bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promising Strategies to Enhance the Sustainability of Community Seed Banks
Authors: Vernooy Ronnie , Adokorach Joyce , Gupta Arnab , Otieno Gloria , Rana Jai , Shrestha Pitambar , Subedi Abishkar
Published: October 2024

Community seed banks are farmer-managed organizations that conserve and sustainably manage local crop and tree diversity. They are found in many countries of the Global South and increasingly in the Global North. Altogether, they maintain hundreds of crop and tree species and thousands of mostly local varieties and distribute tons of quality seed per year. Through their activities, they share and safeguard the world’s agrobiodiversity, contribute to seed security, and allow farming households in local communities to produce and consume more affordable, secure, diverse, and nutritious foods. However, community seed banks are knowledge-, resource-, and time-intensive organizations that operate through their members’ voluntary contributions. The purpose of this article is to analyze the sustainability challenge of community seed banks and identify strategies that address it. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used, complemented by secondary data analysis of research reports and other deliverables, resulting in five case study countries in Africa and Asia. Five promising sustainability strategies can support viable community seed bank development: value addition; nature-positive agriculture; enabling environment and national genebank partnership; networking and digitalization; and modern, low-cost seed quality technologies. Sustainable community seed banks can make important contributions to national seed sector development but they need stronger policy and legal support to maintain their sustainability.
The Impact of Smart City Policies on City Resilience: An Evaluation of 282 Chinese Cities
Authors: Feng Yahong , Wang Jie , Zhang Tianlun
Published: October 2024

This study uses four dimensions, namely social resilience, economic resilience, infrastructure resilience, and ecological resilience, to construct an index system for urban resilience. The subject data came from the panel data of 282 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2020. We selected a multiperiod double-difference model to study the effects of smart city pilot policies on macro-urban resilience. By conducting parallel-trend tests and selecting appropriate robustness tests, this study drew the following relevant conclusion: smart city pilot policies can have a positive effect on the urban resilience level. These policies exert their influence by facilitating industrial structure upgrading, which plays a partial mediating role. Considering different city area distributions and city scales, smart city pilot policies can have significant heterogeneity in their enhancement of urban resilience. The effect is pronounced in the “east > central > west” states and is more likely to have a significant impact on small- and medium-sized cities. Therefore, promoting the scope of smart city pilots, strengthening the intermediary role of industrial structure upgrading, and implementing differentiated policies for different regions and city sizes are important for sustainable urban development.
Prediction and Analysis of Surface Residual Deformation Considering the Impact of Groundwater in Mines
Authors: Zhu Nan , Guo Guangli , Li Huaizhan , Wang Tiening , Wang Xin
Published: October 2024

With economic development and coal resource exploitation, the area of mined-out zones is expanding continuously. The traditional waste disposal methods no longer meet the current demands, making it urgent to evaluate and reuse the surface stability of these mined-out zones. Surface residual deformation is a process where voids and fissures within the mined-out zones are gradually filled and compacted, affecting the overlying rock structure. Additionally, groundwater significantly impacts the strength of the overlying rock, leading to increased subsidence. Therefore, predicting surface residual deformation while considering the effects of groundwater is crucial for forecasting surface deformation and assessing stability in mined-out zones. This study, taking into account the characteristics of subsidence zones and the impact of groundwater on the compaction of fractured rock masses, uses equivalent mining height and probability integral methods to develop a predictive model for surface residual deformation incorporating groundwater effects. Predictions for the study area show that groundwater exacerbates surface residual deformation, with various deformation values ranging from 33.8% to 51.9%. The surface stability categories are divided into stable and essentially stable regions based on the residual deformation’s impact on the working face. This model fully considers the influence of groundwater on residual deformation in mined-out zones, refining existing mining subsidence theories, addressing deformation issues caused by adverse groundwater factors, and providing a theoretical basis for predicting residual deformation and evaluating stability in mined-out zones, promoting the sustainable development of land and environmental resources in mining areas.
Investigation of Traffic System with Traffic Restriction Scheme in the Presence of Automated and Human-Driven Vehicles
Authors: Ding Dong , Hou Yadi , Shen Fulong , Chong Pengyun , Niu Yifeng
Published: October 2024

In the context of transportation development, the simultaneous emergence of automated vehicles (AVs) and human-driven vehicles (HDVs) can lead to varied traffic system performance. For the purpose of improving traffic systems, this paper proposes a traffic restriction scheme only for HDVs. We develop a variational inequality (VI) model to describe travel mode and route choices under this restriction scheme and design an algorithm to solve the model. The proposed model and algorithm are applied to a Sioux Falls network example to evaluate the effects of the traffic restriction scheme. Our findings indicate that the scheme improves overall social welfare, with a higher proportion of restricted travelers leading to greater social welfare as well as increased travel demand due to changes in capacity. However, some lower exogenous monetary factors lead to negative social welfare, as the presence of AVs may exacerbate road congestion. Additionally, advancements in technology are needed to adjust the weightings of travel time and congestion level estimates to further enhance social welfare. These results offer valuable insights for traffic demand management in traffic systems with a mix of AVs and HDVs.
Massive Outbreak of Aurelia coerulea in Geoje Bay, Korea
Authors: Kim Kyoung Yeon , Youn Seok Hyun , Choi Seo Yeol , Park Wongyu
Published: October 2024

This study was carried out to elucidate the causes of massive outbreaks of Aurelia coerulea in Geoje Bay, Korea, from November 2022 to October 2023. Adult medusae consistently spawn with planulae, and the populations of A. coerulea in Geoje Bay could be categorized into current-year and overwintering populations. The current-year population began with the emergence of ephyrae in February and grew until October, while the overwintering population comprised a mixture of surviving current-year population and additional individuals that joined during the warm season. The size of the planulae are significantly larger than the annual average during the cold season. These results appear to be the energy accumulation of planulae for polyp formation under low water temperatures. Planulae form polyps within a temperature range of 5–25 °C, suggesting the possibility of year-round polyp recruitment. In Geoje Bay, the highest appearance rate of A. coerulea was in April (8.71 ± 12.5 ind. m−3), with ephyrae experiencing higher growth rates up to the young medusa stage. However, from April, a decline in zooplankton biomass resulted in reduced growth rates in adults, indicating that jellyfish growth was primarily regulated by food availability. Additionally, submersed oyster shells in oyster farms served as the main habitat for jellyfish polyps. A. coerulea populations were also characterized by the continuous spawning of planulae throughout the year. In conclusion, this study suggests that stable polyp habitats, abundant food supply during the initial developmental period of the population, and suitable ranges of water temperature were significant factors inducing the massive outbreak of A. coerulea in Geoje Bay, Korea.
Dechlorination of Hexachlorobenzene by Ni/Fe Bimetallic Nanoparticles and the Influence of Co-Existing Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Huang Yuanying , Liu Siwen , Wang Qian , Huang Guoxin , Zhang Xueqi , Liu Yang
Published: October 2024

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is one of the most persistent environmental pollutants of global concern. Ni/Fe nanoparticles, with their small particle size, large surface area, and high reactivity, are a promising candidate for HCB degradation. In this work, we investigated the kinetics and products of the dechlorination of HCB by Ni/Fe nanoparticles and how the presence of heavy metal ions Cd(Ⅱ) and Zn(Ⅱ) influences the reaction. It is found that 400 μg/L HCB can be rapidly removed by 7.5 g/L Ni/Fe nanoparticles and the removal percentage reaches 99% in 48 h. The removal is facilitated by adsorption and sequential dechlorination of HCB, producing PCB, 1,2,3,4-TeCB, and 1,2,3-TCB as the main products, with 1,2,3,5/1,2,4,5-TeCB, 1,2,4-TCB, and 1,2-DCB as the minor products. The addition of heavy metal ions Cd(Ⅱ) and Zn(Ⅱ) does not significantly affect the removal rate of HCB but hinders the adsorption and degradation of the byproducts through competitive adsorption. Additionally, the concentration of both Cd(Ⅱ) and Zn(Ⅱ) decreases rapidly and achieves over 98% removal in 4 h. Our study reveals that Ni/Fe nanoparticles can remove HCB and heavy metals Cd(Ⅱ) and Zn(Ⅱ) concurrently, with the extent of HCB dechlorination reduced compared to that without heavy metal. These findings may inform the application of Ni/Fe nanoparticles in the treatment of water bodies and soil contaminated by both halogenated aromatics and heavy metal.
THE USE OF A MULTI-AGENT APPROACH IN THE ORGANIZATION OF SUPPLIES TO RETAIL
Authors:   Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University, Efimenko Dmitry Borisovich , Demin Vasily Alexandrovich ,   Coordinating Council for Logistics LLC, Komkova Daria Andreevna ,   Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State  Technical University, Darabovna Gerami Victoria ,   Higher School of Economics
Published: October 2024

This article discusses the problems of loading vehicles of retail chains that arise due to changes in consumer demands. The authors consider the possibility of using pooling technology in conjunction with a multi-agent approach, which will increase the percentage of transport load, as a result, reduce the company's transportation costs and increase the level of customer service of the retail network. In the article, the authors present the scheme of the experiment, defining the entry and exit points of the model, the initial data and the agents involved in the experiment. The authors present a typical mathematical model of simulation modeling, defining in it the parameters and goals necessary within the framework of the experiment being developed. The authors of the article present the results of an experiment that was conducted based on data from a retail chain with more than two hundred stores.
THE MODEL OF ADAPTABLE TRANSIT CONTROL
Authors:   Belgorod State Technological University, Glagolev Sergey Nikolaevich , Novikov Ivan Alekseev ,   Belgorod State Technological University, Rizaeva Yulia Nikolaevna ,   MIREA – Russian Technological University, Lukinov Aleksandr Sergeevich ,   Lipetsk Department of Transportation
Published: October 2024

The authors analyzed the existing contract system of the passenger transportation and proposed a new model of adaptable transit control, eliminating the disadvantages of the existing model of transportation management.
High Post-Kidney Transplant Serum Uric Acid Levels Are Associated with Detrimental Outcomes
Authors: Djamali Kian , Yuan Zhongyu , Astor Brad C. , Swanson Kurtis , Mandelbrot Didier , Parajuli Sandesh
Published: October 2024

Key Points

Post-transplant increased serum uric acid levels are associated with congestive heart failure and graft failure for kidney transplant recipients.

kidney transplant recipients age 60 years and older with high serum uric acid are at increased risk for congestive heart failure and death.

Increased serum uric acid are significantly associated with death for female kidney transplant recipients.

Background

The potential effects of post-transplant serum uric acid (SUA) levels and outcomes pose a variety of risks among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The association between post-transplant SUA and major detrimental outcomes among KTRs remains uncertain.

Methods

We evaluated all adult KTRs transplanted between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2019. Recipients were included if they had a functioning allograft without any cardiovascular events (CVEs) before their earliest SUA measurement within 5–13 months post-transplant. Survival analyses were performed regarding CVEs, CVE-related mortality, death-censored graft failure, and uncensored graft failure within 10 years after transplantation.

Results

A total of 3808 eligible KTRs were followed for a median of 7.5 years after transplantation. Recipients with post-transplant SUA >6.8 mg/dl had significantly higher risk of congestive heart failure than those with SUA <6 mg/dl (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10 to 2.19; P = 0.01), uncensored graft failure (aHR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.36; P = 0.03), and death-censored graft failure (aHR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.61; P = 0.04), after adjustment for multiple variables, including kidney graft function. No statistically significant association was found between SUA levels and other CVEs. There was no statistically significant risk for other outcomes of interest when comparing SUA <6 mg/dl versus 6–6.8 mg/dl.

Conclusions

Elevated early post-transplant SUA levels were associated with detrimental post-transplant outcomes, leading to increased morbidity and mortality through congestive heart failure, graft failure, and overall death.
The effect of atomoxetine efficacy on freezing of gait in patient with Parkinson’s disease: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ramezanirad Esmat , Mohammadianinejad Seyed Ehsan , Kashipazha Davood , Shamsaei Gholamreza , Bahadoram Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Freezing of gait (FOG) is a debilitating symptom experienced by many individuals with Parkinson’s disease, characterized by an abrupt and transient inability to initiate or continue locomotion. Despite extensive research, effective pharmacological interventions targeting FOG remain elusive. Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has shown promise in alleviating FOG in small-scale studies. However, the efficacy of atomoxetine in larger cohorts remains underexplored. Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of atomoxetine on Parkinson’s disease-related FOG in a larger study population than currently reported in the literature. Patients and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed in Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, in 2022. The participants were divided into group A comprising 16 patients subjected to atomoxetine treatment, and group B consisting of 16 patients administered a placebo. Three scheduled visits were conducted. Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOGQ) scores was documented during each visit. Results: The mean age of all participants was 62.4 ± 8.3 years, with no significant intergroup age disparity and no statistically significant gender-based distinctions between the two groups. The average disease duration in the atomoxetine group was 8.2 ± 3.1 years, while in the placebo group, it was 7.2 ± 3.4 years, with no significant divergence between the two groups. The study findings indicated no significant distinction in FOGQ scores between the treatment and placebo groups. Conclusion: Though atomoxetine did not significantly improve improvement in freezing of the gait of studied patients with Parkinson’s disease, it may cause a modest improvement in the gait freezing of some patients. Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20211008052695N1; https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/59643, ethical code; #IR.AJUMS.HGOLESTAN. REC.1400.026).
Deciphering gender disparities in laboratory biomarkers among deceased COVID-19 patients in Erbil city-Iraq: A retrospective study
Authors: Smail Shukur Wasman , Jaafar Aziz Muzafar , Abdalfatah Mariwan Fathalla , Khudhur Zhikal Omar , Abdullah Abdullah Mahmood , Abdulqadir Hijrat Zozk , Ibraheem Banoo Kamaran , Ahmad Avan Najmadeen , Mohammed Dastan Abdullah , Awla Harem Khdir
Published: October 2024

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 was a new strain of the Coronaviridae family. It caused the coronavirus disease in December 2019 that first arose in Wuhan, China, and it developed into a worldwide health issue. COVID-19 gives rise to a wide range of symptoms which can range from having no symptoms to having extensive fatal pneumonia. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to figure out how infecting the virus could influence and impact the various laboratory biomarkers among dead male and female patients. Patients and Methods: The data and statistics were obtained from the dead patients of West Emergency Hospital and the data was investigated directly. The investigation was conducted from June 1st to November 1st, 2020. Epidemiological, clinical as well as lab data of approximately 659 dead cases of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals were examined in that period. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was applied to confirm infecting of SARS-CoV-2. The deceased cases were categorized into 2 fractions, which were a male and female group. The male group had 407 individuals and the female group had 252 individuals. Results: This study revealed that the male cases had lower lymphocyte and platelet counts than females but substantially higher levels of urea and creatinine, also the male cases were older compared to the female cases. However, D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP ) levels did not indicate any notable differences between the two groups. Conclusion: The study showed a gender-situated differences in the laboratory biomarkers of dead COVID-19 cases.
Preliminary anticancer activity of Carpobrotus edulis (L.) Bolus exposed to low and high temperature conditions against cervical cancer
Authors: Mashigo Mpho , Ngwira Kennedy , Risenga Ida , Choene Mpho
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Environmental temperature conditions might influence the composition of secondary metabolites in certain medicinal plants. This study aimed to examine how some of the phytochemicals and anticancer properties of Carpobrotus edulis may be impacted by temperature conditions. Methods: The plant specimens were kept in growth chambers at 15/10 °C and 45/35 °C (day/night), and harvested at 48-hour intervals (48, 96, and 144 hours). Control conditions were maintained at 25/15 °C. Standard phytochemical colour tests were used to determine the presence of eight phytochemicals. The anticancer activity against cervical cancer cell lines was determined using cell viability assay, cell morphology, Hoechst staining, and wound healing assays. Results: The phytochemical screening showed the presence of all tested phytochemicals (phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides) in all treatments except for saponins in the 96- and 144-hour temperature treatments. A noteworthy IC50 value of 284.9 µg/mL was determined from the methanolic leaf extract exposed to high temperatures for 144 hours against cervical cancer. Treatment with this extract suggested changes in cancer cell morphology, signs of apoptosis, and cell migration inhibition. Conclusion: The preliminary results obtained suggest that the C. edulis methanolic extract has potential anticancer properties against cervical cancer. These observations may have implications for the indigenous plant use in treating various ailments and broaden the type of anticancer research involving this plant.
Treatment with Tinospora cordifolia ameliorates prenatal stress and maternal separation-induced memory deficits by restoring amygdaloid neuronal architecture
Authors: LS Ashwini , Rao KG Mohandas , Rai Kiranmai S , Shetty Somashekar B , Rao Guruprasad , Udupa EG Padmanabha , Suryavanshi Chinmay Ajit
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Tinospora cordifolia (TC) possesses antioxidative properties and has been shown to improve cognition. In this study, the effects of TC were investigated on prenatal vibratory stress, maternal separation-induced amygdala plasticity, and memory retention in pregnant rats and their neonates. Methods: Four experimental animal groups of pregnant Wistar rats were employed in this research, including normal & vehicle controls, the stressed group, which received 3 hours of vibratory stress/day, and the TC-treated group, which received 6 mg/kg TC before vibratory stress. The neonates born to these mothers were then subjected to maternal separation, followed by postnatal TC treatment. After 6 weeks, the animals were assessed to evaluate memory retention, serum cortisol levels, and neuronal structural changes in the amygdala. Results: Neonates exposed to prenatal vibratory stress and maternal separation entered the dark compartment more quickly during the retention test (P<0.001), indicating reduced memory retention. In contrast, the TC-treated groups showed longer latencies (P<0.001), suggesting improved memory retention. The TC-treated mothers and neonates had longer dendrites with more branching points and intersections (P<0.001). However, these dendrites underwent pruning, indicating a complex structural response to stress and TC treatment. Conclusion: The results indicate that TC exerts neuroprotective effects against prenatal vibratory stress and maternal separation and aids memory retrieval in rats by restoring amygdala neuronal damage.
Unveiling neuroprotective mechanisms of diosgenin and pterostilbene in diabetes-associated Alzheimer’s disease through multi-target molecular docking approach
Authors: Fatima Syeda Jabeen , Prasad Devarakonda Krishna
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are two highly linked disorders due to their association with the aging population. Several studies have reported the beneficial effects of diosgenin and pterostilbene in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms of diosgenin and pterostilbene through molecular docking and dynamics studies and assess their pharmacokinetic parameters. Methods: To understand the link between diabetes and AD, molecular docking of the natural ligands diosgenin and pterostilbene against the specific targets of AD, including β-secretase, glycogen synthetase kinase beta (GSK-3β), gamma-secretase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was done to find out their binding affinities to explain the molecular mechanisms involved in their neuroprotection. Further molecular dynamics studies and binding energy calculations for the ligands with GSK-3β and β-secretase were carried out to confirm their docking activities. Additionally, pharmacokinetic analysis of these two phytoconstituents was performed by the SWISSADME server. Results: Molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed the good docking activity of diosgenin and pterostilbene with the selected targets. Further, the two phytoconstituents revealed suitable pharmacokinetic parameters along with blood-brain barrier permeability, confirming their druggable nature. Conclusion: This research identified multiple neuroprotective pathways of diosgenin and pterostilbene that might be significant for treating diabetes-associated Alzheimer’s disease.
Unleashing Creativity Through Paidia: Free Play in Learning and Work
Authors: Quesnel Jacinto
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the transformative potential of paidia—unstructured and spontaneous play—in enhancing creativity and learning outcomes in educational and professional settings. Drawing from Roger Caillois's theoretical distinctions between paidia (free play) and ludus (structured play), this study advocates for the integration of paidia to foster environments conducive to innovative thinking and creative expression. Central to our discussion is the critique of the 'tyranny of software', a concept inspired by Lev Manovich, which posits that despite the utility of digital tools, they often confine creative expression within pre-established boundaries, thus stifling genuine innovation. The research methodologically analyzes how paidia, as a pedagogical approach, facilitates a more liberated form of interaction with technology, thereby rehumanizing the digital learning experience. It contrasts traditional game-based methodologies that prioritize rule-based learning with the dynamic, rule-free nature of paidia, presenting empirical evidence from various educational settings where the integration of paidia has notably enhanced creativity. This exploration contributes to the broader discourse on the effectiveness of game-based learning by providing a nuanced understanding of how unstructured play can be systematically integrated into educational and professional domains to foster a culture of innovation and creativity.
[ai] Explore!: An Educational Game for Developing Programming Skills and Algorithmic Thinking
Authors: Mikulić Crnković Vedrana , Crnković Bojan , Traunkar Ivona , Holenko Dlab Martina
Published: October 2024

The game [ai] explore! was developed to introduce the algorithm behind the popular science exhibition. The idea behind the [ai] explore! exhibition was to show the application of mathematics and computer science in solving real engineering problems by creating the exhibit using the mathematical algorithm Heat Equation Driven Area Coverage (HEDAC). The algorithm is based on scientific research and has many applications: exploration and search in unknown space, painting, planning agricultural spraying, scanning 3D objects, etc. The exhibits show the process by which the algorithm paints objects with a virtual brush and explores their shape. By surveying the high school students, it was shown that new mathematical and engineering results can be explained and turned into a playable game. After playing the game, students respond positively to the game presented and state that they have a good understanding of the HEDAC algorithm presented and how it works. This motivated us to investigate [ai] explore! as an educational game for teaching mathematics and computer science. The aim of the research described in this paper is to investigate the potential of the developed game as an educational game. The game-based learning (GBL) approach is increasingly used to increase student motivation and engagement in STEM lessons. The main research question is: How do primary school teachers and students perceive the usefulness of the game [ai] explore! in supporting teaching and learning of computer science concepts? We have developed and implemented teaching scenarios on how the game [ai] explore! can be used as an educational game in computer science lessons. We show that the game has great potential to teach primary school students programming. In addition, the game promotes algorithmic thinking and computational thinking skills in general, which are valuable not only in computer science but also in other fields such as mathematics, where a systematic and analytical approach to problem-solving is required.
A Simulation-based Education Platform for Security Investments Through Culture and Knowledge Convergence
Authors: Filippidis Adam , Hilas Constantinos , Politis Anastasios , Rantos Konstantinos , Mouratidis Haralambos
Published: October 2024

Cybersecurity is one of the most critical sectors of information systems and is considered a strategic priority for many Organizations. Information security investments are a crucial aspect of cybersecurity. However, it often happens that the economic decisions, which aim to improve information security, have poor efficiency. One reason is the lack of background on economics of the Chief Information Security Officers who are often not familiar with the evaluation of the non-technical aspects of security, e.g. economics. The other reason is the cultural gap between the different persons related to business management and administration. In this paper we present an interactive - simulation software designed to familiarize the aforementioned persons with information security investments. The software is actually a game that aims to boost learning for all the stakeholders who are involved in the investment process. Α better understanding of the processes, the technical, economic and human factors, along with the cultural convergence of the stakeholders will help boost the efficiency of investments. Design Science is used as the research method. The creative method, a brainstorming technique, is combined with the five steps of Design Science, i.e. explicate the problem, define the requirements, design and develop the artefact, demonstrate the artefact, and evaluate the artefact, to develop a process framework that will be able to cope with this problem. The artefact is an interactive-simulation platform in which a person could take the decision maker role and (a) deal with events that happen and (b) investigate different aspects of information security investment complexity. The evaluation of the artefact is made with a case study in the Industry, where real world data are used to feed the simulation and real-world decision makers play the game in order to better understand the different aspects of the problem and help us trim and enhance the functioning of the platform. Finally, limitations are elaborated and future work is also discussed.
Comparison of two Different Game Mechanics Applied to Learning of Electromagnetism
Authors: Janiga Ladislav , Haverlíková Viera
Published: October 2024

The paper presents two educational escape games, Tournament of J. C. Maxwell and Chest of Lord Maxwell, which were designed with the same topic and educational goal in mind: to consolidate and deepen knowledge about magnetism and electromagnetism, and to develop communication skills, teamwork skills, problem solving skills, experimental skills and analytical thinking. Both games were used in the teaching of electromagnetism in an upper secondary school. Data were collected through observation of the game process, administration of questionnaires to students and teachers, and interviews with students.  The aim of this research is to compare two different game mechanics used to address the same subject matter and educational objective. The comparison will focus on the perception of the games by the students and the teachers who have incorporated the game into their teaching.
Playing to Collaborate: Using Cooperative Board Games to Experience and Reflect on Collaboration in Upper Secondary Education
Authors: Hanghøj Thorkild , Karnøe Jonatan Kolding
Published: October 2024

There is a growing interest among researchers in using board games for supporting learning in school contexts. Co-op board games is a relatively new and promising type of games, which seems well-suited for improving students’ collaboration skills. In this paper, we explore how two groups of Danish high school students interact when playing two different co-op games, The Mind and Forbidden Island, and how they reflect upon their shared game experiences. The data collection is based on video observations of group interaction and student interviews, which use stimulated video recall. In this way, we are able not only to describe the students’ perceived outcomes of the gaming activities, but also their in-game practices. Our data analysis is informed by microsociological perspectives (Goffman and Collins), which are used to map the group interaction rituals and social norms of the students’ gaming encounters. Based on the data analysis, we identify two analytical themes, which concern the students’ use of verbal and non-verbal communication practices as well as their socialisation processes. The findings suggest that co-op games may be used as a valuable educational tool for qualifying high school students’ collaboration skills as well as strengthening their group relations. The students especially valued playing The Mind, which they tried playing for multiple game rounds. Based on these findings, we discuss recommendations for the further use and study of co-op board games in educational settings.
Game Designers’ Experiences with Educational Game Design Elements: From Practice to Conception!
Authors: Ahmad Mifrah
Published: October 2024

Educational game (EG) designing processes have adopted various processes and approaches over the last decades. While many articles report EG design elements that can potentially assist in effective EG design, not much research exists on whether game designers use/agree with those elements. In considering the aforementioned, the questions arise with game designers’ practices: how do they approach EG design elements in their process? Are there any core elements they include in their EG designing practices?  Are there any other aspects that influence their EG designing process? Therefore, this paper reports on the above-addressed questions and how game designers and their experiences in designing EGs can present insightful gaming elements associated with EGs. Based in Australia, a phenomenological approach was adopted to conduct semi-structured interviews to gather the essence of their experiences. Seventeen game designer participants attended two-hour interview sessions. Interpretive thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes until saturation was achieved (Braun and Clarke 2012). The analysis was concurrently grounded through the concepts of the theory of experience, including continuity, interaction, situation, freedom, and desire which drives the purpose to apply and contextualize the growth of experience (Dewey 1938). In conclusion, an “Essential” Educational Game Elements (EGEs) framework is proposed with design elements collating all relevant elements/factors, necessary theories, and mechanics suggested by game designers for consideration in the design process as they have practiced. Lastly, researchers in educational/serious games are encouraged to consider the application of the proposed framework in designing EGs to further expand its limitations.
Unit Groups of a Finite Extension of Galois Rings
Authors: Owino Oduor Maurice
Published: October 2024

Let $R_{o}$ be a Galois ring. It is well known that every element of $R_{o}$ is either a zero divisor or a unit. Galois rings are building blocks of completely primary finite rings which have yielded interesting results towards classification of finite rings. Recent studies have revealed that every finite commutative ring is a direct sum of completely primary finite rings. In fact, extensive account of finite rings have been given in the recent past. However, the classification of finite rings into well known structures still remains an open problem. For instance, the structure of the group of units of $R_{o}$ is known and some results have been obtained on the structure of its zero divisor graphs. In this paper, we construct a finite extension of $R_{o}$ (a special class of completely primary finite rings) and classify its group of units for all the characteristics.
LANDSLIDES IN SARAJEVO CANTON OBSERVED THROUGH VALID REGULATIONS AND COMPETENT INSTITUTIONS, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ADOPTING A UNIFORM REGULATION ON LANDSLIDES
Authors: Mujkić Muris , Nikolić Toni
Published: October 2024

Landslides, as modern processes on the surface of the terrain, present a challenge in spatial planning, planning and construction of new settlements, and construction of infrastructure facilities. A special challenge is the planning and construction of settlements and infrastructure facilities in hillside areas. The City of Sarajevo, with its four city municipalities, represents the most populated part of Sarajevo Canton. The situation is similar with non-urban municipalities. A special challenge is the illegal settlements created on hillside areas of the four city municipalities. Many hillside settlements were created unplanned, often within the scope of registered landslides and unstable terrain. The construction of such settlements was not accompanied by the construction of the necessary infrastructure (road communications, fecal and storm sewers), which poses a danger of starting new and reactivating calmed landslides. Society's commitment to climate change brings into focus the landslides that occur as a product of climate change. Special attention is paid to unplanned urban areas on the slopes, where the risk of landslides is increased due to climate change.
According to official information, about 1,000 landslides have been registered in Sarajevo Canton. The data on the number of landslides in the area of the Sarajevo Canton date back deep into the past and as such have been updated on several occasions. The last addition of data was carried out in the phase of amending the Spatial Plan, in 2010, when the Terrain Stability Map of Sarajevo Canton was updated. In Sarajevo Canton, special attention is paid to the rehabilitation of landslides that endanger people and material goods, and to the stabilization of the terrain during the development of construction land, for which considerable financial resources are allocated from different levels of government (Federation, Canton and municipalities).
Aggravating circumstance are regulations that only partially treat landslides. Certain regulations are unclear, some of them set strict requirements for emergency landslide rehabilitation, while certain regulations are in conflict. The institutional approach for the purpose of research, registration, rehabilitation and monitoring of landslides is not fully aligned with the current regulations. Jurisdiction is partially prescribed and as such is often unclear. The mandated competences of individual levels of government are not harmonized. Remedial measures were implemented on many landslides in the past period, but without clear indications of the effects of the remediation. As a solution to the problem, a proposal for the adoption of a single regulation on landslides was initiated. This paper cites the example of the Sarajevo Canton, where the activities for the adoption of a law on landslides were initiated, but ended unsuccessfully several times, with recommendations for further activities.
GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN FOR THE STABILIZATION WORKS OF THE LETTOMANOPPELLO LANDSLIDE (ABRUZZO, ITALY)
Authors: Totani Ferdinando , del Pinto Camilla , Ciccone Giovanni , Ranalli Danilo , Totani Gianfranco
Published: October 2024

In order to stabilize the landslide of Lettomanoppello, the stabilization works are finalized to reduce/control the causes and to mitigate the economic, social, and environmental risks. A careful geotechnical design, of the stabilization works can allow an economic recovery of the cost by means of a virtuous and profitable process to produce electric energy.
The landslide of Lettomanoppello, located in Central Italy (south-west of the city of Pescara) is a large, very complex active landslide. Slope instability phenomena, often triggered by intense rainfall and seismic events are recurrent in this region of Apennines and frequently result in serious damage to the historical-environmental heritage and in dreadful economic losses. The stability of slope is mainly affects by the hydrogeological conditions of the area characterized by a complex drainage system. Various stabilization works were executed along the slope during the years.
The paper presents the studies (geological and geotechnical characterizations) and a general plan of the works required to stabilize the entire slope. The general stabilization project includes different types of works: (i) structural works (retaining walls), effective in short term; (ii) drainage works (tunnel for deep water drainage), effective to medium-long term, aimed at reducing/controlling the major causes of the landslide; (iii) protection from erosion at the toe of slope and surface drainage works. The tunnel crosses a horseshoe shape underneath the historical centre of Lettomanoppello and the elevations of its mouths are at 296 m a.s.l. The drainage waters will be conveyed to pipe towards a hydraulic turbine located at 206 m a.s.l. in the lower part of the slope. Furthermore, the geometry of the cut-off retaining walls at the toe slope are conceived as foundations of aeolian turbines.
The Effect of Trust, Promotion, and Service Quality on the Decision to Use the Ollin Application
Authors: Rafika Sella , Hasibuan Anggy Qurnia Raafi , Gusteti Yessi
Published: October 2024

This research was conducted at the Bank Nagari Koto Agung Branch Office, Block B, Sitiung 1, Sitiung District, Dharmasraya Regency. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of Trust, Promotion, and Service Quality on the Decision to Use the Online Application at the Bank Nagari Koto Agung Branch Office. A quantitative research method was used, with data collected through a questionnaire distributed from February to March, resulting in a sample of 173 respondents selected using Accidental Sampling. The data analysis techniques applied in this study included validity tests, reliability tests, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, classical assumption tests, t-tests, F-tests, and determination tests (R²). The results of this study indicate that Trust, Promotion, and Service Quality variables have a positive and significant effect, both partially and simultaneously, on the Decision to Use the Online Application at the Bank Nagari Koto Agung Branch Office. The R² value is 0.739, which implies that 73.9% of the variation in the dependent variable can be explained by the independent variables, while the remaining 26.1% is influenced by other factors not examined in this study.
The PEMENUHAN HAK PEREMPUAN DAN ANAK DALAM PENYELESAIAN SENGKETA HARTA BERSAMA PASCA PERCERAIAN (Pada Putusan Perkara No 5034/Pdt.G/2022/Pa.Grt Di Pengadilan Agama Kelas I A Garut Bulan Januari Tahun 2023)
Authors: Mumtaz Habib Mumtaz JR , Saepul Uyun Yahya , Jamarudin Ade , Sucipto Imam
Published: October 2024

The problem is how to resolve disputes over post-divorce women's rights through the courts, of course there are pros and cons. The point of view studied is KHI (Islamic Law Collection) Articles 105 and 156 as well as Law No. 1 of 1974 which was changed to Law No. 16 of 2019 and Law No. 23 of 2002 concerning the rights of women and children by analyzing the report on the divorce suit decision as of January in 2023 by the Garut Religious Court. The analytical method used is empirical with a qualitative approach. Primary and secondary sources as well as observations are used at all times. In conclusion, the implementation of court decisions is not all carried out effectively and as expected, this is because the level of husband's economic ability is uncertain and even dominated by absenteeism in solving problems. the consequences will be the same, namely it will not be realized. From the research, it is known that 78% have carried out the decisions set by the Court with the results of the Verstek Decision, but there are some who have not carried out in accordance with the Court's provisions, due to economic factors and the current situation after the pandemic. And one of the decisions in the case with Number. 5034/Pdt.G/2022/PA.Grt with the result of the judge's consideration decision, which is granted in part and Custody of one of the children is with the Plaintiff but for joint assets it is still in a temporary decision or under review.
Regional economy and various models of its development: the role of personality in science
Authors: Tereshchenko T. V.
Published: October 2024

The contribution of Vasyl Ivanovych Pyla – Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine to the development of national regionalism is considered. The materials of scientific research carried out in the 2000s show the theoretical developments and practical results obtained under his leadership in the field of development of special (free) economic zones and priority development territories, cross-border and inter-territorial cooperation. The article proposes a general review of scientific analysis in the field of state regional policy, conducted by the staff of the Scientific and Research Economic Institute of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. In particular, this concerns the development of regulatory and legal support for cross-border and interterritorial cooperation; scientific and methodological substantiation of the foundations of state policy for the development of Euroregions; preparation of the organizational and methodological foundations of a complex analysis of special (free) economic zones and priority development territories, schemes for evaluating the results of their activities; systematic comprehensive analysis of the functioning of the domestic system of special (free) economic zones and priority development territories; study of world experience in the application of mechanisms of regional development, including the ones at the expense of foreign investments. Through the prism of the author’s personal communication experience, Vasyl Ivanovych Pyla’s scale, human qualities and the role in the development of applied economic science of Ukraine are revealed. The author shares memories, honours Vasyl Pyla.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF PIGS USING NEW GENERATION PROBIOTICS IN DIETS
Authors:   Don State Agrarian University, Alekseeva Maria Andreevna , Alekseev Andrey Leonidovich ,   Don State Agrarian University
Published: October 2024

The article presents the results of studies obtained in the study of the dynamics of growth and development of young pigs when using a new generation of probiotic "GerbaStor" in the diets. Currently, in the practice of animal husbandry, a high efficiency of the use of probiotics has been established. They are becoming an important component of modern rational feeding, helping to increase the digestibility and assimilation of feed, stimulating the growth and development of animals. Only a physiologically healthy animal is able to fully realize the valuable genetic and biological potentials inherent in it. In this regard, the purpose of the research is to study the dynamics of growth and development of young pigs when using the new generation probiotic "GerbaStor" in the diets. Research and production experience was carried out on pigs of a large white breed on the basis of LLC "Russian pork", the Rostov region. To conduct the experiment (according to the principle of analogues), 2 groups of animals were formed, 18 heads each. Piglets of the control group consumed the main diet; the experimental group - the main diet with the introduction of the probiotic "GerbaStor" in the amount of 5 g per 10 kg of feed. In the process of implementing the tasks of the experiment, generally accepted methods were used, in accordance with GOSTs, satisfying the objectives of the study. Control slaughter was carried out upon reaching a live weight of 100 kg. Based on the studies conducted to study the effect of the use of new generation probiotics in the diets on the growth and development of pigs, it was found that the introduction of the GerbaStor probiotic into the main diet had a positive effect on the growth and development of young pigs, a better development of internal organs was noted, which determines their increased metabolism. substances and associated fattening and meat productivity.