bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAPABILITY OF GREEN OPEN SPACE VEGETATION REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS IN THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR (CASE STUDY OF THE SIMPANG JAM AREA IN BANDA ACEH CITY)
Authors: Meutia Zya Dyena , Darnas Yeggi , Suci Trimafika
Published: August 2024

The area of Bundaran BNI 46 Simpang Jam in Banda Aceh is an area that is often crowded with motorized vehicles. Motor vehicles produce CO as their exhaust gas. Excessive levels of CO in the air can harm human health. CO can turn into CO2 in the air. Overrated CO2 in the environment can cause greenhouse gas effects and global warming. CO2 can be absorbed by plants for their use in the photosynthesis process. The absorption of CO2 for each vegetation is different starting from very high to low. This research is a quantitative study to determine the total absorption capacity of vegetation in the area of Bundaran BNI 46 Simpang Jam on CO2 emissions which was done on April 2020. Calculating vehicle emissions and vegetation absorption using manual counts method at peak hours and calculations based on literature. From the research, it is known that the total number of vehicles passing through the area is 3250 motorized vehicles/hour with total emissions of 7,343,017,347 Kg/year. The total absorption capacity of 351 vegetation in that area is 614,410.30 kg/year. Accordingly, the area's vegetation is unable to absorb CO2 emissions optimally. To optimize CO2 absorption, vegetation replacement must be carried out. The tree combinations that can be selected to absorb all of the area's CO2 emissions are 320 Trembesi, 326 Kasia, 340 Glondokan, 305 Kenanga and 215 Beringin.
How Does Loan Loss Accounting Influence Bank Lending? Evidence from the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) Model
Authors: Yang Hsiang-Chieh
Published: August 2024

I explore the real effects of an update in loan loss accounting, the current expected credit loss (CECL) model. Although CECL’s predecessor only required banks to recognize losses after an event that made a loan uncollectible, CECL requires banks to recognize expected lifetime credit losses when originating loans. CECL’s earlier recognition of loan losses increases the cost of reserving regulatory capital for loans, decreasing banks’ willingness to lend. Empirically, I find that, following CECL’s approval, capital-constrained banks reduce their growth of total loans and residential loans. I also find that, for the residential loans banks continue to make, they choose to sell more shortly after origination, increasing the size of their originate-to-distribute (OTD) business. The increase in OTD mortgages is more pronounced for public banks, implying that their need to adopt CECL earlier than private banks outweighs the fact that they have better access to additional capital.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: G21; M40; M41.
La Editorial del Pacífico: prácticas y estrategias culturales e intelectuales en el contexto de la Guerra Fría cultural (1950-1956)
Authors: González Inostroza Mario ,   Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile
Published: August 2024

El siguiente artículo aborda cómo se desenvolvió la Editorial del Pacífico, controlada por el partido político Falange Nacional, en el contexto de los primeros años de la Guerra Fría cultural. Se sostiene que adoptó una posición resuelta en el bando que promovió el Congreso por la Libertad de la Cultura en Chile, difundiendo a autores que se posicionaron frente a la Unión Soviética y el comunismo que este bloque representaba. Se toman algunos de los títulos que fueron publicados por esta editora, la difusión que tuvieron aquellos a través de las páginas de la revista Política y Espíritu, otro de los soportes culturales de aquella tienda política, y la recepción que tuvieron en el espacio público y el debate que generaron.
Ser social y acción política del movimiento estudiantil chileno de 2011. Contribución a la crítica de la conciencia «antineoliberal»
Authors: Rivas Gabriel ,   Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, Argentina, Fuentes Salvo Mauricio , Riquelme Ruz Carlos
Published: August 2024

El presente artículo tiene como principal objetivo mostrar cómo las formas de la conciencia política del movimiento estudiantil universitario cambian con la transformación de sus determinaciones económicas. Posicionados desde la perspectiva de la crítica a la economía política, primero se indica cómo las transformaciones en la obtención de plusvalía relativa por parte del capital impulsan cambios en la división internacional del trabajo y en la demanda de atributos productivos a nivel mundial. Luego, expondremos cómo dicha transformación mundial tiene lugar en Chile en tanto productor de materias primas. En tercer lugar, mostramos cómo los cambios en las formas del salario social que buscan ampliar la oferta de trabajadores calificados y sostener la valorización de los capitales individuales en la rama de educación modifican la conciencia política del movimiento estudiantil, la que tomará la forma «antineoliberal». Finalmente, mostramos los resultados de su acción política, la que se cristaliza en la expansión del gasto estatal en educación y la formación de nuevos partidos de izquierda.
Problemáticas de la preservación audiovisual en Latinoamérica en el marco de las políticas públicas. Rescate patrimonial del film sobre arte moderno en Brasil y en Chile
Authors: Cossalter Javier ,   Instituto de Historia del Arte Argentino y Latinoamericano «Luis Ordaz» Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Published: August 2024

La preservación de las imágenes en movimiento es una preocupación de larga existencia, que se inició con la creación de las primeras cinematecas en la década del treinta del siglo pasado. En América Latina, este fenómeno se desenvuelve con altibajos, producto de la ausencia o la falta de aplicación de políticas públicas referidas a dicha esfera cultural. En este sentido, el objetivo del presente artículo consiste en abordar la problemática de la preservación audiovisual en Brasil y en Chile en función de la corriente del film sobre arte moderno, que por sus características ya vislumbraba un carácter patrimonial en el contexto de concepción de las películas. Para llevar a cabo este trabajo se examina el rol de las entidades dedicadas a la preservación del cine nacional en ambos países, junto al papel desempeñado por el Estado y por los agentes particulares. Luego se exploran las cualidades generales de la tendencia del film sobre arte brasileño y chileno, con el foco de atención puesto en el registro o documentación del arte y la cultura nacional y popular. Finalmente se revisan algunos ejemplos de restauración y digitalización que evidencian una progresiva puesta en valor patrimonial del corto sobre arte en ambos territorios.
STRATEGIES OF MATURE UKRAINIAN MASHUP-PROSE: LEAVING THE MATRIX
Authors: Gurduz Andrii
Published: August 2024

The rise and prime of mashup-prose in 2000–2010s made this subgenre the most controversial in the modern literary process. The Ukrainian embodiment of mashup-prose stands out against the world background thanks to the writers’ creative reinterpretation of its key formulas in combination with a critical vision of history and a pronounced folk humor. We define the specifics of the mature form of mashup expression in Ukrainian literature using the example of the story by O. Dekan (and I. Nechui-Levytskyi) “Kaydash Family vs Zombies” for the first time. O. Dekan’s reinterpretation of the mashup model “transformation of a classical artistic work” is indicative and testifies to the creative implementation of the Western artistic matrix in the mature Ukrainian subgenre of 2020s. The interaction in this story of sequentially located plot-image blocks, where the matrix is sustained and where the classic plot by I. Nechui-Levytskyi is left behind, can be considered as a hybridization of a mature mashup-form in the previously predicted by us the transition from mashup as a subgenre to the mashup as local artistic technique. The mashup-processing strategy by O. Dekan of I. Nechui-Levytskyi’s story is organic to the world experience of this subgenre and, despite the shortcomings of the text, proves the writer’s original attempt to develop canonized scheme to a level of a new subgenre type. The “Kaydash Family vs Zombies” among similar national texts reflects the main parameters of the updated at the beginning of the XXI century fantasy paradigm as a whole.
LANGUAGE LEARNING IN THE PARADIGM OF INFORMAL SPACE
Authors: Pokatska Daria , Аstapova Tetiana
Published: August 2024

This article is an attempt to explore the possibility of learning a foreign language from the point of view of an informal approach for people who are under conditions of varying degrees of complexity, from forced migration to financial insecurity. The main problem of the research, which should be solved, is in the internal contour of overcoming internal psychological barriers and financial inability, in the external overcoming of bureaucratic barriers in the form of requirements for formal adaptation outside one's country with the minimum level of language knowledge, formal education system, various programs and resources on a paid and a free basis. It is the search for a spot that will open a universal opportunity for a large category of people or, in a broader sense, a comprehensive approach with scientific justification of its main principles. To define the workspace as an ideal field, one can rely on Foucault's philosophy of transgression and Kuhn's multiparadigmatic approach, because the problem requires going beyond the formal rules of existing and realized experience.
Natural Variation in Photosynthetic Traits Measured at Pre and Post Anthesis Stages for 36 Field Grown Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Maity Sourav , Srinivasan Vishnupriya , Dutta Puspendu , Roy Suvedu Kumar , Das Saikat
Published: August 2024

The experiment was conducted during November–March  of 2018–19 and 2019–20 at the University Farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India to assess the variability of 36 selected wheat genotypes for key morpho-phenetic traits as well as photosynthetic parameters and also to study their associations pattern at various growth stages. Photosynthetic parameters were recorded by Gas exchange (GE) measurement under open field condition at both pre- and post-anthesis stages  The genotypes showed significant variation for photosynthetic parameters such as Pn, E, Ci, and gs, for pre-anthesis measurements while in post-anthesis measurements, all the parameters found to be non-significant except Pn. All these traits showed higher value in pre-anthesis stage indicating higher physiological efficiency at this stage. Most of the traits showed high heritability coupled with higher genetic advance except gs in both pre and post anthesis stages indicating higher role of additive gene action. This study found no significant correlation between pre and post-anthesis photosynthetic traits and grain yield or biomass when all cultivars were compared. Cultivars with the highest photosynthetic performance did not equate with the highest yields. However, path analysis revealed a positive and high direct effect of E, WUE (both pre and post anthesis stage); gs, (Pre-anthesis stage only) on grain yield while a negative direct impact of BY and Pn (pre-anthesis stage). PCA analysis also confirmed the importance of photosynthetic parameters such as Pn, E, gs, Ci, LUE, and WUE measured at both pre and post-anthesis stages towards the divergence of wheat genotypes.
From gamification to the metaverse and beyond. Metaphors, myths, and ideologies
Authors: Thibault Mattia
Published: August 2024

In the last decades, the modelling ability of digital games has had an increasingly strong influence on both industrial communication and strategic decision making. The ways companies communicate, represent themselves, and organise their workflows and operations have been subject of an attempt to translate and emulate the semiotic features on digital games. Dynamics and interactions become gamified, while the future of industrial communication is deferred to a (for now hypothetical) metaverse, that borrows aesthetics and interactions from digital games. Scarcity — a cornerstone of both games and economical systems — is imported in these, potentially abundant, digital words through technological workarounds such as blockchain. And, more recently, Artificial Intelligence, for years developed as a strategic actor in games, has become the new buzzword and has been indicated as latest technological frontier. In this article, I map the ways in which digital games, understood as a modelling system, have been able to exert influence over discourses around technology and development. To do so, I also show how metaphorical language and mythical thinking shape the ideologies behind these operations — and hence our ability to engage critically with these phenomena.
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Oil and Free Fatty Acid Content of Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunch Based on Thermal Properties Using Partial Least Square (PLS)
Authors: Guspa Monica , Makky Muhammad , Cherie Dinah
Published: August 2024

Indonesia is the largest producer of palm oil in the world, contributing 59 % of global production in 2022. The palm oil industry is a pillar of the economy and a source of foreign exchange through agricultural exports. To increase productivity and global competitiveness, strategies are needed, including improving cultivation technology and determining optimum harvest times through the application of appropriate cultivation technology. This research aims to increase oil palm productivity by focusing on the harvest time of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB). The sample used was Tenera variety palm FFB with two levels of ripeness, namely 140-160 DAP and 200-220 HSP. Non-destructive technology can accurately measure the optimum ripeness level of FFB. This approach uses thermal camera technology for nondestructive evaluation, recording the intensity of infrared radiation from TBS. All measurement parameters resulting from thermal image processing (RGB, L*a*b and temperature) will be used as input variable data to be modeled with oil content free fatty acid data in the laboratory. The model design will be built using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square (PLS) methods. The results showed that the coefficient of determination (R2) for oil content was 0.8681 and free fatty acid content was 0.786. Keywords: FFB, Nondestructive, Oil content, PLS, Thermal properties
Faktor Sosio-Ekonomi yang Mempengaruhi Kualitas Tidur Pada Individu Cerai Mati di Indonesia
Authors: Salim Prasetya Rahman , Avia Zahra , Sihaloho Estro Dariatno
Published: August 2024

Losing a spouse is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. Meanwhile, stress is one of the triggers for health problems. Using IFLS 2014 as data and logistic regression as a method, we found that depressive symptoms, smoking habits, education level, and living in urban areas have a positive correlation with the probability of widows having poor sleep quality. This can increase the probability of having diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that can lead to death. The support of the closest family is expected to help the widow have better sleep quality.
Preferensi UKM Kuliner dalam Pengolahan Sertifikasi Halal Secara Online di Kota Pekanbaru
Authors: Sidabalok Supriani , Misdawita Misdawita , Zamaya Yelly , Mayes Anthony
Published: August 2024

This research aims to determine the preferences that influence the decision of culinary SMEs in Pekanbaru City in processing halal certification online. Preference measurement is based on factors that influence individual perceptions in making decisions, namely ease, trust, benefits, and risk. The data collection method is a questionnaire with a Likert scale and data processing using binary logistic regression (logit regression). Based on data collection and analysis from 78 of culinary SMEs, the results showed that simultaneously all perception variables influenced culinary SMEs decisions to obtain halal certificates online. As for the individual test results, it showed that three perception factors, namely ease (X1), benefits (X3), and risk (X4) had a significant effect on culinary SMEs preferences for processing online halal certificates, while perceptions of trust (X2) had no significant effect. This is in accordance with the odds ratio value for each influential variable, namely 3.910 times, 2.593 times and 5.510 times for each variable. Perception of usefulness is the strongest factor influencing the decision of culinary SMEs in Pekanbaru City to process halal certification online.
Tata Kelola dan Manajamen Dana Abadi (Endowment Fund) Perguruan Tinggi : Sebuah Tinjauan Literatur Sistematis
Authors: Samir Salman , Kwan Kwandou Wirawan , Rizky Utamy , Andi Iqra Pradipta Nasir , Samintang Samintang
Published: August 2024

Over the last 2 decades, Indonesia has brought about many reforms in the world of education, especially universities which have a strategic role in building quality human resources. One important aspect in supporting the university is the funding aspect. One source of funding currently being worked on by Indonesia is an endowment fund. D An endowment fund is a financial asset provided by an institution or organization that is intended for college expenditure. The endowment fund has a very good role for the sustainability of the campus, therefore the endowment needs to be managed effectively and efficiently. The purpose of this research is to identify what aspects can support the effective and efficient management of endowment funds in universities. The method used to answer the research objectives is to use a Systematic Literature Review. As a result of our Systematic Literature Review, there are 8 aspects that support efficient endowment management. Such as synergy of alumni and universities, presenting professional staff to manage endowments, improving institutional aspects of the university, contributing collectively, promoting endowments, providing long-term plans for endowment allocations, Increasing the role of stakeholders, uphold transparency and accountability, and provide information for potential donors
Pengaruh Kartu Prakerja Terhadap Angka Pengangguran Di Sumatera Barat
Authors: Rana Rahma Mia , Israyeni Israyeni
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of pre-employment cards on the unemployment rate in west sumatra. The data used in this research is cross section data in 2022. This research is a quantitative research with logistic regression analysis model. This research shows that the variables of pre employment cards, courses, education level, age, marital status and gender have a significant negative effect in West Sumatera, while the variable of household members has no significant effect on the unemployment rate in West Sumatra.
Precautionary cash holding by consumers making electronic payments and risk-taking behavior
Authors: Pietrucha Jacek , Maciejewski Grzegorz
Published: August 2024

Research background: The relative inertia in holding cash, despite the increasing importance of electronic payments, is one of the most fascinating puzzles of the current monetary system and a significant issue for central bank policy. In our study, we would like to extend the previous considerations regarding holding cash by consumers who have decided to make electronic payments but keep the cash despite this.
Purpose of the article: Recent literature mainly considers the trade-off between cash and electronic payments. We go beyond this dual framework and instead focus on the precautionary demand for cash. We study the relevance of several psychological factors behind cash holding by consumers who have decided to use electronic payments.
Methods: We employ factor analysis and logistic regression. We use data from a standardized online survey conducted among Polish consumers.
Findings & value added: Our study's key determinants of holding cash include risk-taking behavior, perceived risk of the unavailability of the payment infrastructure and perceived attitudes towards cash (flexibility and cybersecurity related to the lack of exposure to cyberattacks). According to our research, consumers attach great importance to the flexibility that cash gives as an additional option to electronic payments. A better understanding of these motivations is crucial for public policymakers, who should strive to design payment systems that respond to the needs of all social groups. Therefore, in (at least) the short and medium term, cash will remain in circulation, even if it gradually loses its payment function.
Antinomies of globalization goals in social and humanities discourse
Authors: Ovodova S. N.
Published: August 2024

The article examines the discourse of globalization, which highlights the anti- nomies of the goals of globalization. This approach allows us to organize and outline key positions in global studies. The article is based on identifying and describing theses and an- titheses, each of which outlines the prospects for the movement of the global world. The following positions are described as theses affirming the existence of a goal in the process of globalization: firstly, the goal is seen in the dissemination of socio-political and economic attitudes of countries recognized by some authors as exemplary; secondly, the ideal model of globalization in the social and humanitarian discourse is technology, and the goal of global- ization is seen in the technologization of processes occurring in the world; thirdly, the goal of globalization is defined in the creation of a single international free market; fourthly, the goal of globalization is to form a single communicative space. Each of the theses is contrasted with an antithesis and the positions of the authors who deny these theses are given.
Changes in the Quality of Life of Financial University Students during Spread of Covid-19: Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Trunova Ekaterina A. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: August 2024

This article presents a retrospective analysis of changes in the quality of life among 3rd and 4th year students at the Financial University during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to investigate the perceptions of students at this institution regarding this indicator during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were addressed: defining criteria for assessing students’ quality of life, developing survey tools, and conducting a questionnaire among students of the Financial University. The study analyzed the obtained results and formulated recommendations. General scientific methods of cognition such as analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, and the method of comparison were employed. A comprehensive approach to studying the problem was applied, and an online survey of students was conducted. Theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of quality of life were analyzed, and an optimal research methodology and technique were developed. A system of objective and subjective indicators was defined for assessing changes in students’ quality of life during the spread of the COVID-19. Factors that significantly influenced the studied indicator were identified, including the transition to distance learning, physical and mental health, and the level of financial security. Practical recommendations were developed to improve the quality of life of modern students.
Re-Envisioning Elvis From Sepilok (2007) as a Globalised Contemporary Art Criticism Medium: In Context to DAKEN 2021
Authors: Mohamad Khalil Musaddiq ,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka, Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia, Ibrahim Diana , Khalip Azahari , Wan Yaacob Wan Mohd Zulkifle , Abdul Rahim Ahmad Zuraimi ,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka, Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka, Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka, Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka, Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
Published: August 2024

Contemporary art is addressed within the canons of art history as celebrating inclusiveness over exclusiveness in regards to the Body-of-Knowledge (BOK), as well as paradigms between societies. Over time such plural established relationships have coexisted as a pluriversal celebration that attracts responses and reactions by global contemporary artists towards globalised issues. The Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Art, and Culture (MOTAC) launched the National Cultural Policy (DAKEN 2021) as an important entity that emphasises values of Inclusion, Togetherness, and Gratitude. The study aims to explore the work created by Azahari Khalip in 2007 entitled Elvis From Sepilok as a contemporary art criticism medium in-line with the DAKEN 2021 values, as well as establish its globalise significance in contemporary art at present content, and context, as an instructional medium currently adopted by the University of Leiden, Netherlands, through their international seminars and online courses in regards to topics of ‘Art in a Global Perspective’. The data in this research design study is collected using mixed methods of qualitative visual observation upon exploring the possibilities of the work as an art criticism medium, verified by local and global informants, and a quantitative non-probability sampling method, using convenient sampling strategy, acquired by a sampling frame of 300 respondents. The data are analysed by formal analysis using the Feldman Art Criticism Model, and Spearman Correlation Analysis upon establishing the significant correlational relationship between the work of art and DAKEN 2021 values. The results and findings generated possibilities for future researchers, and visual artists upon extracting local values as medium of contemporary art criticism, towards a globalised context.
Formalistic Analysis of Pewter Design Based on Islamic Ornamentation Art
Authors: Md Ishak Siti Mastura ,   Jabatan Reka Bentuk Perindustrian, Fakulti Rekabentuk dan Senibina, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Hamidon Nor Azlin ,   Pengajian Budaya Visual, Jabatan Seni Halus, Kolej Pengajian Seni Kreatif, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: August 2024

Design elements are influenced by the diversity of the designer's thinking context such as style and technical results, design concepts and aesthetic values. This reasonableness is also able to make local pewter products a potential medium to highlight the skills of Malay designers in conveying the meaning and significance of each design product that has a psychological characteristic. However, the design needs to be articulated without carelessness so that its aesthetic value is able to increase an art product precisely from the point of view of meaning. This study aims to analyse pewter designs that have an atmosphere of Malay culture and thought in Malaysia based on the theoretical innovation of Islamic ornamentation art. Observation of artefacts is used to support the formalistic analysis process on design structure and motifs with visual documentation of artefacts to describe the details of the ornamentation structure. The analysis is carried out based on two Islamic and Malay theories to obtain the results of the formation of designs and understand the innovation of thinking that occurs. The results of this study found parallelism in the integration of both types of art concepts that are able to have a meaningful impact on the generation of pewter design ideas. This study is seen as a step to dignify the theory of local art in Islamic values that can be a guide in the empowerment of Malay designers at the global level.
política de internacionalización de Córdoba entre el 2000 y 2020: el papel del Estado y los agentes económicos en los procesos de integración
Authors: Irusta Silvina , Baldi Emiliano
Published: August 2024

La política de internacionalización de Córdoba ha sido un eje clave en el proyecto político gubernamental de Unión por Córdoba durante sus mandatos. Es posible afirmar que se ha centrado en dos esferas de acción: por una parte, su participación en procesos de integración subregionales nacionales y suramericanos; y por otro, en cierto modelo de inserción en la economía mundial que implica una alianza del estado provincial con el empresariado cordobés exportador.
Este artículo analiza la política de internacionalización del estado cordobés y para ello tomamos como marco de referencia los aportes de la teoría del estado de Robert Jessop, el enfoque neoinstitucional de la Ciencia Política y la Economía Política Internacional.
Evaluating taxation’s dual impact on business and social development: A case study of the Cape Coast metropolis in Ghana
Authors: Fumey Michael Provide , Wiredu John , Essuman Agnes Nyamenaose
Published: August 2024

Tax revenue is an important public asset that contributes significantly to a nation’s economic development. The primary function of every government is to make provision in terms of infrastructure facilities, development, and better living conditions for its people. Due to the government’s limited resources, it is necessary to impose taxes on all residents and businesses to strengthen its financial situation because it is impossible for it to carry out this large task in an effective manner. Governments have always passed numerous tax laws, and they have been amended to withstand the test of time. Therefore, this study’s goal is to determine whether taxes have an impact on economic development in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. The study used the quantitative approach, survey technique, and questionnaire for the data collection process. A sample size of 115 respondents comprising the staff of the domestic tax revenue division’s workforce and owners of registered SMEs were engaged in the study. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. The results indicated that the majority of the staff of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) considered payment of tax as beneficial to the state, while few of the staff did not consider payment of tax as beneficial to the state. In addition, the study outcomes show that respondents are aware of the extent to which tax revenue can be used by the government for economic development. Furthermore, the researchers recommended that the head of GRA create a strong regulatory framework to monitor how tax money is used for economic growth. They should also make an effort to ensure that the tax revenue generated will be wisely used for the growth of the metropolis. This will make taxpayers appreciate the need to pay their taxes because they know they will benefit from it in the end in the form of social and economic developments.
LULC changes in the region of the proposed Pwalugu hydropower project using GIS and remote sensing technique
Authors: Ahialey Emmanuel Kekle , Kabo–bah Amos T. , Gyamfi Samuel
Published: August 2024

Proper understanding of LULC changes is considered an indispensable element for modeling. It is also central for planning and management activities as well as understanding the earth as a system. This study examined LULC changes in the region of the proposed Pwalugu hydropower project using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques. Data from the United States Geological Survey's Landsat satellite, specifically the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM), the Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM), and the Operational Land Imager (OLI), were used. The Landsat 5 thematic mapper (TM) sensor data was processed for the year 1990; the Landsat 7 SLC data was processed for the year 2000; and the 2020 data was collected from Operation Land Image (OLI). Landsat images were extracted based on the years 1990, 2000, and 2020, which were used to develop three land cover maps. The region of the proposed Pwalugu hydropower project was divided into the following five primary LULC classes: settlements and barren lands; croplands; water bodies; grassland; and other areas. Within the three periods (1990–2000, 2000–2020, and 1990–2020), grassland has increased from 9%, 20%, and 40%, respectively. On the other hand, the change in the remaining four (4) classes varied. The findings suggest that population growth, changes in climate, and deforestation during this thirty-year period have been responsible for the variations in the LULC classes. The variations in the LULC changes could have a significant influence on the hydrological processes in the form of evapotranspiration, interception, and infiltration. This study will therefore assist in establishing patterns and will enable Ghana's resource managers to forecast realistic change scenarios that would be helpful for the management of the proposed Pwalugu hydropower project.
Expanding arsenal against diabetic neuropathy through betaine: Success so far and bottlenecks
Authors: Himani Himani , Kumar Shubham , Chandak Garima , Kumar Bimlesh , Malkani Indu , Bhui Utpal , Pandey Narendra Kumar , Shashi Shashi , Singh Saurabh , Baghel Dileep Singh , Sudhakar Kalvatala , Majhee Chandana
Published: August 2024

Diabetes mellitus is one of the main chronic metabolic syndromes that contains a number of repercussions and risk factors because hyperglycemia leads other organs to malfunction. Despite the existence of cutting-edge methods for the treatment of diabetes, the proper therapeutic medication distribution remains a serious worry in the current situation. Betaine, also known as N,N-trimethyl glycine, is an amino acid derivative with a number of advantageous health effects. This chemical is available to both humans and other animals because it is consumed and created endogenously. Additionally, some pathological conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, result in a decrease in the amount of betaine in the tissues. Betaine has been found in rodent studies to considerably lessen a number of abnormalities associated with diabetes. changes in the liver and other insulin-sensitive organs. Researchers believe that AMP-activated protein kinase is crucial to the mechanism through which betaine exerts its anti-diabetic effects. Also, betaine has been demonstrated to reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation in rodent models of diabetes. Since betaine has shown promising therapeutic benefits in animal trials, its potential use in treating diabetes has been raised.
In-silico screening of phytochemicals from Tridax procumbens. Linn against human neutrophil elastase targeting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Nagarajan Sudhakar , D. Arun , K. M. Divya Jayalakshmi , Gupta Prem Shankar , Pal Ajay Kumar , Rani Soniya
Published: August 2024

With increasing environmental pollution (rising levels of air borne allergens) and smoke inhalational habits, biomass smoke, etc. all affect lung health, leading to various chronic lung diseases, and among them, life-threatening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is growing in prevalence around the globe. Thus, it’s a great demand from researchers to discover novel therapeutic drugs and vaccines against COPD. Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) is a major inflammatory protein that triggers inflammation in chronic airway diseases, causing airway remodeling and cytokines release. Recently, it has emerged as a significant target for drug discovery in patients with COPD. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the In-silico screening of the phytochemical medicinal plant Tridax procumbens against COPD via targeting HNE using the Schrodinger suite 2023-1. The docking score, glide score, and binding energy were calculated by the glide program using the Prime MM-GB/SA (Molecular Mechanics with Generalized Born and Surface Area Solvation) module. The best selected phytochemicals (ligands) were then screened for pharmacokinetic properties via ADMET analysis predicted using the qikProp program. Out of the library of Tridax procumbens, the phytochemicals like Apigetrin, Puerarin, Centaureidin, and Myricetin significantly bind to the catalytic site of HNE with PHE41, CYS42, SER195, GLY193, PHE192, HIS57, CYS58, PHE215, SER214, ASN61, LEU998, PRO98, TYR94, and ASP95 as residues with a glide score of the highest binding affinity (−7.707, −7.707, −7.045, and −6.871, respectively) compared to the standard drugs; Dexamethasone (−4.964), Roflumilast (−4.833), and Fluticasone (−3.968). The ADMET analysis of these four phytochemicals showed good pharmacokinetic profiles with human oral absorption, log S, molar volume, and van der waals volume, etc. Thus, In-silico findings suggest that carrying out these phytochemicals (Apigetrin, Puerarin, Centaureidin, and Myricetin) from Tridax procumbens to validate their therapeutic potential against COPD at preclinical and clinical levels.
An Application of the Scorecard Tool to Measure Corporate Governance Quality: Empirical Study in a transition country
Authors: Luu Thi-Minh-Ngoc , Nguyen Phuong Mai
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, the corporate governance quality (CGQ) of a company has become increasingly important as it is the benchmark for the investment decision-making process. However, there are not many studies of CGQ in the Vietnamese public sector. In this regard, this study adopted and adapted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) corporate governance scorecard and the Vietnamese Listed Company Awards scorecard to evaluate the CGQ of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Vietnam. Data from 220 equitized SOEs were collected from a self-administered survey and double-checked with information from in-depth interviews with the company’s managers and their documents. Collected data were analyzed to score the CGQ of surveyed companies. Results showed that the CGQ of survey companies met the basic requirements that comply with the legal framework. The analysis also showed the differences between two groups of state-owned enterprises: listed versus unlisted joint-stock companies. Based on the findings, we suggested companies improve and adjust their governance policies following 77 scorecard criteria and apply international best practices in corporate governance to promote their brand value to become more appealing to investors.
Unleashing the potential: harnessing generative artificial intelligence for empowering model training
Authors: Dumitru Alexandra-Mihaela , Anagnoste Sorin , Savastano Marco
Published: August 2024

Recent strides in generative artificial intelligence, particularly large language models, have been propelled by foundation models – learning algorithms trained on extensive and diverse datasets encompassing various subjects. This technology, inspired by the complexity of the human brain, unveils a new frontier in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), showing its potential in creativity by generating innovative content based on absorbed data and user prompts. It is forecasted that the conversational AI and virtual assistant segment is experiencing the highest growth rate within the contact center industry, projected to fuel a 24% increase in the market during 2024. In spite of all remarkable performances, the incipient stage of generative AI calls for a careful consideration, as technological and ethical challenges demand attention and awareness. This research delves into the base principle which empowers users to build personalized chatbots trained on your data. This stand-alone footprint can further exemplify the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence, extending its reach beyond professionals to individuals and tremendously remodeling the landscape of chatbots.

Text generation lies at the intersection of computational linguistics and artificial intelligence, forming a specialized area within natural language processing. It implies a thorough procedure where a model is trained to be able to recognize and interpret the context of specific input data, subsequently generating text that pertains to the input’s subject matter.

We have identified gap areas that require in-depth research. For instance, a broader number of papers relies solely on architecture optimization, performance comparison or application-specific studies. Therefore, this paper gives a bird’s eye view of the effective algorithm flow of a traditional generative model, using Long Short-Term Memory networks – part of the recurrent neural networks part family. The purpose of the current study focuses to enrich the existing body of knowledge on how a response generation-based model operates, therefore paving the way for chatbots development and deployment.
EDUKASI BULLYING PADA SISWA/I SDN 29 PEBAYAN PENGGALANGAN KECAMATAN PADANG SELATAN KOTA PADANG
Authors: Nasution Suci Maisyarah , Rahmadani Putri , Salsabila Dinda Aisyah , Amelia Dhea , Utama Laura Prissa , Intan Nadia
Published: August 2024

Perilaku bullying merupakan suatu sikap agresif seseorang atau kelompok yang dapat menyakiti fisik dan non fisik orang lain secara berulang kali. Tujuan seseorang untuk melakukan perundungan yaitu untuk menunjukkan kepada orang lain bahwa mereka tangguh, kuat dan hebat. Di Indonesia tahun 2015 UNICEF melaporkan terjadi peningkatan kekerasan pada anak dan remaja, yaitu 26% kekerasan fisik yang dilakukan orang tua dan pengasuh, 40% bullying fisik dan 50% kejadian tersebut di sekolah. Kegiatan sosialisasi dilakukan kepada mitra yaitu SDN 29 Pebayan Penggalangan, Kecamatan Padang Selatan yang menjelaskan bahwa untuk kasus bullying tersebut masih belum ada, namun juga untuk sosialisasi dan edukasi juga belum pernah dilakukan di lingkungan sekolah. Tujuan kegiatan ini yaitu untuk memberikan edukasi mengenai bullying kepada siswa/i agar tidak ada korban maupun pelaku bullying di lingkungan sekolah. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan ini yaitu ceramah. Kegiatan ini diawali dengan pengisian pretest kemudian diakhirnya dengan pengisian post-test untuk mengukur pengetahuan siswa/i mengenai bullying. Pertanyaan yang diberikan bersumber dari penjelasan yang disampaikan pada saat sosialisasi. Hasil dari kegiatan ini yaitu hasil pretest didapatkan lebih dari separuh siswa/i (70%) mengetahui bullying dan hasil post-test terlihat peningkatan pengetahuan sebanyak 95%. Kesimpulan adanya peningkatan pengetathuan siswa/i setelah mendapatkan edukasi mengenai bullying ini. Kegiatan ini diharapkan agar siswa/i tidak menormalisasi sikap bullying disekolah.
Algorithmic Adjudication and Constitutional AI—The Promise of A Better AI Decision Making Future?
Authors: Dawson April G.
Published: August 2024

Algorithmic governance is when algorithms, often in the form of AI, make decisions, predict outcomes, and manage resources in various aspects of governance. This approach can be applied in areas like public administration, legal systems, policy-making, and urban planning. Algorithmic adjudication involves using AI to assist in or decide legal disputes. This often includes the analysis of legal documents, case precedents, and relevant laws to provide recommendations or even final decisions. The AI models typically used in these emerging decision-making systems use traditionally trained AI systems on large data sets so the system can render a decision or prediction based on past practices. However, the decisions often perpetuate existing biases and can be difficult to explain. Algorithmic decision-making models using a constitutional AI framework (like Anthropic's LLM Claude) may produce results that are more explainable and aligned with societal values. The constitutional AI framework integrates core legal and ethical standards directly into the algorithm’s design and operation, ensuring decisions are made with considerations for fairness, equality, and justice. This article will discuss society’s movement toward algorithmic governance and adjudication, the challenges associated with using traditionally trained AI in these decision-making models, and the potential for better outcomes with constitutional AI models.
Effects of board games on balance in association with cognition in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Ammar Muhammad , Amjad Imran , Nisar Muhammad , Ghoneim Omnya S. A.
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

Falls among the elderly are a prevalent concern. Maintaining balance and preventing falls necessitate cognitive processes, such as information processing speed and executive functions. The objective was to determine the impacts of board games on cognition, balance, and risk of falls among community-dwelling elders.

Methods:

Sixty-four elders aged 65 years and above, with mini–mental state examination (MMSE), scores above 26 and Berg balance scale (BBS) scores between 41 and 52, were recruited with a sample size of 64 divided into two groups, 32 in each group. Participants were randomized through the sealed envelope technique into experimental (engaging in board games) and control groups (not involved in board game activity). The BBS, MMSE, timed upand-go test (TUGT), and dynamic gait index (DGI) were assessed at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks.

Results:

Participants engaging in board games (mean age 69.93 ± 4.77) demonstrated significant improvements in cognition, with MMSE scores increasing from 26.8 ± 0.83 at baseline to 28.6 ± 0.74 after eight weeks (P < 0.001). BBS scores enhanced from 47.2 ± 1.84 to 49.8 ± 5.15 (P < 0.001), DGI scores improved from 19.65 ± 1.49 to 21.37 ± 1.47 (P < 0.001), and TUGT scores decreased from 10.40 ± 0.69 to 10.22 ± 0.67 (P < 0.001). Mixed analysis of variance revealed significant differences between experimental and control groups for MMSE (P < 0.001), BBS (P < 0.001), DGI (P < 0.001), and TUGT (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The eight-week interactive physical-cognitive training program involving board games was found to enhance cognitive performance, mobility, and balance and decrease fall risk among the elderly.
Risk factors associated with postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery: Two-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Alanazi Khalid M. , Alghamdi Abdulaziz M. , Ghazal Faisal H. , AlQurashi Faisal S. , Alqerafi Ahmed Abdulaziz , Alghamdi Khalid Talal , Algahtani Abdulhadi Y.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Over the past two decades, endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS) has revolutionized the treatment of skull base tumors by enabling minimal access to resect significant pathologies such as meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, and chordomas. Despite its efficacy, complications such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak pose significant challenges, with an average incidence of 8.9% following EESBS. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with postoperative CSF leak after employing an endoscopic endonasal approach for skull base surgery, focusing on patients treated at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City in Jeddah and King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients who underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach for the resection of intradural skull base pathology between January 2016 and December 2022 was performed with a total of 51 patients. Basic demographic data were collected, along with patient comorbidities, presenting symptoms, tumor pathology, tumor site, the extent of resection, and outcomes.

Results:

51 participants were analyzed, with a mean age of 43.41. Male participants comprised (58.8%), while headaches were the most common symptom (74.5%), followed by visual disturbances (51.0%). Nonsecretory tumors predominated, primarily located in the sellar and suprasellar regions (58.8%). Gross total resection was performed in the majority (56.9%), with a 9.8% incidence of postoperative CSF leak. Notably, all four patients with CSF leak experienced preoperative headaches. Hypertension was prevalent in Cases 1 and 4, with Case 4 having a history of neurological disease and radiation therapy. Anterior skull base tumors were most frequent in Cases 3 and 4.

Conclusion:

The incidence of CSF leakage after surgery in this study was similar to that previously reported. It is worth noting that repeated surgeries may increase the risk of postoperative CSF leakage. Therefore, it is important to carefully evaluate the surgical approach for tumor removal and skull base reconstruction, considering the tumor characteristics and the patient’s overall condition.