bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosures and Financial Performance of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria: Does Board Independence Matters?
Authors: K. Sweetwilliams, , L. Onmonya, , S. Mamman,
Published: February 2025

This study examines the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosures on the financial performance of listed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the moderating role of board independence. The study uses secondary data collected from the annual reports of 14 listed Nigerian banks between 2014 and 2023. A panel regression model was employed to analyze the data. The results reveal that while CSR disclosures have a small positive effect on financial performance, as measured by Return on Equity (ROE), the effect is not statistically significant. However, the interaction between CSR disclosures and board independence shows a statistically significant positive effect on financial performance, indicating that board independence enhances the effectiveness of CSR disclosures. This suggests that while CSR alone may not significantly influence financial performance, an independent board plays a crucial role in amplifying the potential benefits of CSR initiatives. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers promote regulations that encourage both CSR disclosures and board independence in the Nigerian banking sector to enhance financial performance, transparency, and accountability.
Glass Ceiling Phenomenon and Women Career Advancement: The Nigerian Perspective
Authors: A. P. Akpan, , J. F. Jonah, , E. A. Abasiattai, , I. E. Udo,
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the number of trained and qualified women in the labour market globally has steadily increased. However, despite this increase, the proportion of women in decision-making and leadership positions in organisations is still small. This observation echoes the glass ceiling phenomenon, a metaphor for invisible but prevalent barriers that impede women career advancement in organisations. While the glass ceiling phenomenon has generated research interest, several scholars argue that theoretical models have not adequately portrayed its implications on women career advancement. As such, this study is designed to examine the effect of the glass ceiling phenomenon on women career advancement in organisations. Six hundred female employees from mid-level management and above were surveyed for this study. It was found that the glass ceiling phenomenon has a significant negative effect on women career advancement in organisations.
Future Trends in Marketing Automation for Rubber Manufacturers
Authors: Ashish Babubhai Sakariya
Published: February 2025

The technologies have been brought to an advanced stage propelled by advanced marketing automations that have changed the rubber manufacturing industry at a revolutionary stage. On the other side of upwardly mobile ecosystem lies these growing trends that leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics to likely revolutionize the very traditional marketing process. Global market dynamics and challenges, industry specific technological innovations and user insights of Rubber manufacturers are analyzed in this study which helps Rubber manufacturers improving the customer's engagement, streamlined the supply chain interactions and develop very personal marketing strategies. The research shows that marketing automation is no longer a peripheral technology but rather an important competing factor and a basic way that companies predict market demand, develop more agile responding business models, customize offer, and prepare more agile business models in a more complex global environment.
THE REASONS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE BCR OF THE 2ND ALL-BELARUSIAN CONGRESS ON JUNE 27, 1944 WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE OCCUPATION POLICY OF THE THIRD REICH
Authors: DLUHASH D.
Published: February 2025

This article examines the reasons and conditions for the holding by the Belarusian Central Rada of the 2nd All-Belarusian Congress on the eve of the liberation of the occupied territory of the BSSR. The motives and goals of organizing the congress by the occupation administration of the Third Reich are determined. The interrelation of political processes in Europe with the conjuncture of the occupation policy of the Third Reich in the first half of 1944, during the preparation and holding of the congress, was established and investigated. The unspoken aspect of the activities of the Belarusian Central Rada in the preparation and holding of the congress is investigated. The features of the political structure of the pseudo-state formation of the Belarusian People's Republic as part of the colonial empire of the Third Reich are determined. The political significance of the Congress resolution in the context of foreign policy processes during the liberation of the territory of the BSSR is analyzed.
CHURCH AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF MINSK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (2014-2019): CREATION AND STRUCTURE OF THE EXHIBITION
Authors: YAKUSHEVA N.
Published: February 2025

The article discusses the process of creating a church-archaeological museum and also shows the structure of the exhibition and the main collections. The introduction defines the relevance and purpose of the study, scientific novelty, scope and historiography of the problem. The main part of the study shows the historical path of creating the museum’s exhibition and some aspects of its activities, outlines the structure and composition of the fund, as well as the most important exhibits of the historical and cultural value. In conclusion, it is shows that the museum is a research and spiritual-educational structural unit of the Minsk Theological Seminary of the Belarusian Orthodox Church and plays an important role in preserving and enhancing the spiritual heritage of the Republic of Belarus. The results obtained can be used in the further development of research in the field of museology, church history and the educational process.
Nicchie etniche e gerarchie razziali. Lavoratori migranti in un distretto florovivaistico siciliano
Authors: Bellinvia Tindaro
Published: February 2025

La crisi pandemica da Covid-19 ha reso più evidenti sia l’esigenza del sistema produttivo di poter contare sui lavoratori stranieri per i settori essenziali, sia le disparità esistenti tra lavoratori con la concentrazione dei neri o non bianchi nei settori dove il lavoro è meno tutelato, più faticoso ed esposto a maggiori rischi. Nel contributo si mettono in luce i rischi di razzializzazione e sfruttamento soprattutto dell’ultima stratificazione di lavoratori migranti rappresentata dai subsahariani in un’enclave agricola esportatrice siciliana specializzata nel florovivaismo.
Third Parties in Arbitration: For the Sake of Fairness
Authors: Yang Klyde Chenyi
Published: February 2025

The role of third parties remains one of the most controversial topics in commercial arbitration. Whilst the fundamentally contractual nature of arbitration typically dictates the exclusion of third parties, numerous theories have been developed to enable third-party involvement in arbitration. However, the significant practical implications of third parties highlight the desirability for a more coherent regime to address this issue. Appreciating the diverse legal cultures across different jurisdictions, this paper does not attempt to propose a unifying theory for universal adoption. Instead, it aims to establish a guiding principle that provides doctrinal underpinning for all theories whilst allowing liberty and flexibility for their specific applications. After having critically examined the rationales behind several prominent theories, it is this paper’s central submission that the notion of fairness should serve as the overarching guiding principle for all theories. Given the primacy of party autonomy in arbitration, joinder of third parties should only be permitted when it aligns with the goal of promoting fairness. Accordingly, it is argued that theories not fitting within this fairness-oriented framework should be eradicated.
Exploring the factors influencing commuters’ satisfaction and the use of public utility buses in Quezon City, Philippines
Authors:   University of Santo Tomas – Manila, Galvez Lorenzo Miguel , Katon Paulene Kaye ,   University of Santo Tomas – Manila, Valdez Karen Grace ,   University of Santo Tomas – Manila
Published: February 2025

This study examines the determinants of commuter satisfaction with public utility buses in Quezon City, Philippines, emphasizing service quality, travel duration, cost efficiency, and willingness to utilize the service. The study employed a quantitative research design, gathering data from public utility bus commuters in Quezon City using Slovin’s formula. A validated 29-question Likert-scale survey was utilized, and data were analyzed with linear and multiple regression. The survey results show the significant influence of these factors on commuter satisfaction and their willingness to use bus services in Quezon City. The quality-of-service variable, exhibits significant results, highlighting safety concerns which are particularly relevant among women. This reflect subjective norms, travel duration and cost-efficiency were found to have a significant positive impact, as passengers value the advantages of time-saving and affordable prices. This research calls for regulatory changes aimed at improving service quality and safety to enhance operational standards of bus services in the Philippines.
The rush to the Arctic: Geopolitical linkages and challenges for Indo-Pacific regional stability
Authors:   Republic Indonesia Defense University (RIDU), Lievonne Maria Chris , Timur Fauzia Gustarina Cempaka ,   Republic Indonesia Defense University (RIDU), Suryo Almuchalif ,   Republic Indonesia Defense University (RIDU)
Published: February 2025

This study aims to evaluate how great power competition in the Arctic, driven by new maritime routes emerging from melting sea ice due to climate change, significantly reduces shipping distances between Europe and Asia and impacts the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. This development has intensified strategic competition among major powers, especially China, the United States, and Russia. According to the realism theory, these countries pursue national interests by seeking to establish influence over the Arctic route. This study uses a qualitative methodology based on a comprehensive literature review, analyzing secondary data from academic publications, policy documents, and expert reports. The findings are synthesized and presented through descriptive narrative analysis to provide insights into the complex interactions between Arctic developments and Indo-Pacific regional dynamics. This study reveals that great power competition centered on the Arctic has substantial spillover impacts in the Indo-Pacific region, especially on regional environmental sustainability and geopolitical stability, particularly in the Malacca Strait region. A major limitation of this study lies in the evolving nature of great power competition in the Pacific Ocean, which poses challenges in accessing up-to-date information and analyzing fast-changing dynamics. The study concludes that the interconnectedness between the Arctic and the Indo-Pacific requires a nuanced understanding of the evolving geopolitical landscape. The findings have implications for regional security, economic cooperation, and environmental sustainability in both regions.
Exposición de la economía y el sistema bancario españoles a los terceros países materiales
Authors: Berganza Juan Carlos , Lara Begoña
Published: February 2025

Motivación

Este artículo analiza, desde varias perspectivas, la exposición de la economía española a los «terceros

países materiales» o aquellos fuera del Espacio Económico Europeo (identificados por el Banco de

España de forma anual), frente a los que las entidades de crédito españolas mantienen exposiciones

de relevancia.

Ideas principales

• En 2024 el Banco de España identificó a Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Estados Unidos, México, Perú, Reino

Unido y Turquía como terceros países materiales para el sistema bancario español.

• Destacan la exposición al Reino Unido en la mayoría de las variables [activos y pasivos bancarios,

inversión extranjera directa (IED) y exportaciones e importaciones de bienes y servicios] y a Estados

Unidos, con cuotas elevadas tanto en comercio de bienes y servicios como en flujos de inversión

procedentes desde España (en IED y, especialmente, en cartera, tanto en renta fija como variable).

• De las economías emergentes, sobresale la exposición española a México y Brasil —en ese orden—

en activos y pasivos bancarios y en IED con origen en España. En el resto de países, la exposición es

mayor en Chile y Turquía que en Colombia y Perú.
OECS Digital Education Capacity Strengthening Initiative (DECI) - Inception Report
Authors: Moustafa Nariman , Regis Calllista , Haßler Dr Björn
Published: February 2025

An output of the Open Development & Education, https://opendeved.net/
A Research of Challenges and Solutions in Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) Systems
Authors: Gu Jiafeng
Published: February 2025

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems represent a significant innovation in the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP), ingeniously integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) with dynamic external knowledge retrieval. This amalgamation not only enhances the models' responsiveness to real-world knowledge but also addresses the limitations of conventional generative models in terms of knowledge update velocity and factual accuracy. This review examines the challenges faced by RAG systems and their solutions. It delves into the central architecture of RAG systems, encompassing retrieval components, generative components, and knowledge bases, with a particular focus on recent advancements that have expanded the boundaries of performance and functionality. The study critically analyzes major challenges such as retrieval efficiency and dynamic knowledge management. This paper evaluates various advanced solutions proposed in recent literature, comparing their efficacy and discussing the trade-offs involved. Ultimately, this paper aims to provide researchers, developers, and users of RAG systems with a comprehensive perspective, fostering ongoing innovation and the expansion of applications in this domain.
Machine Learning - Titanic Survival Prediction Analysis
Authors: Li Meixuan
Published: February 2025

The most well-known shipwreck in history, the Titanic, happened in April 1912. The dataset contains comprehensive details regarding everyone that stepped onto the ship, and more than 1,500 passengers and crew members perished in the catastrophe. This study investigates the effectiveness of logistic regression, multi-layer perceptron support vector machines, and XGBoost algorithms in forecasting passenger survivability using the Titanic passenger dataset. Numerous factors, including passengers' financial status, gender, age, class, and others, influence their chances of surviving, and these factors are included in the Titanic passenger data collection. This work creates the classification model using logistic regression and other methods, preprocesses and analyzes the characteristic data, and compares the model's performance. The variables that significantly affect the survival rate are found. Experiments are used to assess each algorithm's accuracy, precision, and recall rate in order to determine which prediction model is optimal. Every algorithm has a unique optimization space and application context. In real-world use, it ought to be chosen and tailored based on the features of particular issues.
Spam filtering system based on machine learning
Authors: Dong Wenhai
Published: February 2025

With the process of the continuous growth of Internet technology, more and more people are participating in Internet activities. In daily email exchanges, there are often a certain amount of spam or uncivilized language that causes trouble to email users. However, since it is necessary to avoid misjudging normal emails as spam, it is extremely important to compare and analyze the accuracy results of different models. This paper employs various machine learning algorithms, such as support vector machines, random forest, naive Bayes to test spam detection, and discusses the optimal solution to this problem based on the results. Besides, A comprehensive explanation of the principles of various algorithms in the field of machine learning is provided in this paper. After performing necessary data processing and model handling, their advantages and disadvantages are analyzed to seek the optimal solution for the spam classification problem. Additionally, based on the existing results, this paper proposes future perspectives and possible improvement methods.
Sentimental Analysis of Product Review using Machine Learning
Authors:   Bhivarabai Sawant Institute of Technology and Research (BSIOTR), Pune (Maharashtra), India., Chavan Swamini E , Ambhure Archana D ,   Bhivarabai Sawant Institute of Technology and Research (BSIOTR), Pune (Maharashtra), India., Karche Mauli H ,   Bhivarabai Sawant Institute of Technology and Research (BSIOTR), Pune (Maharashtra), India., Kolhe Tushar A ,   Bhivarabai Sawant Institute of Technology and Research (BSIOTR), Pune (Maharashtra), India., Kute Prof. Vinita ,   Bhivarabai Sawant Institute of Technology and Research (BSIOTR), Pune (Maharashtra), India.
Published: February 2025

Sentiment analysis of product reviews plays a crucial role in understanding consumer feedback, improving customer experience and making informed business decisions. This paper explores the application of machine learning and deep learning algorithms to effectively classify and analyse the sentiment of product reviews. Traditional machine learning techniques, such as Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Random Forests are employed for sentiment classification based on manually engineered features. Simultaneously, deep learning approaches like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks are leveraged to automatically learn complex representations from raw text data. The study compares the performance of these methods in terms of accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score. Additionally, pre-trained language models such as BERT are incorporated to enhance contextual understanding. Experimental results demonstrate that deep learning models particularly LSTM and BERT, outperform traditional machine learning techniques in capturing sentiments. This analysis provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of different algorithms in sentiment analysis tasks, paving the way for more advanced applications in natural language processing and customer sentiment evaluation.
Peran Mandiri Entrepreneur Center (MEC) Surabaya dalam Mencetak Wirausahawan
Authors: Dainuri Dainuri
Published: February 2025

Peran Mandiri Entrepreneur Center (MEC) Surabaya dalam mencetak pengusaha "merupakan hasil penelitian kualitatif yang bertujuan menjawab pertanyaan tentang bagaimana peran Mandiri Entrepreneur Center (MEC) Surabaya dalam mencetak pengusaha dan proses apa saja yang mendukung dan menghambat Mandiri Entrepreneur Center (MEC) Surabaya dalam mencetak wirausaha. Metodologi penelitian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi, dokumentasi dan wawancara langsung dengan informan, dalam penelitian ini pengelola Mandiri Entrepreneur Center (MEC) Surabaya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Peran Mandiri Entrepreneur Center (MEC) Surabaya dalam mencetak wirausaha adalah dengan menjalankan pendidikan kewirausahaan yang mengajarkan teori dan praktek secara langsung. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan beberapa program kewirausahaan diantaranya Entrepreneur Camp, Entrepreneur Session, Entrepreneur Motivation dan Entrepreneur Challenge.
Urgensi Ekonomi Syariah dalam Mewujudkan Perekonomian Umat Islam
Authors: Santoso Tulus Budi , Purnamasari Nia Indah
Published: February 2025

Ekonomi Islam dalam mewujudkan perekonomian umat Islam di Indonesia merupakan suatu keharusan dan harus mendapat dukungan dari semua pihak agar umat Islam di Indonesia sebagai mayoritas menjadi masyarakat yang sejahtera lahir dan batin. Untuk mewujudkan dunia bisnis muslimdi Indonesia yang tangguh, kreatif, dan berdaya saing tinggi harus mampu memberikan pemahaman dan kecerdasan kepada masyarakat dalam menjalankan usahanya berdasarkan etika dan prinsip bisnis yang berbasis syariah, seperti mendasarkan pada karakteristik nubuwwah disingkat SAFT, yaitu Shiddiq, Amanah, Fathanah, dan Tabligh. 
ABSTRACT
Islamic economics in realizing the economy of Muslims in Indonesia is a must and should get the support of all parties so that Muslims in Indonesia as the majority become a society that is spiritually and materially prosperous. To realize the Muslim business world in Indonesia that is strong, creative and highly competitive, it must be able to provide understanding and intelligence to the community in running their business based on ethics and sharia-based business principles, such as basing on the characteristics of nubuwwah abbreviated as with SAFT, namely Siddiq, Amanah, Fathanah, and Tabligh.
Experiences of an ongoing preceptorship programme for newly employed nurses in medical departments – A qualitative study
Authors: Berthelsen Connie , Kjærgaard Kristine Mildahl , Aviaja-Hansen Carrinna
Published: February 2025

Objective: To explore the experiences of head nurses, preceptors, and newly employed nurses in five Danish medical departments on an ongoing preceptorship programme.Methods: The Rigorous and Accelerated Data Reduction (RADaR) technique was used to design this study and guide the data collection and analysis. In December 2023, 21 participants (head nurses, preceptors, and newly employed nurses) were interviewed in qualitative semi-structured interviews.Results: The findings show an overall need for a structure of the content, planning, and execution of the preceptorship programme and a specific focus on the newly employed nurses’ personalities and individual needs throughout the introduction. Three themes were unveiled after the RADaR analysis: “Aiming for overall structure and individuality,” “Preceptoring – Advantages and disadvantages of cutting corners,” and “Clarifications of expectations and progress.”Conclusions: A more structured preceptorship programme that considers individual needs and focuses on social interactions could strengthen the future introduction of newly employed nurses in medical departments. Even though the head nurses and preceptors considered the preceptorship programme too lengthy and time-consuming, it could be time and money well spent as it may increase retention and reduce turnover of newly employed nurses.
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Game Edukasi Terhadap Pemahaman Konsep pada Materi Sistem Peredaran Darah SMA Negeri 1 Sungai Ambawang
Authors: Ranti Yuliani , Sari Mustika , Nawawi Nawawi
Published: February 2025

Learning media is a tool or means used to support the learning process to be more effective, interesting, and interactive. The use of the right learning media can help students understand the material more easily, increase learning motivation, and create a fun learning atmosphere. The purpose of this study is to develop and produce educational game learning media to improve understanding of concepts in circulatory system material. This research is part of Research and Development (R&D). The form of design in this study is the ADDIE development model, where this development model consists of 5 stages of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. Validation sheets and response questionnaires were used to collect data in this study which was then analyzed in a quantitative descriptive manner. The results of the study showed that the average validity percentage of material experts was 92.08% and media experts were on average 94.44% with very valid criteria. The average student response questionnaire is 82.41% and the average teacher response questionnaire is 93.75% with very practical criteria. The average N-gain of 0.70% is effective. Thus, educational games for understanding concepts are very valid, practical, and effective to be used as a learning medium in the classroom
Peningkatan Keterampilan Pemahaman Membaca Pemahaman Peserta Didik Menggunakan Strategi Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) di Kelas V UPTD SDN 03 Kabupaten Simalanggang 50 Kota
Authors: Az Zahra Fathia , Azima Nana Fauzana , Suriani Ari , Chandra Chandra
Published: February 2025

This study aims to describe the improvement of students' reading comprehension skills through the Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) strategy. The type of research used is Classroom Action Research (PTK) with stages of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. This research was carried out in two cycles with the research subject of grade V students of UPTD SDN 03 Simalanggang, which consisted of 20 students. The results of the research conducted showed an increase in cycle I to cycle II, namely the percentage of average assessment of teaching modules in cycle I meeting 1 was 82%, cycle I meeting 2 increased to 89%, and in cycle II it increased to 96%. The average assessment percentage of teacher aspects in cycle I meeting 1 was 75%, cycle I meeting 2 increased to 83%, and in cycle II it increased to 96%. The average assessment percentage of student aspects in the first cycle of meeting 1 was 82%, the first cycle of meeting 2 increased to 85%, and in the second cycle it increased to 96%. The average assessment of students' reading comprehension skills in the first cycle of meeting 1 was 70.75, the first cycle of meeting 2 increased to 80.32, and in the second cycle it increased to 90.2. Thus, the implementation of the Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) strategy can improve students' reading comprehension skills in elementary schools
A Cybersecurity Framework for FinTech Platforms: Tackling Data Breaches and Building Resilient Systems for Customer Trust
Authors: Hussain Nurudeen Yemi , Babalola Faith Ibukun , Kokogho Eseoghene , Odio Princess Eloho
Published: February 2025

The rapid expansion of financial technology (FinTech) platforms has revolutionized the financial industry by enhancing accessibility and efficiency. However, the increasing reliance on digital infrastructures has also heightened vulnerabilities to cybersecurity threats, particularly data breaches. This paper presents A Cybersecurity Framework for FinTech Platforms, designed to address critical security challenges, ensure data protection, and foster customer trust. The framework integrates advanced technologies, robust security practices, and regulatory compliance to build resilient systems capable of preventing, detecting, and mitigating cyber threats. Key components of the framework include multi-layered security protocols, AI-driven threat detection systems, blockchain for secure data sharing, and end-to-end encryption. It emphasizes adopting zero-trust architecture to safeguard sensitive customer data and prevent unauthorized access. The framework also highlights the importance of cybersecurity awareness training for employees and customers to mitigate risks associated with human error. Additionally, it underscores the necessity of real-time monitoring and incident response mechanisms to detect and respond to emerging threats swiftly. Regulatory compliance plays a pivotal role in enhancing security standards across FinTech platforms. The framework aligns with global cybersecurity regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), ensuring that platforms operate within secure and ethical guidelines. The framework's effectiveness is validated through case studies and simulations, demonstrating its ability to reduce breach incidents, minimize downtime, and enhance system resilience. These findings reveal significant improvements in customer trust, operational efficiency, and regulatory adherence. This research provides actionable insights for FinTech stakeholders, including developers, financial institutions, and policymakers, seeking to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity in digital finance. By implementing the proposed framework, FinTech platforms can establish robust defenses against cyber threats, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment for customers.
It Must Have Been Moonglow
Authors: Tudball Daniel
Published: February 2025

As in classical portfolio management, the Sharpe Ratio plays an important role. Hugo Drax also gets a look-in.
News
Authors: Tudball Daniel
Published: February 2025

News
An Election Day Thought: The Ratio of US Debt to GDP
Authors: Guerard John
Published: February 2025

With 38 hours left before the results of the US election are announced a statistical investigation suggests that whatever the outcome is, the economic implications of both candidates will be far too little, far too late.
This is a Lot Less Obvious Than it Seems; Maths
Authors: Poulsen Rolf
Published: February 2025

The main point in this month�s column: Some of the things we take for granted and work with every day are not as obvious as we have come to think they are. I started out with a list of quantitative finance cases but discovered that pure maths examples could easily fill a column. So, maths now, quantitative finance later.
Portfolio Wisdom from Legends: Insights from Harry Markowitz and William Ziemba
Authors: Lleo S and MacLean, L
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we consider the contributions of Harry Markowitz and William Ziemba to portfolio theory. Those legendary scholars worked on the theory and practice of investing for decades, with lasting impact. The insights from their work were acquired through years of involvement with complex financial markets. We will look at their insights through the integrative model of Risk Sensitive Investment Management (RSIM). The RSIM model is analytic, and the model investment strategy formula reveals the place of the insights from Markowitz and Ziemba in optimal decisions.
Interrogating Russian History
Authors: Das Satyajit
Published: February 2025

Exploring the complexities of Russia's identity, its historical transformation from monarchy to a socialist state, and its quest for legitimacy, recognition, and power on the global stage through its own perspective.
The Skewed World of Jan Darasz
Authors: Darasz Jan
Published: February 2025

Humor. Remember what that was?
RESEARCH OF CONSERVATION MATERIALS BASED ON VEGETABLE OILS
Authors:   Samara State Agrarian University, Sazonov Dmitry S. , Erzamaev Maxim P. ,   Samara State Agrarian University, Zhiltsov Sergey N. ,   Samara State Agrarian University, Artamonov Evgeny I. ,   Samara State Agrarian University
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the research is to increase the efficiency of protecting the working elements of agricultural machines and implements from atmospheric corrosion with conservation materials based on vegetable oils. The use of vegeta-ble oils and their production waste as a basis for anticorrosive materials is a good alternative to petroleum oils. One of the ways to protect against atmospheric corrosion is the use of temporary anticorrosive protection based on vege-table oils, they are non-toxic, environmentally safe and renewable, their manufacture is possible directly at the agri-cultural enterprise itself. The objective of the research was to evaluate the protection of carbon steel from corrosion by preservative materials based on vegetable oils during periodic condensation of moisture. The following vegetable oils have been studied: palm, rapeseed, sunflower, as well as compositions of 50% rapeseed oil and 50% palm oil and 50% sunflower oil and 50% palm oil. The studies were carried out on samples made of structural carbon steel of ordinary quality St3sp. The results of corrosion studies with periodic moisture condensation for 35 days showed that sunflower oil slows down the corrosion rate by 11% (corrosion rate of 0.142 g/m2•year), rapeseed oil by 32% (corro-sion rate of 0.108 g/m2•year), and palm oil by 51% (corrosion rate of 0.078 g/m2•year) at a corrosion rate of steel St3sp 0.16 g/m2•year. According to the research results, the best degree of protection of St3sp steel is provided by a vegetable composition of 50% rapeseed oil and 50% palm oil, it reduces the corrosion rate to 0.045 g/m2•year, while its degree of protection was 72%.
THE RESULTS OF STUDIES OF THE CROP RESIDUES SEALING OF GRAIN CROPS WITH PLN AND PBS PLOWS
Authors:   Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N. I. Vavilov, Boykov Vasiliy M. , Starcev Sergey V. ,   Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N. I. Vavilov, Pavlov Andrey V. ,   Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N. I. Vavilov, Nesterov Evgeniy S. ,   Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering named after N. I. Vavilov
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the work is to improve the quality of embedding crop and plant residues into the soil. The results of experimental studies of the sealing of millet crop residues and their distribution over the depth of the cultivated soil layer by the serial ploughshare plow PNL-8-40 without pre-ploughs and the developed plow PBS-8M are presented. The PBS-8M plow is structurally fundamentally different from the widely used well-known plow PNL-8-40. The body of the PBS plow has a grip width of 60 cm. The right plowshare with a width of 40 cm and the left plowshare with a width of 20 cm are installed on the housing rack, there is no field board. A solid blade is adjacent to the right ploughshare for the entire width. When working with such a PBS plow body, part of the soil layer crumbles with the left plowshare, and the other part crumbles with the right plowshare, shifts, turns around and fits on the crumbled left part. The plow-ing of the field after harvesting millet by combines with shredders-straw spreaders, was carried out by plows in an aggregate with tractors K-701 and K-744R3. In the first experiment, it was found that during the operation of the PNL-8-40 plow, the straw is laid in depth in rows of various shapes and sizes. On the daytime surface of the field, strips of uncultivated straw were observed in the rows of the closure of the soil layers, which were at a distance of 30-60 cm from each other. In the second experiment, when working with PBS-8M, stubble and millet plant residues were em-bedded in the arable layer also unevenly, both in depth and in the width of the plow grip. However, the stubble is more evenly mixed with the soil and was at a depth of 8-15 cm. The thickness of the straw layer at the depth of the sealing was from 5 to 12 cm. The technological parameters of the PBS-8M plow contribute to the intensification of the processes of mineralization and humification of crop residues in the soil.
MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL OF ELECTRIC DISPENSERS OF THE MIXER OF BIO-OIL FUEL COMPONENTS
Authors:   Penza State Agrarian University, Ukhanov Alexander P. , Ukhanov Denis A. ,   25th State Research Institute of Chemmotology of the Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the study is to develop and implement in practice a functional circuit for microprocessor control of electric dispensers of a mixer of oil and vegetable components of diesel bio–oil fuel, built into the standard power system of tractor diesel. From a scientific and practical point of view, it is important not only the correct selection of electric dispensers for the mixer of components of diesel bio-oil fuel, taking into account the fuel consumption of a specific tractor model, but also automatic control of electric dispensers without the participation of a driver. The choice of parameters of the mixer electric dispensers was carried out in accordance with the previously performed calculations in relation to the diesel D-243 of the MTZ-80 tractor. Considering the geometric dimensions of the input channels of the mixer and the valve of the electric dispenser, the stroke of the valve stem of the electric dispensers is determined, which is necessary for the required change in the throughput of the input channels of the mixer. To change the percentage of components of diesel bio-oil fuel, depending on the load-speed and temperature mode of tractor diesel operation, step-by-step electric dispensers are placed in the input channels of the mixer, automatically changing the throughput of the input channels by adjusting the area of their passage section. The microprocessor unit controls the operation of the electric dispensers based on informative signals from load sensors (the position of the rail of the high-pressure fuel pump), speed (the speed of rotation of the diesel crankshaft), the temperature of the coolant in the diesel cooling system and the temperature of vegetable oil at the inlet to the mixer. The functional scheme of microprocessor control of electric dispensers of the mixer of components of diesel bio-oil fuel developed and implemented in practice allows to change automatically the percentage of petroleum fuel and vegetable oil in diesel bio-oil fuel depending on the load-speed and temperature mode of tractor diesel operation.
STARTER COMPOUND FEEDS WITH SAFFRON CAKE FOR CALVES
Authors:   2All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Animal Husbandry named after Academician L. K. Ernst, Zoteev Stepan V. , Nekrasov Roman V. ,   All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Animal Husbandry named after Academician L. K. Ernst, Zoteev Vladimir S. ,   Samara State Agrarian University, Simonov Gennady A. ,   Vologda Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of saffron cake in feeding dairy calves. Pro-cessed products and saffron seeds have a good balance of essential amino acids. The use of saffron processing waste is a necessary condition for maintaining the cleanliness of the environment. In the scientific and economic ex-periment on three groups of calves of 10 heads each, the effect of compound feeds with a content of 5.0-10.0% by weight of saffron cake on the consumption of feed ration, growth energy, digestibility and use of nutrients of the diet was studied. The inclusion of saffron cake in the starter feed provides an increase in the average daily live weight gain in calves of the experimental groups by 2.3-7.6%. The best indicators for the cost per 1 kg of body weight gain were found in 2 and 3 experimental groups: 34.4-34.3 MJ of metabolic energy; 582-564 g of crude protein. The re-placement of 10.0% sunflower meal with saffron in the starter feed provided an increase in the digestibility of nutri-ents in the diet feed: dry matter – by 3.1 abs.%, organic matter – by 3.0 abs.%, crude protein – by 4.9 abs.%, crude fat – by 2.7 abs.%, crude fiber – by 4.2 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances – by 2.4 abs.%. Nitrogen losses with urine and feces in calves of the third experimental group were lower, compared with the control, respectively, by 0.4-8.3%. Nitrogen assimilated from the gastrointestinal tract in calves of the third experimental group was better used – from the intake by 4.5%, from the assimilated by 5.0%, compared with the control. In animals receiving 15% of saffron cake as part of compound feed, the nitrogen deposition rate was 17.3% higher compared to the control.
BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF BLOOD AND MILK PRODUCTIVITY OF COWS INCLUDED IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE DIET OF THE FOOD ADDITIVE OPTIGEN
Authors:   Samara State Agrarian University, Petukhova Elizaveta I. , Baimishev Murat H. ,   Samara State Agrarian University, Topuriya Larisa Yu. ,   Orenburg State Agrarian University, Baimishev Khamidulla B. ,   Samara State Agrarian University
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the research is to substantiate the effect of the feed additive Optigen on the biochemical indicators of blood and milk productivity of cows during the peak of lactation. To conduct research, two groups of cows were formed after calving on the second or third day (control, experimental) with 10 heads in each group. The animals in the group were selected according to the principle of analogues, taking into account the indicators of milk productivity for the previous lactation. During the research, all the animals were in the same conditions of feeding and mainte-nance. The animals of the experimental group were additionally included in the diet structure of the feed additive Optigen at a dose of 100 g during the entire period of peak lactation – 90 days. The biochemical parameters of blood serum at the beginning and at the end of the peak of lactation were studied. Based on the conducted studies, it was found that the biochemical blood parameters of cows of the control group at the end of the peak of lactation de-creased, compared with the values at the beginning of the peak of lactation, in terms of total calcium by 0.31 mmol/l, total protein by 5.45 g/l, including albumin content by 3.21 g/l. The content of the enzymes AlAT and AsAT increased by 5.09 and 8.09 units. In the animals of the experimental group, the decrease in biochemical parameters in the compared periods was less than in the control, in terms of total calcium by 0.19 mmol/l, total protein – by 3.55 g/l, the increase in the indicators of the enzymes AlAt and AsAT by 3.11 and 6.07 units less compared to the control. The milk productivity of animals that received the Optigen feed additive in the diet structure at a dose of 100 g during the lactation period increased by 195.0 kg compared to the control. Milk of animals of the experimental group was supe-rior in quality to milk of cows of the control group.
Meat packaging sustainability perception among undergraduate university students studying Food and Forensic Science related courses: A Coventry University scoping exercise
Authors: Comblik Kinga , Hawkes Mary-Jane , Lunel Marie Lunel , Nyambayo Isabella
Published: February 2025

Meat and non-recyclable multilayer film packaging waste has contributed to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which impact the environment. In the UK, the Waste & Resource Action Programme (WRAP) established a plan to tackle meat and plastic waste; however, its success is impossible without extended consumer responsibility. This study aimed to investigate students' perceptions of meat packaging sustainability. Students (n=34; male=9, female=25) were recruited from Coventry University, England. Respondents consisted of students who were staying on and out of campus. The study was conducted via an online JISC questionnaire and images asking about recycling, knowledge and sustainability perception of meat and meat packaging. The survey revealed that a significant number of students living in student accommodation (P=0.006) do not have recycling waste bins and are unaware of recycling collections (P=0.035) compared to those living in houses or flats. The photo-based observation (PBO) study showed that specialistic on-pack recycling labels (OPRL) logos do not increase recycling rates. Also, a significant understanding of packaging and meat waste reduction was observed among females (P=0.044) and those who were enrolled in Food courses (P=0.031). However, a significant understanding of the role of the plastic packaging in shelf life and meat waste reduction was shown among respondents from Food, Nutrition and Health-based courses (P=0.041). Therefore, the problem of packaging and meat sustainability is complex and depends on different variables such as consumer's sociodemographic, knowledge, and perception of plastic packaging design.
Core-Periphery Analysis Using Principal Components of the Neighborhood-based Bridge Node Centrality Tuple
Authors: Meghanathan Natarajan
Published: February 2025

The neighborhood-based bridge node centrality (NBNC) tuple has been proposed in the literature to rank nodes for the extent they could serve as a bridge node. The NBNC tuple of a node v has three entries: (# components in NGv, 1-algebraic connectivity ratio of NGv and degree of node v), where NGv is the neighborhood graph of node v. The research presented in this paper conducts principal component analysis on dataset comprising of NBNC tuples of all the nodes and computes a weighted PC_NBNC score based on the entries for the nodes in the dominating principal components (variances ≥ 1.0). The proposed model is to classify nodes as core (or peripheral) if their weighted PC_NBNC score is ≥ 0.0 (or < 0). The study measures the fractions of core-core, core-peripheral and peripheral-peripheral links and the fractions of core and peripheral nodes and uses these measures to classify a real-world network as either core-heavy or peripheral-heavy. Accordingly, 48 of the 80 real-world networks are classified as core-heavy (observed to be dominated by core nodes and core-core links) and the remaining 32 networks are classified as peripheral-heavy (observed to be dominated by peripheral nodes).
Research on Symbiosis Evolution of “Professional, Fine, Characteristic, Novel” Enterprises under the Double Cycle Background
Authors: Liang Yaqing
Published: February 2025

“Professional, fine, characteristic, novel” enterprises are an important way to stimulate the vitality of market players and technological innovation of enterprises, but there are still many practical problems. Article based on the symbiosis theory, and put forward the “Professional, fine, characteristic, novel” enterprise symbiotic evolution of 16 kinds of patterns and pareto optimal route choice, at the same time, also analyzed the evolution power mechanism, put forward the “Professional, fine, characteristic, novel” enterprise along the path of Chinese modernization, high quality "symbiosis evolution" four countermeasures, Thus, it provides the theoretical basis and method reference for the high quality development of “Professional, fine, characteristic, novel” enterprises.
Estimation of the Market Competitiveness of Kelp by Municipality in Hokkaido
Authors: Mori Kunie , Fukushige Mototsugu
Published: February 2025

Japanese cuisine, “konbu” (kelp) is an essential ingredient as a raw material for dashi and other Japanese foods. Nine types of kelp are harvested in Japan and the type and use vary by region, including “Rausu konbu” or “Rishiri konbu,” which are named after the harvest location, and traded under their brand name. Even in other areas, kelp is currently competing with the region as a de facto brand. Although kelp from different regions is not completely substitutable, there is competition in each region for a given kelp type. In this paper, based on price and production volume data of 20 municipalities in Hokkaido, which produces more than 80% of total kelp production in Japan, we estimate the competitiveness of each region, using a discrete/continuous model. The results of the analysis reveal that not only well-known brands such as “Rausu konbu” and “Rishiri konbu” but also some areas with large production volumes, have a degree of competitiveness that is not affected by annual fluctuations of production volumes. This tendency is confirmed by the stability of market competitiveness even in subsamples of the sample period. In some areas, due to a decrease in prices and increased production, a slight change in competitiveness occurred.