bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation of category-2 hypoglycemic Improved Traditional Medicines from selected Cameroonian medicinal plants: Mangifera indica, Persea americana and Ageratum conyzoides
Authors: Shu Golda Lum , Zofou Denis , Ufuan Achidi Aduni , Loe Gisele Etame , Foba-Tendo Josepha , Mesue Ebane Ndode , Dioh Mukete Patrick , Mofor Clautilde Teugwa , Manfo F. Pascal T. , Assob Jules-Clement N. , Titanji Vincent P.K.
Published: March 2024

Diabetes mellitus is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and constitutes a major public health crisis. Management of the adverse  condition relies mostly on synthetic drugs such as metformin, glibenclamide and insulin. However, treatment with synthetic  drugs is challenged by side effects and high cost especially to patients in low-income countries like Cameroon. This study set out to  formulate Improved Traditional Medicines (ITMs) in the form of capsules from lyophilized aqueous leaf extracts of Ageratum conyzoides,  Mangifera indica and Persea americana, in combination, coded as ITM-1, and leaf extract of Mangifera indica alone, referred to as ITM-2.  Phytochemical profiling of individual extracts was carried out using standard methods, while their antioxidant activity was evaluated in  vitro by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhadrazyl reducing (DPPH) assay and the Ferric (Iron) reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Capsule  formulation was guided by findings from prior Physicochemical and pharmacotechnical analysis of individual extracts and their  combination. Safety studies were carried out both in vitro (cytotoxicity testing in Vero cells); and in vivo (acute toxicity tests using the  mouse model). Preliminary evaluation of the antidiabetic potential of the formulated ITMs was achieved through determination of their  acute hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic properties in Wistar rats (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). Major classes of phytochemicals detected were alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tri-terpenes and anthraquinones. The DPPH and FRAP assays showed  dose-dependent antioxidant activity for ITM-1 and ITM-2. Both ITMs showed no toxic effects, be it in vitro, (Cytotoxic  Concentration 50% - CC50>1000 µg/mL in cells) or in vivo. At the dose of 25 mg/Kg, both ITMs exhibited significant hypoglycemic effects  in Wistar rats. The ITM-2 capsules completely suppressed post-prandial glucose peak in rats as compared to the negative control (distilled  water), ITM-1 capsule was able to cause restoration of the glucose levels to normal levels after 120 minutes
Orthographic Errors Analysis of English as a Second Language Learners’ writing: lessons from the use of WhatsApp language
Authors: Kouankem Constantine
Published: March 2024

This article investigates the impact of WhatsApp language on English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ writing performance. The  study is based on the assumption that secondary schools learners’ essay scripts are full of orthographic errors caused by the use of  WhatsApp language. Data collection tools included questionnaires and learners essays. The descriptive survey design within the social  learning theory and the constructivist theory of error analysis was adopted in the analysis of data. The study concluded that WhatsApp  language negatively affects the orthographic performance of the Government Bilingual High School ESL students of Bertoua. The way  forward proposes the development of teachers’ skills in error analysis as well as the active involvement of learners in reflecting on the  source of their errors as part of the remediation process.
Science Diplomacy in West and Central Africa: State, Trends and Patterns
Authors: Mbah David A. , Diallo Madiagne , Guewo-Fokeng Magellan
Published: March 2024

Review and reflection have been made on the evolving discipline of science diplomacy from the point of view of state, pattern and trend  in West and Central Africa. While the state is embryonic and implemented consciously or unconsciously, the pattern indicates business is  done with friends other than former colonial powers. From the three roles of science diplomacy – science in diplomacy, science for  diplomacy and diplomacy for science – West and Central African states have been engaged with the latter. The priority areas involved  aimed at creating capacity for science, technology and innovation through education and technology transfer. The players involved  included governments, private sectors and individual scientists. Challenges were many but most important was the non-respect of  commitments made by partners leading to failure to achieve stated objectives and targets. Suggestions for improvement have been  made. Most important among these are transparency, clarity and respect of commitments earlier agreed. To benefit from the three roles  of science diplomacy, states of the region need to create adequate critical capacity/mass based on a common vision founded on  collective aims.

Une revue et une réflexion ont été effectués sur l’évolution de la discipline de la diplomatie scientifique du point de vue de l’état, du  modèle et de la tendance en Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale. Alors que l’état est embryonnaire et mis en œuvre consciemment ou  inconsciemment, le modèle indique que les affaires se font avec des amis autres que les anciennes puissances coloniales. Des trois rôles  de la diplomatie scientifique - la science dans la diplomatie, la science pour la diplomatie et la diplomatie pour la science - les États  d’Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale ont été engagés avec cette dernière. Les domaines prioritaires concernés visaient à créer des capacités  pour la science, la technologie et l’innovation par le biais de l’éducation et du transfert de technologie. Les acteurs impliqués  comprenaient les gouvernements, le secteur privé et les scientifiques individuels. Les défis étaient nombreux, mais le plus important était  le non-respect des engagements pris par les partenaires, ce qui a conduit à l’échec de la réalisation des objectifs et des cibles fixés.  Des suggestions d’amélioration ont été faites. Les plus importantes d’entre elles sont la transparence, la clarté et le respect des  engagements pris antérieurement. Pour tirer parti des trois rôles de la diplomatie scientifique, les États de la région doivent créer une  capacité/masse critique adéquate fondée sur une vision commune reposant sur des biens communs collectifs.
Assessment of descending aortic blood flow velocities with continuous wave Doppler echocardiography among healthy Children in South East Nigeria
Authors: Chinawa Josephat M , Chinawa Awoere T , Chukwu Bartholomew F , Onyia Jude T
Published: March 2024

Background The descending aorta velocity is important predictor of aortic disease in children and can be very helpful in some clinical and surgical decision making.Aim The purpose of this study is to assess the normative values of descending aorta velocity among children from South-East Nigeria. It also aimed to assess the correlation between age, body surface area and mean velocity across the descending aorta. Methods This is a cross-sectional study where the descending aorta velocity of one hundred and eleven children were enrolled consecutively using digitized two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography.ResultsA total of 111 children had echocardiography to study their cardiac structures and compute their mean scores of their descending aorta velocity. The mean velocity across the descending aorta was 1.3±0.2m/s with maximum and minimum velocities of 2.06 and 0.84cm respectively. The mean descending aorta velocity in males (1.37±0.24 m/s) was significantly higher than that in females (1.24±0.18); (Student T test 3.09, p = 0.03). There was no correlation between age and mean velocity across the descending aorta (Pearson correlation coefficient; -0.03, p = 0.7) nor between body surface area and descending aorta velocity (correlation coefficient 0.01, p= 0.8). Conclusions The presented normalized values of the descending aorta velocity using a digitized two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography among healthy children will serve as a reference values for further studies and can be applied for clinical and surgical use in children with various cardiac anomalies.
Awareness of urinary incontinence in pregnant women as a neglected issue: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Parlas Manolya , Bilgic Dilek
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPregnancy and labor are independent risk factors for the development of urinary incontinence (UI). Although UI is common during pregnancy, it is a health problem mostly neglected by pregnant women. The high prevalence of UI in pregnancy and its effects on the postpartum period justifies the need to determine the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women regarding the prevention and management of UI. It is necessary to increase the awareness of pregnant women about UI, educate, consultant, and integrate pelvic floor muscle training into prenatal care services. This study aims to determine the UI awareness of pregnant women and their knowledge and attitudes in this context.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 255 pregnant women in a university hospital in Turkey between March and September 2020. Data were collected using the Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) and Urinary Incontinence Attitude Scale (UIAS). Results The UI prevalence was 51% during pregnancy. The mean score of PIKQ was 8.07±2.64, and only 6.3% of participants correctly answered all the questions regarding UI. The mean score of UIAS was 42.33±3.48. A positive correlation was found between UI knowledge and attitude score (r=0.35, p=0.00).ConclusionsThe results showed that although UI is prevalent during pregnancy, pregnant women’s knowledge of UI is poor. Nearly half of pregnant women need information. They tend to display positive attitudes towards UI, but not sufficient to improve their health-seeking behavior. Strategies should be developed to increase pregnant women’s awareness of UI and to encourage them health-seeking behaviors for the prevention/management of UI during prenatal visits.
Comparative analysis of dual stator machines
Authors: Awah C.C.
Published: March 2024

Electromagnetic performance of three different types of double stator permanent magnet machine is analyzed and compared in this study. The analyzed machines in this study are Machine 1, Machine 2 and Machine 3. These machines are designated as: M 1, M 2 and M 3, respectively. The studies are implemented using two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element analysis (2D-FEA and 3D-FEA) methods. The predicted performance indices are: total harmonic distortion of the voltage, torque ripple, cogging torque, winding inductances, output torque and unbalanced magnetic force (UMF). The studies show that the investigated machine types have negligible reluctance torque and thus, similar axes inductance values. Therefore, the machines’ bulk torque components are contributed mainly by the magnets while the armature excitation sources yield lesser torque components. Amongst the compared machines, M 3 type has an outstanding performance in almost all the performance metrics, compared to M 2 and M 1 types. Nevertheless, M 1 machine type has some good attributes, particularly, with respect to its high output torque per applied magnet volume, in addition to its widest operating speed range ability. Low-speed high-torque applications are most suitable for the investigated machines in practice.
Artistic creativity, digital technologies and theatrical sustainability: Integrating new media in theatre practice
Authors: Boh Aondowase , Adoka Terkimbi Joseph
Published: March 2024

Arts and technology have continually been inter-related. Artistic expressions have been facilitated by technological innovations that enable artists either to adapt technologies meant for other purposes, or to invent them as a way to foster the creative process. The evolution of digital technologies in the knowledge era has had a huge impact on the theatre profession, in which digital transformation has influenced the ways theatrical contents are created, presented, distributed and circulated to audiences. This article examines technological advances of the digital era and their impact on the performing arts/the theatre. Relying on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study argues that new technologies and media enable the creation of new forms of arts that stimulate radical changes in the distribution channels of cultural and creative products (CCPs) based on their digitalisation and dematerialisation. The study finds that digitalisation provides creative artists with new tools and means of artistic expression. Indeed, digitalisation enhances and inspires not only the creation of new art forms but also the presentation of traditional arts by enabling multimedia experiences and interactivity. The paper recommends that, given the reality of globalisation and its concomitant emergence of virtual communities, theatrical performances must adopt new media tools in terms of content creation, exhibition and distribution, to remain functional.
Anti-diabetic effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red gum) leaf-supplemented diet in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Uadia Patrick O , Emmanuel Chukwu O , Oriakhi Kelly , Imafidon Kate E
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To investigate the potential anti-diabetic effect of supplementing a diet with Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves in streptozotocin (STZ) induced Wistar rats.

Methods: Methanolic extract of E. camaldulensis was screened using gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis. After that, eighteen animals were separated into three groups: Group A served as control group. Group B, the diabetic control group, was induced with STZ, and Group C was induced with STZ and fed a 10 % E. camaldulensis leaf-supplemented diet for 14 days. Thereafter, rats were sacrificed, and fasting blood was collected for serum glucose, enzyme and protein activity tests. Organs were excised for biochemical and histological analysis.

Results: The GC-MS fingerprint identified 17 constituents, with 2-hydroxy carbazole being the most abundant. Rats on the E. camaldulensis leaf-based diet for 14 days exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), amylase, albumin, total bilirubin, urea, and creatinine concentrations compared to diabetic controls. Insulin levels significantly increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the E. camaldulensis diet led to a significant decrease in serum lipid profile levels but increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities increased significantly, while malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Histopathology revealed positive effects on hepatocytes, acini, pancreatic duodenal lymphoid activation, islets of Langerhans resurgence, and normal kidneys.

Conclusion: Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf-supplemented diet demonstrates anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant enzyme activities. Carbazole identified by GC-MS may be the potential anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic agent in E. camaldulensis leaf-based diet.
Clinical effectiveness of combined Bifidobacterium live bacteria preparation and entecavir therapy in the management of Hepatitis B cirrhosis
Authors: Liu Rongquan , Zhang Jie , Wang Kai , Qian Yun
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of combining Bifidobacterium live bacteria preparation with entecavir in the treatment of hepatitis B cirrhosis and its effect on cytokines and liver function.

Methods: 88 patients with HBV-induced cirrhosis admitted to Qinzhou People’s Hospital, Qinzhou, China between January 2021 and January 2023 were divided into control and study groups with 44 patients each. Control group received entecavir, while study group received Bifidobacterium live bacteria preparation in addition to entecavir. Clinical treatment outcomes, liver function, liver fibrosis, immune function, and inflammatory cytokine indices were compared between the two groups.

Results: There was a significant increase in total effective rate of treatment in study group (95.45 %) compared to control group (79.55 %; p < 0.05). After treatment, the study group showed significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), and type IV collagen (IV-C), and higher levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ compared to control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, study group exhibited significantly lower levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and HS-CRP after treatment compared to control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The combined use of Bifidobacterium live bacteria preparation and entecavir in treating HBV-induced cirrhosis demonstrates significant clinical improvement. This combined approach effectively enhances liver function, improves immune response reduces inflammation and liver fibrosis. Hence, in future studies, efforts will be directed towards improving absorption and reducing the metabolism/excretion of the drug to validate these findings.
Low prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women seeking health care in five communities in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ofum E. O. , Chiaghana G. P. , Ngwu G. I. , Onyishi G. C.
Published: March 2024

the is a common sexually transmitted parasitic infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, yet it is always neglected and unreported. This study was carried out among women of reproductive age made up of 136(34.2%) pregnant and 262(65.8%) non-pregnant women in a bid to seek possible ways to promote healthy lifestyle among them. They were examined for prevalence, distribution pattern, intensity and risk factors associated with the infection. The study was conducted in communities randomly selected in Ikot Ekpene LGA namely; Nkap, Ikot Obong Edong, Ikot Ekpene and Ikot Abia Idem. Participants were women who registered for antenatal or visited the medical centres for other health needs. Samples were collected and wet mounts and vital staining with Giemsa stain was used to detect T. vaginalis trophozoites. Out of 398 samples collected, 17(4.3%) were infected. Only 4(2.9%) women out of 136 pregnant women examined were infected. All infected participants were below 36 years. The highest prevalence was recorded among the 16–25 age group with 9(6%) out of 150 women examined in this group infected. Those infected within 26–35 years were 8(3.8%). The difference in prevalence between the two age groups was not significant (χ2=2.90, p=0.23). A higher burden of the disease was recorded among sexually active women. Health officials should endeavour to pay attention to curbing the disease, through awareness among vulnerable groups.
Prevalence of helminth parasites in some commercially important fish species of River Anambra, Nigeria
Authors: Nwadike C. C. , Ilozumba P. C. O. , Amaechi E. C. , Okeke O. A. , Nnatuanya, I. O. , Okeke J. J. , Afoemezie P. I. , Udeh, N. P.
Published: March 2024

The demand for fish as a source of protein is on the increase. However, sustainable productivity by fish farmers is constrained by parasitic infections. Thus, an investigation was conducted on the prevalence of helminth parasites in some commercially important fish species of River Anambra, Nigeria. A total of 521 fishes belonging to 6 families (Claroteidae, Synodontidae, Mormyridae, Osteoglossidae, Bagridae, and Clariidae) and 20 species caught with hooks, nets, and local traps were examined using standard parasitological techniques. The overall prevalence was 23.80%. Fish samples belonging to 6 families had the following prevalence of infection: Bagridae (0.00%), Clariidae (2.11 %), Claroteidae (1.53%), Mormyridae (0.0%), Osteoglossidae (14.97%) and Synodontidae (5.18%). Helminth parasites recovered were: Weyonia species (4.65%), Weyonia youdeowii (15.97%), Weyonia synodontis (3.33%), Sandonella sandoni (37.41%), Polyonchobothrium clarias (17.98 %),  Plerocercoid larva (13.33%) and unidentified cestode (35.47%) (Cestoda); Emoleptalea species (4.65%) (Trematoda); Procamallanus laeviconchus (2.72%), Dujardinascaris species (1.36%), Spirocamallanus species (3.99%) (Nematoda); Neoechinorhynchus species (24.61%), Tenuisentis niloticus (34.62%) and unidentified acanthocephalan (6.25%) (Acanthocephala). Weyonia species, Weyonia youdeoweii, and W. synodontis were recovered from synodontids only. Acanthocephalan, cestodes, nematodes and trematodes were found in decreasing order of abundance. The presence of trematode Emoleptalea sp in Clarias gariepinus is a new host record of the parasite for the geographical area.
How has the quest for itiwa sleeti aided the neglect of African indigenous languages?
Authors: Nnajiofor Osita
Published: March 2024

Itiwa sleeti in a loose translation means “to break the slate,” is an aphorism that was used during colonial period and beyond by Igbo- Africans to denote an unbridled passion to the acquisition of western education. Due to the high cost of acquiring western education and the intellectual rigor involved, many African parents could not face this challenge at that point in time. As a result these parents later took up the remedial challenge of bequeathing their children this perceived asset which they didn’t get. Unfortunately, this unbridled pursuit has left many valuable African cultures to be neglected and subjugated on the long run. The disastrous impact of this neglect is felt in the use of African indigenous languages because many of them are currently endangered while some have gone into extinction. My aim in this essay is to show how the unbridled quest for western education has aided the neglect of African indigenous languages. Though, some external factors like multilingualism, (which is a fall out of mindless partitioning of the continent by the west), Over-reliance on foreign languages as official language of instructions by Africans and their government and underdeveloped vocabularies and concepts have necessitated this neglect. I argue that there is an internal factor that is pioneered by African parents to foist these foreign languages on their children with the “mind view” that foreign languages serve the “actual need” of the hour more than indigenous languages. I contend that since the indigenous languages help the African child to establish both emotional and intellectual closeness with their parents in communicating their feelings in their own indigenous language at home, then restoration of African indigenous languages should begin from the home since charity they say begins from home.
The significance of music in African culture: A study of Ogbanigbe Festival in Ukwu-Nzu Aniocha Local Government, Delta State.
Authors: Chukwuma Marian Edohan
Published: March 2024

Music is a cultural expression interpreted, determined, moulded and coloured by culture and the cultural environment of a people, it plays a vital role in various aspects of celebrations amongst societies in Nigeria. In festivals, for example, music expresses the culture of the people. This study examined the role and significance of music in African culture in Ogbanigbe festival in Ukwu-nzu with emphasis on ideology, belief systems, organizational structures, significance of music practices, and mode of dressing, dialect, and communal activities. Its main objective is to critically study the music of ogbanigbe festival and collate ethnology materials that distinguish, differentiate and separate one community from another. The theory adopted for this paper is functionalism theory; the functionalism theory is used to define culture in relation to the reality of change. It traces the evolution of phenomena, the emphasis of culture on norms, tenets and values. The methodology used for the study is survey method, oral interview and fieldwork to assess the basic principles that are common in the musical culture of ukwu-nzu people during the ogbanigbe festival. In ukwu-nzu town, New Yam festival is associated with Ogbanigbe festival similar to some villages in Aniocha nomenclature. Four songs texts were selected and interpreted, the paper conclude that the significance of music in festival plays a huge role to showcase the cultural practices and beauty. Suggestions were made for the sustenance of cultural music in festivals.
Terminal Embeddings in Sublinear Time
Authors: Cherapanamjeri Yeshwanth , Nelson Jelani
Published: March 2024

Recently (Elkin, Filtser, Neiman 2017) introduced the concept of a {\it
terminal embedding} from one metric space $(X,d_X)$ to another $(Y,d_Y)$ with a
set of designated terminals $T\subset X$. Such an embedding $f$ is said to have
distortion $\rho\ge 1$ if $\rho$ is the smallest value such that there exists a
constant $C>0$ satisfying
\begin{equation*}
\forall x\in T\ \forall q\in X,\ C d_X(x, q) \le d_Y(f(x), f(q)) \le C \rho
d_X(x, q) .
\end{equation*}
When $X,Y$ are both Euclidean metrics with $Y$ being $m$-dimensional,
recently (Narayanan, Nelson 2019), following work of (Mahabadi, Makarychev,
Makarychev, Razenshteyn 2018), showed that distortion $1+\epsilon$ is
achievable via such a terminal embedding with $m = O(\epsilon^{-2}\log n)$ for
$n := |T|$. This generalizes the Johnson-Lindenstrauss lemma, which only
preserves distances within $T$ and not to $T$ from the rest of space. The
downside of prior work is that evaluating their embedding on some $q\in
\mathbb{R}^d$ required solving a semidefinite program with $\Theta(n)$
constraints in~$m$ variables and thus required some superlinear
$\mathrm{poly}(n)$ runtime. Our main contribution in this work is to give a new
data structure for computing terminal embeddings. We show how to pre-process
$T$ to obtain an almost linear-space data structure that supports computing the
terminal embedding image of any $q\in\mathbb{R}^d$ in sublinear time $O^*
(n^{1-\Theta(\epsilon^2)} + d)$. To accomplish this, we leverage tools
developed in the context of approximate nearest neighbor search.
La acción de hábeas corpus correctivo en Ecuador: ¿Conservación de su objetivo o abuso en su aplicación?
Authors: Vega Vélez Diana Carolina
Published: March 2024

Esta investigación tiene por objeto analizar la acción de hábeas corpus correctivo en Ecuador, para determinar si su aplicación es conforme al espíritu y propósito previsto por el constituyente o si, por el contrario, se ha incurrido en un abuso del mismo. La acción de hábeas corpus correctivo puede presentarse ante cualquier circunstancia que, por acción u omisión del Estado, afecten los derechos humanos de las personas recluidas en sus centros de privación de libertad o, en general, privadas ilegítimamente de libertad. El articulo menciona de forma particular los casos de hábeas corpus otorgados a favor de Jorge Glas y Daniel Salcedo, casos controvertidos en las instancias jurisdiccionales del país, y cuya concesión ha resultado cuestionable y debatible. La investigación es de tipo cualitativa, el método seleccionado es el analítico-sintético y la técnica de investigación implementada, es la revisión bibliográfica. Se concluye que el hábeas corpus es una garantía jurisdiccional de uso frecuente en el ordenamiento jurídico ecuatoriano. La proyección constitucional apunta a interpretarla como una garantía destinada a proteger de forma directa y primigenia el derecho a la libertad, pero en realidad se extiende a otros derechos asociados, de los cuales son detentores las personas privadas de libertad.
Reflexiones esenciales sobre las implicaciones éticas de uso de la inteligencia artificial en la elaboración de artículos científicos de alto impacto
Authors: Vidovic López Jorge Fymark , Villasmil Espinoza Jorge Jesús
Published: March 2024

La presente editorial adquiere un doble propósito, por un lado, expone la opinión de nuestro equipo editorial sobre los posibles aportes de la investigación en ciencias sociales y humanas para contribuir a la lucha contra la desigualdad social; por el otro, presenta el contenido del volumen 04, numero 06, de la edición de enero-junio de 2024 de Multiverso Journal. En líneas generales se concluye que las ciencias sociales y humanas tienen mucho que aportar en lo teórico y metodológico para superar el fenómeno de la desigualdad en el siglo XXI; en este sentido, sus aportes se expresan en campos particulares, tales como: la identificación de las causas de la desigualdad; posicionamiento ético a favor de los grupos sociales vulnerables; desarrollo de políticas públicas y estrategias de intervención social para superar la pobreza; diseño de planes de redistribución racional de recursos, mejora de la educación y creación de oportunidades de empleo, en el marco de lo que significa el desarrollo sostenible; evaluación de políticas públicas y programas de acción social y, asimismo, el examen de los grupos sociales más vulnerables a la desigualdad para proporcionar recomendaciones válidas de mejora de su vida.
La criminología crítica y los procesos de criminalización en América Latina
Authors: Zambrano Solórzano Wilter Ronal , Villavicencio Cedeño Nadia Karina
Published: March 2024

El objetivo del artículo fue examinar los postulados de la criminología crítica y los procesos de criminalización en América Latina. La investigación reviste carácter documental y bibliográfico, dado que se hace una revisión ordenada de teorías y conceptos plasmados por expertos, con aplicación del método analítico, puesto que se pretendió comprender dos variables fundamentales: criminología crítica y procesos de criminalización en Latinoamérica. La técnica utilizada en el proceso fue el análisis de contenido. El enfoque que identifica a la criminología crítica resulta interesante entre los países de América Latina, cuya realidad exige una reflexión en cuanto a temas relacionados con la desigualdad, el control penal de los pobres y el uso conveniente del sistema penal. Se concluye que se requiere de una política criminal alternativa que vaya más allá de la perspectiva humanitaria, e incluya reformas sociales y el involucramiento de todos los sectores de la sociedad, por encima del esquema capitalista; atenuar el sistema penal en cuanto a penas se refiere; superar la visión carcelaria y proponer medios de justicia alternativa con presencia de reparación integral a favor de las víctimas y, finalmente, auspiciar procesos de cambios de paradigmas culturales e ideológicos mediante la participación de la opinión pública.
MARINE DEBRIS COMPOSITION AT THE UMS OUTDOOR DEVELOPMENT CENTRE BEACH USING THE TRASH ANALYSIS METHOD
Authors:   Universiti Malaysia Sabah, ABD RAHMAN NUR NASHRAH , MAZLAN NURZAFIRAH ,   Universiti Malaysia Sabah, SHUKHAIRI SARAH SYAZWANI ,   Universiti Malaysia Sabah, NAZAHUDDIN MUHAMMAD NOR AFDALL ,   Universiti Malaysia Sabah, SHAWEL AMIR SYAZWAN ,   Universiti Malaysia Sabah, MUHAMAD HAIRUL MASRINI ,   Universiti Malaysia Sabah,   Universiti Malaysia Sabah, KHODZORI FIKRI AKMAL ,   Universiti Malaysia Sabah, MOHD FAUZI NORFAZREENA ,   Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Published: March 2024

Marine debris is a ubiquitous pollutant due to its persistence, durability, and flexibility. Many negative environmental and economic impacts of marine debris have been studied, including habitat destruction, diseases, and mortality, which can jeopardise ecosystem services. It has become a major concern, especially since Malaysia has adopted the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to quantify the composition of debris collected from the UMS Outdoor Development Centre beach through trash analysis. On average, 5111 items/day with a total weight of 356.8 kg were collected during the 3-day sampling period. Based on the analysis, the most abundant type of debris at the beach is plastic (88.6%), which comprises plastic bags, food wrappers, and plastic bottles, followed by paper (8.4%). Findings from this study provide insights into the severity of marine debris, especially plastic materials and their origin in the study areas. This can be valuable evidence to raise the urgency for the local government and the policymakers to enforce stricter laws and better solid waste management strategies in the affected areas. Further studies on the composition of debris during seasonal changes to understand the transportation pattern of debris by water currents and wind movement are recommended.
Komunikasi Kesehatan dan Literasi Kesehatan: Dua Sisi Mata Uang yang Sama
Authors: Miftahuddin Muhamad Chanif , Budiyanto Jeremy Hans , Dewanto Fery
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi hubungan antara komunikasi kesehatan dan literasi kesehatan. Fokus utamanya adalah untuk memahami bagaimana komunikasi efektif dalam penyuluhan kesehatan berinteraksi dengan tingkat literasi kesehatan individu. Melalui pendekatan kualitatif, penelitian ini menggunakan metode studi literatur dari berbagai sumber. Hasil penelitian ini menyoroti bahwa efektivitas komunikasi kesehatan sangat tergantung pada tingkat literasi kesehatan individu. Faktor-faktor seperti bahasa yang digunakan, penyajian informasi, dan kepercayaan masyarakat terhadap sumber informasi kesehatan memainkan peran kunci dalam mempengaruhi pemahaman dan penerapan informasi kesehatan. Sehingga pentingnya mempertimbangkan tingkat literasi kesehatan dalam merancang program komunikasi kesehatan yang efektif. Dalam upaya meningkatkan kesehatan masyarakat, perlu adanya pendekatan yang holistik yang menggabungkan strategi komunikasi yang tepat dengan upaya peningkatan literasi kesehatan di berbagai lapisan masyarakat. Literasi kesehatan yang tinggi membantu individu dalam memahami informasi kesehatan yang disampaikan melalui berbagai saluran komunikasi, termasuk media sosial, pelayanan kesehatan, dan kampanye publik. Sementara itu, komunikasi kesehatan yang tepat sasaran dan mudah dipahami berkontribusi pada peningkatan literasi kesehatan dengan menyajikan informasi dalam bahasa yang sesuai dan gaya komunikasi yang relevan dengan audiens
The Influence of Organizational Culture on Employee Performance with Organizational Commitment as an Intervening Variable
Authors: Saebah Nur , Merthayasa Alit
Published: March 2024

Organizational culture encompasses the values, norms, and beliefs shared by organizational members and can play a crucial role in shaping individual behavior and performance. In a competitive business environment, a deep understanding of the relationship between organizational culture, organizational commitment, and employee performance is key to achieving competitive advantage. This study examined organizational culture's effect on employee performance with organizational commitment as a mediating variable. This study uses quantitative research methods with a survey approach. Research data were collected using a questionnaire. The data that has been collected is then statistically analyzed with the help of the SPSS program. The results showed that organizational culture positively and significantly affects employee performance through organizational commitment. Therefore, organizations need to create an organizational culture that supports employee performance.
Examining Indonesian Consumer Willingness to Adopt Solar PV: The Effect of Green Consumption, Price Value, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions
Authors: Mathilda Ancilla , Theodora Gabriella , Tarigan Ruth Srininta
Published: March 2024

Existing research on solar energy in Indonesia often explores the macroeconomic factors influencing the slow adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. In contrast, this study places a specific emphasis on the individual consumers' inclination to embrace the technology. The primary research objectives involve examining the impact of price value, green consumption value, social influence, and facilitating conditions on behavioral intention. Data were gathered from a final sample of 210 valid respondents through simple random sampling and subsequently analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results indicate that price value, green consumption value, and facilitating conditions significantly and positively contribute to the intention to adopt solar panels. Conversely, social influence plays an insignificant role in the decision-making process. These findings offer valuable insights that can inform policy initiatives and enhance marketing strategies for promoting renewable energy solutions in Indonesia.
Review of studies on the disfluency effect: Can a font change improve memorization and educational outcomes?
Authors:   HSE University, Berezner Timofei , Gorbunova Elena ,   HSE University
Published: March 2024

This review article is devoted to the disfluency effect, which is observed as an improvement in the memorization of information and subsequent educational results due to reduced processing fluency. According to the basic explanation of the disfluency effect, if information is written illegibly, the learner senses complexity, or disfluency, which leads to a deeper processing of information. Traditionally, the disfluency effect is considered from the perspective of Bjork’s desirable difficulties approach and Sweller’s cognitive load theory. In this article, we pay attention to these concepts and also discuss the main studies and meta-analyses devoted to the effect. It is worth noting that the existence of the disfluency effect is not seen as indisputable and raises doubts among the authors of the review and other colleagues. As indicated, a significant number of studies do not detect the effect; for this reason, possible moderators influencing its manifestation are also considered. A separate section of the review is devoted to research of the Sans Forgetica font. The font was specially created to be disfluent, and its developers proceeded from the assumption that the disfluency effect really exists. This review article is addressed to a wide range of readers, and it may be of interest to both specialists in the field of metacognition and for pedagogical practitioners.
Penerapan Metode Two Sided Side Match Untuk Penyisipan Gambar Pada File Audio
Authors: Lase Fiderman
Published: March 2024

Message data security at this time is very important to do security techniques, because of the increasing number of users of communication media technology that is increasing so that other parties can find out the contents of the message. Steganography technique is a technique that can be used to insert picture messages in audio files. The Two Sided Side Match method is a Steganography method that uses two sides of the pixel value, namely the top side and the top right side. To determine how many binary images to insert into a pixel. This Steganography method is also the art of hiding secret messages with a technique that does not arouse the suspicion of the other party, so that the message can only be known by the sender and recipient of the message which was built using the Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 programming language. important messages or secret messages because the steganography technique hides important messages on certain objects. In this very efficient steganography technique, it is used to hide messages without reducing the quality of the inserted message object
Clustering Pasien Yang Layak Donor Darah Dengan Algoritma K-Means Studi Kasus Pmi Kota Medan
Authors: Ramadhan M Rizky
Published: March 2024

Adequate supply of blood is important in health services, especially in emergency situations. In an effort to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the selection process for prospective blood donors, this study aims to apply the K-Means algorithm in clustering patients who are eligible to become blood donors at PMI Medan City. Patient data including age, weight, hemoglobin level and blood pressure were obtained from UDD PMI Medan City. The K-Means algorithm is then applied to the data to form groups based on patient characteristics. The results of the study show that the K-Means algorithm is able to classify patients into groups based on their characteristics efficiently, and can provide guidance to PMI Medan City in selecting potential blood donors and improving the collection and distribution of blood supplies in a more targeted manner
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemilihan Staf Karyawan Bpn Terbaik Di Wilayah Kota Medan Dengan Mengunakan Metode Moora Dengan Pembobotan Roc
Authors: Munte Joni
Published: March 2024

Decision Support System (DSS) is a decision support system that can help in handling or solving problems in a company or in the daily environment, in determining a problem we need data that we will take in a company or in the environment. In writing this is an example of a problem that is currently happening with the case study of the Selection of the Best BPN Employees in the City of Medan, therefore the author uses a method that will be able to find the best employee data, therefore the author creates a decision support system that will be able to determine the best BPN employee assessment process in the city of Medan. Where this system is a system that has a very important role in decision making. The system is DSS, where DSS is one of the systems that can assist in solving each problem by requiring data and methods contained in the DSS in order to obtain more relevant information and support in making each decision. In completing this research, the writer has to find the weight value of the criterion data where the writer uses the ROC method to produce the weight value and after that the writer also searches for the ranking value using the MOORA method. And where to produce ranking values in the MOORA method, the author must work according to predetermined steps in order to obtain precise and accurate reference values. The ROC and MOORA methods really help writers in generating values accurately.This decision support system was made using the MOORA method with ROC weighting where this method can be used or can be used as a reference in determining a problem because it aims to find out how many employees are Top Talent (Best Employee), after testing it is given a weight value on criteria and can be modified which aims to find out how many criteria will be added in each criterion which has its own weight value and after that a ranking is made in which the ranking can already determine the best BPN employee in the city of Medan, namely (T3) Anggi Alfarissi HSB with a score of 1,157. So because of this it was confirmed or very easy for the team to select in decision-making and were selected as the best BPN employees in the city of Medan.
Penerapan Algoritma K-Medoids untuk Klustering Bakery dan Cake yang Laris
Authors: Ali Muhammad
Published: March 2024

The culinary business has been a promising business from the past until now, there are many kinds of businesses that are in demand, namely heavy food to light food. One of the promising businesses currently is the bakery and cake shop business. The large amount of sales competition makes the owner enthusiastic about competing to create delicious flavors and have characteristics that are different from other businesses. Mawar Bakery and Cake shop is a culinary business shop made from flour and has many branches in North Sumatra. The many delicious products created can attract the attention of customers, but every month the management must record the products that are sold a lot and the lack of interest. This is done to anticipate losses that occur every month. Therefore, the author created clustering data mining to group bakery and cake sales that were sold a lot and those that were not. The K-Medoids method is able to become an algorithm that is able to carry out the process of collecting data on Mawar bakery and cake sales because the algorithm is practical and efficient in grouping data. The results of data from sales that have been grouped can be concluded that cluster 2 is the best-selling because it gets the highest score
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Kemiskinan di Pulau Jawa Periode 2012-2022
Authors: Anggoro Tri
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat kemiskinan pada 6 Provinsi di Pulau Jawa. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan regresi panel. Data panel merupakan gabungan antara data time series dan data cross section. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berasal dari Badan Pusat Statistik dari 6 Provinsi di Jawa pada tahun 2012 hingga 2022. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pengeluaran Pemerintah, Indeks Pembangunan Manusia, Pertumbuhan Ekonomi dan PDRB berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Kemiskinan di Pulau Jawa. Sementara itu, Rasio Gini, Inflasi dan Investasi tidak signifikan terhadap tingkat kemiskinan di Pulau Jawa.
THE EEFECT OF SMARTPHONE ON STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILLS
Authors: Amaliah Amaliah
Published: March 2024

The aim of this research is to find out the Effect of Smartphone on Students’ Speaking Skill. The research design was used pre-experimental research with one group pre-test and post-test. This research was conducted at SMP Negeri 3 Bissappu. The researcher was used total sampling technique. The researcher uses this technique because all the members of the selected had similar characteristic and the same relatively baseline knowledge based on their test examination average scores. The total number of samples was 30 students from class VII. The Speaking tests were administered in the pretest and posttest. The instrument was intended to measure the students’ enrichment of speaking. The test Speaking aspects in this research are: fluency, vocabulary, pronunciation, accuracy and comprehensibility. Based on the research findings and discussion in the previous chapter, the researcher concludes that the use of Smartphone enriches the students’ speaking skill; it is proved by the mean score of the students’ posttest. The t-test of the students’ speaking achievement in posttest was smaller than ? (0.000 < 0.05).  It meant that the H1 of the hypothesis was accepted
THE EFFECT OF INTEGRATIVE LEARNING MODEL TYPE THREADED IN READING AT CLASS VIIIIII STUDENTS OF SMP IT FAJAR ILAHI 1 BATAM
Authors: Susanty Ratna
Published: March 2024

The aim of this research is to identify the effectiveness of the threaded type integrative learning model in learning to read for Class VIII students at SMP IT Fajar Ilahi 1 Batam. The researcher was applied pre-experimental design the population is the seven grade students of SMP IT Fajar Ilahi 1 Batam in academic year 2021/2022. Based on data analysis, hypothesis testing, and the results of the discussion that has been presented, the researcher can conclude that the results of the research that has been carried out are that the application of the Threaded Type Integrative Learning Model in Reading Learning for Class VIII Students at SMP IT Fajar Ilahi 1 Batam can improve students' reading abilities
EMPLOYING QAR STRATEGY TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION
Authors: Hendri Jon
Published: March 2024

The objectives of the research was to see how Question Answer Relationship (QAR) strategy assisted students to improve their reading comprehension and describe the situation when Question Answer Relationship (QAR) strategy was employed in the reading class. The researcher was applied pre experimental design. The population was the Second Grade Students of SMPN ciptodadi in 2021/2022 Academic Year. The total number of population is 30 students. The researcher was used purposive sampling technique. relatively baseline knowledge based on their test examination average scores. The total number of sample was 30 students from class. In analyzing the numerical data, the writer was used SPSS for windows.  After implementing the research, the researcher concludes that The use of Question Answer Relationship (QAR) strategy in teaching reading enriches the students’ reading comprehension; it is proved by the mean score of the students’ posttest. The t-test of the students’ reading achievement in posttest was smaller than ? (0.000 < 0.05).  It meant that the H1 of the hypothesis was accepted