bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING THE AVAILABILITY AND USAGE OF ONLINE RESOURCES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Jamal Bakht , Kishwer Rabia , Kumbhar Muhammad Ismail , Khan Muhammad Hamid Nawaz , A Masood
Published: September 2023

Purpose of the study: This study aims to shed light on how university students' access to resources, use, and diversity of online resources influence their academic performance and overall learning outcomes across different academic disciplines and institutions.Methodology: A cross-sectional survey approach was used in this quantitative study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 450 students from different departments of public and private sector universities in Lahore. A standardized close-ended questionnaire that was electronically delivered was used to collect data. Inferential statistics like chi-square tests or correlation analysis were used to determine statistically significant correlations between the variables.Principal Findings: Results show that university students from various academic areas and institution types have easy access to online resources. The popular categories of online resources were e-books and instructional videos. Several factors influence them, including usability, relevance to coursework, comfort with the platform, and recommendations from teachers and peers. The study shows a favorable association between students' perceived impact of using online resources and their academic achievement (GPA) and learning outcomes (exam scores).Applications of the study: Universities, teachers, politicians, and educational technology creators are just a few of the educational stakeholders. This research has significant ramifications or applications in the academic sector. Universities can better adjust to the changing demands of modern learners by examining the patterns of online resource use among their student body. Educators can create pedagogical strategies that improve student learning.Novelty/Originality of the study: The study results can help create pedagogical strategies that include technological inclusions to advance student learning. To close the digital divide between students from different backgrounds/ individual differences and enable fair access to online resources, policymakers may learn more about the digital infrastructure needed in Pakistan.
The Competitiveness of Polish Firms and the European Union Enlargement
Authors: Gorynia Marian
Published: September 2023

This paper has two aims. The first one is to present a three-dimensional concept of the competitiveness of an enterprise. The concept of firm competitiveness discussed in the paper covers three dimensions: competitive position of an enterprise, competitive potential of an enterprise, competitive strategy of an enterprise. Each of the above-mentioned dimensions was subject to operationalisation sets of variables describing particular dimensions of firm competitiveness were suggested. The second aim of the paper is to present the results of empirical studies on the competitiveness of Polish firms in comparison with European Union firms in the light of Poland´s anticipated entry into the EU. The research is based on the concept of firm competitiveness developed in the first part of the paper. The studies, carried out in the year 2000, included 68 firms of the manufacturing industry registered in Poland. The results obtained indicate that, according to managers from the 68 enterprises, there is a significant competitive gap between the Polish firms and their rivals from the EU. This gap concerns all the three dimensions of firm competitiveness: competitive position, competitive potential and competitive strategy. (original abstract)
The Simonian bounded rationality hypothesis and the expectation formation mechanism
Authors: Kowalski Tadeusz
Published: September 2023

In the 1980s and at beginning of the 1990s the debate on expectation formation mechanism was dominated by the rational expectation hypothesis. Later on, more interest was directed towards alternative approaches to expectations analysis, mainly based on the bounded rationality paradigm introduced earlier by Herbert A. Simon. The bounded rationality approach is used here to describe the way expectations might be formed by different agents. Furthermore, three main hypotheses, namely adaptive, rational and bounded ones are being compared and used to indicate why time lags in economic policy prevail and are variable. (original abstract)
Looking for the microfoundations : nominal rigidities and the New Keynesian economics
Authors: Bludnik Izabela , Wallusch Jacek
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a critical description of the most influential New-Keynesian models with nominal rigidities. The study aims to elucidate the concept of long-term contracts, small menu costs, and near-rationality. Since this approach avoids the formulation of market clearing price, the early New-Keynesian models are incomparable to those developed by New Classical Economy. Hence, the New Keynesian economics, contrary to the common interpretation, is unable to challenge its adversaries. (original abstract)
What is the American model really about? : Soft budgets and the Keynesian devolution
Authors: Galbraith James K.
Published: September 2023

Europeans tend to view the American success story of the 1990s through the prism of free-market public relations, as a triumph of falling wages, rising inequality, and increasing "flexibility" in labor markets. This is an illusion. If it were not, the United States would not now be in its present difficulties. The American return to full employment is better understood as the result of greatly expanded spending in the social sectors: health care, education, housing and pensions, notably, which in conjunction with the bubble in information technologies created the effective demand necessary to absorb the unemployed. Now that the bubble has collapsed the American model is in danger, as interlocking mechanisms of public and private finance all come under pressure. But the period of American success still holds lessons for Europeans considering how best to cope with their continuing scourge of mass unemployment. (original abstract)
Predicting corporate failure : how useful are multi-discriminant analysis models?
Authors: Letza Steve R. , Kalupa Łukasz , Kowalski Tadeusz
Published: September 2023

The aim of the paper is to present how multi-discriminant models (MDA) perform in practice and to measure these models' effectiveness in bankruptcy prediction. For this purpose an ex-ante approach is adopted to emulate the way in which the models are used in practice. Thus two commercially applied models, Altman's and Datastream's, are presented and examined on independent samples of companies. The findings are that these two models have a very similar predictive ability and that the prior probability of failure is an important feature in determining this ability. The general conclusion of the paper is that the use of MDA models as predictors of bankruptcy can involve major understatement of classification errors. Therefore the robustness of these models as well as the acceptability of using the models as the sole means of assessing potential bankruptcy of companies could be doubtful. The paper fills a gap in the literature on independent testing of the developed MDA models. We stress the importance of shifting the threshold and consequently we show the impact of the choice of the threshold in a practical setting. (original abstract)
Short-term rates of return on uncovered interest rate arbitrage and capital flows in Poland
Authors: Najlepszy Eugeniusz , Śliwiński Paweł
Published: September 2023

The paper aims to estimate the strength of influence of the expected rate of return and associated risk on directions and size of capital flows in Poland. Estimated correlations indicate material conditions accompanying investment decisions of foreign investors. When deciding on a purchase of debt securities in the Polish market, they in reality analyse a relation of risk to yield, although they attach more importance to the risk inherent in an investment than to the potential rate of return. Observation of such behaviour can be of high importance in the run-up to Poland's accession to the European Union. In the case of Poland's economic stability being maintained and widened, lower yields on Polish financial assets can still attract foreigners to invest in the Polish market. Stability of portfolio capital flows can be achieved not only by "funding" high rates of return to foreign portfolio investors but first of all by reducing the investment risk. A prerequisite for the latter is a credible economic policy that investors can put their trust in. (original abstract)
A historical overview of financial crises in the United States
Authors: Shachmurove Yochanan
Published: September 2023

One of the few constants since the United States declared its independence is the presence of frequent financial crises with similar causes. In the nineteenth century, these panics were frequent with eight occurring over the century. However, following the Second World War there was a period of relative calm, which may have led to complacency. The Savings and Loans and the current financial crises have shown that these events remain a very real threat to economic stability. I have greatly benefitted from research assistance by Zach Winston from Pennsylvania State University and Gregory Kauffman from the University of Pennsylvania. (original abstract)
The financial crisis: : what lessons can be learned?
Authors: Kowalski Tadeusz , Shachmurove Yochanan
Published: September 2023

Many are currently studying the origins of the financial crisis in an attempt to answer two seemingly simple questions: why did it happen, and can another crisis be prevented? Those two questions have proved incredibly divisive. The majority opinion of The United States Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission was submitted with two dissenting positions. Furthermore, The 2010 Economic Report of the United States President does not perfectly align with any opinion presented in that report. Few studies, however, provide proper consideration to the evolution of macroeconomic thought and lengthening of the business cycle preceding the current crisis. (original abstract)
Exchange rate as a nominal anchor : is it sustainable? Evidence from the extended Cukierman-Kiguel-Liviatan credibility and reputation model
Authors: Jurek Michał
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the sustainability of exchange rate nominal anchor. In order to follow through the process of establishing such an anchor, a model formulated by Cukierman, Kiguel & Liviatan (1992) is extended to capture both commitment and anti-inflationary reputation of monetary authorities. The main finding is that if the assumptions concerning complete information about the future level of exchange rate as well as perfect homogeneity of domestic and foreign government securities are overruled, the exchange rate nominal anchor can be sustained in the short-term. This is especially the case of emerging and developing economies which usually base their antiinflationary programs on exchange rate nominal anchor, due to lack of domestic monetary policy credibility. However, this policy is biased with a vicious circle: in order to build reputation, a tough commitment concerning exchange rate must be formulated, but fulfilling this commitment is extremely hard due to repeating disturbances, which can be offset only with the use of fiscal policy. In the long-term, as situation of public finances deteriorates, exchange rate nominal anchor is exposed to more and more severe shocks that eventually may lead to its breakdown. (original abstract)
Evidence of household consumption changes associated with the global economic slowdown
Authors: Florkowski Wojciech J.
Published: September 2023

The state tracks income changes between two groups of households, i.e., with incomes at or below and above social minimum during the period 2004-2008. The description of spatial variables accounting for differences across voivodships is followed by the description of differences in expenditures on major foods and food categories illustrating the gaps between two household groups over time. The income disparities have been growing during the period under consideration. Low-income households are relatively more dependent on staples and foods that are less desired from a nutritional standpoint. Results suggest the need for intensification of efforts to prevent the poor household segment falling into permanently poor households with possible detrimental effects for overall competitiveness of the national and regional economies. (original abstract)
Competitiveness and interest rates : the case of investing in new housing in Poland in 2002-2010
Authors: Zenka-Podlaszewska Dominika
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the paper is to examine the existence of a long-term relationship between interest rates on housing loans (mortgage rates) and investment in different forms of new housing in the years 2002-2010, along with competitiveness of those different forms of investing. This paper contains an empirical study using co-integration and impulse response analyses. A definition of competitiveness is introduced and discussed. The main trends in the number of newly completed housing units (broken down by type of investor) and interest rates in Poland are presented. Only competitive forms of investments have a long-term relationship with the interest rate in the Polish zlotys. (original abstract)
Clusters as absorbers and diffusers of knowledge
Authors: Jankowska Barbara , Pietrzykowski Maciej
Published: September 2023

The last two decades have been characterized by rapid developments in networking and clustering. The first clusters emerged spontaneously, led by internal forces oriented towards competition. Temporary clusters are much more dynamic, searching for other sources of competitive advantage, and cross national borders. This paper is an attempt to identify the effects of knowledge spillovers and knowledge transfer within regional business networks, especially business clusters. These effects are associated with the innovations which appear within such networks and clusters. The paper indicates those barriers and solutions that support innovativeness within the networks under study. Knowledge transfer within business networks that shape the innovative environment in the Wielkopolska region has been described using both a theoretical and practical approach. The findings and conclusions of the research provide an opportunity to increase business efficiency within business networks. (original abstract)
From going international to being international - strategies for international competitiveness
Authors: Trąpczyński Piotr , Wrona Thomas
Published: September 2023

While the international business and international entrepreneurship literature has commonly focused on market entry mode choices, the increase of a firm's international involvement causes changes in different aspects, such as the configuration of value chain activities, the design of the organisational structure and business processes. Given the inconclusive research on the relationship between internationalisation and corporate performance, we argue that the impact of internationalisation on a firm's competitiveness is contingent on its stage of advancement. The analysis of four case studies shows that different dimensions of competitiveness are affected at rising levels of commitment to foreign markets. However, the organisational challenges related to managing international operations require strategy adaptations so that the firm can remain internationally competitive. (original abstract)
The effect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on employee motivation : a cross-national study
Authors: Kim Chung Hee , Scullion Hugh
Published: September 2023

This paper examines the importance of employee-centred Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) considerations in exploring CSR's effect on employee work motivation. It is our contention that beyond CSR's link to external factors (e.g. PR, philanthropy, environment and NGOs) predominantly discussed in theory and practice of contemporary business, we should also consider employee-centred CSR in searching for CSR identity in international business. By employing motivational factors drawing upon McClelland's [ 1961 ] idea of three motives of individuals - the needs for achievement, affiliation and power - this paper highlights CSR's impact on employee motivation. An in-depth qualitative research method approach with the extensive data of the UK and Korea is used to unfold the differences of this phenomenon between different institutional settings. The results suggest that although businesses seldom initiate CSR mainly with the aim of facilitating staff motivation, when businesses evaluate the results, the issue of individual motivation emerges as one of the main benefits for engaging in CSR. More importantly, our empirical analysis reveals the importance of complex cultural, institutional and political factors which influences the link between CSR and motivation across nations. (original abstract)
Finance and growth : an investigation into the role of internal, bank and equity finance
Authors: Ghimire Binam , Giorgioni Gianluigi
Published: September 2023

This paper has used the findings of the recent World Bank Enterprise Survey to provide some, admittedly tentative, further evidence on the relationship between financial development and economic growth, by incorporating the impact of internal finance. The inclusion of the variable internal finance should go some way to mitigate the possible bias due to the omission of an important variable from empirical work. By doing so, we aimed at providing some further evidence either in favour or against two puzzling results emerging from recent empirical works. The first puzzle regards the negative impact of banks upon growth in the short-term, although the impact reverts to positive on the long-term. This puzzle is reinforced by seemingly contradictory evidence stemming from micro-level studies, which indicate a positive impact of external finance on firms' growth, while empirical tests at macro level do not unanimously support this positive impact. The second puzzle, concerns the relatively stronger impact of stock markets upon growth. Given the objective difficulties and costs encountered in accessing both bank credit and equity as documented in the paper, the above puzzles required further tests. Our, tentative, results provide some evidence that banks still have a negative impact upon short-term growth, while stock markets do not appear to contribute to growth in a significant manner once the effect of internal finance is included. Finally, internal finance itself does not appear to boost growth in a statistically significant manner. These tentative findings are in need of further research. (original abstract)
Innovation policy instruments in Rhône-Alpes - key challenges and future orientations
Authors: Czyżewska Dorota
Published: September 2023

The paper is an attempt to show to what extent selected innovation policy instruments in the French Rhône-Alpes region are drivers of regional competitiveness. The aim of the paper is threefold. Firstly, an overview of recent regional economic performance, as well as key socio-economic conditions are presented using available regional statistical data. Secondly, regional innovation policy governance is presented as a foundation of regional innovation policy and selected innovation policy measures: competitiveness clusters, research clusters, regional clusters and the ARDI are described as instruments of regional innovation policy to foster regional competitiveness. Thirdly, some crucial challenges and recommendations are proposed in order to increase the effectiveness of regional innovation policy. (original abstract)
In search of rationality : business students on family-owned firms
Authors: Koczerga Maciej
Published: September 2023

The objective of this paper is to explore the attitudes of business students towards family firms and family entrepreneurship. The culture of Poland is profoundly family-oriented and entrepreneurship is found more and more as an attractive career path in society. These factors might indicate that this environment may be particularly fertile for family-owned firm development. Business students though display reluctance towards family firms and family entrepreneurship. The research method applied in this study is focus group interviews, as qualitative data provide particularly rich information and grounds for conclusions. This study also implies the need for inclusion of family enterprise issues in business education, as well as developing skills essential for working in such an environment. (original abstract)
The impact of misaligned business communication on the quality of salesperson - buyer relationships
Authors: Leszczyński Grzegorz , Zieliński Marek
Published: September 2023

Despite the important role of communication in the business-to-business sphere, little attention is given to it in publications. Research conducted so far focused on the level and scope of information exchange or marketing in general. However, an explanation to what degree communication, particularly taking into account buyer needs in communication, has an effect on buyer-salesperson relationships is absent. Therefore, this paper is based on the thesis that salesperson communication, at variance with buyer expectations, leads to deterioration of buyer's trust, satisfaction, commitment and willingness to recommend the salesperson. The paper defines elements of communication indispensable in maintaining relationships with specific parameters (trust, satisfaction, commitment and recommendation). It also indicates that the extent to which not adapting communication has an effect on the buyer-salesperson relationship does not depend on trust which buyers have in salespersons, compared to other sources of information. The effect of the paper is to indicate the areas of communication towards which a salesperson should direct their efforts and such areas, which, even if lacking conformity, do not have a negative effect on buyer-salesperson relationships.(original abstract)
Between guarantees of communism and a paternalistic-market hybrid : Polish social policy at the turn of the 20th century
Authors: Księżopolski Mirosław
Published: September 2023

This paper attempts to characterize the social policy model emerging in Poland during the last 23 years of transformation from socialism into a market economy with a liberal democracy. It is certainly still a model in the making, though its mixed character is already clearly visible. In order to characterize the socialist and current social policy models and to locate them in two of the mainstream social policy typologies I shall examine three key variables: (1) the principles of distribution, (2) the role of the state, (3) the degree of solidarity. The analysis is based on an assumption that similarities of the present (and also the former) Polish social policy model with social policy regimes existing in market economy countries are only superficial. Nominally similar measures or policies are based on different philosophies and serve different purposes. I aim to prove that the most characteristic feature of the dual nature of the emerging Polish social policy model is the simultaneous presence of two major currents: paternalistic and market-oriented. Therefore, the present social policy model may be described as a paternalistic-market hybrid, a term which emphasizes its very profound inconsistency. I also try to identify path-dependent processes and major path-departure changes.(original abstract)
Renewable energy sources as a new research area in tourism
Authors: Nawrot Łukasz
Published: September 2023

The article identifies and describes a research gap in the tourism economy with regard to renewable energy sources and delineates the biggest research needs and challenges. First of all, the subject of the paper is the tourism phenomenon as a multidimensional research area. Then, the paper concentrates on the renewable energy sources (RES) market in the modern economy with particular regard to investment processes. It characterises investments and innovations in the tourism economy and presents the greatest research difficulties in this respect. The last part of the paper concerns the characteristics of a research gap in the tourism economy identified from where investments and innovations in RES meet. The summary includes effects and desired research directions related to the discussed phenomena. (original abstract)
The quality of work life in competitive potential development in the tourism industry : a conceptual model and research propositions
Authors: Bednarska Marlena , Olszewski Marcin , Szutowski Dawid
Published: September 2023

In order to be able to deal successfully with the challenges of increased competition tourism enterprises have to take measures to acquire adequate labour resources and to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage based on these resources. The aim of the paper is to create a conceptual model explaining relations between the quality of work life and competitive potential in the tourism industry. It is argued that the quality of work life, which is measured as a discrepancy between expectations towards work and its perceptions, is affected by individual and organisational factors, whilst its influence on competitive potential is moderated by individual characteristics and local labour market conditions. (original abstract)
Eldercare services in Sweden and the United States - comparative perspective and examples of best practice
Authors: Zapędowska-Kling Kaja
Published: September 2023

The aim of this paper is to discuss the characteristics of the eldercare sector in two considerably different welfare state regimes - Sweden and the United States. In the face of dynamic demographic changes and the ageing of the populations, sectors of care undergo transformation and face new challenges. This article compares and contrasts the American and Swedish eldercare sector, but also brings two examples of best practice selected from the experience of each country. The Programme of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a successful exception in a fragmented and disintegrated landscape of long-term care in the United States. Extended state support for informal carers manifests a new Swedish approach to family care. The paper leads to a conclusion that most of the developed countries need to undertake different actions to prevent a long-term care crisis and prepare the societies for an unprecedented growth of the "oldest old" population.(original abstract)
Effect of Irrigation Regimes and Nitrogenous Fertilization on Nitrogen Uptake in Tomato
Authors: Sachin S. , Sathyamoorthy N.K. , Kavitha M. , Boomiraj K. , Dheebakaran Ga. , Geethalakshmi V.
Published: September 2023

Background: Nitrogen plays a crucial role in growth cycling and development, thereby influencing the plant growth and productivity. Understanding the interactions between nitrogen uptake with different irrigation and nitrogen fertilizers could provide a valuable insight for optimizing tomato production. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen uptake on tomato production under different nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation regimes. Methods: The field experiment was carried out during 2022-2023 in split plot design with two irrigation main plots treatments and five different nitrogen fertilizer subplot treatments. Irrigation treatments consisted of 0.6 and 0.8 IW/CPE ratio and the nitrogen fertilizer treatments comprised of conventional urea, neem coated urea, ammonium sulfate, nano-urea and vermicompost. Result: A higher nitrogen uptake was observed in the treatment combination of 0.6 and 0.8 IW/CPE ratio with vermicompost and nano-urea fertilizer applied treatments. Additionally, optimal irrigation conditions positively influenced nitrogen uptake and subsequent tomato fruit yield. This finding emphasizes the importance of considering nitrogen uptake when determining nitrogen fertilizer rates and irrigation management strategies for tomato production.
Correlation between health perception and attitude in diabetic patients
Authors: Çimena Merve , Erdoğan Tuğba Kavalalı , Sağlam Zeynep , Koç Zeliha
Published: September 2023

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common health issues in society that is caused by population growth and urbanization, has an ever-growing prevalence depending on lifestyle changes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle, and causes morbidity and early mortality. This study was conducted as a descriptive correlational study to determine the correlation between the health perception of individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and their attitudes toward diabetes. The study was carried out with the participation of 242 diabetes mellitus patients receiving treatment in a university hospital in Samsun province between 1 August 2017 and 1 February 2018. In the study, the data were collected via a survey form. In the evaluation of the data, percentage calculation, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis Test, and Mann-Whitney U Test were used. In line with the findings obtained, it was determined that the individuals diagnosed with diabetes had a moderate level of health perception and positive attitudes toward diabetes.

Keywords: Attitude; diabetes mellitus; health; perception.
The effect of Alexithymia level on communication skills in intensive care nurses
Authors: Palazoglu Ibrahim Salih , Danaci Esra , Koc Zeliha
Published: September 2023

This research was carried out as a descriptive study to determine the effect of alexithymia level on communication skills in intensive care nurses. The research was carried out between 15/02/2023-01/06/2023 with the participation of 105 nurses working in the intensive care units of a university hospital. The data were collected by using a 17-question information form prepared by the researcher in line with the literature, which determines the socio-demographic and communication skills of the nurses, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Health Professionals Communication Skills Scale. The conformity of the data to normal distribution was evaluated by Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov Smirnov tests. Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test, One-Way Analysis of Variance, and independent sample t-test were used in data analysis. In line with the findings obtained from this study, it was determined that intensive care nurses with high levels of alexithymia had low communication skills.

Keywords: Alexithymia; communication; communication skills; nurse; intensive care.
Forecasting Random Processes in Intelligent Transport Systems with Singular Perturbations
Authors: Baranov Leonid , Anohin Anton , Zherebyatin Il'ya , Chzhan Yuncyan
Published: September 2023

Forecasting random perturbations allows improving the control quality in intelligent transport systems and ensuring the efficient operation of diagnostic systems. Several works are known where extrapolator models based on Chebyshev polynomials orthogonal on equidistant points are presented. These models use a predictive polynomial whose coefficients are computed using the least squares criterion. Additionally, an analysis of forecast errors for random stationary input signals has been conducted. At the same time, in the case of non-stationary input signals, singular perturbations may occur, the influence of which on the extrapolator leads to significant forecast errors.
This article presents an example of the occurrence of additive perturbations that arise in automatic train control systems. An analytical expression has been derived, and calculations of forecast error magnitudes in the presence of singular perturbations have been conducted. The analysis of the calculation results allows determining the influence of extrapolator parameters on the forecast error magnitude, highlighting the necessity of detecting singular perturbations, and excluding their influence on the forecast error magnitude.
The article discusses an algorithm for detecting singular perturbations and their exclusion during the forecasting process. The conclusion is drawn about the effectiveness of using extrapolators for random perturbations with the exclusion of singular perturbations in intelligent systems for automatic train control in subway transportation.
A (re)utilização das garrafas de vidro do edifício histórico solar da beira em Belém-PA
Authors: Seabra Amanda Carolina de Sousa , Pina Amanda Daltro de Viveiros
Published: September 2023

A Arqueologia Histórica vem ganhando notoriedade com o crescimento de pesquisas relacionadas ao tema, abordagens interdisciplinares adicionam uma visão macro e analítica do contexto histórico. O objetivo deste artigo pauta-se em analisar a utilização e reutilização de garrafas de vidro históricas do século XIX e XX advindas de escavações provenientes do edifício Solar da Beira, localizado na cidade de Belém do Pará. Ressalta-se a necessidade de visibilizar e exaltar trabalhos arqueológicos históricos realizados na Amazônia, com o objetivo de difundir conhecimentos e contextos específicos do ambiente amazônico. O arcabouço teórico utilizado baseia-se em teorias da Arqueologia praticada em territórios urbanos aliados a análises sociais e culturais. As proposições inferem que, a partir de um cenário amazônico, o reuso de garrafas de vidro pode ser interpretado de acordo com contextos e significados regionais.
Intimate partner violence among minority groups: A view from northern Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Bokul , Hosain Zamil , Islam Shirazul , Rahman Siddiqur
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors of intimate partner violence (IPV) among minority groups of Bangladesh. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining a survey of 128 participants from minority groups with 10 in-depth case studies. The survey collected quantitative data, while case studies provided qualitative insights. The study reveals a pervasive prevalence of IPV within marginalized communities, with 40.6% of females reporting experiences of IPV. Husbands were identified as the primary abusers (91.4%) of IPV. Various determinants were identified as contributing factors to IPV. These include poor mental health, substance abuse, exposure to childhood violence, patriarchal attitudes, financial pressures, conventional drug use, adherence to cultural and societal norms, and limited education regarding healthy relationships, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Surprisingly, the study highlights that IPV is bidirectional, with 33.6% of respondents admitting to physically harming their spouse during violent incidents. Gender inequality or rigidity was not the predominant determinant of IPV among minority communities in northern Bangladesh. The study underscores the necessity of culturally sensitive strategies to address IPV within marginalized communities. The findings underscore the need to address both sides of the IPV dynamic and advocate for holistic interventions that acknowledge and respect cultural norms and values.
Exploring rural secondary students’ English language learning anxiety: A study on secondary students of Bauphal, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
Authors: Hera Habiba Tasmia , Saha Sumona Rani
Published: September 2023

For more than a decade second language researchers, psychologists and language practitioners have found out multifarious impact of anxiety on language learning process. Realizing its’ significance in the EFL context of Bangladesh, this study has explored the anxieties of rural secondary school students in learning English and offered some specific suggestions to reduce it. This mixed approach research collected quantitative data by administering Foreign Language Anxiety scale and gathered qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 20 students of 10 secondary schools of Bauphal upzilla, Pautakhali. Quantitative data was put in SPSS version 22 for statistical analysis and presented graphically and qualitative data was interpreted thematically. Results revealed that secondary students in this rural context experienced English language learning anxiety as about 68.44% of students were anxious about negative evaluation; 51.27% about classroom anxiety; 61.2% about test anxiety and 60.88% about communicating in English. Findings of this study have implications for the English language teachers of secondary and higher secondary levels particularly in the rural areas by drawing their attention to learners’ foreign language anxiety (FLA) as a major barrier to learning English and by suggesting them some possible ways to lessen it and for the academicians who aspire to come up with effective teaching methodologies considering the contextual variations to maximize foreign language learning outputs
Effects of laccase from Botrytis cinerea on the oxidative degradation of anthocyanins
Authors: Giménez Pol , Just-Borràs Arnau , Gombau Jordi , Canals Joan Miquel , Zamora Fernando
Published: September 2023

This work aimed to study the degradation kinetics of five grape anthocyanins caused by laccase from Botrytis cinerea. In individual solutions, the anthocyanins with three substituents in the B-ring—petunidin, delphinidin and malvidin 3-O-glucosides—were degraded much faster than those with two substituents. In the latter case, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside did not degrade as quickly, and peonidin-3-O-glucoside, in particular, was not degraded by laccase at all. In contrast, when an equimolar solution of the five anthocyanins was used, the differences in the degradation kinetics of all anthocyanins were lessened, probably because the less reactive anthocyanins were able to polymerise with the quinones formed by the laccase action on the more reactive anthocyanins. Finally, supplementation with (-)-epicatechin, glutathione and especially seed tannins seemed to protect the red colour from laccase.
Pesticide Safety in Greek Plant Foods from the Consumer Perspective: The Importance of Reliable Information
Authors: Simoglou Konstantinos B. , Skarpa Paraskevi El. , Roditakis Emmanouil
Published: September 2023

Greek consumers perceive an increased risk of pesticide residues in food. This study examined Greek consumers' perceptions on the safety of Greek plant-based food compared to those originating from other EU countries. Half of Greek consumers believe that Greek food is as safe as other European foods, while the other half disagree. According to a principal components analysis and a bivariate logistic regression, several factors, such as perceived safety of plant foods, education, age, gender, traceability, perceived benefits and risks of pesticides, actual pesticide use, and authoritative information sources, influence this attitude. Authoritative knowledge in this field can reduce risk perception and improve Greek consumers’ attitudes towards food safety. Latent class analysis identified two categories of consumers. The first class receives limited information about pesticides, leading to a lower perceived pesticide benefits, higher mistrust of traceability and concerns about pesticide residues. In contrast, the second class actively searches for information from credible sources, endorses the Greek plant foods safety, acknowledges the pesticides benefits, and trust traceability. Official information is associated to reduced risk perception. Regulators should consider the impact of socio-demographic and other intrinsic characteristics on individuals' risk perceptions and prioritise transparency in risk communication strategies.
Research on Energy Harvesting Mechanism and Low Power Technology in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Chen , Tang Feng , Cui Fang , Chen Wei min
Published: September 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are widely used in various fields such as military, industrial and transportation for real-time monitoring, sensing and data collection of different environments or objects. However, the development of WSN is hindered by several limitations, including energy, storage space, computing power and data transmission rate. Among these, the availability of power energy plays a crucial role as it directly determines the lifespan of WSN. To extend the life cycle of WSN, two key approaches are power supply improvement and energy conservation. Therefor, we proposed an energy harvesting system and a low energy consumption mechanism for WSN. Firstly, we delved into the energy harvesting technology of WSN, explored the utilization of solar energy and mechanical vibration energy to ensure a continuous and dependable power supply to the sensor nodes, and analyzed the voltage output characteristics of bistable piezoelectric cantilever. Secondly, we proposed a neighbor discovery mechanism that utilizes a separation beacon, is based on reply to ACK, and can facilitate the identification of neighboring nodes. This mechanism operates at a certain duty cycle ratio, significantly reduces idle listening time and results in substantial energy savings. In comparison to the Disco and U-connect protocols, our proposed mechanism achieves a remarkable reduction of 66.67% and 75% in the worst discovery delay, respectively. Furthermore, we introduced a data fusion mechanism based on integer wavelet transform. This mechanism effectively eliminates data redundancy caused by spatio-temporal correlation, results in a data compression rate of 5.42. Additionally, it significantly reduces energy consumption associated with data transmission by the nodes.
Water Hammering Evaluation in Perforation Efficiency for Variable Perforation Designs in Unconventional Horizontal Wells
Authors: Alowaid Abdulrahman , Altayyar Tayyar , Mechkak Karim
Published: September 2023

The main scope of this paper is to expand the existing efforts exerted in the field of water hammering through the reprocessing of existing post-treatment data in the estimation of perforation efficiency and subsequent fracture geometry. The paper focuses on special applications when perforation designs were varied across subject wells that underwent stimulation through multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. The paper deeply investigates fluctuating pressure behavior noticed immediately after a single hydraulic fracturing stage is pumped, commonly referred to as water hammering. The objective of this paper is to showcase the results of examining water hammering signatures across different perforation designs and linking these variances to perforation efficiency, by zooming into the variability of the water hammer amplitude magnitude, and its incremental difference from one perforation design to the next, or from one well to the other. Two application examples are highlighted in the paper: the first evaluated a horizontal well with three different perforation designs, while the second compared a standalone well to an offset well with identical drilling and completion designs. For the first application, there was an inverse relationship between perforation efficiency and the amplitude of the water hammer; where higher perforation efficiency was consistently matched with a lower amplitude magnitude resulting from lowering the total number of perforations per stage, and vice versa. For the second application, two offset wells with similar geo-mechanical, drilling, and completion properties were analyzed. The first well had lower perforation efficiency compared to the second, which corresponded to a larger water hammer amplitude confirming the repeatability of the inverse relationship between the two parameters. For both examples, estimating the incremental reduction in the water hammer amplitude corresponded to the same percentage of improvement in perforation efficiency. That variability was the sole focus of this paper at which it was investigated in details and compared to perforation efficiency estimated using other methodologies such as the step-down test. The novelty of this approach is that it capitalized on existing data that is usually overlooked, in detailing the understanding of perforation performance and efficiency in variable perforation designs implemented, or in performing multiple well comparison.
Roles of cardiac glycosides in improving growth and productivity of salt-stressed flax plants
Authors: Khattab Hemmat , Sadak mervat Sh. , Dawood Mona , ElKady Fatma , Helal Nesma
Published: September 2023

Secondary metabolites of several plants, including esculin and digitoxin, which are cardiac glycosides, were previously employed for their therapeutic effects. The current study aims to investigate the functions of the main Na+ /K + transport inhibitor digitoxin and the antioxidant esculin for enhancing flax plant growth and production under salinity. Exogenous treatment with digitoxin and esculin with 50 mg L− 1 and 100 mg L− 1 were used for this work. According to results of this work, foliar spraying of esculin or digitoxin increased salinity tolerance of flax plants. The efficiency of esculin and digitoxin to sustain ion homeostasis by inhibiting Na absorption and increasing potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in flax plants may be the reason for their protective actions towards salinity. Esculin and digitoxin in particular counteract oxidative stress via increasing the activity antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase and penyl alanine ammonia lyase and tyrosine ammonia lyase, leadig to a decrease in reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation levels and electrolyte leakage. As a consequence, esculin and digitoxin increased the amount of photosynthetic pigments consequently photosynthetic osmolytes and yield quantity and quality as shown by increases in all investigated yield criteria that were examined, especially those that improved the desired oil properties. In conclusion, this study concluded that digitoxin, as opposed to esculin, was more effective in inhibiting Na build up and increasing flax salinity tolerance. The exogenous treatment of digitoxin and esculin glycosides is a novel method for enhancing salinity stress tolerance in flax plants.
Influence of Teachers’ Self-Efficacy on ICT Implementation in Kenyan Universities
Authors: Bariu Timothy
Published: September 2023

The study was motivated by the need and realization that ICT implementation has become a necessity in university education in the current 21st century. Therefore, this study provides valuable baseline information to stimulate investment in teachers' self-efficacies influencing ICT implementation to streamline university education by enhancing accessibility, quality, and efficiency. Empirical literature identified a substantial technological gap among the teachers' self-efficacy that significantly influences ICT implementation. Through a descriptive survey, the study investigated how teachers' self-efficacy influences ICT implementation and informs teachers' best practices by incorporating the Technological, Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) Model lens. Stratified random sampling procedure was used to select 475 teachers/lecturers in Kenyan University. Structured questionnaires method was used to collect data. The data was analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics, Spearman Correlation as well as regression in Statistical Package for Social Science. The study had 86.4 % response rate and data collected passed normality by Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk Tests criteria. Analysis of variance revealed that teachers’ self-efficacies have significant effect on ICT implementation in the sample University with nearly 20 % changes in ICT implementation caused by Teachers’ self-efficacies, therefore the null hypothesis () that Teachers’ self-efficacies have no significant influence on ICT implementation was rejected. The findings from this study suggest that ICT implementation in the University is dependent on Teachers’, self-efficacy, hence the findings would be useful by providing guidelines for university managers and administrators to evaluate teachers' ICT implementation and teachers’ capacity. The research, therefore, provides preliminary evidence of the need to boost teachers' technology confidence through training, accessibility, and consistent use of technology since knowledge and belief impact teachers’ intentions to use technology.