bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of Convolutional Neural Network to classify Congenital Syphilis with image representations of tabular data
Authors: Neto Leonides Medeiros , Endo Patricia Takako
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is a powerful Deep Learning (DL) model used in healthcare for diseases classification through image analysis. Although primarily designed for image data, CNNs can be used with tabular data by converting it into images format. This work aims to assess the performance of CNNs in classifying cases of Congenital Syphilis (CS) using images generated from tabular data, and to compare their performance with Machine Learning (ML) models.
Methods: We compare different converters for transforming tabular data into images, selecting the most effective one based on the highest CNN metric outcomes. We perform hyperparameter optimization on the best CNN model using Random Search, and compare its performance against an optimized ML model, the Adaboost, proposed in a previous work.
Results: We find that it is possible to classify CS with images generated from tabular data of medical records. Additionally, after optimized, the CNN is capable of achieving competitive classification outcomes against an optimized Adaboost, implying their potential utility in medical data analysis.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates CNNs’ potential to classify CS cases using images from tabular medical data. The comparison with an optimized Adaboost showcases CNNs’ viability for medical data analysis, showcasing their adaptability beyond image analysis in structured healthcare data. The work limitations include the limited number of converters, the absence of a computational cost analysis, the focus on 2D CNNs only, and the absence of a rigorous statistical significance assessment.
Rietveld Analysis of Binary (2,5-Dihydrofuran + Methane) and (2,3-Dihydrofuran + Methane) Clathrate Hydrates
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Park Ki Hun , Cha Minjun
Published: August 2023

Herein, we examined the crystal structure of 2,5-dihydrofuran and 2,3-dihydrofuran clathrate hydrate systems in the presence of methane as help gas. The crystal structure of these systems demonstrates the structure II (sII) clathrate hydrate with the cubic Fd-3m space group. Throughout the inclusion of methane, we observed a decrease in lattice parameters for both 2,5-dihydrofuran and 2,3-dihydrofuran clathrate hydrates. In the (2,5-dihydrofuran + H2O) or (2,3-dihydrofuran + H2O) clathrate hydrates, the 2,5-dihydrofuran or 2,3-dihydrofuran molecule is located at the center of the large cages of sII hydrate. However, in the (2,5-dihydrofuran + CH4) or (2,3-dihydrofuran + CH4) binary clathrate hydrates, the 2,5-dihydrofuran or 2,3-dihydrofuran molecule is positioned off-center in the large cages of sII hydrate. Finally, we confirmed the possibility increase of host-guest interaction via possible host–guest hydrogen bonding due to the decrease of the shortest distance between host and guest molecules.
Insights into Sweet Corn Starch Extraction Methods: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Sharma Kirti , Kaur Jaspreet , Ahmed Naseer
Published: August 2023

The study was conducted with the objectives to isolate and characterize sweet corn starch extracted by different methods. The starch from sweet corn was extracted using three extraction methods viz. distilled water, NaOH and Na2So4. The syneresis of the treatments increased with increase in storage time. The maximum syneresis among the treatments was observed in Sweet Corn Starch-Distilled Water at the end of the storage period. There was significant decrease in light transmittance of the starch extracted by different methods with increase in storage period. The swelling power of the starch in all the treatments increased significantly with increase in storage period. The L* value of Sweet Corn Starch- Na2SO4 was higher as compared to Sweet Corn Starch-Distilled Water and Sweet Corn Starch-NaOH. FTIR results showed that the starch extracted by Distilled water treatment has higher O-H, C-H, and C-O bending related with OH showed higher intensity as compare to other treatments. It was also observed that starch extracted by different treatments posses’ similar chemical structure.
An adaptive network switching method for electric power 5G converged communication network
Authors: Wang Zhengpu , Zhang Yingshuai
Published: August 2023

In order to achieve seamless handover of heterogeneous networks on the access network side, avoid frequent triggering of unnecessary handover by terminals, and ensure a balanced network load, the handover process of the network needs to strictly meet the performance indicators of the network status. For this reason, this paper considers the differences between wireless network technologies such as 5G and broadband and narrowband ad hoc networks for multi-link converged communication terminals, as well as the characteristics of terminal services, and proposes an adaptive switching method for power 5G converged communication networks. It realizes the optimization of switching efficiency, reduces the number of unnecessary switching frequently triggered by service terminals, and balances the network load at the same time. Guarantee the reliability of the power system in the event of emergency failures within the power communication network, and effectively support power deterministic services under the integrated network of power 5G multi-standard technology.
Article Title]{Efficient Wood Surface Defect Detection using an Improved YOLOX Model
Authors: Zhu Yunfei , Chen Peijiang , Chen Song
Published: August 2023

During woodworking production and processing, uncontrollable factors in the wood growth process may cause surface defects such as knots, decay, and cracks, which can affect the functionality, aesthetics, mechanical bearing capacity, and safety of the wood. However, traditional manual defect detection methods fail to meet the efficiency and accuracy requirements of modern wood processing. To address this challenge, The Efficient Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Model (EBFPM) is proposed as a solution to address this challenge. It offers a new architecture specifically designed for detecting defects on wood surfaces. The EBFPM approach incorporates several techniques such as depth-separable convolution, residual connection, channel attention, and Weaken-Spatial Pyramid Pooling (WSPP) to enhance the performance of the CNN. In addition, the feature extraction phase of EBFPM utilizes the Inverted Residual Mobile Block (iRMB) stacking, and the PReLU-Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network (P-BiFPN) is employed during the feature fusion stage. Additionally, it adopts Complete-IoU (CIoU) as the loss function for target detection. The final experimental results demonstrate that EBFPM significantly outperforms the basic You Only Look Once X (YOLOX) algorithm in detecting 10 types of wood surface defects. Specifically, the average detection accuracy for EBFPM improved by 1.37% compared to YOLOX, reaching an accuracy of 74.41%. Hence, EBFPM presents a novel approach for efficient and accurate detection of wood surface defects, meeting contemporary production standards. Furthermore, it can be readily applied across various wood processing industries, thereby enhancing production efficiency.
An Eco-Friendly Antifouling Coating Based on Tannic Acid
Authors: Wang Jine , Zhao Rui , Wang Pei , Jin Meihua , Xu Jiujun
Published: August 2023

Marine fouling has caused serious economic losses, and exploring multiple eco-friendly antifouling strategies has a positive significance. As a natural polyphenolic antioxidant, Tannic acid (TA) has a wide range of sources and biosafety, excellent antibacterial properties and its special chemical structure makes it easy to bind to the surface, which may provide inspiration for the development of antifouling materials. In this paper, a TA-based antifouling coating was designed and prepared. A stable intermediate transition layer was formed by co-deposited 3,4-dihydroxy phenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) on the surface of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and then TA molecules were grafted on that surface to prepare a TA functionalized (PVC/(PDA/PEI)-TA) coating. The effect of the coating on the adhesion of marine bacteria and benthic diatoms was investigated. Then, the effect of TA on the adhesion behavior of mussels on the coating surface was studied. The results indicated that the coating had good antifouling performance. Marine bacteria and benthic diatoms had a low adhesion rate on the coating surface and were prone to the detachment under water flow erosion. The TA on the coating surface affected the adhesion behavior of mussels. Mussels did not like TA coating and only secreted a small amount of adhesive plaques on the surface. Moreover, the adhesion force between the plaques and the substrate was low. This study may provide new solutions to marine biofouling.
Vision-Based Human-Machine Interface for an Assistive Robotic Exoskeleton Glove
Authors: Guo Yunfei , Xu Wenda , Tzvi Pinhas Ben
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a vision-based Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for an assistive exoskeleton glove, designed to incorporate force planning capabilities. While Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electromyography (EMG)-based HMIs allow direct grasp force planning via user signals, voice and vision-based HMIs face limitations. In particular, two primary force planning methods encounter issues in these HMIs. First, traditional force optimization struggles with unfamiliar objects due to lack of object information. Second, the slip-grasp method faces a high failure rate due to inadequate initial grasp force. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a vision-based HMI to estimate the initial grasp forces of the target object. The initial grasp force estimation is performed based on the size and surface material of the target object. The experimental results demonstrate a grasp success rate of 87. 5%, marking significant improvements over the slip-grasp method (71.9%).
Myricetin suppresses TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer
Authors: Yang Hui-wen , Lan Yan , Li An , Wu Han , Song Zi-wei , Wan Ai-ling , Wang Yue , Li Shi-Bao , Ji Shuai , Wang Zhong-chengWang , Wu Xin-yu , Lan Ting
Published: August 2023

Background:
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common gynecological malignancy and has a high mortality rate. The current chemotherapeutic drugs have the disadvantages of drug resistance and side effects. Myricetin, as a kind of natural medicine, has the advantages of easy extraction, low price, and few side effects. Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of myricetin. However, the underlying effect of myricetin on ovarian cancer remains to be elaborated. Therefore, this study was aimed to application of in vivo and in vitro studies to reveal the mechanism of myricetin suppresses TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) in OC.
Method:
n vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of myricetin on cell proliferation and apoptosis using CCK8 assay, plate clonal formation assay, and flow cytometry. The expression levels of caspase-3, PARP, and the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways were assessed using western blotting. Wound healing and transwell, western blot and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect TGF-β-induced cell migration, invasion, EMT and the levels of Smad3, MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Additionally, a mouse xenograft model was established to verify the effects of myricetin on OC in vivo.
Results:
Myricetin inhibited the proliferation of ovarian cancer through MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, promoted the apoptosis through the Caspase-3 and PARP signaling pathways in vitro and attenuated OC progression and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, myricetin reversed TGF-β-induced EMT through Smad3, MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Conclusion:
Myricetin demonstrated inhibitory effects on OC progression and metastasis both in vivo and in vitro. It also reversed TGF-β-induced EMT through the classical and non-classical Smad signaling pathways.
Travel distances in amateur football and handball in Germany
Authors: Dittrich Michael , Resch Julian , Tcymbal Antonina , Ziemainz Heiko , Abu-Omar Karim
Published: August 2023

Background
Humanity faces dual existential crises of biodiversity loss and global warming. Acknowledging the environmental impact of sports, the United Nations calls for the sports sector to lead in fighting climate change and adopting climate-neutral practices. To this point, research on greenhouse gas emissions of amateur league play remains scarce.
Methods
Travel distances for the 2022/23 season of play for 339 football and handball amateur teams playing in different leagues in Bavaria were calculated. The program Gurobi was utilised to optimise how teams are placed in groups in order to allow for shorter travel distances.
Results
The study showed that playing in a higher amateur league resulted most often in longer travel distances in both sports for women’s and men’s leagues. Some amateur teams had to travel up to 2,958 kilometres for one season of play. Optimising in which groups teams play reduces overall travel distances by up to 19.7%.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that travel distances in amateur football and handball, though smaller than those of professional teams, are still significant. Given the larger number of amateur teams and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is crucial to explore ways of reducing travel in amateur sports. Optimising how teams are placed in groups could be an initial step towards a substantial reduction in travel emissions from amateur sports.
High speed and Area Efficient FPGA Implementation of CNN Accelerator for Biomedical Applications
Authors: P.L. Lahari , Poola Rahul Gowtham , Yellampalli Siva Sankar
Published: August 2023

Hardware accelerator is a specialized hardware component created to carry out particular tasks faster than a general-purpose CPU. Its goal is to expedite particular computations or processes that a general-purpose processor cannot effectively handle due to their complexity or length. Hardware accelerators play an important role in increasing the functionality and performance of electronic gadgets by allowing them to conduct complex computations. There are variety forms of hardware accelerators such as GPU’S, FPGA, ASIC’s, TPU, DSP etc., In this paper we have designed CNN Accelerator. CNN is a special hardware accelerator for speed up the calculations which are necessary for convolutional deep neural network inference and training. The main goal of CNN Accelerator is to do the calculations and enhance the functionality and energy efficiency of deep learning systems. This uses the various architectures such as convolution, activation, pooling and fully connected layer. The main block for building this accelerator is processing element [PE]. Here we have designed new processing element block which consumes less area, low power of 15% and gives high speed of 11% when compared to the existing block. CNN Accelerator is designed with the proposed processing element block, since Accelerator deals with the speed constraint. Implementation of the CNN Accelerator is done on the Artix 7 FPGA board and this consumes the area of 7186 slices and on-chip power of 100.486W. The proposed Accelerator gives high speed than earlier designs.
Konzept und Geschichte der Staatsbürgerschaft bei Ernst-Wolfgang Böckenförde im Kontext des "Boundary Problems"
Authors: Oestmann Jannik Tobias
Published: August 2023

Vor dem Hintergrund von Globalisierung und Migrationsbewegungen ist die Staatsbürgerschaft vermehrt der Frage nach der Rechtfertigung der Grenzen des Demos ausgesetzt. Prägend für die verfassungsrechtliche Definition dieser Grenzen war der ehemalige Bundesverfassungsrichter Ernst-Wolfgang Böckenförde, der auch die Ablehnung der ersten Anläufe des Ausländer:innenwahlrechts mitverantwortete. Der vorliegende Aufsatz vollzieht vor diesem Hintergrund Böckenfördes Bild der Staatsbürgerschaft nach. Seine Konzeption umfasst dabei in erster Linie einen legalen Status. Im Zusammenhang mit Böckenfördes Auslegung des Demokratieprinzips bleiben die historisch-spezifischen Inhalte und Grenzen der Bürgerschaft darüber hinaus stets an die Integrationsmöglichkeiten und das Selbstverständnis gegebener, notwendig homogener politischer Einheiten gekoppelt. In der Konfrontation mit der Kritik exklusiver politischer Gemeinschaften zeigt sich dennoch eine weite politische Gestaltungsfreiheit innerhalb von Böckenfördes Konzept, andererseits aber auch die Grenzen eines Dialogs zwischen Staatsrechtslehre und jenen neueren normativen Modellen demokratischer Gemeinschaft.
Grenzenlose Jurisdiktion? : Die völkerrechtliche Zulässigkeit von US-Sekundärsanktionen (Secondary Sanctions)
Authors: Labus Clara
Published: August 2023

Die USA setzen seit Jahrzehnten sog. Sekundärsanktionen bzw. Secondary Sanctions ein, um ihren Primärsanktionen mehr Wirkung zu verleihen. Diese Art der Sanktionen soll ausländische Personen im Ausland davon abhalten, Geschäftskontakte zu Zielobjekten von unilateralen US-Primärsanktionen einzugehen oder weiterzuführen. In diesem Beitrag wird der Frage nachgegangen, inwieweit diese Praxis nach dem Recht der Jurisdiktion völkerrechtlich zulässig ist. Dazu wird zunächst der Begriff der Sekundärsanktionen definiert. Es folgt ein Abriss der Geschichte der Sekundärsanktionen. Nach einer kurzen Einführung in das Recht der Jurisdiktion werden dessen Grundsätze auf die Sekundärsanktionen übertragen. Die Autorin kommt zu dem Ergebnis, dass Zugangsbeschränkungen nach dem Territorialitätsprinzip völkerrechtlich zulässig, alle darüber hinausgehenden Sekundärsanktionen hingegen völkerrechtswidrig sind.
Regimewechsel zur effizienteren Ausgestaltung von Planungs- und Genehmigungsverfahren? : Die fortwährende Konkurrenzsituation zwischen Planfeststellung und immissionsschutzrechtlicher Genehmigung
Authors: Schäfer Rebecca
Published: August 2023

Dieser Beitrag setzt sich grundlegend mit den Funktionen der Planfeststellung auseinander. Dabei wird die Annäherung des Rechtsinstruments an die immissionsschutzrechtliche Genehmigung beschrieben und untersucht, ob sich diese beiden Zulassungsregime gegenwärtig noch in einer Konkurrenzsituation befinden oder ob ein flexibler Austausch derselben möglich ist. Eine funktionelle und strukturelle Gegenüberstellung der beiden Institute bestätigt das Fortwähren gewisser Unterschiede, die auf die jeweilige idealtypische Konstruktion zurückzuführen sind. Planfeststellung und immissionsschutzrechtliche Genehmigung befriedigen somit grundsätzlich verschiedene sachliche Bedürfnisse, die es bei etwaigen Regimewechseln zu berücksichtigen gilt.
Joint production and multifunctionality in agriculture: Case studies of small farms on the island of Sicily
Authors: Sgroi Filippo , Modica Federico
Published: August 2023

Starting in the 1970s, agriculture in Western countries began to progressively lose the critical success factors on which it based its competitive advantage, which was localization. The development of both the food industry and organized distribution, the intensification of trade, and the speed of information transfer led to new needs and new scenarios within which new agricultural systems emerged. This research analyzed the changes imposed on the agricultural system by the economic development process and determined the trajectories taken by some agricultural entrepreneurs. The study shows that those agricultural entrepreneurs who have been able to adapt their business strategy to the new production scenarios that have emerged remain competitive in the market, while those who have been passively affected by economic development have resulted in agriculture that in many ways only manages to survive thanks to the contribution of the Common Agricultural Policy and without which it would be ousted from the market.
Food and tourism: an exploratory analysis of dishes in Sicilian gastronomic culture
Authors: Sgroi Filippo , Modica Federico
Published: August 2023

Culinary tourism has recently been gaining increasing attention in tourism practice and research. Meat production and consumption also play a significant role in the management and marketing of food tourism. This research explores the role of meat in two high-end restaurants located in the city of Partinico, an agricultural destination in the province of Palermo. The results show the meat identity of both restaurants and reveal how meat-based menus communicate a sense of place centered on local knowledge and the seasonal component of meat products.
Bacteriology of Urinary Tract Infection in Children Attending Federal Staff Hospital in Abuja
Authors: Grace Bassey M
Published: August 2023

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a term applied to a variety of clinical conditions ranging from asymptomatic presence of bacteria in the urine to severe infection of the kidney with resultant sepsis. The study was designed to identify the bacteria associated with urinary tract infection among children attending Federal staff hospital, Abuja and to ascertain their antibiogram. Mid-stream urine samples were collected from the subjects enrolled into the study and were cultured into Cysteine Lactose electrolyte deficient medium and Blood agar and incubated appropriately. The plates were read and isolated were subjected to biochemical reactions and antibiogram were carried out on pathogenic organisms. The results showed the overall prevalence of 10.8% urinary tract infections among the studied subjects. The females subject had the highest prevalence of 91.7% while the male counterpart recorded 8.3%. The age groups 1-5 years had the highest prevalence of 50.0% while least prevalent of 16.7% were recorded by age group 6 to 10 years old. Escherichia coli was the highest isolated with 51.7% while Proteus Species and Streptococcus faecalis recorded the prevalence of 2.5% respectively. This study concluded that urinary tract infections is very common among children attending Federal staff hospital in Abuja. Keywords: BA- Blood agar, CLED-Cysteine Lactose, Electrolyte deficient medium, FSH-Federal Staff Hospital, UTI- Urinary Tract Infection.
The Importance of Business Environmental Analysis: A Case Study of Zambian Breweries
Authors: Twambo Jubert
Published: August 2023

This study’s main purpose was to assess how well Zambian Breweries analysed business performance using SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analytical approaches. The methodology involved the distribution of a survey through the Google Forms platform, to which 17 respondents answered, and the collection of data utilising that survey. The results of the study were generated by the Google platforms based on the respondents’ responses. According to the study’s findings, Zambian Breweries occasionally performed SWOT and PESTLE analyses to assess the internal and external environments of the business and to assist in decision-making. The study further shows that managers at Zambian Breweries use SWOT and PESTLE analyses to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of significant choices. SWOT and PESTLE assessments can be employed for both large and small projects, to make decisions on marketing campaigns, organisational changes, the adoption of new production methods, and the introduction of new products. The analysis phase involves gathering employee viewpoints, which enhances project understanding, acceptance, and execution. To understand how a company is operating, it is essential to understand its SWOT and PESTLE analyses. In order to build strategic strategies, businesses must perform comprehensive study, which calls for the SWOT and PESTLE studies. An internal environment study and competitive advantage identification are common goals of a SWOT analysis. PESTLE analysis can be used to look at the external factors that affect the business environment. Keywords: Analysis, PESTLE, SWOT, Strategy, Strategic Management.
Exchange Rate Fluctuation and Management of Foreign Donor-Funded Program Budget
Authors: Lagu Yanga Elias
Published: August 2023

The study was about the effect of exchange rate fluctuation on the management of foreign donor-funded program budgets. Humanitarian and development agencies receive funding from foreign donors, who require the program budgets and financial reports in their respective country currencies although the actual utilization of the budget in the host country’s local currency during the program implementation. The study explored currency conversion methods and identified the best principles for effective management of the effect of exchange rate fluctuation. The research design used was both quantitative and qualitative where relevant literature related to exchange methods, donor requirements, and average monthly exchange rate data were reviewed. The sampling year used in this study is 3 years, 2021 to 2023 and the currency sample selected was Uganda Shillings (UGX) and United States Dollars (USD). First In and First Out (FIFO), Weighted average exchange rate methods, and daily spot rate methods were the most common currency conversion methods identified during the study. The study further noted the currency conversion method chosen should be documented in the written financial manual of the grant holder for reference. The study identified budget monitoring, requests for budget amendment, effective planning, provision for contingency reserves in the budget, and constant communication with the donors among the best ways to manage the effect of exchange rate fluctuation. The Study, therefore concluded that exchange rate fluctuation has either adverse or favorable effects on foreign donor-funded program budget and needed to be closely monitored and communicated to the donor for further guidance. Keywords: Exchange rate, Fluctuation, Foreign Donor- funded, Program and Budget.
The Potency of Polyphenols Extract of Robusta Coffee Bean (Coffea robusta) on COX-2 Inhibition in Neutrophil Cells
Authors: Ermawati Tantin , Wahyu Pratiwi Qurratul Aini , Meilawaty Zahara , Harmono Happy
Published: August 2023

Inflammation is a physiological response to various stimuli including infection and tissue injury. One cause of inflammation is gram-negative bacteria that release various toxins, e.g. lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS). The first body defense response is neutrophils. Body defense response is expressed by the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme that functions to transform arachidonic acid into prostaglandin. Polyphenols extract from Robusta coffee bean is known to play an anti-inflammatory role, but the mechanism for inhibiting COX-2 remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the potential of polyphenols extracted from Robusta coffee beans on COX-2 inhibition in neutrophils exposed to E. coli LPS. The research design was experimental in vitro with a post-test-only control group design. The sample consisted of 6 treatment groups, neutrophil isolates was incubated in concentrations of Robusta coffee polyphenols extract of 3.13%, 6.25%, 12.5%, and 25% and exposed to E. coli LPS. Measurement of COX-2 expression was conducted using immunohistochemical methods. ANOVA and LSD test results showed COX-2 expression in the treatment groups, namely neutrophils which were incubated with Robusta coffee polyphenols extract and exposed to E. coli LPS, was lower than the neutrophil group exposed only to E. coli LPS. The conclusion of this study is that the polyphenols extract of the Robusta coffee bean can inhibit COX-2 expression on neutrophils exposed to E. coli LPS.
ELV POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AS A SOLUTION TO ABANDONED VEHICLES PROBLEMS FACED BY LOCAL AUTHORITY IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Sulaiman Siti Sarah , Ong Noorazrein Noorazlan , Shariff S. Sarifah Radiah
Published: August 2023

End of Life Vehicle (ELV) is a vehicle that has reached the end of it service life due to the age or condition of the vehicle itself that is no longer roadworthy. Several countries namely EU countries, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea have their own law and policy being implemented to deal with the disposal of ELV through recycling system management which includes the process to de-register, dismantling, depollution and recycling. However, since Malaysia do not implement such policy, the old and unused vehicles are just being abandoned by the roadsides and also housing area. Eventually, it will become a nuisance and eye sore to the public as well as impacting the environment and quality of life. The objective of this study is to examine the legislations and procedures adopted by the local authorities in dealing with these abandoned vehicles, to identify the challenges and to find solution in solving this abandoned vehicles issues. This research employed a qualitative methodology by analysing available legislations, conducting interviews with the enforcement officers from the selected local authorities. References to other jurisdictions were also made to learn a lessons from their practices. At the end of the research, it was found out that the current procedures being enforced through the limited powers given under existing provisions are unable to solve the increasing number of abandoned vehicles. Therefore, this research proposed law and policy to regulate End-of-Life Vehicles and amending the Street and Drainage Building Act 1974 to give absolute power to Local Authority to deregister the abandoned vehicles.
FEMALE USERS AND LEVEL OF SAFETY AT LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT STATION, PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR
Authors: Mohd Yusoff Zaharah , Yusak Farah H. M. , Adnan Nor Aizam , Shariff S. Sarifah Radiah , Tarudin Nur Farizan , Purnama Jaya Gde Ngurah
Published: August 2023

Public transportation is an important way of moving people or goods from one point to another point of destination. Light Rail Transit (LRT), Monorail, taxis and buses are currently a good choice for people, especially those who work at the city centre. Lately, the light rail transit was seen to be preferable by all, especially in the area with heavy traffic congestions. The increased number of vehicles heading to the city centre day by day causes the delay in traffic movement on the road. This can easily be seen especially in the morning when people are mobile to work and at the evening time after the working hour. Choosing the public transportation as LRT has helped much in reducing the congestions in many roads to the city centre. Apart from the intention to ensure the minimum road congestion, the other concern is the safety parameter. The safety level among the passengers must also become a priority matter especially for female users. Nowadays, the female users were seen to become more aggressive using the LRT to work, shopping, travelling short distances or for weekend sight-seeing. This is a good sign in the transportation sector as people had noticed that using the LRT would help to reduce mileage, cost, reduce stress, and promote a healthy lifestyle. This research will investigate the safety level among female users in using the LRT in selected destinations and to identify the unsafe location along the walking trails from or to LRT station.
EVALUATION OF THE OPERATIONAL METHODS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SIGNALISED INTERSECTIONS
Authors: Rahmat Zarina , Md Diah Jezan , Ishak Siti Zaharah , Abd Rahman Raha
Published: August 2023

The problem of traffic congestion in urban areas is worse at road intersections. Junction design, traffic light capacity, and driver behaviour are prevalent influences on traffic congestion. Since the traffic signal is one of the traffic controls to alleviate road congestion, adequate traffic capacity with a good design and an optimum delay is the key to improving the signalised junction. Hence, this research aims to determine the performance of signalized junctions with different traffic methods compared to on-site data. Two methods were selected for the analysis: Signalised Intersection Design and Research Aid (SIDRA) and the Malaysia Highway Capacity Manual (MHCM). Prominent signalised intersections along Jalan Kempas in the Kempas neighbourhood of Johor Bahru were selected for this study to measure the length of the vehicle line-up during rush hour. Based on these two (2) methods used, the significant different are related to traffic parameters, namely capacity analysis and level of service and by different conditions of traffic, geometric and type of traffic signal. It was determined that the parameter used for both SIDRA and MHCM is suitable; however, the output of SIDRA resulted in a more similar performance to the site observation. Based on the findings, this research is able to measure the efficiency of traffic assessment tools compared to the actual situation on site and assist the traffic engineer in efficiently investigating and evaluating the performance at signalised junctions.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIAL CULTURAL APPROACH IN SABAH
Authors: Yusoh Mohamad Pirdaus , Hua Ang Kean , Abdul Latip Normah , Zakaria Zulayti , Awang Jambol Dg Junaidah , As Khairullah Mohammad Al Amir , Abd Gafor Ridzuan
Published: August 2023

The generation of the national economy also lists the tourism industry as one of the sectors that need to be taken into consideration, primarily through social-cultural that has its characteristics to attract foreign tourists to visit the state of Sabah. This research study was conducted to investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of tourism development on social-cultural in Sabah. This research uses a quantitative approach, where questionnaires are the main instrument in collecting data in Sabah. The questionnaire format’s structure is divided into two, namely, part A (focused on the demographic profile) and part B (concentrate on the cultural-social approach in tourism development in Sabah). The study sample was a total of 74 respondents, and the questionnaire was distributed randomly in the tourist focus area of Kota Kinabalu. The analysis used is descriptive and correlational. The findings of the study indicate that the majority of cultural variables and social variables are centred on a positive curve (or towards the right), where most respondents think that local government programs and activities help a lot in understanding the cultural-social importance of the tourism sector. In addition, the uniqueness and privilege of cultural-social tourism, such as through clothing, food, wedding events, dance, etc., can play a significant role in the development of tourism. In conclusion, cultural-social tourism should be the main theme not only for the generation of the national economy but also crucial in the preservation and conservation of the continuity of Sabah's local cultural-social tourism characteristics, which should be preserved in their originality forever rather than being outdated by the era of modernisation.
ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF TOURISM IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN
Authors: Karim Rehmat , Shah Attaullah , Abdul Latip Normah , Muhammad Faqeer , Ullah Mehfooz , Mansur Kasim , Marinsah Syamsul Azizul
Published: August 2023

This study aims to assess the economic impact of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, focusing on its contribution to key economic indicators. The study uses a comprehensive research methodology and data collection techniques to examine tourism’s direct and indirect effects on the local economy. The research encompasses various tourism-related sectors, including accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, and attractions. The study employs the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) framework and Granger Causality to find the data and causal relationship among the variables, which allows for a systematic analysis of tourism's economic impact. It investigates indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), tourist arrivals and spending. Primary data is collected through baseline surveys, while secondary data is obtained from government reports, statistical databases, and industry and research publications. Preliminary findings reveal that tourism significantly affects the region's economy. It contributes to GDP growth by stimulating tourism, generating employment opportunities, and attracting investments. Additionally, tourism-related activities contribute to tax revenue, enhancing public infrastructure and services. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the economic impact of tourism, offering a comprehensive analysis of its contribution to the Gilgit-Baltistan economy. The findings can guide policymakers, destination management organisations, and tourism stakeholders in formulating strategies to maximise the economic benefits of tourism while addressing associated challenges.
MALAYSIA ASSESSMENT MEASURE FOR MODERN RURAL DEVELOPMENT (MAMRD): APPRAISAL INDEX AND INTERVENTION
Authors: Abdul Rashid Mohd Fadzil , Lim Seng Boon , Abdullah Kamar Muhamad Asri , Azman Muhamad Azrul Azwan , Mohd Rejab Hafriz Suhairi
Published: August 2023

Technology disruption makes it difficult for rural areas to cope with digital infrastructure and people's readiness to embrace changes. Indeed, technological advancements provide greater opportunities to transform rural areas into instinctive living environments - destinations to invest, work, live, and visit. However, a significant question arises: how far has this innovative technology been practised in rural activities? The current paper aims to demonstrate the application of a Malaysia Assessment Measure for Modern Rural Development (MAMRD); it incorporates the rural technology practices for appraising the score (index) towards a modern rural approach, thereby enabling lessons to be learned for further improvements. From this measurement, it was found that the aqua-tourism and smart community-based village (Kampung Padang Rumbia, Pekan, Pahang) scored 55.92% in the overall index, which could put it into a three-star rating village. The fishing-based village (Kampung Tepi Sungai, Sungai Muda, Kedah) gained two-star with 30.51%. The results become the self-checked intervention for them to move towards a modern rural approach. In the end, MAMRD shall assist all stakeholders who rely on rural and community transformation, such as Institute for Rural Enhancement (INFRA) and Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Keselamatan Kampung (JPKK). Undeniably, this paper also reveals the agendas of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards societal harmony and happiness.
RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT AND BURGLARY CRIME RISK: A SPACE SYNTAX ANALYSIS OF CRIME AREAS
Authors: Iliyasu Idris Isah , Abdullah Aldrin , Marzbali Massoomeh Hedayati
Published: August 2023

This paper explores the different morphological characteristics of residential neighbourhood spaces to understand the factors that constitute burglary crime risk in the area. The methods used for data collection include field surveys and Block Environmental Inventory. Meanwhile, inferential statistics, Geographic Information System and space syntax tools were used for data analysis. Findings indicated the influence of neighbourhood-built features on burglary crime and the vulnerability of areas to future crime risk. The analysis shows the spatial variation of crime risk factors across the study areas and how that shaped the understanding of burglary activities in the area. The study explores the influence of the permeability of grid iron layouts on vulnerability and explains high and low crime rates in the areas of Perumahan Mahsuri and Perumahan Sunway Tunas, respectively. Overall, the paper suggests further research to correlate these spatial explanations with the socio-demographics of the areas studied.
DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) TOURISM IN RURAL AREAS: A GIS-BASED APPROACH
Authors: Rahmat Arina , Abdul Rahman Norainah , Mohamad Muhammad Rijal , Ahmad Aizazi Lutfi , Abdullah Kamariah
Published: August 2023

This paper provides an overview of a development model for virtual reality (VR) tourism using Geographic Information System (GIS) data and spatial distribution analysis of potential tourism products. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Qualitative methods, such as interviews and focus groups, gather insights from stakeholders, including tourists, local communities, and tourism industry professionals, regarding their perceptions, expectations, and preferences. Quantitative methods, such as surveys and data analysis, provide a comprehensive understanding of visitor demographics, preferences, and the economic impact of VR tourism. The findings of the study focus on identifying and analysing the components of tourism products and data information specifically within the rural area of the Perak Tengah District. Information about tourism products is collected and encoded into a GIS database. The introduction of a new classification system justifies the development model and outlines a detailed process for each stage of the framework's methodologies. The originality and value of this research used a mixed-methods approach to gather qualitative and quantitative data, illustrating the overview of VR tourism development using the GIS tool approach specifically for tourism products in rural areas.
Study Of Evaluating The Performance And Productivity Of A Potato Digger
Authors: A. Alkaabi Galib, A . , S. Al-Ani D. Firas
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted in one of the fields of the Technical
Institute in Shatrah in 2022 to study the evaluation performance and productivity
of the locally modified chain carrier potato. Slippage percentage, fuel consumption
and machine productivity were studied in this research. The included use of three
factors: the forward speed of the tractor at three levels, where it was (2.50,3.20 and
4.00 km / h) respectively, and the second factor was the speed of the chain conveyor at two levels, 43 and 38 m /min, and the third factor is a type of chain conveyor with two levels of iron bars and cloth -coated bars. A complete random design with three replications was used in the research. The results were statistically
analyzed, and the averages were tested in a way with the least significant difference at the probability level of 0.05. The results showed that the tractor speed of
2.50 km/hr, recording the lowest slippage percentage, reached 4.20%, while the
speed of 4.00 km/hr had the lowest fuel consumption and the highest productivity
digger.
Keywords: Slippage percentage, fuel consumption, speed chain conveyor type.
Points de vue 2STNBNCG sur l’accès à la justice : une évaluation des besoins juridiques: une évaluation des besoins juridiques
Authors:   JusticeTrans,   Carleton University
Published: August 2023

Malgré des développements législatifs positifs au Canada concernant les personnes bispirituelles, trans, nonbinaires et non conformes au genre (2STNBNCG) – comme l’inclusion de l’identité et/ou l’expression de genre dans la législation sur les droits de la personne et la possibilité dechanger de nom et de genre sur les documents gouvernementaux sans avoir à subir une chirurgie d’affirmation degenre – des données récentes suggèrent que les personnes 2STNBNCG souffrent encore d’injustices importantes
Kompetensi Literasi Media Guru PAI di SMAN Kota Bahagia Kabupaten Aceh Selatan
Authors: Zuraidi Zuraidi
Published: August 2023

Digital media literacy is an important key in dealing with various information technology phenomena that exist today. This study aims to find out how the media literacy competence of PAI teachers are, what are the media literacy competencies of PAI teachers, and the obstacles faced by PAI teachers related to media literacy competence at SMA Kota Bahagia, South Aceh. The research method used in this thesis is a descriptive method with a quantitative approach, the object of research is the principal and PAI teacher at SMAN Kota Bahagia, South Aceh. Data collection techniques that the author uses in this study are observation, interviews, and documentation. The researcher is the main research tool with the help of observation and interview guides. The data analysis techniques used are data collection, data reduction, data visualization, verification, and conclusion validation. The results of the study indicate that the teacher's lack of understanding of the media in using it as a tool in teaching, because there are still many teachers with a more mature age in teaching so that the media is not too important unilaterally, and also obstacles in the tools / media that exist in schools such as focus and others. in teaching, don't forget the problem of networking in teaching and the uneven ownership of cellphones not all students have cellphones to support the learning process.
Initiating Action Guru SKI dalam Mewujudkan Budaya Literasi di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Kementerian Agama Kota Banda Aceh
Authors: Maisyura Ira , Basri Hasan , Zulfatmi Zulfatmi
Published: August 2023

Madrasah Ibtidaiyah teachers have not all realized literacy-based learning. This is because teachers' initiating actions are not all very good, so an in-depth study is needed in this regard. The purpose of this study is to explain the literacy culture of SKI teachers and the initiating action of SKI teachers in shaping literacy culture in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Banda Aceh. This research is field research with descriptive analysis. The data were obtained from SKI teachers in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah in Banda Aceh. Data were collected by purposive sampling through questionnaires, observations, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis began with reducing data, displaying data, and constructing data interactively. includingThe results of this study show that the literacy culture of SKI teachers in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah is manifested through (1) daily activities, including reading activities 15 minutes before learning and reading the Quran; (2) weekly activities, including literacy every Saturday and Minimoli (Mini Moving Lybrary); (3) semesterly activities, including book summarizing programs, reading camps, book donations, book worms, book presentations, and story telling; and (4) annual activities, including making class libraries and hunting literacy programs. (good) forIn addition, the initiating action of SKI teachers in shaping a culture of literacy in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Banda Aceh City is divided into 3, namely a score of 50–70 (not good) for as many as 3 SKI teachers; a score of 71–80 (good) for as many as 8 SKI teachers; and a score of 81–100 (very good) for as many as 4 SKI teachers. Initiating action is not influenced by length of service, latest education, or school status but is determined by being responsive, acting independently, and doing more than required.
que ainda nos mostram as fotografias de vítimas em conflitos bélicos?
Authors: Biondi Angie
Published: August 2023

O texto reflete acerca das fotografias de conflitos bélicos ainda muito utilizadas pelo jornalismo. Questionamos quais valores ainda sustentam seu uso e circulação na imprensa quando ilustram as vítimas como o resultado trivial deste tipo de cobertura. A propósito da reportagem publicada no jornal O Estado de S. Paulo, em 09 de junho de 2022, dedicada às “grandes vítimas da violência”, observamos que, muitas vezes, são as crianças que assumem, não o protagonismo das notícias, mas a centralidade da apresentação dos conflitos retratados. O exercício de análise investe em uma discussão de natureza teórica, a fim de examinar desdobramentos e limitações da imagem de vítima como um objeto que expressa o campo da cultura visual em crescente disputa pelo mercado da atenção; de um lado, pressionado pela competição midiática trazida pelas redes sociais e, de outro, por valores políticos e ideológicos que condicionam olhares e sujeitos.