herding (Chapter 1), the genetic background of the semi-domesticated reindeer (Chapter 2), how reindeer ranges are used and how they are affected by climate change and expanding industrial development (Chapter 3), possibilities for adaptation to a warmer climate (Chapter 4), impact of large predators (Chapter 5), external and internal governance (Chapter 6), reindeer herding as subsistence (Chapter 7), the role of supplementary feeding (Chapter 8), and reindeer health and diseases in a climate perspective (Chapter 9). The report ends with some reflections over the present situation and future perspectives for reindeer herding.
The report is aimed at herders and managers, as well as other land users, authorities and policymakers who deal with natural resource management, climate and environmental issues or other matters related to reindeer herding and the use of land and water within the reindeer herding area.
Rangifer Report No 22 is the Finnish version of the report. Reports in Swedish, Norwegian and North Sámi have already been published as Rangifer Report No 16, No 17, and No 21, respectively.
A systematic review on the morphology structure, propagation characteristics, resistance physiology and exploitation and utilization of Nitraria tangutorum Bobrov.
Authors: Li Xiaolan , Liu Hanghang , Li Chaoqun , Li Yi
Published: August 2024

Nitraria tangutorum Bobrov., belonging to the family Nitrariaceae, is a drought-tolerant and salt-loving plant and has drawn attention for its good economic and ecological value. As one of the main group species and dominant species in China’s desert and semi-desert regions, N. tangutorum possesses superior tolerance to drought, high temperature, cold, barren, high salinity and alkalinity and wind and sand. Its root system is well developed, with many branches and a strong germination capacity. Once buried in sandy soil, N. tangutorum can quickly produce a large number of adventitious roots, forming new plants and continuously expanding the shrubs, forming fixed and semi-fixed shrub sand dunes. Sand dune shrubs can trap and fix a large amounts of quicksand, prevent desert expansion and erosion, and play an important role in maintaining regional ecosystem balance and improving ecological environmental quality. In addition, the phytochemical screening studies report that N. tangutorum contains an abundance of various compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids and polysaccharides. These compounds confer a range of beneficial bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-fatigue, liver protection, neuroprotection, cardiovascular protection, lowering blood lipid, regulating blood sugar level and immunoregulation. The fruits of N. tangutorum also contain vitamin C, amino acids, minerals and microelements. It has been traditionally used as a nutritional food source and in folk medicine to treat diseases of the spleen and stomach, abnormal menstruation, indigestion, and hyperlipidemia. N. tangutorum, as a wild plant with medicinal and edible homology, possesses remarkable economic and medicinal values. This detailed, comprehensive review gathers and presents all the information related to the morphological structure, propagation characteristics, resistance physiology and exploitation and utilization of N. tangutorum, providing a theoretical basis for the researchers to conduct future in-depth research on N. tangutorum.
Does how individuals handle social situations exacerbate the relationship between physique anxiety and food addiction? The role of emotional expressive suppression and social avoidance and distress
Authors: Li Yan , Fan Yuxia , Lin Jing , Shi Shaobo
Published: August 2024

Background

Research on food addiction has increased significantly in recent years. It has been demonstrated that food addiction can lead to impairments in physiological, psychological, and social functioning in individuals. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the influence of how individuals handle social situations on food addiction and the specific mechanisms involved.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,151 university students, with a mean age of 21.44 (SD = 4.77) years. The sample comprised 74.46% female and 25.54% male students. Participants completed the Chinese version of the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, the Social Physique Anxiety Scale, the Expressive Suppression Scale, and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and the Process (Version 3.4) plug-in.

Result

The results of the study supported our hypothesis that the association between social physique anxiety and food addiction symptoms could be partially explained by expressive suppression and social avoidance and distress. This association remained significant even after adjusting for covariates such as gender, number of cigarettes smoked per day, bedtime, education, and BMI. Specifically, more severe social physique anxiety was found to be associated with frequent use of expressive suppression and social avoidance and distress, which in turn was associated with more severe food addiction symptoms.

Conclusion

This study explored the role of expression suppression and social avoidance and distress in the relationship between social physique anxiety and food addiction symptoms. The findings provide a theoretical basis for developing interventions for food addiction in college students. These interventions could include helping students develop a healthy perception of body image, encouraging emotional expression, and promoting active social participation to reduce food addiction symptoms.
Adecuaciones curriculares: ¿un puente hacia la educación inclusiva?
Authors:   , Quispe Landa Karen Danytza
Published: August 2024

Las adecuaciones curriculares son modificaciones al currículo que atiende a la diversidad de los estudiantes. Para la educación inclusiva, desarrollar adecuaciones curriculares son esenciales permitiendo a los estudiantes acceder al currículo. Sin embargo, cuando estas no son desarrolladas de manera pertinente, pueden generar atraso en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Este estudio analizó los factores que favorecen y dificultan las Adecuaciones Curriculares en docentes de segundo básico. Entre los factores que favorecen se encuentran un enfoque inclusivo, la formación docente en educación inclusiva, el trabajo colaborativo y la planificación con la profesora diferencial. En cuanto a los factores que dificultan, se destacan el tiempo limitado, la falta de acompañamiento y retroalimentación, así como la carga burocrática. Las docentes reciben capacitaciones en temas de inclusión y desarrollan un trabajo colaborativo que permite tomar decisiones curriculares. Sin embargo, estas decisiones no pasan por un proceso formal, ya que se toman acuerdos en espacios poco apropiados para reflexionar de manera pertinente sobre los ajustes necesarios. Además, del poco acompañamiento por parte del equipo técnico pedagógico. Por ello, se ofrece una propuesta de mejora que fomente la reflexión en la toma de decisiones para el desarrollo de las adecuaciones curriculares y que fortalezca el acompañamiento por parte del equipo técnico pedagógico. Foto Ficha
Progresiones de aprendizaje: contribuciones a la evaluación de habilidades de innovación y emprendimiento en ingeniería
Authors:   , Román Cortés Aníbal Ignacio
Published: August 2024

El objetivo principal de este informe es describir el proceso de diseño de constructos evaluativos para medir las habilidades de innovación y emprendimiento en ingeniería. La integración de estas habilidades en la educación en ingeniería es crucial en la formación de estudiantes para los desafíos de un mercado laboral global e interconectado. Sin embargo, la falta de métodos de evaluación para estas habilidades en la educación superior representa un problema significativo. El estudio estuvo centrado en la valoración y construcción colectiva de significados para generar consenso entre profesores, autoridades y profesionales en una Facultad de Ingeniería de una universidad pública en Chile. Se utilizaron técnicas de análisis cualitativo y un enfoque de diseño de evaluaciones centrado en la evidencia. Se identificaron diferentes niveles de valoración entre las distintas habilidades de innovación y emprendimiento definidas por la Facultad con base en la visión de los informantes clave. Se crearon progresiones de aprendizaje e indicadores de evaluación para facilitar la creación de tareas e ítems para mediciones a gran escala. También se desarrollaron definiciones operacionales para una habilidad clave en innovación y emprendimiento, en colaboración con actores educativos. Este mapeo permitió una mejor comprensión de la relevancia evaluativa de las habilidades desde la perspectiva de profesores, autoridades y profesionales. Se recomienda proyectar estudios adicionales para refinar y expandir el uso de las progresiones de aprendizaje para la evaluación en diferentes niveles curriculares.
Evaluación Formativa y Compartida: Hacia la motivación y participación de los y las estudiantes en la asignatura de Historia.
Authors:   , Cid Flores Wendolyne
Published: August 2024

El presente trabajo adopta una perspectiva metodológica cualitativa a través del diseño de investigación acción desde un paradigma crítico y emancipador, puesto que busca implementar un modelo de Evaluación Formativa y Compartida en la asignatura de Historia en el nivel de 2° medio en un establecimiento particular subvencionado, con la finalidad de fomentar la participación y motivación de los estudiantes. Este proceso se llevó a cabo en un curso de 2° medio que presentaba una baja participación y motivación en clases, es por ello, que se desarrolló en una unidad de la asignatura el ciclo de EFyC en seis etapas: diagnóstico sobre percepciones, construcción en conjunto de la evaluación, democratización y acuerdos, aplicación de la evaluación, retroalimentación y reflexión del proceso. Los datos se recopilaron a través grabaciones de clases, bitácora de la docente e instrumentos de evaluación, tales como, rúbricas, guías de trabajo, entre otras. Luego, de la implementación se puede concluir que la EFyC propicia la participación y motivación en gran parte de los estudiantes del curso. Además, se destaca la elección de la evaluación, el trabajo en equipo y la innovación como elementos que promueven a un estudiante protagonista de su aprendizaje.
Quality and digitization in the SMES of the sector commercial: impact and strategies
Authors: Claro Genny Torcoroma Navarro , Ascanio José Gregorio Arévalo , Quintero Wilder Quintero
Published: August 2024

This study examines the influence of digitalization on the perception of quality in SMEs in the commercial sector, highlighting its relevance in improving products and services through effective digital strategies. The objective of this article is to analyze how digitalization impacts the quality perceived by customers. An explanatory methodology with a quantitative approach was used, employing a questionnaire applied to a sample of 359 SMEs in the commercial sector. Aspects such as the implementation of digital strategies, technological integration, and quality processes were evaluated. The results revealed a positive correlation between the adoption of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and the perception of high quality. Additionally, most companies reported improvements in operational efficiency and service quality, underscoring the importance of training in digital technologies. However, challenges were identified, such as a lack of digital skills and high implementation costs. This analysis suggests that effective technological integration is crucial to improving customer satisfaction and market competitiveness.
Development of an intelligent system for tracking RFID tags applied to Industry 4.0
Authors: Serrão Alacy da Conceição da Silva , Leite Jandecy Cabral , Silva Ítalo Rodrigo Soares , Ribeiro Paulo Francisco da Silva , Nascimento Filho Alarico Gonçalves do , Mendonça Pedro Henrique Barros
Published: August 2024

The market for traceability systems for software projects is expanding rapidly, driven by the growing demand for efficient monitoring and control solutions. Companies from various sectors are looking to these systems to guarantee transparency and security in their operations. Technological innovations and advanced integrations are shaping this market, making it highly competitive. In view of this market vision, this research aims to develop a software project to meet the requirements of inventory processes and logistics 4.0, applied to the business rules of a company in the Manaus industrial estate in the adhesive tape business. The research focuses on software computing and its development methodologies. To achieve this, it was necessary to specify and catalogue the technical requirements (functional and non-functional) of software development and traceability processes. This made it possible to model and prototype the system that precedes data acquisition. In addition, Design Patterns were applied to the programming stacks to facilitate the integration of the computer models. These models are responsible for acting as Business Intelligence (BI) for agents external to the system, generating stock indicators and business rules. Development included carrying out and reporting on test scenarios with computer simulation, focusing on the needs and requirements of quality and synchronisation. This process ensured that the system was able to monitor the behaviour of devices, data, functionalities, response delivery, bottlenecks, unforeseen technical impediments, server performance, service performance (API), interface performance (frontend) and dashboard projections. Extreme Programming (XP) and Kanban methodologies were used to achieve these objectives. Trello was used to control activities. The application of these methodologies, together with modern programming stacks, resulted in a robust and satisfactory system. Computational optimisation techniques, antenna triangulation and functional and stress tests of the RFID equipment were implemented for future improvements. In summary, the research has developed an efficient and effective traceability system, adapted to the specific needs of the adhesive tape sector in the Manaus industrial estate. The use of agile methodologies and modern tools ensured a high-quality end product, ready to meet the demands of inventory monitoring and control and logistics 4.0. The technological innovations incorporated and the robustness of the system position the company competitively in the market, providing transparency, security and operational efficiency.
Analysis of Comfort Properties of Mulberry Silk and Viscose Blended Knitted Fabrics for Suitability in Temperate Regions
Authors: Bajaj Shikha , Bains Sandeep
Published: August 2024

This study reports on the impact of textile properties of knitted fabrics blended with three unlike proportions of mulberry silk and viscose fibre, on desired comfort for temperate regions. An experiment was conducted with knitted textiles, with uneven counts, each of which was mixed with either 60% mulberry silk and 40% viscose, 50% mulberry silk and 50% viscose, or 40% mulberry silk and 60% viscose. As part of the objective evaluation, we evaluated the fabrics on different comfort variables. To achieve the experimental design, thermal conductivity, air permeability, bursting strength and water repellency were taken into account. It has been exercised to bring about a knitted fabric with desired properties in temperate climates. Results suggest that knitted fabrics blended in 60% mulberry silk: 40% viscose in both yarn counts 15 and 20 Nm, were found most suitable for apparel use in temperate regions.These fabrics were holding a good mix of warmth and coolness by having thermal conductivity of 1.140 and 1.145 Clo, air permeability of 439.2 and 435.7 CFM and water repellency of grades 3 for both fabrics. A worthy influence of constructional properties was observed on comfort characteristics. A feeble negative correlation of thermal conductivity with air permeability and water perm was noticed.
Dynamics of Foreign Exchange Rates and Bitcoin Trading Prices
Authors: Umoru David , Igbinovia Beauty , Shaibu Isah Aisha , Obomeghie Muhammed Adamu
Published: August 2024

The study examined the volatility of Bitcoin prices and volatility of exchange rates of oil-producing countries. The study used ARIMA, GARCH estimators for analysis. The study found ARCH effects in the data (heterskedasticity test; p<.05). The GARCH results laid credence to a confirmation of adjustments in the Bitcoin market having significant volatility influence on local currencies. Persistent volatility and volatility clustering found in some of the sampled countries denote increased risk and uncertainty in foreign exchange markets that stimulates increased borrowing costs and reduced liquidity.  The actual and forecast values based on the ARIMA method match with an Out-of-Sample period plotted for forecast (27/12/2022 to 27/12/2024) except for Nigeria. The ARIMA models for UAE and Kuwait stand out with excellent fit and prediction accuracy. The poor ARIMA model for Nigeria was ascribed to the hyper-inflation in the economy and extremely volatile money market. In line with the efficient market hypothesis, significant interactions are pegged on available information being already reflected in the current value of the currencies. In effect, past currency rates and Bitcoin trading prices are useful predictors of future prices having factored in the relevant information that could influence currency's value. In addition, future values of local currencies can be forecasted from past values at a significant level of accuracy. Countries should ensure adequate regulation of the foreign exchange markets so as to curtail the wave of volatility risks on returns associated with Bitcoin trading and exchange rates.
Use of Virtual Reality Learning Media in the Animal Developmental Structure Course - Lecturer and Student Responses
Authors: Ahmad Zulkifli , Gani Hamsu Abd. , Haling Abdul
Published: August 2024

This research aims to reveal the perspectives of lecturers and students regarding the use of virtual reality (VR) learning media in animal development structure courses in the biology education study program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Khairun University. Responses were collected using a questionnaire with a Likert scale and analyzed using percentages. The data collected includes notes regarding media appearance, instructional design, difficulty of use, clarity of material, and visual and interactive effectiveness, which are analyzed in depth. The research results show that lecturers and students have the same understanding and thoughts regarding learning media virtual reality (VR) which is used in the learning process of animal development structures, means that it is easy to use and useful in the learning process. The results of lecturers' and students' assessments of VR media design were categorized as very valid, with an average of 91% and 92%. The implications of this research can contribute to the application of VR learning media in various scientific disciplines and other study programs to improve the quality of learning. The study's implications suggest that VR learning media can significantly enhance student learning outcomes and engagement in biology education, particularly in courses like animal development structures. The findings support the use of VR media in various scientific disciplines to improve the quality of learning. The research contributes to the development of more effective and innovative learning methods, especially in the field of biology and science education.
An Investigation of the Impact of Fermentation Conditions and Total Acid Contents on the Kombucha Tea
Authors: Dusgun Cihan
Published: August 2024

Kombucha is a beverage that undergoes fermentation. The intake of it has markedly risen in recent decades owing to its purported advantageous benefits. Consequently, it has evolved into a heavily marketed beverage that is mass-produced. Kombucha is characterised by rich chemical content and healthy properties. It includes organic acids, minerals and vitamins originating mainly from tea, amino acids, and biologically active compounds—polyphenols in particular. Acidity, which is determined by pH, plays a crucial role in the process of fermentation. The objective of this research was to ascertain the variations in pH levels during fermentation at various temperatures and to find the optimal temperature for ensuring safe consumption. In order to achieve this objective, kombucha samples were fermented using green tea at temperatures of 20, 24, 28, and 32°C for a duration of 16 days. pH measurements were taken at a frequency of every 4 days. It was concluded that the pH range between 24 and 28°C was the most favorable for optimal fermentation and consumption.
The Potential of Indigenous Technological Knowledge for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Authors: Barman Bikram , Ghosh Bhaskar , Ranjan Amandeep , Quader Sk Wasaful
Published: August 2024

India's diverse agricultural landscape has been shaped by centuries of indigenous knowledge, which offers valuable insights and practices for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) is a vast repository of traditional practices developed by local communities over generations, including a variety of techniques for sustainable agriculture and resource management. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of various ITK practices used throughout India, emphasising their importance in soil fertility and health, water management, climate adaptation, and animal health management. This study highlights the importance of ITK in promoting ecological sustainability and resilience in agricultural systems by documenting practices such as green manuring, vermicomposting, traditional irrigation systems like Khadin and Zing, climate-adapted crop varieties cultivation, and ethnoveterinary remedies. The preservation and integration of these traditional knowledge systems into modern agricultural practices can enhance resource utilization efficiency, support biodiversity conservation, and contribute to the overall well-being of rural communities.
Effects of Yield Contributing Characters on Seed Yield in Black Gram [Vigna mungo L. Hepper]
Authors: Bharti Deeksha , Lal G. M.
Published: August 2024

The present study was designed in order to evaluate the genetic variability parameters, correlation coefficients and path analysis in black gram genotypes for eastern zone of Uttar Pradesh, India. Twenty-one genotypes of black gram were evaluated for the study. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Kharif season 2023 at the Field Experimentation Centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj, U.P. the plant to plant distance was 10 cm and row to row distance was 30 cm. the data were recorded from randomly selected five plants for each genotype for each replication for thirteen characters viz. days to 50% flowering, days to 50% pod setting, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, seed index (g), biological yield (g), harvest index and seed yield per plant (g). From the present investigation it is concluded that analysis of variance showed significant variation among different genotypes for all characters studied. The number of pods per plant, number of clusters per pod, number of primary branches per plant, seed yield per plant, biological yield, harvest index and plant height exhibited high estimates of GCV and PCV. Genetic parameters also revealed that high heritability (broad sense) was observed for harvest index, biological yield, seed yield per plant, seed index, number of pods per plant, days to maturity, days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, plant height, days to 50% pod setting, number of seeds per pod. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that seed yield per plant exhibited significant and positive association with days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, seed index and biological yield at phenotypic level. Path coefficient analysis revealed that characters like biological yield, harvest index, seed index, number of seeds per pod, pod length, number of clusters per plant, days to 50% pod setting and days to 50% flowering showed the maximum positive direct effects on seed yield at the phenotypic level. This indicated that seed yield was mainly a product of direct and indirect impact of the above attributing characters and priority should be given to these characters during selection for improvement in black gram.
A Machine Learning Approach for Study of Emission Standards on Used Car Prices in India
Authors: Mandhar Kartikeya
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the influence of emission standards on second-hand car prices in India using advanced machine learning techniques. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from CarDekho, we performed two distinct analyses to explore this relationship. Initially, we excluded emission standards, employing various regression algorithms, with Random Forest and XGBoost achieving accuracies close to 94%. Upon introducing emission standards into the models, Random Forest's accuracy slightly improved to 94.25%, while XGBoost's accuracy decreased to 88.08%, highlighting different algorithmic responses to regulatory variables. These findings emphasize the critical role of emission standards in predictive modeling, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the automotive industry to make informed decisions that align with environmental objectives and market realities.
Comparative Analysis of the Fire and Explosion Risk Assessment in Petroleum Product Handling Facilities in Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Jia Njideka I. , Jia John A.
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the risk levels associated with fire and explosion in petroleum handling facilities, considering variations based on facility type, operators, and geographical location. A qualitative risk analysis was used to determine the likelihood of fires and explosions for 118 petroleum products handling facilities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Comparative analyses employed Browne-Forsythe and Welch tests to assess significant differences in risk across geographical locations, facility types, and operators. The study revealed significant variations in fire and explosion risks across geographical locations (Browne-Forsythe F-ratio = 4.888, p-value = 0.0099). Tukey multiple comparison tests revealed that the significant difference laid between facilities in Warri and Port Harcourt. The Petroleum Product handling facilities in Warri exhibited a higher mean fire and explosion risk levels (X ̄=9.43) than those in Port Harcourt (X ̄=8.03) and Eket (X ̄=8.43). The result also showed that Facilities with Combined Petrol and LPG gas in the same premises had higher Mean Risk Score (X ̄=8.64) than the facilities that retail either Petrol only or LPG. However, the Browne-Forsythe and Welch comparative tests showed no significant statistical differences between their risk levels (P>0.05). Moreover, no significant differences were observed based on facility operators (independent, major, or mega retail outlets), suggesting that the ownership of the structure or size of the facility may not be a dominant risk determinant when standards are uniformly adhered to. The study recommends strict compliance to safety standards stipulated in the regulations including international best practices and improvement in compliance monitoring and enforcement by relevant regulatory authorities.
In situ measurements of an energetic wave event in the Arctic marginal ice zone
Authors: Collins Clarence O. , Rogers W. Erick , Marchenko Aleksey , Babanin Alexander V.
Published: March 2015

R/V Lance serendipitously encountered an energetic wave event around 77°N, 26°E on 2 May 2010. Onboard GPS records, interpreted as the surface wave signal, show the largest waves recorded in the Arctic region with ice cover. Comparing the measurements with a spectral wave model indicated three phases of interaction: (1) wave blocking by ice, (2) strong attenuation of wave energy and fracturing of ice by wave forcing, and (3) uninhibited propagation of the peak waves and an extension of allowed waves to higher frequencies (above the peak). Wave properties during fracturing of ice cover indicated increased groupiness. Wave‐ice interaction presented binary behavior: there was zero transmission in unbroken ice and total transmission in fractured ice. The fractured ice front traveled at some fraction of the wave group speed. Findings do not motivate new dissipation schemes for wave models, though they do indicate the need for two‐way, wave‐ice coupling.
IRAstrophysical Telescope Missions
Authors: Dorsky Leonard
Published: March 2015

One of the most exciting aspects of astrophysical telescopes has been their expansion to view wavelengths beyond the visible portion of the spectrum. Observing at new wavelengths has enabled discovery of new astronomical objects, new types of astronomical objects, and the study of objects that was not possible in the visible. Among the most compelling of this new class of telescopes has been those operating in the infrared (IR), with the InfraRed Astronomical Satellite, or IRAS, leading the way to opening up the IR universe for study with its launch in 1983. To complement the Hubble Space Telescope (launched in 1990), the other Great Observatories are the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (1991), the Chandra X‐ray Observatory (1999), and the Spitzer Space Telescope (2003). As representative of this dramatic expansion of space telescopes into other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, this chapter will explore the IRAS and Spitzer missions' design and use of digital imaging in their instruments in more detail.
Volumetric Medical Imaging
Authors: Yao Jianhua , Burns Joseph E.
Published: March 2015

In this chapter, the basics of volumetric medical imaging are introduced. The medical imaging modalities, or methodologies of visualization, included in this discussion are computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), molecular/nuclear medicine imaging (SPECT/CT, PET/CT, and PET/MRI), and ultrasound. The physical and clinical practice principles of these techniques for anatomic and pathologic visualization are presented, along with illustrative clinical medical examples.
Designing Durable Vapor‐Deposited Surfaces for Reduced Hydrate Adhesion
Authors: Sojoudi Hossein , Walsh Matthew R. , Gleason Karen K. , McKinley Gareth H.
Published: March 2015

The formation and accumulation of clathrate hydrates inside oil and gas pipelines cause severe problems in deep‐sea oil/gas operations. In the present work, durable and mechanically robust bilayer poly‐divinyl benzene/poly(perfluorodecylacrylate) coatings are developed using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) to reduce the adhesion strength of hydrates to underlying substrates (silicon and steel). Tetrahydrofuran (THF) dissolved in water with a wt% concentration of 0–70 is used to study the formation of hydrates and their adhesion strength. Goniometric measurements of the THF–water droplets on the substrates exhibit a reduction in advancing and receding contact angles with an increase in the THF concentration. The strength of hydrate adhesion experiences a tenfold reduction when substrates are coated with these iCVD polymers: from 1050 ± 250 kPa on bare silicon to 128 ± 100 kPa on coated silicon and from 1130 ± 185 kPa on bare steel to 153 ± 86 kPa on coated steel. The impact of subcooling temperature and time on the adhesion strength of hydrate on substrates is also studied. The results of this work suggest that the THF–water mixture repellency of a given substrate can be utilized to assess its hydrate‐phobic behavior; hence, it opens a pathway for studying hydrate‐phobicity.
Elektronenfluss in Reaktionsmechanismen – enthüllt aus quantenmechanischen Grundprinzipien
Authors: Knizia Gerald , Klein Johannes E. M. N.
Published: March 2015

Der “gekrümmte Pfeil” von Robinson und Ingold ist das Hauptwerkzeug zur Beschreibung und Erklärung von Reaktionsmechanismen. Trotz seiner Allgegenwärtigkeit und unbestreitbaren Erfolge wurde seine physikalische Basis niemals verifiziert, und eine direkte Verbindung zu Grundprinzipien der Quantenchemie wurde nie hergestellt. Hier berichten wir, dass die durch gekrümmte Pfeile beschriebenen Bindungsumordnungen direkt in Ab‐initio‐Rechnungen als Änderungen intrinsischer Bindungsorbitale (IBOs) entlang der Reaktionskoordinate beobachtet werden können. Unsere Ergebnisse stellen klar, dass die gekrümmten Pfeile eine physikalische Basis aufweisen – eine Ansicht, die zuvor infrage gestellt wurde –, und zeigen, wie Quantenchemie Reaktionsmechanismen unmittelbar aufdecken kann, und das in intuitiver Form und mit nie dagewesenem Detailreichtum.
Oxidative C‐H‐Funktionalisierung und Ringerweiterung mit TMSCHN2: ein Kupfer(I)‐katalysierter Zugang zu Dibenzoxepinen und Dibenzazepinen
Authors: Stopka Tobias , Marzo Leyre , Zurro Mercedes , Janich Simon , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Alemán José , Mancheño Olga García
Published: March 2015

Tricyclische Dibenzoxepine und Dibenzazepine sind bedeutende Therapeutika für die Pharmaindustrie und die akademische Forschung. Allerdings gestaltet sich ihre Synthese meist aufwändig und beinhaltet mehrere Stufen mit Wagner‐Meerwein‐Umlagerungen unter harschen Reaktionsbedingungen. Hier präsentieren wir die erste Kupfer(I)‐katalysierte Sequenz aus oxidativer C‐H‐Funktionalisierung und Ringerweiterung mit TMSCHN2 zur einfachen und unkomplizierten Herstellung dieser wichtigen Verbindungen.
Alternierende Copolymerisation durch Nitroxid‐vermittelte Polymerisation und anschließende orthogonale Funktionalisierung
Authors: Tesch Matthias , Hepperle Johannes A. M. , Klaasen Henning , Letzel Matthias , Studer Armido
Published: March 2015

Es wird eine neue Methode zur Synthese funktionalisierter alternierender Copolymere vorgestellt. Die Nitroxid‐vermittelte Polymerisation von Hexafluorisopropylacrylat mit 7‐Octenylvinylether liefert das entsprechende alternierende Copolymer, welches mittels zweier orthogonaler polymeranaloger Reaktionen chemisch modifiziert werden kann. Eine Thiol‐En‐Klick‐Reaktion mit anschließender Amidierung ermöglicht einen kombinatorischen Zugang zu doppelt funktionalisierten alternierenden Copolymeren. Das Potenzial dieser Methode wird anhand einer kleinen Bibliothek (15 Beispiele) funktionalisierter alternierender Copolymere demonstriert.
Catalytic Asymmetric Mannich‐Type Reaction of N‐Alkylidene‐α‐Aminoacetonitrile with Ketimines
Authors: Lin Shaoquan , Kawato Yuji , Kumagai Naoya , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: March 2015

Optically active vicinal diamines are versatile chiral building blocks in organic synthesis. A soft Lewis acid/hard Brønsted base cooperative catalyst allows for an efficient stereoselective coupling of N‐alkylidene‐α‐aminoacetonitrile and ketimines to access this class of compounds bearing consecutive tetra‐ and trisubstituted stereogenic centers. The strategic use of a soft Lewis basic thiophosphinoyl group for ketimines is the key to promoting the reaction, and aliphatic ketimines serve as suitable substrates with as little as 3 mol % catalyst loading.